search before creating topics

[Demarest]

This is half in jest, so put the rocks down. What if in the gameplay forums (GTA3, VC, etc) a person could not create a topic unless they've recently engaged the search feature? I only ask on the off chance it's halfway doable. No restrictions, just used the search feature for SOMETHING. All GTA's are at least X months out of date, so chances are each thread one would want to make (this happens all the time despite defying logic) has been done already. And if not, they can search for ANYTHING to earn the ability to create a new topic. Maybe the bored will even choose to use his obligatory search to search what they're looking for and get lucky! Dare to dream, I know.

[Ben]

Interesting - how long would the last search have to be done before creating a new topic was permitted?

 

I'm thinking within the last 24 hours.

 

At least it will encourage the use of the search feature, although flood control may have to be shortened to 30 seconds instead of 60 (it's annoying having to wait that long if you want to change search terms because your result went off on a tangent you weren't looking for !). And, maybe your right - perhaps someone might have the pay-off of finding what they were looking for already exists. However, I think it's a sad fact of life that some people never learn...

[Justin]

it's a sad fact of life that some people never learn...

Exactly, and I think it's this fact that will prevent this idea from working.

 

The only members who this may help are the ones who were unwilling to search in the first place (hence, they haven't learnt forum etiquette). When forced to search, these very members aren't going to take the time to learn how to properly search to obtain accurate results. I'm sure most will type something so completely general into the search box, get inundated with pages upon pages of results, and then proceed to make a topic anyway.

 

It doesn't take that much time to reply to their said topic and help them out by linking them to the search function and the How To Obtain Desired Search Results thread (and to give them an ultimatum of "search for the answer, it's out there". Once they actually know they're not going to be presented the answer on a plate, they'll either give up and look elsewhere or actually take the time to learn to search.

 

And Hell, if you're feeling extra helpful, maybe you could even answer the question for them, despite the fact it's been answered sometime in the past years. I know this isn't an ideal situation, but with forums of this magnitude, it's understandable that the search function isn't going to be as helpful as it would on smaller boards. Forcing members to use it won't change much, in my opinion.

[Vin.]

Don't know if It's been said, as I didn't read Fuzzy's post, but in forums such as the GTA3, VC sections, etc. (In this example GTA3 Gameplay) the topics only go back to March 05'. I mean, I'm sure a lot of the topics have been archived or whatever, so It's hard to find all said topics easily.

 

 

[SoldatoZip]

I think a simple solution would be to make Demarest a Moderator in those Forums, he would shut that spam down, when it occur.

Edited February 7, 2006 by SoldatoZip

[ThaddeusMcKlown]

I think a simple solution would be to make Demarest a Moderator in those Forums, he would shut that spam down, when it occur.

We tried that. Didn't work

 

 

Taht being said, the idea'd probably just drive mebers away.

-TMcK-

[Mxyzptlk]

That being said, the idea'd probably just drive mebers away.

Suits me.

 

I really want people to search before making new topics.

[SoldatoZip]

We tried that. Didn't work -TMcK-

So I'm not crazy, I remembered seeing Demarest as a Mod.

[Demarest]

I think a simple solution would be to make Demarest a Moderator in those Forums, he would shut that spam down, when it occur.

We tried that. Didn't work

Sure it did. Besides, he said of those forums, as in ledby. In terms of GTA3, that's a no brainer. Had VC at one point too, but Spuds has that locked down better than any other forum, so...

[Ben]

Besides, that still doesn't solve the problem of spam occurring in the first place - being a led-by fixes it after it has occurred. Dem's original idea does go a step towards making it happen - perhaps an easier solution is just to have all forums topic moderated? For those of you who don't know what that is - when you start a new topic, it has to be cleared by a led-by of a forum (or global mod) before it is posted. The only problem then is that someone might spam multiple new topics simply because they can, or because they're stupid. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a no-win situation either way.

[Justin]

perhaps an easier solution is just to have all forums topic moderated? For those of you who don't know what that is - when you start a new topic, it has to be cleared by a led-by of a forum (or global mod) before it is posted. The only problem then is that someone might spam multiple new topics simply because they can, or because they're stupid. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a no-win situation either way.

Another problem is that there's not always a moderator/forum ledby online at any given time. It'd suck having to wait until a member with appropriate permissions logs on, takes the time to actually read your topic, and then admits it until anyone can view it/you can post it. That is, that's never going to be an option, despite how good it'd be at nipping the problem in the bud.

 

@ Dem hating - Christ, don't you think we've had enough of it? I don't care for your personal opinion on the man, and I certainly don't want to see it being thrown in my face every second the man's name comes up. Enough.

 

@ Vinny - what's the point in replying but not reading my post!?

 

@ SoldatoZip - not likely. Dem was de-modded long before your join date, and assuming you don't have a previous account or weren't browsing the forums as a guest beforehand, you wouldn't have seen Demarest posting with a mod pip.

 

As for the topic at hand, again, I don't think there's much to be done, or rather that can be done. It's not a huge problem, just an annoying peeve. It's simple enough to tell the member to search properly if s/he wants an answer - as I said in my previous post.

[SoldatoZip]

@ SoldatoZip - not likely. Dem was de-modded long before your join date, and assuming you don't have a previous account or weren't browsing the forums as a guest beforehand, you wouldn't have seen Demarest posting with a mod pip.

 

I been viewing the GTAF board On and Off from like late, late '01, early/mid '02 something like that. I had another screen name but I forget it, I didn't post that much only when I felt something needed to be said.

[ThaddeusMcKlown]

@ Dem hating - Christ, don't you think we've had enough of it? I don't care for your personal opinion on the man, and I certainly don't want to see it being thrown in my face every second the man's name comes up. Enough.

Actually, I'm personally freind with the guy. I'm jsut realistic. Hell, if I was a mod, the power'd probably get to my head too. Personally, I like Dem. I think he's a great guy. I'm jsut looking at it objectively.

But this is neither the time no the place to discuss such matters.

 

And I've been a guest here on-off since late '02.

 

Anyway, I think Dem's idea is probably the best. Seems a bit unpracticable.

-TMcK-