Rules for Rookies offering advice

[Athena10X]

Just realized that I should have probably asked the following question before I started jumping in to offer input on several threads. Are there rules or guidelines for “Rough Rock”, like myself, on offering guidance where we feel that we have adequate knowledge? This would be in addition to standard forum etiquette rules.

I’ve been a long-time lurker who used PS for my diamond selection process and want to return the favor to a wonderful community. I also want to be an active participant and learner. Obviously the experts will offer better perspectives and correct me where my knowledge is limited, but how can I minimize contradicting sound advice and avoid confusing the consumer? I’d like to stick around and become an expert one day without ruffling too many feathers along the way. Thanks!

 

[sledge]

Lol I should have probably asked this too but like most things in life I jumped in head first once I felt I could responsibly answer.

Data changes along with our knowledge levels. I don't comment on a technical level on things I don't know or understand. I've had a few posts where my understanding was incorrect and I was quick to remove my comments and apologize. Sometimes that edit feature goes away and you have to live with what you said.

Even the best of the best make mistakes and we should all have thick enough skin to take some constructive criticism. If you can do that and work in a true manner to help others while helping on topics you understand then I think the pros here will help guide the rest as it should be.

What I like about this community is we are all learning and sharing experiences. While there are key contributors, the act of a community makes it special.

 

[yssie]

Stick around and stay involved!! That's easily the most valuable thing anyone here can do

You'll probably find certain niche topics that are of particular interest to you... and those niches will likely shift and broaden the longer you're here I would ditto @sledge -

* Don't hesitate to contribute where you feel you have personal experience or where you feel your opinion would be valuable! There's no "bar for entry" to any discussion - we have medical and legal professionals, artists, scientists, mathematicians, teachers, writers... different backgrounds and different perspectives make for more interesting discussions.

* At the same time, don't feel compelled to contribute where you aren't comfortable - I'm not sure or I'd prefer not to comment are perfectly valid responses.

* Be mindful of differentiating opinion, yours and others' you might be quoting, from fact. My rule of thumb is that if I can't personally explain the *why* behind something, then it's presented with a "this is my opinion" disclaimer. Both opinions and facts are valuable, but the distinction is important and won't always be clear to newcomers.

* At some point you'll come across a post you disagree with. The most helpful, most well-received, most convincing arguments are well-reasoned and well-written - a little thought for grammar and punctuation, steering clear of overuse of slang, avoiding making it personal... goes a long way!

* Reference third-party resources when you have them - links to papers, articles, threads, educational/helpful pictures and video are always welcome!!

* Always keep in mind that the fora are completely, totally public... don't post anything you aren't comfortable with the world - strangers, your nearest and dearest - reading one day.​

No revelations in my list, I don't think!

 

[Matthews1127]

I concur with all above, but I think it’s also important to understand that everyone has different experiences, regardless of their level of expertise or knowledge.
Sometimes another person‘s perspective or experience can make a huge impact on a potential consumer who is dealing with a very similar circumstance.
In cases such as these it is extremely important for you to feel comfortable to share that experience, even if your knowledge is limited. You just may help someone avoid a potential risky situation, or lead someone to the diamond of their dreams.
Sometimes, doing some research about a specific topic that someone is looking for help about can be extremely resourceful, and extremely helpful, even though you’re quoting someone else’s knowledge, or you’re providing an article to assist someone else. Any little bit goes a long way.
In this community, you should feel free to express yourself in a respectful, mindful, and intellectual fashion.
I do hope that what we have posted here is helpful to you; it’s always nice to welcome a fresh member into the community, and help them grow & to be successful, when dealing with such beautiful gems! These fora are invaluable, and should be a positive place for all to frolic & learn!

 

[Athena10X]

I truly appreciate all of the wonderful feedback and guidance as it helps boost my confidence in helping future generations of PS community advice seekers. Glad I finally decided to come out from hiding. As suggested, I’ll stick to what I’ve gleamed from my lurking addiction (proportions, angles, ASET images, HCA scores - stick to the facts I can comfortably validate). Fun times ahead!

 

[Dancing Fire]

In this community, you should feel free to express yourself in a respectful, mindful, and intellectual fashion.

OP, Warning ...don't go posting on political threads unless your a far left liberals.

 

[Bron357]

If you have a constructive thought or an opinion on a matter, there’s no problem sharing it. I rarely comment on the diamond threads because so many others have truly vast experience, and I don’t, but I’ll add my 5 cents worth if I think it’s valid or can contribute to the thread.
My favorite topics are coloured gemstones or antique jewellery and being such an avid eBay shopper I’ll add my experience or knowledge to any of those threads.
My true area of expertise would probably be vintage watches, very few questions appear, but if they do - I’m ready

 

[WinkHPD]

Everyone here, even Yssie with 18,703 posts as I type was a rookie at one time. All that you need is the love of diamonds and gems and the ability to speak coherently, and we are not real strict on the coherent thing...

It helps if you play nicely with others too.

Wink

 

[yssie]

I’m not sure @Wink, who has a seventeen year tenure on this forum (!! must have been with the DT migration?) and gobs of sparkly stories from before that, was ever a rookie!

He’s *always* very good about the “speaking coherently” and “playing nice with others” bits though I know I can’t claim the same!

 

[soxfan]

OP, Warning ...don't go posting on political threads unless your a far left liberals.

Shaddap!!!!!!

 

[WinkHPD]

I’m not sure @Wink was ever a rookie!

I was a rookie in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. It was hard being a rookie back then. There were no cell phones, in fact for the first year or so that I was in Brasil, there were people, usually young girls whose job it was to hold the phone to their ear and wait for a dial tone. Once the tone appeared, they would dial the number for the call and hand the phone to the person placing the call. It got better in the last couple of years that I was there, but a dependable dial tone was a true treasure back then.

Not only were there no cell phones, there was no Internet. That was to come fifteen or so years later, at least an internet that was available to the public, and it would be some years after that before commerce became legal on the Internet. Trust me, it is WAY easier being a rookie now, and a lot more fun too!

Wink

P.S. One of the "unintended consequences" of being a rookie and transforming into a helpful poster with a good reputation, is that you will make friends from all over the world. Most of the friendships forged here would not ever have been possible back when I was a rookie.