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Subject: Guide to Getting Started-Suggestions welcome
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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!

Okay, Let me start off with saying, I know I'm not the best guy in the world to write this, but since no one else has tried yet, I thought I could take a crack at it. This is pretty much an open letter to all new members, whether they joined yesterday, or two years ago but don't really know the ropes.

Dear New members,

I would like to welcome you to Bungie.net, and congratulate you on your great taste in Forums. The truth is, I couldn't be happier you joined up, and have taken interest in the 7th Column, and this community. But there is something I could be happier about, and that is the etiquette and maturity new members have. So I am writing this, in a hope that people can learn the rules a bit faster, and contribute quicker.
* Rules and CoC*
First, let's start with the Rules and Code of Conduct. I know reading these can be a drag, but so are people who don't know the rules.
* Moderators*
Now that we all have a basic understanding of the way things work here, let's work on how things work here. The rules and CoC are enforced by two groups, the Bungie online team, like our overlord, Achronos. Next, we have the Moderators. They are not what you'd call volunteers, but definitely not Employees. They don't get paid. They were selected after a long time of serving the community, and contributing in a positive way. You can find them all Here.

The Moderators have several tools in keeping the forums clean, and safe. They can lock, move, or delete inappropriate threads, and the can Ban or Blacklist inappropriate members. While the moderators deserve your respect, they don’t like suck ups. If you have something to report, report it, but don’t just PM them to try and get closer to them, they don’t like it.
* Basic Rules*
So, now you know who gets rid of the mess, but you need to know how to stop it from happening, too. There are several rules you can follow, and never have to be crossed or scolded by a Moderator, so that you never have to take a one-week vacation from the Forums.
* Don’t Spam. This seems simple, but a lot of things that don’t seem like Spam, are Spam. Replying to inappropriate threads is seen as spamming. Posting the same thread twice, is Spamming. Cross posting (posting the same thing in two forums) is spamming.
* Don’t Flame, or feed the trolls. If something says something stupid, good for them, they now look like a fool, but so can you. Don’t be mean, and don’t be quick to judge. Also, if you think a thread is going to be locked, than why reply to it? All you are doing is keeping it on top of the forums, and that’s not doing any good. Basically, just be nice, I know it’s hard; I have been mean, too, but just try and be the better member. Don’t stoop to their level.
* Spelling and Grammar; I am typing this in Microsoft word. Why? Because I want my spelling and grammar to be correct, so as to convey the message properly. Chances are, you have a spell check somewhere, either in Word or on your browser. Use it. Nothing makes you look worse than an inability to spell.
* Topics that are off limits; several topics are not allowed on b.net. First off is religion and politics, all they start are flame wars, and we don’t like those, do we? Next are things like Modders and Cheaters. You can report them at h2cheats@microsoft.com. Also, it’s best not to talk about Superbouncers, or things Like BXR. Another thing is unsubstantiated rumors. If you didn’t hear it from Bungie, don’t believe it.
* How to post*
All right, we know what to post, and the forums tells us where, let’s talk about how. If you have something you want to say, go ahead and say it. However, make sure you do it right. When you click that handy reply button, there are several things you should look at. First is the Body, that’s where you type what you want to say.
* The quote button; this little guy will take everything the person you are replying to said, and put it in your post, even what he quoted, if he did.
* The Cancel button, it’s pretty simple, it just cancels your reply altogether.
* The Preview button, which shows you what your post will look like. I suggest using it, it will show you if your links and markups work or not.
Wait a minute. What are markups? Well, they help you enhance what you are saying. No, I’m not talking smiley faces; I’m talking Bold, underline, italics, etc. Next time you make a post, just look to the right, and there is a fancy guide to them all.
* So we Finally got to the last button, “submit”. It’s pretty simple; it posts your reply. Just remember to preview and spell check first.

* Private Messaging*
So, you want to talk to somebody. But you don't want to adress them in the Main forum? Well, you're in luck, because B.net has a handy messaging system.You have two options to find, and PM a member. Instead of clicking the reply button, you can click Msg User, or, you can go to their profile and select it. Pming is basically like posting a reply, only that user is the only one who will get it. After you click msg user, preview it, cancel it, or submit it. Notice the lack of a quote button, If you want to do that, you're gonna use the markups. Yes, you can still use the markups in a PM, there is just no fancy box showing you what they are.

If you are on the recieving end of a PM, then a gray envelope will appear up top on you browser, near the My settings area. Just click on this, and it will send you to your inbox.

* Groups*
All right, it’s time to talk groups. Groups are like mini-forums you can set up and control. There is all ready a wide variety groups in existence, so I suggest joining one you might be interested in, and see what they’re like. Or maybe you want to create your own? That’s simple, click on “My groups” and then click “Create new group”, if you get stuck, just consult this guide.

Bungie does not control groups; rarely will they intervene on a Group related problem. So you are pretty much on your own when it comes to them. If you are creating a group, make sure you have well-thought out rules, and if your joining one. Make sure you follow theirs. Usually the same etiquette applies in groups as in the forums, but there is the occasional group where you can do whatever you want, aside from breach the Terms of use or CoC.

So, we have covered moderators, rules, groups, and post. There isn’t a lot left, but there still is some. If you need help, someone will give it. You can start by PMing me, I don’t mind. I will answer what I can, or at least send you in the right direction. Or, you can just read the stickies and look around; the answer is somewhere.

Okay, one last piece of advise, and then I’m out. Just have fun, be nice, and respect those around you. Don’t go looking for trouble, and it probably won’t look for you. If you have a question, ask it. The worst that can happen is someone gives you an answer. Don’t be afraid to jump in, but make sure the water is deep enough, first.

Sincerely,
Rainman89.


[Edited on 7/30/2006]

  • 07.29.2006 9:44 AM PDT
Subject: New meber inquire within.

*Sgt

You spelled tru7th wrong :D
But, how do you think we could actually make the new members read it?

  • 07.29.2006 9:48 AM PDT
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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!

Idk, I ws just bored. I can't get that dang CoC link to work.Edit- Got it!

[Edited on 7/29/2006]

  • 07.29.2006 9:50 AM PDT

Devil is Double is Deuce and Joker always trumps Deuce.

You have to imagine that you're writing this for a 5 year old with the attention span of a goldfish. Short, simple, gets the point across. You did a damn fine job writing all that, but if you really want to get people to read it, it should be short.

  • 07.29.2006 9:50 AM PDT
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"Whatever exists, whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent. These anonymous creatures may seem little or nothing in the world. Yet the smallest crumb can devour us. Any smallest thing beneath yon rock out of men's knowing. Only nature can enslave man and only when the existence of each last entity is routed out and made to stand naked before him will he be properly suzerain of the earth."

Bullet points man. Bullet points.

And I would agree that it would be best to shorten it. Then we would have to find a method of getting it out to the people. I think the latter part is going to be more difficult...

  • 07.29.2006 10:47 AM PDT
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The Frontline - A group dedicated to help improve the forums as a whole.

Yeah, add double paragraphs to make it more manageable.

  • 07.29.2006 10:53 AM PDT
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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!

I origannaly had an easier to read version, but it got delted, stupid self.

  • 07.29.2006 11:30 AM PDT
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Perhaps illustrations involving cartoons?

[Edited on 7/29/2006]

  • 07.29.2006 11:32 AM PDT
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Yeah, they need pictures. I know I needed.

  • 07.29.2006 11:56 AM PDT
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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!

I don;t have the ability to do pictures, but I am considering doing a how-to documentary.

  • 07.29.2006 1:59 PM PDT

Meh...that works just as well as the stickies do now. And we know how those are...

  • 07.29.2006 2:02 PM PDT
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Posted by: MCs Brother
You have to imagine that you're writing this for a 5 year old with the attention span of a goldfish. Short, simple, gets the point across. You did a damn fine job writing all that, but if you really want to get people to read it, it should be short.


Yeah I just skipped over it...Then again, I'm not new.

  • 07.29.2006 2:13 PM PDT
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"Whatever exists, whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent. These anonymous creatures may seem little or nothing in the world. Yet the smallest crumb can devour us. Any smallest thing beneath yon rock out of men's knowing. Only nature can enslave man and only when the existence of each last entity is routed out and made to stand naked before him will he be properly suzerain of the earth."

The current version is much more ordered, but I think it could be more ordered. You now have it seperated into sections, and I think the only thing you would need to do would be to label each section in bold print, so that anyone can immediately find what they are looking for.

There are a few spelling/grammar errors (even though you wrote it in Word), but that's not too important. That can be fixed quickly.

Now that I have taken a good look at it, I don't think there is any way to shorten it without destroying the content, which is important. What I think you would need to do would be to add another section or two on anything that could be considered important, for instance, hyperlinks. You might then add an FAQ, and for a rules section update, you should address the following:

Correct forums to post in
PMs
(Optional) Complaints

Other than those changes, I think you deserve a congrats for writing a reasonably good "Getting Started" guide.

  • 07.29.2006 2:42 PM PDT
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Posted by: MCs Brother
You have to imagine that you're writing this for a 5 year old with the attention span of a goldfish. Short, simple, gets the point across. You did a damn fine job writing all that, but if you really want to get people to read it, it should be short.

  • 07.29.2006 3:17 PM PDT
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News? Podcasts? Machinima? Active forums? Competitions? Jaffa Cakes!? OMG!
Thee Warriors!

Best. Mod. Ever.

Thats fairly good Rainman. I think we should hand feed every word (each being covered in Cyanide) to new members, just so they get the message.

  • 07.29.2006 3:39 PM PDT
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The Frozen Minority - The most infamous clan borne from the Seventh Column.

Perhaps you could simply have a summary at the top. The short version with bullet points, then an extended version if people need to know details.

  • 07.29.2006 4:24 PM PDT
Subject: Guide to Getting Started
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Posted by: mr poopoo232
its like a large force of win going through fusion, thus creating a chain reaction of a huge asplosion of win destroying any fail within its awesomeness.

I made one of these eons ago. It has a visual guide included. Other than that, a applaud you.

[Edited on 7/29/2006]

  • 07.29.2006 4:35 PM PDT
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Shorten it up. I know I wouldn't read that if I was new.

  • 07.29.2006 4:58 PM PDT
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How about you change the title to HALO 3? That would at least get the target audience in here...

  • 07.30.2006 1:13 AM PDT
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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: Snap Dragon
How about you change the title to HALO 3? That would at least get the target audience in here...


I would, but I am trying to stop the misinformation, not create it.

  • 07.30.2006 4:45 AM PDT
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That's way too long, most people will skip it. Perhaps a short flash cartoon explaining the rules. That way you cant skip it till it's played :P.

  • 07.30.2006 4:59 AM PDT
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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!

I really don't know where I could shorten it. Suggestions?

  • 07.30.2006 9:15 AM PDT
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News? Podcasts? Machinima? Active forums? Competitions? Jaffa Cakes!? OMG!
Thee Warriors!

Best. Mod. Ever.

How about getting each of your main points bullet pointed and numbering them and giving fuller explanations of each one below if the reader wants to learn more?

  • 07.30.2006 11:25 AM PDT
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KOTOR | The WarriorsI'll chain you to the truth for the truth shall set you free
I'll turn the screws of vengeance and bury you with honesty
I'll make all your dreams come to life, then slay them as quickly as they came

Despite it's length issues, it's a very nice guide. I'd skim through it a few more times to correct your small typos and comma splices, as I encountered a few. Also, I'd make a few page breaks in there to make it easier to read.

  • 07.30.2006 12:25 PM PDT
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It is a good guide but as most people dont even read the stickys i doubt it would have an impact. sadly.

  • 07.30.2006 2:39 PM PDT

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