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Etiquette – rules for posting comments and questions

This post explains some basic “rules” for posting questions and/or comments on the BikeGremlin forum (the same goes for the BikeGremlin YoutubeInstagramFacebook, and Twitter channels).


1. How to post a question?

To post a question/comment, use the comment form at the bottom of every post.

Comments are held for moderation, in order to prevent spamming, or trolling. After a comment is approved by an administrator, it will appear on the website. This usually happens within hours, but could take a day, or more – depending on work and vacation schedule.


2. What kinds of questions to ask?

However stupid this may sound, it needs some explaining.

Generally, there aren’t stupid questions, just stupid answers. However: before posting a question, look for the answer on the website. It is nicely structured, by topics, and has a search field in the top right corner of every page. If the required content is not found, try typing the question in the search box and see if there is an answer, before posting a question.

Questions about things that aren’t explained on the site, concrete questions for further explanations etc, as well as (constructive) criticism are more than welcome.

How to form a question when asking for help – examples.


3. My comment is not approved!?

If a comment is not approved, even after a few days, do check if it contains one, or more of the following:

  • One or more links with adds. A “cleverly” asked “question” that is in fact a commercial is not acceptable. Also called spamming.
  • Pictures and/or words that are rude, or pornographic. This goes for account “avatars” as well.
  • Insults to other users, whether using “bad” words, or content that is disrespectful, or insulting.
  • The question has already been answered on the site.
  • Trolling.

Trolling vs (constructive) criticism:

Trolling condemns what it doesn’t understand / criticism asks for clarification.
Trolling is spoken with a cruel wit and sarcastic tongue / criticism’s voice is kind, honest, and objective.
Trolling is negative / criticism is positive, even when pointing out mistakes, or flaws.
Trolling is vague and general / criticism is concrete and specific.
Trolling looks for flaws in the writer as well as the writing / criticism addresses only what is on the page.


4. Why is this (all) necessary?

In order to keep the site informative and not clogged with adds, insults, or “junk” – with only relevant questions and topics kept in the comments section to help others, so people don’t have to go through pages of useless data to find what they’re looking for.

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