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Is there a section to talk about Java ME? Apps, etc. (7)
to General by teroyk - 16 hrs, 35 mins ago - more...
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2009-04-06
, 02:15
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#2
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I love it! Just a couple small typos:
Should be "your"..
And in the forum title you misspelled Accessories.
...and to make you thread most...
And in the forum title you misspelled Accessories.
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2009-04-06
, 02:17
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Joined on Apr 2008
@ Chicago-ish
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#3
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Darn it! There was bound to be a typo in there! And, for whatever reason, Chrome didn't red-underline "Acessories"... both fixed now, though... thanks 
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2009-04-06
, 05:40
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Posts: 3,105 |
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Joined on Jul 2007
@ Mountain View (CA, USA)
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#4
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Thanks for this!
Some comments:
Everything said is good but the post is too long and it risks being ignored by those that need it more: distracted junior posters in a rush. Here you have some suggestions to slim it down without loosing the good info.
All the descriptions of the forums should go better to... the descriptions of the forums that now are missing at http://www.internettablettalk.com/forums/index.php . Your draft descriptions are very good. If you agree taking them out of the sticky topic, would you mind starting a new thread to discuss them for the forum index page?
We should avoid duplicate info with the current [URL="http://www.internettablettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27900"]. Your tips and the ones we drafted can be merged.
We shouldn't repeat the same generaic content in all the sticky topics. Instead, we could have the generic infor in the General forum and then have sticky topics specific to each forum explaining what is the right content to be posted there and linking to the generic topics.
This implies a lot of boring manual work, including having to answer PMs of posters disagreeing or asking for further explanations. Let's use instead the redirect notices that are part of the system. It takes on click to leave them when moving a thread.
The risk of not getting an answer (fast or at all) from a moderator is high now. And again it causes extra work to the moderators (very few and already busy). If someone is unsure about the right forum s/he should simply go to newbie. We will redirect from there.
Some comments:
Everything said is good but the post is too long and it risks being ignored by those that need it more: distracted junior posters in a rush. Here you have some suggestions to slim it down without loosing the good info.
All the descriptions of the forums should go better to... the descriptions of the forums that now are missing at http://www.internettablettalk.com/forums/index.php . Your draft descriptions are very good. If you agree taking them out of the sticky topic, would you mind starting a new thread to discuss them for the forum index page?
We should avoid duplicate info with the current [URL="http://www.internettablettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27900"]. Your tips and the ones we drafted can be merged.
We shouldn't repeat the same generaic content in all the sticky topics. Instead, we could have the generic infor in the General forum and then have sticky topics specific to each forum explaining what is the right content to be posted there and linking to the generic topics.
If a moderator sees your thread, and thinks it would be better suited in a different forum, they will move your thread, and notify you via the board's private messaging system about the move.
If you are unsure of where a thread should go, please send a private message to a moderator inquiring where to place your post. The list of moderators can be found at http://www.internettablettalk.com/forums/showgroups.php.
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2009-04-06
, 23:28
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@ Chicago-ish
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#5
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Thanks for the feedback.
When I started writing, I was planning on having a more detailed description for each forum, but when I got to that section, I only ended up writing short summaries. I agree, these would seem better suited to be the descriptions on the main page. Planning out in my head, I saw this as being a general sticky, and then having the detailed explanation in each forum, as you suggested. Again, though, this would only have worked if I actually wrote full descriptions.
As for the moderators... I wasn't sure how much effort wanted to be put into this. I figured I'd draft the full-effort ("full-time job") version, and someone could correct me down if need be.
I'll work on editing up a bit...
[edit]Just updated. Also added a "search before posting" rule that I forgot... Should I add a "Don't double post" rule too?
Last edited by TrueJournals; 2009-04-06 at 23:43.
When I started writing, I was planning on having a more detailed description for each forum, but when I got to that section, I only ended up writing short summaries. I agree, these would seem better suited to be the descriptions on the main page. Planning out in my head, I saw this as being a general sticky, and then having the detailed explanation in each forum, as you suggested. Again, though, this would only have worked if I actually wrote full descriptions.
As for the moderators... I wasn't sure how much effort wanted to be put into this. I figured I'd draft the full-effort ("full-time job") version, and someone could correct me down if need be.
I'll work on editing up a bit...
[edit]Just updated. Also added a "search before posting" rule that I forgot... Should I add a "Don't double post" rule too?
__________________
Disclaimer: If a program I wrote doesn't work/breaks your tablet... It's not my fault
mcedit | Utility Calculators (WIP) | PyRDesktop
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Disclaimer: If a program I wrote doesn't work/breaks your tablet... It's not my fault
mcedit | Utility Calculators (WIP) | PyRDesktop
My Blog | Twitter
Last edited by TrueJournals; 2009-04-06 at 23:43.
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2009-04-07
, 05:26
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Posts: 3,105 |
Thanked: 11,088 times |
Joined on Jul 2007
@ Mountain View (CA, USA)
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#6
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The content of the draft looks very good and I would only change the sorting of the items (see draft below). Now it's only a matter of finding the right share with the current sticky topic in General.
For instance, one topic could be useful for all newcomers willing to READ and the other one should be useful for those willing to POST.
This is how the READ topic could see:
And this could be then the POST topic:
For instance, one topic could be useful for all newcomers willing to READ and the other one should be useful for those willing to POST.
This is how the READ topic could see:
Welcome to Internet Tablet Talk (soon to become talk.maemo.org)!
This is the right place for you to share questions, answers and any thoughts relating to the Maemo operating system, applications, devices and community. Discussions about alternatives and competitors are welcome too, and there's even a place for off-topic posts. Please follow the guidelines to <link>write a good post</link>.
Some general tips about maemo.org:
- downloads.maemo.org is the right place to find interesting software for your device.
- maemo.org/news allows you to follow and rate the most relevant news.
- wiki.maemo.org contains lots of tips, tricks and documentation. You can edit and improve any page.
- bugs.maemo.org is the best channel to report bugs and vote for existing bugs and enhancements. Also see the Maemo Bug Jars.
Use the "Thanks" button
The thanks button shows up on all posts (except those in the "Off Topic" forum), and can be easily be used to thank another member for information, or agree with another member on a point that was made. Thanks are also counted into maemo.org karma, which some members like to keep track of.
Here you have some guidelines to write The Good Post. Following these simple rules will help keep the forums organized, and universally accessible.
Search before posting
The forum's search feature is easily accessible from the top bar, right below where your username and last visit are displayed. This search box will search all forums. Each forum, also has a "Search this forum" feature, when viewing the threads in the forum, and each thread includes a "Search this thread" dropdown. Please search to see if your question has already been answered before creating a new thread.
Find the right forum
Each forum in this community has a separate purpose, and to make your thread most visible, it's best to post in the correct forum. If a moderator sees your thread, and thinks it would be better suited in a different forum, they will move your thread, leaving a link from the previous forum to the thread's new location. This link will usually last for one month.
The description of each forum, shown on the main page, should give a good idea of where a new thread should be placed. If, however, you are unsure of where a thread should go, the best place for general questions is the "Newbie" forum, and the best place for general discussion (ideas, etc.) is the "General" forum.
Some tips to find the right forum:
- The General forum is only for those topics that don't really fit in any other.
- The Newbie forum is basically a gateway: topics posted there will probably be moved to the right forum.
- The maemo.org forum contains all the community-related topics, including the website.
- All the applications (including the problems you might have with them) are discussed under the Software forums.
- OS2008 is the operating system for the N810 and N800.
- OS2006 is the operating system for the 770.
- The Devices section is for hardware related topics only, including the Maemo related devices you want to buy or sell.
- Don't post in the Old forums unless you really need it.
Refrain from bumping old threads
If a thread is more than a couple months old, please do not bump it to the top of a forum by making a new post in it. If you are having a similar problem, please create a new thread outlining the problem you are having, and telling what you have tried. This keeps thread conversations clean and easy to follow. Bumping is only allowed in the "Applications", "Multimedia", and "Games" forums, in order to keep application discussion consolidated.
Describe problems in detail
Being as detailed as possible will help get your problem solved as quickly as possible. List what you have tried, and any error messages that have occured. Also, please refer to the list of common solutions at http://wiki.maemo.org/Common_Solutions to see if your problem can be solved.
Use gramatically correct English
Not only does this make your post easier to read, and understand, it also helps with users that speak a different language and must use automatic translation websites. If you are a non-native speaker who struggles with English, please just do your best. Also, please refrain from using instant messaging slang such as "lol," as this could confuse some users. A list of acceptable acronyms, and their meanings, can be found at http://wiki.maemo.org/Acronyms
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2009-04-09
, 18:58
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@ US
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#7
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Originally Posted by qgil
I don't think there should be a READ sticky, and the general tips about maemo.org should be on the home page of maemo.org.
The content of the draft looks very good and I would only change the sorting of the items (see draft below). Now it's only a matter of finding the right share with the current sticky topic in General.
For instance, one topic could be useful for all newcomers willing to READ and the other one should be useful for those willing to POST.
Disagree with new no bumping and list of acceptable acronyms rules.
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2009-04-10
, 03:34
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Posts: 480 |
Thanked: 378 times |
Joined on Apr 2008
@ Chicago-ish
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#8
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Most forums have a "README" sticky of some sort to help new users get acquainted to how the forum works, and what the rules of the forums are. I don't see why we wouldn't/shouldn't do that here.
Also, why do you disagree with no bumping and the list of acceptable acronyms? Bumping only causes confusion in threads. People bump old threads with a ton of information, and then relevant information becomes harder to find. It's a pretty standard rule. The list of acceptable acronyms is mainly to prevent chat slang, which just looks sloppy in forums. It also serves the purpose of standardizing acronyms for various functions on the tablet, and, again, quickly acquainting new users with the forum. Acceptable acronyms, in my mind, wouldn't be a strictly enforced rule, just more of a guideline to help standardize some items.
I have no problem with objects to my ideas, just please give reasons if you're going to object.
Also, why do you disagree with no bumping and the list of acceptable acronyms? Bumping only causes confusion in threads. People bump old threads with a ton of information, and then relevant information becomes harder to find. It's a pretty standard rule. The list of acceptable acronyms is mainly to prevent chat slang, which just looks sloppy in forums. It also serves the purpose of standardizing acronyms for various functions on the tablet, and, again, quickly acquainting new users with the forum. Acceptable acronyms, in my mind, wouldn't be a strictly enforced rule, just more of a guideline to help standardize some items.
I have no problem with objects to my ideas, just please give reasons if you're going to object.
__________________
Disclaimer: If a program I wrote doesn't work/breaks your tablet... It's not my fault
mcedit | Utility Calculators (WIP) | PyRDesktop
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Disclaimer: If a program I wrote doesn't work/breaks your tablet... It's not my fault
mcedit | Utility Calculators (WIP) | PyRDesktop
My Blog | Twitter
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2009-04-10
, 08:39
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Posts: 3,397 |
Thanked: 1,212 times |
Joined on Jul 2008
@ Netherlands
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#9
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The shorter this is, the better. The best type of English for such a post is simple yet descriptive.
This forum is high in Google Pagerank. You cannot assume everyone who visits and reads this knows what Maemo is. A link to what Maemo is at top is therefore useful.
What you wrote is more forum rules than an introduction to what these forums _are_. The introduction lacks:
I'd say, welcome to Talk. Give this thing one name. One definition. I'd be tempting to say 'Lets Talk' but ehh.. too trendy I guess
Then define what Talk is. The Maemo community forums platform. Maemo is then clickable which links to maemo.org/intro. Then the rest you wrote.
A lot of what you wrote is mostly common sense. Threads are moved but this is transparent to users. A redirect is shown. This doesn't have to be mentioned. People speak the language which you read (English usually), people try to speak their best English, and so forth. In a way this is boring, in another way informating. If you cater to new users (true for Fremantle and RX-51) it is a necessity. You might want to combine proper English with describe problems in detail. BTW, it is also OK to speak for example Spanish if that is what you prefer. It is not mandatory to speak English.
The order. I'd say the 'Thanks' is not as important as using the 'Search' which should be the first suggestion. Bumping second or after use correct English / describe detail (these 2 overlap). Thanks comes after the question is asked therefore last. Might make sense to put second because after search was used answer was found. But then the user is probably not registered yet.
1. Search before posting.
2. Try to use gramatically correct English.
3. Describe problems in detail.
4. Refrain from bumping old threads.
5. Use the "Thanks" button.
Other things to consider to include are:
A) Legality. Something to consider later; right now it is not really an issue.
B) [Tag] before title. E.g. [Canola] Pogo stick doesn't work or [MicroB] crashes while visiting http://127.0.0.1 (hypothetic examples).
C) Link to the search in the 'Search before posting'. Also link to tag cloud.
Different subforums have different levels of communication. But that shows itself for now, I suppose. Furthermore, threads can be linked from sticky in forum using a FAQ style layout, or using the tags.
You can also link to the Newbie and General forums at the bottom of the post.
I'd also replace 'acquaint' with 'become familiar with' because the former is an uncommon word therefore not foreigner-friendly.
The bumping is difficult. You also don't want to have 10 threads about the same. Threads can be merged, but that confuses people as well. A solution could be summing up useful information in wiki and refer to this. Each forum can have a wiki page with the 'best' threads summing them up. But that might be something for later, when it gets more crowded.
This forum is high in Google Pagerank. You cannot assume everyone who visits and reads this knows what Maemo is. A link to what Maemo is at top is therefore useful.
What you wrote is more forum rules than an introduction to what these forums _are_. The introduction lacks:
Hello, and welcome to Internet Tablet Talk (ITT)/talk.maemo.org.
Each forum in this community has a separate purpose
Then define what Talk is. The Maemo community forums platform. Maemo is then clickable which links to maemo.org/intro. Then the rest you wrote.
A lot of what you wrote is mostly common sense. Threads are moved but this is transparent to users. A redirect is shown. This doesn't have to be mentioned. People speak the language which you read (English usually), people try to speak their best English, and so forth. In a way this is boring, in another way informating. If you cater to new users (true for Fremantle and RX-51) it is a necessity. You might want to combine proper English with describe problems in detail. BTW, it is also OK to speak for example Spanish if that is what you prefer. It is not mandatory to speak English.
The order. I'd say the 'Thanks' is not as important as using the 'Search' which should be the first suggestion. Bumping second or after use correct English / describe detail (these 2 overlap). Thanks comes after the question is asked therefore last. Might make sense to put second because after search was used answer was found. But then the user is probably not registered yet.
1. Search before posting.
2. Try to use gramatically correct English.
3. Describe problems in detail.
4. Refrain from bumping old threads.
5. Use the "Thanks" button.
Other things to consider to include are:
A) Legality. Something to consider later; right now it is not really an issue.
B) [Tag] before title. E.g. [Canola] Pogo stick doesn't work or [MicroB] crashes while visiting http://127.0.0.1 (hypothetic examples).
C) Link to the search in the 'Search before posting'. Also link to tag cloud.
Different subforums have different levels of communication. But that shows itself for now, I suppose. Furthermore, threads can be linked from sticky in forum using a FAQ style layout, or using the tags.
You can also link to the Newbie and General forums at the bottom of the post.
I'd also replace 'acquaint' with 'become familiar with' because the former is an uncommon word therefore not foreigner-friendly.
The bumping is difficult. You also don't want to have 10 threads about the same. Threads can be merged, but that confuses people as well. A solution could be summing up useful information in wiki and refer to this. Each forum can have a wiki page with the 'best' threads summing them up. But that might be something for later, when it gets more crowded.
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2009-04-10
, 12:11
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Posts: 1,513 |
Thanked: 2,248 times |
Joined on Mar 2006
@ US
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#10
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Originally Posted by TrueJournals
In general, the forum has worked just fine in the past without rigorous rules. If it's not broke, don't fix it. A list of acceptable acronyms or trying to prevent people from being sloppy suggests an excessive amount of control.
Most forums have a "README" sticky of some sort to help new users get acquainted to how the forum works, and what the rules of the forums are. I don't see why we wouldn't/shouldn't do that here.
Also, why do you disagree with no bumping and the list of acceptable acronyms? Bumping only causes confusion in threads. People bump old threads with a ton of information, and then relevant information becomes harder to find. It's a pretty standard rule. The list of acceptable acronyms is mainly to prevent chat slang, which just looks sloppy in forums. It also serves the purpose of standardizing acronyms for various functions on the tablet, and, again, quickly acquainting new users with the forum. Acceptable acronyms, in my mind, wouldn't be a strictly enforced rule, just more of a guideline to help standardize some items.
I have no problem with objects to my ideas, just please give reasons if you're going to object.
One sticky is good, but two stickies is not and I think a single short "read this before posting" sticky is appropriate.
I think bumping threads is preferable to having multiple threads on the same topic. This is not a casual conversation forum, people park information here related to a particular app to be used as a resource. If a moderator wants to close a thread as inactive or outdated, then they simply do so, don't expect users to refrain from bumping it. Three months is arbitary anyway. If the thread gets too long, move the relevant info from the thread to the wiki and close the thread with a post to the wiki page.
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Last edited by TrueJournals; 2009-04-06 at 23:42. Reason: Updated draft