SpudFiles

Ok, here it is in a nut shell. As a result of this thread getting out of hand and locked, I decided to post my thoughts on this minor forum problem that pops up from time to time.

Old members, 500+ post count.

New members, 1 to 499 post count.

Old members know where to find just about any information here on the forums because they have seen it before and know where it's at.

New members haven't had a chance to see nearly as much information here on the forums and don't know where to find it because they haven't seen it yet.

Old members need to realize/remember this before using the dreaded search word.

New members need not be offended when a older member uses the dreaded search word.

Those are my thoughts on it.

Have a great day!

agree. if you found this forum to ask a simple question and are new to forums you would have made a topic about it.

so basically everybody needs to lighten up on new members when they ask questions that could have been prevented asking in the first place...

GOTCHA! :thumbup:

spudfarm wrote:agree. if you found this forum to ask a simple question and are new to forums you would have made a topic about it.

Well actually when I first came here I did a lot of searching before even posting....pimpmann22 was intimidating

With that thread jrrdw, we actually helped him... a lot. Before we even suggested he started searching because he just kept coming back for more. Even when I told him the low-down on Spudfiles... that you should learn it yourself because it's the best way... I even helped him with the questions he asked.

Then he just came out and insulted me like he had insulted Maniac. This guy was on a high-horse and thought he could get away with anything.

You see, if you keep giving new members information, they're going to think it's alright to keep asking for it. But as soon as you try and send them in the right direction, they get hostile.

I think it's better to just be firm from the start so you're not making them confused. Those who decide to leave, well that's their problem. The ones that stay, are usually good members 90% of the time.

So it's kind of a filtering system.

Yes, I read the thread and know he was helped. We need to come up with something that works both ways, that way we teach a man to fish so he can feed himself, instead of feeding him for a day.

There has to be a win win way. I just don't know what it is, yet.

jrrdw wrote:There has to be a win win way. I just don't know what it is, yet.

A section for newbies. They had one on Roguisci too.

New members are recommended to post in this section, they can ask any question they want, but they are warned that they may not get many answers because the question has probably been asked many times before.

So you can choose if you want to post and help them or not. If not, just leave the topic alone because it's not cluttering the main forum sections.

New members are not held to this section, they can post anywhere, but they are told that they should do a lot of research etc before posting in the main sections.

If they post a crap topic, just move it to the newbie section.

Problem solved.

What you guys did was fine, answer the questions and point him to the wiki/cannon showcase/search for next time.

Anyone who thinks having to write at at least a 5th grade grammar level is "uptight" is wrong for this forum, imo.

Mabye the "read before posting" sticky should be modified to list all these options.

You gotta be a serious noob to come on here and insult a mod.
I always respect what they write because for one thing they work for the site, other reason I've never noticed a mod give out bad or unsafe advice. 8)
BTW had to reply to something to see if my avatar went through.

EDIT: dang it didn't load. I'll figure it out later, gotta help someone move.

THUNDERLORD wrote:BTW had to reply to something to see if my avatar went through.

Doesn't look like it did

I remember kicking the idea around having newly registered members directed to the rules page, then letting them in to the forums. Maby direct them to a "How To Find What Your Looking For" page first.

Have a outline/table of contents of all the how to's, with links posted to make it easy for them. After all, most questions are asked because it's easier to ask then to search.

I don't see this thought/s a major problem, like I said it only happens from time to time. There just should be a better way then new members and old members taking pop shots at each other in post when it does happen. :dontknow:

jrrdw wrote:Have a outline/table of contents of all the how to's, with links posted to make it easy for them. After all, most questions are asked because it's easier to ask then to search.

I don't see this thought/s a major problem, like I said it only happens from time to time. There just should be a better way then new members and old members taking pop shots at each other in post when it does happen. :dontknow:

We kind've already have a topic like that, it was stickied too. Forgot the name because it was renamed to something else.

People still have the impression that forums are the places to ask things, which is true, but you have to draw a line somwhere. I still think they would'nt bother searching.

The only way to control them is have a dedicated section for them. Then everyone's happy and it should all work out.

I think it's a major problem, we lose quite a few members to our policies. No point just ignoring it. I'd like to give the dedicated section a go, anyone have any thoughts?

Your Spudfiles Experience Starts Here! section. Don't want to use "Water Cooler" Mega will come after us for copy rite infringment. N00b, will get ignored. It would have to be catchy, fun sounding to grab attention and draw the new members in and get them on the right track. Very interesting indeed.

Sorry but i think the 500+=Old member 1-499=New
Is complete BS.

Some members DO read the rules, they do post useful threads, just not as often.

Just a small thought of mine

BUt all the rest i totally agree

Sorry but i think the 500+=Old member 1-499=New
Is complete BS.

Where would you draw that line?

jrrdw wrote:

Sorry but i think the 500+=Old member 1-499=New
Is complete BS.

Where would you draw that line?

Thats very had to do.

You really cant rate someone on post count, but on accurate knowledge they give out and their internet personality.

Post count just shows how many posts you've posted, not on the quality of it. I wouldnt completely disagree, because as you post more, you essentially learn more. But, i really dont know where the line should be drawn.