Ive been a member for a year now, and there are a few things I still dont get here on CC. If someone can help me out, I will be very grateful.
1. Is it considered rude/impolite for a member to BUMP his/her own post?
2. Is it considered incorrect to post pictures of my cakes in the Cake Decorating Forum, but correct to post them only in the galleries?
3. If I answer a query, and add pictures of my own to help illustrate my answer, is that rude and snooty? (One thread said that people who do that are Cake Divas). I honestly think, if it helps clear a doubt, then why not? I would be happy if somebody showed me a new technique/style with the help of a picture.
4. Is it Ok to PM a person with a request not connected to any particular thread? (I once got a curt response from a CC member, and I do not think my question warranted that)
5. Also, if I PM somebody, isnt it only polite for them to reply, even if it is a one-liner?
Thanks for taking the time to read this,
Karen
Hey Karen
Can't help you on all those issues, but I don't think it's rude to bump your own post... sometimes people don't scroll down to the older posts - especially if its a time where posts are going in left, right & centre.
I've posted pics in the forums aswell as gallery, like just now it was just to show people the finished product...
Don't know about the whole cake diva thing... that's a new one for me.
As for PMing... i've pm'd a few people and not got a response... it would be nice to get a response, even if it is like you said, a one liner, but I just put it down to maybe they are too busy/distracted with other things around them... I like to think people on here aren't purposely being rude... 
Be interesting to see what others say about you questions...
-- Fi
Wow! I am guilty of all of the above. I recall it saying somewhere in the "rules of posting" that if you have uploaded a pic to the gallery, not to upload the same pic into a thread but to reference it with a link to the gallery pic. Again, I am guilty of posting the same pic in the gallery and again in a thread...not often, but I have done it.
I don't think it's rude to bump your own post, your looking for help or answers right...I love it when there are pictures to illustrate something for me, I'm a visual person, so seeing what someone is talking about is usually more helpfull than a lengthy discription. I've never heard the cake diva comment either, but I'm new here...I think someone who post a picture is only trying to help someone out, not force their methods or ideas down anyones throat, or say their way is the ONLY way. I have PM'd people on odd ball topics or reasons and SO FAR I've been treated so nicely, and always gotten a reply. (I saw a lady's name on here and she was on a food network cake show. So I PM'd her and said "I think I saw you on tv!!" and fired like 10 questions at her about competing in a large competition and she was so nice she PM'd me back...even though I was a random stranger asking questions not related to any threads, just the fact that I had seen her name and remembered it from tv...) I think overall it's a very friendly site, but you gotta remember, we're dealing with THOUSANDS of people from all over the world, your bound to catch someone on a bad day once and a while. There, that's my two bits...
P.S you can PM me anytime...I'm like my grandma, I'll talk to anyone and everyone...LOL
My answers to your questions would be exactly like Feefs' answers.
I don't think it's at all rude to post one's own pics in the forums. Whether it's to answer a question, or to add "illustration" to a topic. Ex. "Look at my cake complaint" or whatever.
I've bumped my own questions several times. Who cares? As long as it gets their attention.
I've pm'd people here on CC a few times, and haven't gotten a response. But I figure that's probably because they aren't logged on very often, and when they do get back on, they probably figure I've gotten the answer I needed, or it's too late to answer, or whatever. I don't think they're trying to be rude.
As for the "cake diva" thing, I hadn't heard of that one. Of course, in any venue, personal or public--there's all kinds. Just the same here. There are people in every walk of life who think their's is better and more professional, etc.
There's a couple of people who post here who always leave me shaking my head. One for being "snooty," one for always having the "correct" answer, and one for being a downright b!+@h. Those people I don't respond to in a forum, and I've never had contact me on a pm.
But as far as everything else, I think you're probably fine! 
Great questions, by the way!
--Knox--
Hi Karen, I've only been here a short time but I wanted to add my two cents.
I don't think it's rude to bump your own posts. I've done it. There are so many people here and so many posts that you can get lost in the shuffle.
I love to read the post with attatchments. sometimes that's the only reason I go to that post. I don't know the "rules" about pictures but I'm not the Moderator 
so post as many pictures as you like.
As far as PM I would answer anyone that PM'd me. I've been fortunate to only encounter nice people on this site. 
But then you have to remember there are alot of people on this site from all over. And manners & attitudes vary especially with a large group. Everyone can't be peaches & cream. But then everyone can't be vinegar & oil either.
Just don't take it personal if people don't respond to your PM, there are plenty of others on this site that are willing to help.
I don't think it rude to bump your own post. Sometimes you're in a panic for an answer and don't want the post to go down the list and not be up front for the most exposure, and hopefully, an answer.
About sending PM's. If a person doesn't want to receive private messages the PM can be blocked. Of course, now the person wanting to send a message is upset. I see it as a catch 22. But, if you do get one through, it would be nice for the receiver to answer, but again, it really is that person's choice. All in all, you have to take it one experience at a time. Some good and some not so good.
Pictures, post 'em where you wish. They are for us to look at, comment on, and hopefully, use as ideas. Sometimes, the person posting is looking for assistance, and sometimes a bit of bragging. Why not?
For me, I'm here to enjoy all the beautiful work, get a laugh now and again and with any luck, learn a thing or two along the way.
Enjoy the process.
Well I am guilty of not pm'ing someone but thats because I couldnt figure out how to. I still dont know how to lol as for pics I love seeing them so I can visualize it without going to the gallery (call me lazy) 
lol I dont mind pm's at all. I think bumping yourself is fine sometimes people need an answer NOW lol and hopefully someon logging on later can help them out so if the post gets burried the poor person cant get an answer. Well hope someone here can help me with the pm'ing thing lol
I agree that it's difficult to know how to 'behave' on a forum where you don't see each other's faces which is a large part of how we communicate.
I personally think photos to illustrate posts are brilliant and I really learn from people talking about a technique and posting a picture to say, but I also read that post about being a 'cake diva' so now I'm very wary of doing it.
I don't have a problem with people bumping their own posts.
I get quite a lot of PMs and always respond to them - but it may only be once a week on my day off, so there is sometimes a delay. Pretty much all the posts I get are not related to a thread I've posted in - they tend to ask about techniques and I try and give a helpful answer where I can.
I hope that if people mean well when writing a post then that will come across. I think this forum does well to be supportive and helpful and I try very hard to fit in with that ethos.
Personally, I like it better when some is talking about a cake or object and they post the picture in the forum. I don't like to go digging in the gallery for the picture.
I never understood what the bump thing was until you asked your question. But now that I understand what it is about, it might be neccesary for them to do that to get thier question answered.
I guess I never really understood the 'bumping' part.
Also agree with the oil/vinegar part too as I've upset one in the past.
Cake Diva....ha, ha! I'm visual too, so I appreciate when someone posts pics or diagrams. And we should ALL be proud of what we do. Some baking is better than others and that's cool too!
As far as PM'ing, not to be confused with PMS'ing, I've done this with topic/off topic. Whether I ever meet some of these people or not, you form a bond with them.
I just love this site and hope we all just come on to learn, admire, congrat, and lean on!
Thanks, now I'll get off my soap box!
I know I've been guilty of not responding to 2 pm's. In my defense, I'm kind of computer illiterate and I wasn't sure about how to (I now know how easy it is!) Once I figured it out, I thought it was too late to respond......but now I know and try to respond to every PM.
As for the cake diva thing...I think it's great when people post pictures especially when I've asked a question about something. I find that I'm a very visual person and I appreciate seeing those pics! I don't feel like that is being a 'diva' at all!
I've bumped my own posts before and I don't have aproblem with anyone else doing it!
Just my 2 cents!
Personally, I like it better when some is talking about a cake or object and they post the picture in the forum. I don't like to go digging in the gallery for the picture.
Me too! Because I'm usually sneaking in here when I'm suppose to be working my day job and it's just nice to have "the whole picture" in front of me when I'm reading a post. Not only do I think it's "not rude" to post the pic in the comments, but I find it actually pretty darn courteous as a time saver to all of us who are very very busy, whether we're at our day job, working in our shop, chasing 2 kids with cakes in the oven or whatever!
I think everyone in here is pretty awesome, helpful and anxious to share knowledge and skills learned with others who have the same love and passion for cakes and cookies.
Hi Karen,
Please keep in mind that what I'm about to type is just my own opinion. Nothing more, nothing less.
1. I don't feel that it is rude to BUMP your own post. When we need help, we need to ask for it. Sometimes we need to ask more than once in order to get it.
2. I have seen posts where someone has asked for help with a particular cake or perhaps had a battle with getting a cake turn out up to their standards and then posting the picture of the finished cake at the end of the post. I like it actually. Especially if I have been keeping up with that post. As for posting it in the forum to just show your latest creation; it doesn't bother me either. I guess it could be considered redundant, but I don't think it's Cake Divaish.
3. Posting a picture in order to help illustrate your directions; priceless.
Posting a picture that is off topic to just show what you've done; could
be considered "Cake Divaish".
4. I don't see the problem with PMing a person with a request not connected to any particular thread. I am bias though because I've only had interactions with wonderful people on this site. Sorry about your bad experience.
6. I have only had good experiences with this topic too. I have always had a timely and pleasant reply to the PMs I've sent. I also do my best to reply to the ones I've received in a timely and pleasant manner. I try to keep in mind that as inconceivable as it is, not everyone is like me and on this site several times a day for hours at a time. Perhaps there are people out there that don't visit this site even on a regular basis. 
Maybe by the time they check the site, they feel that you've probably figured it out by then since it's been so long.
Rember, this is jmho.
KM
Just my 2 cents, on the cake diva, if we are asking for other's opinions on a technique, well then what is the difference between just posting a reply, and posting a reply with a picture?
If you think you know an answer and respond with an answer, that should make you a cake diva too, should it not? Knwo what I mean? If you are good enough to respond, then why not through a pic in there?
***Sigh*** I guess that makes us all cake diva's!
Karen,
I say do what you want unless it's blatently offensive or intentionally cruel.
This is a break away from real life! Let's lighten up and enjoy ourselves!
And hey, if it gets out of line, thats why we have mods who have reservations about locking threads!
Ive been a member for a year now, and there are a few things I still dont get here on CC. If someone can help me out, I will be very grateful.
1. Is it considered rude/impolite for a member to BUMP his/her own post?
2. Is it considered incorrect to post pictures of my cakes in the Cake Decorating Forum, but correct to post them only in the galleries?
3. If I answer a query, and add pictures of my own to help illustrate my answer, is that rude and snooty? (One thread said that people who do that are Cake Divas). I honestly think, if it helps clear a doubt, then why not? I would be happy if somebody showed me a new technique/style with the help of a picture.
4. Is it Ok to PM a person with a request not connected to any particular thread? (I once got a curt response from a CC member, and I do not think my question warranted that)
5. Also, if I PM somebody, isnt it only polite for them to reply, even if it is a one-liner?
Thanks for taking the time to read this,
Karen
I'll give you the official opinion of CC staff on these items.
1. BUMPing is ok if you have not received the help you need and a number of hours have passed. Bumping every 15 minutes because you feel you must have an answer right now is not ok as your thread is no more entitled to appear at the top of the list than any other post.
2. Please try not to post pics in the forum if you already have them in the gallery, use a link as someone suggested. Remember that while it may be convenient for you, uploading more copies of pics just puts more load on the server and takes up more storage space.
3. There is nothing wrong with using your own pics to illustrate a point. After all, you don't have permission to post other people's pics, so how else are you to illustrate the example.
4. It is ok to PM any member with a legitimate question. Not every person is going to be super helpful, but if someone gives you a rude response to a request for help, let them know how their response made you feel.
5. Not every member even knows how to use the PM system. If you don't get a response that could be the situation. Or they might be overwhelmed with PMs if it is a popular topic.
There you go, the official viewpoint of CC.
Wow!
Thank you, all of you, for responding so quickly with your views.
Now, why didn't I think of asking these questions before, instead of wondering whether what I was doing was right or wrong? I feel much more comfortable now.
Heath, thank you for giving us the official CC view-point. I won't be posting pictures in the forums now, but will be posting links instead.
I just did not think of the impact on the server and on storage space.
Once again,
Thank you, everyone,
Karen
regarding PMs: not everyone is as nuts as we are - some don't check in for days, some seem to have vanished off the site. I always try to check their posts to see if they are still active before sending a PM. Maybe one of those is what happened to the unanswered PMs?
lol I once got a pm from someone but it was obviously sent to me by mistake as they had the right person's nic at the top of the msg I wanted to tell them that I got it by mistake but didnt know how to pm them lol
darcat, to reply to a PM, there is a reply box to click pretty much like there is here in the forum.
To send a PM, for instance to you right now, I'd
click on the PM box in your post, that would take me to a page that looks like a regular post, but will send a message to you.
The PM message will flash on your screen, and if you have your profile set up for it, you can get a message to your email notifying you of a PM.
Hope that helps a little. Janice
Hi Karen,
1.Nope...not rude to bump yourself!! You need a answer to a question and you want people to see the post!!
2.I've seen members post on both.Whatever...it doesn't bother me!!
3.It's not rude to use one of your pictures to get a point across or help someone!!
4.I don't think it is necessary for any member to PM someone to be rude or hurtful...not for any reason!!
5.Yes..it is only polite to respond to a PM only if it is to say Thanks etc...
Thanks all for taking the time to reply.
For me, I know that when I have spent long hours on a creation, I need validation and I need appreciation! Sounds childish doesn't it? But it is true for me. And if I post in the galleries alone, I know that within a few minutes, my post will dissappear, and will never be seen again.
But, I also understand CC's official view. With 57642 registered viewers as of today, storage space is at a premium.
Maybe, there could be a limit on the number of pictures each member could upload to their gallery and a limit on the file size? I have seen some files which are really really huge. Not necessary.
Also, in this way, everybody's gallery would be showing their best work, not every cake they ever created. Just my opinion and only that!
I was glad to read that BUMPing within reason is alright. I was too embarassed to do it before.
And I admit, I check on CC everyday, and not every member does that. So if Pms go unreplied, I am not going to let that bother me.
Thanks all,
Karen
I only bump myself if in urgent need of an answer. I usually am on late at night so I don't get much help anyway from bumping. I have PM a few people with ?? about there cakes and such and I have had a great response with my needs and am very greatful. I know everyone is as busy as I am. I always try to thank everyone that has helped me. If it were not for them I would not get my answers I need. I appreciate everyone on this site. You are all friends to me. And anyone who has any?? for me I will always answer to the best of my knowledge. I only post in galleries. If I want to share something I invite them to look at my photos in the gallery. Am I a Cake DivaNO do I need help YES that is why I love this site. Am I proud of what I do yes and sometimes I blow my own horn when proud. But I try not to go overboard. I try really hard not to abuse this site. After all this site is a GOD SEND. We all learn alot from here. This is only my opinion.
I've bumped myself on occasions when no one has replied, but sometimes that can be due to time delays as if it is evening here in England it could be middle of the night somewhere else and not many people on line. But I'm sure no one minds people 'bumping'!
I think Pming is good and if someone has put that they can be PM'd, then I think they should reply.
I replied to my PM (though I've only been PM'd once)!! and was quite excited to get one!!
cheers
Jan x
my question is if you read an answer from someone on a thread (not the original poster) and you want to comment or ask a question in relation to their answer is it ok to address them on thread or better to pm them? Also if I answer a question some one asks and include an experience of my own is that rude?
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