shirleymckie.myfastforum.org

admin · Site Admin Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 67

Dear contributors,

Some recent postings on this forum are either not related to the subject being discussed, are too long or involve individual’s names not known to the reader and therefore incomprehensible to the casual visitor to this site. My policy is to assume the reader has no prior knowledge or information and post accordingly. In forums it is definitely quality and not quantity that determines how effective they are.

Visitors are looking for something understandable, coherent, to the point and interesting.

Research shows that over long and irrelevant postings that assume prior knowledge put people off. People will only read and contribute where they can understand what came before. What in effect we end up with is a few people talking to each other but not to the wider world.

Some sensible rules.

· Make the posting relevant to the subject head.

· If it isn't create a new heading.

· Where possible supply links and do not merely repeat page after page of articles. My guideline is if the comment is over a page then I supply a link with a short summary of what is being said.

· Do not assume that the reader has any knowledge of what you are posting. e.g. some readers do not know what/who the SCRO or SCCRC are.

· Do not assume prior knowledge by readers about your case. Link them to such info or give a small summary if possible.

· Involve others, make them want to contribute.

This might appear unfair comment but if the aim is to spread the word about injustice then the word has to be understood by readers. If we want to communicate our thoughts and feelings we must prepare them carefully and not leave it to the reader to work out.

Rant over! As always all your contributions are appreciated.

Admin.