· Read through threads that were started within last few weeks. If it’s really busy board, you may not have to read that far back, just be sure you get a feel for climate of board. Don't consider posting anything until you've at least done that.

· If you have a specific question, find search feature and use it. More than likely you will find answer to your question. If your question involves trends or a timely issue, consider what you found in archives, learn from it, and then reframe your question so you get answers that are more current.

· NEVER, NEVER, NEVER advertise unless section of board you are posting in is specifically for advertising. Often there is a section reserved for advertising, look for that section and if it doesn’t exist, then you cannot advertise on that board.

· Using a sig line with your name is normally okay, however, it's best to check rules and guidelines for posting before using one.

· Always remember, it's better to say nothing than to say something mean.

· And along those lines, if someone says something mean about you and you feel you must defend yourself, do not do so immediately. Write what you want to say in a text document on your own computer (not on messageboard) and wait until next day to read it. Sugar is always better than vinegar. If you run a business, consider that your customers may happen across messageboard and you wouldn't want your company name immortalized by something you said in a tiff. Actually, you might find it would be petty to even respond, be bigger person.

Now that you know there are rules and courtesies to consider, go out and find a messageboard that discusses a topic that interests you. Enjoy and learn from diversity you’ll find there, just remember to play nicely.

How To Read RSS Feeds: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10088_7-5143460.html?tag=nav

RSS: Feel The Need For Feeds? Video (you'll have to wait a second while video downloads): http://www.cnet.com/av/video/flash/rss_tutorial.html?tag=video

And lastly, I want to tell you what I use to read my RSS Feeds.

First, desktop RSS Reader I use is called FeedReader. It's very similar to an email program and even makes same tah-dah sound that Outlook Express makes for a new email when a feed is updated. The best thing is...it's free, all you have to do is download and install it. Here's link:

http://www.feedreader.com

Second, I also like to use MyYahoo. To use MyYahoo, you just have to sign up for an account at Yahoo.com, it's free. Most people already have one anyway. If you use Yahoo Mail or participate in Yahoo Groups, you already have an account. Just go to Yahoo.com, be sure you're signed in and click MyYahoo button at very top of page.

MyYahoo will let you customize your page and pulls only information you want to read. To add an RSS Feed, click on Add Content link, when you get to next page click on 'Add RSS by URL' link that's right next to 'Find' button. On resulting page you can enter RSS Feed URL. (Don't worry, video mentioned above will tell you how to get feed URL, remember, there's a link above to CNET's video). It's that simple!

Lastly, there is one other RSS Reader that I've heard great things about, it's called FeedDemon. CNet has it as one of it's top rated readers and I've talked with a few friends that say they couldn't live without it. I guess, it's worth looking at, huh? Here's link:

http://www.feeddemon.com/

So, I hope now you're as curious as I was about RSS! Believe me, it's way you'll be handling all internet content you read on a regular basis, so go get started now and get a jump on your friends!