It is okay to be ignorant when first arriving and posting. However, you must be willing to make an effort to learn. If you are unable to cite
references in support of an idea or as background to your question, the post belongs in Beginnings. Questions that provide background information and
show effort are more likely to receive good responses.
If an existing thread covers the topic you're about to post about, post in that thread instead of a new one. It makes it easier for members to keep up
with topics of interest. You may need to search before posting if you're unsure whether or not a thread already exists. The search engine is not very
powerful and may miss relevant threads, but please make at least a cursory effort.
Do not request spoonfeeding of information for clandestine drug manufacture. However, every sort of chemistry is a permissible topic of discussion if
you discuss it like a scientist. If someone is asking about obtaining chemicals used in drug manufacture and using the vocabulary of a SWIM—"someone
who isn't me"—-mer more than a chemist, report it and the thread will be dealt with after a moderator has confirmed your findings. Similarly, if
someone is asking for help with a synthetic "recipe" for a known street drug, report that too. Don't bother to berate the cooks in the thread itself
instead; that doesn't bring the mods any faster. In truth the mods and most members dislike any thread where someone is seeking or using a "recipe"
and doesn't show any deeper interest in chemistry, but this has been mostly a problem with drug synthesis because of the many people who want to
quickly get rich or high.
Certain topics are unwelcome no matter what section they are posted in. The discussion of criminal enterprises or weapons production is inappropriate.
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