The key is to be helpful, while calm and polite, even though there will always be persons to disagree with you. Sending PM’s not sure about that. It depends on what is in that message right? Any form of spam/promotional offer will only annoy the other guy.:)

Excellent article. I wanted to add my two cents to your point ” 2. – Whenever you’re helping people, you will start to feel better and better, and eventually consider yourself an expert.” Not only will you consider yourself an expert, by engaging in the community others will come to see you as an expert as well.

I don’t want to discriminate any race or somebody, but in some forums, most members are very arrogant. Like for example, the superiority feeling of some clients to their workers. Maybe they are thinking that they can do everything because they are paid workers. Plus the fact that they hate answering too many questions even these are for further clarification for a given work or relevant questions.
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Integrity is the key that will take you very far in life. Great advice!

I KNOW! Those things can be really annoying. I expreienced it recently as well. However, if you simply ignore them if they are rude, and add what they might add (If it’s useful, or anything at all) that kind of people also benefit to the community in their own way =)

Being polite and helpful have helped me networking many places, so I can really recommend it in all aspects of life as well, not just in forums. After all, networking is a key aspect of any business, and can help you get massive leverage if finding the right people to network with.
Still, helping people often helps you as well, in some way or another. I can’t really say I’ve gotten much back for helping many newbies, but it still feels good =P
Not only that, but it gives you a positive attitude, and some of them might actually help you back some time if you need it. One thing I can’t stand though, is when you help someone and don’t even get a “thanks” back. That’s kind of a turn-off…

I like your tip of being polite and helpful. This isn’t very common on forum discussion. Some people who have lots of knowledge find their way to intimidate other people. They hate it when some share simple stuff that is less better than what they know.

Exactly my thoughts here!
Actually, as long as it’s related, ANYTHING positive you do will positively affect your business back. And forums are an easy way to go.