Feedback Read before replying!!

[WVduckchick]

Can someone please write a guide (or point me to it, of one exists already, I couldn't find one) that kinda explains that's its best to read a thread, or at least get the main gist of a long thread, before replying with advice/comments??

I've seen alot of threads lately where a bird is sick, later dies, and posts still get added with advice or even with "hoping it improves" type of replies. This causes the original poster to relive the tragedy and can be so sad.

I've also seen advice on hatching threads, long after the chick has hatched, etc.

This all seems like common sense to me, common courtesy, but it sure happens often, and drives me crazy! I just thought it would be nice to have a link to refer a person to, instead of typing out an explanation of what has already happened.

Thoughts anyone?

Oh, one other thing. Long threads like breed threads often get the same question asked hundreds of times. I realize this is unavoidable, as most people won't read thousands of posts. I've done it myself. But at least those threads are usually frequented by folks who love talking about their breed anyway, so it usually isn't as much of a problem. Jmho..


EDIT/UPDATE - After a bit of discussion, the following are some suggestions, links, etc that have come up:

It seems that many "help me" threads eventually get overwhelmed with off-topic banter. If you start a thread, you can control it. Feel free to tell posters that get off-topic that you prefer that it stay on-topic. Don't be rude about it, but there should be no harm in asking that "your" thread stay on the topic at hand. Especially if actual help is still needed. As a helper, please don't take offense if an OP calls you out on non-topic related posts!

A BYC thread/sticky on How to be a good BYC citizen:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-be-a-good-byc-citizen.163975/

Some non-BYC basic forum etiquette links:
http://www.toptenreviews.com/services/articles/25-forum-posting-etiquette-tips/
https://www.netmanners.com/658/message-board-and-forum-etiquette/

** disclaimer - these are not all BYC guidelines, just basic courtesies, so please don't read them as BYC rules. **

 

[BantyChooks]

Oh, one other thing. Long threads like breed threads often get the same question asked hundreds of times. I realize this is unavoidable, as most people won't read thousands of posts. I've done it myself. But at least those threads are usually frequented by folks who love talking about their breed anyway, so it usually isn't as much of a problem. Jmho..

Maybe an article linked to post #1 with the most common questions in it?

 

[WVduckchick]

Maybe an article linked to post #1 with the most common questions in it?

You mean for the long threads? I don't think that is really necessary, someone would have to monitor and maintain it (like you do on the Friends incu thread). I'm talking more along the lines of somewhere in the new member directions.

eh, maybe I'll just write something up.

 

[BantyChooks]

I don't think that is really necessary, someone would have to monitor and maintain it (like you do on the Friends incu thread).

True. That is a boatload of work.

Thank goodness it's mostly blather now.

Unfortunately since the move the format got wrecked... guess who gets to re-write it.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Unfortunately, I think this kind of thing is just human nature that we would have a VERY hard time altering.

Sometimes members will edit their own first post to say "Edited to add: found a solution, it's in post #xyz here <link>"... but unfortunately not many people do that.

In general, on any discussion group, forum, etc. this is a constant issue without a real solution. There's no real way to force people to try and use search, read through entire threads before replying, etc.

... that said, we're always looking for ways to help direct people in these directions. For example: We implemented the "Most Liked Posts" feature to sort threads in a way that (hopefully) the best and most relevant posts show up on top.

So, if people have suggestions, we're open to hearing them!

 

[Parront]

Unfortunately, I think this kind of thing is just human nature that we would have a VERY hard time altering.

Sometimes members will edit their own first post to say "Edited to add: found a solution, it's in post #xyz here <link>"... but unfortunately not many people do that.

In general, on any discussion group, forum, etc. this is a constant issue without a real solution. There's no real way to force people to try and use search, read through entire threads before replying, etc.

... that said, we're always looking for ways to help direct people in these directions. For example: We implemented the "Most Liked Posts" feature to sort threads in a way that (hopefully) the best and most relevant posts show up on top.

So, if people have suggestions, we're open to hearing them!

On computer help threads, the title is modified to read, "Answered". Is that possible here? I am new, sorry if that has been answered elsewhere!

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Interesting idea.

It would require someone to be in charge of knowing when something was / wasn't completely answered and then marking all the threads. We are able to *mostly* do that in our feedback section because the volume of threads is relatively low... but even then we have a hard time keeping on top of it.

... but even if a thread is marked "answered", it won't really tend to stop people from replying. It's just kinda the nature of online discussions / comment threads.

 

[Parront]

Interesting idea.

It would require someone to be in charge of knowing when something was / wasn't completely answered and then marking all the threads. We are able to *mostly* do that in our feedback section because the volume of threads is relatively low... but even then we have a hard time keeping on top of it.

... but even if a thread is marked "answered", it won't really tend to stop people from replying. It's just kinda the nature of online discussions / comment threads.

I look for "answered" threads when I have a question/problem. I am looking for answers, usually, not offering help on those threads!

 

[Granny Hatchet]

So when did the chicken die ?








Sorry, sometimes I just cant help myself .

 

[WVduckchick]

So when did the chicken die ?








Sorry, sometimes I just cant help myself .

actually, it was a turkey and a duckling.






seriously though, the one that kinda got me was the turkey that fell off the slaughter truck.

I know @Nifty-Chicken is right. and some days its not so bad, or I just don't see it as much. I guess it's kinda like the petty bickering that goes on. It is what it is, and just a factor of these types of forums. Carry on, good folks.