This section, "Getting Familiar" will help you get familiar with how to act on the Religion and Faith message board that will ensure everyone gets along.  It will also explain how various things on the message board work.

Fun stuff: The Classic Reg Page.

Remember, if you're searching for something specific, hit "control F" at any time to do a keyword search on this page.

Q. Why does everyone keep yelling at me to "quote?" What's that?

A. The most important thing you need to know on R+F.  Quoting is easy and necessary on message boards. The easiest way is to cut and paste into your reply window. Or, if you're on AOL 4+, simply highlight what you wish to quote on the left side of your reply window, and hit the quote button. Make sure that we can tell your own post apart from the one you quoted. This allows posters to understand what you are talking about without having to read the rest of the thread or sift through old posts.

Q. Does size 253 font and neon-pink and green letters typed in all caps make people agree with my opinion?

A. No. It makes them flame you. Please use a normal-size readable font (please nothing curly or cursive) in a dark colour.

Q. Why don't these people like me telling them about Jesus? I'm just trying to save them from Hell (question applies to any other religious preaching).

A. For starters, most of the people on the board have already heard about Jesus many times. Many of them are knowledgeable about Christianity. But the fact is, they don't believe they need to be "saved." And frankly, many of them are rather sick of hearing it and will take frustration out on you for it. Most people on the board much prefer the idea of learning about religions and deciding if they want to follow it themselves, rather than having someone preach to them. So if you want to witness, try offering to share information about your religion rather than telling people their own beliefs are wrong. Make information available. Offer websites (or have me post them here) that provide literature or answer questions about your belief system. That way, they can learn (and possibily find a new religion), without anyone getting mad at anyone else.

Q. Why is religious tolerance emphasised so much on the board?

A. In order to keep such diversity and allow people to feel welcomed, tolerance should be shown for everyone - no matter how radical or different their ideas. Even if you believe their opinion or beliefs are wrong, to NOT fall victim to the "ad hominem" attack against them for those reasons. When arguing, use facts or logic to support your rebuttal.  Typically, the only way a person is not tolerated is because of their attitude and not beliefs!  Keep in mind that usually, when a person is disliked, it is for the latter reason. If someone is being a jerk, don't drop to their level (though it may be hard) -- post with respect and kindness for everyone (though most of us give up after the fifth or sixth try).

Q. Besides TOS rules, are there any rules I should follow on this (or any) message board?

A. Sure. If you want your post to be heard, type in legible font. Check spelling and grammar if you tend to have problems in that area and always spell out words, instead of using "u" for "you" or "r" for "are." It may be quicker - but it makes you come off more intelligently if you make the effort to spell out the whole word. Never type IN ALL CAPS or iN tHiS mAnNeR. Don't insult people. Listen to their opinions, and disagree with a supported argument. Don't waste posts typing "I agree" or "I disagree." Ad hominem attacks are not well-liked. Don't troll the boards (see "troll" question). Citing sources is a big plus. And, for fssake, the board is NOT a place to find boy/girlfriends, or post "join my e-zine" messages. They may relate to religion, but its considered SPAM, and all you'll get in response is hate mail and a TOS.

Q. Why are there so many stupid jokes or inside jokes on the message board? And what's with this sarcasm?

A. Since religion and faith and similar issues are rather serious topics, many regulars at the board have attempted to lighten to mood using jokes. Most are lame inside jokes, or really thick sarcasm... sometimes we're in a bad mood and take it out on fellow boardies. We'll recover. Well, most of us.

Q. What is the "Burning in Hell" Club about? Do these people really want to go to Hell? What about all these other clubs?

A. The "Burning in Hell" club is a mockery of all those people who constantly tell the members they are going to hell (it does not mean these people want to go to hell). R+F has many cliques and "clubs." They come and go, and its best to not take them seriously. At best -- ignore them.

Q. What/who are "regs"? Am I one?

A. The self-proclaimed "regs" are the regulars of R+F who've posted consistantly for a long while. Some of us have posted for over five or six years. Some people no longer post, and are still considered "regs" because they have gained notoriety. Are you a reg? The general thought is: if you don't know, you're probably not one. But never fear: most people on the board will agree that worrying about your "reg" status is pointless; people respect you based on the intelligence exhibited in your postings, regardless of how long you've been posting. It is a common misconception that the regs hate everyone but other regs. This isn't true. If people dislike you, you should stop blaming it on your "status" and start evaluating your attitude.

Q. Why do my posts keep disapearing?

A. The Board Moniter aka Catrep. They remove any objectable posts (read: everything), and occasionally TOS people. Usually for stupid things.  Don't take it personally.

Q. What are the most common topics on the board?

A. Without a doubt, the most common topics are: evolution, Wicca, homosexuality, How much Jesus loves you, the problem of evil, and how much Jesus sucks. 90% of all threads will be on one (or more) of those topics. So if you think you have an exciting revelation on any of those topics, read prior threads. It's probably already come up. Daily.

Q. I heard one guy call himself dictator of the boards! Who died and made him boss?!

A. Meet Jon (Palehorse13x): the Supreme Dictator of R+F. In truth, no one died; we voted him in... but most of us are not sure what we were drinking that day. On that note, I (Ozzisme) am Queen of the Universe and Moo (Fatamorganafae) is God. And we're all very modest. ::nodnod:::

Q. How old are the people on the board? Some seem really old (or young).

A. The board is supposed to be for teens ages 13-19, but there is a large quantity (mostly regs) who are no longer teens. There is also a large quantity of kids who will occasionally post, but they tend not to stay long. The average age of posters is probably around 16. It seems as if one's survival on the board is not determined by age (or, sadly, maturity), but by how well one can argue.