Hard Light Productions Forums

Site Management => Site Support / Feedback => Topic started by: jr2 on May 08, 2007, 01:23:06 am

Title: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: jr2 on May 08, 2007, 01:23:06 am
Well, I think we should have a child board in "Important Stuff" called "The New User Guide".  In this board, there should be several stickied, locked posts by admins.  The rest of us can suggest changes to said stickied posts by making their own topic, and new users can ask questions using the same method.  This keeps the instructions available to new users short and to the point.  What do you say?   :nod:  ;)

EDIT: Posted a picture showing what I mean.  We could have a Child Board of Support labeled "New User Guide" ... or, we could have a whole Board, whichever.

EDIT2: Posted a pic of dice's idea (which I like!)

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: diceman111 on May 08, 2007, 09:52:35 am
Most importantly I think we need a banner or button that says something like "New to HLP and/or Freespace SCP Klick here" and then you are taken to the beginners guide
Title: Re: Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Unknown Target on May 08, 2007, 12:38:42 pm
Do we really need yet another subforum? I vote no.
Title: Re: Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: wolfen on May 08, 2007, 03:39:56 pm
Do we really need yet another subforum? I vote no.

Why not then we can be more like the US Govt  :D
I gotta agree though voted no.

wish I could vote twice though, I really want a cracker
Title: Re: Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Polpolion on May 08, 2007, 03:44:29 pm
Maybe not a subfourm, just a thread.
Title: Re: Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Snail on May 08, 2007, 03:48:13 pm
What's the point in Meh when you can also get a cracker?



ANYWAY, think it could be possible and helpful to newbies but most of the newcomers already know what's happening anyway. What we need is a sticked FAQ thread on FS --- 3 which is locked but is added to when new things come up.
Title: Re: Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Dark Hunter on May 08, 2007, 05:42:46 pm
Quote
wish I could vote twice though, I really want a cracker

Me too...  :(


But anyway, we really should have a "Go Here first" thing for newcomers. At the very least a link to Turey's Installer that is not part of someone's sig. :p
I know when I first came here I was confused as hell for two months as to how to get FSO updated all the way. It would have been extremely helpful then, and it would be extremely helpful now.
Title: Re: Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: jr2 on May 09, 2007, 01:24:52 am
Posted a pic showing what I mean in the first post.  @ All you crackers folks:  Recant!  :lol: j/k
Title: Re: Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: diceman111 on May 09, 2007, 07:31:32 am
I think that something more like a banner would be more useful

Something like this (See Attachment) and it would be linked to some thread that simply says Hi and explains a bit with alot of useful links and then it says that if you have anything to ask just post (not in that thread however)


/Dice



[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: jr2 on May 09, 2007, 08:26:39 am
Excellent idea... now everyone, go vote again!  :D
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Bob-san on May 09, 2007, 09:46:51 am
I say NO. If people are not smart enough to simply post in an off-topic zone, perhaps we don't need them too much? When I came to this forum I had been a part of a few communities; when they'd have a New Users--Click here banner, the intro was rather dumbed-down.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Dark Hunter on May 09, 2007, 10:41:06 am
Well, we'd be putting this there for people who are completely new, wouldn't we? I agree that people who have been part of a couple forums might know how to get around, but what if this is their first forum, hmm?
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Mobius on May 09, 2007, 12:51:58 pm
CREATE CREATE CREATE A CHILD BOARD FOR NEWBIES!!!

I will finally know where I can look for n00bs to welcome!!!
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Snail on May 09, 2007, 02:34:07 pm
I say NO. If people are not smart enough to simply post in an off-topic zone, perhaps we don't need them too much? When I came to this forum I had been a part of a few communities; when they'd have a New Users--Click here banner, the intro was rather dumbed-down.

Well if you were a clueless dropout from California who had never been part of any other community then you would need some help. :doubt:

STFU.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: diceman111 on May 09, 2007, 03:08:16 pm
I say NO. If people are not smart enough to simply post in an off-topic zone, perhaps we don't need them too much? When I came to this forum I had been a part of a few communities; when they'd have a New Users--Click here banner, the intro was rather dumbed-down.

Well if you were a clueless dropout from California who had never been part of any other community then you would need some help. :doubt:

STFU.

Or one from sweden I sometimes still dont know where to look
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Snail on May 09, 2007, 03:10:35 pm
And on a side not, I am not implying that I'm a clueless dropout from California. :P
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: wolfen on May 09, 2007, 04:22:50 pm
Actually guys this is the first board where I haven't seen a new users area, so on second thought maybe a new users area would be a good idea, but personally the way this one is set up my 9 year old got FS for his computer with no help from me at all, has read all he needs to read, and has no [problems at all on the forum, and he's not a computer wiz, trust me.
And yes this is the first forum he's ever read. No he'll probably never post here, he thinks were all lame.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: bloated on May 09, 2007, 05:28:43 pm
Quote
I say NO. If people are not smart enough to simply post in an off-topic zone, perhaps we don't need them too much? When I came to this forum I had been a part of a few communities; when they'd have a New Users--Click here banner, the intro was rather dumbed-down.
I'm trying to figure out how you were hurt by the "new users" banner?

aside from the elitist position of "enhanced enlightenment" why do you want to make FreeSpace and the Source Code Project less accessible to ppl?

what exactly do you lose by the addition of a banner that you will ignore anyway?

what doese the Source Code Project and Hard Light stand to lose by making things easier?

what is the purpose of the Source Code Project and Hard Light if not to make itself accessible to more than the "select few" that populate it now? :doubt:
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Centrixo on May 09, 2007, 05:36:34 pm
i vote yes.

i came to this forum and had no clue that everyone here were all computer geeks. So the slightest mistake is frowned up on for E.G. the subtitle under my nickname, i can ask them to remove it but that would be frowned on... then attacked.

i voted yes, because any new person who hits this forum does not know what there in for, and should ultimatly know the rules and who everyone is before making a small slip up, which ultimatly costs your reputation on this forum forever. (i am not joking  :wtf:)
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Bob-san on May 09, 2007, 05:44:46 pm
I say NO. If people are not smart enough to simply post in an off-topic zone, perhaps we don't need them too much? When I came to this forum I had been a part of a few communities; when they'd have a New Users--Click here banner, the intro was rather dumbed-down.

Well if you were a clueless dropout from California who had never been part of any other community then you would need some help. :doubt:

STFU.

Or one from sweden I sometimes still dont know where to look
Hey; this is a matter of opinion and position. I am personally against it--I always felt odd introducing myself like that. Let me quote myself from my first post in Aug '06...

Quote
Hey everyone... I know I'm new here, but I gotta big question...

May someone help me get a copy of Freespace 2 without buying it on eBay (i'm not quite 18, and when I am FS2 will probably be $100+ per copy).

I have the Freespace 2 Colossus, but when I got it, FS2 was already unavailable (it came with my cheap ForceFeedback Joystick from Logitech). I really want to play the actual game, after playing the demo at least twenty times over. So, may someone do something for me like (a) sell it to me for cash money or (b) burn me a copy?

Thanks all!

EDIT: The computer I can play the game on has a burner, but is not connected to our junky LAN. This computer has no CD Burner. My flash drive is only about 500mb, so unless someone can make the file properly split and rejoin at the same spot, the flash drive is out.

Anyways; I don't really like being told "say hi here and then do this, that, check this out, download this junk, and don't forget you need all that".



I am against it; sorry it offends you but a welcoming like what most forums have offends me.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: jr2 on May 09, 2007, 06:09:00 pm
Really all you need is a basic walkthrough with instructions to register and post if you have any problems / questions.  When I first started lurking here, I learned the hard way.  I d'lled a ton of stuff, and banged my head against the wall until I figured out where everything went.  This place can be sort of like a maze, unless you're lucky enough to land in the right place, or brave enough to ask.  (I just like figuring things out myself... some of the time.)
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: vyper on May 09, 2007, 06:20:45 pm
I'll make this as plain as can be:

Fix the HLP home page to be like HLP2.0 was.

You won't need additional sub-forums, subways, or anything else that's likely to piss me off.

That is all.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: achtung on May 09, 2007, 10:42:01 pm
Yeah 2.0 worked really well.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: jr2 on May 10, 2007, 01:29:32 am
Hmm, any way of pulling up an archive of 2.0 so I can look at it?
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Centrixo on May 10, 2007, 06:41:21 am
I voted yes, because any new person who hits this forum does not know what there in for, and should ultimatly know the rules and who everyone is before making a small slip up, which ultimatly costs your reputation on this forum forever. (i am not joking  :wtf:)

the Alphas and Betas.

"I am the hunter. You are my prey!" - Hirogen Hunter, Star Trek: Elite force.

No, **** son.

the perfect example.  :)
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: vyper on May 10, 2007, 07:30:50 am
No, it's a form of hazing that happens on every internet community. You get over it soon enough.

God why are all the youngster on the net today such pussies?
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Wobble73 on May 10, 2007, 07:43:47 am
And Polly still wants a cracker!


 :nervous:

Well someone had to say it!  :P
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Unknown Target on May 10, 2007, 08:28:08 am
Quote
i vote yes.

i came to this forum and had no clue that everyone here were all computer geeks. So the slightest mistake is frowned up on for E.G. the subtitle under my nickname, i can ask them to remove it but that would be frowned on... then attacked.

i voted yes, because any new person who hits this forum does not know what there in for, and should ultimatly know the rules and who everyone is before making a small slip up, which ultimatly costs your reputation on this forum forever. (i am not joking  )

You could try actually reading the forum you're going to join before you join and instantly post. And then after that, maybe not act like a total 'tard when you join (and you still are - not all of us are "computer geeks" - you're just the fore-mentioned tard).

I vote no again, although now I notice that there's a "Yes - a banner" option. It'd be nice if maybe we could link to the "Getting Started" section in the Wiki.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: jr2 on May 10, 2007, 09:09:42 am
Quote
i vote yes.

i came to this forum and had no clue that everyone here were all computer geeks. So the slightest mistake is frowned up on for E.G. the subtitle under my nickname, i can ask them to remove it but that would be frowned on... then attacked.

i voted yes, because any new person who hits this forum does not know what there in for, and should ultimatly know the rules and who everyone is before making a small slip up, which ultimatly costs your reputation on this forum forever. (i am not joking  )

You could try actually reading the forum you're going to join before you join and instantly post. And then after that, maybe not act like a total 'tard when you join (and you still are - not all of us are "computer geeks" - you're just the fore-mentioned tard).

I vote no again, although now I notice that there's a "Yes - a banner" option. It'd be nice if maybe we could link to the "Getting Started" section in the Wiki.
Quote
i vote yes.

i came to this forum and had no clue that everyone here were all computer geeks. So the slightest mistake is frowned up on for E.G. the subtitle under my nickname, i can ask them to remove it but that would be frowned on... then attacked.

i voted yes, because any new person who hits this forum does not know what there in for, and should ultimatly know the rules and who everyone is before making a small slip up, which ultimatly costs your reputation on this forum forever. (i am not joking  )

You could try actually reading the forum you're going to join before you join and instantly post. And then after that, maybe not act like a total 'tard when you join (and you still are - not all of us are "computer geeks" - you're just the fore-mentioned tard, and blaming us for the way you acted doesn't help your "reputation" at all).

I vote no again, although now I notice that there's a "Yes - a banner" option. It'd be nice if maybe we could link to the "Getting Started" section in the Wiki.

DOUBLE POST!!

You can change your vote, you know...
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Unknown Target on May 10, 2007, 09:38:43 am
*Gasp!* Why, ya caught me!

*Deletes extra post*

There you go, the world is back on it's axis.

Also, that was a problem with my internet, so I didn't purposefully double post. Congrats.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Bob-san on May 10, 2007, 10:00:18 am
Quote
i vote yes.

i came to this forum and had no clue that everyone here were all computer geeks. So the slightest mistake is frowned up on for E.G. the subtitle under my nickname, i can ask them to remove it but that would be frowned on... then attacked.

i voted yes, because any new person who hits this forum does not know what there in for, and should ultimatly know the rules and who everyone is before making a small slip up, which ultimatly costs your reputation on this forum forever. (i am not joking  )

You could try actually reading the forum you're going to join before you join and instantly post. And then after that, maybe not act like a total 'tard when you join (and you still are - not all of us are "computer geeks" - you're just the fore-mentioned tard).

I vote no again, although now I notice that there's a "Yes - a banner" option. It'd be nice if maybe we could link to the "Getting Started" section in the Wiki.
Another part of my point to say no; read at least a little bit of the forum before you join and become active.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Centrixo on May 10, 2007, 11:55:20 am
so you say no, and try and tutor me in what? forget it, useless!  :p.

now you see why we need this board, Unknown target just reinforced my point on computer geeks and needing a more clearer defined area for new poeple.

i wanna cracker  :).

Edit: i can give a better example of a computer geek, but it will minus my popularity a bit. not that i have any anyway.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Unknown Target on May 10, 2007, 12:12:28 pm
I'm not being a computer geek, I'm thinking. Something you obviously can't do.

This is why people don't like you Centrixo, because you're an ass.

EDIT: Oh, that and dumb. An asshole and dumb.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: diceman111 on May 10, 2007, 12:16:56 pm
Would you two stop before this thread get locked besides if we have a banner or a new board/child-board(Not the best idea I must say) then those that think its a bad idea will just have to look away or something
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Unknown Target on May 10, 2007, 12:19:52 pm
No, because if we have newbies have their own board, it further separates the community between oldies and newbies. Everyone should mingle with everyone, we shouldn't segregate the community.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: diceman111 on May 10, 2007, 01:08:53 pm
No, because if we have newbies have their own board, it further separates the community between oldies and newbies. Everyone should mingle with everyone, we shouldn't segregate the community.

Hence the use of a banner or something similar witch only points to a locked thread and not a new board
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: karajorma on May 10, 2007, 01:24:49 pm
This is why people don't like you Centrixo, because you're an ass.

EDIT: Oh, that and dumb. An asshole and dumb.

Any more of that and I'll point out to the admins that you should be banned for it. BtRL team mate or not.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: vyper on May 10, 2007, 01:40:39 pm
Watch that boy shake his authoritah.

And this be the old home page: http://web.archive.org/web/20051126014605/http://www.hard-light.net/

Missing an image or two, granted...
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Dysko on May 10, 2007, 02:07:43 pm
I remeber that home page... one year and a half ago... when I found this forum for the first time...
That home page really rocked! :)
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Polpolion on May 10, 2007, 04:47:59 pm
I think that something more like a banner would be more useful

Something like this (See Attachment) and it would be linked to some thread that simply says Hi and explains a bit with alot of useful links and then it says that if you have anything to ask just post (not in that thread however)


/Dice



you misspelled ''click''.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: diceman111 on May 10, 2007, 05:02:12 pm
I think that something more like a banner would be more useful

Something like this (See Attachment) and it would be linked to some thread that simply says Hi and explains a bit with alot of useful links and then it says that if you have anything to ask just post (not in that thread however)


/Dice



you misspelled ''click''.

Sorry its "klicka" in swedish got the two mixed up but something tells me that one isent going to be used anyway so it really dosent matter
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: jr2 on May 10, 2007, 11:52:33 pm
OK, so what was there in V2 that you want to see in V3?  When Kalfireth starts asking for suggestions again, post them in his thread.  No need to go back to V2, just change V3 a little, if everyone agrees with you.  I didn't notice a big difference.  Just looked a little less streamlined.  Of course, I didn't dig too far... what am I missing?

Oh, and about the comments earlier, about the supposed separation of oldies and newbies, I did say a banner, or some locked stickies in the new Board / Child Board.  Then, the other threads will be a place for Newbs to ask questions, and L337s to answer them.  Basically, a newb-veteran interface, the newbs know where to get help, the vets know where to help out.  Catch my drift?
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: wolfen on May 11, 2007, 04:44:52 pm
Soooo, I voted for a cracker, when do I get it?
 :)





( yes I'm being a s a
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Huggybaby on May 11, 2007, 09:01:36 pm
I vote for a new forum, with FAQ and stickies at the top.

One of the stickies should be called "Installation Guide", another "Latest Updates/Downloads".
Any questions regarding how to make FS install and play would be answered there.

It should be the one place that always has links that work and none that don't, and I nominate jr2 as moderator.

Huggybaby
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: asyikarea51 on May 12, 2007, 05:12:49 am
Well I won't vote, but I think a banner's good. I feel that a banner attracts more attention, even more so if it's in a prominent location.

Like, when I first came here (yeah I came here early enough to see the older front page), I was pretty much stumped at first by the countless boards in the forum area.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Snail on May 12, 2007, 09:48:18 am
Watch that boy shake his authoritah.

And this be the old home page: http://web.archive.org/web/20051126014605/http://www.hard-light.net/

Missing an image or two, granted...

Man... That homepage brings back memories when I was still in Class 2A, before all my friends left. :(
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Unknown Target on May 12, 2007, 09:49:43 am
How about http://web.archive.org/web/20010424110916/www.3dap.com/hlp/ ? :p
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: jr2 on May 12, 2007, 10:20:17 am
Ooh, that looks cool.  I hadn't seen that one before.  Nice.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Snail on May 12, 2007, 11:56:01 am
Quote
Snail's Velocity Mod: R3 Available - Posted by Setekh at 22:35 PST
The famed Velocity Mod by Snail has just reached its third release version! If you haven't picked this fantastic mod up already, take this opportunity and do so! Post your comments here in the HLP Forums.

Hehe, that's what I THOUGHT it said. ;)
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Mobius on May 12, 2007, 12:10:04 pm
Suggestion:

In the new board, pin a thread and write there the MSN, AIM, YIM and ICQ addresses of members who consider themselves skilled enough to help newcomers who have problems. You can, for example, my address to an "Instant FRED Help List".

We can reduce the number of "Help Me" threads....and my chances of Welcoming newcomers... but I think it's something good for the community :)
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Fury on May 12, 2007, 01:25:25 pm
If there is a problem, adding a "newbie banner" or a "newbie board" isn't a solution.

If newbies don't know what and where, then the solution is to make current forum layout, mainpage and wiki more understandable and accessible to newbies.

Adding new stuff, no. Reorganizing existing stuff, yes.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Mongoose on May 12, 2007, 05:58:08 pm
I think some type of banner image would fall under making the main page more accessible, though.  Considering that's the first part of the site that most new visitors are going to see, having some sort of prominent link to a good beginner's page, such as a "Getting Started" page on the Wiki, seems like it would be effective.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: Mobius on May 12, 2007, 06:07:32 pm
...

But for my Instant Messenger Address List, so you can just pin a thread.
Title: Re: RESET - Do we need a "Hey - New Users! Start Here" link?
Post by: jr2 on May 12, 2007, 08:50:20 pm
If there is a problem, adding a "newbie banner" or a "newbie board" isn't a solution.

If newbies don't know what and where, then the solution is to make current forum layout, mainpage and wiki more understandable and accessible to newbies.

Adding new stuff, no. Reorganizing existing stuff, yes.

Right... but in your re-organizing, you should be able to find some instructions/links to install FSOpen from the Main page (both the Main, and the Main Forum.)