Definitely support!

ZZ9PluralZAlpha wrote:

Definitely support!

Alright! Also consider this a bump!

Thanks for reading,
Austinato

Austinato wrote:

Assuming in Scratch 3.0, forums will be slightly/heavily modified, so here's a few suggestions I have:

1. Further coloring of each page.
You may or might not understand what I mean by this, but more of the page would be colorful. No, not rainbows - but perhaps more white, orange, and blue incorporated with the page (such as a light blue background with Scratch Cat silhouettes) would make the forums look more happy - without going overboard.

2. Simplified Emojis
Drawing inspiration from Google Emojis and how simplicity has risen over the few years, perhaps cleaner looking emojis compared to this one -> could be implanted, so something similar to this? Also more emojis could be automatically transferred.

3. Top Section to each Sub-Forum
At the top of each sub-forum's main page, there should be a larger module at the top of the screen that explains what people should and should not do in the sub-forums (addressing stickies) and it could disappear upon user request (clicking “Close”) or a number of times the person opens the page. In example, for Suggestions, it could be like this:

Welcome to the Suggestions forum! Please follow these tips to get the best responses possible!

> Keep posts relevant. Your posts should have something to do with the topic. Please don't just place random ScratchBlocks or offtopic posts in the Suggestions forums.

> Keep topics relevant. Make sure what you're talking about is in the correct location, so in here you should propose your suggestions only. Also make sure that what you're suggesting doesn't already exist.

> Read the stickies. A crucial guide to the Suggestions forums that help keep this area rolling and on-topic. Definitely worth reading and is found at the top of the list below.

> Don't necropost. Don't post on topics that have not been replied to for a long time.

> Be constructive. When posting in the Suggestions forums, please don't say “Support.” Please elaborate on why you support.

{Alright, got it!}

4. Automatic Necroposting Prevention
To prevent necroposting, topics that have not received a new response for at least 30 days would automatically be closed and have the following at the bottom (of course this doesn't apply to all topics.)

Oops! This topic is old. Let's go back and surf the Scratch Forums!

Thanks for reading and please give feedback,
Austinato

I'm sorry, but I don't support this. Here are my reasons for each suggestion of yours:

1. Personally I think this would make the website look so childish. Like almost like a video game. Also, it would feel out of place because the rest of the website (aka non forum stuffs) would presumably still have the white background.

2. I disagree with this one most XD Changing the smileys into the post-2007 iphone-addicted world emojis would totally kill the forum mood. Like, every forum I've been on has had smileys. It just wouldn't feel the same without the pixelatedness, animatedness, etc.

3. This would basically summarize the information in the stickies, except make it more visible right? In that case I think it would at least need rewording. Anyway, I don't really think it would make a noticeable difference. It's one thing to tell Scratchers to stay on topic, and another for them to actually accurately assess whether their post is actually on topic/necessary. Similarly, it's one thing to tell scratchers to elaborate on their support, and another for them to actually elaborate. I don't think at all that the problem is simply Scratchers new to the forums haven't read the stickies.

4. I'm pretty sure this is how some other forums work, but I'd rather have a warning at the topic saying the thread is old. That way, if it's absolutely necessary, you could still post. I mean, I agree, it's nearly pointless to post on and bring to the front a thread from like 2012 or something, but I think it's okay to post on one that's like, half a year old. I think at least that 30 days is not long enough.

1. Semi-Support
2. Support
3. Support, Note: I pretty sure they are called “Forums” not “Sub-Forums”.
4. Semi-Support, It should allow you to post but just warn you.

Lataliat wrote:

I'm sorry, but I don't support this. Here are my reasons for each suggestion of yours:

1. Personally I think this would make the website look so childish. Like almost like a video game. Also, it would feel out of place because the rest of the website (aka non forum stuffs) would presumably still have the white background.

2. I disagree with this one most XD Changing the smileys into the post-2007 iphone-addicted world emojis would totally kill the forum mood. Like, every forum I've been on has had smileys. It just wouldn't feel the same without the pixelatedness, animatedness, etc.

3. This would basically summarize the information in the stickies, except make it more visible right? In that case I think it would at least need rewording. Anyway, I don't really think it would make a noticeable difference. It's one thing to tell Scratchers to stay on topic, and another for them to actually accurately assess whether their post is actually on topic/necessary. Similarly, it's one thing to tell scratchers to elaborate on their support, and another for them to actually elaborate. I don't think at all that the problem is simply Scratchers new to the forums haven't read the stickies.

4. I'm pretty sure this is how some other forums work, but I'd rather have a warning at the topic saying the thread is old. That way, if it's absolutely necessary, you could still post. I mean, I agree, it's nearly pointless to post on and bring to the front a thread from like 2012 or something, but I think it's okay to post on one that's like, half a year old. I think at least that 30 days is not long enough.

1. Alright, but the website's kind of transitioning into a more colorful mood, as seen in the Search page. The color update wouldn't be too colorful, but add a little cheer to the simple mostly white/grey landscape of this page.

2. I understand some people have opposition to newer emojis, I do to when they're overused, but I kind of feel an update would be somewhat necessary.

3. Well, this suggestion's a kind of closer step to enforcing the stickies. However, understood.

4. Well, it's considered necroposting on the Scratch website at about a month or more. The necroposting kind of restriction would simply prevent non-OP people from posting, but it allows the OP to post again if necessary (i.e. a shop.) This wouldn't apply to some forums where necroposting doesn't necessarily need to be enforced.

Mrcomputer1 wrote:

1. Semi-Support
2. Support
3. Support, Note: I pretty sure they are called “Forums” not “Sub-Forums”.
4. Semi-Support, It should allow you to post but just warn you.

Alright.

Thanks for reading and for the wonderful feedback,
Austinato

Original Post Edit
I have just updated the original post so that it is more clearly explained and answers some questions I have encountered so far. It also deals with slight agreements for both arguing sides (i.e. how some people support anti-posting for the fourth suggestion, and some who don't.)

Thanks for reading,
Austinato

Austinato wrote:

1. Alright, but the website's kind of transitioning into a more colorful mood, as seen in the Search page. The color update wouldn't be too colorful, but add a little cheer to the simple mostly white/grey landscape of this page.

2. I understand some people have opposition to newer emojis, I do to when they're overused, but I kind of feel an update would be somewhat necessary.

3. Well, this suggestion's a kind of closer step to enforcing the stickies. However, understood.

4. Well, it's considered necroposting on the Scratch website at about a month or more. The necroposting kind of restriction would simply prevent non-OP people from posting, but it allows the OP to post again if necessary (i.e. a shop.) This wouldn't apply to some forums where necroposting doesn't necessarily need to be enforced.
Austinato

1. True. I personally don't like the way they changed the search system, so I guess it makes sense why I wouldn't like a colorful change to another part of the website (ie the forums). Maybe there is a background that I wouldn't mind, but I think a plain color would be just as plain, and a design would be difficult as the length of each page varies.

2. Most forums continue to use the pixelated smilies over the new flat emojis. Forums are a thing of the early 2000s, flat design is a thing of the early 2010s ish. I think it would just be too contradicting,,, it's not that big of a problem though.

3. Cool. My experience with people is basically that sometimes you've done all you could, and the only one who can help them is themself. (lol rip grammar)

4. Of all your suggestions, I'd be most likely to support this one. Maybe it could be an option of the OP, to have it archived or whatever after X time or never.

Lataliat1 wrote:

True. I personally don't like the way they changed the search system, so I guess it makes sense why I wouldn't like a colorful change to another part of the website (ie the forums). Maybe there is a background that I wouldn't mind, but I think a plain color would be just as plain, and a design would be difficult as the length of each page varies.

2. Most forums continue to use the pixelated smilies over the new flat emojis. Forums are a thing of the early 2000s, flat design is a thing of the early 2010s ish. I think it would just be too contradicting,,, it's not that big of a problem though.

3. Cool. My experience with people is basically that sometimes you've done all you could, and the only one who can help them is themself. (lol rip grammar)

4. Of all your suggestions, I'd be most likely to support this one. Maybe it could be an option of the OP, to have it archived or whatever after X time or never.

1. I was just simply thinking of something like a subtle shadow of the Scratch Cat's head/body, in light blue/darker blue.
4. Yes, I didn't think of that.

Thanks for reading,
Austinato

(Edit - I fixed the quote mistake in BBCode.)

Austinato wrote:

Assuming in Scratch 3.0, forums will be slightly/heavily modified, so here's a few suggestions I have:

1. Further coloring of each page.
You may or might not understand what I mean by this, but the forum pages (like this one) should be more colorful. Not a full rainbow design nor a solid color, but perhaps a small touch of white, blue, and/or orange? This doesn't mean the website would look 100% childish, but it would provide a more cheerful mood.

2. Simplified Emojis
Drawing inspiration from how the modern smiley has evolved, perhaps cleaner or more simpler emojis could be implemented. I was actually thinking some similar to this, too.
Obviously, there's some opposition to this suggestion. I, myself, enjoy emojis as long as they don't go overboard. However, I think the current smileys ( ) are becoming slightly less appealing to some audiences.

3. Top Section to each Sub-Forum
At the top of each sub-forum's main page, there could be a larger module at the top of the screen that summarizes the current stickies and is more noticeable to newer Scratchers. Obviously, some may actually read this, but others may not, but this is somewhat better than the current stickies. Once the new scratcher clicks “Close”, or sees the dialog for a number of times, the module would be gone and it's back to the current look. The module would look like something similar to this for Suggestions:

Welcome to the Suggestions forum! Please follow these tips to get the best responses possible!

> Keep posts relevant. Your posts should have something to do with the topic. Please don't just place random ScratchBlocks or offtopic posts in the Suggestions forums.

> Keep topics relevant. Make sure what you're talking about is in the correct location, so in here you should propose your suggestions only. Also make sure that what you're suggesting doesn't already exist.

> Read the stickies. A crucial guide to the Suggestions forums that help keep this area rolling and on-topic. Definitely worth reading and is found at the top of the list below.

> Don't necropost. Don't post on topics that have not been replied to for a long time.

> Be constructive. When posting in the Suggestions forums, please don't say “Support.” Please elaborate on why you support.

{Alright, got it!}

4. Automatic Necroposting Prevention
To prevent necroposting, topics that have not received a new response for at least 30 days would receive a message preventing or blocking the user from posting (excluding OPs or for forums that don't enforce necroposting

Prevention Method

Whoa, this topic is old. Try not to necropost, or post after a long period of time.

Block Method

Oops! This topic is old. Let's go back and surf the Scratch Forums!

Thanks for reading and please give feedback,
Austinato

I agree. Those are all very good ideas!

Support (and pls don't say i necroposted…)

nickeljorn wrote:

I agree. Those are all very good ideas!

Thanks!

pixelFlow wrote:

Support (and pls don't say i necroposted…)

Alright, but why would I say that?

Thanks for reading,
Austinato

jokebookservice1 wrote:

Sigton wrote:

So, the second suggestion would be a summary of the stickies, above the stickies?

Sigton

Yes, I don't actually see the point of stickies, nobody reads them, and they can't be perfect unless they are made by the ST.

As for the necropost, I would do what my userscript does, and that is make the post button change colour with the text “Necropost this” instead of “Submit” after 3 months. (My userscript also highlights necroposts – but this is getting offtopic).

Here is a link to the thread of my userscript: https://scratch-mit-edu.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/discuss/topic/207811/

So you're saying that since we remove the stickies people who clearly go against them have nothing to reference

Yeah no, the stickies, even if not looked at by everyone will still get mentioned to those who haven't yet and server their purpose.
Tl;dr, don't fix what ain't broke.

MathlyCat wrote:

So you're saying that since we remove the stickies people who clearly go against them have nothing to reference

Yeah no, the stickies, even if not looked at by everyone will still get mentioned to those who haven't yet and server their purpose.
Tl;dr, don't fix what ain't broke.

Interesting point, I didn't think of that.

Thanks for reading,
Austinato

Also that post wasn't long enough to really need TL;DR.

MathlyCat wrote:

jokebookservice1 wrote:

Sigton wrote:

So, the second suggestion would be a summary of the stickies, above the stickies?

Sigton

Yes, I don't actually see the point of stickies, nobody reads them, and they can't be perfect unless they are made by the ST.

As for the necropost, I would do what my userscript does, and that is make the post button change colour with the text “Necropost this” instead of “Submit” after 3 months. (My userscript also highlights necroposts – but this is getting offtopic).

Here is a link to the thread of my userscript: https://scratch-mit-edu.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/discuss/topic/207811/

So you're saying that since we remove the stickies people who clearly go against them have nothing to reference

Yeah no, the stickies, even if not looked at by everyone will still get mentioned to those who haven't yet and server their purpose.
Tl;dr, don't fix what ain't broke.

But that notice will be read by everybody and make sure everybody at least knows *about* the stickies.. I suppose stickies can remain…

jokebookservice1 wrote:

MathlyCat wrote:

So you're saying that since we remove the stickies people who clearly go against them have nothing to reference

Yeah no, the stickies, even if not looked at by everyone will still get mentioned to those who haven't yet and server their purpose.
Tl;dr, don't fix what ain't broke.

But that notice will be read by everybody and make sure everybody at least knows *about* the stickies.. I suppose stickies can remain…

Another thing is that the original post says nothing about removing the stickies.

Thanks for reading,
Austinato

Austinato wrote:

jokebookservice1 wrote:

MathlyCat wrote:

So you're saying that since we remove the stickies people who clearly go against them have nothing to reference

Yeah no, the stickies, even if not looked at by everyone will still get mentioned to those who haven't yet and server their purpose.
Tl;dr, don't fix what ain't broke.

But that notice will be read by everybody and make sure everybody at least knows *about* the stickies.. I suppose stickies can remain…

Another thing is that the original post says nothing about removing the stickies.

Thanks for reading,
Austinato

Still stickies are a larger reference point,

And yeah I'm just eliminating the fact that removal of stickies… though it said it before the edit no?

I tl;dr because my wording may get confusing

MathlyCat wrote:

Still stickies are a larger reference point, and yeah I'm just eliminating the fact that removal of stickies… though it said it before the edit no?

I tl;dr because my wording may get confusing

Yes it did, but at this point I am remaining neutral about keeping or eliminating the stickies.

Thanks for reading,
Austinato

(Edit - Fixed BBCode.)

Bump.

Bump.

1. No support, distracting.
2. Semi-support, this could make Scratch look like social media…
3. Support, this is a really good idea! It would also make the forums more welcoming.
4. I don't understand. You mean it would say that on the topic, people who had posted in it would receive the notification, or it would appear if somebody tried to post? And what's the difference between preventing and blocking?