Mods please

[Nate]

Well we seem to have an influx of newbies lately. Can the mods please put in a sticky reminder thread to tell people that they should read through all the old threads before repeating topics. It's starting to get rather frustrating.

[Hobo]

Aye he speaks the truth.

Come on you lazy Peter. Do some work. *prods*

[Esus]

If I had joined the forum today, regardless of whether such a stickied thread existed, I certainly wouldn't spend god-knows how long searching through every thread in case I ask about something.

[Nate]

Its simple. There is a search button on the top of the page.

If anyone says something like "I think MO wasn't as good as AE" or "OWI sold out to Microsoft/Sobe" or starts a flame war about whether the PS2 or the Xbox is better then that should count as spam. Its been said befor. period. full stop.

[Codek]

Actually, I think that new people should be allowed the chance to discuss certain topics, even if there is already a topic about it. Granted if the topic is only a few notches down from the top in the list of threads, then they shouldn't make a new thread, but if the old thread is all mothballed up past page 1, then I think a new thread of the same subject wouldn't hurt anybody.

The older members don't have to participate. I just think it's only fair we not deny new guys the chance to discuss something that they want to. Hey, if they are so desperate to speak their mind, then they must have some really good points to make! I see nothing wrong with brining up a discussion for a second time. In fact I find it more annoying when all the regular members do nothing but whinge, bitch and groan when someone brings up an old topic.

[Fuzzles!]

Actually, I was going to point out exactly what Death just did, that it's a big pain in the behind when old topics from months ago suddenly resurface because somebody searched it out and had something to say on it. As long as it's not something discussed in the past few weeks, a new topic is cool with me.

[ClaireBear]

I'm not arsed either way!

Old, new or repeated... an interesting topic is an interesting topic... innit!

[Cloverfield]

I kind of agree with Death here. Also because there is only so much that one can discuss about Oddworld, so by creating a topic again, it gives the forum more activity. Providing the topic is appropriate and not filled with spam, and also that there isn't another topic on the same page as it.

Also, sometimes a new user might want to discuss an old topic, but if they respond to an old topic, it is usually closed. So it kind of seems a little unfair to not allow them to participate in the discussion at all.

Abe Babe...

[Codek]

I think we all unanimously agree on this one - topics can be repeated but only if they are not on the first page.

[nads]

Don't forget versions of the thread.

[Nate]

Well maybe instead the mods could post a sticky thread linking to the rules. That would have the same effect because of rule 2. I never knew where to find them previous to the recent rule thread.

[Alcar]

Nate, I've done just that. At the top of Forum Suggestions & Help, you should see such a thread.

Alcar...

[Nate]

Can you please put it at the top of GD as well? Possibly also the "Some Reminders on Spam" and the invaluable "General Posting Tips" threads as well.

I think I'm probably not the only one who arrived at the forum today only to swear under my breath at the contributions from a certain new member. They are forgivable because he is new but with a clearly visible notice from the mods we may be able to reduce it to a large degree.

[Wil]

I see that "Rules" has finally made it onto the Industrial template. A permanent announcement regarding the rules sounds like a good idea. I could implement it with my own idea...

Returning to the topic, I think it depends entirely on the nature of the post. If it's a proper discussion or one of those ghastly "What's Your Favourite Oddworld Creature" threads, then newbies probably should be allowed to create them if there hasn't been one in a while, as new members will have joined. However, if it's a question that can quite easily be answered by searching through the Forums, then I hope I'll remember to integrate it into the Q&A thread. Simple stuff.

And bringing back old threads is against the rules, so if we illegalise repeated threads, then we're limiting the voices of members who have joined recently.

[Nate]

Actually I was referring to the threads that get started to say something like:

"Don't you think Oddworld is great and I'm really looking forward to stranger"

which really piss me off cos they're not really saying something.

But thanks for putting the new member thread in GD.

EDIT: can you please also add a link to Majic's invaluable General Posting Tips thread?

[Wil]

I can most certainly do just that. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

[Biggy Bro Slig]

I coudn't be bothered to do it.

[Leeum]

No need to be nasty but I know one person who fits this catagory Perhaps constant spammers need a time out.

[Esus]

Oh the irony!

And bringing back old threads is against the rules

- from this very thread.

Way to wake the dead.

[Alcar]

Yeah, refrain from breaking the rules.

*closes*

Alcar...