1) The assumption that Moderators/Marshalls love to be Forum Cops. 

They are the unsung hall monitors of the online realm but, they aren't necessarily Deputy Do Rights.  Their main concern is keeping the community organized and peaceful.  Can you create a town with no Sheriffs?

2)  Isn't the point of a message board to say anything I want?

This point of view has always perplexed me.  It seems like once people get on the Internet, their Jekyll and Hyde personalities come out.  If you would not say it in real life to that person, why would you vent and show the world that side of your personality?  Yes, discussion is encouraged and differing opinions welcomed but all out rage and hate is not acceptable in most forms of normal society.  School yard tactics are also tiresome and transparent.  Get on your soap box, be clear and articulate and have a point.  If you have something to say, please interact and get involved in a civilzed way.  Also, once you make your point, move on.  Its not about changing minds, its about getting your thoughts seen and heard.

The word "Yes" is something you probably want to hear at the local late night bar, it's not the most effectively stated one word post in the terms of acreage taken to post it.  Take a look at this very enjoyable short about posting Etiquette. (flash plug-in required)

3)  Threatening a moderator as an excuse for action.

A common thread I see when a person is confronted with their actions is that they try to turn the tables.  They are the victims and "Why am I being picked on or targeted".  What raises an eye and a chuckle more is when they raise the Nazi Card, ala Godwin's Law.  Also, threatening to leave the site and comparing it to others fails to focus on the central issue of the posters actions.  There is always a cause and effect.  Thus the term root cause analysis.  I would also encourage if you have an issue with an authority figure, open a dialouge via private message.  Common ground usually can't be reached in open flame war.

4)  Alphabet soup of the day.

As the retiring Baby Boomers, Y/Me generation matures, and todays Instant Message fanatics mix together, pet peeves can simmer to a boiling point on wording and spelling.  Though Spell Checkers are common, the point most people will make is that human brain only recognizes a certain number of letters and patterns to form comprehension.

Of course there is the other extreme of people using "u" for you. Did you really save time by dropping two letters?

What are your Online pet peeves and is their something that would prevent you from posting on a board and joining a discussion?  Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

 -GX

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