1. Check for previous discussions of the same topic - If you are ready to create a new thread, take an extra 20 seconds to use the Search tool in the middle of the menu bar, to check and see if there isn't already an existing thread about your topic. If there's already an existing thread that would suitably accommodate your post, then post it there as a "Reply", rather than as a new thread.
2. Don't be angry about some injustice that just happened to you on Wikipedia - We understand that bad things happen to good people on Wikipedia. If you're here just to whine about what happened to you, and as soon as you get that problem resolved (or avenged) you're just going back to faithfully editing Wikipedia and you're out of the Wikipedia-criticism business, then maybe you ought to think against posting a new thread on Wikipediocracy. Your natural environment may be Wikipedia, not here. If you still insist on creating a new thread to discuss your personal trauma on Wikipedia, then please proceed to Item 3.
3. Don't be angry about some injustice that just happened to your buddy on Wikipedia - See Item 2, then proceed to Item 4.
4. Make a compelling and readable thread Subject - Pretend you are writing for a newspaper, and you need a quick and informative headline. You can get a little cute with how you turn a phrase, and even a pun might be enjoyable once in a while. But for heaven's sake, please don't title your thread with something vague and meaningless like "Here we go again ..." or "This sounds oddly familiar..." or "Any thoughts on this thread?" (All of these were actual examples of thread Subjects here. All of them force the reader to open the thread to determine if the thread has any relevance at all to what the reader may be interested in. So don't do that to the readers.) Bonus points for correct spelling and proper grammar. Demerits for overblown headlines that exaggerate reality. If your Subject line ends in a question mark, think twice about the wisdom of that, too.
5. Categorize your thread in the correct folder - We have a number of different thematic folders in the Board index. Try to figure out which one will be the best fit for your new thread. For example, if your thread is about Jimmy Wales, it should probably go in the Jimboland folder. Threads about Jimbo are usually my favorites; but other readers are not so fond of them. So that's why we have folders -- to help readers find what amuses them, and avoid what bothers them.
6. Avoid a lifeless wall of text - Your opening post in a new thread has the opportunity to visually stimulate the new reader, or it could put the reader to sleep. A wall of text will generally put the reader to sleep or even turn the reader against the very thing you are trying to advocate. Try to work some color or boldness (or both!) into your story. Use line breaks or bullets or numbered lists to make your message more appealing. (Or ap-peeling...
)There are probably some other advisories that you should follow (like, do we really need another off-topic thread about world politics? or an on-topic one about social justice warriors?). But let's face it -- if you follow only the six recommendations shown above, you'll be making Wikipediocracy a much better place!
Sincerely,
G. Kohs
You'll soon get used to it. 