Nich's Guide to Good Posting
Many complaints have been issued. The intolerable level of 'bad posts' must stop. Apart from mindless spamming, nothing is as atrocious as bad posting on the thread.
Problems/Causes + Solutions
1)One of the more basic problems of cases of poor posts is because the person in question is a newcomer, and is either lost in the many labyrinths of the Forums, or because they genuinely require help, and make multiple short posts/threads.
Solution: In both cases, just guide the newcomer along and he will eventually get used to our ways of Life in AG. Also, take pains to answer any of his/her questions adequately, so as to avoid further bafflement and pestering. Never bite the newcomers! They just need a little time to settle down and adjust. After all, you always need a strong foundation to build constructive and responsible users who will post excellent stuff.
2)The second problem that leads to unsatisfactory posts is often because the users never bother to look around for any possible previous topics. Often, they jump straight in and post what is on their minds before checking every place in an attempt to find solutions. Duplicate posts will appear.
Solution: Never ever holler and keep up a big fuss on the thread. Posting things such as 'Noob, there's a thread!' or 'Stupid spammer!' could possibly lead to a large scale flame war, and the loss of a potential good Forum Poster. If you think that it makes you look great and mature, then perhaps you should rethink the action. Has it done any good? Has it actually helped the person? Or has it aggravated a situation?
The best mode of operation, would be to link the thread to a suitable thread that has been made before, and then inform a moderator to help lock down a thread. Fastest, most efficient, and the least confrontational. The person will also be grateful that you bothered to help.
Also, DD's Forum Search will come in useful, so repeat threads will not be made.
3)A third common problem would be lack of reading the all important title and OP carefully. The best example would be the one mentioned by Cen before. The 'Favourite Pet' Thread. In reality, it was a trick thread, to get users to discuss good posting. But no. Some people actually assumed, and immediately plunged in, posting about their favourite animals.
Solution: Before embarking on any ambitious rebuttal or a personal statement, first read the title and OP. If there is time, also read other people's post, so that it might not lead to a repeat of other's words, and so that it gives you things to ponder over. Pay careful attention to where the thread goes, if the discussion has moved to another stage; be sure never to post about out-dated stuff. Stick to the current discussion.
4)One of the major problems of AG are posts that merely 'agree' with the OP or previous comments. Lately, there has been a surge in this, whereby users merely quote another answer, and post 'Yes', 'Agreed', 'FTW!!!!'. Certainly, it does not follow the OP. At least put some sign of effort in stating a reason of your opinion. It increases the word length, to prevent the usual finger-pointing of spam.
Solution: Every time you post or respond, consider any thoughts that let to your opinion or post. Post that too, with additional details regarding your statement. For example, if the OP is about a favourite sport, not only mention your choice, but also give a reason or two. With long practice and consistency, ten word answers would become the norm for you.
5)The fifth problem is the problem of grammar, spelling and punctuation. Certainly, statements without Caps, commas, full stops, hyphens would make reading a little tricky. Ambiguous statements, spelling errors that alter words meanings, will all crop up. Consider typing the word 'duck' wrongly by typing an 'f'. Disastrous eh? Especially since both the 'd' and 'f' keys are side by side?
Solution: Make it a point to proof-read your statements first, to ensure that your sentences typed out are what you intended them to be, in case it leads to an embarrassing social incident, apologies and in the worse cases, a flame war.
6)The sixth major problem is the question of correcting users. Most people would probably name call and leave the place. This generally opens up possibilities that more users will appear, say the same thing and disappear. In the past few weeks, more such cases have appeared. Simply put, it never helps, and it does not show responsibility and maturity.
Solution: Alert any moderator. As said before, it's the only solution that will lead to a definitive end. Case closed, damage control enacted.
~Thanks
Note: There are most definitely even more problems. These were the ones that I could think about on the spot.
