Poker Forum Manners

  The internet has, without a doubt, been hugely responsible for the popularity and profitability of poker around the world. An entire industry has cropped up to support poker online, and all the ancillary benefits of poker plus the internet have come along with it. Sometimes, however, such good things can be abused, as has been seen recently with the poker scandals surrounding some online poker rooms.  Poker forums, for example, offer an opportunity for people interested in the comings and goings of the poker industry, as well as people who want to become better players, to connect with their peers easily and at will to gather information. Some forums, however, have degenerated into something more resembling a cesspit.  Due mostly to the anonymity afforded by the internet, many posters feel they have the right to bash perfectly innocent questions and launch into personal attacks - much in the same way a player might find nasty comments headed their way at a poker room by other players who are losing. But what can be done about it?  If you frequent the poker forums the best thing you can do is be on your best behavior yourself. Lead by example, and try to keep the conversations on topic and moving in a civil manner. If another poster says something that irks you, think twice before contributing to what might become a flame war that does nothing at all to further poker. Seek out moderated forums where the attitude seems to be one of joint respect rather than a free for all, and mind your manners.