Forum Thoughts.....

I sometimes go to the "Unanswered Threads" part of the forum and I am somewhat surprised that some of the questions do not get answered for days, and sometimes weeks.

I was just curious as to why most folks don't bother to at least type "I don't know the answers to the questions you are asking, but hopefully another experienced member will help you soon", or something along those lines.

I hope I don't offend any other members or moderators by this thread, but I feel kind of sorry for those folks with their questions that are unanswered. I know they can bump the question after 24 hours, but I guess I am just that type of person that wants to make others "Feel at Home" so to speak. Maybe there are some new members that aren't aware of the bumping if they need to do so. I don't know... I just know it can be frustrating to see that the new member that is needing help isn't getting any in a fair amount of time.

Hopefully I have made a dent. Opinions, thoughts and comments (peacefully) are welcome!

 

Sometimes I don't answer because I can't understand what the poster is trying to ask and I am too lazy to go back and forth trying to figure it out.

Another thing that keeps me from answering some threads are when I open the thread and it is a small novel of a post. I almost never read down through them and just skip over them. Again, due to laziness and need to do other things.

 

We all have our differences as far as the way we look at things in life. That's what makes the world an interesting place.

 

Alot of times I don't answer with "I can't help you but I hope someone does" because it'll knock it off the unanswered thread list which I think a lot of people check. A thread with one response of "I don't know" can easily fall off the end of the new posts list and never be heard from again, at least in the unanswered threads section members know where to go to look for people who haven't received help yet. Just my :

 

Matt: Your first contradicted with your last, as far as your comment... lol

 

I don't see how.

 

at least in the unanswered threads section members know where to go to look for people who haven't received help yet. Just my :

This is my point. If they look there, they'll see a lot of questions unanswered. IMO, the moving to the end of the line scenario is null and void. It's inevitable.

 

Normally, when I check the unanswered board that list is incredibly more finite than the list of threads with one answer that just continue to get pushed down the list of all the answered threads even though they didn't receive a real answer.

I guess in my mind its a question of being in a list of questions members know haven't received an answer. Or, a list 100's if not 1000's of times longer of threads that got at least one answer, conciliatory or informative.

 

That confused me, but that's okay. I do know, though, the silly and less informative questions (polls, off topic, etc) get answered really quick and many times over. Those are the threads that are frustrating to me. I know the general discussion section is for that (as like this thread is), but at times, it makes the more important threads get overlooked a bit more.

Maybe I'm battling a never ending "war", so to speak. Maybe I should give up the fight? (Ponders).

 

I think we've confused eachother. Maybe the problem is members in general don't check unanswered threads often enough and that's the problem. Instead, I guess people get distracted with what going by on the new posts sidebar instead.

 

I think we've confused eachother. Maybe the problem is members in general don't check unanswered threads often enough and that's the problem. Instead, I guess people get distracted with what going by on the new posts sidebar instead.

I will wholeheartedly agree with that.

 

This is a good post Alex, thank you! I often too feel bad for those who have posts that go unanswered. Especially when they are trying to reach out for help for their fish. IMO we are all here for one very simple reason. Love of fish. So if and when I can help I try to. It is frustrating sometimes tho because I really am still a novice and do not have a lot of answers yet.

That is usually when I try to track down a more experienced member and direct them to the thread. That way hopefully the person needing answers will get accurate helpful ones. But sometimes things are just so original or uncommon that it is hard to give them the help they need and want.

To be honest I have never clicked on the unanswered threads link. Only because I was not aware of it. When I joined, I jumped right into posting and honesty still really haven't taken the time to navigate and learn the site very well.

 

This is a good post Alex, thank you! I often too feel bad for those who have posts that go unanswered. Especially when they are trying to reach out for help for their fish. IMO we are all here for one very simple reason. Love of fish. So if and when I can help I try to. It is frustrating sometimes tho because I really am still a novice and do not have a lot of answers yet.

That is usually when I try to track down a more experienced member and direct them to the thread. That way hopefully the person needing answers will get accurate helpful ones. But sometimes things are just so original or uncommon that it is hard to give them the help they need and want.

To be honest I have never clicked on the unanswered threads link. Only because I was not aware of it. When I joined, I jumped right into posting and honesty still really haven't taken the time to navigate and learn the site very well.

I like your gusto, Tuna. Here is how I see it: Fish and the subjects thereof should be first and foremost important. The general discussions should come last.

I would love to see a side bar where you can choose general or choose fish related subjects only (to view, see, etc). I think that would keep the unanswered at a lower ratio.

I can't account for everyone, but I know I joined for the fish help. I do enjoy to see general posts from time to time, but the sidebar of answered threads is dropped in one section and is not categorized, and maybe that isn't possible, but it would be nice indeed.

Thank you, Tuna, for commenting and sharing your feelings on the subject matter. I (and hopefully others) appreciate it.

 

I've never checked the unanswered thread either partly because I really didn't know of its existence.
Most of the time, if there is a question I can answer ( I'm still a newbie too having just started in April ) I try and answer it.
If the question involves multiple questions, and I don't know the answer, I almost always say I don't and "maybe someone else can chime in"
I often don't open up questions when the questions are more obvious such as, "whats wrong with my BP" or such about fish I don't have or know anything about.
If it pertains to stock I have, or even medications I have used etc then I try and answer the best I can.
I know its hard for newbies because I was one too and when I was new and asking questions ( pretty much stuff I did wrong ) I got attacked by some members ( who shall remain nameless ) even though my question may have been about my plants and next thing you know, they are telling me I should research my stock and or nitrogen cycle first.
I know a lot of members are courteous too and answer the first question and then point the newbies in the direction of what "else" may be contributing to the problem ( Nitrogen cycle, etc )
Anyways, I guess I'm a little off topic huh? LOL

Junne

 

Junne - Not in the least. I understand where you're getting at on the "piling" on a newbie, if that makes sense.

I try to attempt the answers in stepping stone manner. If you dump it all at once, they might get too overwhelmed. Sure, we need to enhance all angles of proper fish keeping, but sometimes being fragile on the manner of helping others could make or brake their decision making into a beneficial direction or not.

Thanks, Junne, for commenting and having an opinion.

 

Sometimes the right people don't see it. That is all. I won't comment on a thread if I don't know anything on the topic. Not even a "sorry I don't know but maybe someone else does" because 1. it does knock them off the unanswered thread list, which isn't a bad place to be when you want an answer. 2. It is needless and it clutters the forum. On many forums, those types of posts are considered bad posting etiquette.

 

Then if I have bad posting etiquette (if that is what you are aiming at), then there are a whole lot of other folks that have useless posting etiquette.

1. Nothing is needless when it comes to being helpful towards others rather it's a simple hello and soon help will be on the way hopefully, or rather it's helping in detailed form.

2. What gives you the right to point at what is needless and what isn't.

3. I think this is a topic that needs focus and organization.

I think this forum (in general) is a wonderful journal of information, but sometimes speaking out seems to make it worse. So, from now on, I will not be creating any posts or comments unless I'm directly and informatively helping folks.

 

Sometimes the right people don't see it. That is all. I won't comment on a thread if I don't know anything on the topic. Not even a "sorry I don't know but maybe someone else does" because 1. it does knock them off the unanswered thread list, which isn't a bad place to be when you want an answer. 2. It is needless and it clutters the forum. On many forums, those types of posts are considered bad posting etiquette.

Why is it considered "bad posting" etiquette? I often sympathize with fellow fish members if they lost a fish ( even if it was due to their negligence or ignorance ) because it shows compassion. I am sure no one intends to harm their fish or put them in harms way and I know I have done things out of MY ignorance and got bashed for it. Replying that "you don't know" or "sorry" just shows the poster that you have read their message and not just ignoring the post. I think fl is a place where people come together with their similiar interests and no one should leave thinking no one cares or think they shouldn't post because of what some people view as bad etiquette. Just my 2 cents.

Respectfully,

Junne

 

The one thing I love most about the internet "community" is how it brings people from all walks of life, all over the world together into one place. Making it easier to share in ones passion for particular things in life. In this case, FISH. This type of place would not be so easily accomplished by walking out our front door etc.

With that said, it is those differences of opinion and ideas that helps make these forums so useful and unique. As long as the objective remains the target (which in this case is helping others help their fish and sharing in the passion of this hobby). Then the opinions of all should be respected and not labeled for any reason. Unless of course true malice is obvious.

I have seen some people practice extreme patience on here with some of the most difficult topics and or discussions, and I have also seen some who do not. However the only person that I can monitor and account for is myself. Ill leave the rest to those on here who have been selected to use such judgements etc. I will just continue to help anyone who seeks it where ever I feel that I can. No matter who it is . Hope that makes sense..lol

 

I have only checked the unanswered thread a few times. I should check it more often. I know I have one topic that I haven't gotten any answers, though someone else was also hoping for the questions to be answered.

 

I have only checked the unanswered thread a few times. I should check it more often. I know I have one topic that I haven't gotten any answers, though someone else was also hoping for the questions to be answered.

That's my principal point - You had a question that wasn't even answered. I would think of all the members on this forum, there would have been an answer by now with different members having different experiences, knowledge, etc.

To be honest, that really surprises me that there are questions unanswered. My expectations could be set too high for a forum. Nothing wrong with dreaming, though.

 

I see why some may consider it bad posting "etiquette" to answer an unanswered post with a simple "hello, I can't help you but..." . It causes the unanswered thread to be knocked off the unanswered list. On a busy day on a forum with as many members as this site has it could be knocked of the new posts side bar in a matter of minutes. While the friendly hello is a very nice thing in the long run it doesn't help if it causes a post to be lost in the shuffle.

In my opinion it is not bad "etiquette" to offer a newbie a friendly hello but I could see how on some forums it could be perceived that way . Most of us came here in the beginning looking for help. When I first got back into fish keeping I was a member on another forum and I got bashed for asking "stupid" questions and not knowing enough. Then I found this site everyone was very helpful and for an internet forum there are some of the nicest people on here.

Also new members don't know where to post things so the right people see it. example if I had a question about say a sick pleco . Should it be posted in Disease, beginner, water quality,or pleco section. A new member will not know where to put it. Sorry I'm just kinda rambling on.

these are just my thoughts and hope no one is offended by them

 

I agree with you, Kevin. It's about making them feel welcome, not about just posting some random thought just because. It's like looking for something in a store and I can't find it. If an employee doesn't help me to find it or answer my questions, or even a simple hello and if you need help let me know or another associate know, then that is not professional and it's not good etiquette, IMO.

And no, you haven't offended me at all. The offending starts when someone "bashes" or "judges" another member by their opinions or ways of doing things when it's NOT a matter of right or wrong.

 

I agree - it IS about making a person feel welcomed. Too often I see a post here where a member says something in the line of "oh my fish died and I have a one gallon tank" etc and someone else will come along and go about telling the person everything they did wrong without so much as saying, "I'm sorry for your loss, maybe you can try this" and then make constructive criticism without making the person feel bad already.
That's what I was talking about when I may comment on something but not really be able to offer much help. I see it as a way of support, not necessarily trying to be or not be politically correct.

 

Alex, this is a very good topic.

There are obviously two schools of thought about unanswered threads.
Both are very legit.

We don't view answering an unanswered thread with a friendly hello bad netiquette.
At least the poster (especially a new member) knows someone cares and acknowledges them.

If we (the moderators) felt this was wrong we would make it known.

On the other hand, it removes it from the unanswered post tab.

Either way, the thread it's self may get pushed back a page or so.

At any rate, please be respectful of each other's opinions.

 

Thank you, Lucy. I appreciate your input. I was hoping a moderator would intervene on this subject. I guess this subject is a close to my heart, too, is why I felt I needed to make a thread of it.

 

That's my principal point - You had a question that wasn't even answered. I would think of all the members on this forum, there would have been an answer by now with different members having different experiences, knowledge, etc.

To be honest, that really surprises me that there are questions unanswered. My expectations could be set too high for a forum. Nothing wrong with dreaming, though.

HI Alex,
Lucy has covered it well.

If I'm perfectly honest, I'm surprised more members don't use the search feature. With nearly 125,000 threads, and 1.2 million posts on Fishlore. There is a good chance that many questions may have already been answered.

Giving a thread a relevant title and posting in the relevant forum also goes a long way to increasing the chances of it getting a reply.

 

I couldn't agree with you more, Ryan. No matter what website I look at, what forum I am a part of, what blog I use, etc, I am always looking, reading, discovering and searching out ways to learn more. Enhancements are always welcome in my world.

 

Then if I have bad posting etiquette (if that is what you are aiming at), then there are a whole lot of other folks that have useless posting etiquette.

you are too quick to take things personally. I stated my reason, I didn't apply them to anyone else. That is why I said "I won't..." and not "you shouldn't" and it is a true fact that on many forums it is considered bad etiquette, regardless of whether or not you or I agree that it is. I used to post like that all the time, but long before I joined here I was "trained" off it. It was not a Jab at anyone who does.

 

you are too quick to take things personally. I stated my reason, I didn't apply them to anyone else. That is why I said "I won't..." and not "you shouldn't" and it is a true fact that on many forums it is considered bad etiquette, regardless of whether or not you or I agree that it is. I used to post like that all the time, but long before I joined here I was "trained" off it. It was not a Jab at anyone who does.

Peace, man. Let's drop it and just go from where we are in the matter. Thanks.

 

we need to let the new members know about a "bump". I know I didnt when I first joined. add that info and a useless post becomes useful. so something like this.....

"hello, sorry to hear about you sick fish. I can't really help with this subject, hopefully someone will be along to help soon. if not post a reply with the word bump in this thread. this lets others know you haven't got your answer. you can do a bump every 24 hours. good luck!"

really like the thread, good job alex! this is one of those threads that gets all the attention though lol.

 

Thank you, Jojo. I agree with your comment about the bump. That is a superb idea! Love it!

 

If I do not know a answer I try to find a post that has and refer the person the post. But if I do know or have a general idea I will answer.the post. I normally snswer and post I read.

 

thanks alex! also the best way is if as many people as possible try to just answer 2 post a day in the unanswered posts. that's how we slowly knock it down.

this was my first forum and I didnt do a lot of internet interaction before I came here. if I didnt get a answer to my first post I prob would have just gave up. its deff important to try to help everyone but I think overall everyone here dose a good job. I deff need to check out the unanswered post more.

one thing is knocking it off unanswered dose not seem like the end of the world dew the the fact most don't check it. id much rather have them doing a bump every 24h.

 

thanks alex! also the best way is if as many people as possible try to just answer 2 post a day in the unanswered posts. that's how we slowly knock it down.

I don't think there is that many there to be answered

Occasionally we (the combined membership) let it slip, and we get a build up, but in general, I think you'll find there are few unanswered threads that are greater than 24 hours old.

The mods do try and keep an eye on Unanswered, and will bump on a member's behalf

Most of the unanswered tend to be B/S/T/F

But we do encourage everyone to check the un-answered, and like Jessi, even if you don't know the answer, but can provide a link to a similar thread, it can often help answer the question.

 

Another idea may be if you want to post just to give support to someone having a difficult time, do so, but then if you know a member who may be able to help, pm them a link to the thread. That would be more akin to your employee in the store getting someone who does know where the item is if they don't analogy.

I agree w/Ryan, I check unanswered threads at least a couple times a day and for the most part its slI'm pickings.

 

I just tried to look threw them. why am I seeing some there but when I click on them they have responses? am I in the wrong spot?

edit.... never mind they were merged threads.

 

LOL @ jojo... Are you playing the dense advocate?

 

I just tried to look threw them. why am I seeing some there but when I click on them they have responses? am I in the wrong spot?

edit.... never mind they were merged threads.

LOL...I thought the same exact thing when I checked them. Only I never did realize what the other ones were doing there..Haha..

On a more serious note, I think that most here try to help where ever they can. One thing I have also noticed too, is sometimes the time of day a person starts a thread can play a part in how long it takes to be answered. So being a night owl, and now knowing that there is such a place to check unanswered threads I will be doing so more often...So thank you Alex! I think this is a relevant topic that needs to be discussed if not only to make more people aware of the unanswered threads section.

 

Tuna, you are most welcome! I am all about awareness, no matter what the subject matter is.

Anything that can help the forum community thrive, I am all for it.