Message board guidelines: Difference between revisions

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m Added new guideline "only trip leaders should create message board threads for their trips if they so choose". This was an approved change in IDEA committee meeting Oct 26 2021
 
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Go to the [http://www.ubc-voc.com/phorum2/list.php?f=1 VOC message board] now.
The [http://www.ubc-voc.com/phorum2/list.php?f=1 VOC message boards] are a central hub to communication within the club. There are two main boards: the general VOC Message Boards and the VOC Trips board.


These guidelines are designed to help keep the message board more organized. They make it easier to find the information you are looking for on the board, and make things a lot less confusing.  Please try to abide by the guidelines as much as possible. Nobody is trying to be mean, so don't take personal offense, it's just nicer to have things in order.
== Message Boards ==
===VOC Message Board===
If you have a question about anything outdoors related, are planning a trip, buying/selling/borrowing gear, looking for partners, etc... then post it and you'll likely get a ton of really insightful replies. We're a small but tight-knit community and encourage everyone to chime in :)


==Post a single thread for each topic==
===VOC Trips Board===
This board is specifically for planning and organizing trips. Using a message board in which everyone can see often helps simplify a lot of email-faff and keep the logistics as clear as possible. You can also ask questions here and get information about conditions, opinions and tips on your trip from other more experienced members. Only trip leaders should create message board threads for their trips if they so choose.


For instance, if there is a message board thread to organize a trip, post the trip report and photo links to the same thread. One thread per topic only please; it really helps keep the board less cluttered and you don't have to navigate through a ton of threads to find out who is driving to Longhike (for instance).  When, half way through the planning stage, your destination changes, it is permissible to start a new thread with the new destination in the title, and a note (or even better a link) on the old thread pointing to the new thread.
Note: There are many 'unofficial' trips which are organized on the message boards only. If you're looking for something to do then it's worth checking the boards for these trips or post an idea and find a partners. Many great adventures started here.


Also, all trip related threads, including trip organization and trip reports should go on the trips message board.  All other posts should go on the main message board.  Please do not cross post between the two boards.
== Message Board Guidelines==


==Put the date and destination of a proposed trip in the message title==
; Post Details
* Post a single thread for each topic
* For trips: include the proposed date of the trip in the message title
* Avoid crossposting between boards
* Only trip leaders should create message board threads for their trips if they so choose
; Etiquette
* Debate is encouraged but please keep it civil
* Discrimination, insults or bullying won't be tolerated
* Try to keep personal jokes to a minimume. They create a clique-y feel
* DON'T USE EXCESSIVE CAPITALIZATION.
* Encourage new users to participate and involve everyone


*'''Sphinx Hut Ski Trip Jan 12-13''' = Good
[[Category:Tips]]
*'''Sphinx Hut this weekend''' = bad.  Once the weekend of the trip passes, the title become confusing
*'''Anyone want to go skiing Jan 12-13'''.  Ok because you haven't decided on a destination yet.  Repost a new thread once the destination is settled, or leave it as is if the thread is short enough to read through.
*'''Anyone want to do something tomorrow''' =  Very bad - does not specify the date or destination or the proposed activity


==Think about who is supposed to get this message, and to which message you are responding==
== Tips and Tricks ==
=== Following a post ===
If you're interested in a post you can subscribe for email updates whenever someone replies to it. At the bottom of the post, but above where you reply, there is a banner with 'Follow Topic' in it (ctrl-f Follow Topic).


Sometimes in very active threads, people can't tell which message you are referring to.  There is a "threaded" view option that should help with this, but most people don't use it, so it is better to be clear.
[[File:FollowTopic.png|border|The 'Follow Topic' button on the bottom banner]]
*'''Meeting is at 7pm Tuesday in the Clubroom''' = Good
*'''OK 7 pm''' = bad.  What's happening at 7?
*'''I want a ride'''.  Not so likely to get you a ride because it isn't addressed to anybody in particular, but sometimes that's the best you can do.  At least you asked.
*'''Jordan, give me a ride in your car, please''' =  Better, but why not phone Jordan and ask him directly, or email him?
*'''Hey Joe from Longhike...''' = Better to send an email to all the Joes in the '''[http://www.ubc-voc.com/member/view.php Member List]''' to track him down.


Here is a real example of what not to do (names changed to protect the innocent):


Gordon Campbell Please Read
Author: Stephan Harper (---.vc.shawcable.net)
Date:  12-12-06 09:58
Hi Gordo,
I forgot my draft rape and pillage policy in your car!! Its a black suitcase that was in the
front seat between you and Foxy - my Snoop Dog CD is also in your player. If we could me up
before I go back to Ontario on the 21st that would be great - I will come east. Let me know
Stephan
[[Category:Tips]]


== Etiquette ==
=== Keep track of new posts ===
The forum will automatically flag new posts since your last visit but all posts are flagged as 'new' when you join. To reset the flags you can 'Mark Forum Read' for each board.


*Try to keep personal jokes to a minimum, as they create an exclusive/clique-y feel that discourages new members from becoming involved.  If you want to make fun of a friend, let us all share in the joke.
[[File:MarkForumRead.png|border|The 'Mark Forum Read' button]]
*Insulting and judgemental comments are totally inappropriate.  Your beliefs are not necessarily shared by everyone else, so keep arguments and discussions polite.  Remember when posting that the feeling that you want to convey in your post may not come across to the people reading it.
*DON'T USE EXCESSIVE CAPITALIZATION.  IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE SHOUTING AND IS RUDE!!!!!!!
*Try to avoid meaningless chit-chat on the board, especially on trip organization threads. The reason for this guideline is so that people who are trying to organize a trip don't have to keep reading the thread with new messages to see if there has been an important change.  Of course everyone posts some funny comments sometimes, and this is generally acceptable, but don't go overboard.  Before you post, think about whether it is worthwhile, or whether the banter has been going on too long already.
* d0 n07 u$3 1337 $p34k 0n 7h3 m3$$4g3 804rd. !7'$ ju$7 n07 c001 4nd p30p13 c4n'7 und3r$74nd wh47 y0u'r3 741k!ng 480u7.  ''Translation: Do not use leet speak on the message board. It's just not cool and people can't understand what you're talking about.'' The same goes for internet slang and other weird abbreviations.


==Embed hyperlinks in messages==
===Embed hyperlinks in messages===


===Best Method===
====Best Method====
The '''preferred''' way of linking is like this :
The '''preferred''' way of linking is like this :
<pre>
<pre>
Line 59: Line 50:
[http://www.example.com/climb Climbing Website]
[http://www.example.com/climb Climbing Website]


===Alternate Method for Short URLs===
====Alternate Method for Short URLs====


For '''short URLs only''' you can do the following:
For '''short URLs only''' you can do the following:
Line 71: Line 62:
And it turns into this:
And it turns into this:


[http://www.mec.ca http://www.mec.ca]
http://www.mec.ca


'''Please do not use this method''' for long URLs as it will mess up the formating for the entire thread.
'''Please do not use this method''' for long URLs as it will mess up the formating for the entire thread.


==Other tips==
===Embed images in message===
 
First, your image needs to exist somewhere on the internet like one of the classic photo-hosting sites or even the [http://www.ubc-voc.com/gallery/main.php VOC's own gallery]. Then you reference it's URL like this:
 
<pre>
[img]http://www.ubc-voc.com/gallery/d/85951-2/IMGP1847.jpg[/img]
</pre>
 
'''Make sure to right click on the image and select "view image" "open image," "copy image address" or "copy image location" or similar so you can copy the correct url'''.  (Hint: '''if it doesn't end with an image extension, like jpeg, jpg, png etc. it's not the correct url''').  So, if you are trying to link to an image from the VOC gallery, you can't just go to the picture page there and copy the address for that page.  You need to find out the actual address of the image itself using the above technique.  The example code above is something like what the address should look like, it shouldn't be the address that includes your name etc.
 
Don't put huge images, it's annoying.  The main concern is the width.  Definitely keep it under 800 pixels.  Smaller is probably better.  You can surround the image with the URL tags and make it a link to the full-sized image, if you like.
 
Use "preview" before posting!
 
===Formatting Tips===


To use '''bold''' or ''italics'' on the message board enclose your text in [b] [/b] or [i] [/i] tags respectively.  So for bold, you would type:
To use '''bold''' or ''italics'' on the message board enclose your text in [b] [/b] or [i] [/i] tags respectively.  So for bold, you would type:
Line 89: Line 94:
<br><br>
<br><br>


Put images into your posts like this:
<pre>
[img]http://www.ubc-voc.com/gallery/d/85951-2/IMGP1847.jpg[/img]
</pre>


Make sure to right click on the image and select "view image" so you can copy the correct url.  Don't put huge images, it's annoying.
The final tip is to notice the ''preview'' button, and give it a test.  Note that if your login has timed out and you push preview, however, your carefully crafted post may be lost.  Could be worth copying it to the clipboard first.

Latest revision as of 03:50, 1 November 2021

The VOC message boards are a central hub to communication within the club. There are two main boards: the general VOC Message Boards and the VOC Trips board.

Message Boards

VOC Message Board

If you have a question about anything outdoors related, are planning a trip, buying/selling/borrowing gear, looking for partners, etc... then post it and you'll likely get a ton of really insightful replies. We're a small but tight-knit community and encourage everyone to chime in :)

VOC Trips Board

This board is specifically for planning and organizing trips. Using a message board in which everyone can see often helps simplify a lot of email-faff and keep the logistics as clear as possible. You can also ask questions here and get information about conditions, opinions and tips on your trip from other more experienced members. Only trip leaders should create message board threads for their trips if they so choose.

Note: There are many 'unofficial' trips which are organized on the message boards only. If you're looking for something to do then it's worth checking the boards for these trips or post an idea and find a partners. Many great adventures started here.

Message Board Guidelines

Post Details
  • Post a single thread for each topic
  • For trips: include the proposed date of the trip in the message title
  • Avoid crossposting between boards
  • Only trip leaders should create message board threads for their trips if they so choose
Etiquette
  • Debate is encouraged but please keep it civil
  • Discrimination, insults or bullying won't be tolerated
  • Try to keep personal jokes to a minimume. They create a clique-y feel
  • DON'T USE EXCESSIVE CAPITALIZATION.
  • Encourage new users to participate and involve everyone

Tips and Tricks

Following a post

If you're interested in a post you can subscribe for email updates whenever someone replies to it. At the bottom of the post, but above where you reply, there is a banner with 'Follow Topic' in it (ctrl-f Follow Topic).

The 'Follow Topic' button on the bottom banner


Keep track of new posts

The forum will automatically flag new posts since your last visit but all posts are flagged as 'new' when you join. To reset the flags you can 'Mark Forum Read' for each board.

The 'Mark Forum Read' button

Best Method

The preferred way of linking is like this : 

[url=http://www.example.com/climb]Climbing Website[/url]

which will show up as :

Climbing Website

Alternate Method for Short URLs

For short URLs only you can do the following:

Enter the text like this (don't forget the "http://"): 

<http://www.mec.ca>

And it turns into this:

http://www.mec.ca

Please do not use this method for long URLs as it will mess up the formating for the entire thread.

Embed images in message

First, your image needs to exist somewhere on the internet like one of the classic photo-hosting sites or even the VOC's own gallery. Then you reference it's URL like this: 

[img]http://www.ubc-voc.com/gallery/d/85951-2/IMGP1847.jpg[/img]

Make sure to right click on the image and select "view image" "open image," "copy image address" or "copy image location" or similar so you can copy the correct url. (Hint: if it doesn't end with an image extension, like jpeg, jpg, png etc. it's not the correct url). So, if you are trying to link to an image from the VOC gallery, you can't just go to the picture page there and copy the address for that page. You need to find out the actual address of the image itself using the above technique. The example code above is something like what the address should look like, it shouldn't be the address that includes your name etc.

Don't put huge images, it's annoying. The main concern is the width. Definitely keep it under 800 pixels. Smaller is probably better. You can surround the image with the URL tags and make it a link to the full-sized image, if you like.

Use "preview" before posting!

Formatting Tips

To use bold or italics on the message board enclose your text in [b] [/b] or [i] [/i] tags respectively. So for bold, you would type: 

[b]This is bold![/b]

And it becomes:

This is bold!




The final tip is to notice the preview button, and give it a test. Note that if your login has timed out and you push preview, however, your carefully crafted post may be lost. Could be worth copying it to the clipboard first.

Retrieved from "https://wiki.ubc-voc.com/index.php?title=Message_board_guidelines&oldid=14221"