Mods: "YOU SUCK!"
Users: "NO U!"
....that's pretty much it, right?
Anyway; I can't (and won't try to) argue with any of what Evark and the others have said here, as it makes perfect sense. Yes, it looks like a rant about rants, but all you have to do is realise there's a better point to be made here.
Your posting habits = the quality of this BBS. Simple as that. You can try to blame others all you like, but unless you better yourself in the process, it's pointless. Same goes for me, the other new users, the regulars, the mods, everyone.
That said, there is one thing I'd like to point out.
Although the above rule is (or at least should be) universal, the effect of following it will be largely down to who is setting the examples sought after in this thread. Zerok couldn't have put it any better when he said:
"This BBS is just one big, poorly disguised, popularity contest."
(I'd post a link, but I've completely forgotten where I read that.)
This is depressingly true. Your posts here are often judged by your sign up date/post count/level/aura etc., or anything else that has more to do with who you are than what you wrote. It shouldn't happen, I know, but it does.
Given that, the example-setting would have to come from those users that people actually recognise in order for it to have the most effect. I could (and do) try to follow the examples of 'good' posts, but let's face it, because I'm still new, it's going to be years before anyone even notices, let alone takes it on board.
This logic works both ways, meaning the regular users (be it rightly or wrongly) get the most respect and attention from the other users here, and if a well-known regular decided to try and better him/herself in this manner, a lot more people would notice (and hopefully, follow suit).
This is why it always confuses me when mods or regulars start moaning about how "crappy" the BBS is now. If you don't like the way it is now, you guys are the ones in the best positions to try and change it. If this place looks like it's been flooded by kids, you're best equipped to make them learn how to post properly.
There will always be those who refuse to change, and there will be more still who simply miss all the hints threads like this try to give them, but that's no reason to believe this place is going down the drain. The majority of noobs will stop being noobs eventually, just like you did when you were new to this place.
I'm not trying to pass the buck here: the responsibility of keeping your posting habits above a certain standard is everyone's. Just don't expect the new users to learn much from each other, that's all.
Bah. Just my random thoughts on this. I might have a point; who knows?
