Maemo Talk Do's and Don'ts

(Do use proper grammar and spelling)
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''''''Under Construction. Feel free to add any guidelines that are not present.''''''
''''''Under Construction. Feel free to add any guidelines that are not present.''''''
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= Maemo Talk Do's and Don'ts =
 
There are various guidelines (suggestions, not rules) of conduct on [http://talk.maemo.org talk.maemo.org]
There are various guidelines (suggestions, not rules) of conduct on [http://talk.maemo.org talk.maemo.org]
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== Do use proper grammar and spelling ==
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=== Do use proper grammar and spelling ===
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t.m.o uses English (usually British/International English) as its main language. Using proper grammar and spelling when possible makes your post easier to read, especially when you (the poster) are asking for help.
t.m.o uses English (usually British/International English) as its main language. Using proper grammar and spelling when possible makes your post easier to read, especially when you (the poster) are asking for help.
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Also, using proper spelling eases the use of the "Search" function on the forums for others. For example, searching "Maemo" will often not yield results with "Meamo".
Also, using proper spelling eases the use of the "Search" function on the forums for others. For example, searching "Maemo" will often not yield results with "Meamo".
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=== Don't use internet shorthand ===
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== Don't use internet shorthand ==
Using internet shorthand (talk = tlk, tomorrow = 2mrw, etc.) confuses people who are not familiar with it, and hinders search functions. Also, reading shorthand can oftentimes be slower than reading normal writing, and can get messy. And it's just plain inconsiderate at times.
Using internet shorthand (talk = tlk, tomorrow = 2mrw, etc.) confuses people who are not familiar with it, and hinders search functions. Also, reading shorthand can oftentimes be slower than reading normal writing, and can get messy. And it's just plain inconsiderate at times.
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Using abbreviations, however is common. (lol = Laugh out loud, afaik = as far as I know, etc.) However, try to use common abbreviations, or not at all.
Using abbreviations, however is common. (lol = Laugh out loud, afaik = as far as I know, etc.) However, try to use common abbreviations, or not at all.
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=== Do Search before asking a question or posting an idea ===
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== Do Search before asking a question or posting an idea ==
Many times a simple search can save you hours (if no one is actively prowling the forums) of waiting for a reply to your question.
Many times a simple search can save you hours (if no one is actively prowling the forums) of waiting for a reply to your question.
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In such cases, or if the search yields nothing useful at all, then you would create a new thread, under the appropriate sub-forum.
In such cases, or if the search yields nothing useful at all, then you would create a new thread, under the appropriate sub-forum.
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=== Don't create duplicate threads of your own ===
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== Don't create duplicate threads of your own ==
Sometimes you find a thread that is on the subject of what you're trying to find, but isn't specifically what you need. Creating a new thread under this circumstance is frowned upon, but not a taboo.
Sometimes you find a thread that is on the subject of what you're trying to find, but isn't specifically what you need. Creating a new thread under this circumstance is frowned upon, but not a taboo.
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However, creating a new thread on the same or very similar topic to one you have created before (especially recently) when you don't receive any reply, or if the reply your received is not the one you want, is highly frowned upon. Usually adding another post to your own thread with the message "Bump" is preferred over creating a new thread. Excessive bumps with no replies may mean that you did not state your question clearly enough, or if it is an idea thread, people do not understand (or, as the case may be, do not care) about your subject.
However, creating a new thread on the same or very similar topic to one you have created before (especially recently) when you don't receive any reply, or if the reply your received is not the one you want, is highly frowned upon. Usually adding another post to your own thread with the message "Bump" is preferred over creating a new thread. Excessive bumps with no replies may mean that you did not state your question clearly enough, or if it is an idea thread, people do not understand (or, as the case may be, do not care) about your subject.
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=== Do be clear with thread subjects and original posts ===
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== Do be clear with thread subjects and original posts ==
A thread subject should be clear, and to the point. A clear subject will usually result in you getting your answer faster, and a better answer at that.
A thread subject should be clear, and to the point. A clear subject will usually result in you getting your answer faster, and a better answer at that.
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A clear original post elaborating on the subject will further help any people wanting to help you understand your problem or idea.
A clear original post elaborating on the subject will further help any people wanting to help you understand your problem or idea.
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=== Don't "panic" in your subject ===
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== Don't "panic" in your subject ==
Avoid posting threads like "HELP! - MY NXXX FORZE!!!!!!!!!!!HELP!!!!".
Avoid posting threads like "HELP! - MY NXXX FORZE!!!!!!!!!!!HELP!!!!".
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Also, some people ignore such threads, as harsh as it is, because usually threads posted as such are duplicates of common issues.
Also, some people ignore such threads, as harsh as it is, because usually threads posted as such are duplicates of common issues.
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[[Category:Beginners]]
[[Category:Beginners]]
[[Category:Talk]]
[[Category:Talk]]

Revision as of 12:29, 8 March 2011

'Under Construction. Feel free to add any guidelines that are not present.'

There are various guidelines (suggestions, not rules) of conduct on talk.maemo.org

Contents

Do use proper grammar and spelling

t.m.o uses English (usually British/International English) as its main language. Using proper grammar and spelling when possible makes your post easier to read, especially when you (the poster) are asking for help.

Also, using proper spelling eases the use of the "Search" function on the forums for others. For example, searching "Maemo" will often not yield results with "Meamo".

Don't use internet shorthand

Using internet shorthand (talk = tlk, tomorrow = 2mrw, etc.) confuses people who are not familiar with it, and hinders search functions. Also, reading shorthand can oftentimes be slower than reading normal writing, and can get messy. And it's just plain inconsiderate at times.

Using abbreviations, however is common. (lol = Laugh out loud, afaik = as far as I know, etc.) However, try to use common abbreviations, or not at all.

Do Search before asking a question or posting an idea

Many times a simple search can save you hours (if no one is actively prowling the forums) of waiting for a reply to your question.

A common example of repetitive threads is the on-going "debate" of Harmattan on the N900.

Some searches will give results (if the application is a long-standing Maemo port, for example) dating years back. Although "gravedigging" (posting on threads that have not seen activity for a couple months) is not particularly frowned upon, old threads can sometimes have irrelevant or outdated information.

In such cases, or if the search yields nothing useful at all, then you would create a new thread, under the appropriate sub-forum.

Don't create duplicate threads of your own

Sometimes you find a thread that is on the subject of what you're trying to find, but isn't specifically what you need. Creating a new thread under this circumstance is frowned upon, but not a taboo.

However, creating a new thread on the same or very similar topic to one you have created before (especially recently) when you don't receive any reply, or if the reply your received is not the one you want, is highly frowned upon. Usually adding another post to your own thread with the message "Bump" is preferred over creating a new thread. Excessive bumps with no replies may mean that you did not state your question clearly enough, or if it is an idea thread, people do not understand (or, as the case may be, do not care) about your subject.

Do be clear with thread subjects and original posts

A thread subject should be clear, and to the point. A clear subject will usually result in you getting your answer faster, and a better answer at that.

A clear original post elaborating on the subject will further help any people wanting to help you understand your problem or idea.

Don't "panic" in your subject

Avoid posting threads like "HELP! - MY NXXX FORZE!!!!!!!!!!!HELP!!!!".

Being calm in your messages, again, allows a better understanding of your situation, and assists others in answering your question.

Also, some people ignore such threads, as harsh as it is, because usually threads posted as such are duplicates of common issues.