Bungie.net Community
This topic has moved here: Subject: Let's teach people how to post right before they hit the forums.
  • Subject: Let's teach people how to post right before they hit the forums.
Subject: Let's teach people how to post right before they hit the forums.
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Many times we see some of our newer members on the forums come and just start posting spam or watch and enjoy the spam that older members post. This might be fun and dandy to spammers the rest of the community is becoming discourage. Many young members drag on the spam and post it in different ways. One place you see it often is the Halo 3 forum. You still get many topics like "Server 3 just opened!!!, How does the Master Chief Die?". This can become quit frustrating when you have like 3 of the same spam posts one the front page of the forums. I think that it is time for a minor however, useful change.

I think that from now on there should be an automatic message that comes with every account that joins bungie.net. This message would show the rules of the forums, the terms of use, the code of conduct, and I guide on how to post. The idea is to teach people the rules and how to use the forums and what may lurk there when you get to the forums. Now let's talk about the posting guide.

-To start off, the guide would teach people what a good post looks like and how to make one. It would show the proper way to link posts, indent, underline, etc. It would show an example of a good post and a bad one.

-Which leads to the part about spamming and how it is forbidden. By showing people how serious this can be early as right after they signed up I am confident that newer members will be able to enjoy the forums a lot more and they will be happier here.

-Then the post would explain flaming and trolling and how that can be torture.

In the initial release of this I think that every user (if possible) should get the message that way some of the newer users who are alreay here can read the message. I also think that the message should get straight to the points because a new member does not sit around reading long paragraphs of text.

I think that this message would help because it would slow down the ammount of forum spamming in the future and make bungie.net a better place.

[Edited on 08.02.2007 5:46 AM PDT]

  • 08.02.2007 5:46 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Hmm sounds good...
Another alternative to the message the members will get, there could be a page similar to the "Terms of Use" and "Code of Conduct" which appears at the bottom of each page.
This message or page could also have a list of other things too, such as how to join groups and what each of the forums should be used for.
I especially like the the whole "Good post" Bad post" idea, this could defiantly help the amount of unreadable posts.

  • 08.02.2007 6:05 AM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

And the Shadow fell upon the Land, and the World was riven stone from stone. The oceans fled, and the mountains were swallowed up, and the nations were scattered to the eight corners of the World. The moon was blood, and the sun was as ashes. The seas boiled, and the living envied the dead. All was shattered, and all but memory lost, and one memory above all others, of him who brought the Shadow and the Breaking of the World. And him they named Dragon.

This sounds like a good idea, but I'm afraid that most users probably won't read it.

EDIT: Typo

[Edited on 08.02.2007 6:26 AM PDT]

  • 08.02.2007 6:25 AM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Posted by: Qbix89
This sounds like a good idea, but I'm afraid that most users probably won't read it.

Which is why it would need to be in a nice little package. The layout would need to be condensed. If the whole message was too big, then no one would read it. I will post an example of the message to night when I return home. Until then, see you all tonight.

  • 08.02.2007 6:32 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posting and you

Heh I had to. I do like the idea but I don't think its the one way to solve the problem. I think it's going to take more than one solution.

  • 08.02.2007 6:35 AM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Destinypedia - The Wiki for Bungie's Destiny
Posted by: DEATHPIMP72
Anyone but Foman. He smells like cheese.

Posted by: Qbix89
This sounds like a good idea, but I'm afraid that most users probably won't read it.
I agree with Qbix. Sadly, users don't read the stickies now, and they would not read a page that simply looks like another "obstacle" to them posting as quickly as possible.

Except for those of us who happen to enjoy reading contracts and such, I doubt that you read End User Licensing Agreements when installing software -- right? You want to just use the software as fast as possible and you've seen these kinds of things 1000 times before. Well that's the same idea, I think.

It also seems like this kind of thing would be too little, too late. There are already 500,000-and-growing active members here, and they already have their own posting culture and style. This idea would essentially be telling a new user that he or she should obey certain norms, and then setting him or her loose into a forum where he or she is immediately bombarded with thousands of posts that, for the most part, completely ignore those norms.

The better idea is to change the posting culture of the busier forums by fixing to any extent possible the problems with the current users and forums. New users would then conform to the better culture inherent in the forums that they visit first. This would, in my opinion, be much more effective than having a generic introduction that most new users would skip over as quickly as possible.

  • 08.02.2007 7:07 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: x Foman123 x
I agree with Qbix. Sadly, users don't read the stickies now, and they would not read a page that simply looks like another "obstacle" to them posting as quickly as possible.

Except for those of us who happen to enjoy reading contracts and such, I doubt that you read End User Licensing Agreements when installing software -- right? You want to just use the software as fast as possible and you've seen these kinds of things 1000 times before. Well that's the same idea, I think.

It also seems like this kind of thing would be too little, too late. There are already 500,000-and-growing active members here, and they already have their own posting culture and style. This idea would essentially be telling a new user that he or she should obey certain norms, and then setting him or her loose into a forum where he or she is immediately bombarded with thousands of posts that, for the most part, completely ignore those norms.

The better idea is to change the posting culture of the busier forums by fixing to any extent possible the problems with the current users and forums. New users would then conform to the better culture inherent in the forums that they visit first. This would, in my opinion, be much more effective than having a generic introduction that most new users would skip over as quickly as possible.

while your are rite about the part where its too little too late, this idea may not be a bad one (my words not yours) the part where you said
The better idea is to change the posting culture of the busier forums by fixing to any extent possible the problems with the current users and forums. New users would then conform to the better culture inherent in the forums that they visit first. This would, in my opinion, be much more effective than having a generic introduction that most new users would skip over as quickly as possible.
that's a good idea but then when the flood of new members join after that (assuming this is implemented before the release of halo 3), they will also need guidelines to go by and this message odmichael is suggesting could help the problem, it may not solve it completely it could still help non the less.
this problem with spammers and such cant be solved with one thing, it will need many different things to take care of it altogether and this i believe is a very good way to help it.

  • 08.02.2007 7:34 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: x Foman123 x
Posted by: Qbix89
This sounds like a good idea, but I'm afraid that most users probably won't read it.
I agree with Qbix. Sadly, users don't read the stickies now, and they would not read a page that simply looks like another "obstacle" to them posting as quickly as possible.

Except for those of us who happen to enjoy reading contracts and such, I doubt that you read End User Licensing Agreements when installing software -- right? You want to just use the software as fast as possible and you've seen these kinds of things 1000 times before. Well that's the same idea, I think.

It also seems like this kind of thing would be too little, too late. There are already 500,000-and-growing active members here, and they already have their own posting culture and style. This idea would essentially be telling a new user that he or she should obey certain norms, and then setting him or her loose into a forum where he or she is immediately bombarded with thousands of posts that, for the most part, completely ignore those norms.

The better idea is to change the posting culture of the busier forums by fixing to any extent possible the problems with the current users and forums. New users would then conform to the better culture inherent in the forums that they visit first. This would, in my opinion, be much more effective than having a generic introduction that most new users would skip over as quickly as possible.
Unfortunantly, i concour. Many ppl will simply go headlong in the Forums, only to get pummled & flammed & blame it on us for not educating them. What we should have is a window tha comes up when ppl hit Submit that says:
"NOTICE: Don't be surprised if your post gets flammed & dies a very quick death. For more info on how to stop posting crappy stuff & repeat news, please refer to the Terms of Use and Code of Conduct."

  • 08.02.2007 7:53 AM PDT

Posted by: WolfmanMaverick
You people have just sent my sides into orbit. A bunch of MLG try hards sucking the dick of some supposed pro half the thread hasn't even heard of. Classic.

This could help, but I think all these threads about trying to help change the community are missing one vital thing. When these members hit the forums are you guys actually giving them the helping hand they need? So many times I wonder how many people come up with ideas but never even try to help a member out. By that I mean PM'ing them when they do something wrong and showing them the way in a nice manner. It goes a long way to a new member when another helps them out and shows them the ropes. Every idea I have glanced at so far has omitted this little gem.

It would be nice to have stickies or unseen systems to help out, but in the end it is all of our duties to help the newer guy realize how we do things and what is expected of them. If we are not willing to do that then none of the ideas we come up with will really make a difference.

Now I am not saying that anybody that has come up with an idea here has not helped people out but I was just throwing my two cents out there.

  • 08.02.2007 7:54 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Perhaps there should be a tutorial on how to post. Wether its a video or a page of writing, it should be made. New members can do damage to forums if they don't post correctly.

  • 08.02.2007 9:22 AM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

"Inside every cynical person is a disappointed idealist."
George Carlin

Perhaps all the people who flame new posters need to read the rules too.

  • 08.02.2007 2:14 PM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Posted by: GNS Shaman
Perhaps there should be a tutorial on how to post. Wether its a video or a page of writing, it should be made. New members can do damage to forums if they don't post correctly.

I am confused on the way you've worded your post because part of my topic is about a tutoral.

  • 08.02.2007 7:14 PM PDT

Reach is hot garbage.

Hmm... I'm going to put your words into action, Achilles. Well said.

  • 08.02.2007 8:28 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: BlueblurONE
Hmm... I'm going to put your words into action, Achilles. Well said.


Be forewarned. I've done this on a previous account (due to a suggestion from Recon) and sometimes the recipients of your suggestion are...less than happy that you decided to help them.

  • 08.02.2007 9:27 PM PDT

Posted by: WolfmanMaverick
You people have just sent my sides into orbit. A bunch of MLG try hards sucking the dick of some supposed pro half the thread hasn't even heard of. Classic.

Posted by: NinjAg
Posted by: BlueblurONE
Hmm... I'm going to put your words into action, Achilles. Well said.


Be forewarned. I've done this on a previous account (due to a suggestion from Recon) and sometimes the recipients of your suggestion are...less than happy that you decided to help them.

Well let them be less than happy. They can either take your advice or ignore it. Of course ignoring it could make them even less happy.

  • 08.02.2007 9:34 PM PDT

Reach is hot garbage.

I've messaged a few people in last hour or two and I haven't had anyone respond negatively. :)

  • 08.02.2007 9:44 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: Achilles1108
Posted by: NinjAg
Posted by: BlueblurONE
Hmm... I'm going to put your words into action, Achilles. Well said.


Be forewarned. I've done this on a previous account (due to a suggestion from Recon) and sometimes the recipients of your suggestion are...less than happy that you decided to help them.

Well let them be less than happy. They can either take your advice or ignore it. Of course ignoring it could make them even less happy.


My feelings weren't hurt when I got hate-mail. Like most members who get hate-mail, I laughed it off.

By the way, it's good to know you're not getting bad responses, Blue. =)

  • 08.02.2007 10:12 PM PDT

Everyone, before you post anywhere on Bungie.net. Please for the love of God, use correct grammar, dont type in ALL CAPS, try not to use 1337 to an extent, be polite, respect everyone's opinions, and most of all have fun.

  • 08.02.2007 11:49 PM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Posted by: Reiginko
Good to see at least somebody takes this place seriously

I am sincerely disappointed in everyone except JIMH. JIMH, have a gold star.


',:\ IF YA SAHMELLLL

Posted by: IMABBALLPLAYER
Everyone, before you post anywhere on Bungie.net. Please for the love of God, use correct grammar, dont type in ALL CAPS, try not to use 1337 to an extent, be polite, respect everyone's opinions, and most of all have fun.
SCR3W UR 0P1N1ONZ1111

  • 08.02.2007 11:52 PM PDT

Posted by: JesusismyHomey
Posted by: IMABBALLPLAYER
Everyone, before you post anywhere on Bungie.net. Please for the love of God, use correct grammar, dont type in ALL CAPS, try not to use 1337 to an extent, be polite, respect everyone's opinions, and most of all have fun.
SCR3W UR 0P1N1ONZ1111
*walks away from computer sobbing*

  • 08.03.2007 12:03 AM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

And the Shadow fell upon the Land, and the World was riven stone from stone. The oceans fled, and the mountains were swallowed up, and the nations were scattered to the eight corners of the World. The moon was blood, and the sun was as ashes. The seas boiled, and the living envied the dead. All was shattered, and all but memory lost, and one memory above all others, of him who brought the Shadow and the Breaking of the World. And him they named Dragon.

Posted by: Achilles1108
This could help, but I think all these threads about trying to help change the community are missing one vital thing. When these members hit the forums are you guys actually giving them the helping hand they need? So many times I wonder how many people come up with ideas but never even try to help a member out. By that I mean PM'ing them when they do something wrong and showing them the way in a nice manner. It goes a long way to a new member when another helps them out and shows them the ropes. Every idea I have glanced at so far has omitted this little gem.

It would be nice to have stickies or unseen systems to help out, but in the end it is all of our duties to help the newer guy realize how we do things and what is expected of them. If we are not willing to do that then none of the ideas we come up with will really make a difference.

Now I am not saying that anybody that has come up with an idea here has not helped people out but I was just throwing my two cents out there.



Actually Achilles, I try to help people all the time, but it seems as if we have too many members following my example. Cause the the usual reply are; ZOMG I GOT 5 MAILZ TELLING ME THIS, STOP ACTING LIKE U R A NINJA!!!
You get the point Achilles.

On the other hand though; When lots of people send pm's to people with improper threads, the creator of the thread will probably make a better thread next time.
EDIT: Typo etc.

(Sorry for the caps, but added it for an illusion of chaos and rage)

[Edited on 08.03.2007 4:56 PM PDT]

  • 08.03.2007 2:13 AM PDT