Self-Storage Talk 'Trolls': Don't Be One, Don't Encourage Them

Add value to your posts.
Try to answer others' questions or pose your own questions, first and foremost. When in doubt, ask, "Is what I'm posting going to help anyone else or help me learn something?"

"Let sleeping dogs lie."
Some subjects, industry-related and not, are lightning-rod, controversial topics. Unless they're truly pertinent to the thread title, they may not need to be brought up.

Think before hitting "submit."
We all get worked up and say (or type) things we don't mean. After you've typed a rant, ask yourself, "Do I really want everyone to read this?" If you post it and decide shortly after you want to take it down or edit it, by all means, use those edit and delete buttons!

Remember everyone you're talking with is a real person.
It's tempting to use the anonymity of the Internet as a smoke screen, thinking that no one's feelings are affected by what you say. Behind every screen name is a real person, so try behave online with the same respect you would as if you met someone in person.

Ignore them; don't encourage them.
Trolls enjoy arguing. Because arguing isn't socially acceptable in face-to-face, "real world" situations, trolls turn to the Internet and think the same social rules don't apply there. Of course, it's difficult for anyone to argue with themselves. If you engage with a troll, even if you think you have a clever retort to their foolishness, you're playing right into their fingers. Respond "around" them and comment on others' posts, not theirs.

Say something to a moderator or the community manager.
It's our job to enforce site rules, and if someone is violating them or getting close to violating them, let us know. You can always e-mail me at [email protected].

Keep threads on track.
If a troll tries to hijack a discussion thread and you want to do something about it, post something to the effect of, "Back to the topic ." You can help others ignore trolls by reclaiming the conversation.

Try to laugh it off.
Someone's off-handed comments on a forum are not worth steaming over.