Registered: Oct 2002
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 8152

Wanted to express my appreciation to those of you helping to route newbies to the proper local thread, and also to those newbies who read the "READ THIS BEFORE POSTING" thread and saw the Thread Index instead of posting a new thread.

In the past couple of weeks, I've seen the number of threads requiring action greatly diminish, and it has lightened my workload. I've also seen a number of members routing thread starters to the proper local thread which enables me to simply close the new thread - again thanks.

Some general points to reinforce the new format.

RULE 1: DO NOT START ANY NEW THREADS
We have pretty much every area covered with a local thread (check the THREAD INDEX) so members from that area can discuss all things HD in that market. If it is a local issue, it belongs in the existing local thread. If it is of National interest, it belongs in the PROGRAMMING/HARDWARE/RECORDERS forums. If it is a "gray area", pick the best fit for the thread - either one of the other 3 HD forums, or one of your local threads in this forum.

Ex.:
What equipment is your local broadcaster using? - HARDWARE
Did anyone else have LOST in HD last night? - PROGRAMMING

RULE 2: IF YOU INADVERTENTLY START A NEW THREAD...
Do not "Report this post to a moderator". Just paste your post into the proper local thread then delete the body of the post in the new thread and type in "Please Delete" and I'll take care of it. Deleting or closing a thread is a simple matter, merging is more of a PITA.

RULE 3: FOR AREAS THAT ARE NOT COVERED WITH AN EXISTING THREAD
Some very small markets do not have a thread yet. If you want to start one, please summarize the current HD offerings in that market (or state that there are no HD local networks in that market). If there are members in a smaller market that are using a larger nearby market thread for discussion, PM me so I can add the smaller DMA to the title and Index until such time that there are enough members to sustain a separate thread.

RULE 4: TO START A NEW, MORE SPECIFIC THREAD IN A MARKET ALREADY COVERED
If your market is labeled "HDTV", but it is active enough that you want to break it up into more specific discussion threads, start the new thread with the relevent summary (OTA or cable HD offerings in that area) PM me and I'll change the title of the existing thread. Also let me know what category under which you want the original thread to continue.

RULE 5: GENERAL ANTENNA DISCUSSION/QUESTIONS BELONG IN THE ANTENNA THREAD
If you are looking for antenna feedback or installer info from local (possibly even township specific) areas, post your antenna inquiry in your local area thread. If it is just a general antenna question; type, installation, cabling, etc. post in the AVS Antenna thread that is stuck at the top of the forum.

RULE 6: DO NOT POST LINKS TO - OR PROMOTE - EXTERNAL DISCUSSION FORUMS IN THIS FORUM
The value of the Local HDTV forum is dependent on having a core group of members from each DMA that will answer questions for AVS members in those areas. Many members do not wish to join multiple forums to get an answer to a simple question. Linking to an external forum (especially one that requires registration) instead of posting the answer, will not help those AVS members.

Despite 140,000+ members on AVS, with the format of the Local HDTV forum, some areas only have a handful of active members in a particular DMA. Encouraging those members to join an external forum instead of participating at AVS will effectively shut down the local area thread on AVS and prevent new AVS members, in those areas, from obtaining answers to their questions.

Because of the unique format of the Local HDTV forum, this will be strictly enforced. This policy applies to:
1) Links to an external discussion forum
2) Unsolicited PM's to AVS members encouraging them to join another forum.
3) Posting "Send me a PM" when the purpose is to get them to join an external forum.
4) Links to, or promotion of, an external forum in your signature line.

Thanks again for making this forum much easier to maintain.

__________________
Redneck Regal

Not happy with the $99 NFLST HD Fee?

Last edited by CPanther95 on 02-27-05 at 02:13 PM

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Registered: May 2002
Location: Evanston IL 60202 11 mi from Chicago transmitters
Posts: 5361

I wasn't so sure when the new system first began. Now with people getting familiar with the system and helping out the newbies, it seems to be going well. The learning curve is turning out to be shorter than I thought it would be. If hitting a button for "new post" could be reprogrammed to take the user into the thread that explains the policy, the system would be outstanding. As it is, with old hands helping deliver the information, things are much better than they used to be. Thanks to all the guys who worked out the system and those who are helping it work.

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Pat
amateur woodworker
Click my gallery to see how RPTV looks in oak.
While I may link to and mention products as examples, I don't recommend specific products except 12 step programs for upgrade addiction.

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Registered: Sep 2004
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 1344

Maybe I just don't get it, but...

I can't see why people look at the list of threads, and don't realize right off, "gee, there are so many already labeled threads for cities around the country, maybe I should look for one for MY area!" I can't get the mindset that can't figure that out, and instead posts a new, original thread about their specific problem. And that's NOT including reading the sticky at the top!

Maybe it's just me.

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Registered: Oct 2002
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 8152

In all fairness, like greywolf mentioned, probably half are inadvertent threads started that people intended to post in their local thread.

The amount of maintenance required has dropped significantly, so I'm not complaining (not nearly as much anyway). I'll still merge generally - if it's clear where it belongs - and leave an occasional thread closed with "Post in your local thread" to reinforce the new format.

The next big challenge will be to get a comprehensive HD summary that is kept up-to-date on the first post of each thread so people will always be one-click away from seeing the local area's current status. I think I'll have to be patient on that one.

__________________
Redneck Regal

Not happy with the $99 NFLST HD Fee?

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