Meaningless Thread Titles reminder

[David777]

As a gentle reminder folks, have reposted Matrix's guidelines for meaningful thread titles since he has requested such a few times. Although I may not be a moderator, am not afraid to occasionally stick my nose into forum policy issues, especially in our SF forum regarding overly political postings, to show broader community support for what some will regardless disagree with.

Obviously with new members dribbling in, they won't always be aware of it since it is somewhat trivial. The need to post titles so, was the result of increasing abuse by some web forum users in web communities that several years ago resulted in annoying click baiting complaints. So web moderators began issuing guidelines including automating that process with minimum number of word checks to rid the most common form used like "Amazing!". One can read several archived threads on the subject over on Reddit.

Use Descriptive and Complete Thread Titles, and Write More Readable Posts

@Matrix
Jul 25, 2023  Original Poster

Still seeing vague or very short titles despite of long time preaching and numerous reminders.

Please spend some time coming up with a good title when starting a new thread, and a minimum of 4 words is required. I know that using at least 4 words is not always reasonable, but I believe we can all do it for the betterment of our forums.

From now on, I will remove new threads with vague or short titles without explanations. If your thread is deleted, read this thread and you will know why, the title is pretty much the only reason to have a thread removed.

Don't want to upset anyone, but I really need to make the moderation easier and less time-consuming.

 

[Robb.hisself]

As a gentle reminder folks, have reposted Matrix's guidelines for meaningful thread titles since he has requested such a few times. Although I may not be a moderator, am not afraid to occasionally stick my nose into forum policy issues, especially in our SF forum regarding overly political postings, to show broader community support for what some will regardless disagree with.

Obviously with new members dribbling in, they won't always be aware of it since it is somewhat trivial. The need to post titles so, was the result of increasing abuse by some web forum users in web communities that several years ago resulted in annoying click baiting complaints. So web moderators began issuing guidelines including automating that process with minimum number of word checks to rid the most common form used like "Amazing!". One can read several archived threads on the subject over on Reddit.

Use Descriptive and Complete Thread Titles, and Write More Readable Posts

@Matrix
Jul 25, 2023  Original Poster

Still seeing vague or very short titles despite of long time preaching and numerous reminders.

Please spend some time coming up with a good title when starting a new thread, and a minimum of 4 words is required. I know that using at least 4 words is not always reasonable, but I believe we can all do it for the betterment of our forums.

From now on, I will remove new threads with vague or short titles without explanations. If your thread is deleted, read this thread and you will know why, the title is pretty much the only reason to have a thread removed.

Don't want to upset anyone, but I really need to make the moderation easier and less time-consuming.

"Don't want to upset anyone....".

To that I would like to make this comment. Reminding participants of the rules of the site can be difficult to accomplish. The method used often translates into the success of your intention.

For example, this morning I've seen you step into two conversations that were happily progressing with your sudden, off topic interruption about thread titling. Your message was irrelevant to the subject of the thread, and therefore likely put many off. Which means that they will likely 'resist' your rule. Presenting your reminder here, as an individual thread does not alienate members from your message.

Your attempt to make your job of moderator easier and less time consuming should include some reflection on the method of your communication. You create your own problems when you do not communicate well and carefully.

 

[David777]

I can understand your perspective, thank you, and will consider such a bit more in the future. On the other hand, more members are going to be aware of the issue given more fuss on the matter that in any case is trivial.