The standard of communication on this Forum has been very high, but it’s perhaps time that a few guidelines were written down. I know that some of the people reading and posting here are relatively new to this kind of communication, and it’s a little different to sitting around in the hangar with a beer (though the basic principles are pretty much the same). Those who already know all this stuff can skip it.
I will also put this summary in a permanent place on the website.
First, written communication has the drawback of not including tone of voice or body language. Some authorities claim that when talking in person, the words account for only 10% of the content, tone and body language the rest. So be aware of this when writing, and if there is any kind of double meaning, either rewrite it or add something to make it clear. Humor especially is best flagged with an “emoticon” like this 
You’ll be surprised how many people will treat a humorous statement literally without it.
Secondly, be aware that not everyone using this Forum has English as a first language. That doesn’t mean you have to make allowances when writing your messages, but it does mean that you should not pay too much attention to incorrect grammar or spelling. If the meaning is in doubt, ask for clarification, otherwise just give credit for the fact that the other guy can communicate in English, and be thankful that you don’t have to learn another language to get your message across.
Thirdly, even native English speakers have varying levels of spelling and grammar - that says nothing about their knowledge, experience or expertise. It might say something about the quality of modern schooling, or it might just be genetic - some people can spell and some can’t. Get over it.
Finally, if you have something personal to say, do it off-line - send email directly to the person you want to say it to, don’t make it public. This includes personal criticism. Even better, wait 24 hours before sending it. You may find you’re less motivated to do so after a cooling off period.
This Forum does very well by Internet standards - it has a very high signal-to-noise ratio. Let’s keep it that way.
The standard of communication on this Forum has been very high, but it’s perhaps time that a few guidelines were written down. I know that some of the people reading and posting here are relatively new to this kind of communication, and it’s a little different to sitting around in the hangar with a beer (though the basic principles are pretty much the same). Those who already know all this stuff can skip it.
Clyde,
Nice comments and I agree this forum attracts good people with sincere interests.
The only addition I would make is an explanation of how to reply to a message so that your reply is bold and the original is not (using the “>” symbol) Most newbie’s figure it out quickly enough I guess, but a brief posting might help.
Also, I believe most people appreciate having most of the original message deleted with only a small part retained for clarification.
Thanks too for not beating me up about my spelling/dyslexia problems.
Mark
The standard of communication on this Forum has been very high, but it’s perhaps time that a few guidelines were written down. I know that some of the people reading and posting here are relatively new to this kind of communication, and it’s a little different to sitting around in the hangar with a beer (though the basic principles are pretty much the same). Those who already know all this stuff can skip it.
I will also put this summary in a permanent place on the website.
First, written communication has the drawback of not including tone of voice or body language. Some authorities claim that when talking in person, the words account for only 10% of the content, tone and body language the rest. So be aware of this when writing, and if there is any kind of double meaning, either rewrite it or add something to make it clear. Humor especially is best flagged with an “emoticon” like this 
You’ll be surprised how many people will treat a humorous statement literally without it.
Secondly, be aware that not everyone using this Forum has English as a first language. That doesn’t mean you have to make allowances when writing your messages, but it does mean that you should not pay too much attention to incorrect grammar or spelling. If the meaning is in doubt, ask for clarification, otherwise just give credit for the fact that the other guy can communicate in English, and be thankful that you don’t have to learn another language to get your message across.
Thirdly, even native English speakers have varying levels of spelling and grammar - that says nothing about their knowledge, experience or expertise. It might say something about the quality of modern schooling, or it might just be genetic - some people can spell and some can’t. Get over it.
Finally, if you have something personal to say, do it off-line - send email directly to the person you want to say it to, don’t make it public. This includes personal criticism. Even better, wait 24 hours before sending it. You may find you’re less motivated to do so after a cooling off period.
This Forum does very well by Internet standards - it has a very high signal-to-noise ratio. Let’s keep it that way.
Thanks for the lessons. I is really good information. I had heard some of these points, but with so much time now spent sending emails, it’s great to review. I am curious, if you can direct me to the studies you refer to regarding the loss of communication meaning when visual cues are not available. My business is videoconferencing for the healthcare industry, and this source would help us document and make an important point regarding the value of our service. So any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
By the way, I am a wannbe SR20 owner who’s just learning to fly. Just made my solo yesterday!
I am curious, if you can direct me to the studies you refer to regarding the loss of communication meaning when visual cues are not available.
I don’t have any specific references - I based that comment on un-referenced comments in various books I have read and verbal comments from others. The actual percentage that I’ve heard quoted varies, with 50% for body language and up to 90% for body language and voice tone combined.
By the way, I am a wannbe SR20 owner who’s just learning to fly. Just made my solo yesterday!
Congratulations! Need a new shirt?