Overuse of Quote Feature

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Shaka

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Jun 2, 2010
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Can admin post a reminder regarding the proper use of quotes?

I’ve noticed in my short time here that the quote feature is being overused., e.g., entire posts are being quoted just to say welcome, or to simply agree, or agree to just one of the statements, etc.

Imo, the quote feature should ONLY be used when addressing specific items/issues of the op. And unless the post is short, the quote should be edited to delete irrelevant verbiage. It just takes seconds to edit, but will certainly reduce the number of pages in each thread and collectively save much scrolling time among the membership.

This should be posted in the New Member’s forum, and even be a sticky so all future incoming members will be aware of the proper use of this feature.

It’s just a minor annoyance and not a real big deal…simply a housekeeping request.

Thanks!
 

voltaire

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I agree in principle, but it doesn't bother me that much.

But doing as you suggest would not reduce the number of pages in each thread, though it would make for less scrolling. The default number of posts per page is 10, regardless of what length they are. But I have mine set up to show 40 posts per page and it makes for much less clicking and page loads. If you want to do the same, you can do it here:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/profile.php?do=editoptions (a bit past halfway down)
(then click "Save Changes" at the bottom)

P.S. The only downside is when people refer to a post on a certain page, then you have to do some quick math and some extra scrolling. (i.e. anything on their pages 1,2,3,4 will be your page 1, anything on pages 5,6,7,8 will be your page 2)
 
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spider362

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I agree in principle, but it doesn't bother me that much.

But doing as you suggest would not reduce the number of pages in each thread, though it would make for less scrolling. The default number of posts per page is 10, regardless of what length they are. But I have mine set up to show 40 posts per page and it makes for much less clicking and page loads. If you want to do the same, you can do it here:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/profile.php?do=editoptions (a bit past halfway down)
(then click "Save Changes" at the bottom)

P.S. The only downside is when people refer to a post on a certain page, then you have to do some quick math and some extra scrolling. (i.e. anything on their pages 1,2,3,4 will be your page 1, anything on pages 5,6,7,8 will be your page 2)

If someone is quoting a post you can go directly to that post by clicking on the greater-than symbol inside the blue box that's at the end of "Originally Posted by xxxxx (greater-than sign in blue box)"

If you place your mouse pointer over that blue box it should say "View Post" in a pop-up.

Try it on this quoted post. (It works better when a lot of posts/pages are involved.
 
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SuZamme

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Can admin post a reminder regarding the proper use of quotes?

I’ve noticed in my short time here that the quote feature is being overused., e.g., entire posts are being quoted just to say welcome, or to simply agree, or agree to just one of the statements, etc.

Imo, the quote feature should ONLY be used when addressing specific items/issues of the op. And unless the post is short, the quote should be edited to delete irrelevant verbiage. It just takes seconds to edit, but will certainly reduce the number of pages in each thread and collectively save much scrolling time among the membership.

This should be posted in the New Member’s forum, and even be a sticky so all future incoming members will be aware of the proper use of this feature.

It’s just a minor annoyance and not a real big deal…simply a housekeeping request.

Thanks!

This is a great suggestion. I do appreciate seeing the post that posters are referring to as I am on dial-up most of the time and if there are enough posts to add additional pages to the thread, it takes me "forever" to get back to the original thread to see what they are referring to.
Thanks for the tip on the little arrow in the blue box, spider 362.
 

spider362

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Another little hint...

If you place your mouse pointer over the post number there will be a pop-up that says "Permalink". If you click on the post number your thread display will start at that number and continue from there.

You can also right click on the post number and then select "Copy Link Location" (in Firefox, your browser's selection my be different) which you can then add to your post.

Here's an example which will take you to post #2 in this thread. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo.../99224-overuse-quote-feature.html#post1486352

You can use this to reference a post in any thread, not just the one you're in at the moment.
 

voltaire

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Dec 4, 2009
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Thanks for the tips Spider, but I was already aware of both features. I was not referring to finding quoted posts or directly linking a post. I was referring to when someone just mentions something like "there was a good picture on page 2" - but my page 2 is not the same as their page 2, since I have my options setup to display 40 posts per page.

It would be a lot easier if everybody just did the same! :p
 
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spider362

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Yep, referring to page numbers is not a good thing because one persons page count can be different from someone elses. I use 20 posts per page myself.

It just would be nice if people referred to the post by including a link to that post rather than referring to it by page number (or at least refer to the post number).
 

Shaka

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Jun 2, 2010
580
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Honolulu, HI
Thanks everyone for the responses and the tips. And I stand corrected about the pages comment Voltaire. I wasn’t aware that you could increase the pages. Thanks, I think I’ll increase mine to 40 like you.

As I stated in my post, it’s just a minor annoyance and not really a big deal, right now. Simply a housekeeping proposal to keep things from getting out of hand as time goes by.

It appears that some members automatically hit the quote button when replying. I just feel it’s silly and unnecessary (inconsiderate actually) to quote someone's entire post (I've seen very long ones) just to say welcome. Or to quote a full page post just to say "I agree." And if you’re going to address just part of the post, and the post is lengthy, just quote the relevant parts…it just takes literally seconds to do. If everyone starts mindlessly hitting the quote button, this minor annoyance will become a major one that will certainly detract from the fun of ecf.

What if ecf grows and we see, say 50 new members pop in each day and introduce themselves (wouldn't that be great?!). If 10 old members respond to welcome them by hitting the quote button...well, you get the picture.

In reality, this won’t happen because most won’t do this. But that is the sole purpose of this housekeeping measure, to make sure everyone is on the same page and does their share to keep our house clutter-free… otherwise it’ll be like living with lazy roomies who don’t do their share to clean the apartment. lol

As ecf grows, I believe incoming members should have some general guidelines on the responsible use of the quote button, to mitigate the likelihood of excessive verbiage clutter on this forum. I'd much rather be proactive here than reactive.

Sorry I got keyboard ........, but housekeeping measures from time-to-time are very simple things, really. They will help in the long run though... and I'm in for the long haul.

Mahalo!
 
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lordmage

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just a minor annoyance and not really a big deal, right now

Mahalo!

it either is or is not an issue for you. you can't suggest a change then say it don't matter. simply put if it did not matter why suggest a change.:2c:

simply put worry about what you have the power to change rather then what you do not. Can you control others. nope but you CAN control yourself.
 

lordmage

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I agree in principle, but it doesn't bother me that much.

But doing as you suggest would not reduce the number of pages in each thread, though it would make for less scrolling. The default number of posts per page is 10, regardless of what length they are. But I have mine set up to show 40 posts per page and it makes for much less clicking and page loads. If you want to do the same, you can do it here:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/profile.php?do=editoptions (a bit past halfway down)
(then click "Save Changes" at the bottom)

P.S. The only downside is when people refer to a post on a certain page, then you have to do some quick math and some extra scrolling. (i.e. anything on their pages 1,2,3,4 will be your page 1, anything on pages 5,6,7,8 will be your page 2)

but i digress ska one persons like is another's dislike. you can only ask for so much on the interwebs all i ask for is less grammar and spelling crazy individuals.

Edit: misquoted intentionally as to not confuse you. and i do agree sort of with this quote. not the principal after all i left schooling long ago
 

Shaka

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Jun 2, 2010
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Honolulu, HI
it either is or is not an issue for you. you can't suggest a change then say it don't matter. simply put if it did not matter why suggest a change.:2c:

simply put worry about what you have the power to change rather then what you do not. Can you control others. nope but you CAN control yourself.

Aloha Mage!

Thanks for the advice, and special thanks for editing down my post to the relevant...exactly what I'm talking about! I just wish more people would do the same.

Point of clarification: I did not suggest a change, merely a reminder to do what you just did with my post instead of quoting the entire text. The reminder could also be a guide for new members. Huge, huge difference!

If growth is on the horizon for ecf, then I thought it would be prudent to ask admin to simply (and I do mean simply) post a reminder in the New Members Forum...all within the context of being proactive rather than reactive. Wouldn't you agree Mage?

Do I think I can control others? Absolutely not, and it wasn't my intent to try. But I think ecf admin has some drag w/ members, hence my request for admin to issue a short reminder post, just to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

My primary focus here was/is on new members and the future, to prevent this "minor annoyance" from turning into a big deal later. As I said in my original post, it's just a housekeeping measure. No changes, none... just a bit of preparing for the future.

Thanks for your time Mage! This sorta reminds me about being in the political arena again. lol

ps: If I ruffled any feathers with this request, please know it was never intended. Tried my best to communicate clearly, and I am truly sorry for any misunderstanding.
 

voltaire

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Dec 4, 2009
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but i digress ska one persons like is another's dislike. you can only ask for so much on the interwebs all i ask for is less grammar and spelling crazy individuals.

Edit: misquoted intentionally as to not confuse you. and i do agree sort of with this quote. not the principal after all i left schooling long ago

I'm no grammar nazi, but decent grammar, spelling, and punctuation makes for easier reading and can prevent confusion. Speaking of confusion, your intentional misquote of my seemingly unrelated post IS what confused me! :confused::?::blink::lol:
 

Elendil

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We certainly could post a reminder about using the quote feature. It really would not take much effort to do it.

However, if all members actually read and abided by the rules/ requests, then my job would be much simpler because there would be no need to issue infractions or ban members because they refuse to take a few minutes to read the info provided. Of course not everyone falls into this category but I would venture to say that a majority of the members haven't read the forum rules even once:D
 

rolygate

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FORUM RULE #1
No one ever reads the stickies.

FORUM RULE #2
Don't bother creating a sticky, no one cares and no one will read it.

FORUM RULE #3
Don't bother with Rules because they are in a sticky, and Rule 1 applies.

FORUM RULE #4
The people who most need to read the stickies, never read them.

FORUM RULE #5
Whatever one person thinks is a good idea, five more will immediately disagree with.

FORUM RULE #6
Just give up, it's a lot easier.

ECF FORUM RULE #7
Please just add plenty of Polish White Spirit or Bacardi 151 to your vape and chill out, it's better all round.
 

Ralph T

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Dec 3, 2009
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Can admin post a reminder regarding the proper use of quotes?

I’ve noticed in my short time here that the quote feature is being overused., e.g., entire posts are being quoted just to say welcome, or to simply agree, or agree to just one of the statements, etc.

Imo, the quote feature should ONLY be used when addressing specific items/issues of the op. And unless the post is short, the quote should be edited to delete irrelevant verbiage. It just takes seconds to edit, but will certainly reduce the number of pages in each thread and collectively save much scrolling time among the membership.

This should be posted in the New Member’s forum, and even be a sticky so all future incoming members will be aware of the proper use of this feature.

It’s just a minor annoyance and not a real big deal…simply a housekeeping request.

Thanks!

Hi, I'm Ralph.

:lol:

Couldn't resist.
 

voltaire

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Dec 4, 2009
762
7
Florida
FORUM RULE #1
No one ever reads the stickies.

FORUM RULE #2
Don't bother creating a sticky, no one cares and no one will read it.

FORUM RULE #3
Don't bother with Rules because they are in a sticky, and Rule 1 applies.

FORUM RULE #4
The people who most need to read the stickies, never read them.

FORUM RULE #5
Whatever one person thinks is a good idea, five more will immediately disagree with.

FORUM RULE #6
Just give up, it's a lot easier.

ECF FORUM RULE #7
Please just add plenty of Polish White Spirit or Bacardi 151 to your vape and chill out, it's better all round.

You should make those a sticky...

(I'm so resisting doing a mega multi-quote of every post in this thread, with a one-word response for each.)
 
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