Another Reminder of the Rules

[Dave]

It was just a few days ago Robin made a post asking everyone to keep in mind some of the rules regarding posting to the forums. Well I haven't noticed much of an improvement, and I just received another complaint about other members' typing habits.

I realize a lot of people (especially our younger members) might be used to typing rather sloppily, but I ask that you try your best to keep your posts neat and written properly, following the guidelines which were agreed to upon registration.

The following rules are the ones that need the most attention:

Don't post in ALL CAPS or use excessive punctuation!!!!?!?!??!! It's distracting and annoying.
While not required, spell checking your post is recommended. This will make you and us look more mature. Just click the http://talkcamp.com/images/greenleaf/editor/spelling.gif button. You might need to install a program called ieSpell to use this feature. Don't worry, it's not spyware or adware. It's also completely free and takes up little space.
Post in English only. In addition, do not post in netspeak, leetspeak, etc. (For example, type "like" instead of "lyke", "cause" instead of "cuz", etc.) This will make your posts easier to read, and will help members understand your posts if English is not their primary language.
Please keep in mind that not all of our members speak English as their primary language. Understanding English when it isn't your primary language is undoubtedly hard enough, but having to decipher messages written in netspeak, or that use ALL CAPS, or excessive punctuation (!!!!!??!?!??) must be near impossible.

I ask that you please be considerate of other members when posting to the forums. This is a public forum which anyone can read, and many people can benefit from the information provided here. That is, assuming they can read your posts.

I admit that the only people to blame for the degree this problem has reached is ours, the staff's. We were quite lenient for a long time about these rules. Well, the time has come to step up our enforcement of these rules. I don't want to turn us into the post police, but we're going to do what it takes to correct this problem.

First offenders will receive a warning. If we notice any repeat offenders, they will be issued infractions and eventually temporary bans (not too long, don't worry).

I understand this might sound harsh, and I don't like posting announcements like this, but this problem needs to be corrected. Remember, you agreed to these rules when you registered. Please abide by them.

As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.

[Dave]

Also, another rule that needs to be mentioned is this Level 3 rule:

No spam. Spam is considered making many useless (and annoying) posts for whatever reason. Just don't do it.

No, I'm not talking about the spam posted by the bots, I'm talking about making a lot of posts to get your post count up. Once again, this is against forum rules and is not allowed. Doing this might result in the offending posts all being deleted. So in the end, your post count might end up being lower, rather than higher, when you get done your posting spree. Please don't flood the forums with useless posts just to get your post count up.

As with the other rules, we will be enforcing this and offenders will receive warnings, infractions, and/or bans.

[AngelWings]

Great post Dave! It's always good to have a reminder :)


No, I'm not talking about the spam posted by the bots, I'm talking about making a lot of posts to get your post count up. Once again, this is against forum rules and is not allowed. Doing this might result in the offending posts all being deleted. So in the end, your post count might end up being lower, rather than higher, when you get done your posting spree. Please don't flood the forums with useless posts just to get your post count up.

As with the other rules, we will be enforcing this and offenders will receive warnings, infractions, and/or bans.

:bowdown:

[Vickie]

What would be considered a useless post?

[Dave]

What would be considered a useless post?
Two examples:

Responding to an old picture thread with a generic "nice picture!" reply. The same would apply to recent threads as well if you're doing it to just about every thread.

Responding to a bunch of sticky threads with a reply like "thanks for the info."

In both cases (and there are many more), these replys add nothing to the thread. They're just made to get the member's post count up.

If you spam, you know it. Since you're asking what a useless post is, you probably don't have anything to worry about. Those who are guilty of spamming know they're doing it.

[aka.pody]

Once again Dave, lets hope that all the 'right' people read this.

Incidentally, many of us just post a short comment to thank someone for a good post or article. I'm pretty sure I've done it. Would you rather we just send them a note on their page or a pm? If I don't see a "thank you" post I automatically assume that no one actually read it or thinks it's of any worth.
Your feedback on this would be really appreciated.
Thanks. :)

[lorri]

Sorry Dave I have to say this but It's very rude NOT to thank people what they have/had put the information about all types of birds. We all need different information about our birds and that's how we learn from them.

Sorry I had to say my piece

[helloyo53]

Two examples:

Responding to an old picture thread with a generic "nice picture!" reply. The same would apply to recent threads as well if you're doing it to just about every thread.

Responding to a bunch of sticky threads with a reply like "thanks for the info."

In both cases (and there are many more), these replys add nothing to the thread. They're just made to get the member's post count up.

If you spam, you know it. Since you're asking what a useless post is, you probably don't have anything to worry about. Those who are guilty of spamming know they're doing it.

Once again Dave, lets hope that all the 'right' people read this.

Incidentally, many of us just post a short comment to thank someone for a good post or article. I'm pretty sure I've done it. Would you rather we just send them a note on their page or a pm? If I don't see a "thank you" post I automatically assume that no one actually read it or thinks it's of any worth.
Your feedback on this would be really appreciated.
Thanks. :)

Sorry Dave I have to say this but It's very rude NOT to thank people what they have/had put the information about all types of birds. We all need different information about our birds and that's how we learn from them.

Sorry I had to say my piece

I think what Dave means by this statement, is don't just go through all the stickies and post thanks for the info on each and every single one of them. That's what I think we means, correct me if I'm wrong Dave:)

[Dave]

Brandon has it right. I'm not saying you can't thank people for posting information. And I'm not saying you can't make short posts. What is against the rules is making many short posts in a row for the purpose of increasing your post count. That's the kicker. If you're just thanking someone for posting some information, that's fine. :)

Hope this clears it up a bit.

[Budgietom]

Thanks for the reminder Dave! :D What I particularly don't like is the sloppy typing :rolleyes: Thankfully, no member on here that I know are serious offenders of this :) When it is particularly sloppy, I find it a little annoying and very hard to read :o

Haha, I feel old and I'm only a teen. I can imagine my english teacher typing the same thing :o

[Shy Bird]

OK i get what you mean.i sometimes say"wow your budgies are very pretty"or something along those lines.

[aka.pody]

Two examples:

Responding to an old picture thread with a generic "nice picture!" reply. The same would apply to recent threads as well if you're doing it to just about every thread.

Responding to a bunch of sticky threads with a reply like "thanks for the info."

In both cases (and there are many more), these replys add nothing to the thread. They're just made to get the member's post count up.

If you spam, you know it. Since you're asking what a useless post is, you probably don't have anything to worry about. Those who are guilty of spamming know they're doing it.

I think what Dave means by this statement, is don't just go through all the stickies and post thanks for the info on each and every single one of them. That's what I think we means, correct me if I'm wrong Dave:)

Brandon, I know exactly what Dave meant by some members just throwing random comments around. My point was only meant for those members who would like to express their appreciation with a "good post" or "thank you for the info".

Brandon has it right. I'm not saying you can't thank people for posting information. And I'm not saying you can't make short posts. What is against the rules is making many short posts in a row for the purpose of increasing your post count. That's the kicker. If you're just thanking someone for posting some information, that's fine. :)

Hope this clears it up a bit.

Thanks for your response Dave. And you are right. They know who they are.

[louara]

You can always thank members with karma with a message attached. That way you are not going into the thread to post thank you's.

[Shy Bird]

You can always thank members with karma with a message attached. That way you are not going into the thread to post thank you's.

yes but not everyone knows that they have been given karma.or even know what karma is for that matter.

[Dave]

Just so everyone knows, I'm not saying you can't post a thank you post in a thread. If a thread is active and you find it helpful, by all means post a thank you! However, if a thread is a couple months old, unless you have something significant to add to the conversation, there's no need to revive the thread just to post a thank you.

See the difference?

[howling-wolfie]

Are posting comments on to pictures okay? I enjoy showing off my flock and love reading the nice comments people say about them. I've never left just 2 words to threads and always try to expand on my post but if there is something I read and enjoy then I like to post my appreciation so the thread starter isn't put off.

Same as if I got no comments on any pictures I wouldn't post them anymore thinking people didn't get any enjoyment out of veiwing them.

I do understand the need for this rule so all the threads don't end up 15 pages of a few words per post but as a new member I'll admit it sounds a little easy to get a warning.

I didn't join here to get a high post count, I joined to talk about budgie's, learn new things and share what I do know with others. I also got involved because I noticed the amount of people with pet budgie's; I love looking at pictures and taking them so thought it would be great to speak to others with the same interest.:)

Just want to make that clear because I am new to posting here (had an account for a while though) and would hate to think people thought I was only posting to get a post count high.

[Dave]

Thanks for the question Claire.

I'm trying to figure out how to word this so everyone understands, since there seems to be a lot of confusion. Hopefully someone more articulate than myself will be able to chime in and explain what I'm trying to get at.

Here's another way of putting it:

Short posts are okay. If all you have to say is "nice picture," that's fine! Sometimes you want to comment but can't think of what to say. That's okay. Here is where it becomes a decent post or spam: What were your intentions on posting that comment? Did you post that because you wanted to express your opinion of the picture to the thread starter, or did you post it just to get your post count up? If you genuinely meant what you posted, that's great. If you posted it just to get your post count up, then you spammed.

That should make this a little clearer. :P

[howling-wolfie]

Thanks for the question Claire.

I'm trying to figure out how to word this so everyone understands, since there seems to be a lot of confusion. Hopefully someone more articulate than myself will be able to chime in and explain what I'm trying to get at.

Here's another way of putting it:

Short posts are okay. If all you have to say is "nice picture," that's fine! Sometimes you want to comment but can't think of what to say. That's okay. Here is where it becomes a decent post or spam: What were your intentions on posting that comment? Did you post that because you wanted to express your opinion of the picture to the thread starter, or did you post it just to get your post count up? If you genuinely meant what you posted, that's great. If you posted it just to get your post count up, then you spammed.

That should make this a little clearer. :P


Ahh I do see what your getting at now Dave, sorry, its more me misunderstanding it then.
Thanks for taking the time to explain :)

[Vickie]

Thanks Dave!

I've made short posts sometimes but I was sure you weren't talking about those.

Come to think of it, I do remember someone spamming recently. For a few hours whenever I clicked on 'new posts' it was just a long list of old stickies! I'm guessing that's what you meant?

Grammar is important to me too, as well as properly breaking up one's paragraphs. When someone doesn't know when to start a new paragraph, they tend to post one large block of text which is intimidating to read, especially if it has spelling mistakes and grammatical errors!

[stacey101]

woops i broke one of these rules with a new thread.... can a mod or Dave fix it for me?
its called..

Stupied Kennels!!!!!!!!

i was a tad upset and forgot about the !!! part

[Teegzy]

Once again Dave, lets hope that all the 'right' people read this.

Incidentally, many of us just post a short comment to thank someone for a good post or article. I'm pretty sure I've done it. Would you rather we just send them a note on their page or a pm? If I don't see a "thank you" post I automatically assume that no one actually read it or thinks it's of any worth.
Your feedback on this would be really appreciated.
Thanks. :)

Sorry Dave I have to say this but It's very rude NOT to thank people what they have/had put the information about all types of birds. We all need different information about our birds and that's how we learn from them.

Sorry I had to say my piece

I do agree. I hate seeing when my post has been viewed like
150 times but no replies! I find I write short replies saying thankyou
for useful information, or letting them know I enjoyed their pictures.

[Robin's Nest]

Many, if not all of us, post a quick 'thank you', 'welcome' or 'how cute'! This is not what Dave is talking about. Let us please not assume, wonder, insinuate or outright accuse Dave of promoting rudeness. We all know this is not the case.

Those who are going about the business of spamming while in a contest with another member(s), or for any other reason that they may desire to increase their post count for the sake of increasing their post count, know exactly who they are. And let us be clear - we know exactly who you are too. Every member who is involved in spamming is doing it willfully and with malicious intent. We have communicated this to you personally and privately. Please do not force us to make it even more public.

Since I have a few minutes on my hands each evening, I have been deleting those spammed posts. So when you go to bed thinking you've done an excellent job of 'upping' your post count, and even brag about it to your spammer-friends, you will be waking up to find out you have 50 or 75 less posts than you went to bed with. It takes me a fraction of a second to click one button, highlight 50 posts, and hit the delete button. And, if in the process of trying to correct this immature behavior we delete a few posts that were not spam - oh well - that is the risk you take when you break forum rules. And if a ban takes place, you will be making zero posts.

Anyone who wonders if they are a spammer cannot by definition be one, and needs to continue to post in the exact same manner they have been posting all along. Don't change one single thing. Except - that I would humbly request that Dave not be painted as someone promoting rudeness in his attempt to enforce the rules that everyone agreed to - as he continues to provide us with the best place on the internet to discuss our birds.

[Cyntada]

<snip> ...provide us with the best place on the internet to discuss our birds.

Robin was referring to Dave specifically, but I'd like to take a moment to thank ALL the moderators for helping make this the best place on the internet to discuss our birds. Of course the members are what makes it truly great, but even the best crowds of people need some traffic control, and all the mod's work behind the scenes keeps it great for those of us who just want to come here to enjoy one another's birds. I would not have joined but for this!

I sincerely hope that no one sees Dave as being a meanie for simply doing what it takes to make a great forum. Believe me, that's done well here, and kindly phrased. I post regularly on another board (unrelated to birds) and they have so many rules I almost didn't join at all. The signal-to-noise ratio is excellent there, as it is here, but I still get nervous every time I hit "post"!

Short posts are welcome here, clearly, and I think Robin nailed it when she said that if you have to ask... you're not spamming.

[Dave]

Thank you for the kind words Cyntada. :)

[Vickie]

TalkBudgies is a great place! All the moderators are really wonderful and they are doing a great job. Not everyone is up on internet lingo though (including myself). So it's easy to misunderstand.

Now I know what spamming is, and why people do it. Clearly it's a waste of time on TB, as the mods are on the lookout for that kind of behavior. I'm glad. :)

[aka.pody]

I'd like to echo Vickie's words and say that the moderators are doing a bang-up job keeping this forum in order.
I know it's a lot of work and deserve a hat's off. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3608339777_45dc50dd13_o.gif

[Pippin's mom]

Thank you for the reminder Dave.:) And thank you and (((HuGs))) to all of you for the kind words and thoughts you have toward the staff.:)

[Tigerlily]

Just out of curiosity - what does upping one's count achieve?

I wouldn't have a clue how many posts I have posted, and nor do I care. I just love my two budgies, and I love reading about everyone else's. I'm at a loss to understand how sitting there posting endless posts purely to get your count up achieves anything?

Can someone enlighten me as to why? I'm serious - I don't get it. Is it like when folks feel good about themselves for having a thousand 'friends' on Facebook or something?

Anyhow, thanks to the moderators. I like this forum, and I like all 'our' budgies :O)

[Dave]

Just out of curiosity - what does upping one's count achieve?

I wouldn't have a clue how many posts I have posted, and nor do I care. I just love my two budgies, and I love reading about everyone else's. I'm at a loss to understand how sitting there posting endless posts purely to get your count up achieves anything?

Can someone enlighten me as to why? I'm serious - I don't get it. Is it like when folks feel good about themselves for having a thousand 'friends' on Facebook or something?

Anyhow, thanks to the moderators. I like this forum, and I like all 'our' budgies :O)
It's exactly like having friends contests on Facebook. Some people just want the high number next to their name. Either that or they want a custom user title. :P

[Shy Bird]

It's exactly like having friends contests on Face book. Some people just want the high number next to their name. Either that or they want a custom user title. :P

wow thats it.:rolleyes:well thats just pointless.:D haha i just remembered that if you just add random people on face book that you dont even know, other people see all the people and think your a loser.

[Cyntada]

Either that or they want a custom user title. :P

All I ask for in life is a bigger signature image! But, since I have no idea how many posts it take to accomplish that, I'll just keep 'em relevant. Short, maybe, but relevant :D

It's pretty obvious from the member's standpoint who is spamming and who is not. When I see multiple thousands of posts from people who are consistently helpful, knowledgable, and encouraging to beginners and those needing assistance with a problem... those folks aren't spamming. It's what the forum is all about!

[zippy117]

wow thats it.:rolleyes:well thats just pointless.:D haha i just remembered that if you just add random people on face book that you dont even know, other people see all the people and think your a loser.

I feel exactly the same way! It's also pretty illogical. If the only way to impress someone is to have a million posts, I don't necessarily want to be friends with them. ;)

:budge: Suzanne :budgie:

[ElzBelz]

Well, I must admit I do use a bit of net-speak, and sometimes a bit off excessive punctuation.
I will stop though after reading this.
Just a question, what about words like LOL or P.S?
I really agree with stopping SPAM.
Once when I posted a thread about my budgies health and someone replied "He'll be ok"
It has to stop!

[Robin's Nest]

I would not (personally) think of P.S. (or PS: ) as netspeak.

As far as lol - I think an occasional one is understandable. It gets a little rough when it is used in every other sentence. A :D or a :XD: can be used instead of lol as well. :)

[Pippin's mom]

Excessive smilies can be distracting as well and take away from the text in a post. :)

[helloyo53]

Excessive smilies can be distracting as well and take away from the text in a post. :)

I agree. Smilies are a great way to show what you mean, if that makes sense. Like if you are kidding about something, you have have a :p or a ;), which that shows that you are kidding.

Having smilies like this, :):(:S:eek::mad::rolleyes::budgie::budgie::budgie: :budgie:;), just makes a post really, really annoying!

So just remember to use smilies in moderation, and use them when you think you should use them. :)

[AngelWings]

Excessive smilies can be distracting as well and take away from the text in a post. :)

Just asking... That doesn't mean me right? :XD: I know i use quite a few smilies but i mean.. it's not that many right mommy julea? ;)