The writing standard introductory note, excessive or not?
Hello.
I was just clicking myself in to a discussion thread for the first time while logged in.
An introductory sort of note appeared which encouraged high quality posts. I don't have the whole note in my memory but it mentioned careful reflection before posting, which on a philosophy forum obviously makes sense.
However, it added something like "read through your text such that you can perfect it before posting". I might be overinterpreting this but it seemed discouraging to me in that it gave me the impression that I can't be casual on here - that larger bodies of text might be the only ones allowed to take place in the discussions.
What is the actual line between a high quality and low quality post? Can't I make a few simple personal observations and ask a shorter question in any thread to stimulate discussion or wait and see if I might have something substantial (beyond the simple) to contribute?
To be clearer, I don't mean not being serious with 'casual' - I refer more to a natural conversational style where the dynamic between the simple and the complex, of question and answer in its many potential forms, are implicitly embraced as part of the journey.
If I must have highly sophisticated opinions ready to be explicated through longer chains of argument every time I post I don't think this place is for me.
I'm not familiar with the social norms of this forum. I'd appreciate some help in understanding them. Thank you.
I was just clicking myself in to a discussion thread for the first time while logged in.
An introductory sort of note appeared which encouraged high quality posts. I don't have the whole note in my memory but it mentioned careful reflection before posting, which on a philosophy forum obviously makes sense.
However, it added something like "read through your text such that you can perfect it before posting". I might be overinterpreting this but it seemed discouraging to me in that it gave me the impression that I can't be casual on here - that larger bodies of text might be the only ones allowed to take place in the discussions.
What is the actual line between a high quality and low quality post? Can't I make a few simple personal observations and ask a shorter question in any thread to stimulate discussion or wait and see if I might have something substantial (beyond the simple) to contribute?
To be clearer, I don't mean not being serious with 'casual' - I refer more to a natural conversational style where the dynamic between the simple and the complex, of question and answer in its many potential forms, are implicitly embraced as part of the journey.
If I must have highly sophisticated opinions ready to be explicated through longer chains of argument every time I post I don't think this place is for me.
I'm not familiar with the social norms of this forum. I'd appreciate some help in understanding them. Thank you.
Comments (7)
It looks like you'll fit in well here. I'm not an administrator, but here's a general rule of thumb. Any proposed discussion topic ought to be of the highest quality. These will be heavily read, analyzed criticised, etc., so you want to make sure that you put your best foot forward. Replies within the thread will be less formal therefore more casual. If you have a causal topic, put it in The Lounge. And if you want random abuse go to The Shoutbox.
Welcome to the forum
Quoting fFilip
Yes, I think you are over interpreting this. On the other hand, its a good idea to reread your post before you finally post it. Thats especially important for people like me who use voice to text, which can easily lead to embarrassing typos.
It becomes much more important to be careful of what you write when your starting your own discussion. The original post (OP) should be thoughtful and lay out the terms of the discussion in a clear way. Generally, background and backup documentation should be provided or referenced.
The OP you wrote for this thread is a good one. You should have no problems.
It's good to know, as @T Clark also said, that the OP especially, should be of highest possible quality. I appreciate the emphasis.
Thanks for the kindness.
Oh okay. I'm glad you like it here.
I hope I'll enjoy the participation on here as well.
Thank you. I appreciate your comment.