Newbie Gripes & Complaints About "The Experts"

[Shadowmistress]

- and finally an explanation of the type of people they can expect to be answering their questions (exerpts taken from rants) and examples of how not to post.

can anyone provide a few lines or two describing the people?
can I get a list of the top 10 things not to do?

(I'd use the how to post sticky in newbie general but it's way too long)

[Capmaster]

How about:

"Videohelp is a community of people interested in video creation. The experience level here ranges from the new hobbyist to the seasoned Hollywood professional"

and

"Don't start a topic labeled "HELP!". Also, try to provide as much information as you can when asking for help, like software used, hardware used, file formats, sizes, capture settings, etc. The more info you provide, the more likely it is that someone can help you solve it."

I'll think of the remaining 9 in a follow-up

[jimmalenko]

Stickies are the moderators’ tools for putting answers to the very frequently-asked-questions right at the very top of each applicable forum. The stickies are the first topics you should see when browsing the individual forums.

Chances are, if you’re experiencing a problem, someone else has experienced it before. It takes 3 seconds to google or do a forum search, and you just might find the answer you were looking for, instead of posting it as a new thread, and then waiting possibly up to days before someone responds.

Post count and joined date mean exactly diddly-squat in judging someone’s experience/knowledge. We’re all here for the same common interest, and a lot of what is said is just based on our own experiences (or what we’ve read), so we should all read each post “with a grain of salt”.

Everyone is here either because they have a video problem, or because they like to help to solve video problems. No-one is paid to be here, and you don't pay for the privilege of being here either, so if you don't get any help at all, please don't get upset or impatient. If you do get assistance, consider it a bonus.

Guides are here to compliment the FAQ and the forums. Guides are created because so many people ask the exact same question, and it would not be practical to respond to every single question with pictures and step-by-step instructions of every minute detail over and over again.

[Capmaster]

#1 top thing not to do was covered above.

2) Don't take comments personally. Some people don't always have the best social skills, but they are still trying to help you.

3) Always follow-up your questions with a post letting us know if it worked. Don't leave everyone hanging.

4) Don't change the subject. Start a new thread if you have a new question.

5) If you get angry, leave the thread or even the forum for a while. Don't reply with an insult.

6) Don't use all capitals or all bold. It's the same as constantly shouting, and will be responded to as such.

7) Don't bump topics after a few hours. This isn't a chat room. We have people here from all over the world and many are on a different timetable.

8 ) Please thank someone when they help you. A little niceness goes a long way here. Don't just leave without a word.

9) Respect other members. Don't treat them like they're just text on a screen.

10) Don't assume something is OK to post. Read the forum rules. Memorize them, or refer to them often. They are the guidlines we all live by here.

[thecoalman]

" Also, try to provide as much information as you can when asking for help, like software used, hardware used, file formats, sizes, capture settings, etc. The more info you provide, the more likely it is that someone can help you solve it."

Oh yea that will work.... https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=251975

[Capmaster]

" Also, try to provide as much information as you can when asking for help, like software used, hardware used, file formats, sizes, capture settings, etc. The more info you provide, the more likely it is that someone can help you solve it."

Oh yea that will work.... https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=251975

Something we see far too much of :P

[Shadowmistress]

Here's what I have:

Page 1: Welcome
Page 2: All Guides
Page 3: Tools
Page 4: Glossary
Page 5: Forum
Page 6: Sticky's
Page 7: Warez
Page 8: Rules

When the person hit's register, the link points to page 1, with each page being linked to the following. At the bottom of the last page is the button to actually register.

And the VideoHelp.com Tour button would link to page 1 also.

[yoda313]

Hello,

7) Don't bump topics after a few hours. This isn't a chat room. We have people here from all over the world and many are on a different timetable.

EXCEPT for OT right????????



Kevin


---SKYPE helps too - got a sneak peak on episode 2 from tgpo thanks to skype last night - it was only a two second scene but it was a MASTERPIECE ---

[offline]

Here's what I have:

Page 1: Welcome
Page 2: All Guides
Page 3: Tools
Page 4: Glossary
Page 5: Forum
Page 6: Sticky's
Page 7: Warez
Page 8: Rules

Nice. That is pretty darn good. It might just help at that

[yoda313]

Hello,

Just to add to shadowmistress' good suggestions here's a link from the past:

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=233513

MY post in the feedback forum in the fall about adding a NEWBIE flag to the front page. It didn't get too much positive response but ideas were kicked about in the thread. Maybe worth a revist????

Kevin

EDIT - I will say this about newbies - I just finally got around to trying to SOFTMOD my xbox. IT'S INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT. I haven't even figured out how to ftp it yet. And I've been to xbox-scene.com and have had great help from ps2daddy but it's just very different. So I'm a NEWBIE to MODDING. But I'm trying to read up all I can and I'm using xbox-scenes tutorials and stickies before I post and look really noobish over there.

[offline]

Here's what I have:

Page 1: Welcome
Page 2: All Guides
Page 3: Tools
Page 4: Glossary
Page 5: Forum
Page 6: Sticky's
Page 7: Warez
Page 8: Rules

Rather than complicate matters for Baldrick, perhaps this could be
sent as an email to all new users OR if not in embedded in the email, as a special link they can click on.

[yoda313]

Here's what I have:

Page 1: Welcome
Page 2: All Guides
Page 3: Tools
Page 4: Glossary
Page 5: Forum
Page 6: Sticky's
Page 7: Warez
Page 8: Rules

Rather than complicate matters for Baldrick, perhaps this could be
sent as an email to all new users OR if not in embedded in the email, as a special link they can click on.

Hello,

I suggested something similar to this already. We need a SUPER FAQ prepped for new members. That way they'll have something in there hot little hands before they even have time for the waiting period to expire

Kevin

[ViRaL1]

Do we already have a 'How NOT to get flamed sticky?'

[sacajaweeda]

"Abandon your thread without posting that your issue has been resolved and/or thanking the contributing members"

Emphasis on that one. There are far too many getting off easy, having questions answered and problems solved without having blown anywhere near enough smoke up the backsides of the nice folks helping them.

That or maybe we're all just a buncha freaking 'tards and havent actually helped anyone.

[Capmaster]

Naaaah. It's their fault

[jimmalenko]

I haven't even figured out how to ftp it yet.

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/archive/t250902.html , 7th post down (mine )


@SM:
Nice work

I certainly like the theory behind it, but I'll reserve my judgement on it's effectiveness if (or when) it gets implemented, if that's OK

[yoda313]

Hello,

Thanks jimmalenko Actually I FINALLY got it to work last night I uninstalled so I can use my newly purchased HALO 2 on LIVE

Sorry to go offtopic here

KEvin

[bazooka]

I am not an expert.

[thecoalman]

How about for rule #11

If someone suggests something you might want to actually try it.

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=252316

[AlecWest]

"Don't start a topic labeled "HELP!". Also, try to provide as much information as you can when asking for help, like software used, hardware used, file formats, sizes, capture settings, etc. The more info you provide, the more likely it is that someone can help you solve it."

Here's a thought. Right now, entering details about a visitor's computer is "optional." If it was made mandatory and included stuff like:

Are you in PAL or NTSC country?

What video editing/authoring/burning software do you currently have installed?

That might expose problems early on and make a few questions unnecessary. And if a person is not knowledgible enough to fill out their computer specifics (if made mandatory), maybe they're not "ready" for VideoHelp.com. Just a thought.

BTW, I like Shadowmistress's and Yoda313's ideas.

[MackemX]

here's my regular version

1 top thing not to do was covered above.
don't think 'feeding frenzy' when you see a HELP ME post

2) Don't take comments personally. Some people don't always have the best social skills, but they are still trying to help you.
this applies to so called regulars also

3) Always follow-up your questions with a post letting us know if it worked. Don't leave everyone hanging.
if they don't then don't take offence, this happens deal with it!

4) Don't change the subject. Start a new thread if you have a new question.
exactly, don't jump in when you see a feeding frenzy

5) If you get angry, leave the thread or even the forum for a while. Don't reply with an insult.
LMFAO, regulars won't walk away, it will affect their credibility if they walk away from a newbie

6) Don't use all capitals or all bold. It's the same as constantly shouting, and will be responded to as such.
regulars love this one to jump on a newbie

7) Don't bump topics after a few hours. This isn't a chat room. We have people here from all over the world and many are on a different timetable.
it's a chatroom to some regulars

8 ) Please thank someone when they help you. A little niceness goes a long way here. Don't just leave without a word.
regulars love to leave words for each other, ignoring newbies regardless of subject

9) Respect other members. Don't treat them like they're just text on a screen.
LMFAO, is this what I've been ranting on about in my other threads. Kick some ******* regular ass back into gear

10) Don't assume something is OK to post. Read the forum rules. Memorize them, or refer to them often. They are the guidlines we all live by here.
do all regulars really live by them?

[thecoalman]

3) Always follow-up your questions with a post letting us know if it worked. Don't leave everyone hanging.
if they don't then don't take offence, this happens deal with it!

I agree with a lot of the things you posted but when someone asks something they should post back what the results are. Much of the knowledge I have gained is through reading many posts and having no conclusion is to say the least very frustrating. By not posting the results you have wasted my time, you've cluttered up search results thereby increasing the chances that someone with the same issue is going to ask the same question, you've wasted the time of someone that finds your post doing a search and have not contributed anything to the forum from which you have probably taken much knowledge.

[MackemX]

although I would like to, I won't quote anyone as I know I will upset them

to tell you the truth I know exactly what part of the problem is here. Regulars who can't be arsed with troublesome newbies or don't like someone questioning their experience

is it that hard to ignore or walk away from a newbie?
is it hard not to even bother reply when you see a lame thread started?
do they get in the way?
do it bother you they have learning difficulties?

OK, so a newbie is asking you to basically read the guide to him word for word. Tell him that he should do it himself but don't give him shit, be polite, is it that ******* hard?

this particular newbie problem is not only the newbies, it's the regulars with the ******* attitude problems towards them. Some regulars here just can't think at a newbies level anymore. Would they post the same shite if they were a newbie helping a newbie?

I remember when I tried with a multiple PGC DVD and didn't have a clue. I was pointed to a guide and still didn't have a clue. If I look at the guide now I can see a totally different version to what I did with newbies glasses

when will everyone here realise that people in this world are not as quick as them to learn new things. Most probably don't even know how to use a PC fully. Accept it and get on with it but don't feel the need to disrespect someone because of the lack of their learning skills

the sooner this happens the better this place will be and shit like this won't even be talked about

anyone I see picking on a newbie and upsets them for no good reason will feel my firemans hose in a place they wont like!

[tekkieman]

Don't take this the wrong way, but the title of this thread suits you well. For three days, all I have seen you do is trash "regulars" in your posts. You say don't do it to newbs, why would you do it to "regulars"?

You are preaching respect for newbs, and yet it seems you have no respect for regulars. Don't expect one without the other. Respect is not something a person will aquire over time. Even if they are a newb to the forum, if they have no respect to begin with, they will never develop it.

Ok, so a regular may have respect for others and slowly lose it, and maybe that is your point. It is still a two way street. You are right about this: If a post is that irritating that you are ready to jump down someone's throat, it is better to just walk away.

After three days of reading the exact same thing in every post, I'm walking away.

[MackemX]

@coalman, that was just a crude example

It does annoy me just as much as the next guy when you don't get feedback. Sometimes I know it works anyway regardless of the feedback so I don't care. If I'm not sure and want to know and I simply post again to remind them

the surprising thing is more actually answer back than ignore me again. It's just most probably don't think about giving feedback but then take this as a lesson in etiquette

[thecoalman]

@MackemX

IMO I don't think it's quite as bad as you portray. When I see a regular jump down someone's throat they usually deserve it. Let me point this thread out to you that I posted above for example. https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=252316

That's a classic example of what perturbs the regular contributors to this site. He asks a question and is given a plate full of answers and assumes "Naw, that's not it" Not because he knows but because he thinks that's not the problem.

[MackemX]

@tekkieman, exactly mate, I have kicked up a fuss and I'm making regulars think about the general state of the forums. If you think I don't have respect for fellow members then you don't know me . I would be bold enough to say I'm respected and the only ones who don't respect me are the ones I'm talking about and I don't give a shit about that. I'm not after an ego boost either as I know if I left the boards tomorrow I wouldn't be missed. Simple but true 8)

many regulars here are up to accepting critisism and anyone who finds what I say offensive to them, is probably part of the problem I am moaning about. I would like to think the vast majority here probably feel the same way as me but can't see anything being done about it

I disagree with you about a newbie who lacks respect cannot be shown a new light but I get your point . If they see a general lack of respect to begin with by getting mistreated then obviously they will stay that way. If they are kindly told that this attitude is not welcome then maybe they will change. I know this as I've come across a few in my times at other boards. People's attitudes change with the boards they frequent. I wouldn't dare say half the shit I have here at some other boards

I think reboots mentioning about pcmech is also proof to show what I mean. An out of line newbie is soon put into place

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1177464#1177464

it may take a fair few months to step things up a little but would everyone not like a friendler, more respecting forum?

I'm not taht surprised at the lack of participation in my threads. I don't think it's that people don't care, most probably do as I said. Some probably can't be bothered but I think some are afraid I may start bad mouthing them . I'm not posting these threads to pick on individuals. If I see a regular giving undeserved grief then I will give them shit back if they deserve it but not here

I'm hoping regulars will think twice about jumping on a newbie, regardless of whatever a newbie throws at them. Surely regulars can be mature sometimes and walk away from someone that doesn't physically hurt them?

I know a few here have chilled and I'm sure we can make more regulars do the same thing. It will have a knock on effect if the big guns in here (not just mods) keep the regulars in line. Maybe one day regulars arguing with newbies or fellow regulars and such will actually be looked down upon by other regulars instead of just another notch in the flame wars game 8)

[MackemX]

I suspect your going to get little more advice.....

are you saying you know the newbie bashers may get hold of him to give him the proper advice? :P

sadly for me, it's as bad here as any other site I frequent, if not the worst

that post you linked is a good example of a troublesome newbie. It's also a good example of how regulars should post replies. I can just imagine if one of the regulars with a short fuse posted in that thread . Harmless enough in that thread but I'm not keen on grammar correcting posts either as they are just fuel for any fire

why can't all troublesome newbies be dealt with like that and will regulars ever realise that newbies are probably also newbies in forum etiquette?

I can't ever see the 'newbie' newbie basher being wiped out but is it an impossible task to get regulars to act like the ones in that thread instead of bashing newbies one in a while?

[offline]

I see picking on a newbie and upsets them for no good reason will feel my firemans hose in a place they wont like!

I would ask you instead to report the post concerned.
As a previous mod/super mod I would think you would
have an understanding about the problems that arise
when people play policemen. Vigilantism will not be
tolerated.

@ everybody

Please use the "Report this post link" if you
feel there is a problem. Do not accuse, confront
or police another member even if it obvious they
have broken the rules.

Thanks

[Capmaster]

5) If you get angry, leave the thread or even the forum for a while. Don't reply with an insult.
LMFAO, regulars won't walk away, it will affect their credibility if they walk away from a newbie

The guide isn't for regulars. It's for newbies. And since the regulars won't walk away, maybe it makes sense to encourage the newbies to?