Help with the forum

[Tullia]

FAQs, RTFM, etc, are all great in theory, but practice does tend to show a different picture. If anyone has a workable idea to get people to read them and comply without being authoritarian, don't post it here because you will be able to sell the idea for billions.

It's possible to insert a confirmation page before allowing people to post new threads - you can even differentiate the content of this page depending on the forum they are trying to post in - obviously skipping it altogether in the more "chatter" based areas like "Fun & Games".

Such a page could contain a message asking someone if they have tried searching (with a nice bold "search here" link) and maybe links to common FAQs saying "If your question is on one of the below, click for further information on that topic." and closing with the "If you are sure you want to post a new thread, press >>here<<."

I've set this up elsewhere and as long as you don't make the page too visually complex, it's remarkably effective. Experienced users don't even notice it after a while - but they weren't the ones creating duplicate threads really. Newbies have reported back to me that they have found it very useful, because it takes them to *already answered questions*. And moderators love it, because it means less work.

It would be interesting to see if something like that could be practical here.

[Red5]

...I have already mentioned to Tdol my thoughts on adding a new category of members: Retired.

Done, and thanks for the idea!

We now have the following options:

• Student or Learner
• English Teacher
• Retired English Teacher
• Academic
• Retired Academic
• Other

[Katsumoto]

Done, and thanks for the idea!

We now have the following options:

• Student or Learner
• English Teacher
• Retired English Teacher
• Academic
• Retired Academic
• Other

woow, it's really great idea.

[Red5]

I've also just added another category (one that I am using): Interested in Language

[Volcano1985]

How can I delete the thread I have opened?

[Tdol]

Send the link in a private message and I can do it.

[Mahmona]

Hi,
This is my first post.I'm searching for a long time this type of any site.
but today finally i got it.
I think It's fantastic way to help in language
(If I've mistaken then correct me)thanks

[love_rainbow_257]

I see that our forum is successful in helping people use English better and better.
But why don't you, the leaders, hold some events in some special occasions, such as the birthday of the forum, or in New Year, etc...?
I think that it will make our forum funnier and more attractive. :">
Maybe thoughts of a teen girl like me do not match all the member here, but I hope it can be considered.
Thanks so much for reading and sorry if there are any mistakes (my friend says that my English sucks)

[Red5]

It's very difficult to co-ordinate such things as people are in very different time zones, but I am happy to try- what sort of things did you have in mind?

[love_rainbow_257]

If people can't online at the same time, you can open a small game which includes questions, about our 4rum, the fact or any members in the 4rum, or just funny questions.
I think it's a good way to connect member.
The prizes can be rank: the most intelligent member, the one who is funny, or some ranks winners choose, etc...
You also can hold a game which need two or more people in a group. Each group needs to do some tasks, and find the winner.

These are my ideas. :)

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ah, why don't you open a shoutbox for members to chatting? :">
and somewhere for ones who want to share their pictures :">