Topic: Bitcointalk posting etiquette (Read 3126 times)
Bump! with a newest section, guides to quote posts in a locked thread
We shouldn't even have a real criteria for posts here besides the obvious "don't talk nonsense" and "make your posts" constructive, but every now and again (especially last month) I see people talking about how long posters like me are ruining the forum, or how short posters aren't bringing enough value to the discussion and the forum. Personally you do you, and my real qualms about this topic is just the fact that there's just been a silent divide ever since and I see official posting etiquettes such as what you're trying to propose right here as something that could seriously end the heated discussion so we can move on to topics more deserving of attention.
Think more, write less.The art of writing is write as less as possible, less here in means of less words to use, and still express your opinion in enough details, succinctly, to the points.
The more words you use for writing, your post will become longer, and it does not help you to catch attention of readers. They will feel boring, waste of time, and ignore your post. It is true in academic writing, not only in this forum, but also true in every context of writing.
See
When trying to write quality posts, a lot of people act as though they're writing a book report for school: putting facts that we already know into their own words. Nobody wants to read that, and you will not get merit for it. Moreover, the length of your post and the quality of your English are only minor factors. In trying to write a quality post worthy of merit, you should offer new ideas, personal experiences, or perspectives that other forum users will actually find new and interesting.
It is not about my opinion or theymos' opinion, but it is a gold standard in writing.
Personally this is something that I can really get behind. I've been very tired of all the posts in here singling out how certain people post, thinking that theirs was better or that they should be the standard of posting format here in the forum when this forum's been very lenient to everyone, long as they don't spew trash and bullshit. Heck it even came to the point where signature campaign members are being called out for the regular act of posting which is something that even a non-signature member is expected to do in the first place.
We shouldn't even have a real criteria for posts here besides the obvious "don't talk nonsense" and "make your posts" constructive, but every now and again (especially last month) I see people talking about how long posters like me are ruining the forum, or how short posters aren't bringing enough value to the discussion and the forum. Personally you do you, and my real qualms about this topic is just the fact that there's just been a silent divide ever since and I see official posting etiquettes such as what you're trying to propose right here as something that could seriously end the heated discussion so we can move on to topics more deserving of attention.
We shouldn't even have a real criteria for posts here besides the obvious "don't talk nonsense" and "make your posts" constructive, but every now and again (especially last month) I see people talking about how long posters like me are ruining the forum, or how short posters aren't bringing enough value to the discussion and the forum. Personally you do you, and my real qualms about this topic is just the fact that there's just been a silent divide ever since and I see official posting etiquettes such as what you're trying to propose right here as something that could seriously end the heated discussion so we can move on to topics more deserving of attention.
The article will help us lot especially to get merit because there is much information which we do not fill completely that is why we do not get merit but after knowing this maybe I can improve myself lot.
When your writing is better, you can describe and express your idea better but it's not help you to get merit. 
Merit is for quality posts and all things here are formats but if you don't have good idea, format will be useless and can not create quality for your posts. Write when you have good idea, don't have idea, keep reading and learning.
Merit?
It will come when your posts are good, in quality, not only in format.
The article will help us lot especially to get merit because there is much information which we do not fill completely that is why we do not get merit but after knowing this maybe I can improve myself lot. And will expand my knowledge lot which will help my future beautifies I had to know a lot of new things, but I may not know completely but through this writing I am learning a lot. Like you and other experienced people have added a lot of important information. I have tried my best. It will be very useful for me.
I added to new parts and one of them, I only learned it today. Surprised that over 7 years here, I did not know that I can organize PMs with labels.
Use Talkimg.com to upload images and organize your PMs with labels, read OP to know!
Use Talkimg.com to upload images and organize your PMs with labels, read OP to know!
To be honest regardless of how old and knowledgeable a member is the "search before posting" it the case.
Meta board is always the witness of it, reasons are "i forget about this...", "correct me if i'm wrong", "please tell me if someone have posted already about this", etc. Although, it's just okay actually, but yeah, "proper searching" is always the case.
How much more to newbies.
Meta board is always the witness of it, reasons are "i forget about this...", "correct me if i'm wrong", "please tell me if someone have posted already about this", etc. Although, it's just okay actually, but yeah, "proper searching" is always the case.
How much more to newbies.
I also edit Wikipedia and there are very strict rules about how to write new articles.
All information must be based on reliable sources, the writing style must be neutral and objective, without using words such as wonderful, excellent, fantastic etc.
They are distracting words and probably mislead readers about actual meanings of fact you are expressing. It is often used in speaking.All information must be based on reliable sources, the writing style must be neutral and objective, without using words such as wonderful, excellent, fantastic etc.
Man, this thread needed a bump
I bumped it today, it is why Daniel saw it and joined the discussion. Quote
I forgot it even existed or how good the advice was in it.
Thank you man. My advice is not perfect but I hope it is helpful. 
Man, this thread needed a bump--I forgot it even existed or how good the advice was in it. Interesting that I wrote this back in 2019:
This was well after the merit system kicked off, and it seems as though the changes the system made as far as post quality were pretty long-lasting, because all of that is still true to this day (and I even got a new pair of glasses since that post).
Fortunately the spam problem hasn't even been as bad as it has been lately. I haven't been seeing heaps of low-value posts in Meta or outside of Bitcoin Discussion much. Or maybe I need a new pair of glasses, who knows.
This was well after the merit system kicked off, and it seems as though the changes the system made as far as post quality were pretty long-lasting, because all of that is still true to this day (and I even got a new pair of glasses since that post).
Interesting discussion.
I also edit Wikipedia and there are very strict rules about how to write new articles.
All information must be based on reliable sources, the writing style must be neutral and objective, without using words such as wonderful, excellent, fantastic etc.
When I look at the posts on this forum, I have to conclude that probably not even 5% of the posts would be accepted on Wikipedia
People here really often write posts that are hard to understand, too long, that don't bring anything new to the discussion etc.
Each post must be clear and concise and give specific answers to the topic.
It is important to give a specific summary of the topic in the introduction, then give a detailed presentation of the topic and finally a concrete conclusion. It is important to be concise and not use too many words or explanations.
If there are links to more information, it is important to include them in the article for further verification and analysis.
I also edit Wikipedia and there are very strict rules about how to write new articles.
All information must be based on reliable sources, the writing style must be neutral and objective, without using words such as wonderful, excellent, fantastic etc.
When I look at the posts on this forum, I have to conclude that probably not even 5% of the posts would be accepted on Wikipedia
People here really often write posts that are hard to understand, too long, that don't bring anything new to the discussion etc.
Each post must be clear and concise and give specific answers to the topic.
It is important to give a specific summary of the topic in the introduction, then give a detailed presentation of the topic and finally a concrete conclusion. It is important to be concise and not use too many words or explanations.
If there are links to more information, it is important to include them in the article for further verification and analysis.
Yeah I see most of the title of the topic in every thread are not as exciting or could be q good read. The title should interest the readers and that will help them get through understanding the content of the thread that should coincide the title. There are so many threads that has been created but mostly the titles are being poorly made and it won't interest the readers. If only users here will learn to post good title then that would make difference here in the forum.
You don't need ro quote if you are making a general reply to the OP.
You don't need to quote if you are replying to a post that is immediately above your reply.
You don't need to quote images.
Cool. Not quoting post that is above yours. But remember, some people do comment in a particular post without immediately following it up to the end after their own post. If you don't quote them, they won't know that someone has replied to their own post.You don't need to quote if you are replying to a post that is immediately above your reply.
You don't need to quote images.
Quoting images is out of the game. It's not right.
These two features include the basic information that everybody needs in this forum. But what happened so far, especially for newbies (spammers/shitposters), they will never read it, never pay attention to it, and will ignore it, only typing and posting what they want, without any researching first.
it is not only on this forum, actually, even in the telegram group, but many people are also still not willing to use the "search" button. I don't know why is it about laziness or habit of them.
it is not only on this forum, actually, even in the telegram group, but many people are also still not willing to use the "search" button. I don't know why is it about laziness or habit of them.
Don't over bold, highlight, paint, glow
You are right, it is likely when we are typing to someone or making an article, we must use them for only highlighting the certain words or sentences, It should indicate the important word/sentence, information, and also the exact words or sentences to be highlighted. if any of them are highlighted, we don't know what exactly most important there. Read topic title, OP, a few first and last posts before posting
It is what sometimes I made that bad habit. I am personally sometimes still not paying attention to this. Only read the title, OP thread, and also some few of the early posts, but not for the lasts. That is why, this is what I am learning here, should start doing better by reading more on the thread pages before posting. Thanks
I think this is the only guide in this forum about posting etiquette being made and it is wonderful to see how much a user could get from the great ideas being shared here in the forum. I could only say that this post is really helpful to promote quality posting here in the forum.
Yes, this is good and useful base on experience after making a quick search in the forum for a certain topics and shows a single thread that could answer my question.
However, starting a thread that has probably already taken or created from other users should be alright in my point of view. This will be another way of getting second opinion from other user seeing another posts that has been discussed already by the other user. This is one way of gathering and confirming information on the topic being search.
Yes, this is good and useful base on experience after making a quick search in the forum for a certain topics and shows a single thread that could answer my question.
However, starting a thread that has probably already taken or created from other users should be alright in my point of view. This will be another way of getting second opinion from other user seeing another posts that has been discussed already by the other user. This is one way of gathering and confirming information on the topic being search.
Lately I've seen some really long posts that could have used a TL;DR at the end, but including one requires the poster to have some consideration for their readers....and that usually just doesn't happen a lot on bitcointalk.
You are right. Last few weeks, I've seen many lengthy posts/ threads and I gave them advice too but they felt like I behaved arrogant with their style. I don't feel angry or dissapointed because with such guys I will never give them a same advice again like I wrote there mins agoMy disclosure: When I began here, I admired you and actmyname a lot because of your fighting against spam -- especially you who I looked at to learn vocab and grammar (I am non-native English speaker). actmyname is the one who sent me 14 sMerit in his contest (my very first merits).
Sure, I agree with you @TheBeardedBaby.
I do too, though I'm sometimes guilty of blabbering on--and it isn't because I'm counting characters for a sig campaign (like many users do) but because I have some sort of polygraphia disorder that makes me want to write. Lately I've seen some really long posts that could have used a TL;DR at the end, but including one requires the poster to have some consideration for their readers....and that usually just doesn't happen a lot on bitcointalk.it's a forum not a newspaper...
Just as an aside, if you can ever take a look at a newspaper from the late 1800s you might be astounded by how bloated the writing was, and news articles were often enormous blocks of text. I'm glad people figured out how to format articles/posts/etc. such that they can be read easily.One more thing: gentlemand is a master at writing witty and very concise posts. I wish I had half his talent.
Just a suggestion. On the extremly(not only) long posts with a lot of info, sometimes people get lost what is all about so adding a TL;DR (a shor summary) at the end of the post is really helful for those who have not time to read it all but in case it's interesting they will read it later.
This sould be a must but.. again if you can say with two sentences everything important that is written on a two pages post then do you really need the 2 pages post, it's a forum not a newspaper...
This sould be a must but.. again if you can say with two sentences everything important that is written on a two pages post then do you really need the 2 pages post, it's a forum not a newspaper...
You can avoid it easily with a few spent seconds but if you want to have a tool, here it is User Script: Automatically remove nested quotes v1.1.1
Thank you for the advice, I was just trying to find out how to get that ~snip~, cause I saw it is very useful. Had no idea that it is a script
Good thing is that I already have both monkeys Going to install the script now and hopefully it won't create more chaos until I get used to using it.
Sometimes it also becomes difficult to read a post that consists of one large block. The ease of perception is to keep a piece of content separate. Some large blocks of solid text are very frightening.
Short paragraphs of two to three sentences, and the use of blank lines between them, makes the text readable
In order not to tire the reader, the main idea can be conveyed in two lines.
Short paragraphs of two to three sentences, and the use of blank lines between them, makes the text readable
In order not to tire the reader, the main idea can be conveyed in two lines.
It is unnecessary to try make expansion for your replies. If you can answer with 10 words, that is the best. It's a waste of time to expand it to 100 words (also boring, and annyoing).
I'm not trying to impress anyone anyway, so why would I? Second, I don't have any intentions of expanding my posts every time I write. I only express what I think and it so happened that they're long. If my way of writing offends you, my apologies. To help readers understand who is the user you want to discuss with, use the horizontal line with hr to seperate between each user.
Oh yes! I use it also when I open a new idea relevant to the topic 
.
There are some quote patterns: multiple quotes; nested/ pyramid quotes.
What you mentioned is fine, nothing wrong with the style but you can improve by snip unnecessary parts of each quote to keep each quote shorter and points straight to what you want to discuss with.
To help readers understand who is the user you want to discuss with, use the horizontal line with hr to seperate between each user.
The below quote style is called as Nested/ pyramid quotes. This is a very annoying style.
You can avoid it easily with a few spent seconds but if you want to have a tool, here it is User Script: Automatically remove nested quotes v1.1.1
What you mentioned is fine, nothing wrong with the style but you can improve by snip unnecessary parts of each quote to keep each quote shorter and points straight to what you want to discuss with.
To help readers understand who is the user you want to discuss with, use the horizontal line with hr to seperate between each user.
Code:
[hr]
The below quote style is called as Nested/ pyramid quotes. This is a very annoying style.
If I comment with such quote, readers don't know who I am discussing with or which post of yours I want to discuss with.
You can avoid it easily with a few spent seconds but if you want to have a tool, here it is User Script: Automatically remove nested quotes v1.1.1
I don't see anyone mentioned multi quoting which I find very useful, especially in topics that I started and lots of members replied to.
I see some newbies do 2 posts in a row with quotes to 2 different users to reply to both posts, because they don't know how to do multi quoting or don't know about "insert quote" option.
So I'll just add the picture to show where you can find "insert quote" button.
Here is the example how multi quote looks like when you are replying to more posts at once.
I see some newbies do 2 posts in a row with quotes to 2 different users to reply to both posts, because they don't know how to do multi quoting or don't know about "insert quote" option.
So I'll just add the picture to show where you can find "insert quote" button.
Here is the example how multi quote looks like when you are replying to more posts at once.
Or just put up the dots like this!
It's even best if in some instances we give references to another thread where the answers has already been discussed for that matter.
Just a thought . . .
There should have been auto-link generation when we put @userA within the post. Like those in another social media platforms. It could have been easy to click the user profile.
I guess my way still had a right etiquette. What do you think?
If you want to reply to userA in a thread and he has only one post in that thread. There are some ways to make your reply:- No quote, just use @userA in your reply.
- Quote his post, but using snip (snip all or snip parts that you won't discuss with.
It is unnecessary to try make expansion for your replies. If you can answer with 10 words, that is the best. It's a waste of time to expand it to 100 words (also boring, and annyoing).
You don't need to quote if you are replying to a post that is immediately above your reply.
Oh! I'm guilty of this one but not totally . For me, I used to quote the post above mine to avoid confusion. To show that I'm reacting to the statement of that particular member not on OP's. But unlike the others, I do not quote the whole post especially when it is long. I only pick the sentence or phrase I want to emphasize (like what I did right now). But if there's an instance that the thought will lose once you cut some of its parts then I simply use [snip] or [...] so that the thread will not flood.
I guess my way still had a right etiquette. What do you think?
You don't need ro quote if you are making a general reply to the OP.
You don't need to quote if you are replying to a post that is immediately above your reply.
You don't need to quote images.
This is the proper way of doing a reply. Yes indeed qouting a general reply should not be encourage. The reply itself directly to the thread is already indicated as the reply to the OP. You don't need to quote if you are replying to a post that is immediately above your reply.
You don't need to quote images.
More users here tend to do replies like qouting a post directly above it is not a bad idea? Because the reply should be address properly on the post with so many replies on it then it could be confusing where the reply could be indicated.
I do need to correct myself on qouting a picture. It is not good thing to do it as what I have too been observing when I qouted some pictures in the reply.
I think many are doing this and had not been learning about it. I was happy that someone had shared this information based on the observation being done.This because they do not visit often meta and bh sections? This is why I consider this section as an important part of the forum. I can learn a lot here on the things how should be done here.
Learnings here are for free but only for those who seek for it.
You don't need ro quote if you are making a general reply to the OP.
You don't need to quote if you are replying to a post that is immediately above your reply.
You don't need to quote images.
You don't need to quote if you are replying to a post that is immediately above your reply.
You don't need to quote images.
Useful thread I never notice this one in this section until OP made a bump.
The list of topics being mention above consider as guide on how to post here in bitcointalk. I admit that I myself did not know how to post right because of the language barrier to which english is not my language.The good thing is that there are some users extending their effort just to guide every users here in the forum like this one. Inl have tried some to post decently little by little to change bad habit thay should not be done. This is a way already to help the forum getting infested of shit posting activities.
This is a good move of OP consolidating the topics to be use as a guide. If all users will going to allow themselves ti learn here then higher chances we can get the best out of this forum. So with this, we should encourage all users to do the same and let topics like this visible to all.
Bump to this thread! My little way of helping.
The list of topics being mention above consider as guide on how to post here in bitcointalk. I admit that I myself did not know how to post right because of the language barrier to which english is not my language.The good thing is that there are some users extending their effort just to guide every users here in the forum like this one. Inl have tried some to post decently little by little to change bad habit thay should not be done. This is a way already to help the forum getting infested of shit posting activities.
This is a good move of OP consolidating the topics to be use as a guide. If all users will going to allow themselves ti learn here then higher chances we can get the best out of this forum. So with this, we should encourage all users to do the same and let topics like this visible to all.
Bump to this thread! My little way of helping.
This doesn't happen too often, but still it annoys me when I see people replying to my posts without quoting me.
It's true, especially if threads have lots of replies. Simply posting will make your post looks a bit off-context, and readers have to guess who you want to discuss with, OP or anyone else posted previously.
Others for the bitcointalk posting etiquette
1. Keep your links for threads as shortest as possible
It is not always a matter for you and the others because most of time, you won't face with character limits for your posts. Unfortunately, sometimes you have a long posts - when you have a list thread that collects links of other threads, and with such ones it is more convenient to save more space for later updates or expansions.
Let's take the thread as a case study.
If you click on the OP (as the image shows), you will get the full link: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.52459430
How to get a short link?
It is very easy. Simply click on the thread title above OP (as the image shows). Then you will get a short link like that:
2. Include a description for your links
Rather than leaving a link (short or full, it depends) without a description as that: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/bitcointalk-posting-etiquette-5184741
It is better and is the way you should do: spend a litte seconds to include a description for your link:
Bitcointalk posting etiquette
Such a description catches more attention from readers and also saves their time because they quickly have a guess on contents of the link you share.
1. Keep your links for threads as shortest as possible
It is not always a matter for you and the others because most of time, you won't face with character limits for your posts. Unfortunately, sometimes you have a long posts - when you have a list thread that collects links of other threads, and with such ones it is more convenient to save more space for later updates or expansions.
Let's take the thread as a case study.
If you click on the OP (as the image shows), you will get the full link: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.52459430
How to get a short link?
It is very easy. Simply click on the thread title above OP (as the image shows). Then you will get a short link like that:
2. Include a description for your links
Rather than leaving a link (short or full, it depends) without a description as that: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/bitcointalk-posting-etiquette-5184741
It is better and is the way you should do: spend a litte seconds to include a description for your link:
Bitcointalk posting etiquette
Such a description catches more attention from readers and also saves their time because they quickly have a guess on contents of the link you share.
You forgot to add that users will Tut-Tut you for using the rare profanity and then cheer on or lament TMAN's absence for his copious amounts of swearing and abuse.
#DoubleStandards.
#DoubleStandards.
I suggested to avoid using list block in thread titles for a long time ago. Small reminder for you when name your topic titles and tag with LIST block. It is definitely not a big issue but it is inconvenient for sure. So if you can, please avoid using list block in your thread titles.
Today, I decided to add it into the Bitcointalk posting etiquette, as the last point.
Today, I decided to add it into the Bitcointalk posting etiquette, as the last point.
I think using ~snip~ when quoting a post is a very good idea if the quote is a wall of text or very long and if you just want to highlight one part of it and reply to it rather than the whole post.
One more important thing to add, don't simply leave negative reputation(s) unless you don't mind receiving them in return as a form of revenge, unless you're a scam victim or the recipient really deserved it.
That's true, but people shouldn't be leaving retaliatory feedback anyway unless they really don't trust the member who left them the neg--and that's often the case, but my point is that feedback shouldn't be left out of revenge.This is sort of related to the OP here: I thought a lot of senior members had agreed to make most of their threads self-moderated, but I haven't really seen that happening much, and I think I've been guilty of not making some of mine self-moderated. I'll have to bear that in mind next time I start a new thread, which isn't that often, but it's important to keep a lid on spam and being able to delete shitposts is a fantastic tool.
Fortunately the spam problem hasn't even been as bad as it has been lately. I haven't been seeing heaps of low-value posts in Meta or outside of Bitcoin Discussion much. Or maybe I need a new pair of glasses, who knows.
One more important thing to add, don't simply leave negative reputation(s) unless you don't mind receiving them in return as a form of revenge, unless you're a scam victim or the recipient really deserved it.
I think the "search" facility is completely overlooked by the majority of users.
If you are in a signature campaign you just want to post and using the search facility could potentially knock your efforts.
We a know that the forum is riddled with repeat posts throughout as number of years like
Who is satoshi...... (Or anything about Satoshi)
Is now the best time to buy/sell
Good thread and info thrianthidung
If you are in a signature campaign you just want to post and using the search facility could potentially knock your efforts.
We a know that the forum is riddled with repeat posts throughout as number of years like
Who is satoshi...... (Or anything about Satoshi)
Is now the best time to buy/sell
Good thread and info thrianthidung
This doesn't happen too often, but still it annoys me when I see people replying to my posts without quoting me.
It's true, especially if threads have lots of replies. Simply posting will make your post looks a bit off-context, and readers have to guess who you want to discuss with, OP or anyone else posted previously.Good stuff OP. Maybe these points were already discussed in older threads made by other members, but I'm sure that lot of members haven't saw it.
I want to talk about pyramid quotes.
< ... >
And I wasn't aware about script which removes part of quotes. It's helpful thing and I will give a try. But unfortunately I make most of my post on mobile and this script won't work on it. And it's not very convenient to edit quotes on mobile, especially if you have fat fingers.
Making posts on mobile is one of worst experience, for quoting issue you mentioned, and it takes more time too.I want to talk about pyramid quotes.
< ... >
And I wasn't aware about script which removes part of quotes. It's helpful thing and I will give a try. But unfortunately I make most of my post on mobile and this script won't work on it. And it's not very convenient to edit quotes on mobile, especially if you have fat fingers
.If you don't want to edit quote, I think you can quickly quote like this:
< ... >
Then, replying. In this case, I think it is better to spend a few seconds to copy the whole quote details (post author, topic number, message number, date of post).Good stuff OP. Maybe these points were already discussed in older threads made by other members, but I'm sure that lot of members haven't saw it.
I don't think my thread is helpful for all, because there are lots of users don't care about those things even they see my thread. They might fastly ignore my thread at first glance, because it contains so many words inside. Only serious users will do care to spend time and read it.Quote
Another point - don't post in spam megathreads. It's not very likely that you can add something new to 50 pages long topic what wasn't already said.
In some good payment campaigns, posts in Spam mega threads won't be counted. The definition and identification of Spam Megathreads depend on perspective of each manager. 
Good stuff OP. Maybe these points were already discussed in older threads made by other members, but I'm sure that lot of members haven't saw it.
I want to talk about pyramid quotes. In past I've been making pyramid quotes, because I saw other high ranked members doing same thing and I didn't realised that's bad practice and that can be annoying. Only after release of Merit system I saw people complaining about pyramid quotes and it's one of reasons why they aren't giving merits. And I wasn't aware about script which removes part of quotes. It's helpful thing and I will give a try. But unfortunately I make most of my post on mobile and this script won't work on it. And it's not very convenient to edit quotes on mobile, especially if you have fat fingers.
Another point - don't post in spam megathreads. It's not very likely that you can add something new to 50 pages long topic what wasn't already said.
I want to talk about pyramid quotes. In past I've been making pyramid quotes, because I saw other high ranked members doing same thing and I didn't realised that's bad practice and that can be annoying. Only after release of Merit system I saw people complaining about pyramid quotes and it's one of reasons why they aren't giving merits. And I wasn't aware about script which removes part of quotes. It's helpful thing and I will give a try. But unfortunately I make most of my post on mobile and this script won't work on it. And it's not very convenient to edit quotes on mobile, especially if you have fat fingers
.Another point - don't post in spam megathreads. It's not very likely that you can add something new to 50 pages long topic what wasn't already said.
If you are replying to someone, try to always quote their post (while removing unnecessary parts of the post, like advised in the OP). Also try not to modify the header of quote (the the date and message link). The reason for this is that some people are using quote notifying services, and they would miss your reply if you just write a post beneath the person you are responding to. Also someone else might post while you were typing, so it wouldn't be clear to whom you are addressing your post.
This doesn't happen too often, but still it annoys me when I see people replying to my posts without quoting me.
This doesn't happen too often, but still it annoys me when I see people replying to my posts without quoting me.
The forum has been covered by trash posts, and despite good negatively net-effects from merit system, spammers have still spammed the forum. Fortunately, there are good users who just don't know how to make good posts. They need to learn from somewhere, so I think it will be easier for forum newbies to have somewhere to begin. I spend my time this weekend to make this thread, and hope that it will help them at somewhat extent.
Local rules:
- Spam posts will be reported
Table of contents
Contents
Read before posting
Which things do you must read?
Search before posting
Decide to make a self-moderated topic or not
- Decide to use it or not at the beginning, because after creating your topic, you will unable to activate self-moderation option. For some reasons, there are a few boards, in which you can not make self-moderated threads. Honestly, I made same mistakes with my threads and regreted sometimes when spammers join and spam in my threads.
- How to activate it?
You can get it by clicking on Additional Options at the bottom-left corner below the composing box. Tick on the box "Self-moderated". Remember that you is only able to choose it at beginning.
Make good topic titles
Please read:
Don't over bold, highlight, paint, glow
Over using those effects is likely distracting readers' attention on those effects rather than what writers want to discuss.
Don't over capitalize characters
Only use capitalization for the first charater, that will keep your title looks more friendly, and readers will be able to fastly skim your title with more time to think of your main ideas.
Don't over-modify font
The fact is mobile platforms display default font, and over-modification on fonts might makes your text unfriendly. I also believe that most of users prefer default font.
Don't directly leave links to dangerous sites, instead use code block
Instead of posting direct link to dangerous sites (phishing, eg.), like this: https://siteA
You should post the link this way, with code block
Read topic title, OP, a few first and last posts before posting
Spend a little time to read topic title, OP is not enough. Users have to spend more time to read (at least) a few first posts and last post in each thread, before posting. If there are answers above their posts, those posts they made are trash, no matter how much time they spent.
Don't plagiarise
Plagiarism will cause permanent ban, so it is one of most important stupid things to avoid.
Don't do pyramid/nested quotes
Personally, nested quotes if using without convincing reasons, will result in trash posts.
Edit rather than make multiple posts in a row
Using edit button to edit your posts, if you want to add more details, and no one reply after your original posts. Making multiple posts like mono-conversation will be reported by users, and your posts will be deleted (rule 32).
Don't feed the troll
Trollers always try to make noise and catch attention from their abundant boring threads (like this). What you should do is don't feed their trolls, then trolls will automatically tail off over time.
Know how to use draft page
It is not very helpful, but sometimes you can use it.
Don't post in Spam Mega thread
Spam mega threads are spam ones, in which users post without reading. Please read:
If you are good poster or have intention to be a good poster, you should stay away from Spam Megathreads.
Check date of last active day and notice warning message
Threads that are inactive for months/ years (last post made months/ years ago) are mostly:
- Outdated
- Trash
- Problems asked by OPs solved.
- etc.
There is no reason to make those threads lively again. Most of those threads revived by spammers. So, if you are not spammer, please don't do this.
It is the warning message that appears whenever you open the Post Reply page in threads that have not been posted last 120 days.
I got this message in that thread (after clicking on Reply button): Switch forum software?
Lock after receiving answers and problems solved
To avoid spammers join party. Lock button is at the bottom left-corner. Click on that button to lock your threads. Most of users forget to lock their threads.
Using patrol page
You can use patrol pages to check potentially spam posts from newbies; then report spam posts to staffs. Giving your hands and make contributions to clean the forum also help your good posts won't be covered by trash posts.
You can also modify which boards you want to check with patrol page. Please read:
Using grammarly to check typos, grammar faults
This tool is helpful for all, native or non-native English speakers. Because we all can make typos or grammar faults.
Don't post in altcoin give-away threads
The forum has a rule on this issue, and one disobeys it will be temporarily bans. I highly recommend users don't post/ reply in those threads.
Don't send multiple PMs
Sending multiple PMs to multiple users might result in ban on your account, if someone in your list of receivers report your PMs to moderator.
Your PMs will be considered as spam if users report. As I know, ban for such a PM-spam is temporarily.
Don't leave over-large images in your quotes
It is very popular to see people quote, then instantly jump to write their replies without spending a couple of seconds to edit their quotes to avoid nested/pyramid quotes [11]. That is annoying. Beyond this, quoting over-large images without snip or adjust width / height of original images is more annoying, much more annoying than nested/pyramid quotes without images inside.
Because over-large images will require more unnecessary bandwidth and more time to load pages. I don't think serious users will like to wait and see pages fully display after jumping up and down while loading.
Read some complaints and suggestions here:
In fact, admin took action and restrict rights to display images from Junior Members and above [a] due to the kind of annoyance but you can help with your own efforts before admin does more serious restrictions.
[a] Images in posts disabled for newbies
Don't use list block in thread titles
I mentioned about it there Small reminder for you when name your topic titles and tag with LIST block.. You can read it for more details.
In short, some users who have enough experience on the forum do know how to adjust the list block to help displaying the thread title correctly. Unfortunately, newbies don't know how to edit original thread titles and it will mess up their posts.
It costs you only a several seconds to use {List} or {list} rather than the list block. I don't think using the list block in thread title is necessary but if you still want to use it, let's change it to {} rather than [].
The change is helpful for you and for other forum users too.
Managing PM with labels
If you don't have too many discussions in PMs, it's not important but if you have many PMs, it's time to organize it. Read the topic from joker_josue to organize your inbox, outbox better.
Uploading images to get bbcode
Imgur.com used to be a most favorite website for image uploading to get bbcode for using in Bitcointalk. The party was over with their policy change so it's time to use alternatives.
Use appropriate punctuation
If you write a sentence, without any punctuation, it's bad.
If you write some sentences, without any punctuation, it's terrible.
Other resources
Local rules:
- Spam posts will be reported
Table of contents
- Read before posting
- Search before posting
- Decide to use self-moderated option or not
- Make good topic titles
- Don't over bold, highlight, paint, glow
- Don't over capitalize characters
- Don't over-modify font
- Don't directly leave links to dangerous sites, instead use code block
- Read topic title, OP, a few first and last posts before posting
- Don't plagiarise
- Don't do pyramid/nested quotes
- Edit rather than make multiple posts in a row
- Don't feed the troll
- Don't post in Spam Mega thread
- Check date of last active day and notice warning message
- Lock after receiving answers and problems solved
- Using patrol page
- Using grammarly to check typos, grammar faults
- Don't post in altcoin give-away threads
- Don't send multiple PMs
- Don't leave over-large images in your quotes
- Don't use list block in thread titles
- Managing PM with labels
- Uploading images to get bbcode
- Use appropriate punctuations
Contents
Read before posting
Which things do you must read?
- Unofficial list of (official) Bitcointalk.org rules, guidelines, FAQ
- Newbies - Read before posting
- SMF user help: Posting
Search before posting
- [Guide] Searching effectively
- [Guide] Reporting effectively
- A Complete Guideline to use forum search button properly
- [Tips] Guide for forum search
- [How-to] the Search button
- [Guide]How to detect rule-breakers.Techniques and tips.
Decide to make a self-moderated topic or not
- Decide to use it or not at the beginning, because after creating your topic, you will unable to activate self-moderation option. For some reasons, there are a few boards, in which you can not make self-moderated threads. Honestly, I made same mistakes with my threads and regreted sometimes when spammers join and spam in my threads.
- How to activate it?
You can get it by clicking on Additional Options at the bottom-left corner below the composing box. Tick on the box "Self-moderated". Remember that you is only able to choose it at beginning.
In most sections, you now have the option of marking topics self-moderated when creating them. In self-moderated topics, the OP can delete replies. The option for enabling this is under "additional options". Topics cannot be converted to self-moderated topics after creation.
Make good topic titles
Please read:
Don't over bold, highlight, paint, glow
Over using those effects is likely distracting readers' attention on those effects rather than what writers want to discuss.
Don't over capitalize characters
Only use capitalization for the first charater, that will keep your title looks more friendly, and readers will be able to fastly skim your title with more time to think of your main ideas.
Use normal capitalization, not "newspaper capitalization". "Thread title style guide" instead of "Thread Title Style Guide". Capitalize the first letter of the title unless it a trademark like "eMachines".
Don't over-modify font
The fact is mobile platforms display default font, and over-modification on fonts might makes your text unfriendly. I also believe that most of users prefer default font.
Don't directly leave links to dangerous sites, instead use code block
Instead of posting direct link to dangerous sites (phishing, eg.), like this: https://siteA
You should post the link this way, with code block
Code:
https://siteA
Read topic title, OP, a few first and last posts before posting
Spend a little time to read topic title, OP is not enough. Users have to spend more time to read (at least) a few first posts and last post in each thread, before posting. If there are answers above their posts, those posts they made are trash, no matter how much time they spent.
Don't plagiarise
Plagiarism will cause permanent ban, so it is one of most important stupid things to avoid.
Don't do pyramid/nested quotes
Personally, nested quotes if using without convincing reasons, will result in trash posts.
- User Script: Automatically remove nested quotes v1.1.1
- [TIPS] to avoid pyramid quotes (for Newbies)
- [Tips] Posting technique
Edit rather than make multiple posts in a row
Using edit button to edit your posts, if you want to add more details, and no one reply after your original posts. Making multiple posts like mono-conversation will be reported by users, and your posts will be deleted (rule 32).
32. Posting multiple posts in a row (excluding bumps and reserved posts by the thread starter) is not allowed.
Don't feed the troll
Trollers always try to make noise and catch attention from their abundant boring threads (like this). What you should do is don't feed their trolls, then trolls will automatically tail off over time.
Know how to use draft page
It is not very helpful, but sometimes you can use it.
Don't post in Spam Mega thread
Spam mega threads are spam ones, in which users post without reading. Please read:
If you are good poster or have intention to be a good poster, you should stay away from Spam Megathreads.
Check date of last active day and notice warning message
Threads that are inactive for months/ years (last post made months/ years ago) are mostly:
- Outdated
- Trash
- Problems asked by OPs solved.
- etc.
There is no reason to make those threads lively again. Most of those threads revived by spammers. So, if you are not spammer, please don't do this.
It is the warning message that appears whenever you open the Post Reply page in threads that have not been posted last 120 days.
I got this message in that thread (after clicking on Reply button): Switch forum software?
"Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 120 days.
Unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic."
When you see this message, it is time for you to reconsider that you should make your post in that thread or not.Unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic."
Lock after receiving answers and problems solved
To avoid spammers join party. Lock button is at the bottom left-corner. Click on that button to lock your threads. Most of users forget to lock their threads.
Using patrol page
You can use patrol pages to check potentially spam posts from newbies; then report spam posts to staffs. Giving your hands and make contributions to clean the forum also help your good posts won't be covered by trash posts.
You can also modify which boards you want to check with patrol page. Please read:
- New options for patrol pages and ignore board preferences (profile page), please
- Do you often use report button? There are guides to more effectively report (I wrote more details on steps to customize patrol page)
Using grammarly to check typos, grammar faults
This tool is helpful for all, native or non-native English speakers. Because we all can make typos or grammar faults.
- https://www.grammarly.com/ (I use this one)
- http://www.whitesmoke.com/
- https://www.gingersoftware.com/
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/correctme-english-grammar-help/id1193750579
Don't post in altcoin give-away threads
The forum has a rule on this issue, and one disobeys it will be temporarily bans. I highly recommend users don't post/ reply in those threads.
15. No on-forum altcoin giveaways. [6][e]
More details, please read: Altcoin give-away rule results in temporary bans. Read before posting.Don't send multiple PMs
Sending multiple PMs to multiple users might result in ban on your account, if someone in your list of receivers report your PMs to moderator.
Your PMs will be considered as spam if users report. As I know, ban for such a PM-spam is temporarily.
Don't leave over-large images in your quotes
It is very popular to see people quote, then instantly jump to write their replies without spending a couple of seconds to edit their quotes to avoid nested/pyramid quotes [11]. That is annoying. Beyond this, quoting over-large images without snip or adjust width / height of original images is more annoying, much more annoying than nested/pyramid quotes without images inside.
Because over-large images will require more unnecessary bandwidth and more time to load pages. I don't think serious users will like to wait and see pages fully display after jumping up and down while loading.
Read some complaints and suggestions here:
- Feature suggestion - Turn embeded images into URLs + thread topic hijacking prev
- The inclusion of large, unnecessary images in threads. Opinions?
In fact, admin took action and restrict rights to display images from Junior Members and above [a] due to the kind of annoyance but you can help with your own efforts before admin does more serious restrictions.
[a] Images in posts disabled for newbies
Don't use list block in thread titles
I mentioned about it there Small reminder for you when name your topic titles and tag with LIST block.. You can read it for more details.
In short, some users who have enough experience on the forum do know how to adjust the list block to help displaying the thread title correctly. Unfortunately, newbies don't know how to edit original thread titles and it will mess up their posts.
It costs you only a several seconds to use {List} or {list} rather than the list block. I don't think using the list block in thread title is necessary but if you still want to use it, let's change it to {} rather than [].
The change is helpful for you and for other forum users too.
Managing PM with labels
If you don't have too many discussions in PMs, it's not important but if you have many PMs, it's time to organize it. Read the topic from joker_josue to organize your inbox, outbox better.
Uploading images to get bbcode
Imgur.com used to be a most favorite website for image uploading to get bbcode for using in Bitcointalk. The party was over with their policy change so it's time to use alternatives.
- Image uploading websites/ scripts for Bitcointalk users
- If you want to use TalkImg.com, read this guide from the owner of that website.
Use appropriate punctuation
If you write a sentence, without any punctuation, it's bad.
If you write some sentences, without any punctuation, it's terrible.
- Read A Quick Guide to Punctuation University of Lynchburg to learn about punctuation and use it appropriately.
Other resources
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