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.
- Numbers, instead of * bullet points for Ruled-out idea lists.
- 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)
- Or separate Ruled out list from the rest of the lists to prevent confusion. (suggested by Axion here)
- 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?)
- 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)
- 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:
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.:)
I hope this helps, and encourage people to put in the effort to be nice to the spammy newbies.