When is it okay to post and when is it just spam? For example, I was just about to post in the thread asking about holding doors open, but pretty much every poster had the same reply. I didn't have anything special to add, so I didn't post because I don't want to spam. Would something like that be spam? If not, is it better not to post anyways if I don't have anything meaningful to add?

Generally posts should be over 10 words long except for the crazy house. More respected posts should be around 20 words. 

dagedude : I'm saying this to help, you know matter how bad you want to do it. Don't do it, all that would make you is a spammer, and you wouldn't be respected at all. So take my word for it and don't do that. Spamming is really bad, and you want to do it because it's easy don't try the easy way out. Sometimes the hard way is the better way ok. So really dead serious, take my word for this so you won't get banned, disrespected, no trust points, and no friends you wouldn't want that would you I wouldn't.

It really depends on what type of thread it is. If it's someone looking for help (like this thread) then it's spam to keep repeating the same answer. However, if it's just a "post for fun" kind of thread, then post your answer and make sure it's at least ten words, preferrably longer. This is not spam.

The reason I posted again when your question had been answered, was to clear up any confusion. There is no shame in answering the same way the others do (in a fun thread) so long as it isn't a copy-paste post.

earthwarrior : Thanks, I had no idea about the length (though I try to keep my posts appropriately sized). On that note, how long is too long for the average post?
dragon111 : Thanks for the reply but I was wondering more of what is considered spam so I could avoid it, just like you said. Sorry if I didn't make myself clear...
Eirinn : Thanks, it does help clear it up. I have been trying to be more active lately because I've been silent for about a year, but I've been a little shy in my posting. My only question now is about the length as asked above.

dagedude : There is no max length. As long as it is on topic it's fine. If you put like 1,000 words for a simple yes or no question people might skip over your post. (most people don't like reading big posts) 
If you post the same thing as someone in a help thread and you both posted at the same time just say someone ninja'd you. That means they posted right before you.

It's a fine line between spamming and agreeing with everyone else.


I would say it is far better to skip making a post if there are quite a few replies that simply agree with what you planned to say.

If you can come up with someone worthwhile to say that might stimulate the discussion further then by all means do so.

And in the end if you have something valid to say about a subject even if others have posted it before it is not spam as long as you word it your own way. Don't just say "I agree with everyone else" as that would be considered spam by me.

It would also depend on the kind of thread you're getting in to like Eirinn said. Some places it is very redundant to say the same thing that ever just 2-3 people have already said.

If you ever want clarification you are free to report your own posts in order to ask the mods for an opinion

earthwarrior : Okay, thanks! That's kinda what I figured but I just wanted to make sure, though I will continue to revise my posts to cut down on wording... And thank you very much for the quick response!

dagedude : Oh no problem I can make it more clear if you like. Just ask me anything and I will be there to help you. No worries feel free to ask I don't care you can add me, Pm me, it doesn't matter as long as you get the right information. I know because when I was new to forums I was a little trouble maker and learned my lesson the hard way lol.

geeogree : Hmm, I didn't see your post when I replied to earthwarrior, my bad. I'm glad to see your answer matches so well with how I've been trying to think ^.^ I think that wraps up any questions I have for now.



Thanks to everyone who responded and helped me understand! I'm just not very used to talking in forums and don't want to come across as outspoken or spammy. I appreciate all of your help very much!