Chat Etiquette

A guide to reading the room and keeping the chat fun.

Beyond hard rules, there is "Etiquette" the unwritten social contract that keeps the chat fun for everyone. At FurDU, we want everyone to feel free to engage, But some forms of engagement are corrosive and actively harm everyone involved.

The "Mini-Mod" vs Reporting

Mini-Modding is when users feel the need to do the admins job. This usually just starts fights.

Don't: "Might be violating rule 10"
Do: Reply to the message with @admin and disengage.
De-Escalation
Publicly policing others usually causes a fight. If you see a rule break, report it and let admins handle it.
A
AussieBattler
Don't vote labor guys, they ignore the real issues.
14:02
@admin
14:05

The "Passive-Aggressive" Trap

Messages dripping in sarcasm or guilt tripping to express frustration puts an emotional burden on others.

Don't: "Must be nice to have free time..."
Do: "I'm keen to play later if anyone is free!"

The "Trauma Dump" & Critiques

Trauma Dumping: Trauma dumping refers to sharing one’s traumatic past experiences all at once, without considering how it might impact the listener or if the timing is appropriate.

Unsolicited Critiques: Unless someone explicitly asks for critiques, assume they are just sharing their joy. Don't burst their bubble.

P
ProGamer04
Anyone want to play Deadlock?
13:30
S
SaltySam
Must be nice to have free time. Some of us actually work.
13:35
S
SaltySam
Funny how no one replies to my invites though.
13:36

Slash Commands & Bots

Please avoid using "slash commands" (e.g. /warn, /ban) directly in the group, Even as a joke.

Please note, that pressing a pre-existing command will instantly send that command as yourself.

Dont mess around with slash commands
B
BigMemer
Hehe 6 7!
10:15
O
OldHead
/ban :D
10:15

The "Purity Test" (Touchy Subjects)

We all have strong convictions, and as staff, we absoltuely support the rights for every human and very likely agree with you. However aggressively demanding that everyone else adhere to your specific moral code regarding media consumption rarely changes minds. it just starts fights.

Don't: "If you buy [Thing], you are a bigot and I hate you."
Do: "I personally don't support X because of [Reason], but you do you." Alternatively, Change the Subject.
Villainizing Allies
Rule 3: Accusing community members of being "homophobes", "transphobes" or "bigots" over a media choice is inflammatory. Purity testing allies pushes people away.
G
GamerFox
I'm actually hyped to play this game.
11:30
W
WellMeaning
Wow. You know buying that funds [Bad Thing], right? 🤨
11:31
G
GamerFox
I just want to play a game from my childhood.
11:32
W
WellMeaning
So you don't care about human rights? Got it. 🗿
11:33