Introductions

[Bob Cat]

Since I've been on AF I have noticed that the Introduction forum is only used maybe 30% for that purpose and the rest for problems all though there's a sticky telling people to use introductions for that purpose only. Do we need to drop the sticky?

 

[Phases]

Nah, let's leave it. Or, replace it with a new sticky to the same effect, made by a current staff member. It IS an introductions forum - and that's what we hope it is used for. With that said, we're not going to NOT answer questions that new members put in there.

 

[Bob Cat]

Nah, let's leave it. Or, replace it with a new sticky to the same effect, made by a current staff member. It IS an introductions forum - and that's what we hope it is used for. With that said, we're not going to NOT answer questions that new members put in there.

Thanks

 

[NightAngel79]

Agree that the section probably needs a more comprehensive sticky in there, a solid updated thread couldn't hurt anything. Perhaps with links to the 'all phones' list or something like that....

 

[Steven58]

What does everyone think of instead of using a sticky to say "this section is not for support questions", how about we change the title to Introductions (Not for support Questions) or something like that. Heck, it's worth a try, right?

 

[Martimus]

What does everyone think of instead of using a sticky to say "this section is not for support questions", how about we change the title to Introductions (Not for support Questions) or something like that. Heck, it's worth a try, right?

It's probably worth a try... but honestly I'm not sure that it will help!

Many new forum members come to AF for assistance. They were using their search engine of choice to try to find an answer to a question/problem and happened across this site. As such I'm thinking their primary motivation at that time was to find an answer to their question.

 

[NightAngel79]

True but I think a new sticky IS needed, needs a title that draws attention like 'Must Read Introduction Sticky!' Then just quickly sum up the purpose of intro section and put a link to Android Phones - Android Forums explaining how posting in specific phone section might yield better responses? Quick little summary of android lounge questions(with link), app questions, etc.

Of course most see the 'don't be shy' click it and are in and out of intro section quick as lightning. I have always thought the wordage of the sticky was a little wrong sounding not to mention it would look better if was a current staff members thread.

just my $0.02 though

 

[Usta]

What does everyone think of instead of using a sticky to say "this section is not for support questions", how about we change the title to Introductions (Not for support Questions) or something like that. Heck, it's worth a try, right?

Indeed. Not many go reading stickys, so some will always ignore it.

I suggest also to rename the line "Introductions Meet the team, and tell us a little about yourself...". This appears immediately when you start a new topic there. Rename to something like "Only introductions here! Ask questions in the phone forum sections: http://androidforums.com/android-phones/".

 

[El Presidente]

On one of the other Vbulletin forums I'm a part of, in certain subforums, when "New Thread" is clicked, it brings up a template prompting posters for the information that's required for that particular subforum.

Would it be possible to have a similar thing for new threads in the intro forum? Stating this forum is only for saying hello and if you have a device specific question, it would be better asked in your specific phones sub forum (providing a link to here) if it's phone related or the app forum if it's one specific app they are having an issue with.

As has been mentioned, new posters probably rarely look at the sticky, but if they're presented big, bold text in front of where they're supposed to be typing, they're more likely to take notice.

 

[NightAngel79]

While the sticky does need updating and won't hurt anything i dont really think its that big of a deal really(except for wording title differently)

I do think it would be detrimental to make it more complicated/longer to start a thread in there. Part of the reason we are the most popular forum is because we dont hold posting in the wrong section against the user. Me, Mart, and Steven have had intro posts that are 10 to 20 replies long. OP posts several times there and no where else but got the help he/she needed. Thats all that really matters IMO

 

[Phases]

Any Guides want to volunteer to unsticky that and replace it an up to date and bit more helpful version?

(but not too long, it'll never get read )

 

[Usta]

How about this one?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to Android Forums!

In this Introductions Forum section, please post about yourself and what phone you own. Tell us why did you join this forum?

If you have any Questions about phones, then post it in the Phones Forum section here: Android Phones - Android Forums. Find your phone in the list, read the topics, search for answers, and ask there.

We also have Other forum sections dedicated for specific interests (like News, Applications, Games, Android Development, Tablets, Manufacturers, Carriers, etc), where you are welcome to visit.
An Overview of all Forums is here: http://androidforums.com/


Have fun!

 

[El Presidente]

That looks pretty good.

 

[NightAngel79]

Looks great!! I personally would change the wording from 'post there' to 'ask there' in that last sentence though. Totally up to you though

 

[Usta]

I personally would change the wording from 'post there' to 'ask there' in that last sentence though.

Updated.

 

[Phases]

Might would somehow imply there are of course other forums their questions may fit into, tablets, general android sections, etc.

Spoiler

Welcome to Android Forums!

In this Introductions Forum section, please post about yourself and what phone you own. Perhaps tell us why you decided to join this forum?

If you have any Questions, head on over to to whatever section is appropriate. We have many forums, so look around, but chances are the Phones Forum section is what you'll be looking for: Android Phones - Android Forums. Find your phone in the list, read the topics, search for answers, and post there.

Have fun!

..but yea, very good. Thanks!

 

[Usta]

Further updated to give a mini intro to AF.

 

[Roze]

On one of the other Vbulletin forums I'm a part of, in certain subforums, when "New Thread" is clicked, it brings up a template prompting posters for the information that's required for that particular subforum.

Would it be possible to have a similar thing for new threads in the intro forum? Stating this forum is only for saying hello and if you have a device specific question, it would be better asked in your specific phones sub forum (providing a link to here) if it's phone related or the app forum if it's one specific app they are having an issue with.

As has been mentioned, new posters probably rarely look at the sticky, but if they're presented big, bold text in front of where they're supposed to be typing, they're more likely to take notice.

@ Phases, Do you think you or the Site Dev can implement something like this. I agree with El that people don't read stickies. I think if they get an annoying popup with the links to the Forums that they want, it will get them to move it move it to that section to post their quieries.

 

[woop]

@ Phases, Do you think you or the Site Dev can implement something like this. I agree with El that people don't read stickies. I think if they get an annoying popup with the links to the Forums that they want, it will get them to move it move it to that section to post their quieries.

Agreed

The sticky could be updated in whatever way you want, its NOT going to be read by a good portion regardless. Think about this.. the "NOT QUESTIONS!" is in the TITLE itself. You don't even have to click to see that.. yet STILL is ignored. So the sticky content is not the issue; if users aren't even bothering with that entire top portion at all (as seen by the many users disregarding the sticky title), then it becomes a moot point. What El said above seems to be the best solution. Force the issue.. put it right infront of them before they can even make a thread.

 

[Usta]

If everyone is happy with the change, I'll replace the sticky with the text on post #12.

 

[El Presidente]

It's not a pop up, sorry if I was unclear. The thread title and the box where you type your message in is pre populated with certain info. I'm not sure if a popup is possible.

 

[woop]

It's not a pop up, sorry if I was unclear. The thread title and the box where you type your message in is pre populated with certain info. I'm not sure if a popup is possible.

That's what I got out of it. (Not sure if Roze meant pop-up.. that might be annoying to new members; I'm always against pop ups)

 

[Roze]

That's what I got out of it. (Not sure if Roze meant pop-up.. that might be annoying to new members; I'm always against pop ups)

No, I thought El meant pop up, lol. I just think we need another way that is not dependent on the sticky that has proven to not be effective.

 

[woop]

I like what El's idea but non-pop-up fashion haha. Maybe have a notice/disclaimer right next to the Thread Title box when creating a thread in Intro.. big, red letters: THIS FORUM IS ONLY FOR INTRODUCTIONS; PLEASE DO NOT POST QUESTIONS. That might catch their attention and actually have them read it.

 

[Usta]

If everyone is happy with the change, I'll replace the sticky with the text on post #12.

Sticky replaced and locked.