|
Drop the "no colors/no bold/no fancy"text "rule" in the introductions section, and just tell the newcomer that color/bold/fancy text is only used in moderation in the rest of the forum areas.
Instead of telling a newcomer not to post "that particular question" here, tell them exactly where to post that question. Simpy say; "Try posting that question here.... xxx." (some say that, some don't)
Tutorials! Yes! Videos-no! Just use an image to illustrate the point. Show someone exactly what it would look like.
I have read the faqs five times now and I still don't know how to use the tags properly! I would like to see a tutorial using images on:
-use of each of the tags... post/thread/other website addresses/etc.
-use of all the "buttons" on each post... rep/quote/quick reply/etc.
-everything related to posting/using the forum here at BBB
Yes a lot of work, but most of it is already done, maybe you just need to add images to text you already have in the faqs.
You may want to consider removing the "rep" from the "off topic" forums. I don't think people should be judged good or bad by posting someone else's work. Perhaps newcomers may find the "off topic" section the only place to post new topics and if someone gives them a bad rep, they may end up discouraged and not want to stay here at BBB. I was under the impression that a bad rep was supposed to be for "deliberately posting false and misleading information," and that is not what is happening in the off topic area. I read that someone here got a bad rep for liking a "color" of all things!
There really isn't much here to post on if you don't have technical answers to the questions, so anyone who joins (without technical expertise) will need an area other than "technical" things to hang around for. Perhaps you should simply merge all the "off topic" topics into one "off topic" category, and everything that isn't IM or Computer related can be posted there - one simple place.
For that matter, why are all the topics broken up in to so many smaller areas? Why not just have one "MSN" area and all questions get asked there? I still have a tough time figuring out which "sub forum" some questions should be asked in, or which sub forum I need to search for the answers. It may make sense to all the people who have been here for a while, but when you are new here there are far too many choices to sort through to figure out where you are going and what you are doing.
The introduction part of this forum was seriously stressing when I first joined. There should be a more clear description/definition of what "an introduction" should consist of. Give someone who is new an idea on what to put in to their introduction. That may also be a good time to explain the no color/no bold/no fancy font rule if you intend to keep it in.
Lastly, I would have to agree with EvilSeph when he said the staff doesn't seem "friendly or inviting." I feel I was very lucky, and extremely well treated (thank you Sarah) but it does often "appear" otherwise.
|