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What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
Hello all:
There has been an increase in posts, threads, membership over the past few weeks in CD and it will continue for a while. Last June, Ken Leung started a thread like this: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=47752 I thought it might be helpful for us to read some of the posts in this thread and to add to in this new thread. Ken's was created during Off-Season so I thought it might be better to start a new one. Please do take the time to read some of the posts in the thread, they are filled with thought and wisdom regarding how we can best offer information, advice, and present our views. What would you like to say to help the newer members? Jane |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
I'm going to say the same thing as I did last time, but I'm also going to add a few things.
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New material: Be yourself! Let us know a bit about you through what and how you post. Be clear. If we can't understand what you are asking, we don't stand a chance of helping you. If we can understand, we may or may not be able to help, depending on what you ask. (We here is collective--many may not know about the nuances of C. Others may not know what 80-20 aluminum is, but can tell you all about C.) If someone suggests a way to improve, follow it. If you can't understand why the suggestion is made, private message (PM) that person and ask for clarification, and I'm sure he or she will be happy to explain. |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
The one thing i would say is this
Don't ever take anything Dave Lavery says seriously he is just playing with your minds |
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Main thing newbies? DON'T GET INTIMIDATED! Honestly, we're not that scary. Remember that you are not just representing your team, you're also representing yourself. Be concious and aware to speak and act in ways that will reflect well on your team. But honestly, this program is here for fun guys, so have fun with it! Get into it and learn as much as you can! If I can learn about how a motor makes a wheel move, trust me, FIRST can teach anyone anything. :D |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
When I was in AFJROTC back in high school, the instructor would occasionally tell students to "speak clearly and distinctly." I'd apply the same wisdom here; the more details you can give clearly, the more likely you are to successfully get help. Generally, that involves a paragraph or two; one-line questions generally will result in some easy questions before we can get to the real core of the question.
(oh, and don't bump posts) |
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Use the "add to reputation" feature with discretion. If the post makes a new, good point, go ahead and give a positive rep. If you do not agree with an opinion, do not give negative reps.
Be wary of flames, and recognize them for what they are. Last, Search before you start a new thread. Chances are someone has already asked your question, and there will be answers in that old, dead thread. |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
Once build starts--
Read the manual. Maybe even read it a second time. Hit ctrl-f and search the pdf file for a keyword pertaining to your question. Odds are it's already in there. If you don't do the above, expect people to tell you to read the darn manual when you ask what the diameter of a poof ball is, or how tall your robot can be. |
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-dave |
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Setting Big Mike's comments aside (and if you have to think about the above post for more than four seconds, there is a problem), this entire thread should be required reading for every new user.
-dave |
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We have had many discussions, especially during the playing season, where diverging viewpoints are presented. Sometimes we come to agreement, sometimes not, but we strive to maintain personal respect for each other while we present our views. It is proper to have a disagreement, but it is improper to be disrespectful. |
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Listen to Big Mike when he talks about Dave too!:D Smilies are fun :) but they do:o get a little:mad: annoying!:cool: Just don't put too many of them in one post. EDIT:There is a five smilies limit. :sad smilie: |
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:yikes: :eek: :ahh: :yikes: :eek:
I did not know that, thank you Eric! |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
This has been said before but: Double check and read over your post before you send it so that it means exactly what you want it to. From personal experience I know that this is extremely important.
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Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
In my Meteorology class today, we were talking about seasonal patterns worldwide, some places get no rain for 9 months of the year, and then the rain doesn't seem to stop for the other 3 months. It's the same thing in FIRST, and on Chiefdelphi too, except we get "rain" almost all year long, the "floods" only come for a few months. Anyway, welcome new members, it's an unwritten rule here that you act the way you want to be treated, act the way you would while working on the robot, and thirdly, have fun.
Remember, it's just a game Don't take first too seriously, remember you must be a student to be on the team (mentors are there to help and teach). So make sure you work as hard at your school work as you do on your robot (it'll pay off, big time). Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question (some are just better than others). When the Time comes, don't forget to RTFM (Read The First Manual) It's time for me to go out and dance in the rain, have fun. ps- Their just dots. |
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Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
I thought of one today - it goes something like this -
Gracious Professionalism does not take a holiday. I thought of creating a thread asking what would happen if it did..but my toes started curling and that is never a good sign. Busy season, slow season, bored season, stressed season, each of us works to spread GP in the Chief Delphi community. Our choice of words, our responses, and sometimes what we don't say - are very important in communicating Gracious Professionalism. It is a big part of what the FIRST community strives for when building robots and building people. |
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I've come to realize that, during the season, I manage to post one reply for every two that I start. That is to say I write twice as many posts as actually make it on the site. Half are worth posting, the other half get trashed by me. Don't be afraid to do the same kind of thing. It's never to late to hit the back button till it is.
I like to think about this in a signal to noise concept. Signal is worthwhile posts. The stuff that answers questions, poses important questions and is helpful. Noise is everything that shouldn't be posted in the first place or should stay in Chit-Chat. The ratio between the amount of worthwhile stuff and the junk is the signal to noise ratio of this system. When the signal outweighs the noise, things are productive. Honestly read what you've written before you hit the post button. Are you adding to the discussion? Are you answering a question? Are you qualified to answer the question? Is this post signal or noise? If your posts boils down to "I don't know the answer" then it's probably not worth posting. Educated guesses are usually fine, wild guesses are not. During the season people are usually asking important questions and looking for the correct answer. Wildly incorrect or pointless posts add up to a whole bunch of 'noise' when your looking for that bit of 'signal' that the answer represents. If you know the answer, pipe up! But first make sure you are in fact correct. Then, fully and completely answer the question. Research your post and include pertinent links to information, quote the rule book, reference other posts that might answer the question. Do what it takes to communicate your self even if it does mean taking a few extra minutes. We all reap the benefits. The better the signal to noise ratio, the better the season will run. -Andy A. |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
One thing that I try to do most times before posting can help keep the content of postes quite understandable. The technique is simple, read what you just wrote. And not read silently. Read it outloud, or at least on your breath. Because many grammatical errors, and sentences make no sense, and cannot be discovered until you read it to yourself. This helps me to remain somewhat coherent on here.
Also, welcome, may this new home for the next 4 (or more, hopefully) years of your life be enjoyable. Also, don't let all the scary people with very forcefully presented opinions scare you off. |
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Don't take anything too seriously! I'm serious.
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Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
In addition to reading the full manual, make sure you read the Updates that FIRST puts out.
If you have time, cross-reference the Updates and the Manual. (i.e., actually write in your manual at rule x.x.x that it was replaced by Update 3, Page 2) indieFan |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
Here's a BIG one for me:
If you start a new thread PLEASE be sure to take time thinking about the thread title - make sure it clearly encapsulates the point of the thread. The thread title of this thread ("What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition") is a great example of a good thread title. Usually at the beginning of the year I try to be helpful and read all of the threads. After a while there is just too much clutter and I don't have time to read everything. If I don't know exactly what a thread is about by the title and I don't have all day, I tend to skip it. A good thread title let's people know if they can help before they have to spend time reading the thread. Examples of poorly thought out thread titles: "Help" "Control System Help" "CMUCam" "The Chamionship" Making good thread titles out of the above poor titles: "Help Needed With printf()" "Help Needed With Reading A/Ds" "CMUCam Parameters - How to Compensate for Ambient Light Changes" "Are there good places to eat near the Georgia Dome?" |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
If you are not 100% sure of an answer, do not answer a question without checking your answer. If it's something you can't check it for some reason, don't answer, there are more than likely plenty of people here who can.
If you answer a question about rules, please, please, please reference the rule, ie <R32>, or even better, put the rule directly in your post via the nifty quote function, denoted by the speech bubble on the toolbar on the "Reply to Thread" page. As an example (and if you don't know, you get the header for the quote by putting an = directly after the word "QUOTE", the tag below would be [quote=1.3.37 "Really Important Rule"] Quote:
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Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
I realize that I am resurrecting a thread but I puzzled over where to post for a bit and decided to post here.
We are at a point in the season where new members are participating in ChiefDelphi and it is a new adventure for them. I'm noticing red reps being given to new posters who have less than 3 posts in the fora so far. I would suggest that veteran posters take a moment to help the new poster rather than hitting the red rep button so quickly. If the poster is making multiple posts rather than using an edit button to add to the original post, take the moment that you would spent hitting the red rep button and send them a PM with an explanation of what the edit button is and how it works. Don't assume that everyone knows how to post in CD and is familiar with its features. It doesn't take any time at all to be helpful and to be kind, helping to insure a good start to the season for all. Jane |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
There is a tremendous value in these forums, all there for your benefit.
Find it, know it, love it, nurture it. You will find some of the most intelligent, knowledgeable, helpful people in the world on these forums, ready to share their wisdom with you, no matter who you are. You will learn things you never expected to learn so be sure your mind is open to new things and leave your preconceived notions and attitudes at the door. You will have a much richer experience if you do. And when you are ready, give a little back to CD, because it is all about iterative process improvement. CD makes you a little wiser, then you make CD a little better, making someone else a little wiser. Lather, Rinse, Repeat. |
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Don't read to literally into what people say - They are trying to help you, not make fun of you or criticize you.
Also, try and make friends. This is a great place to meet people that maybe could gain you some things in the future. You never know when that person you talked with is now head of the team that's kicking lots of butt and you want them to pick you. And finally, dont be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes what you may think is a stupid question is what other people want to know but are afraid to ask. This is like a happier school environment.... except here most people know what they are talking about ;) |
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Basically: stay involved, make friends, and dnt' sp33k liek dis pl0x ;) |
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Keywords not keyword as in the plural form. I might call something 1x1 aluminum another person make call it extruded aluminum tubing another make call it square aluminum tubing. Same applies to the manual, while it defines at the beginning and continues to use constant terminology for parts of the field, it may use a different word than you would to describe an illegal action in a rule. Think no running by the pool vs no jogging/sprinting/speed walking by the pool. |
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Thanks, Jane |
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I agree about the posts. I didn't know that when I was younger. Also, try to look at the thread that explain things, don't be afraid to ask questions, be nice to everyone (you never know what kind of position they hold), have fun, play by the rules, and GRACIOUS PROFESSIONALISM!!!!!
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Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
Personally, I think CD is one of the coolest websites out there. The people on it are awesome and actually know what they're talking about. :O It's really helpful to newbies who are trying to get a feel for what FIRST is like, and I think it leaves them with a really good feeling about FIRST.
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Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
let me get all of this advice summarized:
READ THE MANUAL Make sure you know what you are talking about show gracious professionalism don't abuse similes READ THE MANUAL AGAIN Don't overdose on CD or caffine |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
Time to get this started up again before kickoff. Because far too few will take time to read after kickoff ...
1. Read the manual. Many questions can be answered without asking CD users to research for you. It's fine if you read something and don't understand it and want clarification. Or if you thought you remembered reading a rule, and now can't find it. But don't post something like, "Can our bumpers be green?" when the manual clearly says red or blue. (A fr'instance based on last year's rules.) The manuals are pdf files; they are easily searchable. 1a. Don't reply to a rules question unless you really have an answer to it that can be supported. "You should be able to do that ..." is worthless. Quoting a rule that supports your position is helpful. 2. Read the thread before posting a reply to it. We don't want to have to read through your restatement of a fact that has already been brought up 4 times in that thread alone. 3. Search before posting a new topic. It may have been addressed just yesterday. There's a "Search" dropdown in the orange bar at the top of the page - learn to use it. 3a. Post topics in the correct forum. Don't ask questions about programming in the Motors forum - there's a Programming forum just for that. 3b. Stay on track in a thread - don't change the topic. Start a new thread for that (or search for a thread about the topic). 4. Show respect to all users, and to FIRST and their employees and volunteers. This should go without saying, but for some reason it always needs saying. |
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I have a bit of advice for people new to the forum that hasn't been addressed yet (in this thread). Build season can be frustrating for new members of a team and since we do a very complicated task those frustrations can be very bothersome. Please don't vent those frustrations on CD when you are upset by how your team operates or gets things accomplished!
Venting on CD about your own team only makes you look bad. You should take those issues to your team leadership or talk to a mentor. If the situation doesn't get resolved to your satisfaction you may want to consider the possibility that your problem isn't that important or may not even be a problem. What happens on your team is not everyone's business!!!! |
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Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
I have something to add:
The rules section of Chief Delphi are not the rules. FIRST will not accept the excuse "but chief delphi said it was legal" as a reason to break the rules. If you want true clarification, go to the official Q&A forums. |
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Don't be afraid to ask for help AND ask before it is to late to be helped.
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Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
Dont be afraid to try and and fail...that's a lesson never forgotten...and eliminates one possibility..
It took Edison over a 100 tries before he got the light bulb right.. Brian C |
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Don't run away when forum long-timers tell you to search or read the manual; they're not trying to be unfriendly, they're trying to point you towards the most helpful resources available.
And, at this time of year, I'd tell them that we already know that game hint #1 is a picture of Little Eva, and likely points to her hit song "Locomotion" :p |
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I didn't know that most members of Chief Delphi are FRC players. I'm a FTC player so when I ask questions, I assume people know that, but often, I get confused as a FRC player. It just took me a while to notice this, but it would be helpful if I knew that this is primarily a FRC forum.
Maybe I skipped something when I read the intro email, but it just caught me off-guard. |
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Hope this helps! |
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Making it clear that I am from FTC is vital though for the most part. |
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And, like you said, making it clear you're FTC helps a lot. I can see you did a great job of that in your signature. As always, hope this helps, and keep on keepin' on. -Andrew |
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Ok so im new to CD and would like to know how to start a thread
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2. Go into that subforum. 3. Click "New Thread" in the top-left part of the screen. |
Re: What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition
How to start a thread:
Step 0. Search to see if the topic has already been started. You may get your answer right away, or you may be able to add to that thread. This helps keep Chief Delphi organized, and reduces "thread pollution". Then (if needed): Quote:
5: In the Message box, give enough detail that people can likely figure out what you're doing and what you need. 6: Proofread before you post. |
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I'd tell them that CD is easily one of the best and most fun ways to learn about FIRST, robotics in general, mechanical skills, and a good place to go just to have fun
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Remember that this forum is moderated. New users' posts do not go up immediately, to cut down on spam. Moderators must approve the posts.
If you put your team number, team name and location in your profile, I'm much more likely to know that yours is a valid post, and will approve it. :) If you're team 0000 from USA, maybe not. :( |
I would tell them that don't be quick to make a thread about something. Do a very good search about it and if you really can't find the answer, then make a thread.
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Cross-check your sources. Unless you're getting your information directly from FIRST, don't rely on it until you verify it. Rules especially.
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Always make sure to read the "last posted" and "created" date of CD threads. Sometimes you can accidentally necro a decade-old thread after 2 years of silence.
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