A newbie is invited, if they wish, to post with an "*" at the beginning of the subject line. Any post with a * is to be treated by all with extreme kindness and a welcoming attitude. There are no stupid questions, but instead people who have no one to ask or follow. Anyone opposed?
I would live the idea of a number of posts listing next to the name. Some forums, like the Catholic Answers Forum (which I've skimmed very occasionally) list the following with each post:
-username (and pic) -post timestamp -a "rank" based on no. of posts and time since registration -join date -number of posts
The only problem with the * rule is that the newbies wouldn't know about it. I wonder if Chonak could put some of these in the header of each post?
While we're at it, one thing I miss about the new format is the inability to put information into our profiles for others to see, such as was possible with the old software.
As to the point of treating newbies being treated with kindness, it seems to me that in all Christian charity we should treat everyone with kindness – even those (or especially those) with whom we happen to disagree at the moment.
I agree that I don't know how well the star thing would be implemented. I think that having some post count next to names would solve the same thing, and yes, while we're at it, let's have the ability to add more info either next to our names or to our profiles.
*************** I've asked so many questions here, and I still do (even as a "charter member" of the Café, just about)… I might as well preface everything I write with asterisks. Lots of them.
I just noticed this week that you can "unthank" someone! I think that's hilarious. As far as more legislation versus less, I'm with Monty Python's Black Knight guarding the brook bridge passing: "NONE SHALL PASS!" That that has resulted in it being very difficult for me to get around, with newbies I'm good just calling it a draw. And when did Noel suddenly become a man of the people and nice? First time I met him in real time I could swear he said to me my mother was a hamster and my father smelt of elderberries! Now he's all weepy like Grampa Walton. I want the old Frogman back, y'know, the Walter Brennan, Real McCoy Frogman!
Oh, wow...I just noticed Chonak's tote board. Thanks RC, now everyone knows I have no life! Ooh, ooh.....neither do you!!! Niener, niener!
Francis, it's not so much a matter of thinking before you type...if I did that....well...
Instead it is a red flag warning people to be kind and not expect this new person to know that the subject that they are bringing up has been thrashed to death in earlier times and we are looking for new Tofu to beat up.
Last night at Ming Dynasty, my friends there were shocked that my wife makes me Chocolate Silk Pie with silken Tofu, since I'm contemporary catholic praise music and lactose and milk protein intolerant and have been forever. I promised them the pie and the recipe.
Frogman, since you asterisked this very thread, I'll say (very gently) that it would be simpler to be kind and welcoming as a default. The "*" would then be freed for the asbestos-wrapped trolls to identify themselves with. ;-)
CA Charles, Frogman is what he is. It's no wonder that Mrs. Jones, a lovely lady by any definition, is referred to as the long-suffering Mrs. Jones. ;-)
Noel, hang onto to your kingdom, whether real or illusory. You should, of all people, know when I say "I just noticed....." that really meant I just noticed. Were I looking for it, I woudn't have been amused or commented on such. Doubt me, bring Diogenes to our next party.
Ruth, you can only unthank a person post if you have previously thanked that post. If you inadvertently thank someones post, you cannot unthank it until you leave the page and return to it;
*Not a snowball's chance, Don. You chose to enter. Consider MSF the liturgical Binion's World Series of Poker in the old Vegas Strip. Nice is for bridge players. Why do you think they compare liturgist musicians as less favorable and negotiable than terrorists? Hey, we have a rep to uphold. Word out. And we don't take American Express.
Well, now that I'm getting used to it, I, at least, am appreciative of the "posts" feature. As has been mentioned previously in this thread, I think it would also be very interesting to see "thanked" right next to that... then we can all see who is just a blabbermouth and who offers constructive comments a decent percentage of the time.... hahaha! ;-)
Francis, you are as always a gentleman (Noel, OTOH!!!). But I could type likely 60 handles (monikers) of those who'd disagree with you in sixty seconds. But your thought is kindly appreciated. I think Joy has done us a favor by inserting that designation into the equation here at MSF.
so noel. how about this for easing newbies into the fold?
1-10 posts: only warm, gushy and patronizing compliments 11-20 posts: ask inviting questions 21-50 posts: begin to present alternative thoughts 51-100 posts: present challenging philosophies 101-500 posts: enter into outright debates 501 posts and up: show no mercy
ferrum ferro acuitur et homo exacuit faciem amici sui proverbs 27:17
Taking this little Route 66 of humor from the turnpike of forum federalism is most welcome. O, look...the TeePee Motel....ooh the Cadillac Ranch! Somebody get me a cheeseburger! (Sorry Wendi/Jenny)
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