View rules before first post?

[Nahotnoj]

I don't really like it much when people join up just so then can post about their power leveling site, their site about how gay they think george bush is, or begging for warez. I don't know how often it happens here since I've been gone a while, but I think I have an idea that might help.

I was browsing old threads recently when I noticed that by the reply function, there is a message telling you that the thread is old, and to check the box if you understand this and still wish to reply.

Couldn't we do the same thing with the rules/policies in the anouncement? We make a little message that appears after someone has made their post if it is their first one, and they check the box to say that they've understood the rules and regulations?

[Markpyro]

I doubt reading the rules will make a n00b stop what he's doing, but it may make him annoyed enough to realize that it isnt worth his time...

[AJ]

Not different from the registration rules checkbox that you have to check to register, which IS our site rules. ;)

[Neo]

this wouldn't stop advertisers anyways =P

-Neo

[U-238]

but it might stop ad-bots since you wouldn't be able to post without checking the box. (And I doubt ad bots are smart enough to know to check it.)

[Aquarian]

But those behind developing those add-bots are. When they find that their bots aren't working, they might solve the problem.

[bluemicrobyte]

Not different from the registration rules checkbox that you have to check to register, which IS our site rules. ;)

This is true, and that is a very important registration rules agreement box we have -- however, in the real world, no one pays attention to the "I have read and agree to these terms" check boxes. I can almost guarantee that 90% or more of the members that have registered here haven't read those registration terms.

A "reminder" box that the user must check before their first message is posted would catch them off guard and might get them to read the message, giving them a few seconds to think twice about what they're about to post.

But then again, it wouldn't stop everyone - just the intelligent individuals that take the time to think before posting. In fact, it might even confuse some people that might think their message has been posted after clicking the submit button. Maybe we could put this "reminder" in *before* the user types in the content of their first thread, but after the initial registration - when they click the "New Thread" button.

[AJ]

the more hurdles you present users, the less likely they are to go through with them.
the email activation and rules checkbox and image verification are enough in my mind.

[Neo]

the more hurdles you present users, the less likely they are to go through with them.
the email activation and rules checkbox and image verification are enough in my mind.
To much for me.

=P

-Neo

[BSTRhino]

I support what AJ said. Plus, at times it's hard to make the connection between the rules saying "no flaming" and what a new person might actually be typing. Sometimes the best way to learn is to is through practical experience and making mistakes.

[Whiteknight]

Hurdles stop influx of new people. I'd rather have a few spammers than get rid of some people who would actually contribute.