1 & 2. I think people in chat should treat each other the way they would treat a group of people that they were standing around and talking with. In a decent-sized group, there could be several different conversations going on at the same time. I've been at banquets where I was actually participating in two conversations at the same time. As long as everyone is polite, it can still work.

With regard to missing replies, one thing that I think really helps is to state the name of the person you're replying, and if possible the subject, to in your reply. I will scroll up and down, when possible, if I'm expecting that someone will reply to me. However, guess which of these replies is easiest for me to spot while I'm simultaneously trying to defeat the Headless Horseman--

(A) Hey sure u can have it for trap price :)

(B) Elf u can have the Nixi for trap price :) <------------It's this one.

It would be nice if copy/pasting from regional chat worked better, because I could quickly copy the reply and paste it into Sticky Notes if the chat is moving quickly.

I also think it is polite to keep one's comments as short as possible. The fewer lines your comment takes up, the longer it takes for previous comments to vanish.

Thoughts?

4. Me personally, I don't mind people begging for some pet or item they really, really want if they do not do it often. I especially don't mind newbies doing it. When you are new, and there's a Festival, you don't know all the little tricks that help you catch Themed pets and get nifty drops, and it can seem like everybody else is getting stuff but you don't have a chance. A very nice player game me my first just-caught Themed when I expressed my frustration in Regional chat--

"Xocolatl" (Thank you Iocane!)

--and once she was in my stables, I relaxed and started learning how to get the most enjoyment out of a Festival.

So sure, ask me if I want that Fresh Earth Vulnyx I just caught. The worst that will happen is I will say, "Sorry, keeping her."

1. What do you expect from the users that participate in the public chats? (Respect? Basic literacy? Manners? Anything not mentioned thus far?)

I've been here for one Festival, and in my experience people are generally respectful, and try to keep chat clean. I personally understand that there are some younger players who join these chats, and as such they may not have the same social mannerisms and inhibitions as some older players. Sometimes begging, or asking in a pushy manner happens simply because they do not yet have the life experience to realize there may be a different way to get their point across. I try to be sensitive the the age range, and not judge or get irritated too quickly. If someone is being a nuisance in chat, I expect them to be told in a kind manner and not shut down harshly. (more on this in question 3)

2. In public chats, such as Region Chat, many users talk at once and the lines of chat quickly progress, leaving some replies by other users to be unread. There are several users who feel that they are ignored in the chat as well, even if the chat isn't as fast-paced. Can you relate to these events? What would you do if it happens to you?

If you feel ignored, one thing to realize is that people may not be reading everything that is written, and sometimes may not feel they have an appropriate response to what you have said. If it is something you really would like a response to, wait a while then restate your query or opinion and ask for other's input.

3. When a public chat starts to talk about a topic that you may not feel is appropriate, what would you do? (i.e. ask for a topic change, etc) What do you think is "not appropriate" to talk about in public chat?

Relating to question 1, I feel chat should be kept at a level that would not harm or offend anyone. If controversial topics are brought up and you would like to continue discussing them, it would be prudent to move it to a private chat. If someone tells you that the topic is inappropriate, reflect on how it may be and don't be defensive about it. Even if you feel it may be fine, realize that it could be offending others..and if you want to continue the conversation, move it to a private chat.

Things I find inappropriate for group discussions: Religion (unless the group can keep it constructive and not heated, and other people in the chat are not offended), Politics (similar reasoning), anything Sexual, and personal conversations that are unrelated to the group as a whole.

4. When it comes to trying to trade/barter pets or items, how often would you advertise it in public chats? Do such advertisements seem distinctly different from begging?

If someone is advertising, personally I would prefer people waiting 10-15 minutes before reposting unless you have a response after which feel free to continue the discussion in group chat (unless it's long drawn out bartering between two people). Advertisements are definitely different than begging, begging is about the 'tone' of the text and frequency...good advertisement for group chat is unobtrusive and informative.

5. When is it grounds to report someone? Do you know how to report a user for misconduct?

I would infer grounds to report would be when users are breaking ToS, or blatantly being a nuisance in group chat? I've never had grounds to do so, so actually am not informed about how someone would go about that. I would assume contact either Krin or Fai.

6. How do you feel when it comes to participating in forums v.s. public chat (i.e. region chat, general chatroom)? Is there a difference between the two?

Participation on forums tends to be more structured, there is less back and forth between players and topics evolve and change more slowly. General policies about respect, manners and subject matter pertain to both. Begging seems to happen less often on forums, though I have seen a few instances. Forums are also a lot less personal than Gen. chat, the community feels a lot closer during events (though I've only participated in one).


Yay, wall of text ~

I agree with you Gryffon on "that it's sometimes very difficult to just 'join in'." o:
It's not that I find the chats intimidating, but from my perspective, I'd feel out of the bubble of what's already going on.
Sometimes, I think its more of a preference, because I do see new people in the chats finding ways to talk, and I'm happy to see older players talking to newer players, or older players bringing newer players up-to-date with whatever concepts the newbies didn't know yet.
Human nature is fickle, because I think it's human nature to form enclosed cliques, which can play a part in how accessible the chat is for players.

I think it's nice that you try to "make room" for a player. ^^ I personally think its tough to give players a benefit of a doubt if they had a bad impression (often, they never do!). Giving newbies chances to get acquainted with the chat can make or break their experience with any community.

Tap, I like your examples for number 2, like the cat one. xD I can definitely relate...especially since I tend to talk more about Sylestia-based stuff instead of real life topics, so I'm quiet when region chat goes on a tangent. *o*;

And you're right, pointing out misconduct stylishly can make a world of a difference! I can't really describe it, but I've seen people use policing tones when pointing out faults in what people do (I think I'm guilty of it too), and I wish there were guidelines on how not to sound like a nagging police-y person...without insulting someone's character aha.
(Since some people don't even detect the tone (if they have one) they use to tell users what's wrong. >//<)

@GryffonJoieaux,
Great to have a new player's opinion! Each site tends to have their own hidden rules of what is appropriate and what is not. So I can understand how it becomes even more daunting for newbies. Especially since there can be backlash when doing something "wrong."

@Flute,
XD Glad you liked the cat example. And yeah, seeing misconduct can rile one up. So it's really easy to get caught up in it all. v_v
- - -

A compiled "Newbie Welcome/What to know about the Sylestia Community (social etiquette)" thread sounds very helpful the more I read these replies. Very cool of you to organize these discussions Flute.

@Chidori,
For #4, I'm the same, for festivals at least. I definitely like the advertisements for the themed pets. In the past, if I had a rare festival pet, I'd create a thread then mention it in the regional chat, just kind of as a notice for those interested. I'm not sure what others think, but I kind of like the idea of having the thread, and just once or twice advertising it.

But it is a double edged sword, having advertisements that is.

Some tend to shove advertisements down one's throat. XoX To the point where it feels like you're being forced to buy the pet. I tend to see this as disguised begging. I know one man's trash is another man's treasure. But if the pet is one that has already been up for sale for a month, and additionally the player thinks it is not pretty looking, it should just be released. I'd honestly rather give gold for free. v_v

My intention in the post below is NOT to sound preachy, but to answer the discussion questions according to my opinion. :)

1. In chat, I guess I'd expect same as everyone else mentioned. Be respectful like you would to anyone you saw in person. Treat others as you would want to be treated. And if you are having a bad day and are highly prone to snap at people for saying the wrong thing, maybe avoid chat. I am not overly picky about other peoples grammar in a chat room, as long as I can read it. Excessive caps lock is obnoxious though. Begging is extremely off-putting. But on the other hand, it's useful to be tolerant of other peoples irritants as well. They may be socially awkward in real life, and have no friends. Give them a chance. They may just need a gentle reminder of how they come off sounding to other people.

2. As for feeling ignored, I'd suggest don't put too much importance in the quickness of a reply in the main chat, and don't take it personally if nobody acknowledges your hello for 10 minutes. People enter that chat while multitasking. In region chat during the fest time, it's a tiny chat that moves fast-paced. Lots of people are talking about lots of things at the same time, and whole sentences can easily be missed. If you have to ask somebody something important, you'd better off just PM them.

3. I am pretty open-minded about conversation topics. As long as it doesn't upset any of the individuals in the chat room (or break any of the rules obviously). PG-13 and under conversation material is fine with me. I don't mind stuff about peoples' personal lives. In my opinion it's better than small-talk, lol.

Obviously there are going to be times when someone might bring up a topic that is a trigger for some of us. Maybe it's innocent to them but it brings up very unpleasant feelings. The best thing to do in that case is to just walk away or close the chat room. If they are directing a question to you that is upsetting, just say it's painful to talk about and you don't have to get into it or snap and get mad. Don't expect everyone else to know what upsets you cause they might just be completely genuinely innocent (I have been on both ends of this type of scenario multiple times so I understand both sides).

4. As with advertizing, I see it as different from begging, depending on how you do it. Type like an adult and use good grammar and make sure it sounds optional and not pushy. And try to keep your ad no more than twice per hour.

Examples:
Civilized advertizing:
"Currently looking for Rainbows & Sunshine Aeridinis if anyone's thinking of selling"
"Anyone got a Butterfly Morkko they'd like to trade for a Bumblebee puffadore? If yes, PM me"
"Currently selling a Lilac Breeze zolnixi"

Begging that nobody likes:
"Does anyone have a Rainbows & Sunshine aeri?????" <-- (note the excessive punctuation)
"PLZ DOES ANYONE HAVE A SPARE BUMBLEBEE PUFF?" <-- (desperation makes the other players uncomfortable)
"Does anyone want this lilac nixi?? <-- (asked 10-15 times within the same hour when no one answered)

*All themed pet names have been made up. xD

5. Reporting things: If somebody blatantly violates a rule and I see it, I'll take a screenshot of the offense, get other opinions if unsure, then look up how to report them. Hehe :3 I admit I don't remember, but I'd look it up on the forums, then report accordingly. I know where to find the info.

6. The difference between chat and forums:
Chat is for when you want some company. Forums are for when you want answers, or serious discussions.

I had originally planned on adding some topics of my own, but I've written so much, I think I'm gonna end it here. xD

Referring to the question bringing up inappropriate topics, I have a few different thoughts. For one, I think it depends on the thread. If the thread is based on something particular, then I think anything off the subject would be bad. Like, if I started a conversation about cotton candy in the middle of this discussion. Two, I think when the time and threads are right, it is okay to talk about personal life. Like, friends, family, favorite hobbies, the list goes on. But in addition to that, it is very dangerous to post personal information. There is a big difference to me that separates personal life from personal information. For example, I could tell you I like to draw, and I might throw in the fact that I could take art classes this summer, but I am not going to tell you where I live. Things like location, full real names, address, zipcodes, passwords, these are the kind of thing I consider inappropriate to post on public chat. I could say "My name is Samantha and I love to play soccer on Saturdays" but really, would that lead anyone to this girl? There are probably hundreds of Samantha's who play soccer out in the world, and then you could even shorten that name to Sam to make the variety bigger. If someone decided they were gonna try to find out where Samantha lived they would be very disappointed. However, three, you never know who is going to be on general chat. We've got ages from 10-60, we've got children, teenagers, adults, and grandparents. Wouldn't you feel awful if you posted mature content in a thread and scarred a little kid forever? I think this kind of talk should be left off sylestia if it must be said, or at least in PMs. I keep away from it, but I don't know about the thousand other players. Once it is on the internet, anyone can see it.
I hope I covered everything for this question! Sorry I have been kind of absent..