Spamming the boards

[motorhead]

I may be out of line, if so, mods can delete this whole post. But could the both of you slow down on the massive amount of spam on the boards? I appreciate your enthusiasm, but 99% of your posts are short one/two liners, often a seperate small post for each and every thought. Here's an example from a recent post:


Quote[/b] (Inuyasha12 @ June 27 2004,05:14)]Did you cut and paste the response from the Civil war mayhem thread.

Man slow down. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-jester.gif

PS:so i can cath up http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

and


Quote[/b] (Inuyasha12 @ June 27 2004,04:31)]Yeah it's just another post, to go up his tally http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-jester.gif

- good threads are becoming swamped with silly posts like this. I like to check up on threads to see if anything new or interesting has been brought up, not tally posts http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/ceasarno.gif
- this is not some post count contest
- quality, not quantity will get you promoted. I went from junior -> senior -> member in less than 40 posts.


-- Motorhead http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[YAKOBU]

I'm behind you all the way motorhead http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

If people want to up their post count they could use the Word Association or 1 Word Story threads.

It irks me to see the same poster on 10 threads in a row without anyone alse posting, each adding no real value to the thread.

Enthusiasm is great but please try and contain this enthusiasm to constructive comments, and don't burn yourselves out in a week or two.

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

P.S. nice choice of avatar motorhead http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Inuyasha12]

I guess that would be me http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

Just cause they are short doesn't mean im just randomly writing stuff.
See i have almost nothing to do but stayhome, since it's summer and i haven't gotten a summer job yet. I spend my time between here and gaia(a anime forum)
Really, exept play MTW, hat's mostly what i do all day.


anything to say amir? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-computer.gif

[Duke John]

If you want to chat then go to a chatbox. These forums are not meant for it. They are meant for discussion which means that you add something sensible to a thread if you post.

Cheers, Duke John

Edit: I looked at the index page of the Entrance Hall and 90% of the last post is made by Inuyasha12. This is silly, please stop.

[amir]

Too Inuyasha12:


Quote[/b] (Inuyasha12 @ June 27 2004,13:06)]I guess that would be me http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

Just cause they are short doesn't mean im just randomly writing stuff.
See i have almost nothing to do but stayhome, since it's summer and i haven't gotten a summer job yet. I spend my time between here and gaia(a anime forum)
Really, exept play MTW, hat's mostly what i do all day.


anything to say amir? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-computer.gif

I can honestly say that I am NOT trying to spam, I just like to reply to people topics, unlike you that even say in your posts that you treat it all as a competetion(first post, this thread, your quote, p.s. line), I just try to answer people on questions.

Too all the rest:

I really dont see that as spamming, i just like to reply to people thread, look about that as I look: someone have a question, is answering him means spamming? someone ask your opinion about something, is telling your opinion is spamming?
And if it really bother you I can stop posting and leave the forum, because now its really annoying, its not funny any more, because I believe that if dont reply to something you can say about, its like ignoring that someone, and I dont like ignoring peoples, so please stop saying i'm spamming because I am not ignoring people.

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Spamming don't really bother me as much as long, drawn out chain posts which do my nut in to be quite honest with you.

[KukriKhan]

Hi all. Let me step in here and clarify our policy on spam in the Entrance Hall (slightly different than elsewhere on the Org):

This is the Entrance Hall, where new patrons are directed, once they have registered. Because their ability to post new topics is restricted to the Entrance Hall, we must have a no topic is off-topic policy here. Most new people post something like: Hi, I'm new, and I have a question..

That's fine, because it gives the EH Mods a chance to meet, greet, help, and evaluate new patrons.

Because we are an extremely diverse group here (patrons range from 11-65 years old, from around the planet, with varying degrees of computer experience, and multiple cultural and educational backgrounds) we allow more latitude here while new guys are adjusting to us (and us to them).

Many new guys come from other forums that are not as heavily moderated, where the free for all atmosphere drives many new people away. Some new guys have never been on forums before, their only experience being IM and chatrooms. Other guys are veterans of boards since the old Usenet days.

Because of that diversity, we tolerate enthusiastic posting here, gently pointing out that in Org culture, we try hard to make our posts constructive, furthering the conversation/discussion, with a minimum of posts that contain only ROFL (for example).

And they learn how this Org neighborhood works. And we learn from them. And that's good.

To wrap up: we tolerate so-called spam... for awhile. Be assured the EH mods will speak with them so they understand how it works here. Spam is a newbie condition - this is a newbie forum. Where rules (both written and unwritten) are learnt. So as always:

Hug a newbie today - if only to keep his arms from flapping

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Thanks

[Duke John]

After reading KukriKhan's post I realise that I was a bit harsh. I forgot that new members can indeed come from free-for-all forums and perhaps this is their first forum. And as with all forums it takes a while to adjust.

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/medievalcheers.gif

[Inuyasha12]

I wasn't treating it as a competition, obiously the let me catch up comment was meant as a joke.

I think there even was a http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-jester.gif on it.

i really have nothing to do on some days than to go online.
I guess i'll go to GAIA.

[Papewaio]

There are two other areas on the Org that allow copious off-topic posts they are the frontroom and the tavern.

The single word thread comes to mind for instance.

Frontroom is for lighthearted discussion.

Tavern is for politics and things that may annoy people... potential flame bait... so when in it remember that and post about the topic... play the ball not the man... don't flame either constructively debate it, joke or just walk away... the tavern is fun but it can be harsh.

[amir]

Quote[/b] ]Tavern is for politics and things that may annoy people... potential flame bait... so when in it remember that and post about the topic... play the ball not the man... don't flame either constructively debate it, joke or just walk away... the tavern is fun but it can be harsh

yep definitely, I once (yesterday) entered and there was a political debate that really pissed me off, things there can really annoy people (specialy people which are from countries like mine) i were just about to ***************** them but then it gave me the messege that only members can post there.

[Papewaio]

Just don't take everything at face value... some people will purposely take an opposite view just as in a debate... to try and see what the other person is saying... or just to mind F34k 'em... flame bait them... or because the poster is Australian and just annoys people out of habit.

[Gregoshi]

amir, you said you don't want to be rude by not responding to someone and I can understand and appreciate the thought. But consider there are a few hundred regular posters here and if we all did as you do, it would be impossible to read even a fraction of all the posts that would appear here every day. Also, consider it from their point of view: any posts they make are lost amidst a sea of your (and Inu's) posts.

I'm going to try to explain why others see your posts as spam via an example. Let's take a hypothetical question:

Question: how do you play football (soccer)?

Based on your typical 1-2 sentence responses, here is how you might answer that question:

Answer: each team has a goal and tries to put the ball in the other team's goal. The team with the most goals wins.

Although your answer is correct, it really doesn't tell the person asking the question much of anything. Your answer could apply to lacrosse, field hockey, water polo, etc. If that person wanted to play football, they'd have to know a lot more. How long is the game? How big is the field? What is the playing surface? How many players on a team? How do you move the ball? What kind of ball? Player positions...key rules...techniques...equipment...and so on. Details, details, details. Your answers lack the detail necessary to make them truly helpful.

Here is another way to look at your posting style: sure, you were courteous enough reply to a person, but they obviously weren't worth more than 30 seconds of your time based on your reply. How does that make them feel?

To end this on a positive note, amir, your reply 8 posts above was beautiful. You obviously took some time to compose your thoughts to address the issue. That is a good post. You really should give more of your posts the same level of consideration.

I hope this has helped both of you (amir and Inu) understand why others are reacting to you the way they are and what you can do about it. We are not trying to chase you away, nor silence you. We simply want all our patrons to get along and enjoy their time here.

[amir]

Quote[/b] ]Also, consider it from their point of view: any posts they make are lost amidst a sea of your (and Inu's) posts.
yeah i guess that's right, and i'll try to reply less.

But about that


Quote[/b] ] here is how you might answer that question
That I did'nt like, it's really annoying to see someone come and say what you would have done, because you can't really know, its what you think, and I believe it's not fair you come and say what I would have said in that case, because you are not me and you don't know what i really would have said, and i can promise you it won't be that answer. you have truly offended me by guessing what i would have say, and by that you smearering me.

[Gregoshi]

amir, I apologize if you were offended. That was not the intent. Nor did I intend to smear you. Since you did not seem to understand what others (including myself) were trying to tell you, I tried to approach the issue from a different angle and via an illustration. I may not know what you would have posted, but I had 100+ posts of yours with which to make an educated guess. Though the result was not what I had intended, I ask you to consider the spirit of my post if not the result (you being offended).

As for posting less, I think if you put more effort into each post, your posting rate will drop a bit just because you are spending more time on your posts. I also think you will find the other patrons will be much more appreciative of your contributions. You seem to have a lot of experience and knowledge of MTW to share...and you also appear to have the time to share it - time that many of us do not. You could be another katank - 1890 posts since February, but everyone looks forward to reading his wisdom, knowledge and experiences with MTW.

That is more than enough for now. My son just got back after being away for 5 days, so I think I'll spend some time with him.

[ah_dut]

Quote[/b] (Gregoshi @ June 28 2004,00:39)]amir, I apologize if you were offended. That was not the intent. Nor did I intend to smear you. Since you did not seem to understand what others (including myself) were trying to tell you, I tried to approach the issue from a different angle and via an illustration. I may not know what you would have posted, but I had 100+ posts of yours with which to make an educated guess. Though the result was not what I had intended, I ask you to consider the spirit of my post if not the result (you being offended).

As for posting less, I think if you put more effort into each post, your posting rate will drop a bit just because you are spending more time on your posts. I also think you will find the other patrons will be much more appreciative of your contributions. You seem to have a lot of experience and knowledge of MTW to share...and you also appear to have the time to share it - time that many of us do not. You could be another katank - 1890 posts since February, but everyone looks forward to reading his wisdom, knowledge and experiences with MTW.

That is more than enough for now. My son just got back after being away for 5 days, so I think I'll spend some time with him.
no one is like Katank, our walking talking dictionary on all things MTW, and yes we do sit at his feet in awe http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif

[amir]

Quote[/b] ]and you also appear to have the time to share it - time that many of us do not

12 hours a day, is that considered a lot of time?




Quote[/b] ]your posting rate will drop a bit just because you are spending more time on your posts

i'm doubted, again 12 hours a day, but if the only thing that bother you is the 2 short lines, that i sometimes write, i can promise you i stoped doing that.

[Sarnaen]

I'm quite proud of the fact that I've only been posting a couple of days, and netted 30-something posts in that time. Yet I haven't resorted to spamming to get them
I've been on several forums where star-harvesting is commonplace, and it makes threads terrible to read, is simply bad mannered, and wastes the time of people who take the time to read through threads to see if they can help.
Kudos to the admin who set up this system to prevent such a thing happening here. Being promoted on your worth and reputation as a poster is a much better method than being promoted because you can post quickly.
I'm at the bottom of the food chain, yet I'm not complaining.
He who is without sin cast the first stone - I'm not naming names, but I agree with the thread starter that reading short posts by the same poster in every thread in the forum is frustrating when you click the thread expecting to see a quality post adding to the discussion.
Short and to the point is acceptable, but I agree with the above. isn't...
Thats my opinion as someone who has spent time on many forums, although I'm rather new to the Org.

[amir]

Quote[/b] ]because you can post quickly.

thats the whole point, i'm NOT posting quickly, out of my 12 hours a day of comp an about 10 hours i'm on this forum, so i can easily post a post every half hour to 20 minuts and gain a 30 post count a day, so the biggest difference between me and you guys is the time i'm sitting in front of the forum.

[Sarnaen]

Hey, I never said you were. I've not implied anything. Your post count is high because of the amount of time you're here. Some people spend maybe a few hours a day here, posting every time the flood barrier lets them, every 90 seconds. I have known people who keep a .txt file with a template standard post in. All they have to do is fill in the blanks to make it sound on-topic in just about any thread, and copy and paste it into the forum. I know you're not one of these kind of people because your posts directly address the question at hand, and show that you've taken the time to read the thread.
I have noticed some posts, by other people, that simply are only posted for the purposes of being noticed and promoted. These are the kind of posts I don't like.

[amir]

Quote[/b] ]I have known people who keep a .txt file with a template standard post in. All they have to do is fill in the blanks to make it sound on-topic in just about any thread
thats lame and impossibile, how can anyone make a file that with a small change it will be on topic, it seems to impossibile, do you have any such file for example (and no, i'm not going to use, i just want to see how can it be done).

[Sarnaen]

Well, its usually I agree with [name], their point makes sense and is put across well. [quote from earlier message] is not right because [insert variation of someone elses point of view].
Or something along those lines. As long as they have someone they can agree with or back up, then they can get away with it.

[Cazbol]

Quote[/b] (amir @ June 28 2004,03:10)][snip] out of my 12 hours a day of comp [snip]
Hey, I like you. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif Real life is highly overrated. In time you'll become just like me. I've been on these forums for 2 years and I'm still making short posts about very little. I refuse to grow up.
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/ht_jumping.gif

[amir]

Quote[/b] (Sarnaen @ June 28 2004,11:32)]Well, its usually I agree with [name], their point makes sense and is put across well. [quote from earlier message] is not right because [insert variation of someone elses point of view].
Or something along those lines. As long as they have someone they can agree with or back up, then they can get away with it.
but it does'nt worth a thing, you can easily notice if someone is doing that, using that thing, all of the messeges will have the exact same structure.

[Sarnaen]

True, but commonly, forums aren't moderated as strictly as they could be, and they slip through the net. Thus gaining them a huge postcount in a short amount of time.
It wouldn't work here because of the anti-flood precautions, restrictions on new members, and moderators who spend plenty of time on the forums.

[Despot of the English]

I'd love to see post counts go altogether as I know how much trouble they cause: people seem to think that because they have a bigger one than everyone else then somehow it makes them more important. I am the administrator of a forum with over 2,500 members so I have a lot of experience with this, as well as spammers.

[foop]

Quote[/b] (Despot of the English @ June 28 2004,16:02)]I'd love to see post counts go altogether as I know how much trouble they cause

Hah, you're just saying that because you've only made 21 posts. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Seriously, though, I must agree with Motorhead (or whoever started this thread). I've only been on the org for a few weeks, and last week was an enforced break - I was in bed with a horrible throat infection all week. I got back to work today and found myself wading through mountains of OMG lolz I luv them too but they neverz wok when I use them (smiley) (smiley) (smiley) (smiley) 11 posts.

I don't want to point fingers, but the signal to noise ratio has gone pear shaped over the last week. When I started reading, I could pretty much guarantee that every thread would be an informative discussion of, say, the merits of Hungarian mounted missile units. Now I can't.

That's life, I guess.

[gaijinalways]

I havnen't seen this as a problem, that is, people spamming, but then again I don't ramble through all the alleys here as much as I could (I'm limited by my playing MTW, other games, and argueing with my wife, in that order).

Truly, if people are not adding much to a discussion, some may pick a bone with that, but then again, I could say that about a lot of posts. I mean, it is difficult to remember to comment on everything and make coherent sense, yes?

Well, that's my thoughts on the matter anyway.

Thanks to the moderators and other contributors, no matter how small. I love this forum