A Non-Skippable Screen That Tells New Forum Users How To Use The Forums

Quantum1993

I've noticed that a lot of the forums are clogged by duplicate topics and rejected suggestions. I think adding a non-skippable intro screen for new forum users that explains how to use the forums correctly would be beneficial to all Scratchers, new or old.

The screen would explain how to make a post, find out if your topic is a duplicate, check to see if your suggestion has been rejected, and more.

By educating new users in how to use the forums, we would get more organized forums.

VERY EARLY MOCKUP (not finished):

Welcome to the Discussion Forums, Username!

Here you can ask questions about Scratch, get updates from the Scratch Team, and more.

Each forum is for different posts, so be sure to check where yours should go before posting.
Announcements: only the Scratch Team can post here. Check here frequently for updates about Scratch, such as server downtime.
New Scratchers: if you are new to Scratch, say hello and introduce yourself here.
Help with Scripts: can't figure out how to fix a bug, or can't figure out how to code something at all? Ask for help here.
Project Ideas: Get inspiration for projects here.

Last edited by Quantum1993 (March 28, 2024 14:14:59)

Manager of Quantum Games and Quantum Software
Are you an experienced Scratcher? Join the Jurassic Park: Security Shift Development Team at https://scratch.mit.edu/studios/34523787

Za-Chary

Quantum1993 wrote:
I've noticed that a lot of the forums are clogged by duplicate topics and rejected suggestions.

What's wrong with that?

This is my forum signature! On a forum post, it is okay for Scratchers to advertise in their forum signature. The signature is the stuff that shows up below the horizontal line on the post. It will show up on every post I make.

I was a Scratch Team member from May 10th 2019 to October 29th 2021.

my notebook | scratch team essay | accessibility essay

cactus-cacti

Za-Chary wrote:
Quantum1993 wrote:
I've noticed that a lot of the forums are clogged by duplicate topics and rejected suggestions.
What's wrong with that?

Agreed, that’s just people learning about the ways of the forums. Sometimes you just have to learn the harder way when you first start out, and that could be better than a tutorial.

Barney_at_Bonels83

Quantum1993 wrote:
I've noticed that a lot of the forums are clogged by duplicate topics and rejected suggestions.

you know some of those are coincidences, right?

SPONGES CAN POST ON FORUMS TOO

TOP 5 SPONGES OF ALL TIME ON THE FORUMS
1. SpongeBob
2. SpongeBob
3. SpongeBob
4. SpongeBob
5. Mr. Clean

most recent or not quotes I find funny:

bittensboy wrote:
horizontal_shading wrote:
say [I've been here since part 6, no way it's part 8 now]
there was a part seven.
play note (you forgot. v) for (0.5) beats::pen
source

https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/706823/?page=2#post-7471830

pikachuLuke5 wrote:

MagicCoder330 wrote:
Yeah, and we should also celebrate Annoy Squidward day on February 15th! /hj

Still, good idea. Even if it wouldn't be that big an addition, it would be a fun thing to see. I'm sure a majority of users would enjoy it, or at least not hate it.source

couldn't find anything else

Quantum1993

Za-Chary wrote:
Quantum1993 wrote:
I've noticed that a lot of the forums are clogged by duplicate topics and rejected suggestions.
What's wrong with that?

Using the ‘Questions about Scratch’ forum as an example, let's say a user has a question, and posts it. Then, several other users accidentally posted questions that would fit better in ‘Help with Scripts.’ The original user has to wait longer, as they are either at the bottom of the first page, or on the second.

This screen would solve that problem by telling new users where certain posts go, resulting in less clutter and faster help for those who need it.

Manager of Quantum Games and Quantum Software
Are you an experienced Scratcher? Join the Jurassic Park: Security Shift Development Team at https://scratch.mit.edu/studios/34523787

Quantum1993

Barney_at_Bonels83 wrote:
Quantum1993 wrote:
I've noticed that a lot of the forums are clogged by duplicate topics and rejected suggestions.
you know some of those are coincidences, right?

Yes, but if we tell users how to check if someone has already posted about a topic, then there would be less necessary topics, and more important ones.

Manager of Quantum Games and Quantum Software
Are you an experienced Scratcher? Join the Jurassic Park: Security Shift Development Team at https://scratch.mit.edu/studios/34523787

Za-Chary

Quantum1993 wrote:
Using the ‘Questions about Scratch’ forum as an example, let's say a user has a question, and posts it. Then, several other users accidentally posted questions that would fit better in ‘Help with Scripts.’ The original user has to wait longer, as they are either at the bottom of the first page, or on the second.

Why can't they just bump their post? Note that it is not intended to get immediate answers in the forums.

Last edited by Za-Chary (March 28, 2024 14:07:57)

This is my forum signature! On a forum post, it is okay for Scratchers to advertise in their forum signature. The signature is the stuff that shows up below the horizontal line on the post. It will show up on every post I make.

I was a Scratch Team member from May 10th 2019 to October 29th 2021.

my notebook | scratch team essay | accessibility essay

cactus-cacti

Quantum1993 wrote:
Using the ‘Questions about Scratch’ forum as an example, let's say a user has a question, and posts it. Then, several other users accidentally posted questions that would fit better in ‘Help with Scripts.’ The original user has to wait longer, as they are either at the bottom of the first page, or on the second.

Adding on to Za-Chary’s post, people can just report those HwS posts to be moved to a better forum, and their question will eventually be resolved.

Quantum1993

cactus-cacti wrote:
Quantum1993 wrote:
Using the ‘Questions about Scratch’ forum as an example, let's say a user has a question, and posts it. Then, several other users accidentally posted questions that would fit better in ‘Help with Scripts.’ The original user has to wait longer, as they are either at the bottom of the first page, or on the second.
Adding on to Za-Chary’s post, people can just report those HwS posts to be moved to a better forum, and their question will eventually be resolved.

Adding this screen would also result in the Scratch Team having to move less topics, as new users would known where everything goes.

Manager of Quantum Games and Quantum Software
Are you an experienced Scratcher? Join the Jurassic Park: Security Shift Development Team at https://scratch.mit.edu/studios/34523787

Barney_at_Bonels83

also what about stickies

SPONGES CAN POST ON FORUMS TOO

TOP 5 SPONGES OF ALL TIME ON THE FORUMS
1. SpongeBob
2. SpongeBob
3. SpongeBob
4. SpongeBob
5. Mr. Clean

most recent or not quotes I find funny:

bittensboy wrote:
horizontal_shading wrote:
say [I've been here since part 6, no way it's part 8 now]
there was a part seven.
play note (you forgot. v) for (0.5) beats::pen
source

https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/706823/?page=2#post-7471830

pikachuLuke5 wrote:

MagicCoder330 wrote:
Yeah, and we should also celebrate Annoy Squidward day on February 15th! /hj

Still, good idea. Even if it wouldn't be that big an addition, it would be a fun thing to see. I'm sure a majority of users would enjoy it, or at least not hate it.source

couldn't find anything else

The_Blue_J

This should happen only in the main page of the forums though…

Goodness knows how many scratchers have stumbled upon the Announcements section (you only need to click View All, next to Scratch News to get there), I feel quite uncomfortable leading hundreds of Scratchers into the forums.

Otherwise, I think this should be implemented…

Last edited by The_Blue_J (March 28, 2024 19:50:54)

(☆ ᴗ ☆:: custom-arg) // Here is FARFR, He stands for Frequently Asked Reasons For Rejection and protects my topics and my signatures.

Here's the game I worked on the most..ㅤ:: variables :: hat

cactus-cacti

The_Blue_J wrote:
This should happen only in the main page of the forums though…

Goodness knows how many scratchers have stumbled upon the Announcements section (you only need to click View All, next to Scratch News to get there), I feel quite uncomfortable leading hundreds of Scratchers into the forums.

Otherwise, I think this should be implemented…

what do you mean? wouldn’t this only appear once a user had found out about the forums anyway?

Quantum1993

cactus-cacti wrote:
The_Blue_J wrote:
This should happen only in the main page of the forums though…

Goodness knows how many scratchers have stumbled upon the Announcements section (you only need to click View All, next to Scratch News to get there), I feel quite uncomfortable leading hundreds of Scratchers into the forums.

Otherwise, I think this should be implemented…
what do you mean? wouldn’t this only appear once a user had found out about the forums anyway?

Some people might find the forums, and not know much about them.

Manager of Quantum Games and Quantum Software
Are you an experienced Scratcher? Join the Jurassic Park: Security Shift Development Team at https://scratch.mit.edu/studios/34523787

among_us1w2

dupe of https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/732849/ ?
edit: oh God i hate mobile ui it made me close 1 min open

Last edited by among_us1w2 (March 28, 2024 21:24:26)

scratchers on the forums from 10-500 posts have at most, a 7 short sentence span for replies. if you cant keep your posts in this range, then dont act suprised when someone asks for simplified version
bag randomizer for good games
experience the true chicken nuggies theft simulator : gobo | story
(Removed by Moderator - People with a TV head for a profile picture cannot discuss about the heart and soul of art) /j

OwO :: #44bd8d
^-^ :: #44bd8d

lgrov44

among_us1w2 wrote:
dupe of https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/732849/ ?
edit: oh God i hate mobile ui it made me close 1 min open

Seems so.

lgrov44, an Australian Scratcher whose most famous for his follows, followed by his activity, especially on Discussion Forums, and his follower count. Is also a remix chainer and school student. Identifies as bisexual.

My top 3 favourite people:
1. @Higgies (deleted) - First Follower, Thank you so much! (Wish you could see this…)
2. @Dubstepv1 (Banned/Moved) - Remix Chainer
3. @GIitchInTheMatrix (Moved to @GlitchedThrough) - Many small things.
Still looking for one of my first followers who are still active.

Discuss Scratch