[wp-forums] Tone

[spencerp]

Handy wrote:
> I would propose that we need to focus on the tone of the support forums.  I
> feel we're a bit hostile and/or caustic. I'm no angel -- you'll notice I'm
> using "we" throughout this message!
>
> Here's a post from earlier today from a fella who was just getting back into
> the volunteer mode:
> http://blog.os42.com/i-admit-defeat-you-win/
>
> That sucks, we chased him off.  It bums me out -- I saw it happen. Now to be
> fair, the "final straw" in his case was someone he was helping was a bit of
> a dick... but really, he was obviously on the edge if that's all it took.
> It could've been any of us that pushed him over. With a bit of research, I
> can dredge up a few more posts along those lines. The forums still have a
> rep.
>
> What gets me is that odds are "any of us" have scared off other potential
> volunteers as well.  There ain't enough helpers as it is, we should probably
> not be scaring 'em off as they're still getting their wings! (and don't get
> me rolling on the large pile of moderators we never see any more...
> different topic)
>
> Granted, some people seeking help are just bloody caustic... but instead of
> unloading on 'em, just move on to the next thread instead.  They'll get the
> support they "deserve".
>
> This dragged me down a bit this summer and I slowed way down on doing
> support and just focused on clearing modlooks and spams instead.  After a
> bit of hiatus I've been back into it more at my usual pace... but this time
> around the overall feel of the place is bugging me more.
>
> Is it just me -- perhaps I'm overly sensitive?  Or am I not too far off
> base?
>
> If it's feeling too much like a grind or like work, step back and take a
> break.  We're volunteers -- why be unhappy volunteers?  :-)
>
> Thoughts?  Flames?
> (anyone even still read this list besides Wank?)
Like most said before, not everyone is a "peach" in the forums. Everyone 
brings their own attitudes and ways of doing things. I brought alot of 
help before, but I had also brought a wrong doing too. Paid the price 
for that wrong doing, and learned from it. I haven't been to the forums 
in a long while sigh, I guess I got tied up with general "online drama" 
in another part of the web. Hence for me not being around to help like I 
should, sigh.

I never really thought the forums were THAT BAD though, attitude wise I 
mean. But, maybe things got worse after I left, which I don't know. I'm 
willing to come back to help, like I did before. ;) :D We have to keep 
in mind though...

a) It's FREE help, people can't/shouldn't get all bent over the tedious 
things. I know it's hard sometimes, but, the majority of "us" are at 
least over the age of 18, right? It's still FREE help, and people should 
take that into consideration. Pfft, like that's going to happen... Ha!

b) We're also "helping" behind the "name" WordPress as well. A little 
bit of professionalism won't hurt. (Yes, I know. This is one area I made 
a mistake at before, and I learned from it.)

c) This was said numerous of times before, and Handy said it again 
above. If anyone feels pissy/moody, or feels like they're going to 
explode on someone, step back and take deep breaths.

The biggest issue I had with the forums before, was, the lack of 
forewarning posts regarding newer releases of WordPress in general. 
Resulting in massive hysteria and chaos in the forums. Because 
newer/bigger/better versions of WordPress were spit off the assembly 
line, new users seen "WordPress X.X version was just released" posts, 
said... TIME TO GRAB IT!! Then found out major issues were happening, 
ran to the Support Forums with TONS of the same questions...sigh.

ALOT of hysteria/chaos could be prevented with forewarning posts 
regarding newer/bigger versions of WordPress. So the mass audience at 
least has a heads-up warning, before an actual release. I'm figuring 
already, 2.3 is going to bring more than just the normal support type 
questions as well. To "us" it's nothing, to new users, it's possibly 
going to be chaos.

We also have to keep in mind....

a) Noobs aren't "us". Noobs see new versions of WordPress with New 
Features, upgrade or install it. They run into issues, and want or need 
help NOW.

b) Not all the plugin authors are going to have their plugins updated 
for 2.3 once it's released. Heck, even the past few versions of 
WordPress that were released, the plugin compatible lists aren't fully 
updated nor hold ALL of the actual plugins available for those specific 
versions. Noobs want their plugins working on newer versions .. NOW. Not 
later. Which runs into c)

c) Besides general support giving tasks, "we" as in experienced 
users/volunteers should get the ball rolling on updating the Codex pages 
for such things as Plugins and their compatibilities with later 
versions. So all the pages are up-to-date. I know it's the plugin 
authors job, but "we" can't always count on "them" though.

d) Provide any knowledgeable answers to those seeking the help. It's all 
anyone can really do. It's not just about spitting out newer/bigger 
versions of WordPress. It's also about providing awesome support, for 
the awesome WordPress package we're all using, and providing to those 
users.

This probably went way off-topic, but I just wanted to get this out. I'm 
sure there could many other things to add to this as well. But, I just 
wanted to get this off my chest. Anyway, I'd be willing to come back and 
help in the forums. :D

--
spencerp
http://spencerp.net
http://www.vindictivebastard.net