Basic Rules discussion
Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 12:24 am
This started over here: Re: Calc > Chart is locked?; I thought maybe it should have it's own thread.
Is this working? I never thought it would solve the problem, but the level of posts that break one or more of these is suggesting to me that people are not even seeing them.
Drew: do we have a mechanism where people see these when they register? If not, I think we really need that soon, since so many are registering now.
If we're going to deal with a high volume, we can't spend have the time asking people what OS they're using.
Also, I really think we need a version that has (essentially) the headers:
1. Search the Forum before posting
2. Tag your threads when it has been [Solved]
3. Basic information needed
4. No flames
5. Explicit titles for threads
6. One issue, one thread
I'll bet that most people directed to the current page (Please read first the basic rules of the forum) will not read half of it. It just looks like a lot of material, even though it's not. We need to have a version that will fit on one screen and that takes no more than, oh, 15seconds to read. Maybe each one could link to the individual rules where there is some more info, but that should be optional.
Also, I think maybe we'd better use a different phrase than "basic rules"--I think it just turns people off before they even start reading. It also feels harsh to me to tell someone to "go read the rules". Maybe something like "Survival Guide" or "Six Keys for Using the Forums" or "Help Us Help You".
Here's a shot at a one screen summary:
This is not customer service. We're here to try and help, not to take your complaints.
Try a search first. Enter one or two words in the search box (upper right corner). Think of all the time you'll save if your answer is already there!
Tell us what OS you're using. OOo runs on Windows, Macs, Linux and more. Tell us which one you're using.
Give your message a good title. The gist of your question should be clear from the title. "Page Numbering" is better than "I need help".
Tell us when your issue is SOLVED. Add "[SOLVED]" to the title of your thread so we know you have a solution.
One issue per thread. Stick to one clear question and you'll get a faster answer.
No flames. If you can't think of something constructive to say, say nothing. Only a fool argues with a fool.
I really think this needs to be a table, or something that gets the headings out in the clear where someone can just skim right down in a few seconds. I just don't know how to lay it out like that in the forum.
That's my preference for order, but they're all important. However, I think it may be too long already--better people should read and retain 3 or 4 than not read or not remember 6 or more. I would vote to drop the last two, and maybe the "good title" one, if necessary. We could move them to a "More Tips" section or something.
Is this working? I never thought it would solve the problem, but the level of posts that break one or more of these is suggesting to me that people are not even seeing them.
Drew: do we have a mechanism where people see these when they register? If not, I think we really need that soon, since so many are registering now.
If we're going to deal with a high volume, we can't spend have the time asking people what OS they're using.
Also, I really think we need a version that has (essentially) the headers:
1. Search the Forum before posting
2. Tag your threads when it has been [Solved]
3. Basic information needed
4. No flames
5. Explicit titles for threads
6. One issue, one thread
I'll bet that most people directed to the current page (Please read first the basic rules of the forum) will not read half of it. It just looks like a lot of material, even though it's not. We need to have a version that will fit on one screen and that takes no more than, oh, 15seconds to read. Maybe each one could link to the individual rules where there is some more info, but that should be optional.
Also, I think maybe we'd better use a different phrase than "basic rules"--I think it just turns people off before they even start reading. It also feels harsh to me to tell someone to "go read the rules". Maybe something like "Survival Guide" or "Six Keys for Using the Forums" or "Help Us Help You".
Here's a shot at a one screen summary:
This is not customer service. We're here to try and help, not to take your complaints.
Try a search first. Enter one or two words in the search box (upper right corner). Think of all the time you'll save if your answer is already there!
Tell us what OS you're using. OOo runs on Windows, Macs, Linux and more. Tell us which one you're using.
Give your message a good title. The gist of your question should be clear from the title. "Page Numbering" is better than "I need help".
Tell us when your issue is SOLVED. Add "[SOLVED]" to the title of your thread so we know you have a solution.
One issue per thread. Stick to one clear question and you'll get a faster answer.
No flames. If you can't think of something constructive to say, say nothing. Only a fool argues with a fool.
I really think this needs to be a table, or something that gets the headings out in the clear where someone can just skim right down in a few seconds. I just don't know how to lay it out like that in the forum.
That's my preference for order, but they're all important. However, I think it may be too long already--better people should read and retain 3 or 4 than not read or not remember 6 or more. I would vote to drop the last two, and maybe the "good title" one, if necessary. We could move them to a "More Tips" section or something.