Different approach to newbies

[justusranvier]

Instead of letting newbies graduate based on post count and/or time, why not instead let them pass some kind of exam that proves they at least know some of the basics about bitcoin before they are set loose on the forum at large?

It's possible for them to cheat on any test but then if they start stupid threads about issues they should have been clear on in order to pass it, then you can ban them for being obvious trolls who are disrupting the forum instead of engaging in bone fide discussion.

[hilariousandco]

Instead of letting newbies graduate based on post count and/or time, why not instead let them pass some kind of exam that proves they at least know some of the basics about bitcoin before they are set loose on the forum at large?

It's possible for them to cheat on any test but then if they start stupid threads about issues they should have been clear on in order to pass it, then you can ban them for being obvious trolls who are disrupting the forum instead of engaging in bone fide discussion.

They don't have to do any graduating now. Those restrictions were lifted a few days ago.

[justusranvier]

They don't have to do any graduating now. Those restrictions were lifted a few days ago.

Yes, and what have the results of that been?

[hilariousandco]

They don't have to do any graduating now. Those restrictions were lifted a few days ago.

Yes, and what have the results of that been?

You tell me. The majority of newbs moaned at having to make one post and wait four hours, so I reckon they'll make a lot of threads or emails to the admins about this newb test. I don't think getting rid of the newb section / restrictions were a good idea though.

[justusranvier]

The majority of newbs moaned at having to make one post and wait four hours, so I reckon they'll make a lot of threads or emails to the admins about this newb test.

The real point of the test is to remove plausible deniability for concern trolls so they can be summarily banned.

It takes away one technique from the forum disruption toolkit.

[hilariousandco]

The majority of newbs moaned at having to make one post and wait four hours, so I reckon they'll make a lot of threads or emails to the admins about this newb test.

The real point of the test is to remove plausible deniability for concern trolls so they can be summarily banned.

It takes away one technique from the forum disruption toolkit.

I think an exam is maybe a stretch, but I think we should revert to locking newbs to the newbie area or maybe the alt coin section since that's where most of them seem to want to go. Perhaps there could be a warning system in place or something for people who continually post in the wrong section or post crap or questions that have been asked hundreds of times. Maybe a three strikes and you're out rule or confine people to the newbie area as a punishment until they've learnt their lesson  . Hopefully that should cut down on all the needless crap as the newb situation is only gonna get worse as Bitcoin grows.

I also suggested this in another thread:

Newbie section was pretty useful, but I think that it was full of the same "Hi, I'm just writing my obligatory first post. Here is another sentence." type posts with the occasional "Why can't I reply on the other boards?" posts haha.

I guess we will see what the effects of removing that and newbie jail will do for the boards. If the moderators are sharp (with the help of the community) then any crap can be dealt with before it becomes a problem.

If think there would've been an easier solution to that. As soon as you clicked to write a new post/ start a thread a few bulletpoint reminders come up before you're allowed to post:

• You only need to make one post and browse for four hours
• You do not need to start a new thread
• Do not start a new thread just to say hi
• Do not spam your referral links anywhere, put them in your signature
• Don't post about alt coins here
• blah blah blah etc etc etc.

Or just a friendly reminder for you to read the newbie readme where all this info could be found. I think that would've cut down half the threads in there.

[Sonny]

I would prefer the original system (1 post + 4 hours to get rid of newbie jail). It gives time for newcomers (not those signups solely for giveaway) to read posts, and this will very likely solve their own problems.

IMHO, the current system is even more annoying for the real newcomers (again not those coming for giveaway).
All the newcomers now need 30 activity to get to jr members, and thus they have to withstand the "360 seconds limit" for at least a month.

[theymos]

thus they have to withstand the "360 seconds limit" for at least a month.

That limit is unrelated to your membergroup. It adjusts only according to your activity.

[Sonny]

thus they have to withstand the "360 seconds limit" for at least a month.

That limit is unrelated to your membergroup. It adjusts only according to your activity.

So, the limit for those having 15 activity now is down to 75secs, just as before?
If so, sorry for my misunderstanding, and thanks for your clarification.

[howzar]

No restrictions now. newbies are left loose on the forum and they can do whatever they want (except the time limits). I don't see a very large amount of spam and automated bots though and the mods appear to have controlled it.

[BadBear]

No restrictions now. newbies are left loose on the forum and they can do whatever they want (except the time limits). I don't see a very large amount of spam and automated bots though and the mods appear to have controlled it.

Definitely still there, it's just diluted so less noticeable.

[justusranvier]

Bump.

Exhibit A: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=484701.msg5340252#msg5340252

[hilariousandco]

Bump.

Exhibit A: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=484701.msg5340252#msg5340252

Hardly a newb. He signed up on October 26, 2013, but I thought that guy was a bot at first:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=22956.msg5339168;topicseen#msg5339168
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=22956.msg5332077;topicseen#msg5332077

[justusranvier]

Hardly a newb.

Newb is a state of mind, not a registration date. That's the point of the thread.

Properly categorizing newbness requires a more accurate measurement than registration date and post count.