What Would You Say To The Newer Members Of CD - 2nd Edition

[indieFan]

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

[Chris Hibner]

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?"

[Ian Curtis]

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"]

Originally Posted by 1.3.37 "Really Important Rule"

Be sure to review the manual before posting a question. Also, check the official FIRST Q&A to be sure it has not been answered there. And always remember, rules from prior years do not apply this year.

[JaneYoung]

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

[rsisk]

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.

[dqmot17]

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

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by dqmot17

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.

You also never know when a friendship will spring up, or what you will end up with. I've developed great relationships just by posting, and by other means (Twitter, a little Facebook, AIM). I've gained a custom pair of Converse shoes, several people who give great advice, an appearance at a demo, and several fun hours of playing Pokemon TCG, among other things. This doesn't even include the friendships I know I'll keep for a lifetime, the insights I've gained about all aspects of FIRST, and the changes in my personality.

Basically: stay involved, make friends, and dnt' sp33k liek dis pl0x

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

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

I'm noticing this too ... and I'm wondering if CD is making it red because their rep is 0.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Daniel_LaFleur

I'm noticing this too ... and I'm wondering if CD is making it red because their rep is 0.

0 (neutral) is supposed to be gray.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Daniel_LaFleur

I'm noticing this too ... and I'm wondering if CD is making it red because their rep is 0.

I'll send an example to Brandon and ask him to check on it.
Thanks,
Jane

[JayNico]

Cross-check your sources. Unless you're getting your information directly from FIRST, don't rely on it until you verify it. Rules especially.

[remulasce]

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.