Topic: Correcting newbie's can be done in a nicer way using a polite approach (Read 397 times)

Let's not pretend that we don't understand what this OP is trying to say here, there are few cases of high rank members saying harsh words to newbies, especially new comers that don't know much about the forum, this have happened to me too but I was able to cope because the harsh words are coming from one or two members and there are many more who welcome me anyway.

You made a very nice point mate. One of the most contributing factors of this being polite or not polite from the senior members is because of some questions that newbies ask at times.
You can see a newbie ask a question like "What is bitcoin", "what is the difference between bitcoin and bitcointalk" or worse scenario, you can see a newbie post that he wants to teach people how to post on bitcoin 
These are the type of posts that offends the senior men in this forum and they will descend on that very newbie in different ways.
So, it is important that every newbie do some research on their own and try use the forum search button.

This is true to be honest. It applies not just in this forum, but to the whole internet as well even in video games. The tone of the sentence also adds up and people think that the sentence that the one that gave the criticism is categorized as being aggressive. This is why sometimes I try to use emojis to point out that I am not being too harsh on my criticism, so that I can tone out the mood of what I was trying to say.

Though to be honest some people need to thicken up their skin in the internet. It's plenty of strangers and trolls out there and you can't avoiding encountering one.

This is a very polite forum, no one here is calling each other names, outside of meta drama topics. I never seen a newbie or anyone really being offended for making a supposedly bad post or something. What I did see is some newbies thinking that if someone disagrees with their post, they must be personally attacking them. But disagreeing and providing arguments is the whole point of an online discussion platform.

If I understand the members of this forum then there are a variety of different characters in writing. I don't know anything but at least I know how they write or warn. They have their own characteristics so I think it's not them who have to adjust to the circumstances that are reminded, but we who have to be able to adjust to them. Sometimes we also have to know that sometimes the language of writing looks loud but maybe if we speak directly maybe it is more soothing. Although I know this is a writing form forum.

Personally I'm a newbie and I've always gotten constructive criticism and didn't feel disrespected. I've always gotten help when I needed help. But I also try to do my own research and learn on my own before asking for help. Almost everyone here is here because they want to help. Id be annoyed if it felt like a newbie was asking a simple question easy to find on their own before they even tried and I have a feeling that's more often than we'd like to think. It doesn't pay to be given the answers and an experienced user knows this. I guess in short one I think common scenario is "if you ask a stupid question you're gonna get made fun of a little bit" - Dwight Schrute.

Ok, here are some corrections in a polite way.

- If you want to be taken seriously, act like a human being and not like a bot. Participate in the discussion threads you are creating. I have gone through most of the threads you have written on the first page of your profile and they all have one thing in common. Only the OP is from you, and you never return to your discussions to engage the community in normal discourse. Talk with the members on Bitcointalk like you do with your friends and family. You don't start the day by saying a couple of sentences to them and then go quiet for the rest of the day. 

- Stay out of the off-topic boards. People who mostly post in off-topic usually have ulterior motives. They are building up their activity points with posts that have nothing to do with Bitcoin and crypto. A Bitcoin forum is about Bitcoin, hence its name. There is no problem talking about off-topic things, but that shouldn't be the main focus. If someone comes here to discuss cotton candy and living room chandeliers, maybe there are better online communities for those people.

Genuine people are in 99% of the cases not treated unfairly on Bitcointalk, no matter their rank.

Enjoy your stay!

Human being has different ways they approach questions. Some can be blunt or cool when correlating or answering a question from a newbie.
Am yet to see in this forum where a newbie is prejudiced against his or her questions without giving him or her a reasonable answer.
Different questions and answers from all angles(newbies to legendary members) are been tolerated here except for those that aim to scam, racism, and abuse fellas in this forum.

There are two ways to your topic:

1. Some old users have been here for more than 5years, and these set of users have witnessed so many kinds of newbies (old generation and new generation). They have seen similar pretence, similar unnecessary questions, similar merit phishing posts. So, when a certain newbie comes with a style they have known already, they will unleash a certain attack on them as they are tired seeing replica of newbies.

2. Some newbies mistake constructive criticism for being hardened on them. This is especially newbies that have not experienced cyber bullying. So, any statement that does not please or praise them is mistaken as an attack.

Nevertheless, there are people who delights in attacking newbies and there's nothing we can do about that. So, according to my senior colleagues here, newbies should learn to develop thick skin. This corresponds with the statement of a certain bird, "As men has learnt how to shoot without missing, we have also learnt how to fly without petching".

I had similar issues which resulted to second guessing my ass( self) I used too be way scared of bashing and someone criticizing me, I should say I do get scared of @lovesmayfamilis and @The Pharmacist they are very straightforward people who don't take bizarre and confused writes up easily ( Don't get me wrong) , I'd complain at time to a close friend   ,but I gradually adapted to the forum, I said too my self I want too grow, how do I do this ? But gradually I got used too the forum, still a fvckn juvenile learning and reading also not perfect.

So In conclusion what I'm saying is that, newbies can also have experience of the cryptocurrency industry or are probably an old member directing the newbie to write that way (Merit fishing - which is not a good start although). So I know it's kinda hard, people with different personalities and how they react to thing's, most at times could be from you current mood.

Newbie's In my own opinion should be guided, ( if you want a yam to grow in a particular direction then you have too caryy out stalking)
Correct them and not blast them, this is my own addition to this. @DdmrDdmr is very good at this!

Advice: Op develop a thick skin! Be observant. Everyone makes mistakes, as there is no question always right/wrong and response always correct. Do not take positive criticisms too personal, that'll eventually cling you from growing.
 Good luck Ahead! Peace out!

When one is been corrected in the forum it feels like you are criticised or been attacked,  but don't let that feelings make you feel sad, if such feelings makes you to feel like give up, that feelings is lying to you not to learn. Corrections is doing you a lot of good  to know more,  even if you are criticise  don't  feel sad because criticism only makes you to get stronger and to accelerate  your learning ability.  Don't focus on the manner of been corrected(polite or pleasant), just only focus on the corrections to be part of you.

It's a bit of both really. I find sometimes veteran's can be a little overzealous. For example, I know that the recommended approach is you search up your issue before posting, but we're a global forum used by users of varying different levels in terms of language. Therefore, I know how it's sometimes when you can't quite find your answer, and you kind of need to word it your way, to make sure that it is actually being read, and answered correctly.

This is especially true when there's jargon involved. Also, it's a great learning tool. Being able to ask a question differently to how someone has explained it, I find has improved comprehension of certain topics. Now, I'm not giving anyone the green light to do this for the sake of doing it, but I understand somewhat with particular questions.

I do think sometimes we can all be a little guilty of judging certain users on past experiences, a bit like stereotyping. Although, I don't think politeness is necessarily needed. It's probably desired to prevent discussions from being misled on personal tangents. Although, that usually only happens when someone is being outright rude for the purpose of being rude.

I tend to correct myself at times, using language that a newbie wouldn't understand, and that's why I think when you're writing a guide, you need to consider the type of users that will be using it. It isn't likely going to be the technical folk, that would use advanced language. Plus, expect basic questions. This is what the beginners & Help section is exactly for. It's for questions that don't really fit anywhere else, and are probably of basic nature, and most discussion is intended with newbies in mind. So, theymos at some point recognised the importance of that.

Also, I guess it depends on how you've been brought up, and in what environment. While, I wouldn't use it with strangers or those that I think would take offence. If one of the respected users here called me an idiot for a mistake I made which was a valid take, I'd probably agree . For example, a while back I accidentally ignored all my reports in the report queue, so I had to contact theymos. He didn't call me an idiot just to be clear, but I bet he was thinking it . We all make mistakes. Newbies are definitely expected to make mistakes, and I feel like sometimes users come here trying to walk on egg shells a bit, which is not what we want.

I do somewhat agree. However, I do think intentions matter, and sometimes that can cloud the judgement of the seasoned veterans here. Most of them have seen every trick in the book, and if an innocent newbie posts something similar to one of these tricks as an example, I kind of get why they would have alarm bells ringing, and be a little more hostile. Is it a good thing they do that? Probably not, can I understand it? Yeah. I'm specifically thinking about instances where someone has made a post, which kind of looks like they were searching for merit, but basically repeating the same ol' content that has been posted a million times, you know the inspirational post attempts.


True, it isn't moderated, and definitely isn't something that ever will be. However, I don't completely agree with you should accept criticism. I mean, that criticism could be wrong, even if you're getting it from someone who has been here for years, and you've been here for a week. Not all criticism is valid, and warranted.

You are right and you are not wrong. Having created a tip thread and getting merit as an advance, I now see several similar open threads created by the OP. What can be said about this, except as the most common merit hunt?

OP, this is a forum about bitcoin, not about the aesthetics of behavior in society. But your posts only talk about it. It is not necessary to create a bunch of identical topics and say banal things. Many have passed the age of kindergarten, and education here is completely inappropriate.

But seeing a newcomer who teaches in each topic how to behave and how not to behave, one involuntarily wants to be rude.

Just draw your own conclusions.

I'm not trying to justify myself, but this is pretty much the case where I could somewhat be referred to as 'rude' (even without me calling names). When newbies create topics about merit advice and investment advice, even though it's pretty obvious that they don't know what they're talking about. Idk, it's pretty easy to see if a certain user posted solely to try baiting in some merits.

My perception is that, these past few years, people are going easier on others. That obviously does not rule out getting a slap on the wrists here and there, but overall, it seems easier to be a thin-skinned type of person these days on the forum. On the other hand, some posting behaviours kind of call for it, although I’ve got the feeling that the OP is derived from a personal angle, more than a general observation on the forum.

I’ve gone over the posts where you are quoted in an answer, and there isn't seemingly any real case that is using harsh words; at least not beyond a regular threshold. Yes, some people did not understand what you said (me included in one of the posts), and others blatantly disagreed with you on a rather tolerable rebutting scale.

Over time, on tends to change his perception of things on the forum, essentially through reading and obtaining a broader view. One may not stand by his claims as time goes by, and become more lenient to considering alternative viewpoints.

You got a good point. But, Wait for more harsh words in this thread too. You cannot control other members' behavior. This is the internet, and most of them are anonymous. So, No one knows their identity. If they misbehave with you here, No one will stand against them. So, it's better to put them on your ignore list.

I strongly agree to this.

@Israelgogo:
Keep in mind that not all here have English as mother tongue and some may sound overly harsh without intending so, because of let's say unfortunate choice of words.

Also, there are people used to use strong words on the daily basis.

Also, one has better and worse days, hence more patience now and maybe less at some other point.

Keep in mind that even unpolite answers can be useful. A common saying around this forum is "grow a thicker skin" (and maybe it sounds a bit strange, it's very correct and very useful). Learn to get the best of everything and ignore the rest (move on). And if you don't like the "writing style" (heh) of one or another, you always have a powerful tool at hand: the ignore link.

Newbies or legendary there is no discrimination here, everyone got the same rules so no need to get offended and take it personally because its just an online forum where everyone reacts in their own way. Sometimes newbies may be criticized but it should be taken as a lesson instead of attack, if you still newbies are attacked personally then you are free to report them to mods and admins.

I agree, and not just correcting newbies but on all discussions. Everything could be done in a nicer way. I have read a lot of responses here bordering on insult. I don't understand why, but sometimes I notice that those who know better project their wisdom or authority on a certain topic by being rude, by calling out those who are wrong in an impolite way. I don't know what they would gain from it. Perhaps it makes them feel good, that they are above somebody else. 

In fairness, however, newbies should also be aware that they are newbies. Sometimes, I'm also a little annoyed when I read a newbie's first post lecturing about something, albeit wrongly. Of course, ranks here do not necessarily signify knowledge or level of expertise, but there are newbies who are obviously blabbering nonsense.

OP, you are definitely wrong in your choice of the word "should." You can understand that you are in an unfamiliar environment for yourself. But you must always remind yourself that you are on the Internet. There are different people, with different characteristics. And no one owes anything to each other.

Therefore, you always have a choice. If you don't like something, there is a button to log out of your account or ignore it.

I don't see people treating newbies harsh in the forum very much these days unless the newbie stepped on the wrong foot from the start.

There are topics that you would have to stay away in the forum which also applies in real life such as Religion and Politics. Its a very touchy subject most of the time.   But if your topic is just about Bitcoin and trading, the people here are pretty much helpful.  But just grow old after all harsh words are there to be used.

Attitude is not moderated or even harsh words that forum user using here. You should accept all criticism if you are receiving one due to the post that you made since this a public forum and not school so you should be careful on your posting here because you can't change the attitude of a user if he is posting on that manner. You can just use the ignore button if you find someone very offensive to you to avoid seeing there post. That's the only way for you to filter out toxic user that bothering you.

Stop being a crybaby and move on.

I have definitely seen newbies treated with a certain level of prejudice on the forum, being the largest rank group, there is bound to be more bad actors which misrepresents the bunch, and while I do not agree with this, it happens few times and far between to be much of an issue. It could be that such perceived harsh words in one reply, would stick out more in a thread with 10 helpful replies.

Being on the internet requires you to develop a thick skin you would not want to be hurt from "words" of an anonymous individual you could never identify.
Filter everything you read, take in the useful ones, and grow with that, while ignoring the parts not beneficial to you.

We're in a forum where conversations are written not spoken,
So words like "wrong" or "no" will sound harsh most of the time even though the poster meant it to be read calmly.
As long as there's no words like "Id**t", "S***id" or similar, I'd not consider a reply unpolite.

Overall, it's entirely based from the reader's perspective.

Example: "No, You're wrong" can be perceived by the reader as "No! You're wrong!" even without punctuation.

Exactly.

You got a point actually. There are polite ways to respond but some cant help themselves trolling the trolls as well. Maybe because those guys knew that the account isnt serious enough. But if those newbie history post proves that they are really trying to learn and being corrected harshly then maybe he dont understand what being a newbie feels like.

Some also experience criticism but remember not to become so emotional to take it so deep. Everyone got criticise too. I advise take it as a positive feedback instead and prove them wrong.

Mistakes do happen where people treat others harshly but they don't deserve it but I'm curious whether you have some examples that warranted starting this topic because I rarely see such cases.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of newbie accounts with a low rank that are either scamming others or trolling and they are obviously treated harshly by everyone such as this scammer who keeps coming back claiming to be Satoshi: https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/bitcoinmoses-955818
Or those newbies who come out whenever there is a price drop talking about how bitcoin is "broken" and spread false information.

I'm definitely not for being unnecessarily rude (but I'm guilty of this as I'm sick of those 'advice threads' from newbies who are obviously only trying to gain merits), but if you're expecting to be treated well every single time especially knowing that most of us here are anonymous, then you're bound to be disappointed.

Huge difference between an innocent newbie that's trying to learn, vs a not-so-new newbie that's trying to spam his/her way into getting merits.

People who tell you the truth, bitter truth are helping you.

Do you think the head admin criticizes newbies with this message

• Welcome message
• Signature campaign guidelines (read this before starting or joining a campaign). How about this too?

Correcting newbie's can be done in a polite way, not making them feel bad but making them have a sense of belonging ,newbie's are bond to make mistakes ,it is the duty of the experience to guide them through rather than criticizing them or condeming their effort ,making them feel bad and want to give up, no man is an island ,as human we are expected to make mistakes,so when been corrected we tends to be careful when trying again and try not to make mistakes. Even the experienced were once newbies .A boy will one day grow up to b a man.

It does not make sense when an experienced member criticize or condemn a newbie's write up ,a word of encourage can help put the newbie's on check. Even some so called old experienced members still makes mistakes ,will they be happy if a newbie's criticize them .
Let be our brother keeper and encourage one another to do better then every one will win and the goal of the forum will be attained.