[Moderator]

While we know some of you are experienced in the world of online message boards, others of you may be wading in for the first time. Here are some tips and suggestions.

Making your message understood

1. Don't post in all capital letters. It is difficult to read, and in a setting like this one, it is the equivalent of shouting. Using the traditional configuration of upper- and lower-case letters will get your message across more effectively.

2. Try to break your message into short paragraphs, which are easier to read and digest than one long block of text.

3. Use a title that reflects the purpose of your post. A thread that's called "A Question" or "Firefighting" will probably not get as many people reading it as one called "Question about firefighter hair policies" or "Did you always want to become a firefighter?"

4. Have fun playing with the colors and font sizes, but keep in mind that tiny little yellow print can be pretty hard to read.


Online conventions and courtesies

1. Before you start a new thread (topic), take a quick look to see if there are any other threads that have already been started on the subject. Your question may have been asked and answered, or you might be able to add your question or comment to that thread.

2. If you start a thread and want to reply to someone's answer to you, please keep your answer in the same thread -- don't start a new topic, as it will be hard for people to figure out what you're replying to.

3. Please be courteous with each other. The written word can sometimes come off seeming harsher than spoken communication, because we can't see each other's facial expression or hear our voices. When in doubt, be gentle.


Forbidden territory

1. Posts containing advertising or business solicitations will be edited or removed by WFS staff. If you want to list a firefighting job announcement, please do so in our "Jobs" section.

2. Abusive or obscene posts are not permitted. They will be removed, and you will probably be permanently banned from the forum.