Maw, this post should fit right into your resolution

Earlier this year Maw posted a warning to all. "Be nice or else" was the basic jest of it. Kudos to her for taking such a stand. On that note I wanted to post a message that might lead to some deep thought by people who don't truly comprehend a few things about boards like this.

First of all, fundamentally, people seem to believe that the First Amendment gives them the power and the right to post whatever they want about whomever they choose. Well....that's isn't exactly correct.

The First Amendment protects free speech so long as doing it does not infringe upon the rights of others. In other words, you cannot post something that might hurt someone else because you believe you "have the freedom" to do so.

Now the next basic thought is the simple fact that boards like this ARE NOT anonymous. There are ways that you can be traced and thus when you post it you own it. If your post causes damages it is YOU and not the board owner who may be held accountable. Every time a person is thinking about posting something they should consider this.

And finally there is the old saying "If you can't say something nice...." It really does apply folks. What purpose does it serve to post an attack against someone else? It doesn't really make the other person look as bad as it makes the person who posted it. Especially if the person posting uses some "anonymous" name. Attacking someone in order to fullfill a personal agenda, seek revenge, or build one's own credibility simply doesn't work. This has been proven time and time again on boards such as this one.

So how can boards like this be used to gain assistance when needed?

1. Try to resolve any issues you may have with the party privately BEFORE posting on boards. This can be accomplished by direct contact with the person/business with which there is a conflict, by using your own bank, and other methods. Boards such as this one should be a last resort.

2. If you do opt to post, say to warn others about your experience, be prepared to state your entire story and be prepared to answer questions. Don't become defensive or angry when others ask you what happened and why and don't post opinions; only facts. I cannot count the number of times that well-respected marketers were attacked openly on boards when in reality they did nothing wrong and the person posting simply wanted a free ride to success.

3. Remember one basic business principle as you go about investing into anything online or off. You will get exactly out of whatever you purchase that which you place into it. Simply buying a "make money" program won't lead to success. It takes work and lots of it and a willingness to learn. Don't attack others simply because your mailbox wasn't filled with checks.

Ok, I will step off of my soapbox now. Thanks Maw for indulging me. As we enter into 2006 here's hoping that all of the discussion boards become a little more friendly.