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My take on posting to incorrect areas...

by Guildenstern (Deacon)
on Oct 12, 2000 at 18:32 UTC ( [id://36396]=monkdiscuss: print w/replies, xml ) Need Help??

I noticed in the chatterbox this morning that a new user had incorrectly posted a SOPW type question to the Q & A area. His/her error was noted, and an editor request was made to remove the offending node. As I write this, there's still quite a debate in the chatterbox about why people can't seem to figure out where to post. Even though it's second nature for those of us who have been around for a while, it's not intuitive at all for a new user. Therefore, in light of all of the posts lately saying "we need to change this," or "this needs to be made better", here's my take.
My solution involves what is basically a nag screen for newly created users. Somewhere between the creating a username and being allowed to post stage, a page should be displayed to the user with an abbreviated FAQ about what the PM sections are, how to use CODE tags, etc. What would really be nice is if for new users this could be set up to be part of their personal nodelet right off the bat.
This idea could be extended to AM postings, as well. Before an AM could post a question, he/she would have to click through a page detailing how to post, and where to post what questions.
I'm certain that this approach would not eliminate all wrong-area postings, or forgotten CODE tags, but it might be enough of a reminder for most people.

Guildenstern
Negaterd character class uber alles!
  • Comment on My take on posting to incorrect areas...

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RE: My take on posting to incorrect areas...
by mirod (Canon) on Oct 12, 2000 at 18:36 UTC

    This idea could be extended to AM postings, as well
    This would have the added benefit of providing a warning for those pour souls who forgot to login and who post as AM. Seing the nag screen would give them a good hint that "something's wrong here".

RE: My take on posting to incorrect areas...
by mischief (Hermit) on Oct 16, 2000 at 13:50 UTC
    Something else that might help is a brief description of what area you're in at the top of the page. For example, if you go to the Seekers of Perl Wisdom section, it would be useful to have a two lines saying what you should and shouldn't be posting in this section underneath the SOPW logo. It should be something that only appears for lower levels or an option in that you can turn off.

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