I'd like to clarify a few longstanding, common sense policies here at WebFlake.
"Thanks" Posts
Despite the recent addition of a notification directly above the quick reply box in our Downloads areas, I'm still seeing a ton of posts from users saying things like "thanks", "nice", "ty", etc. We have a 'Like' system available for use, and every post has a button. It's blue, it's 72 pixels wide, and hard to miss. Why do we ask you to use it? Because posting gibberish clogs the thread (and WebFlake's database) with unnecessary one-liners and redundant "thank you's". It gets in the way of relevant discussion in the thread, and causes recently submitted content's download threads to be buried under a heap of bumped topics. When you do your grocery shopping, do you pause for a moment to call the manufacturer to "thank" them before making the purchase? I'd hope not.
Spamming for Post Counts
Hate spam mail in your inbox? Well, I can't stand spam messages. It's fine and dandy that you want to welcome someone to the community (some folks are naive enough to believe that increases their post count), but when you're flooding the forums with ridiculous one-liners that consist of less letters than a bowl of Alphabet Soup, you can be sure that those posts will be deleted. We placed a post requirement in our Requests areas to ensure that users who choose to become a part of the WebFlake community, aren't here under false pretenses (i.e. leeching). We want every member to be a valuable and integral part of our community. Spamming threads with "thank you" posts, or other one-liners is unacceptable and a violation of our Spamming policy (found within our Community Guidelines). Post something constructive, or don't post at all.
Search System
This has been rehashed time and again by other Staff members. Frankly, it's disturbing to see such a high number of users that are too lazy to take a few seconds to search for what they're looking for, instead opting to ask someone else to do it for them. It's an abuse of our free support system, and an utter waste of time for anyone generous enough to respond with a link. An overwhelming majority of our support requests are topics previously answered, or covered by tutorials. Speaking of tutorials, we have a wealth of information contributed by our community in various sections:
WebMaster Tutorials & Guides
IP.Board Tutorials
vBulletin Tutorials
xenForo Tutorials
MyBB Tutorials
Please start reviewing these tutorials in conjunction with utilizing the search feature.
Having said that, I'd like to forewarn those who seek to continue to avoid following basic forum etiquette: I'm not opposed to issuing warnings. Posts will be deleted, users will be warned, and sometimes points will be attached. If you're warned several times in a relatively short period of time, posting privileges will be restricted. WebFlake Staff isn't here to make your life miserable, nor should you be here to make ours miserable. We want to ensure that this community is welcoming, professional, and trash-free. If you'd like to paint me as the bad guy, so be it. I spend my time here voluntarily, free of charge, and out of the goodness of my heart, despite other obligations (as does the rest of the team). I've received so much from this community, that giving back just a little, brightens my day. But I simply don't take kindly to those who want to urinate in my cheerios first thing in the morning. In closing:
» Use the Like button instead of posting "thanks".
» Don't spam for the purposes of increasing post counts.
» Utilize our search feature before posting redundant requests.