EPT
If you're too lazy to read all this, scroll down for a summary.
1. Don't put ! before your thread title
This is common sense. Even if I asked you to write a thread for the recommended threads, I add the ! when I add your thread to the list. Putting it there will either make me think it's already been added to list, or (more likely), make me angry when you write a shitty guide you expect to be added. DO NOT PUT ! BEFORE YOUR THREAD TITLE.
2. Off-topic clarification
I would like to chalk this up to common sense and move on, but evidently that doesn't work.
Here's an example of an acceptable off-topic post:
http://teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?currentpage=2&topic_id=62741#24
Doesn't deal exactly with the original post, but touches on an interesting tangent that would do well to be expanded in this thread.
Here's an example of a borderline off-topic post:
http://teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=62741#16
Off-topic to the original poster, but addresses something someone said in the thread. This is only marginally acceptable because its purpose is not to insult anyone. Keep this to a minimum.
Here's an example of a completely unacceptable off-topic post: http://teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?currentpage=1&topic_id=62877#3
Insults someone with a one-liner. Brings nothing to the strategy discussed. Derails the thread. You will be banned without warning if you do something as ridiculously blatant as this in the future. Yes, that means t0wel, you and your previous FOUR BANNED ACCOUNTS are banned from the strategy forum.
3. Unfortunately, the author and the thread topic are inseparable
This means if you are known in the community as a cocky, known cheater, maybe you should work hard to make your posts come across as humble. Maybe you shouldn't post something like "One cannot learn micromanagement." Your guides should aim to help people, not make people think you're incredible. If you are writing a guide to improve your image, seriously get the fuck out. TL.net is full of intelligent users, and we will see right through that, so save your time and don't bother.
4. Learn English
I cannot stress this enough. Without naming names, read some recent guides. The ones I'm referring to have random, inconsistent formatting and punctuation. No you shouldn't capitalize the word Aggressive; this makes your post hard to read because your spelling randomly breaks down mid-sentence. If you're going to write a long guide, make it legible.
5. Realize your flaws
If you suck at Brood War, preface your post with that. If you have no experience with something, mention that. Here's an example of that: http://teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=62741
First sentence: "First off, I suck at Starcraft, which is why I'm not going to present the results of my own experiments". Easy, gets the point across, and avoids people replying "Rofl stone-age learn to play this game."
If there's a recommended thread about definitions already, maybe you should link to that instead of writing your own list of poorly worded definitions. If you disagree with some of the definitions, bring it up in that thread. When you write a guide with poorly worded definitions, and some of them are blatantly wrong, you lose credibility, and more importantly, are spreading false information to the people you are trying to teach.
SUMMARY
- If you're known as a dick, and you post like a dick, people flaming you will be tolerated. If you are a veteran here, you should know what/who I'm referring to without me spelling it out.
- If you're known as a dick, and you post like a normal person, people flaming you will be punished.
- We are really looking to encourage the people who know what they're talking about.
- We are equally looking to encourage the people who have no idea what they are talking about, but know that they don't know what they're talking about.
- We are looking to discourage, through moderator action and member support, the people who think they know what they are talking about, but come off as cocky and give bad advice.
- We want to end personal attacks and thread derailment immediately.
Post any questions or concerns and we can address them in this thread.
Thanks for you help in keeping the strategy forum ever-improving!
