If you disagree with something someone says, attack the idea, not the person. In online communities, lurking is listening without saying anything. The word doesn t carry any threatening or negative overtones. Although they re rare, a small number of communities discourage lurkers, requiring active participation from all members. Generally, it s better to wait until you have something to say before chiming in.
Most communities have an FAQ, a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.
It may be part of the welcome message you receive when you join the community, it may be posted on the community s Web site, or it may be distributed monthly. If you ask a question that is answered in the FAQ, other subscribers may sneer at you. Send private remarks by private e-mail. If you are using IRC, whisper, or send a private instant message, to the person. Don t shout or make your messages hard to read.