Some elaboration as to why IMG code has been disabled would be helpful.
I second Manhattan’s excellent “On GQ” message. The FAQ should have perhaps a condensed version of it, detailing why it’s bad form to ask:[list=1][]questions that have been asked before, especially recently, so Search, dammit;[]questions you already know the answer(s) to, i.e. just trolling for discussion (this hasn’t been a problem recently, but there was a rash of them a while ago); andquestions for which the answers are readily available via a quick web search (providing links to Britannica, Google, and of course Snopes).[/list=1]
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Cervaise *
**[li]questions for which the answers are readily available via a quick web search (providing links to Britannica, Google, and of course Snopes).[/list=1] **[/li][/QUOTE]
Throw in the IMDB while you’re at it, wouldja? (If there’s a similar site for lyrics/music, THAT would be a godsend!)
How to avoid multiple posts–“trust the CGI”, etc.
How to change your user name–“don’t reregister, e-mail a mod”.
An explanation of cross-posting and how to avoid it–“don’t do it”.
An explanation of why the boards are sometimes so slow.
An explanation of why you can call someone an asshole in the Pit and not in GD.
You shouldn’t have to log out to get to the Registration Agreement to read the “don’t be a jerk” rule again. Put that in the FAQ, too. And maybe a little more explanation of it, since evidently some people have difficulty with the concept. :rolleyes:
Yeah, but these can all just be hyperlinks within the FAQ. So it won’t be quite as long a document as it sounds. The important thing is that they’re all there in one place. I think fewer people would be starting ATMB threads on “How do I link” and “How do I make smilies” if the vB codes and smilies legend were in the FAQ, instead of down in a corner someplace.
Of course, my fav, 1. Don’t take medical advice from people on the board.
I suggest a guideline on what to email who for- things like trolling reports to an admin and thread moves to a mod.
“It is recommend that you
use these forums with a cookie-enabled browser.”
All your base are belong to us!
“What are messsage icons?”
Beatsss the hell out of me.
How about something explaining the limit on the number of posts per thread?
(And while we’re at it, an explanation that the “If you read this thread, you must reply to it”-type thread has already been done, and it never works.)
The FAQ should also include a link to The People of the Straight Dope, Shayna’s continuing endeavour to archive every single doper for the ages.
I seem to recall there being threads just like this before.
I just hope someone has saved any prior suggestions.
How 'bout some brief examples of how to use brackets () and elipses (…), and how they can be used to avoid quoting the WHOLE FRIGGING POST you are responding to.
1 - About The Straight Dope Message Boards
2 - About the message board software
3 - About General Questions
Possibly even others aimed at the other boards, although I think GQ’s is probably the most important.
I was just discussing effects of marijuana use here, and noticed that manhattan had deleted a couple of posts that included instructions on how to construct a “gravity bong.” I guess I can understand why this might not be so kosher on a public message board, but it still caught me off guard. It might be worthwhile for a SDMB FAQ to include an upfront set of dos and don’ts for potential members, maybe with big red letters on it, stating in particular what is NOT okay and warning that offending posters can be banned immediately and without recourse.
Our guidlines for that one are simple, Svinlesha: Don’t post instructions on how to do anything illegal. As of right now, it is illegal in the United States to take marijuana, so we don’t let people say how to take marijuana. If the relevant laws were to change, so would our policies. There’s some gray areas, of course, where posession of the information wouldn’t actually make it any easier to commit the act, which is why we allow things like atomic bomb threads. Of course, I imagine that a gravity bong is much easier to make than an A-bomb.
Let’s see, my nominations would be:
Keep your email address current. If you don’t, and the administrators can’t reach you, your posting privileges will be revoked until you contact us. Which leads us to:
First, everyone hold onto your eyeballs, they’re about to roll right out of your heads.
When you contact a moderator or administrator, do NOT use “Hey Buttwipe!” as your greeting. You’d think that this would not need to be said, but someone actually did it. Oddly enough, using such a greeting will NOT expedite the restoration of posting privileges.
Don’t post anything on the message board that you don’t want to become public knowledge. This includes any crimes that you have committed in the past, or that you are thinking of committing in the future.
The primary purpose of this message board is to Stomp Out Ignorance. If your only reason for posting here is to point out the flaws of the staff and/or other posters, don’t expect a long and pleasant stay.
Your thread titles should indicate the topic. Don’t use something like “This has ME stumped!” and expect people to fall over themselves to answer your question. Most people aren’t even going to click on it. The title doesn’t have to be terribly specific, but it should be clear enough that people won’t pass it by.
If we notice you using an IP spoofer, you’re out of here.
If you threaten the existence of the message board in any way (threaten to hack it or spam it or whatever), you’re gone. Permanently. We will NOT unban you. And we notify your ISP.
The SDMB is for mature people, no matter what their age. Mature teens and even preteens have been valued posters. This doesn’t mean that everyone has to be absolutely serious at all times. Fun and games are part of the community. However, be advised that we sometimes DO venture into R-rated territory.
Despite all the above, I’d say that 99.9% of our posters are very likable, interesting people, who only want to enjoy the message board and help others enjoy it too.
A lot of very good suggestions. It would be a shame to see them go to waste.
So, how about if reading the FAQ were required for newbies? As in, you have to go to FAQ before you register.
I wish I’d have read them before I started posting. Would’ve saved me some embarrassment, that’s for sure.
Peace,
mangeorge
My advice to the administrators is a bit different to the ones posted above. They are all good posts, so I don’t need to add anything regarding what should be on the FAQ.
I think the following would be a good idea:
Before new members complete the registration process, they be automatically redirected to the FAQ. Then, they are sent to a page containing a five minute multiple choice quiz. When they achieve a suitable pass (100%? 
), they are able to complete their registration.
Voila! Fully trained newbies. Simple.
Well, since I just asked it, and I was told it’s been asked at least several times before (sorry!), howsabout explaining how to link to a specific post?