Closing Threads
Lansing Kai Don
I realize that part of the responsibility of the moderator/admin is to realize when a thread is finished and close it. But lately it seems every other new thread I go to is closed with some generic answer from a moderator/admin. Perhaps the question is generic in itself, but then the new user (the ones we're trying to attract) has no ability to ask further questions if it didn't answer his... sure then he has the ability to post a new thread that is more specific. This then leads to clutter, and probably upsets the new user (it would me). I was thinking if you're going to close a thread on some generic answer/question... then perhaps delete it too (remove the clutter if it truly is that generic and simple). It also occurred to me, why do you need us other Guild Wars fans if most of the answers are going to be replied with some copied and pasted answer and then closed. I've gotten two people to message me for a more specific answer. This is why I'm worried. While I don't mind doing it, it doesn't help any of the other users who may have similar problems/questions.
Lansing Kai Don
Lansing Kai Don
Enix
The point is not to have 8000 threads asking "is my computer fast enough to run GW" or "what do I get for my preorder item" and so on. Being a former forum moderator, it is generally a pain in the butt when people dont read before asking questions. If it was already asked/answered, there is no need for a new thread.
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Manderlock
Quote:
Originally Posted by Enix
The point is not to have 8000 threads asking "is my computer fast enough to run GW" or "what do I get for my preorder item" and so on. Being a former forum moderator, it is generally a pain in the butt when people dont read before asking questions. If it was already asked/answered, there is no need for a new thread.
You talk about having 8000 threads, they dont delet them they just close them. That means your argument has no merit.
Most members (such as myself) have no prob awnsering these types of qs. Just let us awnser the question befor you close it. Then you still get to close the thread, but the poster now has his question awnsered.
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You talk about having 8000 threads, they dont delet them they just close them. That means your argument has no merit.
Most members (such as myself) have no prob awnsering these types of qs. Just let us awnser the question befor you close it. Then you still get to close the thread, but the poster now has his question awnsered.
Lansing Kai Don
Quote:
Originally Posted by Enix
The point is not to have 8000 threads asking "is my computer fast enough to run GW" or "what do I get for my preorder item" and so on. Being a former forum moderator, it is generally a pain in the butt when people dont read before asking questions. If it was already asked/answered, there is no need for a new thread.
Yes I mentioned deleting the threads if they are truly that generic of an answer. But what if the person asked if his computer is fast enough to run GW... "read the system requirements" thread closed. Before you know it I get a message... ok, I installed the client and it seems to be choppy and I was wondering if my computer may be the problem. Then doing it via MSN messenger while helpful to the user is not helpful to others with similar problems. And delete the threads if you're just going to close them on some generic answer there is no point in letting them stay, unless you like everyone to see what you typed.
As a forum admin,... and having offers to two other Guild Wars sites to be a moderator (turned down one, don't have the time). I understand the responsibilities. But "you" took them on (as I mentioned in another post), if you're not able to handle it or don't have enough time. Then do the honorable thing and resign from your post or have others pick up your slack (if it is for a brief period).
Lansing Kai Don
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As a forum admin,... and having offers to two other Guild Wars sites to be a moderator (turned down one, don't have the time). I understand the responsibilities. But "you" took them on (as I mentioned in another post), if you're not able to handle it or don't have enough time. Then do the honorable thing and resign from your post or have others pick up your slack (if it is for a brief period).
Lansing Kai Don
Loviatar
i note that threads are being closed by many different mod/admin so it doesnt appear that the issue is a particular mod/admin slacking off and taking the easy way out.
Nascent
Normally I'm not one to add to threads such as this, but it's something I've noticed lately too. I'm not saying its unmerited, since the nice Guru folks are providing us with a community...but it just seems like things are getting kind of out of hand lately.
I've noticed some moderators perhaps being more crass with members than they should be given their position in the community, and its hard to voice complaints about this since favouritism will always take place.
Threads being closed as soon as they're opened...I don't mind this, except for when we hear something like "this has already been covered here (link) " and then the place we're being sent to is only vaguely related to the previous topic.
Maybe everyone’s just getting antsy since the games right around the corner, but I know at least a few people have mentioned some growing disdain for the way things are evolving around here. I'm not pointing fingers, or mentioning names, but you'd have to be blind to not notice it.
I've noticed some moderators perhaps being more crass with members than they should be given their position in the community, and its hard to voice complaints about this since favouritism will always take place.
Threads being closed as soon as they're opened...I don't mind this, except for when we hear something like "this has already been covered here (link) " and then the place we're being sent to is only vaguely related to the previous topic.
Maybe everyone’s just getting antsy since the games right around the corner, but I know at least a few people have mentioned some growing disdain for the way things are evolving around here. I'm not pointing fingers, or mentioning names, but you'd have to be blind to not notice it.
Lansing Kai Don
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loviatar
i note that threads are being closed by many different mod/admin so it doesnt appear that the issue is a particular mod/admin slacking off and taking the easy way out.
*sigh* I agree Loviatar, I was speaking generally in my first post. In the second I was addressing Enix remark not the question as a whole. And in the last paragraph that was to any moderator/admin, I wasn't referencing just one. I do not want to go that route by the way, I'm not hear to criticize one admin/moderator just the site as a whole. I have no right to make it personal in any way.. especially since it doesn't anger me. Just wanting to let the site know a possible deprivation of information that may be needed.
Lansing Kai Don
Lansing Kai Don
Loviatar
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they are busy and i have found new mods will have a tendency to be a little more strict at first as they dont want to appear to be sluffing off on the job.
lets let things settle out before passing a hint of judgement as it will only get worse after the game is released and the tide of questions begins.
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Lansing Kai Don
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loviatar
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they are busy and i have found new mods will have a tendency to be a little more strict at first as they dont want to appear to be sluffing off on the job.
lets let things settle out before passing a hint of judgement as it will only get worse after the game is released and the tide of questions begins.
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Lansing Kai Don
Bgnome
i assume you guys are talking about me.
anyhow, i have been newly appointed as the moderator of the Q&A and Tech forums and have been fairly busy the past couple of days in anticipation of release. i understand that yall are concerned by my actions, specifically closing practically every thread opened in my sections.
i had already ade a note to the other admins of my intentions and so far, have not seen any indication that i am going about this the wrong way. it has been brought up several times that bothe of those sections have been viewed as a "mess" and drastic action needs to be taken.
as such, i have been in the habit of closing threads that ask questions that have asked several times before, questions that are answered simply through the use of the search button, quoting official faqs/interviews, and questions that have simply been answered.
i close these threads as they no longer require additional posts. if i was to delete them, the original poster would not be able to read the answer. hopefully, closing them will allow them to fall to the wayside and keep the useful topics either on top or stickied.
if you have suggestions on how to approach this better, i am open to them. i hope to promote useful threads and eventually have the answers easier to find. i have read many complaints regarding that and often see people begin the post by mentioning failed search attempts. if you feel that generic answers, ie linking system requirements, is not the answer, what do you propose?
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anyhow, i have been newly appointed as the moderator of the Q&A and Tech forums and have been fairly busy the past couple of days in anticipation of release. i understand that yall are concerned by my actions, specifically closing practically every thread opened in my sections.
i had already ade a note to the other admins of my intentions and so far, have not seen any indication that i am going about this the wrong way. it has been brought up several times that bothe of those sections have been viewed as a "mess" and drastic action needs to be taken.
as such, i have been in the habit of closing threads that ask questions that have asked several times before, questions that are answered simply through the use of the search button, quoting official faqs/interviews, and questions that have simply been answered.
i close these threads as they no longer require additional posts. if i was to delete them, the original poster would not be able to read the answer. hopefully, closing them will allow them to fall to the wayside and keep the useful topics either on top or stickied.
if you have suggestions on how to approach this better, i am open to them. i hope to promote useful threads and eventually have the answers easier to find. i have read many complaints regarding that and often see people begin the post by mentioning failed search attempts. if you feel that generic answers, ie linking system requirements, is not the answer, what do you propose?
Zai
I agree with the OP. I'm one of those new members, the actions of certain mods are making me feel as if this is not a friendly community, if it continues I may move on to another forum.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bgnome
Quote:
i close these threads as they no longer require additional posts.
They may not "require" additional posts, but the topic starter may want to thank those that gave them the answer or possibly ask for clarification about that answer. Other users may want to add-on to the answer to be more helpful, etc.
Locking a thread is a last resort to stop an inappropriate thread from continuing, it is a disciplinary action.
Locking a thread is a last resort to stop an inappropriate thread from continuing, it is a disciplinary action.
Bgnome
i have already received a PM from a new member that i believe i may have scared off. now, as i am a new moderator, i am not offended by your critique of my actions.
of course, Q&A is not representative of the community as a whole. my original impression was that GWG was to be a place where players could get more detailed information about the inner workings of the game. i appreciate that Q&A has devolved from that somewhat as the noob stomping grounds. i do not wish to turn the image of this site into an unwelcome place for neophytes, but the more the same questions are asked, the more it dilutes the actually useful information contained in those forums.
i apologize if yall believe that i have been slack at this new job. i have been juggling many things at the moment and wish to be able to devote more time and effort, although that does not excuse any lack of quality on my part.
of course, Q&A is not representative of the community as a whole. my original impression was that GWG was to be a place where players could get more detailed information about the inner workings of the game. i appreciate that Q&A has devolved from that somewhat as the noob stomping grounds. i do not wish to turn the image of this site into an unwelcome place for neophytes, but the more the same questions are asked, the more it dilutes the actually useful information contained in those forums.
i apologize if yall believe that i have been slack at this new job. i have been juggling many things at the moment and wish to be able to devote more time and effort, although that does not excuse any lack of quality on my part.
Lansing Kai Don
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zai
I agree with the OP. I'm one of those new members, the actions of certain mods are making me feel as if this is not a friendly community, if it continues I may move on to another forum.
Yes, you are new. But perhaps instead of quitting on this one, let's work with them to find a better solution than closing threads right after they're posted. Bgnome I wasn't specifically speaking of you, as people have mentioned, it's more than one (it perhaps is evena mentality). Tell me if I'm completely off base on some of these or help them by adding suggestions to improve them...
Instead of 30 stickies at the top of the forums (which some are approaching 15 and therefore a FULL page for the people who set 20 posts per page).. make one sticky with a link to a FAQ. Yes I know, but build up your FAQ with the items already stickied.
Give the user a time limit to respond, say it nicely like. In your forums case, here are the system requirements.. if you have any further questions please ask them in the next 2-3 hours (or even 24 but that'd be hard to track) as we will be deleting this thread shortly. This will only work for the truly generic questions as you stated. And if you could have someone set up a script time to automatically delete the message after a time span that could make it super easy... or just a reminder system.
I notice some threads have been merged (you do have this here right?)... maybe use this more frequently on generic answers since you just plan on closing the threads anyways. Then you could delete the thread and the user will have a place to respond.
Lansing Kai Don
P.S. Like I said, these are suggestions. I'll try to think of some more but I'm really busy at the moment with work and school. Bgnome thanks for taking a constructive path defending yourself... it's always good to see like-minded individuals open to suggestions. And perhaps none of these are implementable, if not maybe some other community members (especially forum goers) will be able to help.
Instead of 30 stickies at the top of the forums (which some are approaching 15 and therefore a FULL page for the people who set 20 posts per page).. make one sticky with a link to a FAQ. Yes I know, but build up your FAQ with the items already stickied.
Give the user a time limit to respond, say it nicely like. In your forums case, here are the system requirements.. if you have any further questions please ask them in the next 2-3 hours (or even 24 but that'd be hard to track) as we will be deleting this thread shortly. This will only work for the truly generic questions as you stated. And if you could have someone set up a script time to automatically delete the message after a time span that could make it super easy... or just a reminder system.
I notice some threads have been merged (you do have this here right?)... maybe use this more frequently on generic answers since you just plan on closing the threads anyways. Then you could delete the thread and the user will have a place to respond.
Lansing Kai Don
P.S. Like I said, these are suggestions. I'll try to think of some more but I'm really busy at the moment with work and school. Bgnome thanks for taking a constructive path defending yourself... it's always good to see like-minded individuals open to suggestions. And perhaps none of these are implementable, if not maybe some other community members (especially forum goers) will be able to help.
Manderlock
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bgnome
i have already received a PM from a new member that i believe i may have scared off. now, as i am a new moderator, i am not offended by your critique of my actions.
of course, Q&A is not representative of the community as a whole. my original impression was that GWG was to be a place where players could get more detailed information about the inner workings of the game. i appreciate that Q&A has devolved from that somewhat as the noob stomping grounds. i do not wish to turn the image of this site into an unwelcome place for neophytes, but the more the same questions are asked, the more it dilutes the actually useful information contained in those forums.
i apologize if yall believe that i have been slack at this new job. i have been juggling many things at the moment and wish to be able to devote more time and effort, although that does not excuse any lack of quality on my part.
Bah, your doing what you feel needs to be done. You wouldnt be doing it if the other admins/mods didnt agree. Everyone has a suggestion on how you *need* to do things (including me), but when it comes down to it we dont have the responsibility that you do. Lansing just made a suggestion, as i did in my PM to you. These are not OMFG YOUR RUINING EVERYTHING opinions, just suggestions.
Keep doing what you feel you need to do.
of course, Q&A is not representative of the community as a whole. my original impression was that GWG was to be a place where players could get more detailed information about the inner workings of the game. i appreciate that Q&A has devolved from that somewhat as the noob stomping grounds. i do not wish to turn the image of this site into an unwelcome place for neophytes, but the more the same questions are asked, the more it dilutes the actually useful information contained in those forums.
i apologize if yall believe that i have been slack at this new job. i have been juggling many things at the moment and wish to be able to devote more time and effort, although that does not excuse any lack of quality on my part.
Bah, your doing what you feel needs to be done. You wouldnt be doing it if the other admins/mods didnt agree. Everyone has a suggestion on how you *need* to do things (including me), but when it comes down to it we dont have the responsibility that you do. Lansing just made a suggestion, as i did in my PM to you. These are not OMFG YOUR RUINING EVERYTHING opinions, just suggestions.
Keep doing what you feel you need to do.
Lansing Kai Don
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bgnome
i have already received a PM from a new member that i believe i may have scared off. now, as i am a new moderator, i am not offended by your critique of my actions.
of course, Q&A is not representative of the community as a whole. my original impression was that GWG was to be a place where players could get more detailed information about the inner workings of the game. i appreciate that Q&A has devolved from that somewhat as the noob stomping grounds. i do not wish to turn the image of this site into an unwelcome place for neophytes, but the more the same questions are asked, the more it dilutes the actually useful information contained in those forums.
i apologize if yall believe that i have been slack at this new job. i have been juggling many things at the moment and wish to be able to devote more time and effort, although that does not excuse any lack of quality on my part. Bgnome, once again it's not only you. And you're doing the only thing you can, we understand busy schedules (trust me) we do. But if you're too busy have the admin assign another moderator to the forum to help out till things get straight. You're not alone in your struggles. I understand the problem, that's why I posted. I'll try my best to help with a solution.. and you'll never satisfy everyone but there is always room for improvement. If you scared off a new member, try to reconcile with them and tell them the reason for your actions. Everyone's been there. Like I said, you'll never appease everyone (especially me
) and yes you'll lose a few in the process of improving but there's nothing that can stop that... you WILL lose members. Because this is not the place for everyone, I believe Sin left here because he posted something about WoW and a moderator/admin not naming names banned him. He was merely trying to change perspectives for some of the people who scoff at other RPG's and wanted to know what the other games are like... but I do believe he went the wrong direction with his post. But yet he left due to being excluded. Sometimes it's inevitable. Sometime's it's not. Back on track, I posted some suggestions that may or may not be implementable (I'm not in your shoes so I don't know everything that is going on). But I do know the feeling of being a new moderator... Oh, this post is for you Bgnome not in general
Lansing Kai Don
of course, Q&A is not representative of the community as a whole. my original impression was that GWG was to be a place where players could get more detailed information about the inner workings of the game. i appreciate that Q&A has devolved from that somewhat as the noob stomping grounds. i do not wish to turn the image of this site into an unwelcome place for neophytes, but the more the same questions are asked, the more it dilutes the actually useful information contained in those forums.
i apologize if yall believe that i have been slack at this new job. i have been juggling many things at the moment and wish to be able to devote more time and effort, although that does not excuse any lack of quality on my part. Bgnome, once again it's not only you. And you're doing the only thing you can, we understand busy schedules (trust me) we do. But if you're too busy have the admin assign another moderator to the forum to help out till things get straight. You're not alone in your struggles. I understand the problem, that's why I posted. I'll try my best to help with a solution.. and you'll never satisfy everyone but there is always room for improvement. If you scared off a new member, try to reconcile with them and tell them the reason for your actions. Everyone's been there. Like I said, you'll never appease everyone (especially me
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Lansing Kai Don
Manderlock
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lansing Kai Don
Bgnome, once again it's not only you. And you're doing the only thing you can, we understand busy schedules (trust me) we do. But if you're too busy have the admin assign another moderator to the forum to help out till things get straight. You're not alone in your struggles. I understand the problem, that's why I posted. I'll try my best to help with a solution.. and you'll never satisfy everyone but there is always room for improvement. If you scared off a new member, try to reconcile with them and tell them the reason for your actions. Everyone's been there. Like I said, you'll never appease everyone (especially me
) and yes you'll lose a few in the process of improving but there's nothing that can stop that... you WILL lose members. Because this is not the place for everyone, I believe Sin left here because he posted something about WoW and a moderator/admin not naming names banned him. He was merely trying to change perspectives for some of the people who scoff at other RPG's and wanted to know what the other games are like... but I do believe he went the wrong direction with his post. But yet he left due to being excluded. Sometimes it's inevitable. Sometime's it's not. Back on track, I posted some suggestions that may or may not be implementable (I'm not in your shoes so I don't know everything that is going on). But I do know the feeling of being a new moderator... Oh, this post is for you Bgnome not in general
Lansing Kai Don Holy crap Sin was banned? that sucks
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Lansing Kai Don Holy crap Sin was banned? that sucks
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Zai
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bgnome
but the more the same questions are asked, the more it dilutes the actually useful information contained in those forums.
Again though, locking these posts does not stop the next new member who joins from asking the same question. And if it is such a simple, over-asked question, it will die on its own anyway. There's no reason to lock them.
Just point them to the sticky posts or the search function in a polite manor, and hope they learn to check those features themselves.
Just point them to the sticky posts or the search function in a polite manor, and hope they learn to check those features themselves.
Bgnome
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lansing Kai Don
Quote: Give the user a time limit to respond, say it nicely like. In your forums case, here are the system requirements.. if you have any further questions please ask them in the next 2-3 hours (or even 24 but that'd be hard to track) as we will be deleting this thread shortly. This will only work for the truly generic questions as you stated. And if you could have someone set up a script time to automatically delete the message after a time span that could make it super easy... or just a reminder system. it would be nice to have a script to do that. unfortunately, it is not in my power to do so. as it stands, i think i would need to "babysit" each such thread for whatever given period of time. as i understand it, many of the preorder posts have been routed to discussions in pre-existing stickies. perhaps there is a better way to go about this?
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Quote:
that is fairly simple. i have already reported this particular user. if you check his post history, he had already posted a similar thread here that i felt was directly dealt with. this particular user decided to press the issue. i do not enjoy such things.
P.S. Like I said, these are suggestions. I'll try to think of some more but I'm really busy at the moment with work and school.
tell me about it ![]() Quote:
If it's a new question, yes! Bloody heck yes! Personally, I get really frustrated when I do a search and I get a bunch of threads, none of which are titled in a way that gives me a hint whether the question is answered there or not. It should be obvious from the title of the thread what question is answered there, particularly in Q&A. If the question's been answered, please, close the thread. If there are more questions, please, open new threads titled with the new question. That would be very helpful for those of us who actually use the search function!
And, BTW, closing a thread is not a disciplinary action. Threads don't misbehave, there's really nothing you can do to them to discipline them. P.S. Bgnome, boy I don't envy you your job. I got the sweet end of this deal, hehehe... Lansing Kai Don
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bgnome
i do not think this website was formed with that ideal in mind. remember, most of the admins here came from such forums and wished to develop a deeper community in which the ideals differed from what everyone else believed, not unlike a particular upstart set of developers i will not name..
![]() my problem with stickied faqs is that new posters tend to ignore them. perhaps a mini-FAQ that is a compilation of links to helpful threads? maybe that way, we could eliminate the stickies.. I agree, sorry for using sticky. I rarely post in stickies as I find them long and tedious to read (200+ posts). And I'll bet you my savings account ANet does care. I bet you couldn't imagine the risk they put in for this game. If it doesn't succeed... I wouldn't want to contemplate it. EVERY company cares about sales.... so they care about the community... this company relies on it. So I took a logical guess that they'd want the largest amount of people to be happy with their product than a sample few. They don't need 1000 of us to buy the game or even 10,000 they need it be a success. A big success, one to know off other companies and change the RPG industry to no montly fee etc... This is why they care. And why we need to care. If you believe in their positions, you have to care that even those intellectually challenged get something from this game... especially purchase it. Lansing Kai Don Zai
This is the kind of thing we should be talking about here.
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=4502 Question answered, ok. Lock? Fine. But what reason did you have for saying what you did? Lansing Kai Don
Quote:
Originally Posted by Inde
Lansing, the key word is 'basic' questions. To me, the fine-line between basic and non-basic is that basic has one definitive answer.
Then I've never met one basic question in my entire life. Remember, there is even a proof to show that 2 added to 2 is not always 4.
Lansing Kai Don Darkmane
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dreamsmith
And, BTW, closing a thread is not a disciplinary action. Threads don't misbehave, there's really nothing you can do to them to discipline them. My suggestion was simply a suggestion. Your cluttering up your own forums by simply closing a post. If cleaning up is what your trying to do, then I see nothing wrong with deleting the post entirely and providing a link to the answer. I know closing a thread isn't disciplinary, but others may not, and others may find it more like a **smak** for posting. Which will tend to upset the newcomers. Not everyone is 'forum literate', and we still have to try to help them along. ps. I am using 'your' as a general term for the moderators... not you in particular. Bgnome
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zai
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=4502 Question answered, ok. Lock? Fine. But what reason did you have for saying what you did? |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkmane
My suggestion was simply a suggestion. Your cluttering up your own forums by simply closing a post. If cleaning up is what your trying to do, then I see nothing wrong with deleting the post entirely and providing a link to the answer.
one would not be able to view the link if posted in a deleted thread. i could possibly PM such information, but there is a good chance that many will not read PMs as well. when i administrated on another board, i had manually turned on the PM popup to try to make them more noticeable but have not seen such a feature on these boards.
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