Also see: How to make the most of your membership
1. The spirit of the list
The spirit of this list is to share knowledge and help people in a friendly, easy-going, positive, and non-judgmental atmosphere.
Some people are experts in one area, but novices in another. Some are just beginning their careers, others are at the end of very distinguished ones. But everyone here has something to offer and respect should be given accordingly.
2. Be tolerant of topics
Not every topic will be of interest to every person. The best way to make sure topics of 3D-PRO are and remain of interest to you is to participate in and contribute those types of topics.
This is a level playing field.
If a topic is “hot” and generating a lot of posts, that means it is of high interest to many people and equal respect should be given those people to whom it is of interest to, even if whatever is being discussed is not of interest to you.
*** PLEASE TAKE NOTE ***
Whatever you focus on only grows stronger. If all you are focusing on is how much a topic or thread annoys you or how many times someone has said or mentioned something that you don’t like, it’s only going to magnify how you feel about it.
When considering how to respond, it may help to take a moment and ask yourself, “Is this going to matter a week from now?” One of the best things you can do is learn to simply ignore and/or delete threads or messages that are of no interest to you — and move on. If you really don’t like a particular thread — or take issue with someone or someone — please send me feedback directly and tell me what’s up.
3. Don’t take it personally and don’t make it personal
Due to the nature of text, the unique personalities of members, language issues (English is not every member’s first language), cultural differences (3D-PRO is a global community) and (potentially strong) opinions being expressed, miscommunication is going to happen.
There will be times that things are expressed in a way that sound personal — and yet they are rarely, if ever, intended as such.
Please keep this in mind when reading posts that may sound as if they are being personally directed at you (or at “you” through criticism of your company or product). It is suggested that if you have an issue with a post, consider writing to the person directly to address it (and not making it personal in the process) — or write to me so I’m aware of your thoughts on the matter.
*** PLEASE TAKE NOTE ***
People have a tendency to casually state things like “Autodesk is evil”, for example, without considering the fact that Autodesk is not a single “entity”, but a huge company made up of individuals (who are not evil) who bust their asses to provide a quality service to users.
And, like many 3D/CG/FX related companies, a number of people who work there are on the list. Please keep this in mind when making blanket statements and generalizations.
You are entirely welcome to discuss your opinion — just remember to be respectful and realize that the primary reason that 3D-PRO exists is to be a force for good and not a dumping ground for negativity.
4. Use non-offensive language (slurs)
Please remember that the list is made up of a diverse group of individuals with a wide range of personal & cultural preferences, lifestyles, backgrounds, etc. from all over the globe.
Please use non-offensive language and avoid using slurs when referencing people or groups.
5. The expertise and experience of members varies considerably
While 3D-PRO consists of many distinguished professionals, this is not a community consisting of only “masters”.
3D-PRO consists of members who run the gamut of experience across a wide range of software and disciplines. As such, all topics that are of general interest to 2D/3D/CG/FX professionals are considered fair game and welcome here.
6. Complaints & criticism
If you have comments, questions, or complaints, I am always very open and receptive to what list members think and if I feel something is an important enough issue, I present it to the list.
And if you disagree with me, some way I’ve handled something, or simply think I’m an ass, I’m not going to boot you from the list for that. So please, if you have feedback, I’m listening.
7. Speaking poorly of people, products, or companies
While honest assessments are always welcome, be very careful about the manner in which you speak poorly of people, products, or companies. Because it is very possible that someone connected to whatever or whoever you are speaking poorly is a member of our community.
If you wouldn’t say it to their face in the manner that you might want to say it to the list, then you probably shouldn’t say it.
8. Trim your reply if it isn’t necessary
As of June 2019, you no longer have to bend over backwards to trim your reply text to only include what is necessary to allow your message to make sense, but it is still good email etiquette to do so. Understand that all reply text shows up in 3D-PRO’s online archive as well in the daily digests members receive. It is a tremendous waste of space if you never trim or remove it from your replies.