The most important rule of netiquette is, "Think before you post". If what you intend to post will not make a positive contribution to the group and be of interest to several readers, do not post it!

Re-read and edit your posting carefully before you post. Typing in all capital letters usually denotes screaming or yelling.

Do not needlessly start new threads when you or someone else already has a relevant one running where you can simply append a message - keep it simple.

Use the subject title to give a concise description of your topic adding e.g. "urgent", "important", "for information" where applicable.

Be proud of your postings, but do not post just to see your name in pixels.

Flaming, Bashing, and Trolling: Hate posts and personal attacks will not be tolerated on the board. Treat others on the message board as you would expect them to treat you - show respect.

Due to the nature of our illness & different stages members are at, since diagnosis, you may find some topics upsetting and/or not relevant to your situation. Have respect for others views and aims. If there is a post which doesn't suit you then do not reply but accept the diverse nature of our members and our members requirements.

If you believe someone has violated netiquette, send a message by private e-mail; do not post a follow-up to the offending post. Be polite. The author may not have realised her mistake or may be a beginner.

Any post not observing the guidelines will be deleted.

Any member abusing the guidelines may be banned without warning

Enjoy the board, it's for you, about you

MAIN BOARD

That really is quite easy: only issues to do with breast cancer should appear here. A clear distinction was drawn so that ladies looking for information when first diagnosed knew exactly where to look and be able to read through messages that may give them the information they need or support with or without asking questions themselves.

Members of the board going through treatment can post about their treatment, tests, results and decisions about further treatment and we can reply personally to them giving them our views and support.

We can also post a personal message to a board member wishing them good luck for a particular scan, test treatment etc.

SO WHAT CAN'T WE DO

Well no blanket messages covering everyone under the sun, praying, spiritual messages poems for an anonymous bunch of people. Quite frankly it is all very off putting to anyone new as well as our loyal board members who are turning away from us and going elsewhere. In complete contrast to raising spirits it has a depressing mood to the board.

This board has room for all aspects of BC: the positive side getting through treatment and moving on and also the sensitive side when further problems are diagnosed and can be managed to actively live alongside breast cancer.

COFFEE ROOM

Well in here all topics that are part of your life you still have one even when your are diagnosed with BC so why not focus on that to help get through. What happened at school with the kids,partner getting on your nerves things that happen at work. Meeting up if you live locally with someone and off course any topics in the news of interest to everyone but not controversial issues like whether we should go to war etc remember some members may have sons , daughters or partners serving in the forces.

WHAT CAN'T WE DO

Well basically monopolise the board and put loads of messages on one after another with loads of different issues that just seem to push other people's messages way down the page and they don't get replies to theirs. If you have several issues to post then put them all in one message and use the header to indicate who they are for.

In the end replies aren't posted because there are too many to read.

SUMMARY

I have tried to word this tactfully but of course it is inevitable that some will be offended. All I ask is that you refrain from any personal abuse on any members and keep your comments constructive.

E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR MODERATORS

If you are offended by any messages then please Email bcsupportmods@hotmail.co.uk who will review the offending message.

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