Solving the "Generic Thread" problem.

[sjpetry]

____I have always seen people complaining about this, but it has been more pronounced recently. Their have even been thread on it (and here's another one).

My idea is when you post your first thread on MacRumors a page will come up asking you several question.

Something like this:

1.) Thousands of people come and ask questions on MacRumors, your question many have been asked before. Please use the Search Thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/search.php?) option.

2.) Have you tried a simple search to find the answer to your question on Google (http://www.google.com/)? Most answers can be found there.

3.) After you have done numbers 1 and 2 and have had no avail please post a thread and our members will be more than than happy to help you.

4.) When you post a thread please use specific terms such as "Cannot open System Preferences" or "Cannot shut off iMac G5" and not "Noobie" or "Question".

5.) Thank You for visiting MacRumors.


I think this will cut down on the "Generic Thread" problem that I see people complaining about. I also apologize if this idea has been mentioned before (Been too busy enjoying life...). :)

[mad jew]

That's a really cool idea. We'd have to make sure it wasn't too much of a turn off though because it's intimidating enough already joining a community like this.

[sjpetry]

That's a really cool idea. We'd have to make sure it wasn't too much of a turn off though because it's intimidating enough already joining a community like this.
Agreed, but it doesn't have to be exactly like mine. It just needs to include:

1. Please Search Thread

2. Please use a specific title.

Or something of the sort.

[mad jew]

Nah, I actually like your original. But it might need to be condensed just a little to make sure they read it. That second one is probably spot on.

[sjpetry]

Nah, I actually like your original. But it might need to be condensed just a little to make sure they read it. That second one is probably spot on.
Thank You. I bet some other members will have some great ideas that will help. And I also hope this can be put in place before the next major event, to stop questions like "PowerBook G5s At WWDC?!" or "Should I wait?". :cool:

[Lacero]

____I have always seen people complaining about this, but it has been more pronounced recently. Their have even been thread on it (and here's another one).

My idea is when you post your first thread on MacRumors a page will come up asking you several question.
My idea involves the "PERM BAN" button. Just a thought to a viable solution.

[sjpetry]

My idea involves the "PERM BAN" button. Just a thought to a viable solution.
Might just be a tad bite to intimidating. :p

And there is already the "Report Bad Post" button.

[atszyman]

A thought I had, although it might cause some confusion would be to allow users to edit the title of their thread. That way hopefully when a new thread pops up with a generic title someone could ask them to "please change the title of this thread to 'specific problem.'"

This would be mildly confusing when the thread first pops up and the title changes but should only happen for the first 2-3 posts. It might also help when multiple threads get started on the same topic. The title could be changed to "wasteland this please" by the original author which would save a bit of searching for our mods.

Of course there are probably good reasons to keep the thread titles static that I am not thinking of.

[sjpetry]

A thought I had, although it might cause some confusion would be to allow users to edit the title of their thread. That way hopefully when a new thread pops up with a generic title someone could ask them to "please change the title of this thread to 'specific problem.'"

This would be mildly confusing when the thread first pops up and the title changes but should only happen for the first 2-3 posts. It might also help when multiple threads get started on the same topic. The title could be changed to "wasteland this please" by the original author which would save a bit of searching for our mods.

Of course there are probably good reasons to keep the thread titles static that I am not thinking of.
I understand what you are saying, but my idea would stop any confusion from happening.

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says....I think it is a great idea and I hope it is something that can easily be implemented. I would even go further and not have it as just a first new topic but for every new topic whilst in "newbie" status. One reminder is frequently not enough for a lot of people.

I understand the concerns about "turning off" new users here but as the board grows the problem continually gets worse and that turns off those of us that have been around a while, those that are more likely to help the newbies. We need the veterans to stick around and I know I am not the only one that is getting frustrated with the excessive repetition and visiting here less often than I used to....oh yeah!

[homerjward]

there should be a warning that anyone who posts a generic thread title gets insta-banned™ by edesignuk:D that should keep any offenders at bay!

[sjpetry]

there should be a warning that anyone who posts a generic thread title gets insta-banned™ by edesignuk:D that should keep any offenders at bay!
Or our old friend could be holding our rule sheet. ;)

[Diatribe]

I think this would be a great idea. Newbie status lasts how long, 20 posts? I think that would be sufficient, though we still have regulars that post a lot of generic stuff. I would even put up with every1 getting this message on the next 20 posts, including myself, if this rids us of this problem.
I'm saying this, as I think that this is a problem not only of the newbies but also of other people and a nice little reminder wouldn't be bad.
Anyway, great idea.

Edit: Words missing... I shouldn't be writing stuff in the morning... :rolleyes:

[sjpetry]

I would even put with every1 getting this message on the next 20 posts, including myself, if this rids of this problem.
I think this would work. Then after the time period (~one month~) only noobies will see the message.

By the way noobie status lasts for 30 posts (I was there for a long time :o ).


If you have any ideas please mention them.

And later today hopefully some Mods will have some input. :)

[Platform]

Good idea.......use it ;)

[wrldwzrd89]

I like this idea. This will make my (self-appointed) job as a helper around here that much easier.

[dotdotdot]

Only for the first thread? How about for every thread that someone makes in a certain forum section - like, in community discussion, nothing comes up, but in Mac Basics or Help, it does every time.

[Diatribe]

Only for the first thread? How about for every thread that someone makes in a certain forum section - like, in community discussion, nothing comes up, but in Mac Basics or Help, it does every time.

You read the comments afterwards, right? Because this is where we agreed that this would be good for everyone for the next 10-20 posts and then during the entire newbie status. ;)
I think this would make the most sense.

[redeye be]

Only for the first thread? How about for every thread that someone makes in a certain forum section - like, in community discussion, nothing comes up, but in Mac Basics or Help, it does every time.
I follow you on this one.
The most generic thread titles do appear in the 'Mac Basics and Help' and 'Buying Tips, Advice and Discussion' discussions. There are probably other places where this happens, but these are the most obvious. In the 'community discussions' this generic problem doesn't really exist, or they die fast.
A difference in 'warning approach' could be in place

[Erendiox]

I like this idea and I think it should be put into practice. My only fear is that this will turn off the newbies to get past the "newbie" status. I remember being there for a long time and I think after 10 posts or so of seeing that message, I think I would have gotten the idea. Must we torment them through 30 posts?

just my .02 :)

[russed]

i think this is a good idea.

another possibility i would like to throw for discussion is a form of probation - when you have newbie status, if you wish to start a thread it must be passed by a mod before it can be posted. this may require a few more mods (maybe a special category of people who have been around a while with reduced powers - a bit like the mod mini but who are only able to pass the threads)

anyway, once you are beyond newbie status you can post without the initial process of being checked.

however, if you get a bit of a reputation of starting "powerbook g5" threads or other ones where the answer can be found so easily, you go back on probation for say the next 30 posts.

just my thoughts on this problem!

[Diatribe]

I like this idea and I think it should be put into practice. My only fear is that this will turn off the newbies to get past the "newbie" status. I remember being there for a long time and I think after 10 posts or so of seeing that message, I think I would have gotten the idea. Must we torment them through 30 posts?

just my .02 :)

It's only when they start threads, not when they post in a thread. So you can get past the newbie status without having to post 30 threads. :)

[asif786]

i think this is a good idea.

another possibility i would like to throw for discussion is a form of probation - when you have newbie status, if you wish to start a thread it must be passed by a mod before it can be posted. this may require a few more mods (maybe a special category of people who have been around a while with reduced powers - a bit like the mod mini but who are only able to pass the threads)

anyway, once you are beyond newbie status you can post without the initial process of being checked.

however, if you get a bit of a reputation of starting "powerbook g5" threads or other ones where the answer can be found so easily, you go back on probation for say the next 30 posts.

just my thoughts on this problem!

i like the idea of newbie posts being moderated, but i would be a bit concerned about the workload for them..

let's assume a newbie asks a silly question that's been asked a zillion times before. will the mod mini have to do a search for them and send them the url via pm or something?

in terms of the little message before you post (sjpetry) that's a great idea too. this is common in helpdesk software - you submit your ticket and it will give you a page of 5 q&a's that it thinks are relevant. if this doesnt answer your question, you can post the topic.

on that note, has anyone thought about setting up perhaps a tutorial section? people like me, who have no jobs would love to sit around making tutorials for others - would be kinda cool.

[mad jew]

let's assume a newbie asks a silly question that's been asked a zillion times before. will the mod mini have to do a search for them and send them the url via pm or something?


They could just post a generic "search the threads" reply. :)

[russed]

i like the idea of newbie posts being moderated, but i would be a bit concerned about the workload for them..

let's assume a newbie asks a silly question that's been asked a zillion times before. will the mod mini have to do a search for them and send them the url via pm or something?

in terms of the little message before you post (sjpetry) that's a great idea too. this is common in helpdesk software - you submit your ticket and it will give you a page of 5 q&a's that it thinks are relevant. if this doesnt answer your question, you can post the topic.

on that note, has anyone thought about setting up perhaps a tutorial section? people like me, who have no jobs would love to sit around making tutorials for others - would be kinda cool.

with regards to the work load - as i said, i think there would have to be more mod mini's made - just for doing this job - checking the threads that are started by the people that are on 'probation'.

i dont think that they would have to do a search for them so they could reply - there could be one or two standard responces that are set up i.e. do a seach - this is how you do it, or this topic is pointless, been discussed millions of times before etc.


with regards to the 5 questions before the thread is posted, it seems to remind me of microsoft help - does this work - y/n etc!

the idea of a q&a though is very good - plant it as a stick at the top of all areas - it would difinatly help.

[sjpetry]

On the idea of moderating people on "probation" I would be more than willing to do this anytime I am on.

These "Mods" would only have power to pass or decline threads.

I hope we can implement at least the page that come up to ask questions before WWDC.

[russed]

On the idea of moderating people on "probation" I would be more than willing to do this anytime I am on.

These "Mods" would only have power to pass or decline threads.

I hope we can implement at least the page that come up to ask questions before WWDC.

me also, im on pretty much all the time - especially when work is boring - like now (who wants to write an essay about bureaucracies for me?)

so are these ideas possible with the forum software?

and what would these mods be called? the thread police?

[atszyman]

I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade but I don't know that the instructions screen would accomplish much for the wave of new users that typically comes after an Apple event like WWDC.

How many people actually read the EULAs and various other warnings, disclaimers that appear when you are doing anything online? Most people scan the page quickly for the link that allows them to move on and will just click through the warning page in order to get their thread posted.

Not saying that the page isn't a good idea but I don't necessarily think it will miraculously solve the newbie posting waves.

[sjpetry]

me also, im on pretty much all the time - especially when work is boring - like now (who wants to write an essay about bureaucracies for me?)

so are these ideas possible with the forum software?

and what would these mods be called? the thread police?
What are you talking about bureaucracies is fun. :rolleyes: :p

Something like "thread police" but without the police in it. (Too intimating)

[sjpetry]

I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade but I don't know that the instructions screen would accomplish much for the wave of new users that typically comes after an Apple event like WWDC.

How many people actually read the EULAs and various other warnings, disclaimers that appear when you are doing anything online? Most people scan the page quickly for the link that allows them to move on and will just click through the warning page in order to get their thread posted.

Not saying that the page isn't a good idea but I don't necessarily think it will miraculously solve the newbie posting waves.
We could have them type in something like "I promise to search the forum".
And if doesn't work we can make them do it 10 times like in Middle School. :p

[russed]

We could have them type in something like "I promise to search the forum".
And if doesn't work we can make them do it 10 times like in Middle School. :p

and make sure every letter is in a different colour to ensure that they are thinking about what they are doing!


so are there any mods around to say what they think of our ideas?

[edesignuk]

Quite honestly I don't see it as a huge problem. Sure they do pop up here and there, but they're hardly taking over. Most people do give decent thread titles. As for those who don't, I am now mostly of the opinion that if people can't be bothered to describe something properly then I sure as hell can't be bothered to help.

[russed]

Quite honestly I don't see it as a huge problem. Sure they do pop up here and there, but they're hardly taking over. Most people do give decent thread titles. As for those who don't, I am now mostly of the opinion that if people can't be bothered to describe something properly then I sure as hell can't be bothered to help.

thats a fair point i suppose!

[Mechcozmo]

I did make this at one point, but it never got stickied. It could use some updating, true, but overall it is pretty useful and I still direct people there.

Linkety (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102527)

[sjpetry]

I did make this at one point, but it never got stickied. It could use some updating, true, but overall it is pretty useful and I still direct people there.

Linkety (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102527)
The only problem with that is how many noobies read it.
Something like that would be helpful if it poped up when you joined MacRumors.

[StarbucksSam]

My idea involves the "PERM BAN" button. Just a thought to a viable solution.

Amen. No I'm kidding. That's not fair.

[Armsreach]

Thank You. I bet some other members will have some great ideas that will help. And I also hope this can be put in place before the next major event, to stop questions like "PowerBook G5s At WWDC?!" or "Should I wait?". :cool:

SO, will there be powerbook G5's at the WWDC?!

/ducks flying tomatoes

[James Philp]

There seem to be a lot at the moment!
odd request (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=129450)
Is this a good deal? (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=129527)
Connection dropping (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=129201)
Why did they take this function away? (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=129442) - particularly annoying - what function!?
Download times? (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=129319)

[buryyourbrideau]

new ibooks next tuesday?

what do you recommend?

why do people need help from others to pick out a computer. if you need help picking out a computer then i dont really think you should even have one.

:confused: