Dentally Incorrect

Dentally Incorrect 

How Not To Behave on Online Forums


Rule #1: Quantity over quality. The number of posts you’ve made on the forum directly correlates with your level of expertise. At 2,000 total posts, your opinions are automatically valid, whether you’re qualified or not.

Rule #2: Remind newcomers of your seniority. Referencing famous threads from 10 years ago subtly establishes dominance and gatekeeps new users. Ensure they understand your account age trumps fresh perspectives.

Rule #3: Condescension is a meal best served slyly. Ask seemingly innocent questions at the right time to land a critical hit. A well-timed “How long have you been practicing?” can be a devastating blow.

Rule #4: Strength in numbers. Create multiple accounts and use them to agree with yourself or disagree with another in force. Remember to switch up your writing style and avoid an awkward case of self-aggrandizement.

Rule #5: The alma mat(t)er(s). Calling into question a dental school’s reputation is a perfect way to undermine someone’s credibility. Imply their school’s mascot is famously known as Melvin the Malpractice Manatee or suggest the school’s acceptance rate closely mirrors that of brothels.

Rule #6: Flaunt affiliations. Think credibility by association. Say—always flippantly—who you’ve met at some conference and how if that person were here, they would undoubtedly side with you. (The power of this tool increases if the person you reference has been dead for years.)

Rule #7: Opt for vague. Never offer specific critiques or suggestions for improvement. Use dismissive phrasing that implies incompetence without drawing direct ire from moderators. Use ambiguous terms like “interesting approach” and “unique technique” to create doubt in the original poster’s mind.

Humor with bite


Dentally Incorrect


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