Tagging posts is a requirement . . .

[Ian W]

I've noticed a few topics have been locked abruptly because they weren't tagged. An example would be Ken Brueck Loses it on Set, created by Neowin member Brian Miller.

I understand the need for organization and consistency. Topics should be tagged because it helps members find information relevant to the topic tag or a search query. However, the way this rule is enforced leaves a lot to be desired. With the way things are, a member would have to break this rule himself (or stumble upon a member's topic that did) before realizing that it is a rule.



Why isn't such an (apparently) important rule made explicit? When creating a new topic, there is no warning that the topic being created may be locked if it isn't tagged. While a link to the community rules is present when creating a new topic, the rules themselves include no mention of topic tags.

Secondly, why lock an acceptable topic simply because it isn't tagged? Why can't a member of staff tag a topic if a member forgets to or (for some reason) decides not to? Admittedly, this may require a fair amount of time and/or effort, but it would (most likely) be completely unnecessary if the rule was made explicit in the first place.

[+virtorio MVC]

I thought it was just the Jokes section that required posts to be tagged. 

 

Though I do agree, closing the topic seems a little harsh.

[Jeston Veteran]

It is made quite clear at the top of the Jokes & Funny Stuff that topics will be closed if they are not tagged properly.

[Eric Veteran]

The rule is explicit. Any forum that has extra rules have them stated in the forum header. While we will often go ahead and tag jokes that are untagged it's not fair to expect the staff to do it for everyone.

J&FS has that rule because the forum itself is not tagged as NSFW and some of the jokes are just that.

[Eric Veteran]

Also, this is not something that should be brought up as a site issue. If you have a problem with something a staff member did you should send a PM to either them, a supervisor or administrator.

[Ian W]

The rule is explicit. Any forum that has extra rules have them stated in the forum header. While we will often go ahead and tag jokes that are untagged it's not fair to expect the staff to do it for everyone.

J&FS has that rule because the forum itself is not tagged as NSFW and some of the jokes are just that.

 

Eric,

Thank you for responding.

The reason I created this topic is because I thought the rule applied to all forums (not just Jokes & Funny Stuff). Had I known that this was not the case, I would not have created the topic.

 

Also, this is not something that should be brought up as a site issue. If you have a problem with something a staff member did you should send a PM to either them, a supervisor or administrator.

I wasn't really trying to label this as a site issue - I thought this topic was more similar to a small group of questions or suggestions (see the tags used). I have no problem with any staff member or their actions in particular.

[snaphat (Myles Landwehr) Member]

^ I posted this as a site issue once because I thought it would be better if tagging was forced prior to allowing a post (on the subforums where it is required). Turned out you can't force it on the forum software that neowin uses, so there isn't much that can be done other than what the mods are currently doing.

[Marshall Veteran]

Most of the time I will just add a tag to a post that doesn't have one. However, closing the post is exactly what is expressed at the top of that subforum. To me it's a no-brainer, "Tagging posts is a requirement!". The only other thing I could suggest to make it more noticeable is perhaps to phrase it with a 48pt font?
 
Seriously though, I get what message you're trying to convey and as stated, I would rather just add a tag rather than close a thread, but if we did that every time this occurred, wouldn't it happen more often? If a users thread isn't going to be closed because they assume a Mod will come by and tag it for them, what's the use? Do you see where I'm going? Trust me, we have enough to keep us busy. :D
 
I understand why you brought this topic up, but these rules are in place for a reason. :)
 
Cheers!

[The Evil Overlord]

I half expected this when I clicked on the link

 

 

 

Tagging posts is a requirement!

Set the most relevant tag as the prefix. Threads started without correct prefix tags may be closed without notice.
 
Thread closed. 

[Brian Miller]

snipped. 

Edited February 27, 2014 by Steven P.
complaining about moderators and the admin

[Steven P. Administrators]

snipped. 

• Did you get a warning on your account?

  You reserve the right to PM any Supervisor or Administrator regarding action taken against your account here at Neowin.

  Please do not resort to complaining in your sig or here, we encourage members to contact staff that can handle the issue for you via PM.

[Hedon]

"Use first tag as prefix" seems wonky. I add it with checkmark, post the new thread, and the prefix tag appears in the subject line. But after awhile, all those prefix tags have disappeared from my posts. Does anyone know why?