Post count? - Page 6

Saidear · #76 08-19-2012, 01:42 AM

I hope this isn't thread necromancy.

I've noticed that the most of the areas a new person is likely to post in in order to get the vaunted 5 posts are areas in which posting just doesn't count as relevant. While I understand the need to eliminate spambots (and I applaud you on your successes), the stringent limitations that exist on how one could get to that point is difficult. Not impossible, but difficult.

Still_Pond · #77 08-19-2012, 10:35 AM

I agree Saidear.

I think games count, so your post count should not be an issue once you join a game. Also, testing dice (complex and simple), table code and other formatting code in the tag testing thread is a good thing to promote. Often new members don't format their game applications as well as they could. A little practice in this area is a good thing.

What thread/ section would you most like to see count that doesn't currently?

**Birched** · #78 08-19-2012, 04:05 PM

In general, posts count in 'on mission' parts of the site, excepting places where counting posts resulted in spam (e.g. in the DMs Seeking ads forum, where people were posting spammy posts in the ad threads but where the DMs were not moderators and therefore unable to deal with it themselves). There are many indicators to where a new player can post, including a notice at the top of every page suggesting places to go. The quickest is probably to post four times in the dice testing thread.

Saidear · #79 08-20-2012, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birched

In general, posts count in 'on mission' parts of the site, excepting places where counting posts resulted in spam (e.g. in the DMs Seeking ads forum, where people were posting spammy posts in the ad threads but where the DMs were not moderators and therefore unable to deal with it themselves). There are many indicators to where a new player can post, including a notice at the top of every page suggesting places to go. The quickest is probably to post four times in the dice testing thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birched

In general, posts count in 'on mission' parts of the site, excepting places where counting posts resulted in spam (e.g. in the DMs Seeking ads forum, where people were posting spammy posts in the ad threads but where the DMs were not moderators and therefore unable to deal with it themselves). There are many indicators to where a new player can post, including a notice at the top of every page suggesting places to go. The quickest is probably to post four times in the dice testing thread.

Hmm.. reread the FAQ and see that it lists where posts count (not the same as linked at the top of every page). While the system is clunky I can't fault it for my inability to read thoroughly. There is something that just sits wrong with me that the magic solution is "spam somewhere where no one else is looking or cares" given that the open areas see relatively little activity compared to other forums I'm used to visiting.

Regardless, consider my grievance finito as it is based more on my incompetence and gut 'wrongness' than anything more solid.

**Birched** · #80 08-20-2012, 09:47 AM

Well, hopefully people take the time in the dice thread to figure out how to use the site-specific tags -- hence, not spam. Alternatively, post appropriately in other areas where posts count. Alternatively, not worry about it too much -- the new user group really isn't that restrictive (exception: I believe it currently stops one from starting a new game application as a DM -- this seems to seldom if ever be an issue for people).

Still_Pond · #81 08-20-2012, 10:29 AM

There is no question that the new member status is troublesome to people. There seems to be no end to confusion about it. I think we all wish it wasn't necessary and wish there was a way to make it better. At the moment, however, it is a reasonable solution to an unfortunate problem. I think the best advice is that last bit that Birched said, don't worry about it. Post here, play here, and it will just go away eventually.

Ereshal · #82 08-21-2012, 11:14 AM

So, speaking as a new member: I joined with the express purpose of running a game, and as such had no problem forking over the relatively small price of CS membership. After all, DnDOG is providing an accessible medium and tools to play online, and I chose this site after looking around at other options and liking DnDOG most.

Of course, I still haven't actually applied to start my game, so in months of mostly lurking I would have shed the "new member" status anyway... Hurrah for procrastination!

Just wanted to share the point of view of at least one new member who wasn't bothered by new member status or by the cost of CS membership. Perhaps it could do with some streamlining or better explanation, but it seems to me that the only people who are prevented from getting involved are those who came with the attitude of "I feel like playing some DnD this afternoon" and have no intention of actually being a member.

Its the difference between an actual community, and a pack of strangers aimlessly wandering through and then wandering right back out again.

That said, perhaps two changes that might really help the perception and confusion are: adding a couple more forums that "count" as posts, and removing the yellow name (but keeping the same restrictions). Edit: My reasoning being that the yellow name is currently something of an unnecessary "scarlet letter", and that much of the confusion about the post count comes from folks posting and not seeing it have any effect.

Addar · #83 08-21-2012, 01:48 PM

Reading this cleared up a lot of things I myself over-looked in my introduction thread. The way it works now is a pain in the rear end, but I think its needed. It lets you know: 1) Ok this person is willing to take the time into becoming a regular member 2) Depending on they reached their 4 post count, lets you know they are not afraid to ask questions. 3) Lets you know that they are actually interested in this and want to give it a shot.

Saidear · #84 08-22-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birched

Well, hopefully people take the time in the dice thread to figure out how to use the site-specific tags -- hence, not spam. Alternatively, post appropriately in other areas where posts count. Alternatively, not worry about it too much -- the new user group really isn't that restrictive (exception: I believe it currently stops one from starting a new game application as a DM -- this seems to seldom if ever be an issue for people).

It does make it harder to get into a game as most DMs prefer to PM acceptance/details versus stating it openly (at least based on the two games I'm applying for) but that's about as much as my experience can attest to.

As a suggestion, rather than referring people directly to a solo game, maybe walk them through some of the site such as an introduction, how to use the dice/tags, etc.. and upon completion get bumped out of 'new player status'. But that may be beyond the limitations of the forum software.

Edit: Yay, four posts

Still_Pond · #85 08-22-2012, 05:53 PM

Any DM worth their salt will know that a new member will have PM acceptance soon enough, so if that's the reason you didn't get into a game, you're probably better off. Keep at it, you'll find a game eventually.

(Watch, Birched is the DM in question, and now I've insulted him. I just type, and words come out.)

Nestacia · #86 10-08-2012, 07:58 PM

I understand the rules against new people, and 4 posts really isn't a lot, but I have been having trouble deciding where I should post. Since I'm new, I need to introduce myself, but that doesn't count. I tested the dice coding out (I think that counts). Then I look at the other forums, and I just feel like I don't belong. I don't have much to say because I'm not involved in anything here and I don't feel like I have much discussion to throw up in regards to good ol' pen and paper RPG because I've only played D&D 3.5 and not even that long.

Nestacia · #87 10-08-2012, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nestacia

I understand the rules against new people, and 4 posts really isn't a lot, but I have been having trouble deciding where I should post. Since I'm new, I need to introduce myself, but that doesn't count. I tested the dice coding out (I think that counts). Then I look at the other forums, and I just feel like I don't belong. I don't have much to say because I'm not involved in anything here and I don't feel like I have much discussion to throw up in regards to good ol' pen and paper RPG because I've only played D&D 3.5 and not even that long.

Haha, and that post just let me shed my yeller skin. :P

Still_Pond · #88 10-08-2012, 10:06 PM

I get that, Nestacia. Again I say, don't worry about it. I never worried about post count. One day I glanced up and noticed that I had a few thousand and thought, 'ah, neat.' I just played where I could and posted what I felt like posting. That's how I still do things pretty much.

Valinthor · #89 10-16-2012, 12:55 AM

Thanks for the tip. I was going to go ahead and post on the other forums but then I would still be a New Member

.

Rothik · #90 11-09-2012, 11:32 PM

Trying to up the post count to graduate from new member is probably something everyone on this site has experienced equal amounts of annoyance and confusion with especially when not having dealt with something like this before. In my opinion there should be direct links to areas you can post in to raise your count in the "learn how to change that" guide.