Years before I became a mod, I noticed people talking about a better set of member rules, tips for searches, etc.

I've been working on a few things here in the Testing Forum section, and would like to know if I'm on the right track. I can keep going on these or stop working on them.

--This is a page similar to what some other forums have: A member guide with everything.
http://peachyforum.com/t/peachy-member-guide-version-450916.aspx

--And here's a thread with a How-To for searches, as well as a How-To for mods (which would be a supplement to Vatsis' mod guidelines).
http://peachyforum.com/t/how-tos-and-gfs-notes-450856.aspx

Humbly,
-gf

http://peachyforum.com/t/peachy-member-guide-version-450916.aspx

1. LOOKING GREAT! I like how it's 100% accurate.

But maybe we could try to reduce the amount of text maybe to <30%. I know it's difficult, but less is more, and if the text is very short, propability that people read it will increase 10x. Other then that, it's all go!

2. Also, the placing must be as close to use case as possible, I can do it to the UI when the texts are ready:

- FAQ could be always at the top of the screen,

- search help always besides the search-text, behind a question mark which opens in a new window

- posting rules near the posting boxes / posting page etc.

3. ...but of course the optimum situation would be, if the UI wouldn't need any text/FAQ/UI at all. If possible. Sounds crazy, but maybe if we wouldn't make a rule "post at least 1 link on visual forums" but we could add automated check that warns with read color if the user posts a post without a link? Freedom to test everything without rules should be our future in the long run. People will just (automatically) get feedback what's ok and what's not, without any delay.

[quote user="Vatsis"]1. LOOKING GREAT! I like how it's 100% accurate.[/quote]

I pulled all of it directly from previous mod/admin posts. Speaking as a long-time member, I've always been surprised that all the information is scattered around the site, in so many places. 

[quote user="Vatsis"]2. Also, the placing must be as close to use case as possible, I can do it to the UI when the texts are ready:[/quote]

The "Thread/Image Search" post I wrote (in that separate thread) is overkill imo, but there have been so many people who get confused. I really hope you've been getting fewer complains after you added the Topic Name Filter.    

[quote user="Vatsis"]3. ...we could add automated check[/quote]

I'm a fan of the auto-generated words that replace banned links. But I've read years of complaints, with members feeling that they're "yelled at." Maybe future automated responses could have fewer caps and exclamation points. That said, I do like seeing "BUMPING IS VERY UNFAIR!!"    

I just cut maybe 70%. I'm sure you'll be way happier with this version.

If you're wondering, I'm not coming right out of the gate trying to change anything. Part of doing this was a way for me to assimilate quickly. It's just a thing I do. 

I agree that the shorter version is probably the way to go. It worries me that people now seem to ignore even the short version

http://peachyforum.com/t/posting-rules-short-version--316619.aspx#955956

seems unlikely they will wade through a much longer version.

Well written though, nice work.

As a new mod, I would like to give this some thought before sharing my ideas... just read this today...

My experience is that the shorter you make the FAQ or TOS, the more questions you get, and the longer and more complicated you make the FAQ or TOS the more members try to find the loopholes. So it will need a balance of clearly stated house-rules, in my opion without adding links leading off to various other places with rules. 

Another idea maybe to make members at sign-up visit the FAQ at least once before continuing, so if they ignore it then it is their own decision. 

Caps off to gfiw and Vatsis for making this possible.