Came across this blog post by our mobile app provider

https://blog.tapatalk.com/

Some good tips

• It’s OK to lurk, in fact use this time after making a screen name to look around and familiarize yourself with all the areas a forum offers.
  
• Find and read the forum’s posted rules, Ours are here: http://forums.colts.com/index.php?app=forums&module=extras&section=boardrules
  
• Look for an area for “introductions” if there is one available, introduce yourself and usually you will be met with welcomes. You may find that your questions may be met with more answers and engagement after introducing yourself as well. Ours is here: http://forums.colts.com/topic/9532-member-introductions-say-hi/
  
• Remember the point above about familiarizing yourself with the forums various areas? They’re split up that way for a reason, make sure you are posting your topics and questions in the appropriate areas.
  
• Don’t sweat the inside jokes and shorthand that other members may have with each other, that kind of camaraderie comes naturally as you engage the community more over time.
  
• A forum isn’t a YouTube comments section, if you intend to be a member of the community it’s probably best to not attack anyone needlessly. Diplomatic, intelligent responses usually prevail.
  
• Help other newbies! Even if you joined a few weeks ago you probably have more experience than someone that joined yesterday. If you see a newbie not being helped with some basic stuff, and you know the answer, helping them out is a good way to promote a healthier forum.