Bitcoin Forum

It's a regular occurrence on the forum to see threads/topic subjects that are started with either capital letters,colored fonts,mixture of various colors,clustering of unnecessary images etc, trying to be catchy/over catchy I think

While such poster may think he or she is trying to beautify the whole place,its really unnecessary and makes subsequent readers feel such OP is simply trying to hide redundancy with all the flashy colors and bold text

It's difficult to see such threads being merited,and maybe the reason why some users on the forum hardly get merited,its always best to keep things simple and use such features only when they are necessary,probably to highlight or underscore a fact or an idea that should really stand out

You can read the entire thread by theymos to act as a guide on how to start topics:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=102944.0

^--- This! If you want me to read what you have to say... just say it!

Basically, there are far too many posters going for "Style and/or Size over Substance" ::) Generally, this manifests as giant, unnecessary "crypto" pics that have no relation to the post itself. A prime example of this can be found here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5044840.0

Lol, this really happens to be a perfect example,even if the post could have some meaning,the pics that sure are not related to it, already passes it off as being unreadable

Here is a perfect example post of abusing font.
Beginners Guide for Ranking UP (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5070742.0)

Exaggerated title+Dreadful opening post+Glaring colorful font+Merit begging=Spam
 ;D

It's made by a newbie with 0 merit. I guess that such user should learn to read before giving advises to others.


Back on topic: I think it also worth mentioning the ultra-long posts, usually "structured" as a "wall of text". Those need to be avoided too where possible. Usually people don't need too long texts to explain an idea.

Very apt, members should be tutored on correct use of fonts and posting tools such as polls and quotes.
 this would help keep all threads readable and relevant.

In a bid to get attention, for merits or to promote their ANNs some use colourful and large fonts, while it attracts attention to the post it repels users from reading the write up.
Keep it simple and direct,

In addition to what op has said, Keeping the subject simple shouldn't just be applied to only the format of writing but it should also be applied in the meaning of the topic. Your title should be short and simple while still passing the intended message it was created for. Example, the topic title  Scammers prey on ignorance (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5075354.0\) is self explanatory while being short and simple. Just as this current topic is. If these two topics were to be started by others I would had be discourage to read because of their title. Topic starters should always try their best to keep it short and simple expect on rare occasions when a long title is needed for better understanding.

I am always thinking about a question, why the more beginners like to use the flashy colors and bold text.
Do they think that because of their low rank and the time spent in the forum is not long, so they must use some of the ways they think are attractive enough to make people notice their posts？
Thinking about the reasons behind them, I think maybe between a newbie post and a old user post, we will pay more attention to the posts of high rank users, and may ignore newbie's post.
I think it is necessary to break this stereotype. If we do an experiment, hide the user name and personal information of all users except the Meirt source for a while, then give us a check on who finally got the more merit. Of course, the probability that the old user gets the merit is higher than the new user, but there will definitely be some new users who stand out from the crowd.
This is just one of my thoughts, maybe it will be an interesting idea.

I totally agree with you on that. Most of the times, the title kind of misleads you, which happens a lot with me. Every person has their own reading preferences and they all like to read stuff they are interested in. Some people start topics with titles that are the complete opposite of what is actually being discussed inside of it, and it is really annoying to read a title and open the topic in excitement to read something good and then you find out that it has nothing to do with what it refers to in the title.

I've also come across this types of OP, I really do not get their intention,or if the subject title is used as a bait to attract other members to open it, but the content of the Original post is actually in total difference with what they made you believe,with the topic.It really could be annoying most times

Proper grammar is important in a post, but proper use of tools and delivery is equally as important, and maybe more.
We should all know how to design and style topics and how to use posting icons to make posts readable.
The content of the post is the most important factor.

Good suggestions. I often see less experienced users typing thread title in capital letters. Maybe they think  that it can help to attract visitors to their thread, but in reality capital letters means screaming and people tend to avoid such threads. I also can add one thing - avoid clickbait. It's very annoying to open thread when you see interesting title, but inside you find completely not related content or fake news.

Its about beign in internet as a whole for a while. In past Netethics was important, dont write in caps in general which can get into details also.
Today many young people don't know basic internet "rules" of good behaviour. They need time to learn it, by mistakes often which angers other people.
Education is key.

Glad you do, I also experience what you stated in your reply. I make use of the ignore button most times when I come across such topics. they came be found in their numerous numbers on the bitcoin discussion board but that doesn't discourage my regular visit to board. I also notice the newbies and jnr member are the most offenders.

Unless of course it is for an Announcement or Bounty in which case fancy graphics are expected. Otherwise, an informative subject line is preferred and one that is related to the post rather than click baity stuff