Mandatory PostingTemplate

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Original post by thelovegoose Maybe someone could modify the source of the "new message" page (this one I'm editing now) to contain the mandatory posting template). People don't expect to have to read the stickies when posting for the first time on any forum (I've never seen a posting template anywhere else), so generally have no idea they are supposed to stick to a certain format.

Basic netiquette requires any new poster to first read the FAQ before posting.

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Original post by thelovegoose It would save a lot of hassle with moderators having to tell them, remind them, maybe close posts. It would also allow people to make the impression they want rather than having to false start and start again.

Actually, I like the ability to see which HW posters read FAQs and can follow basic instructions, and which ones don't and can't.

The format of the forum does make it easy to miss. Global announcements are listed in a nice distinct blue, then everything else blends in. And when someone does notice the stickies, their attention is usually drawn to one of the "featured" projects listed up top. Currently, the template is the eighth thread down.

IMO, it's not a great idea to judge by meticulousness in the context of game programming forums. Some users have plenty of time to burn on recruitment; others have games to write and/or have faith in their common sense.

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Original post by Daniel L The format of the forum does make it easy to miss. Global announcements are listed in a nice distinct blue, then everything else blends in.

The post's title is all caps and enclosed in asterisks. I think it's safe to say that it's one of the most distinctive thread titles on this board.

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And when someone does notice the stickies, their attention is usually drawn to one of the "featured" projects listed up top.

If a poster is suffering from a severe attention deficit disorder, perhaps it's time to contact his doctor or local hospital for medical advice. Furthermore, if his attention span is too short to even read a single post from begin to end, starting a project that requires weeks, months or years of dedication may not be his thing to begin with.

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Currently, the template is the eighth thread down.

Unless someone is browsing the forum using a cell phone, the typical screen resolution of a computer monitor should suffice to see the thread without the scrolling the page first.

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IMO, it's not a great idea to judge by meticulousness in the context of game programming forums. Some users have plenty of time to burn on recruitment; others have games to write and/or have faith in their common sense.

If the poster has a well throughout idea, providing necessary details shouldn't be difficult nor should it require much of the his time. If it is, perhaps he should give it some more thought. Secondly, if the poster can't be bothered to give a proper description of their project, it raises serious doubts about the poster's ability to lead or be part of a project as well as the chances this game would come to a successful finish.

In case a poster doesn't follow the template, in every case I have witnessed, he is given a second chance to edit his post to conform to the rules. And even when the thread is closed, the poster is still able and allowed to create a new thread, as long as he applies the mandatory template. If think that's lenient enough.

I'm not, by any means, endorsing unsatisfactory requests that present inadequate description. You're equating creating a thread without using the template and creating a poor, nondescriptive thread. Perhaps there is some correlation, but they are certainly not mutually inclusive.

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In case a poster doesn't follow the template, in every case I have witnessed, he is given a second chance to edit his post to conform to the rules. And even when the thread is closed, the poster is still able and allowed to create a new thread, as long as he applies the mandatory template. If think that's lenient enough.

I wasn't questioning the current policy or application thereof; in fact I think both are perfectly reasonable.

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Original post by Daniel L The format of the forum does make it easy to miss. Global announcements are listed in a nice distinct blue, then everything else blends in. And when someone does notice the stickies, their attention is usually drawn to one of the "featured" projects listed up top. Currently, the template is the eighth thread down.

It's certainly true that the template could be more noticeable. It would be nice if it were the top sticky. It would also be nice if there were a big link to the FAQ on the "new post" page.

Now, another aspect of this is that someone browsing the HW forum would be accosted by the template nearly everywhere. Threads are either written using the template, or have a post from someone linking the template and telling them to use it. People who don't follow the template are generally those who breeze in, post without looking at or reading anything, and breeze out (the user logs bear this out). Because of this, I think, you don't see very many good, professional-sounding posts which don't use the template. It's mostly template posts (some of them well-thought-out, some not) and "hay i need help to make my wow killer" posts.

I've never posted in a forum without lurking around a bit first, reading a few threads to get a sense of the tone of the forum. I don't think you can miss the template if you spent a bit of time reading either the rules for the forum or any of the Help Wanted threads here. I consider it a basic test for the seriousness of any post here; someone who doesn't follow the template probably hasn't thought things through with their game.

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Original post by Daniel L I'm not, by any means, endorsing unsatisfactory requests that present inadequate description. You're equating creating a thread without using the template and creating a poor, nondescriptive thread. Perhaps there is some correlation, but they are certainly not mutually inclusive.

I certainly agree that is perfectly possible to write a good post without using the format laid out in template. And don't think any reasonable person would object to such a post. However people who are new to this forum may not know what a proper request should look like, and in that case following the template probably makes it easier for them.