How to use a forum

This website provides you with an opportunity to participate in public online discussions about Connect2 and it's projects.

To view the discussion forums you do not need to login. However, to participate in the discussions (i.e. post a message) you will need to register to set up your login details, and then login.

• A quick guide
• Forum etiquette
• Ensuring a safe site for all

A quick guide

The jargon
Discussion boards are divided into categories, forums and threads:
- Categories the broad scope of the discussion
     - Forums specific issues within a category
          - Threads messages within forums

How to view
To view threads posted within a forum, click on the forum name. You can then view each thread within that forum.

How to post
To post a thread you need to be logged in using the details you set up when you registered. Once logged in you can post a thread by clicking on a forum replying to an existing thread or starting a new thread.

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Forum etiquette

Please treat the forum with respect. In order for users to be able to join in with all discussions, we require the language of the forum to be English throughout.  Any posts not in English will be removed. 

1. In discussions "Think before you post".  If what you intend to post will not make a positive contribution to the discussion and be of interest to several readers, do not post it.
2. Re-read and edit your posting carefully before you post.  
3. When posting humorous or sarcastic comments, it is conventional to append an emoticon (cartoon winking face for example), but do not overuse them.
4. Before creating a new topic thread, search to see if a similar topic already exists.
5. If the forum is categorized, post in the correct section.
6. Stay on-topic.
7. Avoid posting the same topic more than once and in more than one place.
8. Avoid the using all CAPITAL LETTERS in your posts, as they are considered "shouting" and make it hard for some users to read your post.
9. Try to refrain from lashing back at a poorly behaving member; instead, notify Sustrans via the 'Report post' button at the bottom of the post.
10. When quoting a previous post, include only the relevant portion of that post.
11. Be proud of your postings, but do not post just to see your name in pixels.
12. Keep your personal information safe. We recommend that you do not give out your name, the address or phone number of your home, work or school. Forums are public, so if you do disclose personal information online, it could be collected and used by third parties to send you unsolicited materials. 
13. If you do give out your email address, be careful opening emails from people you don’t know. In particular, do not open emails with attachments that you were not expecting, as these could potentially be carrying viruses or other harmful programs.

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Ensuring a safe site for all

All posts in this forum will be moderated by Sustrans to ensure content is suitable for all. There is a prohibited word list in place, to ensure that the content is suitable for all ages. 

Sustrans have the ability to ban users, but hope to never have to use this power. The following will not be tolerated, and may result in the user being banned:

1. Using this forum to financially benefit themselves or others. This forum is for discussion and not for business or trading. Contact Sustrans if you're not sure. 
2. Ignoring staff warnings or testing patience / boundaries.
3. Abuse, whether in the form of unpleasant, uncomfortable or offensive messages.
4. Posting information not relevant to the thread, with the sole purpose of derailing the discussion.
5. Flaming. If you want to have a heated discussion with other members, please send your comments to Sustrans who will pass them onto the relevant parties. These are not for the public domain, and are not in the spirit of a community. Positive, constructive criticism is welcome however.
6. Troublemaking. Starting problems for the sake of stirring up waves will get you banned.
7. Links to site which contain adult materials will not be tolerated. 
8. Posting on behalf of a banned user can warrant a ban for yourself.
9. Creating a new account to post if you have been banned.
10. Quoting someone, then editing their quote in an attempt to make them look bad or get them banned.

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