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11/20/2004 07:49:50 AM · #1 |
In a fit of illness induced insanity I've decided to tackle writing up a "Newbies Guide to DPC".
The basic idea is to create a document that covers some of the "unwritten" rules of DPC, and summarizes the written rules that trip people up most frequently. Examples include not replying to comments during challenges, double checking dates, don't feed the political threads (kidding!) etc. I've had a great deal of success with these types of newbie guides in other large online communities.
Much of this is information located in a variety of different spots )FAQ, TOS, forum threads). The idea is to centralize it a bit and make it easier to access.
What I'd like from you guys is some feedback about things that you think are major newbie landmines. Particularly I'd like to hear from international users. Are there any things that tripped you up particularly when you joined the site?
You can PM me if you don't want to post to the thread.
One more thing. This isn't a DPC is horrible thread. Negative commentary will be cheerfully ignored. :) The goal here is to make things a little nicer for all of us.
Cheers.
Clara
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11/20/2004 07:57:12 AM · #2 |
Good idea Clara, apart from the ones you mention one of the major boo boos is the size of their submissions, many don't realise how it can lose votes.
Paul.
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11/20/2004 08:23:47 AM · #3 |
Clara, this is awesome.
You should probably include a few of the more common net.newbie misakes, for example:
-Use the forum search before starting a new thread on a topic
-Don't feed the trolls
-DON'T POST IN ALL CAPS
-In the forums, don't forget there are people at the receiving end of your post. Treat them with the civility and respect you expect in return.
And a few site-specific ones:
-Don't request DQ for not meeting the challenge
-Hold on to your originals
-Keep forum signatures short and avoid flashy/animated graphics
Thanks again!
-Terry
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11/20/2004 08:38:25 AM · #4 |
I like to feed trolls..... why can't I? They might starve!!!!
I do not agree... |
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11/20/2004 08:41:37 AM · #5 |
In this context, "trolls" are users who deliberately post inflammatory posts (or word their posts in an inflammatory way) in order to stir up trouble. They thrive on disrupting forum discussions.
In most communities, it is understood that the best way to deal with that behaviour is to ignore it and move on. The trolls, lacking the attention they were looking for, eventually get bored and move on.
-Terry
Message edited by author 2004-11-20 08:41:48.
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11/20/2004 08:45:09 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by Bolti:
I like to feed trolls..... why can't I? They might starve!!!!
I do not agree... |
It is okay to be revolutionary here to have radical ideas with an overall outstanding view of site change, but to post in order to irritate and make people upset is not acceptable. |
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11/20/2004 08:54:11 AM · #7 |
That is a good example, what is a Troll?
Maybe a site dictionary Dof=
Time zones explained.
Original photos request including RAW.
DQ request, maybe just a hyperlink needed.
How to vote, what average vote given to aim for.
How to comment, again hyperlink
How to correct a incorrect vote.
I'd love to see a critique check list!
Outtakes, when is it acceptable to post.
Similar photos for critique in forum before start of voting. |
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11/20/2004 08:58:21 AM · #8 |
How to use the toolbar when you post a message in the forums to add a link and post a thumbnail. I've seen that question a million times. Also a reminder to not post large pictures directly into the forum threads.
Thanks |
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11/20/2004 09:02:17 AM · #9 |
| Here's a Newbie question; What is Wish List?...(I truley dont know).thxs |
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11/20/2004 09:03:15 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by pcody:
How to use the toolbar when you post a message in the forums to add a link and post a thumbnail. I've seen that question a million times. Also a reminder to not post large pictures directly into the forum threads.
Thanks |
There's already a tutorial about Forum Code but a short explanation of these buttons and a link to the Tutorial would be adequate.
I'd also like to see something rather than just How-To's but a place for newbies to see what the site's worth. Maybe a list of quotes from users about the site and maybe an explanation of what this site is really here for. I'd be glad to contribute! Great idea Clara. |
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11/20/2004 09:06:28 AM · #11 |
Good question.
The wish list feature is a tie-in with DPC Prints, a site which allows DPC members to sell prints of their photograpy. Adding an image to your wish list from here adds it to your wish list on DPC Prints if and when that photograph is offered as a print.
-Terry
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11/20/2004 09:22:43 AM · #12 |
Other things off the top of my head to include:
- Remind voters that "anything goes" if it could be considered a border, even if it looks like it is "Advanced Editing" in a "Basic Editing" challenge. If they don't like it, they should leave a comment and vote accordingly, but don't recommend the photo for DQ because of a "border violation" (unless it contains clip art or text.)
- Include a "how to" on creating a simple border around the edge of a photo
- Explain what to do if thumbnails are missing when visiting DPC. (Specifically, if they are using some sort of "Internet Security" program, to go into its "Settings" and add "dpchallenge.com", "www.dpchallenge.com" and "images.dpchallenge.com" to the "white list" or whatever it is called in their application.)
- Include a link to this tutorial on how to resize images for challenge submission. (Speaking of which, I hope you consider writing the doc in HTML so it is "browser friendly" and doesn't require Acrobat, Microsoft Word, etc. If you want your guide to have the DPC "look and feel", you can "View Source" on that tutorial and use the same style sheet/formatting for sections, etc.)
- Tell them to check the FAQ before posting in the forums
Message edited by author 2004-11-20 09:25:47. |
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11/20/2004 09:50:46 PM · #13 |
Thanks guys! This is an awesome start. What are some other things that would be good? Anyone have some good newbie mistakes they'd care to share from when they started?
Clara
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11/20/2004 10:10:05 PM · #14 |
You might want to mention that the words "Recent Portfolio Additions" on someone's profile page are a link to their portfolio. I think a lot of newbies don't pick up on this point right away. It is often perceived as just a heading for the photos below it, as is the "Highest Rated Photographs" directly above it.
And also mention that you can view all your comments by clicking on the numbers on your profile page. People are always asking about that in the forums.
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11/20/2004 10:20:33 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by Gurilla:
Outtakes, when is it acceptable to post.
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Now that you mention it, Gurilla, this newbie wants to know, just when IS it acceptable to post outtakes? I didn't realize that sometimes it isn't.
I like your idea, blemt, for the Newbie Guide, and appreciate your willingness to take on such a task. It would be helpful. |
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11/20/2004 10:24:23 PM · #16 |
| Since I'm a newbie, here's another question (by the way, Thanks Terry for above!). How to attach a image for comments/suggestions on a new thread? Another question if you dont mind. Once a challenge is over you can see how it was scored, commenters, w/camera, and no camera. First two I understand, who are the non-camera voters? Carla, this a great idea you have going here, Thanks! |
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11/20/2004 10:29:44 PM · #17 |
As a newbie, I would really appreciate the information. Great idea!
KDO |
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11/20/2004 10:42:28 PM · #18 |
I don't know if this is asking for to much, but putting the rules in a more simple way, like you can do this on advanced editing, bla bla. Make it more simple because sometimes i still have my doubts. Again if this isn't asking to much. Blempt great inciative. Thanks a lot for thinking of that. Keep up the good work.
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11/20/2004 11:19:32 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Discraft:
I don't know if this is asking for to much, but putting the rules in a more simple way, like you can do this on advanced editing, bla bla. Make it more simple because sometimes i still have my doubts. Again if this isn't asking to much. Blempt great inciative. Thanks a lot for thinking of that. Keep up the good work. |
Don't want to put too much of a load on you but possibly some examples of commonly misinterpreted or asked about rules and guidelines? just a thought... If you'd like help with the tutorial I'd be glad to assist.
Lee |
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11/20/2004 11:22:36 PM · #20 |
I have entered one photo in the Black and White II challenge, and I have two pending so I am certainly not the voice of experience, but maybe you could explain what it means to critique a photo. Maybe a reminder of what to look for when evaluating a photograph would help, too.
So far the critiques I have received address only the most basic technical aspects of dp. When I comment and vote on photos, I also look at artistic elements: composition, framing, capturing a subject's emotion, line, use of light and shadow, symbolism, motif, use of color, focal point. etc... I certainly see the merit in addressing the technical, but a photograph transcends to the level of art when all the elements are considered along with technical skill.
Simply saying an element is too soft or out of focus doesn't help me a bit. Guess what, I already know that. It is like telling a basketball player he missed a shot. Tell me how to fix it or why it doesn't work. A soft focus could be intended. When I comment, if I recommend a change, I write why and how I would change a photograph. That gives the artist something to comtemplate and then accept or reject based on his or her goals regarding that photograph. If a photograph strikes me as amazing, I write that and I include why I feel the photo transcends the ordinary. A generic comment is lazy and is as useless as no comment at all. |
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11/20/2004 11:25:28 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by kdolso:
I have entered one photo in the Black and White II challenge, and I have two pending so I am certainly not the voice of experience, but maybe you could explain what it means to critique a photo. Maybe a reminder of what to look for when evaluating a photograph would help, too.
So far the critiques I have received address only the most basic technical aspects of dp. When I comment and vote on photos, I also look at artistic elements: composition, framing, capturing a subject's emotion, line, use of light and shadow, symbolism, motif, use of color, focal point. etc... I certainly see the merit in addressing the technical, but a photograph transcends to the level of art when all the elements are considered along with technical skill.
Simply saying an element is too soft or out of focus doesn't help me a bit. Guess what, I already know that. It is like telling a basketball player he missed a shot. Tell me how to fix it or why it doesn't work. A soft focus could be intended. When I comment, if I recommend a change, I write why and how I would change a photograph. That gives the artist something to comtemplate and then accept or reject based on his or her goals regarding that photograph. If a photograph strikes me as amazing, I write that and I include why I feel the photo transcends the ordinary. A generic comment is lazy and is as useless as no comment at all. |
I understand your concerns with this but IMHO I feel that this does not need to be in a Newbies thread. Possibly you could make a suggested guide to critiquing/commenting thread. I think that this is beyond what the average newbie generally goes through as they are just starting out here on DPC.
Lee |
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11/20/2004 11:41:34 PM · #22 |
I beg to differ. A quick overview of what to look for, since newbies are expected to vote, is essential.
KDO
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11/21/2004 12:08:24 AM · #23 |
| You might want to check out what's already in this Tutorial created for the transition to the "current" incarnation of DPC almost 2 years ago. |
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11/21/2004 12:20:29 AM · #24 |
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11/21/2004 12:29:49 AM · #25 |
Perhaps not a newbie related item, but a list of SC rulings concerning site conduct (rules clarifications, accepted forum practices, etc.) that we learn by keeping up with the events as they happen -- but a newbie would not know about.
Of course, this would likely need SC collaboration to get off the ground.
David
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