http://qs1969.pair.com?node_id=87185


in reply to Re: Re: New Monks
in thread New Monks

Fixed the Monastery and other typos.

Looks like the consensus view is no big spam mail, but the basic idea is OK. Text changed to reflect this so this node becomes where we want to direct new monks. As has been noted there are three possible ways to do this:

1. Send a link to here with the password email.

2. Send a /msg to each new user with the link.

3. Add a link to here to the new user's home node +/- an option to remove this link.

I think all three might be the best to ensure it has a fair chance of being seen by those who may benefit. The password email will stay short, the /msg can be removed with a single click, and the link on the home node keeps it available and if an optional remove this link checkbox is included you can ditch that easily to. There are a host of options in the user settings config already.

To test support for each of these options I have added three nodes, one for each option. I would invite you all to vote ++ for your preferred options, and - or nothing if you don't like them.

Sure I may get a few extra XP from this - maybe I will get all the voting nodes reaped :-( but as they say 1,000,000 XP and 2 bits buys you a cup of coffee.

If you want to vote without giving me XPs I have added a node where you can vote (-) to give me negative XPs to even the balance from voting.

tachyon

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Re: Re: Re: New Monks
by ZZamboni (Curate) on Jun 09, 2001 at 19:38 UTC
    I voted on those already, but a few comments:
    2. Send a /msg to each new user with the link.
    I'm not saying that we should (most likely we should not, at least not without approval) but this could be implemented without changes to the server, by someone having a program that monitors the "New users" section of Newest Nodes and automatically /msg's them. Of course, it would be much better if the message came from root.
    3. Add a link to here to the new user's home node +/- an option to remove this link.
    This could be implemented without the need for one more user option. Simply add it as the default text of a new user's home node, and then the user can remove it him/herself.

    On the other hand, I upvoted this idea, but now I'm not so sure I like it very much, because all the people who create accounts and never come back will have home nodes with these little messages...

    So here's another idea: how about adding a link to this node as the first thing in the "information" nodelete (call it "Welcome message" or something like that), and by default make it the first node, so that new users will be more likely to see it. Maybe make that link bold for all initiates.

    --ZZamboni

      I think it should definitely be with approval otherwise the bottom line is you are JAPS (Just Another B$%#*! Spammer). Help not harassment is the theme.

      The problem with information is that we are all drowning in it. To use a very well worn old chesnut what I am aiming for is to provide a concise link to the "Best of the best".

      I think we have all probably wished we knew then what we know now. I personally could have saved megabits of bandwidth and days of frustration if I had been aware of some of these links when I first came to Perl.

      The feedback has been great with a fair bit of consensus emerging.

      Thanks for your time.

      tachyon

Re: Re: Re: Re: New Monks
by jynx (Priest) on Jun 10, 2001 at 05:49 UTC

    2. Send a /msg to each new user with the link.

    One problem with this is that some users may not immediately know how to get rid of the message after they have gotten the link. If you are to /msg the new user you should also include instructions (or a link) on how to get rid of the message so that they don't have to go searching for it themselves. Sometimes people don't find it out for a while :-)

    just my thoughts,
    jynx

      I am in total agreement that new users may not understand the /msg system. It took me quite a while (I'd rather not admit how long) to twig to the little boxes at the top of chatterbox.

      The fact that they may need to perhaps have read Chatterbox Information before they can get rid or the link seems more of a feature than a bug to me.

      Part of the idea behind this is to *very gently* encourage new users to 'RTFM' by providing links to resources they should know about and will almost invariably find helpful at some stage.

      Thanks for taking the time to answer

      tachyon