Recommendation / Idea to help New Members

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Robin

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Jordan,

An idea came to me of a way to help prevent the growing number of new posted threads about previously discussed information or new ‘wish for…’ threads which has started to become quite a problem in the GT4 forum. With the release just around the corner (well….quite far around the corner!) we are getting, now more then ever new members asking various questions in new topics without a thought of searching or reading the sticky threads.
To tackle the problem of new members posting so called ‘useless threads’ I have devised a scheme were maybe newly registered members would have maybe a 3 day period from when they register where they are not allowed to make new threads, only post in existing ones. This ‘sanction’ would allow and encourage new members to search for the information they require rather than directly going to start a new thread. By giving them an initial 3 days to have a look around the site it would hopefully resolve any of their questions and allow them to still put foreword their thoughts in existing threads. If a new member had genuinely new information they could always post it in a relevant thread which would just have the same effect as a new thread because most members read all new postings.
After the three day settle in / introductory time is up they would then gain full members rights. Hopefully by this time more thought would have taken place before starting anything in a thread and most problems would have already been resolved. This would benefit both new and existing members because it would ensure more usage of the sticky threads as well as the other 63 pages of very useful information that has been accumulated.
When new members register they could be sent to a page where they would be welcomed to GTPlanet and told that as a new member they can only post but not start new threads for 3 days allowing them to have a look around first. From this page they could be directed to useful links such as the car list, or the search button! If any new member attempts to start a new thread a message could say………”sorry (new member) you have 2 days and 24 minutes left before you can start new threads. Please try to search for the relevant information or post in an existing thread.” This would give new members better start in GTPlanet other than being flamed by certain people.

Anyway this is just a thought. If you have any input or feedback on my suggestion Jordan it would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

Robin

p.s. I hope this idea doesn't sound anti-new member because it is not trying to be!
 
The irony of course robin, is that this has already been discussed in a lengthy thread called:

Should New Members Be Able To Create New Threads

I know you are trying to help, but its not just new members who create duplicate threads. :)

"This would give new members better start in GTPlanet other than being flamed by certain people. "

The easier solution to that would be to ask members not to engage in flame wars ;)
 
I am totally aware of that thread......this is an idea as a whole put together from various things been raised by members in that thread. I just want to put forward an idea (not many ideas) to Jordan to get his input thats all.

Robin
 
But, the member would have to wait 3 days, that's a long period of time, if we could have a setup, so that the forum could only let the person post a thread after a specific amount of time spent on the forums. On this current idea, people could sign up, log off, and come back 3 days later to post a new thread. Besides, there are only a few more months left, after that it will cool down. 👍
 
sUn
But, the member would have to wait 3 days, that's a long period of time, if we could have a setup, so that the forum could only let the person post a thread after a specific amount of time spent on the forums. On this current idea, people could sign up, log off, and come back 3 days later to post a new thread. Besides, there are only a few more months left, after that it will cool down. 👍

:lol: When GT4 comes out, n00bs are gonna take over GTP.

Its a fact. Prepare for teh question.
 
I couldn't see a difference. :)

Is it the time delay instead of post count delay.

Didn't someone mention that if you make them wait three days, they'll just spend those three days thinking up loads of "wonderful" new thread ideas, and spam us to death when the are finally allowed to create them :lol:

I don't see it as a problem really, I just ignore the "Is car XXXX going to be in GT4" threads.
 
3 days was just a random number I came up with.......It can be any amount or even a time thing instead.......that is totally flexible.

As for things will clam down when GT4 comes out........you have to be joking! we will have a flood of new members asking how to unlock this or complete that!! Darin is right.......that will be the time when useless thread posting will be at its worst!

If they want to spam with ideas its better that they do it in exsisting threads rather than new posts......people don't really mind as much if it is in an exsisting topic.

I really do think that it would be a nice slow introduction for any new member to get the best out of the forum and information already there.

Robin
 
As always, thanks for the suggestions, but restricting new member's abilities to create threads is not something that I really want to do.
 
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