Short/one word useless posts

I mostly post in the "Suggestions" section myself and it has come to my attention that a lot of people just post "cool" or "nice" - one word posts which are rather useless(there is the "like" button to say that you liked it. No need to post uselessly). I presume that it is done to raise post-count perhaps or maybe just to draw attention to themselves.
I've seen this thread:
http://community.playstarbound.com/index.php?threads/the-guide-to-good-posting.2941/
But i don't think most people notice it. I don't even dare to ask if they read it. And thus this results in a ton of one-word useless posts in every thread. I think something should be done about it.
Perhaps they could receive a PM linking them to the "guide to good posting" thread at least?
Then if they ignore it they could get a warning or something.

Well, you see what i mean. Any thoughts?

 

To quote a very, very wise armadillo... "ok".

Only kidding, but yes the mods should probably crack down on them.
What's more is now that the trophy/title system is getting an overhaul and post count will be the deciding factor in ranks, we'll be seeing a lot more useless/one word posts.

 

Really, to me at least, if one wants to say "cool" or "nice".....that is the whole purpose of the Like button.

I don't necessarily see a direct correlation between the length of a post and the quality of it.....and that includes something like a single image. I could post an image that is very material to the thread.....or I could post a played-out meme image.....one of those is quality, the other not.

But....yeah.....it would be nice if folks would read the "rules/cultural norms" of a community before diving in - but each of us can do our best to set a positive example in parallel. It doesn't always have to be staff/punishment driven, IMHO (do not take that to mean backseat modding....merely setting an example with subtle nudges)

As to your poll, they only slightly annoy me.....it just clutters things.

 

The like system is intended to prevent this - instead of just saying "cool", they can like the post.

I don't know if this is possible, but an interesting solution to this would be if mods could turn one word posts into likes for the main post. This would be particularly useful in the Suggestions section, where the problem usually is. Unfortunately, I doubt that could happen.

 

I've been to a few forums that actually have a typing requisite. If your message is too short, it'll say something like "Your message must consist of 70 or more characters." I think that would be the best solution.

 

It might.....but its tough. Interesting solution, though. You get equal parts folks trying to circumvent it (one word post followed by nonsequiter gibberish to make the post work) and folks who can effectively communicate very briefly being forced to add extra "stuff" just because.

Based on experience from both "sides of the glass", I guess I'm just of the mind that a cultural example/expectation approach is the most sustainable one....but it really doesn't have to be either/or.

 

The problem is that they use the like button, but STILL write those useless posts in addition anyway. I use the like button too instead of commenting when i don't have anything to say but simply like the idea. I do understand that short posts can be good, and i don't argue with that, but what annoys me is something short and useless.

Also, i don't suggest punishment instantly, i only suggest a kind PM to start with that link you to the required threads. If the user doesn't change, then a warning. If it still doesn't work, then a stricter warning. Only at the last resort is punishment. Perhaps it wouldn't be a ban. Limited posting capabilities or something. So you could only post X messages a day. That would make them save those messages for actually important stuff.

What do you mean by saying my poll "clutters things"?

So as i said - perhaps the wanted result could be reached by limiting the posting capabilities of those who misbehave?

 

Yeah, see that example all of the time in my moderating.....like+one word or just one word.....usually a gentle nudge in public or private works far better than a slap out of the gate - like you said. Frequent fliers, on the other hand......still, it never really rises to a level above being a nuisance when contrasted with personal attacks, trolling, etc. I just like to deal with people as people first....and use systems for control only when the former doesn't work.

I wasn't commenting on your poll itself....I was commenting on why I voted "slightly".

 

I agree completely. A nudge and a gentle pointer might help people improve. A kick out the door only breeds hate and anger.

Of course, it's a nuisance compared to trolling, flaming and etc. but it should still be dealt with. If a mosquito lands on your hand when you lie in bed with a broken leg, you will slap the mosquito anyway, even though it's just a nuisance compared to the sickness. You shouldn't ignore smaller problems just because there are larger ones.

 

Absolutely not (regarding ignoring small problems)....agree there. Just always have to balance the level of push/pull needed aligned to the issue....and whether a push or a pull is more appropriate - in marketing terms.

Sounds like we are more or less on the same page there....

 

Although I do find it kind of irritating I think it's only a problem when used to up ones post count. The occasional, "cool" or "awesome" isn't soooooo bad but if it's all a user does and they never add anything of use to a discussion then I believe it becomes an issue that may need intervention. On the topic of intervention I mostly agree with you guys that simple pm or post can really help encourage someone to post well in the future and should they refuse to listen some action should be taken.

I think overall, as a community, we should just try and encourage well thought out posts and lead through example. Maybe even going so far as letting other members know we want to hear their opinions too. It's up to all of us to help build a strong community here.