Riva
03-01-2005, 08:21 PM
DIY: Good Threads In R&M
Ok, there have been an influx of stupid threads in R&M. A lot of these new posters seem to think that one thread can gain them instant popularity/fame on these forums. This is true and false. Certain users in the past have gained notoriety for extremely stupid threads, but they were flamed into oblivion during this time as well. An equal number just don’t think before hitting the new thread button. Although the majority of the people I’m trying to reach won’t read this, if you are a new user, and want to settle down into the best forum on MX, then read on.
So, you have just completed your requisite 24 hours and are itching to post a new thread. Here is a checklist to go through first:
1. Have I checked to see if this thread breaks one of the rules (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224003)?
This one is pretty self-explanatory. These rules are common sense, but if you want to double-check, feel free to do so.
2. Have I seen a similar thread on this recently? Hopefully, you have hung around enough to know what the gist of the first two pages of threads are.
EDIT:Also, now the search function works again, there is no excuse not to use it. It is fairly simple to use, and is a powerful tool if you want to check information, or check whether your thread has been done before. Remember, doubling up on threads encourages the mods and the regulars to flame your arse to hell.
This also applies to official threads (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5023976&postcount=3).
Using The Search Function
The search function is a powerful tool, when used correctly. Look at the top tool bar of this page. You should see a button called search. Click on it to lower a drop-down menu, which has two options. The first is a textbox called Search. This is a basic search of a keyword (which must be a string of more than 4 letters) across all the forums in MX.
The next option is for an advanced search. Clicking this takes you to the search page, which allows you to do some advanced searching. Here, you can search for threads, ranking by date/number of posts etc, you can search for usernames, or you can do the same old keyword search.
You can also select the individual forums you wish to search. Each of these textboxes work with each other, so by typing in Threads in the keyword search, HeavyRiva in the username search, and R&M in the individual forum search, you should get a few results including this thread.
You know it makes sense.
UPDATE: 24/8/05
I've noticed a lot of people have difficulty finding things using the search function. Basically, the search function will not find words of 5 characters or less. So, when searching for System of a Down, you may easily be overwhelmed by the results with System in them. So, why not search for "System Mesmerise" etc. Same applies for searching for the Who. Instead of "The Who", which will return 0 results, go for "Townshend Windmill" in R&M, or "Daltrey Entwistle".
In summary, there is no excuse for not finding the right thread, with a little patience. Just broaden or specify your search, depending on whether you get too many or too few hits back.
3. So, now you are ready to start your thread. Click on the new thread button, and you are faced with the daunting Create Thread screen. All your tools and tags are at the top, you have the text box in the middle and other functions below. Here is the tough part. You have to make sure your thread is as concise as possible, yet it also has to be informative and interesting. Too many people just write one line, “Zak wyld is awesome wut do u fink lolz”. This kind of thread irritates everyone to no end.
Always use proper English, or as close to it as you want. Unless you don’t want people to take it seriously, don’t express your opinion using |337 5|D34|<
Try to aim for at least a paragraph (3-4 lines). Introduce your thread. State your opinion. Offer some evidence. Conclude. Easy, no?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Example: Many black metal bands use poor quality recording, or deliberately distort the sound, to make a more “grim” song. I think they sound a lot better when they use proper recording techniques in a real studio. For example, compare Emperor’s Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk with Melechesh – Djinn. Any thoughts on this, or samples of other good quality black metal songs?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
See? Simple and effective.
4. Reply only when you need to. Don’t bump your post, don’t spam up your thread. If you don’t see anyone posting, just leave it overnight. Often peak times occur when you aren’t at the computer. If you have something to add, a bump is sometimes acceptable, but it better be a well-written thread. If no one posts in your thread after a days, chances are it wasn’t interesting, well-written, cosmically aligned enough. :p
If recommending songs, try to make some samples available for download. Either from the bands official site/fan sites, from yousendit.com or offer to transfer it using gmail, soulseek or limewire, etc.
At least make sure that you correctly describe the songs and their titles. If you really want to talk about this band, you’ll put the effort in to show off their stuff.
There you have it. Follow these 4 steps, and you should have a successful thread in no time. Good luck, and enjoy these forums.
Ok, there have been an influx of stupid threads in R&M. A lot of these new posters seem to think that one thread can gain them instant popularity/fame on these forums. This is true and false. Certain users in the past have gained notoriety for extremely stupid threads, but they were flamed into oblivion during this time as well. An equal number just don’t think before hitting the new thread button. Although the majority of the people I’m trying to reach won’t read this, if you are a new user, and want to settle down into the best forum on MX, then read on.
So, you have just completed your requisite 24 hours and are itching to post a new thread. Here is a checklist to go through first:
1. Have I checked to see if this thread breaks one of the rules (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224003)?
This one is pretty self-explanatory. These rules are common sense, but if you want to double-check, feel free to do so.
2. Have I seen a similar thread on this recently? Hopefully, you have hung around enough to know what the gist of the first two pages of threads are.
EDIT:Also, now the search function works again, there is no excuse not to use it. It is fairly simple to use, and is a powerful tool if you want to check information, or check whether your thread has been done before. Remember, doubling up on threads encourages the mods and the regulars to flame your arse to hell.
This also applies to official threads (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5023976&postcount=3).
Using The Search Function
The search function is a powerful tool, when used correctly. Look at the top tool bar of this page. You should see a button called search. Click on it to lower a drop-down menu, which has two options. The first is a textbox called Search. This is a basic search of a keyword (which must be a string of more than 4 letters) across all the forums in MX.
The next option is for an advanced search. Clicking this takes you to the search page, which allows you to do some advanced searching. Here, you can search for threads, ranking by date/number of posts etc, you can search for usernames, or you can do the same old keyword search.
You can also select the individual forums you wish to search. Each of these textboxes work with each other, so by typing in Threads in the keyword search, HeavyRiva in the username search, and R&M in the individual forum search, you should get a few results including this thread.
You know it makes sense.
UPDATE: 24/8/05
I've noticed a lot of people have difficulty finding things using the search function. Basically, the search function will not find words of 5 characters or less. So, when searching for System of a Down, you may easily be overwhelmed by the results with System in them. So, why not search for "System Mesmerise" etc. Same applies for searching for the Who. Instead of "The Who", which will return 0 results, go for "Townshend Windmill" in R&M, or "Daltrey Entwistle".
In summary, there is no excuse for not finding the right thread, with a little patience. Just broaden or specify your search, depending on whether you get too many or too few hits back.
3. So, now you are ready to start your thread. Click on the new thread button, and you are faced with the daunting Create Thread screen. All your tools and tags are at the top, you have the text box in the middle and other functions below. Here is the tough part. You have to make sure your thread is as concise as possible, yet it also has to be informative and interesting. Too many people just write one line, “Zak wyld is awesome wut do u fink lolz”. This kind of thread irritates everyone to no end.
Always use proper English, or as close to it as you want. Unless you don’t want people to take it seriously, don’t express your opinion using |337 5|D34|<
Try to aim for at least a paragraph (3-4 lines). Introduce your thread. State your opinion. Offer some evidence. Conclude. Easy, no?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Example: Many black metal bands use poor quality recording, or deliberately distort the sound, to make a more “grim” song. I think they sound a lot better when they use proper recording techniques in a real studio. For example, compare Emperor’s Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk with Melechesh – Djinn. Any thoughts on this, or samples of other good quality black metal songs?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
See? Simple and effective.
4. Reply only when you need to. Don’t bump your post, don’t spam up your thread. If you don’t see anyone posting, just leave it overnight. Often peak times occur when you aren’t at the computer. If you have something to add, a bump is sometimes acceptable, but it better be a well-written thread. If no one posts in your thread after a days, chances are it wasn’t interesting, well-written, cosmically aligned enough. :p
If recommending songs, try to make some samples available for download. Either from the bands official site/fan sites, from yousendit.com or offer to transfer it using gmail, soulseek or limewire, etc.
At least make sure that you correctly describe the songs and their titles. If you really want to talk about this band, you’ll put the effort in to show off their stuff.
There you have it. Follow these 4 steps, and you should have a successful thread in no time. Good luck, and enjoy these forums.