• 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, please do not post it.
• When following up on an article, quote the minimum text necessary to give some context to your reply and be careful to attribute the quote to the correct person.
• Re-read and edit your posting carefully before you post. Check the spelling, grammar, and capitalization (utilize the "Spell Check" feature.) Typing in all capital letters usually denotes screaming or yelling.
• Do not post test messages except in their appropriate groups.
• When posting humorous or sarcastic comments, it is conventional to append an emoticon (smilie), but do not overuse them.
• Before asking a question, read the messages already in the group.  Your question may have already been answered.
• Be proud of your postings, but do not post just to see your name in pixels. Remember: your future employer may be reading.
• Opinions expressed on this message board forum are strictly those of the poster. Vermilion Ohio News cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or opinions of participants.

If you believe someone has violated netiquette, send him or her a message by private e-mail; do not post a follow-up to the offending post. Be polite. The author may not have realized his or her mistake, may be a beginner, or may not even have been responsible for the "crime" — his or her account may have been used by someone else, or the address may have been forged. Furthermore, a person who breaks netiquette over and over may be doing it intentionally to disrupt the group (Internet troll), in which case public flaming over the violation would amount to what is termed "feeding the troll."  Please feel free to contact the moderator (CustomerService@VermilionOhioNews.com) with any concerns.