My three cents on the "newbie" dilemma

[Apex]

The posts, by now, are very obvious and are still turning up.

It has been properly suggested that we be good to any newbies here and not jump to conclusions. Whereas that's good policy, therein also lies the rub. Who defines as a legit newbie, and who defines as a one-time spammer? We don't want to discourage new people here, but do we need off-aviation "questions" that the questioner posts and never gets back to? Most newbies participate here. This guy does not. We can "Suspect everyone, and suspect no one" at the same time.

My suggestion: Plan A: I think the mods should go after any suspicious looking newbies (I've spotted every one of them, you all have also), and flat out ask them to introduce themselves, stating why they should introduce themselves, if they don't respond, delete the posts.

Plan B: Wait until, say, the end of the month and see if they stop. That way we give us time to more fully judge this situation. If they keep showing up, invoke Plan A.

These guys (I suspect it's the same person) are asking questions. It's only logical to assume they want an answer. So far, not even as much as a "Thanks." I haven't seen any responses from them.

OK, I've got a question for the poster(s): Why are you asking US, an aviation community, questions about CAD software, Javascript, etc.? Sure, someone here knows, but we're really not the place for this sort of question. If you're reading this, speak up and properly introduce yourself.

How do you discourage graffiti? You paint over it right away. If we delete these recent posts and quickly delete any new ones (all of them are easily identified), maybe, just maybe, they'll stop. It's my guess that whoever, if not responding, is watching his posts anyway. Does not an artist look at his/her paintings after they're done?

[Bass]

I read you Apex.

My TWO c then.
I suppose the mods atm are deleting links attached to those newbees posts! Links that has nothing to do with anything in here, spam/commercials.
Then the post stand as a clean innocent post.
Why not delete the whole thing??

[E-Buzz]

Hi All,
As a newbie, I do like the idea of having to introduce yourself in your first post.

I mean, it is proper etiquette to say "hi" when you meet new people. Would you just walk into a room full of strangers and just yell out a question, expecting a proper response? And if you happen to get one that helps, or even if it doesn't help, would you just walk out without saying "thank you?"
Try that in a crowded bar, club, classroom, etc.

I do understand that we are now living in some kind of digital world/community, where face-to-face interactions do not have to occur (indeed, most of these are "faceless") in order to reach out for information and help, but should this really affect BASIC "social rules?"

It's one thing to use something like Google to try and find info - that can be very impersonal, like looking in a reference book or encyclopedia (remember those really huge and heavy books?), but books are "things," inanimate objects. When you post a question in a forum like this, for example, people have to remember that you are still in essence ASKING OTHER PEOPLE for info. PEOPLE are taking time out of their lives to try and help. I do understand that it may still appear impersonal to type questions into a computer and receive answers, after all, most of the time you are only seeing words - no voice, no facial expressions, no idea what kind of person is typing those words, etc.

And if we continue to enable this behavior, we have only ourselves to blame.

I personally don't like to be left hanging when responding and/or following a thread. I would at least want to know what the final outcome of the problem was, if my suggestions helped or were completely useless. I do use the forums as a database for answers so I may help in the future as others have helped me. So, a BIG THANK YOU to all who have posted info that I have used to help my FSX experience get that much better!

Now, I need to get off my high-horse - I don't remember if I ever properly introduced myself in my first post... I'll be in the fetal position somewhere shaking from embarrassment. I hope I don't begin cutting myself

Thanks all!
E-Buzz

[Bass]

Well said E-Buzz

[pegger]

Over thinking it a little bit aren't we? If you were a mod, would you want to be expecred to judicate on the ligitimacy of every single post? Some posts are obviouse phishing scams, some are questionable content, and some are actual questions.

I think this forum is very well moderated. I appreciate the effort that is put in by the moderators at the current level. Because of how the forum is moderated, we all get to benifit and enjoy the likes of OldAirmails P3d knowledgable posts, FlyingTruckers bug smashing advetures, and Pauls culinary show and tells.

So basically, what I'm saying is use your own best judgement. If you feel the desire to answer a question, go for it. If you are put off by the social faux pas of a poster, then tell them so an/or move on. If you can't prevent yourself from clicking on questionable links, then disconnect from the internet.

I personally see it as being that simple.

[Tug002]

Just to put in my 2 cents worth. I would think if anyone was really serious about joining the fourm they would at least take the time to fill out thier profile. I may have not done it before my first post, but sure did it after.

Keep smiling
Tug

[E-Buzz]

Good point about the mods, pegger.
I agree that the mods here are great and have a difficult job to do.
I tend to be overly analytical and it sometimes drives the wife crazy!
And, yes, we all have free will in how we respond. Point taken.
Thanks,
E-Buzz

[Apex]

All well said, y'awl. The more important aspect of this is that we know and understand what's going on with these. It's up to anyone whether to reply, and up to the mods whether to delete.

I will personally ignore them if/when they show.

Hi E-Buzz, welcome. It's a great site, you'll really like it.

[Hawkeye07]

I agree with E-Buzz's last post and Apex. If it looks likes a spammer or just plain suspicious then ignore it and they will fade away because of lack of attention.

Hawkeye

[OldAirmail]

All well said, y'awl. The more important aspect of this is that we know and understand what's going on with these. It's up to anyone whether to reply, and up to the mods whether to delete.

I will personally ignore them if/when they show.

Hi E-Buzz, welcome. It's a great site, you'll really like it.

Let the mods know if you think that the post is from a spammer.



Ignore the post after that.

[PhilipCWilson]

Hello to All,

I have been a Simviation member for many years, and have posted a few times here and there.
For my 1/2 cent I'd like to add that not all "newbies" are new to FS.
This will be my first post under my new forum account as it's been so long I don't remember my old login or even the email address I used.

So although the post number will be 1, please let me introduce myself and share a bit about me.

My name is Philip.
I've been using MS Flight Simulator since around 1980, and have owned nearly every personal desktop simulator since then.
I'm a real world pilot with time in everything from C150's to F-14's.
During my time in the US Navy, I was stationed on the USS Saratoga, visited 17 countries, and finally walked the halls at the Top Gun School at Miramar NAS. (Before it became MCAS Miramar)
For a few years I was a product reviewer for another flight simulation website and have owned tons of freeware and payware products.
I develop User Interface software for iOS and Android, and started to design FSX scenery but didn't have the time to complete anything.
My day job allows me to work with some of the brightest telematics engineers in the world and 5 out of the 13 people in my department are pilots.
Sometimes I use FSX to decompress from the day and don't see that ending anytime soon.

So my point would be, sometimes a newbie is someone with a vast amount of knowledge, and has been around aviation their whole life, but is just new to the forums.

Given all that, sometimes I do read posts and wonder "did they really just post that?"

I sincerely look forward to becoming a frequent poster here.

[H]

Obviously, they don't think we know what we're talking about and need to supply us with an immediate example:
Kitchens For Sale UK posted by tresno33 (please note that I purposely did not link). Foz may do some flying around his kitchen -- but I'm not sure it's all simulated.

[H]

Obviously, they don't think we know what we're talking about and need to supply us with an immediate example:
Kitchens For Sale UK posted by tresno33 (I purposely did not link but I believe Pete has removed it, anyway). Foz may do some flying around his kitchen -- but I'm not sure it's all simulated.

[Fozzer]

Obviously, they don't think we know what we're talking about and need to supply us with an immediate example:
Kitchens For Sale UK posted by tresno33 (I purposely did not link but I believe Pete has removed it, anyway). Foz may do some flying around his kitchen -- but I'm not sure it's all simulated.

8)

Pretending to fly around.. and cook at the same time, can result in some seriously cremated Dinners!.... ...!

Paul... ...!

[CrashII]

Or you all could be a little less judgemental and accept the fact that some people just have one question and are not interested in a whole conversation online that will probably derail in a useless topic.