Introduction

Posting to eBay's Community Discussion Boards (forums) is one way to share your questions, knowlege and opinions with other people who are interested in doing the same thing.  Like other forms of online communication, practicing good Netiquette (etiquette for the Internet) and following a few simple guidelines will help increase your messages impact and/or make it easier for people to understand your questions.  Note:  The following guidelines do not address specific eBay's policies for the Community Disscussion Boards.  You can find them here:  Discussion Board Usage Policy

Guidelines

If you are a seller and concerned about potential auction interference, use a Posting ID, rather than your normal selling ID.
Example:  Seller ID = GreatDeals   Posting ID = LightningRod

1. Begin with a short opening statement that summarizes your subject or position.  You can 'bold' it for
   Example: "I have a suggestion for improving eBay feedback"
   
2. Write in complete sentences and paragraphs, paying attention to grammar.
   
3. ALWAYS use spell check.
   Note:  Many people use a word processor to draft and proof their postings then cut and paste the final results.
   
4. Never write in ALL CAPS (considered shouting)
   Example: "I THINK THAT ALL DOG OWNERS SHOULD BE MADE TO PICK UP AFTER THEIR DOGS..."
   
5. Use formatting (bold/italics/underline) sparingly to emphasize key words or phrases or to identify quotes or text from 3rd parties.
   
6. Use a service like Tiny URL (vvvvvv.tinyurl.c0m) to shorten long URLs.
   
7. Post pictures at 72dpi and less than 350w x 350h to avoid stretching or slowing down the board.
   
8. Give credit to sources used in quotes.
   Example: "People use statistics the way drunks use lamp posts, for support rather than illumination" - Johan G. Westra
   
9. Post excerpts of large stories/articles and provide links to full content.

Summary

Posting to the community discussion boards can be fun and informative.  By using these guidelines and practicing good Netiquette, you can increase the impact of your postings and enhance your posting reputation!