Newbs + Short threads

Whats with all the newbs and short thread starter posts? >_<

This is just a suggestion, but maybe Lars could install a hack that keeps you from starting a thread with a short post. The min for a normal post is like 5 char. I think, but maybe a hack that made it like 20 for a new thread and like 40 for a poll. It would make newbs rethink about putting all that work into a meaningless thread. It would also make threads less veuge(sp?) and more interesting.

What do you think?

What if Newbs are like me and this is there first forum they join and they don't know anything about forums?

We have a limit to 10 characters per post, which is too low.

Overall, I think it'd be good to install a hack for this. It's quite neccersary, to increase the character limit to at least 30, and isn't there a thing like on IF, where you can make things like 'HELLO!' and 'Hello!!!!' into 'Hello!'?

Like I said. What if kids new to forums think it is like Im? Short posts?

Originally Posted by Kagun

We have a limit to 10 characters per post, which is too low.

Overall, I think it'd be good to install a hack for this. It's quite neccersary, to increase the character limit to at least 30, and isn't there a thing like on IF, where you can make things like 'HELLO!' and 'Hello!!!!' into 'Hello!'?

In thread titles, yes, that's possible.

And the limit is actually 20 chars, the last time I checked.

Yes, 30 chars would definately b e better. Heck, maybe 40.

What if Newbs are like me and this is there first forum they join and they don't know anything about forums?

zOMG, thats why forums have something called a FAQ for newbs to read! Can't get any simpler than that, really.

And I actauly think that if a newb is making a new thread and are amking it shot, they can at least describe what the thread is and then anwser their question. (unless it is a suggestion or comment, in which they can be descriptive of what there talking about)

I concure I think 40 is quite reason able. they do need more thhhought I unerstand them getting used to it but not after month.

Originally Posted by Sauron

Like I said. What if kids new to forums think it is like Im? Short posts?

The rule would apply to everyone.


I think this mainly should be applyed to thread starting.... It would make future Zelda a little easyer for the mods, if you know what I mean.

A letter count limit is not going to be any help because people will just go "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhh..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to get around length limit lol," as they've done in the past. If something is spammy, chances is it will be deleted, so don't worry. If you see something that you think needs to be closed/removed then just alert a moderator either via PM or the button available on posts (bottom-right corner).

There's also another reason - bandwith
It really wastes bandwith, people must think
'Well it's only 2KB, nothing seriius', but a newbie making a short post increases bandwith payment, it better be long, since there's no point in a small post.

The bandwidth argument really doesn't matter, because hard drive space on a server is cheap and plentiful, and it doesn't really cost anything extra to send a few more KB of text. Even though adds up a bit over time, it's still not going to be a large enough amount to bother.

Originally Posted by SearanoX

A letter count limit is not going to be any help because people will just go "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhh..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to get around length limit lol," as they've done in the past. If something is spammy, chances is it will be deleted, so don't worry. If you see something that you think needs to be closed/removed then just alert a moderator either via PM or the button available on posts (bottom-right corner).

okay okay... heres another idea.

A hack that blocks posts with a single letter used multiple times in a row. If say... if the same letter is used 6 times in a row it would be blocked.

Of course I dont know how dificult finding or designing a hack like that would be, if its even posible.

I really think that's unnecessary. If something's poorly-written or short or whatever, it goes in the trash. We don't need all these crazy and complicated hacks to solve a simple problem.

dosent sound crazy to me. I think it would really help the mods, expecially in Future Zelda.

I've heard lot of complaints from mods so I thout I'd try n' help.

I like your last idea 8 bit. That can really help cut down the spam problems for the mods.

What if a word contains to letters next to eachother? It would be hard to understand
And I thought with the high expenses, the bandwith would cost loads.

2KB isn't a lot. And like SearanoX said, bandwidth can add up, but it's nothing big. That's why they have ads on the site.

Originally Posted by Sauron

What if Newbs are like me and this is there first forum they join and they don't know anything about forums?

Then we kill you, and cook you, and eat you. Duh.