@JonEricson I was thinking the other day on my experience coming to the BH StackExchange. I realized one of the things that may have contributed to how things occurred. I thought sharing it might give insight that might help in the future of the site.
I did not know coming in who the moderators are. They are not set apart in any way. Thus, when I observed how others interacted with my posts I learned from them how to interact with others.
Hence, when Monica edited my post to neutralize it I thought that is one of the things we are supposed to help others with as well. I did not realize that she was a moderator.
When Jon edited my post to make it more clear, I thought that is what we are supposed to do to help each other, so that is what I learned to do.
I did not realize he is a moderator
Reflecting, most of what I "learned" by observation of what others did, I "learned from the moderators But I am not a moderator; I am a new member!
Moreover, I am a new member with very diverse views from those on the site.
Wondered if there is some way to indicate who the moderators are so folks will know the difference between what is being done "with authority" and what is being done by the rest of us.
That way we learn what is appropriate coming from whom.
A place that you encounter first thing when you enter the exchange room that introduces the Moderators, and gives a BRIEF explaination of the most important expectations--those ones that are unspoken boundaries that newbies are most apt to cross.
I love how when you go to type an answer a bubble pops up to que you on what NOT to post!
I thought though, that that meant I could not interact with anything that was said if it did not directly answer the question. Thus, when people asked me questions in the "comment" section, I left them unanswered.
A read through the exchanged here in the library and the posts and edits made by the moderators there are repeated offenses that newcomers make. Address these on this welcome page.
Entice newcomers to enter with reputation points if need be.
@Sarah not sure we could make it part of the registration process (that's a bigger fish within the StackExchange network), but the idea of having a more prominent FAQ with a "Have a question? Ping us in here!" is an interesting idea. the limiting factor would be the fact that you have to have 20 rep to even chat
Highlight your star examples for folks to study. Have them be ones that represent the kinds of edits you want from general members and the kinds of questions and answers
Can there be a place they go to see the basics of BHSE and receive 20 points for doing so that enables them to chat in such a room.
If there was something posted directing them to observe certain things about various posts as examples then they would rack up points for doing so would they not?
@Sarah i'm not sure. not necessarily within the context of SE. it's an interesting proposal, though. it'd have to cause change within the entire SE network.
@Sarah i think questions and answers are the only ways to get rep
@Sarah i'm not really in a position to be able to suggest such things. i am not so much of a stackexchange power user. i just starred your answer and wonder if other regulars would weigh in
@JonEricson is there anything in the FAQ that would direct new users to answer a question that would allow them to gain the requisite rep to be invited into chat?
