I apologize if this topic has been discussed in the past. I have noticed on several occasions a 1st post by a new Spiceworks user and then we never hear from that person again, usually after they get the answer they want and usually do not give credit when due. Why does Spiceworks not have some controls in place for that? Many reputable forums will not allow you to post a new topic immediately after account creation until you have spent some time on the forum via comments and activities.
Just curious…
25 Spice ups
pbrain
(Juanoflo)
2
I assume that these single posters may actually read the posts often, but when they do post it is out of sheer necessity and that is why they don’t post again … or until they have another question.
I don’t mind it much. I don’t think it detracts from the community in any way.
16 Spice ups
I’m not sure about SW policy, bit I personally would not give patronage to a site that would do what you are suggesting. If I’m trying to solve a problem and being forced to wait for some bureaucratic reason… Well, aren’t you behaving like some crappy vendor Helpdesk?
No, thank you.
If people decide not to stick around, fine. Their loss.
My own opinion: All are welcome. The best stay.
26 Spice ups
i’m pretty sure spiceworks limits the number of questions you can post until you reach a certain pepper level. but that level can be reached right away just by actually filling out your profile.
but one and done posters don’t bother me. what bothers me is the repeat questions. “what’s a good IT joke?” “What’s the BEST xyz product?” etc.
4 Spice ups
Why would you want someone to wait? If I have an issue that needs to be fixed and I’m unable to get it fixed. Why would I post someplace that makes me wait a certain amount of posts or days to ask my question? That’s just a waste of time.
Also, does it really matter if you give the best answer and don’t get credit for it? It’s just points that at the end of the day really don’t matter.
6 Spice ups
You can post as much as you want as a pimiento, but only once outside of the Spiceworks Support groups.
2 Spice ups
dataless
(Dataless)
7
Sometimes people lurk for months or years but even if a 1st time poster is new so long as they ask an IT related question I see no harm if they never come back. (Their loss not sticking around and learning more)
The answer(s) are then saved on the site here so others will be able to find an answer too the same question (assuming they provide any needed follow up information, etc). It adds too the collection of information.
2 Spice ups
I don’t dislike the ones and done. This is not a competition, and if you are using the site in that manner then you are the one not correctly using it. The site is for the more experience people to help those with less experience and vice versa. Ask yourself what is more annoying someone with a single post that is asking a not so easy question., or someone asking a very simple question they should know (insert position). I know what my answer is ,
2 Spice ups
Interesting…they don’t matter? I feel like I have heard this before.
5 Spice ups
weirdfish
(WeirdFish)
10
Yes, it has been. This is not a new phenomenon.
1 Spice up
I don’t really mind it. If I provide someone the help they need, when they need it, I’m happy.
2 Spice ups
steve
(Steve)
12
I don’t see the problem here. Lurkers exist and post when/if they want to. Also, how do you label someone that just posts once? Maybe they’ll post again in a few months. I know it’s a foreign concept in the WC for some folks that think they need to comment on every post or create a new thread for a wacky spam message they got or how much they just hate those gosh darn muuundays . Personally I’d rather have one solid one and done then a hundred fickle twitter like posts.
Yes, there are measures in place monitoring people that post (we delete a ton of content before you guys even see it). Specifically to this case, posts are moderator until you reach Sonora (level 2). But you can’t get points…unless you post. If you see something that violates the community guidelines , please don’t hesitate to flag it for the mods or CM’s to take a look at.
1 Spice up
alayjha
(Sage_AJ)
13
Well we should be happy that we were able to help them.
1 Spice up
I don’t believe it is an issue that someone’s first topic is a question. That is one of the many great things about the Community… getting help from peers and experts. And it is pretty much the norm for most communities (no matter what their focus is). The majority of the community consumes the content, a large portion of them lurk a lot more than they post, and a small portion of them engage (a lot). Sometimes it’s called the 90-9-1 rule or the 1% rule.
I think the rub isn’t so much they ask a question as their first post. I think it is probably more along the lines that many do not return and let us know what resolved the issue for them (or if it was even resolved). Which, of course, means they probably don’t also award a “Best Answer”. We do have a few reminders displayed and sent to encourage them to do so but sometimes people get their answer and are so happy, they forget to reply. Okay, maybe that isn’t the reason but I like to give them the benefit of the doubt… sometimes.
What are ways you’ve seen other communities address this issue?
5 Spice ups
I’m pretty sure that if you post something as a question as opposed to discussion, after a week or so if you haven’t yet chosen a best answer then Spiceworks will email you kindly asking if your issue was resolved and if so please choose a best answer. It’s then up to the OP if they actually want to follow the process or not, but I don’t think Spiceworks is on the hook.
1 Spice up
All good points. I got to agree with most. It is probably detrimental to the Spiceworks community if there were those type of controls in place that limited posting. I forgot one VERY important factor before I posted my question it is a public forum. That makes a big difference. My curiosity is quelled.
1 Spice up
One time posters don’t bother me as long as they mark the question as answered when it has been. I don’t post very often but I read frequently.
I’ve also been lurking for years and got a little bit more active just recently.
That being said, one time posters don’t bother me. What bothers me is when they never reply back or give credit.
What bugs me even more are questions like “how do I set up a server”
2 Spice ups
alayjha
(Sage_AJ)
19
I will be honest. I used to lurk around till i observed how community works. Had no idea about contest, learn and all other stuff till i explored. Many new people (i was the same) think that they signed up for a headache and they will receive emails and stuff so they hesitantly signup and post and leave without appreciation(may be they dont know that there is something called best answer).
If they come again, its great if not then its their loss.
1 Spice up
That’s community tho…you’ll have those that swing thru for a quick visit and pick up what they need - and then those who are the matriarchs and patriarchs of all things IT. But who’s to say that one of those fly by night users brings with them an answer to a critical issue?
