First name basis?


Is there a general rule regarding how you should address someone online for the first time?

I prefer to look thru people's feedback to see if their name is mentioned, believing it's more courteous than addressing someone by their username.
I've found however, that some people will still sign off a message back to me with their username.

Am I commiting some type of online faux pas?
mr_man

Showing 1 response by newbee

A rose by any names still smells....or something like that anyway.

In forums you have chosen how you want to be addressed by the choice of moniker or by if/how you sign off your post. There is no discourtesy in addressing someone by their moniker.

If you have established a relationship of sorts with someone, using his real name is OK so long as it seems to be they want you to do. The only downside is that newcomers might notice all of the personal name calling and become intimidated at the thought of participating with a bunch of folks with established 'relationships' :-)

In E-mails I think it is rude not to acknowledge the individual as a 'person' (as opposed to a source of information like Google) by using his name, if you can, and always including your name and a thank you for taking the time to consider your message.

Personally I prefer to use 'Newbee' so readers can assume my stupid comments are because of ignorance, not just base stupidity. No pride here! :-)