Posts and Threads with Useless Titles

SnowTiger · #1 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 04:30 PM

I am just venting a wee bit here.
But how the heck does anyone ever expect to take advantage of these forums, if all those with questions simply titles their post with "HELP" or "PLS HELP" ?????

Do a search for Posts or Threads that start with "Help" and see how many you can come up with ....there's tons of them.

The problem is, when searching for a solution to a problem, although solutions may well be posted within a thread, they are difficult to find because the thread/post title does not reflect the question in any way.

So I am kindly requesting that anyone who wishes to receive valued replies, should be a bit more creative with there Title Line so as to attract or encourage more replies and to limit the number of post replies in this forum that simply say "search the forums ... the question/answer has already been posted" repeat repeat repeat ... etc.

SnowTiger
BTW- I still haven't found the solution to a problem I'm having because I still have another 50 posts/threads to read that start with HELP or PLS HELP !!!!! Of course NONE of them have anything to do with my issues. hehe !

fable · #2 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 05:03 PM

Moving to GameBanshee Discussions, since this is really a point that applies to a whole range of forums.

Siberys · #3 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 06:09 PM

Heh, that does get annoying after a while, especially when you're moderating forums. Occasionally, as a mod, I'd just skip over some threads that say help, thinking that they were just threads with members needing help and such, but a couple of them were actually advertisements or just vulgar language troll posts.

I don't do that anymore but I still agree that it gets frustrating many times.

DesR85 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnowTiger

The problem is, when searching for a solution to a problem, although solutions may well be posted within a thread, they are difficult to find because the thread/post title does not reflect the question in any way.

So I am kindly requesting that anyone who wishes to receive valued replies, should be a bit more creative with there Title Line so as to attract or encourage more replies and to limit the number of post replies in this forum that simply say "search the forums ... the question/answer has already been posted" repeat repeat repeat ... etc.

Or more likely, be specific when writing a title for a thread and the post itself. It does get irritating after a while of seeing threads that goes like 'HELP' or 'HELP PLS' only. But that's a problem when some of these thread starters are just to lazy to elaborate let alone even use the search function.

SnowTiger · #5 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 08:54 PM

I agree with you Fable that this (perceived) problem, exists at forums of all sorts.

I should clarify that I don't consider this to be specific or unique only to this forum.

I think it's also important to note that I have Nothing against any of those that post without "relevant" or "search-able" post/thread Titles. However, I do believe they'd all have much better success if they were more specific. However again, I guess when frustrated with a quandry in the game (or the like) and just want a fast solution so you can get back to the game, it's easy to imagine one writing "HELP" in haste.

In fact, it was for this very reason that I became frustrated searching for a solution to my own quest problems .. hence this thread.
I do hope no one is offended ... but at risk of that ...... here goes.

In any case, I'd like to explain that I happen to consider this to be an Excellent Forum and an invaluable resource for game tips and hints and that I'm greatful for having access to it.

Thanks for the replies and comments (whether in support or against my post topic/statements).

dragon wench · #6 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 11:11 PM

You've just commented on something that has long irked me as well.

For the life of me, I can't understand why people who are in dire need of assistance don't stop to think that maybe their questions would be answered more expediently if their thread titles were more descriptive.
There have often been times when I've been in a rush and am just skimming forums. On occasions like that I simply can't be bothered to find out what the person needs help with. Now, I only actually read threads with vague "help" titles if they are in the forums I moderate.

Quote:

BTW- I still haven't found the solution to a problem I'm having because I still have another 50 posts/threads to read that start with HELP or PLS HELP !!!!! Of course NONE of them have anything to do with my issues. hehe !

I don't know if this is of any use to you, but when I'm searching for something I set the parameters in Advanced Search to bring up posts rather than threads.... I find this helps narrow things down, at least somewhat.