Require a Certain Post Count before Submitting Tutorials

[HTRegz]

Hey Hey,

The last couple of days there have been some really sub-par, in my opinion (and I know others agree), from relatively new members... I'm all for new users bringing life to this site, God, or whatever other entity you may believe in, knows we need some life. However, I think that before they post a tutorial, they should have some understanding of what's acceptable and what isn't. I don't think that you'll find people walking away because they can't immediately post a tutorial, but I think that they'll have a somewhat better understanding of the site when they do finally post. It doesn't have to be extraordinarily high or anything, but we have posts counts to access Addicts, to have a custom avatar, to have APs count (for assigning anyways), so why not for this? I don't think it's too much to ask that a person have 20 or 30 posts under there belt before they show up and start posting... If they're serious it won't mean much to them... and it'll cut down on crap posts that are just looking for positive AP assignments, or to "make a name" for themselves.

Anyways..... that's my opinion.

Peace,
HT

[zencoder]

HT, I agree with you in general. The most recent offender really felt more like a bitch-and-moan whah post than a Tutorial. I think several forums might need to be limited. But my thinking is also impacted by JPs letter of some time ago, when he gave his thoughts on Cosmos and other groups, plus the AP system in general. I think a lot of the forums around here don't actually contribute to the core of what AO is supposed to be about; they simply serve as life support to keep membership up.

That doesn't mean I don't like AO or want it to die; I simply don't believe these forums have anything of value in regards to the point of AO. Thus, you'll notice my lack of participation in them almost entirely. But hey, that's just me. If you enjoy them, go for it.

However, I have to point out that the AP system did very nicely for the thread I'm refering to...the thread started may not be banned *yet*, but is certainly well on their way, and the thread has indeed committed suicide already. <sarcastic irony> We'll teach *THAT* n00b to post a tutorial on how to behave around here for their 1st Post! </sarcastic irony> So while many bitch and moan at the broken AP system, all I can say is even a broken clock is correct twice a day.

[Striek]

Rather than requiring a post count, I would prefer to see the tutorials forum become moderated, as in new threads requiring approval. So long as the forum does not become an elite forum, remaining open to the general public, and, given the current moderation style on this board, I doubt it would be, I believe this would be a far more effective method of weeding out the crap we keep getting.

It would of course require the efforts of a few moderators to be effective, but with about 10 tutorials being posted a month, the effort should not prove prohibitive. Another moderator or two may be needed, but I believe it would be worth the extra effort if such an improvement is made.

This not only would eliminate the possibility that new members may post very good tutorials (however low you may believe that to be), but would also eliminate crap tutorials written by senior or long standing members (and I have seen a few). If a proposed tutorial were rejected, a response could be sent explaining why, and making suggestions for improvements (or a simple "no" or a whirlwind of insults if that's your style).

I would also like to see the addition of another "rule" regarding the tutorials forum. Do not post material you have already posted elsewhere. I am rather sick of seeing people sign up and within two days, regurgitate work they have already done, either to make a name for themselves or boost their ego. This would not be acceptable in any professional journal, and should not be here either. It may also cause copyright conflicts with Jupiter Media and wherever it's already been posted.

All said, just as many crap tutorials are submitted by 100+ post members as are by new members. Moderating the forum fully would go a long way to solving most of the problems it faces today.

But hey, that's just my opinion

[¤The¤Spe©ialist]

I don't plan on contributing anything at all here just as I have not learnt much from AO either. Now with that said, how do you think people will feel knowing they will need to beg, roll-over, & jump though hoops to be judged by a nazi who once gave a bunch of cheesy "anti-views" but only to the biggest butt-kissers on the board... or a lady who pulls these AO-articles out of the ying-yang and sometimes seems to be the equivalent of Carolyn Meinel... this as opposed to having the so called "community" be just that... and for what? To toss a bone at people who clearly enjoy fine subjects such as "how to install and run something"?

In all honestly, this is just like when HT suggested that we get rid of 99.9% of the members here so the 0.1% could contribute while the rest would need to pay money to post. But atleast then someone would still get something out of it... even if its only like five cents.

I would also like to see the addition of another "rule" regarding the tutorials forum. Do not post material you have already posted elsewhere. I am rather sick of seeing people sign up and within two days, regurgitate work they have already done, either to make a name for themselves or boost their ego. This would not be acceptable in any professional journal, and should not be here either. It may also cause copyright conflicts with Jupiter Media and wherever it's already been posted.

Take a good look at Tony, he's made damn sure that his name and that goofy picture of his is everywhere. Agian, don't blame new guys if you find a problem... new people have an excuse, none of you do.

Incase none of you have noticed, the more people screw with the site, the more we have these conversations about how the site is going downhill yada yada yada... and I keep saying it, don't touch, just leave it alone kids or else it spreads.

[Striek]

You, of course, also have an excuse for the quality of your posts. I believe it's related to brain capacity.

[AngelicKnight]

Ya know if you trim the 95% crap away from Specialist's posts, there's actually a good point hidden in there. He's gotta be the most genius idiot I've seen around here (and so I'm starting to realize that's the point eh?). Of course, if he'd just stick to making the point, his posts would be five words long each, but hey...

I have to agree though. As tempting as it is to keep newbies from posting tuts, we'd block out some excellent newbies (remember IronGeek's intro to AO?). It's overkill. If a newbie (or veteran) posts a crap tutorial, neg it, kill it, remove it. We just have to maintain that "survival of the fittest" approach to critiquing threads, especially in the tuts section.

Specialist, your methods of making a point and begging to be negged befuddle me, but I see your point hidden in there.

don't touch, just leave it alone kids or else it spreads.

That's been the problem all along, and also what I used to say all the time around here. AO has always and will continue to balance itself out. But I disagree that there's nothing to learn...As I've said before, follow someone like TigerShark or TheHorse around the forums for a bit and you'll pick up on plenty.

[valhallen]

ok so instead of allowing them to submit tutorials we now have newbies posting crap in other forums to increase their post count so they can post their tutorial?

I agree with Striek instead of putting a limit on who can post tutorials have them approved before they are put on public display...or have each new tutorial automatically generate a poll (something like approve/disapprove) after X length of time if the disapprives out-numbered the approves the tutorial is deleted cleaning out the forum somewhat.

But then again you can usually tell if a tut is going to be of any use or an intresting read to you within the first 5 lines - so if you dont like it dont read it.

v_Ln

[nihil]

Well, I can sort of see the issue, but I don't think that there is any logical relationship between the quality of a tutorial and the number of posts someone has made.

All a limit might do is prevent trolls from posting tutorials, but they don't do that anyway?

Moderating might be an option but there are practical problems in that IT is such a broad subject and our tutorials cover a wide range of topics?

I would say leave things as they are unless the situation gets out of hand.

Just my £0.02

[Tiger Shark]

I would suggest that the completeness, accuracy, reasonable spelling and grammar and relevance of a tutorial posted by a newer member are a wonderful window into their knowledge, their ability, their attention to detail and their own personal pride. Therefore a tutorial by a newer member stands as a permanent look into their mind and character.

Let them stand... just neg them closed as quickly as possible to prevent the whining....

[Negative]

to be judged by a nazi who once gave a bunch of cheesy "anti-views" but only to the biggest butt-kissers on the board

I believe the expression you were looking for is conducted cheesy "anti-views", not gave