A forum vent about the new members

[pink piggy lips]

What is up with this whole bunch of new people who register, whiz past the basic info (like, say, what the forum is actually all about?), the stickies, the most recent posts, and then start a new thread about how a particular pet store is maintained better than another particular pet store, about how they are going to get pigs and want advice on how to choose from a pet store, and advice on breeding?!

Seriously, I read these posts, and of course the newbie starts a raucous where every knowledgeable member of this forum has to brief them about why pet stores are bad and oh yeah, what the point of this forum is!

I think it is basic courtesy to brief yourself on forum politics and rules before you register; and at the very least, before you start posting. In fact, I highly recommend lurking at first because it gives you a chance to actually understand what a forum is about and the way things work in it.

While it is a public forum, it is also a community. We want people to come join us and learn. We want to share stories as well as information. But so many people coming in here and blindly posting without even getting acquainted with the forum itself is disruptive. Forum members shouldn't have to educate people over and over again about the same points.

What is also upsetting is that many of these newbies who start these threads become offended when forum members take the time to educate them. They act like it's a personal attack. Perhaps this information wouldn't sound so "harsh" or "critical" if the new members would read the freely accessible forum information available to them before they post.

Some online forums have strict policies that you have to read a minimum of x recent posts before you can even reply or start a new thread. I relish the fact that we have so much more freedom than that here.

So, if you are a new member, welcome! I know not all of you have done this. I just think that things would be much more pleasant around here (and run smoother) if you would take some time to learn what we stand for here. If you've taken the time to do so, and still have some questions, then ask away! :p It's one of the best ways to learn.

Now, I'm not usually one to get on my soapbox here. I usually just watch the others and give some thanks. I just felt the need to vent only for myself, but for the sake of the very dedicated mods and forum members who repeat themselves more than they need to.

[catzeye21138]

I'm thinking maybe if this isn't already done, that another message should be automaticly sent to the new members just briefing them that this forum is anti breeding, and anti pet stores etc. I mean, you can't force people to read posts honestly.

[pink piggy lips]

I never tried to force anyone. I was requesting that people do it. I said it was basic courtesy.

The other aspect of that is that sure, they don't have to learn what this forum is about. But if that's the case, then they need to stop getting so offended and ugly when people here are nice enough to take the time to educate them.

If T and the mods got fed up enough, theoretically they could enforce this rule. There are some very very strict forums all over this internet. I have been to many of them. Some you can get banned after one post (albeit it was a very valid banning.)

I just feel if you are going to sign up as a member somewhere, you should know what you are getting into. With the privilege of being a member comes the responsibility of that membership.

[pink piggy lips]

Catzeye, I didn't mean to come off as aggressive toward you. My point was aimed at those particular new members. You're right, we can't force anyone to read or do anything, really. Let's just hope they choose to do so.

[envisionary333]

I can totally relate to where you are coming from. I think what happens a lot is a new guinea pig owner has some type of problem or question about their new pet, so they search around on the internet to find a forum where they can post their question right away. They find this forum, and rather than read through all the material, they post their question immediately because they are worried and want to know what to do. Sure, the answer is most likely already in the forum somewhere if they would just take the time to look, but mostly it just doesn't occur to them. It can be frustrating, but I don't think most of those people are intentionally doing anything wrong. They just want help, fast.

I just recently found out that there is a fabulous beginner's thread in the "Introductions" forum. Now, instead of listing off a million different sites and resources individually, I just give new users a link to this thread.
(http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/...ost-first.html)
It makes things so much easier. If the new user doesn't take the time to read the thread provided, that's when I get very irritated. But usually they read it, fortunately.

(By the way, thanks to all the moderators for creating the intro thread. I think it is an absolutely invaluable reference for new users.)

[pink piggy lips]

If someone has a serious question/concern then I don't begrudge them instantly asking about it. That is so valid.

And hey, there are going to be multiple threads on fleece and bedding. I'm fine with that, too.

I'm referring to the newbies who casually stroll in here and start threads about this, that, and the other, which sometimes get quite heated. You know, pet stores, breeding, males and females together. And I'm referring to the actual new members, not trolls.

[envisionary333]

I think a lot of newbies come in here with a question that seems pretty trivial to us, but in their mind it is a bit deal because they are so inexperienced. Anyway, I'm not trying to combat your point here. I'm just trying to make sense of of why a lot of newbies might not look around before they start posting. I get irritated as well, don't get me wrong!

[pink piggy lips]

Oh, I didn't perceive you as combatting me. I realized that my point may have not have been fully clear.

I'm not bothered by the 'can my pig eat this' threads or the 'who here uses fleece' threads.

I've just noticed lately in particular so many people are joining up and posting loads of questions that can only be answered with the basic premise of what this forum stands for.

[Susan9608]

This thread is closed until some of the other moderators can read it and offer their opinions/insight.

Any problems with specific individuals should be addressed with the moderators.

[VoodooJoint]

I find this thread rather argumentative. We mods got sick of people slamming us for taking our forum gripes publicly. People told us it made us look like bullies and was embarrassing to the members (even tough we rarely mentioned names).

Because of that we implemented the Infraction system. It keeps things more private even though some people still manage to complain.

We are all sick to death of repeating ourselves to members, new and old, who do not research the forum or read the stickies. All we can do though is point out the stickies to them and hold their hand, and the next hand and the next.

A thread like this will accomplish nothing more then to vent. it won't make tomorrow's newbie read or research before posting. There is no point in making something like this a sticky because many members don't bother reading the sticky that specifically says something like "Newbies - read this First!".

This whole thing will end badly and I think I would rather not see the thread reopened.

Help the newbies if you have the time. If it's getting to much for you then skip their thread and move on.

[Ly&Pigs]

I agree this thread should remain closed. I don't think it should have been made in the first place.