Ruled Out Thread Handling: Suggestions, Public Announcement, and Mod Reminder

Reminder to Mods
First off, just want to say that I got a PM a long while ago from a mod saying one of the sticky threads would have a post added to it addressing how forum goers are to go about reporting threads. Not saying who, to save embarrassment, but with how busy they are, I can see them saying "will get to it a bit later" and get side tracked by something more important and forget.

Suggestions
Things that should be done to the list and mentioned in the reporting guide.

1. Numbers, instead of * bullet points for Ruled-out idea lists.
2. A noticeable color difference in the text for the ruled out ideas list, since there are 3 lists of things, and people mistake things as ruled out. (but in a good, easy to read color, that intuitively says 'warning/bad', like some shade of red)
3. Or separate Ruled out list from the rest of the lists to prevent confusion. (suggested by Axion here)
4. A Mod or Staffs ruling on how non-ruled out ideas listed on 'the sticky thread' should be treaded by forum goers. (Should some be talked about, or not?)
5. Mod or Staff statement as to what happens to a typical ruled out thread that is reported. (assumed nothing else but thread is deleted, but 'being reported' still has a negative connotation to it, and can easily be off putting, especially to newbies)
6. Easier way to quote or reference ruled out list. Or show best method to quote sections.

Public Service Announcement
This forum is for all of us, newbie and forum vet alike, and we need to treat people properly. Ruled out idea threads will keep happening until something is done to the forum system itself. An argument can be made that it is the person's own fault for not reading the rules, but regardless of it being thier fault, or problem in rule presentation, the fact of the matter is, we still have such threads spamming the forum.

Why is that? Many here in the forums already know why, but for those that don't; new people start playing Clash of Clans, sees a common problem or possible improvement, notice the 'Joined us in the forums' message and feel compelled to help out and post what they find. This would be a good thing, if only hundreds of others didn't also see and think the same thing as well.

So what should we do about it?

Bluntly and discouragingly saying thier idea is 'bad', and maybe with a few other choice words, is not the way to go. After seeing the same thing over and over, seeing the constant and relentless display of ignorance, and seeming stupidity, it is very easy to be short with people. But it doesn't have to be that way. The same amount of text used to berate them can be used to send a better message. You can never know if that new person you insulted for posting the 6th copy of a ruled out idea today could actually be a good brainstormer, and could later come up with a truly awesome idea that Supercell later uses. Or just be an all around good forum member, if not put off by the unwelcome committee and just leave, thinking this place is a waste of time, when that is far from being true.

What we should do is understand that these newbie spammers are here because they believe they are helping. Obviously they aren't helping, but if pointed out thier mistake, in a nice way, it will not only make them stop, but they will likely not just be another abandoned newbie account on the forum. When we see yet another ruled out idea thread, and feel like doing something about it, check the ruled out thread, copy and cite the reference , say it is ruled out, be nice about it but not in a hollow way, and say the thread is reported (or put in a different way, since no one likes being 'reported'). Then of course report the thread. Reporting doesn't take much, just "ruled out idea" or the like in the message box in the report page.

if you see someone else saying it is ruled out and reported it, there is no need to bump the thread back up if you are going to say the same thing. Reporting for the second or third time isn't needed either,. The Mods seemed to do just fine with me just reporting once on many of the ruled out threads.

And here is a quote from a mod on how to go about reporting, and what to report.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tinkerbell

Although we try our best, moderators simply can't be everywhere at once, and that's where you can help:)


If you see a post that breaks the forum rules, please report it by clicking the small triangle at the bottom left of the offending post.

http://i.imgur.com/BjxYzAh.png

Reasons for reporting include: Spam, inappropriate language or pictures, insulting/offensive comments, duplicate posts or threads, posts in the wrong sub forum and ruled out ideas.

Thank you to all the people who already help us by using this tool, and a huge thank you to everyone who helps out in the future.
We really appreciate it.:)

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I hope this helps, and encourage people to put in the effort to be nice to the spammy newbies.

There's little point mopping while the rain is still coming in the holes in the roof.

The so called "ruled out" topics need clarification. "Ruled out" sounds clear, but the clarity is negated by "for the time being".

Are there any forum owners who understand clear and succinct communication?

Is this related to my post, lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Json8r

Is this related to my post, lol

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Heh, you wish. :p I was writing this, not knowing what happened to your thread.

But it is a common problem.

Just hoping the other stuff that I ask about, stuff needing clarification, is answered by a mod.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Json8r

Is this related to my post, lol

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which post? Please link it

Quote:

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Originally Posted by George1971

There's little point mopping while the rain is still coming in the holes in the roof.

The so called "ruled out" topics need clarification. "Ruled out" sounds clear, but the clarity is negated by "for the time being".

Are there any forum owners who understand clear and succinct communication?

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The 'for the time being' is because they will never shut the door in case the factors ever change. To all those that call them close minded they should consider that SC will still keep that little opening even after they have reviewed something and seen ways for it to be abused or upset the balance of the game. (Nothing makes the list without them identifying something) Its not fair to call them closed minded just because they don't want to redo all that thinking just because some kid all hopped up on his latest thought (which happens to be some tired old previously suggested and ruled out idea) is saying so.

What they have asked is that, for the health of the forum, that folks not clutter it up with these items because as long as they are on the list these are pointless conversations. They are taking up space that could be used for other ideas that really are fresh and new and do warrant visibility and discussion. its a shame how many of those get buried every day because of guys spamming with their favorite old ruled out idea.

Also, from a forum user standpoint, its tough when you tell someone something SC (who is not me) has decided. I am simply the messenger reporting a decision I had no part of. And in response to that the person starts criticizing my attitude and calling me closed minded and telling me how wrong I am. Its hard to speak to this and so its understandable some of the guys here start to get a little short with their answers after so many beatings.

So folks should respect the list and what WarrenJames is trying to do here is to try and promote that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rwelshjr

The 'for the time being' is because they will never shut the door in case the factors ever change. To all those that call them close minded they should consider that SC will still keep that little opening even after they have reviewed something and seen ways for it to be abused or upset the balance of the game. (Nothing makes the list without them identifying something) Its not fair to call them closed minded just because they don't want to redo all that thinking just because some kid all hopped up on his latest thought (which happens to be some tired old previously suggested and ruled out idea) is saying so.

What they have asked is that, for the health of the forum, that folks not clutter it up with these items because as long as they are on the list these are pointless conversations. They are taking up space that could be used for other ideas that really are fresh and new and do warrant visibility and discussion. its a shame how many of those get buried every day because of guys spamming with their favorite old ruled out idea.

Also, from a forum user standpoint, its tough when you tell someone something SC (who is not me) has decided. I am simply the messenger reporting a decision I had no part of. And in response to that the person starts criticizing my attitude and calling me closed minded and telling me how wrong I am. Its hard to speak to this and so its understandable some of the guys here start to get a little short with their answers after so many beatings.

So folks should respect the list and what WarrenJames is trying to do here is to try and promote that.

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"Ruled out" without qualification would include: Donating resources; having committed but surviving troops return; Gem mines. Sure, they may one day change everything, but some things are clearly ruled out due to breaking their business model or being game breakers.


"Ruled out for the time being" should be split into "Unlikely" and "Maybe".


"Unlikely" should include the main drawback for the idea.


"Maybe" should include a link to a separate forum for discussion of the defined idea. Note that "maybe" ideas are not "new" ideas.


The word "sticky" should be abandoned as stupid. The only people who know what it means are people who don't need to read them.


You can't ask the necomers to not clutter by posting against unclear guidelines. You shouldn't ask regulars to ignore newcomers, because that is extremely unwelcoming, worse than swearing at them.


I respect what Warren is trying to do, but think it is definitely not the answer, and in parts counter-productive. Mopping the floor under the dripping roof distracts SC employees from fixing their confusing stickies. Pretending to know what is going on with so called "ruled out for the time being" ideas is not helpful to anyone, least of all the newbie you just lied to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WarrenJames

Heh, you wish. :p I was writing this, not knowing what happened to your thread.

But it is a common problem.

Just hoping the other stuff that I ask about, stuff needing clarification, is answered by a mod.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by George1971

which post? Please link it

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This post. http://forum.supercell.net/showthrea...ld-Be-OP/page3

I just hope some of these things get answered by Mods. Also, get that addition bit of info posted on a sticky thread.

First off, great effort. I didnt read all of it yet but i will.

The biggest thing that needs to happen is a separation. Ruled out should not be at the bottom of 3 long lists. The first being frequently requested ideas and it confuses people. Make one sticky for frequently suggested and its own stickie for ruled out ideas. To have them both in the same list makes it hard to distinguish for new posters.

This simple act would change a lot in keeping IFR clean.

I added the suggestion to the original post. Had problems adding thier name to it since it turned the X.D. into XD because of the new emotes that were added. heh :smirk:

Any more suggestions? Also, what would be a simpler way of making s reference link? Because I just made a URL link to AxionXD's post. Was thinking there was an easier way to go about it.

Any other comments or additions to this?

I recently had to explain to a few enraged newbies the difference between Reporting a ruled out thread is to regular reporting of other actions.

Reminded me of this thread, and instead of remaking the thing, I thought I'd bring it back up again.

Mods still haven't put that extra note up on the sticky thread. :facepalm: