Construct clear messages
If you write your messages very clearly and make it easy for people to see how they fit into the discussion, then it's more likely people will read and consider your messages. Everyone will find it easier to follow what's going on.
- Use 'threading' properly. If someone replies to a message, then someone replies to the reply, and so on, then the whole 'chain' of messages is called a thread, and the forum software makes it easy to follow a thread. If you are introducing a new topic or issue, don't reply to an existing message, start a new thread instead with a new and relevant subject line.
- Make the point of your message clear. A good way to force yourself to be clear is to use a relevant subject line, and to add a one sentence summary at the top of a longer message, such as "This message is to explain why..." Keep to one subject per message. It's much better to send several messages if you have a number of topics to write about, because then people can reply to whichever topic they want and the separate discussions are in separate threads rather than being all jumbled up.
- Give reasons for your opinions. It's hard to discuss something with someone if they just state what they think without any justification. Use the word 'because' freely! Examples often help.
Invite responses to your messages, such as
"Do you agree with me here?"
or
"Have I left anything out?".
Next: Take some responsibility
