Multiposting and Generic Posting - Please Read

I made a post about this almost 4 years ago, and with the onslaught of new members I feel it should be brought up again.

I have been observing posts lately, and have noticed a lot of what we call "Generic Posting" and "Multiposting". Multiposting and generic posting needs to stop.

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Generic posting is defined as short responses that provide no substance to a post. Examples are "Yeah" "yes" "ok" and other short posts, which are not appropriate responses.

The last time I had brought this up to an Admin meeting (back in early 2013), a good point was brought up; sometimes people want assurance that their post was read. However, posting "yeah" isn't exactly the way to do it. Generic posts fill up empty space, space that could be used by more thought out responses. Space that could be saved instead of reading through a build thread and having to go through 30 pages of "yeah, ok".

Now, how can we stop generic posting? Well first off, if its not going to contribute in some way, don't post it. Next, think of a decent response instead. If someone says "Ok, I'm going to go out and measure x tomorrow", don't reply "ok", just wait until they follow up. Or, if they say that and don't reply in a few days, bump the thread up with a "Figure it out yet?".

We realize not all generic postings are like that. One of the places where generic postings are acceptable is on a thread dedicated to pictures, or following up a picture. The "Game" threads in Off-Topic are also exempt. However, try not to copy or repeat what the last post said and put more effort into making a more fruitful response.

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Multiposting is defined as posting multiple times after your past post in a short amount of time, with nobody supplying any responses in between your posts. This bolsters post counts (messing up our statistics) and clutters threads with excess blank space or signatures.

To prevent multiposting, clicking the edit button  in the upper right of your last post will bring you to the text editor, allowing you to add in whatever you need to.

There are VERY FEW exceptions where multiposting is allowed. The only time it is permitted is if a/ your thread hasn't been replied to in about 4-6 hours (or so), and you have something useful to contribute. For example, if you need to update your build and nobody had posted it in it for a day or two, or maybe you updated it in the morning and nobody posted in it all day and you need to update it again at night. Another time is if the start of a thread would benefit from being split up. A good example is my announcement posts, where a substantial breaker may be needed to better convey a message (see the 2016 Build-Off Prize thread). Or if you are posting a ton of pictures and the text editor gets maxed out or it will get too long.

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Hopefully this will clean up some of the posts. I know I get aggravated when I see a new post and its "yeah", or a thread is only "active" because somebody did 3 posts in 10 minutes.

To combat this we have been deleting posts (in the event of Generic Posting), or consolidating posts (in the case of Multiposting). However if it carries on and gets to be an issue we may just end up deleting posts at our discretion.

If you have questions, PM me, try and catch me in the chatbox, or post it below. Thanks.

Somehow I feel this is directed at me since I was the last to post before this. The first post was in response to a question from thursday, and the 2nd post was a build update since I was in there anyway. I guess both unrelated posts could have been consolidated in the first one, but I didnt think about the build update until I check the shipping status of the wheel spacers.

tater195 wrote:

Somehow I feel this is directed at me since I was the last to post before this. The first post was in response to a question from thursday, and the 2nd post was a build update since I was in there anyway. I guess both unrelated posts could have been consolidated in the first one, but I didnt think about the build update until I check the shipping status of the wheel spacers.

Not really, it kind of includes you but not just for you. I had planned on making this post for a while and finally posted it, its actually a modified version of one I made almost 4 years ago and part of a rule/ guideline revision that's been overdue and set to be done before the new year. Its not to point fingers, just a reminder and a general guideline.

So what exactly is the rules for build threads? You can only make 2 posts a day if no one comments?

I have seen where post editing comments adds to the confusion and makes for a crappy read if somebody jumps in at page 15 and wants to get up to speed on the build

tater195 wrote:

So what exactly is the rules for build threads? You can only make 2 posts a day if no one comments?

I have seen where post editing comments adds to the confusion and makes for a crappy read if somebody jumps in at page 15 and wants to get up to speed on the build

If someone doesn't reply within a large span of time, try to edit your last post. The more I think of it, 12 hours is a large span, so I reworded that.

Of course if someone else responds, that "timer" resets.

And say you did a light post, but then did a ton of work that would result in a post with a ton of sustenance. Then you could effectively multipost.

The multiposting guideline is to help cut down on "generic" posting and bolstering post counts which throws off activity statistics (think spam).

Just be aware of your posts. Its not a rule, so you cant get any negative repercussions (unless it becomes spam), but it may result in stuff being accidentally copied wrong or deleted. Deletion would be a last resort of course.

ok thanks for clearing that up (is this in violation or do I need to add more to it?)

Thanks for posting this Doug, I catch myself Generic Posting sometimes without meaning too.

Just wondering, do posts like 'Looks good' in a build thread count as Generic Posting?

tater195 wrote:

ok thanks for clearing that up (is this in violation or do I need to add more to it?)

Nope, this is perfectly acceptable as my response acted as a buffer.

MatthewD wrote:

Thanks for posting this Doug, I catch myself Generic Posting sometimes without meaning too.

Just wondering, do posts like 'Looks good' in a build thread count as Generic Posting?

Depends on the context. I generally try to add more if I can. If the last few replies were similar you may want to revise.

No problem, I try and ask a question after that or pick up on a detail that I like.

[adm]Just a reminder of Generic Posts...
Please go back over the rule.[/adm]

Hate to admit, I am guilty of this sometimes as well.  Lets get back to being descriptive with our posts.  My own worst offences are typically:

"Looks great!"

Instead of that, maybe I should have said:

"Looks great!  I really like how you did ""blarb-a-blarb"" with the ""blarb"".  Also like how it ties together to create that awesome ""blarb".

You get the message...



PS:  To help with this, measures have been turned on to help.  There is now a 10 character limit to posts.  Multi-character posts like


"OK..........................." or similar to bypass this limit will get you a warning.
Script is broken...

Assuming that you plan to fix the script, would this affect threads such as the Off-Road Pictures thread, where you are only allowed to post pictures? If you posted, say, 3 photos, would they be counted as a character each?

No because it would count the whole URL.  Right now the script is a no go.  Admin and Mods will just have to continue staying on top it.

[adm]PLEASE REVIEW THE TOP POST IN THIS TOPIC.  I would also like to add, PLEASE keep build threads mostly on topic.  Build-Off threads need to stay on topic, and technical thread MUST stay on topic.  I may start "hiding" off topic posts.  If way off topic, they may get wiped. [/adm]

We'd like to keep the threads clean so when they are being reviewed later, they are more enjoyable to read.

Thanks for understanding!

There is a new Minimum post count for the forum.  I know there is some topics that say no text for picture threads.  Just put in a ....... on those threads.

MightyRaze wrote:

[adm]Just a reminder of Generic Posts...
Please go back over the rule.[/adm]

Hate to admit, I am guilty of this sometimes as well.  Lets get back to being descriptive with our posts.  My own worst offences are typically:

"Looks great!"

Instead of that, maybe I should have said:

"Looks great!  I really like how you did ""blarb-a-blarb"" with the ""blarb"".  Also like how it ties together to create that awesome ""blarb".

You get the message...



PS:  To help with this, measures have been turned on to help.  There is now a 10 character limit to posts.  Multi-character posts like


"OK..........................." or similar to bypass this limit will get you a warning.
Script is broken...

I typically just give a tap on the old like button if I don't have anything real to add

MightyRaze wrote:

There is a new Minimum post count for the forum.  I know there is some topics that say no text for picture threads.  Just put in a ....... on those threads.

Thank you for not setting a maximum! As y'all have noticed my posts are long winded for sake of details and thoroughness! Lol

Brianator wrote:

Thank you for not setting a maximum! As y'all have noticed my posts are long winded for sake of details and thoroughness! Lol

Agreed. I've been called a lot of things but short winded ain't one LOL

After reading the posting guidelines I find myself hardly posting much for fear of violating the guidelines.
Just as good since I have little of value to post, so .....yeah it works, I mostly just hit the like button when I remember it's there.

You don't have to stress @FatMike or feel nervous to post. The main thing(s) to know are Build Off threads are to be kept on topic, you can add comments and suggestions if you desire with no worries, I personally enjoy it so I know others are enjoying my build! For regular build threads you can do the same but it's a little looser with a little banter allowed just don't get carried away! Lol. Then there's the Off Topic, Non Topic and other threads plus the Chatbox where anything (within reason) go. I personally encourage you to feel comfortable and kick up a little chatter, we're a community here and everyone including yourself has something to bring to the table so bring it! Lol

Now @MightyRaze can swoop in and ease your mind as well!