Constructive posting

[ugaarguy]

Folks, I hate to do this, but we need a review of how to post a constructive reply to a thread. In the last five minutes I've seen two posts that added nothing constructive to the topic or subject of the thread. In a thread asking for reliable 1911s under $1k someone suggested buying a CZ-85 with no mention of any 1911 in the post. In a thread asking about best 9mm pistol options someone came out and said 40 S&W or 10mm were the minimum for self defense and trashed the 9mm.

If you're a CZ fan posting in a 1911 thread tell us what 1911s you like and dislike based on your experience, then tell us why you would consider whatever model of CZ as an alternative. Don't troll.

If you're trolling in a 9mm thread looking to start a caliber war - DON'T POST! If you don't like 9mm, but would still like to comment, talk about the positives of 9mm and then tell us why you prefer caliber X over 9mm. While you're at it talk about the negatives of caliber X and why you feel it's positives outweigh them.

Ignoring the topic of the thread does nothing constructive for the forum. On the other hand, weighing the pros and cons of the thread's subject, then offering reasoned alternatives leads to constructive debate.

Edit: I posted this in the autoloaders forum because this is where the I saw the two threads with problem posts.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Good comments, ugaarguy

And excellent observations on the fine art of writing a useful reply to a thread.

Anyone else getting as tired as I am over such behavior? Tell you what - - Let's take ugaarguy's suggestions as a pattern.

To recap and expand a bit:

Read the question. If you have a contribution to make that (even partially) answers the question, then post it. Please, DO NOT make unrelated comments. If the thread starter makes an open request for suggestions, fine. If not, do not preach about YOUR favorite product, unless you can directly compare and contrast it with the topic product.

Handgun caliber wars: These have all been waged in the past. Believe me, you will NOT come up with ANYTHING new on 9mm vs .45. If you simply MUST write on this, please start your own thread.

If you're trolling in a 9mm thread looking to start a caliber war - DON'T POST! If you don't like 9mm, but would still like to comment, talk about the positives of 9mm and then tell us why you prefer caliber X over 9mm. While you're at it talk about the negatives of caliber X and why you feel it's positives outweigh them. . . .
Ignoring the topic of the thread does nothing constructive for the forum. On the other hand, weighing the pros and cons of the thread's subject, then offering reasoned alternatives leads to constructive debate.

Thread highjacks: Do not highjack the other guy's thread. If you don't have enough to say to start your own thread, and don't have enough knowledge to make a good reply to the current thread, you probably have nothing of interest to say.

If you're a CZ fan posting in a 1911 thread tell us what 1911s you like and dislike based on your experience, then tell us why you would consider whatever model of CZ as an alternative. Don't troll.

And, if you happen to agree with a prior post, by all means say so and give a reason. We all enjoy having our finely-wrought replies appreciated by other members. But simply posting "+1" is not contributory, and such replies will be deleted.

Let's try this course of action.

Johnny Guest
THR Staff

 

[s&w 24]

or to put a point on it

think twice and twice again then post
or
don't type anything that you wouldn't say to there face

 

[Lone_Gunman]

It also helps if you actually read the posts before making insulting comments, telling people they aren't being constructive, and calling them trolls.

You can get much more out of the threads here if you read, comprehend, and think about what has been written by others.

 

[10-Ring]

Thanks ugaarguy! Sometimes a reality check every now and then is all you need to stay focused and on task When a forum gets as big as this one it's important that all the members understand their responsibilities so that it stays manageable & continues to grow...again thanks for the check

 

[ugaarguy]

It also helps if you actually read the posts before making insulting comments, telling people they aren't being constructive, and calling them trolls.

You can get much more out of the threads here if you read, comprehend, and think about what has been written by others.

I have adressed this in thread in which it took place. My comments were harsh and excessive; but the post that triggered them did not add anything to what the poster said earlier in the thread. I apologized and edited my excessive comments. That said, it doesn't mean that I didn't read the posts, comprehend, and think about them.

Thanks ugaarguy! Sometimes a reality check every now and then is all you need to stay focused and on task

Thanks for the kind words and reenforcement 10-Ring. Sometimes even I need a reality check when posting about reality checks. On that note I'll preach to myself and expand on what I and Johnny Guest said earlier. My next words of advice are to look long and hard before hitting the reply button so you don't go too far in criticizing another member: If you do, apologize if anyone was offended, and use the edit button to clean things up. Those are lessons I just applied myself. We all make mistakes.

 

[ugaarguy]

Bump.

 

[BevrFevr]

Yeah...

because this forum should be just exactly how an internet forum should be. No freedom of thought and expression. If I don't like what you say or how you say it "don't bother posting"

We can live without all this thinking outside the box! Who needs the possibility of suggesting things someone has not really considered. After all if someone is posting a question on an internet forum they should be expecting a mutual admiration society right?

let me guess... ex military or police types that go to church alot? everything in it's place and in every place a thing? Uh, don't look now but the world don't quite work that way.

 

[hankdatank1362]

Well I guess I could go talk to the wife... but she tends to hijack the conversation too!