Newbies! why some of our posts never get read.

[MarryWithBTC]

Over time on Bitcointalk, i have noticed a recurring issue that affects many newcomers, and even some older users aswell.

Some posts contains good ideas, thoughtful opinions or genuine questions, yet they recieve little or no engagement. In many cases, this is not because the idea itself is weak, but because the formatting makes the post hard to read.

This observation is not meant as a criticism or an attack on anyone. It is simply something that affects how discussions flows on the forum.

Bitcointalk is a very active forum, with many threads and replies competing for attention at the same time. Most readers don’t read every post word for word, especially when posted by an unpopular user, instead they scan first to determine if it worths their time.
When a post appears as:

• a single wall of text
• no paragraphs or proper spacing
• no clear seperation of ideas

many readers move on almost immediately, regardless of how good the content might actually be.
This means that a poorly formatted post can unintentionally hide what could have been a valuable idea.

Why post formatting matters:
Post formatting is not about being fancy. It serves some very practical purposes such as;

• Readability: short paragraphs are easier on the eyes
• Clarity: each idea stands on it’s own
• Engagement: readers are more likely to respond when they understand the point quickly
• Respect to Readers: good formatting shows consideration for the readers time. You don’t just bundle wall of texts and paste in a forum of experts

So, when next you make a post, spare a few minutes and format your post very well because on a forum like Bitcointalk, where discussions can be technical or opinion-heavy, clarity matters alot.
Now see an example of the post above that is not formatted. Here you will see the practical difference between a well formatted post and a poorly formatted post.
Example of a poorly formated post

Over time on Bitcointalk, i have noticed a recurring issue that affects many newcomers and even some older users aswell. Some posts contains good ideas thoughtful opinions or genuine questions yet they recieve little or no engagement and in many cases this is not because the idea itself is weak but because the formatting makes the post hard to read .This observation is not meant as a criticism or an attack on anyone it is simply something that affects how discussions flows on the forum. Bitcointalk is a very active forum with many threads and replies competing for attention at the same time most readers don’t read every post word for word especially when posted by an unpopular user instead they scan first to determine if it worths their time. When a post appear as a single wall of text with no paragraphs or proper spacing and no clear seperation of ideas many readers move on almost immediately regardless of how good the content might actually be this means that a poorly formatted post can unintentionally hide what could have been a valuable idea. Why post formatting matters, post formatting is not about being fancy it serves some very practical purposes such as Readability: short paragraphs are easier on the eyes. Clarity: each idea stands on it’s own engagement readers are more likely to respond when they understand the point quickly. Respect to readers: good formatting shows consideration for the readers time you don’t just bundle wall of texts and paste in a forum of experts. So when next you make a post spare a few minutes and format your post very well because on a forum like bitcointalk where discussions can be technical or opinion-heavy clarity matters a lot.

[Mahiyammahi]

Most newbie's don't know this or don't care about formatting the post cause they don't know how to use proper bbcode on forum. It's reminded me my early stage on this forum . Didn't even know how to quote a post properly.  I learnt these thing over time.

As a newbie doing these mistakes is common. But as a member of forum not learning about these things over time is the crime. Basically you're not paying any attention and you're asking why you're getting ignored or not getting enough response from forum member's.

[CryptSafe]

As the name implies, "Newbie," they are new to the system, and you do not expect them to be a pro in the system immediately they get onboard, they would need time to get acquainted with the system by carefuly observe every how things are done here. As such, they tend to make mistakes while they stay on the platform, from the mistakes they learn, coupled with other activities they see and steps they follow to effect corrections on the mistakes they have made. This is how they learn and become conversant with the system.

[rdluffy]

At first, the forum may seem a little confusing, and users may not know how to use the formatting very well, especially if they are young and have only used cell phones.
Those who have used PCs and laptops and text editors will find it easier

But it's true that the format of the post greatly influences whether other users will read it or not
I am totally in favor of using what the forum offers: bold text, lists, quotes, separating text by lines, etc

I try to make my posts as good as possible so that they are easier and more pleasant to read

[Die_empty]

As the name implies, "Newbie," they are new to the system, and you do not expect them to be a pro in the system immediately they get onboard, they would need time to get acquainted with the system by carefuly observe every how things are done here. As such, they tend to make mistakes while they stay on the platform, from the mistakes they learn, coupled with other activities they see and steps they follow to effect corrections on the mistakes they have made. This is how they learn and become conversant with the system.

The problem with some newbies is that they are not observant. If they closely observe how posts are written on the forum, they wouldn't be making these mistakes. Some of them might not come from English speaking nations and might be facing chhallnges in arranging their thoughs and posts. In this case making the text simple and straight to the point will be better than writing a whole wall of texts.

I have seen many newbie improve on their posts overtime, this might be because they were open to learn. While other have kept writing jargons even when they have been corrected several times.   

[tabas]

IMHO, the format is normal and shouldn't be the major thing. Newbies are recognized depending on how informative their posts are and how valid the questions are. It's not about that they're being ignored by the most. But if they have valuable information to add to the discussion, they'll be recognized. The formality of formats are usual thing if you're in a public discussions and forum but the content and value you add to the conversation is what matters the most. Being polite and respectful in how you write is also important.

[qwertyup23]

IMHO, the format is normal and shouldn't be the major thing. Newbies are recognized depending on how informative their posts are and how valid the questions are. It's not about that they're being ignored by the most. But if they have valuable information to add to the discussion, they'll be recognized. The formality of formats are usual thing if you're in a public discussions and forum but the content and value you add to the conversation is what matters the most. Being polite and respectful in how you write is also important.

Just to add, it is also of equal importance that newbies should post comments on threads that are not considered as "generic".

For example, if a newbie posts a comment on a thread titled "how to be rich in cryptocurrency" in which multiple topics had already been created in the past, no matter how informative your comment may be, it will not gain any reply nor traction on their part.

At the end of the day, it is all about experience and knowledgeability on a certain topic. It's impossible to know each and every answer to all threads; but it is possible to at least be informative on a given post which is not overall considered as generic.

[tbct_mt2]

On bitcointalk, it’s not the format that will actually grab people’s attention, it’s really the quality of the post. If your post contains valuable information, valuable experiences, or valuable thoughts, people will definitely take notice. There are people there who frankly do not care if your post doesn’t fit any of these circumstances, as long as what you’re contributing to the forum is valuable.

Format does not need to be too complicated, just basic is enough and format itself is like a topping of your post. If your post has poor content, a good format can not help anything to make that post more attractive and helpful for readers.

In contrast, if you have a good content for your post, you must expresss it well enough from your writing to format, it is how format can help you posting better with a same idea for your post. As emphasized, idea is most important, format comes later as without idea, you will have nothing helpful and insightful to write.

Bitcointalk posting etiquette
Topic title style guide
Make your topic title, posts more attractive

[AVE5]

many readers move on almost immediately, regardless of how good the content might actually be.
This means that a poorly formatted post can unintentionally hide what could have been a valuable idea.

There's nothing much to say.
From our basic education some of us were not thought about writing skills with readability compositions. I feel they actually don't care whether anyone reads their posts or not but I'm sure such newbies or users finds out some days that other members aren't showing interests on their posts which of course would either be due to low qualities of the post and the stress to read the post due to disorganization of the writing format did the post.
When you don't a well composed post that's not smooth reading, the content is lost because even when force in to read it the stress may not create enough room for understanding the message of the post.

[Marykeller]

I don't think we are going to have all old and newbies in the forum to have a good formatting post. Many people we have in this forum, English is not their main language, they are learning how to speak and write in English. So, don't expect them to write as most people do here, to have good formatting in posts. Those who are serious about improving their English speaking and writing skills will do that over time. Those newbies who find themselves new in the forum, who can read and write, will have to watch and learn from how those who write good formatting, how they make their posts. It goes on that way like a circle

[aylabadia05]

It's not that they don't read it or only read part of it, because they think that's the point that needs to be answered and that's the main point of the post.

Beginners in formatting may not know this, but they will learn sooner or later. A post depends on the writing habits of the poster. Posters who are accustomed to writing know the structure of a post, where to place punctuation marks, and where to end a paragraph.
All of this is to make it easier for readers to understand what is wanted in a discussion on a given topic.

[Richbased]

Bitcointalk is a very active forum, with many threads and replies competing for attention at the same time. Most readers don’t read every post word for word, especially when posted by an unpopular user, instead they scan first to determine if it worths their time.
When a post appears as:

• a single wall of text
• no paragraphs or proper spacing
• no clear seperation of ideas

many readers move on almost immediately, regardless of how good the content might actually be.
This means that a poorly formatted post can unintentionally hide what could have been a valuable idea.

You can add punctuation too because that is really what makes me to ignore some threads in the forum because if punctuations are not used appropriately, it would be difficult to understand the whole context of a post and i hate reading and at the end of the day i find it difficult to comprehend what i have read just because of lack of punctuation or inappropriate use of it. Punctuation plays an important role in making a sentence look decent and readable. A single wall of text may not be that bad if punctuations are used in the right places that it ought to be used.

[letteredhub]

IMHO, the format is normal and shouldn't be the major thing. Newbies are recognized depending on how informative their posts are and how valid the questions are. It's not about that they're being ignored by the most. But if they have valuable information to add to the discussion, they'll be recognized. The formality of formats are usual thing if you're in a public discussions and forum but the content and value you add to the conversation is what matters the most. Being polite and respectful in how you write is also important.

Just to add, it is also of equal importance that newbies should post comments on threads that are not considered as "generic".

For example, if a newbie posts a comment on a thread titled "how to be rich in cryptocurrency" in which multiple topics had already been created in the past, no matter how informative your comment may be, it will not gain any reply nor traction on their part.

At the end of the day, it is all about experience and knowledgeability on a certain topic. It's impossible to know each and every answer to all threads; but it is possible to at least be informative on a given post which is not overall considered as generic.

What I have as a problem towards newbies is the aspect of generic posting cycle which could be more annoying than having to read a full wall of text which actually makes a meaningful thought despite not well formated.  Newbies believes that for them to be visible they have to be making posts than replies, which is kind of true, but it mustn't be topics that have being delivered in the forum countless times. Common sense should tell them that the search button in the top right corner of their screen has a purpose.

[Juicyhome]

It's not that they don't read it or only read part of it, because they think that's the point that needs to be answered and that's the main point of the post.

Beginners in formatting may not know this, but they will learn sooner or later. A post depends on the writing habits of the poster. Posters who are accustomed to writing know the structure of a post, where to place punctuation marks, and where to end a paragraph.
All of this is to make it easier for readers to understand what is wanted in a discussion on a given topic.

They should also write in line with the topic of discussion, some write out of topic and it's hard to flow with it,you can know how to place punctuation Marks and end paragraph and people will still snub your writing because in not flowing with the topic. The most important thing is to read op post first before replying to anyone on that thread it will help them to stay in line with the matter on ground.

It's hard, but practice they say make perfect, more they spend time on the board more they learn. We all grew slowly on this forum, don't be discouraged if no one is reading you, keep making quality posts and contribute to the forum. Once you rank up, people will start reading you.

[Marvelockg]

As much as proper formatting of text is important, the content of your thread matters even more. It's possible for you to make a very accurate text formatting and yet the content is poor and lack proper coerence, for that, readers both newbie readers and old readers will still find it deficult to properly comprehend the message you're trying to pass.

Using your rank as an excuse for the lack of quality in the content one is posting is totally an unnecessary excuse because there had been newbies that right from Thier first post made a name for themselves as people you should look forward for their post...

[AakZaki]

But in practice, the format still has a role as a bridge so that the content of the message can reach the reader. It's not a matter of having to be neat or perfect, but at least it's easy to read and not confusing. Many people don't actually ignore newbie, it's just that they have trouble grasping the essence of the message because the delivery is not clear.

If the content is indeed valuable, sooner or later people will respond. Over time Newbie will also learn to adapt to their writing style naturally. The most important thing is to stay focused on the substance, be open to input and maintain a polite attitude so that discussions can run healthy and respect each other.

[SOKO-DEKE]

The main reason why some newbies posts are not more engaging from some senior ranked people in the forum is what they are posting. Some newbies create threads that have already been created before or they post things that do not add any contribution. That is why most high ranked members are not replying to them.but I don’t think it is fully based on the format of how they pass their information. As far as newbies are trying their best and they are not misspelling words, people do understand them and reply to their posts.

Again, newbies are newbies, and they are not expected to be creating threads trying to advise other members. What is expected of them is to always read and ask questions about what they do not clearly understand.One point again is that not everyone will always reply to what a memeber post, but people are always reading it.

[HajiBagi]

As the name implies, "Newbie," they are new to the system, and you do not expect them to be a pro in the system immediately they get onboard, they would need time to get acquainted with the system by carefuly observe every how things are done here. As such, they tend to make mistakes while they stay on the platform, from the mistakes they learn, coupled with other activities they see and steps they follow to effect corrections on the mistakes they have made. This is how they learn and become conversant with the system.

I agree with you, as a newbie, we shouldn’t be surprised when seeing some posts from them because they are new to the system, although some understand forum and they know how to create a post and to get people attention to reply the post, when you are new to the system there are many things that you will not understand until you start reading and learning about them, no matter how smart you are when you join forum, it is going to be new for you because there are some things you will not know anything about it, what the newbie need is who is going to guide them through some important things they should know and how to make a good post that will help them go get more attention from people, some of them create post that have already been posted before to get other big attention and it is not going to work, letting them know some important things they should do in forum is the help them.

[Callido]

Lengthy post as well is also a thing to look into, newbies think having long write up is what makes a post deserves merit. For the reader, myself also will get tired of reading too much long posts, although even i do read them, it should be linked with each paragraphs having meaningful content.

Short posts with the key contents is far better than longer posts that beats around without something meaningful.

[I_Anime]

Some post can be discouraging for one to go through due the unnecessary bulky nature of the post . I prefer going straight to the point and also focus more on clarity .

Making sure you’re carrying the reader along , if you post must be bulky , it should worth it . Not you making a post that you don’t have to say much bulky thinking it may earn you some merit .

But doesn’t work that way , making a bulky doesn’t guarantee you any merit , you earn merit base on how impactful your reply or post is  to them .