Etiquette

ACA Connect is the place for members to discuss camp-related topics with their fellow camp and youth development professionals. The goal is networking, information and idea sharing, and engagement. Here are some community guidelines. Please make sure to review the Code of Conduct for all the community rules. We appreciate your cooperation in making this a place of comfort and achievement.

Participate
. Don’t just lurk. Share your information and insights. We all gain when we all participate.

Forum etiquette:
 There are some standard principles for optimal value in a forum. We ask you to observe them.

  • Search before posting. Look through the existing threads to see if your subject exists before starting a new thread. 
  • Use a simple and meaningful subject line. “I need help” is not useful. Instead:  “I need help finding registration software.'
  • Stay on topic. If you want to discuss something that is not related to the subject line, start a new thread. (But, search first!)
  • Duplicate posting. Avoid posting the same message in your local community and the member open forum. It runs the risk of splitting a conversation into two disconnected threads. If the topic can be best served and answered nationally, please post your message to the member open forum. 
  • If you feel someone in the Forum is misbehaving, don’t address it in the Forum. Notify ACA by using the Contact Us form.
 
Be nice:
  • Be patient and tolerant. We were all newbies once.
  • Be hard on ideas - but easy on people.
  • No personal attacks, flame wars, threats, or rants.
  • Respect diversity.
  • Consider reading your post out loud before posting it.
  • Say please and thank you.
 
Writing style:
  • Be brief and clear.
  • Don’t shout by using ALL CAPS. It is harder to read and considered rude.
  • Use good grammar and check your spelling. Don’t use slang (wassup),  shorthand (u r for you are), and explain technical terms, jargon, abbreviations and acronyms.
  • Use language that would be appropriate in mixed company. Don’t curse.
  • Be careful about humor and sarcasm. They are easily misunderstood online.

 
Content:
  • Make sure it is appropriate for the camp community and the discussion group in which you are posting. 
  • Do not plagiarize or post copyrighted material. Summarize and refer.
  • Cite references or post links to supporting material when appropriate.
  • No commercial activity, spamming.
  • Content is king. Avoid meaningless posts like ‘ditto’ and ‘Yes’ and ‘Me, too” unless the original poster has specifically asked for multiple opinions. (A better approach is for the original posters to ask for opinions to be sent directly to them, and then they repost with a summary of responses.)