Bungie.net Community
This topic has moved here: Subject: Well, this really needs to be done. (Forum Guidance)
  • Subject: Well, this really needs to be done. (Forum Guidance)
  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 2
  • of 2
Subject: Well, this really needs to be done. (Forum Guidance)
  •  | 
  • Exalted Mythic Member
  • gamertag: Rokitz
  • user homepage:

Want to know more about me? Check out my Community Joes interview.

Trying something once will increace your chances of success, because you tried it. Try someting twice, and your chances increase yet again - seeing as you've done it. Try something a few thousand times, and your chances of success is exponentially increased; this increase would likely provide success every time

Well, as of late, we have all noticed many differences in what forum contains what. Not to point any fingers, but it seems many are confused as to what forum to post what information in. So, I thought I would give it a shot at writing up a small little guide. And for the idea, I thank Gods Prophet, or at least I think it was him >_>.

The Content of Each Forum

-Universal Rules

--The Main Forums

The Halo 3 Forum
-Rules
This is a forum that contains most things Halo 3. From discussing the weapons to discussing the enemies. This forum is not however, a place for playlist discussions, advertising groups, or asking people to view a video, picture, or to play a map or gametype.

The Halo 3 Files Forum
-Rules (All the Files Forum's have the same rules).
This is a forum where you will be able to post your screenshots, videos, gametypes, game clips, and maps in Halo 3.

--Guide to posting a picture, video, gametype, game clip, or map
In your fileshare here on bungie.net, locate what you wish to post. Under the description of your map in that slot, there should be a link which says "publish to forums".

Optimatch Forum
-Rules
This is a forum where you are allowed to discuss the playlists in Halo 3/Halo 2 Matchmaking. Whether you love a playlist, hate a playlist, offer a solution to a problem in a playlist, ask others what their favorite playlist is, or just looking to see if there are any new playlists that may be uploaded.

Bungie General Forum
-Rules
This is a forum for old school Bungie. This forum is home for a bunch of old school gamers. This is a forum where you may talk about Gnop!, Minotaur, The Paths of Darkness, The Marathon Trilogy, Oni, Myth, or any other various old school classic Bungie game. This forum can also be used as a place to theorize what games Bungie will make in the future, as well as talk about Bungie Lore.

Bungie.Net Community Forum
This is a forum were you can discuss the site, other forums, the Seventh Column, workers, proposals for the site, Frankie, and can often times be seen as the 'Service Desk' of the site. And by that, I mean it can be used for help, during various situations like how to link your gamertag; or to explain the the Halo 3 ranking system is working properly. This forum is, however, is not for advertising chapters.

Off TopicForum: The Flood
-Rules
Just about anything and everything. This forum has just about everything in it, for stories to drawing. You can post just about anything in there. Do not post a thread with the title bannana, and the body being bannana; that's spam. Everything is allowed, except for spam, blogs, and Halo topics. You can ask questions, get guidance as to which game to buy, what system to buy, how many people it takes to screw in a light bulb, or asking people for help with some work; whether it be school or work....work.

--Other Forums

Halo 2 Forum

-Rules
This forum is to discuss anything and everything Halo 2. From discussing the story to finding the mystery of the skulls. Just don't advertise groups or post about matchmaking, that also belongs in the Optimatch Forum.

Halo 1 & 2 for PC
-Rules
This is forum where you can discuss anything and everything Halo 1 & 2 for PC. From help on how to set everything up, to asking if Halo 1 can be played on Vista. (Yes, it can.)

Halo Combat Evolved Forum
-Rules
This is a forum where you can discuss everything Halo Combat Evolved, Halo 1 for the Xbox.

The Gallery Forum
You can't make threads here. This is a forum where Bungie Employees share the joy of testing a game. In this forum you can view screwy pics to hilarious pics. Most well known for having caption contests with the zany pics.You can post a reply, but again, no posting threads.

The News Forum
Want to discuss the weekly update? This is the place. This forum is to discuss the weekly updates, and humpdays. Again, you can post a reply to a thread, but you cannot create any threads.

The Voting Booth
Yes, you are a lab rat. The voting booth contains various polls, asking various questions as to what your favorite matchmaking playlist is, to asking what your favorite map is. Again, you can post a reply and vote, but you cannot create any threads.

The Classifieds
-Rules
Ah, finally; THIS is the forum where you can advertise your groups or clans. You can also ask anyone if they want to party up an play some. As a warning, do not post a reply to any thread, if you have any questions about the thread, send the user who created the thread a Private Message.


Well, that's it. Un-doubtfully there are many things that can be fixed with this. But hey, I'm extremely bored, if you couldn't already tell. So, I guess the question is: questions, comments, concerns?

Thanks for reading,
~Rokit~


[Edited on 11.26.2007 2:20 PM PST]

  • 11.20.2007 11:44 AM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Mythic Member
  • gamertag: Rokitz
  • user homepage:

Want to know more about me? Check out my Community Joes interview.

Trying something once will increace your chances of success, because you tried it. Try someting twice, and your chances increase yet again - seeing as you've done it. Try something a few thousand times, and your chances of success is exponentially increased; this increase would likely provide success every time

Posted by: Xbot
This isn't needed at all.

Honestly, I don't see how this isn't needed. If you haven't noticed lately, there are Halo 3 topics in the Community and General Forum, advertising in the Community, and people complaining of the Ranking System in Halo 3 in just about every Forum, as well as many other things. How you can say this isn't needed, is beyond me. So, would you mind explaining?

[Edited on 11.20.2007 9:10 PM PST]

  • 11.20.2007 9:10 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

Add to the flood section that no Halo related threads should go there.

  • 11.20.2007 9:12 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Mythic Member
  • gamertag: Rokitz
  • user homepage:

Want to know more about me? Check out my Community Joes interview.

Trying something once will increace your chances of success, because you tried it. Try someting twice, and your chances increase yet again - seeing as you've done it. Try something a few thousand times, and your chances of success is exponentially increased; this increase would likely provide success every time

Posted by: JesusismyHomey
Add to the flood section that no Halo related threads should go there.

Just added it.

  • 11.20.2007 9:14 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: Rokit
Posted by: JesusismyHomey
Add to the flood section that no Halo related threads should go there.

Just added it.
Thanks. So many people haven't realized that yet, and it gets irksome.

  • 11.20.2007 9:17 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

The HCE section should state that its for the Xbox version of Halo 1.
Bungie General is also used for theorising on possible future Bungie games, not just past ones.

  • 11.20.2007 9:19 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Mythic Member
  • gamertag: Rokitz
  • user homepage:

Want to know more about me? Check out my Community Joes interview.

Trying something once will increace your chances of success, because you tried it. Try someting twice, and your chances increase yet again - seeing as you've done it. Try something a few thousand times, and your chances of success is exponentially increased; this increase would likely provide success every time

Posted by: dalmedya
The HCE section should state that its for the Xbox version of Halo 1.
Bungie General is also used for theorising on possible future Bungie games, not just past ones.

Alright, that is added as well. Mind you all, I'm really really expecting this to turn into anything; just trying to put up a 'rough draft' as to what may be used globally. That way, for the most part, mistakes as to where to post won't be made.

  • 11.20.2007 9:26 PM PDT

I remember when I used this space to put cool looking links to my chapters back in the day. I don't even know why I'm using it now. Why are you even reading this? You must be interested in me. Still reading?

This is actually very good. The descriptions could be a little bit better but overall it is good. I will post some things you might want to add, not huge things, of course, but minor little details.

  • 11.20.2007 9:49 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Legendary Member

"I wort wort wort you."

Good job Rokit.

:D

  • 11.20.2007 9:53 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Mythic Member
  • gamertag: Rokitz
  • user homepage:

Want to know more about me? Check out my Community Joes interview.

Trying something once will increace your chances of success, because you tried it. Try someting twice, and your chances increase yet again - seeing as you've done it. Try something a few thousand times, and your chances of success is exponentially increased; this increase would likely provide success every time

Thanks Mole and Recoil. =) The add ons would be great Recoil, as well as everyone else.

  • 11.20.2007 9:56 PM PDT

I remember when I used this space to put cool looking links to my chapters back in the day. I don't even know why I'm using it now. Why are you even reading this? You must be interested in me. Still reading?

Alright, here are a couple little things that could be changed:

#1
The Halo 3 Files Forum
This is a forum where you will be able to post your pictures, videos, gametypes, game clips, and maps.

This should look a little more like this:

The Halo 3 Files Forum
This is a forum where you will be able to post your screenshots, videos, gametypes, game clips, and maps in Halo 3.


#2
Bungie.Net Community Forum
This is a forum that discusses the site, the workers, proposals for the site, Frankie, and can often times be seen as the 'Service Desk' of the site. And by that, I mean it can be used for help, during various situations like how to link your gamertag; or to explain the the Halo 3 ranking system is working properly.

After a little tweaking....

Bungie.Net Community Forum
This is a forum were you can discuss the site, other forums, the Seventh Column, workers, proposals for the site, Frankie, and can often times be seen as the 'Service Desk' of the site. And by that, I mean it can be used for help, during various situations like how to link your gamertag; or to explain the the Halo 3 ranking system is working properly. This forum is, however, is not for advertising chapters.


Nothing major, just some little tweaks.

[Edited on 11.20.2007 10:04 PM PST]

  • 11.20.2007 10:02 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Mythic Member
  • gamertag: Rokitz
  • user homepage:

Want to know more about me? Check out my Community Joes interview.

Trying something once will increace your chances of success, because you tried it. Try someting twice, and your chances increase yet again - seeing as you've done it. Try something a few thousand times, and your chances of success is exponentially increased; this increase would likely provide success every time

It may be minor, but I like 'em. I'll go ahead and change them right now.

  • 11.20.2007 10:05 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Legendary Member

"I wort wort wort you."

Halo 3 Fourm

Warning!! Large amounts of spam and flameing!

>_>

  • 11.20.2007 10:17 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Not to mention huge amounts of whining and carping (especially about levels)...

  • 11.20.2007 11:05 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Thanks Rokit. I'm pretty new to the forums, so this is pretty helpful.

  • 11.20.2007 11:06 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Mythic Member

News? Podcasts? Machinima? Active forums? Competitions? Jaffa Cakes!? OMG!
Thee Warriors!

Best. Mod. Ever.

The forums are fine. The problem is the apparent lack of reading skills and directional awareness amongst many Halo 3 topic posters, with a convincing ability of posting in the wrong forums persistently leading me to suspect they may have once become lost in their own bathtub, or the Webmaster's cellar.
Maybe a simple shift in where the forums are listed would satisfy. Halo 3 to the top and sift out most of the cohort. It's always happened and always will. Now beceause of the sheer amount of people posting about it's increased.

  • 11.20.2007 11:07 PM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Read about the Forgotten Spartan I Program
Butane: To protect the world from devastation!
sir_brilliant: To unite all people within our nation!
Rainman89: To denounce the evils of truth and love!
sir_brilliant: To extend out reach to the stars above!
SpaceGhostFlyer: Jessie!
Butane: James!
sir_brilliant: Team Rocket blasting off at the speed of light
Butane: Surrender now or prepare to fight
sir_brilliant: Meowth, that's right!

Posted by: Ciaran
The forums are fine. The problem is the apparent lack of reading skills and directional awareness amongst many Halo 3 topic posters, with a convincing ability of posting in the wrong forums persistently leading me to suspect they may have once become lost in their own bathtub, or the Webmaster's cellar.
Maybe a simple shift in where the forums are listed would satisfy. Halo 3 to the top and sift out most of the cohort. It's always happened and always will. Now beceause of the sheer amount of people posting about it's increased.



I think you completly misinterpreted his post.

He's not saying the forums are bad, he's saying we need to put the descriptions back on.

  • 11.21.2007 6:02 AM PDT

You do know that in the big picture at the top it says what the forum is for right?

  • 11.21.2007 6:39 AM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Mythic Member
  • gamertag: Rokitz
  • user homepage:

Want to know more about me? Check out my Community Joes interview.

Trying something once will increace your chances of success, because you tried it. Try someting twice, and your chances increase yet again - seeing as you've done it. Try something a few thousand times, and your chances of success is exponentially increased; this increase would likely provide success every time

Posted by: Rainman89
Posted by: Ciaran
The forums are fine. The problem is the apparent lack of reading skills and directional awareness amongst many Halo 3 topic posters, with a convincing ability of posting in the wrong forums persistently leading me to suspect they may have once become lost in their own bathtub, or the Webmaster's cellar.
Maybe a simple shift in where the forums are listed would satisfy. Halo 3 to the top and sift out most of the cohort. It's always happened and always will. Now beceause of the sheer amount of people posting about it's increased.



I think you completly misinterpreted his post.

He's not saying the forums are bad, he's saying we need to put the descriptions back on.

That's pretty much the reason right there. Thanks Rainman.

Posted by: Smack Dat117
You do know that in the big picture at the top it says what the forum is for right?

Those can easily be misinterpreted. For example:

Bungie General Forum
-General Bungie Chat and Activities

That can literally be interpreted as 'Oh, well I want to talk about Halo 2, so I will post here', or 'I have a group, so I might as well put it here since it is an activity'. They can be misinterpreted, all of them.

They have an explanation right next to the forum link when you go to Community home which is right under the forum drop down list. Your argument is probably "well what if they don't look at that" which is fair. But what makes you think new members will come to THIS specific thread just to read the information of each forum? This is unnecessary.
True, that is very true indeed. However, those can be misinterpreted as well. For example, the floods 'Say your stupid things here', that is pretty much just begging for spam. Then, when someone does spam, they use the excuse that they posted something stupid, and that you could do that in the flood; due to the description. Then there is the Bungie Community, very vague, unless you know what the Seventh Column is about. Or, if you would like another example, the Bungie General. This one is more for lazy folks, what if they don't see the 'Other Public Forums' link? That would mean they see no Halo 2 forum, no Halo CE forum, no Halo 1&2 PC forum, and no classifieds. Thus, with the description being 'Discussions about anything and everything Bungie not covered by other forums', it is just begging for people to post just about anything in this forum.

I created this out of bordem, I admit; but none the less, this community needs it, especially at the moment. Every forum is having problem with threads being in the wrong places. If my memory serves me correct, which it most likely doesn't, it hasn't been this bad in quite a few years; three or so. And yes, this is most likely due to the influx of members, but this description of each forum can help each one of them. This is greatly needed, in all the forums, the minor descriptions are vague and can be interpreted any way you wish it to be.

  • 11.21.2007 3:09 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: Xbot
This isn't needed at all.


I actually used this (thanks Rokit) so people like me feel we need a little help getting around.

[Edited on 11.25.2007 1:53 PM PST]

  • 11.25.2007 1:53 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

It is about time there was someone who just came up with something to help with new Bungie.net members and their confusion with forums. I misplaced a forum without knowing it. Thank you Rokit!

  • 11.25.2007 2:04 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Mythic Member
  • gamertag: Rokitz
  • user homepage:

Want to know more about me? Check out my Community Joes interview.

Trying something once will increace your chances of success, because you tried it. Try someting twice, and your chances increase yet again - seeing as you've done it. Try something a few thousand times, and your chances of success is exponentially increased; this increase would likely provide success every time

Posted by: CHAZERHIHUAHUA
It is about time there was someone who just came up with something to help with new Bungie.net members and their confusion with forums. I misplaced a forum without knowing it. Thank you Rokit!

No problem Chaz, I'm glad I could help =)

  • 11.25.2007 2:57 PM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Legendary Member

This is a well-arranged thread, but I think that most people won't really find this until they're either blacklisted or already know what the forums do.
I would actually suggest that perhaps the Web Team should consider making the Forum description on the Forum listing page a little better.
Another suggestion along similar lines would be to make an "intro page" for each forum - that shows up the first time a user enters a forum - which shows, in bold, the purpose of the forum, lists the forum rules and links users to the ToS.

But I don't know. This is nice, and it's a good thread to redirect new users to, but threads like this are actually relatively common, and they normally die because it doesn't help stop or correct the influx of oblivious newcomers, spammers, and...well...idiots, into the forums.
Part of this is because topics like these have to be posted in the Community Forum - otherwise, they'll be off-topic, and it's quite hypocritical to have a guide thread that's breaking the rules.
But another part of this is because a lot of people just don't care. People who really genuinely want to know more about what's going on will be able to read the rule stickies, and those people just might benefit from a thread like this, but frankly, a lot of the "problem posters" out there just want to get out and post without being bothered by having to do something like reading some boring rules, let alone a guide. That fact doesn't translate to mean that everyone who has that mindset is a jerk, or that they won't last long, which is the problem. I didn't read the rules threads until months after I started actively posting (of course, it wasn't a problem for me since I have common sense and I didn't break any rules).
Anyway, the point that I'm trying to make is that this thread is helpful, but it likely won't change anything except for maybe a dozen people. Of course, if this becomes a sticky or something, the number of those who were helped. will grow, but it won't eliminate the problem.

Either way, I don't want to seem like I'm trying to bring the thread down (Hopefully, this is a rough draft, which is why I was commenting on the concept of the thread).

Rokit, you might want to add "no blogs" to the Flood section, and I'll also put it out there that you might want to consider creating links to the rules thread of each forum. Or, rather, even changing the link targets to direct users to the rules thread as opposed to the thread listing. Because, after all, users should read the rules before they're let loose in a forum. That's not very practical, but if we're trying to help via a side thread, then we might as well promote reading the forum rules and the ToS as well.

  • 11.25.2007 4:17 PM PDT

  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 2
  • of 2