Interpreting the Guidelines
By savak03
@savak03 (6684)
United States
December 8, 2008 1:55pm CST
Yesterday I was reading a current discussion when some one commented that the discussion should not have been started because it had been done before. This commenter posted three links to those other discussions to prove this point. The last discussion that was sited on this subject had been a year ago.
This morning I went to the guidelines, again, to see if I had misunderstood what they were saying. On the "do" side it did say we were to search for discussions on the same subject before we start one. However, on the "don't" side it did not say we absolutely could not start a discussion that had already been addressed. It did say we should not start multiple discussions on the same subject or copy someone else discussion.
With over 150,000 members of mylot I believe it would be impossible to find anything that someone else has not already discussed at some point in time. However as time passes new facts or thoughts come into play that were not discussed in the original discussion. Plus many things can be discussed several times without it ever being a copy because each person sees things from a different perspective which would enable them to approach the subject from a separate direction.
Any organization has to have rules in order to function smoothly. However, I don't believe mylot meant these rules to stifle our creativity. They don't even call them rules. They are listed as guidelines to help us get the most out of our experience here. The guideline about posting similar discussions is obviously meant to keep people from repeatedly posting the same discussion over and over because they think that they will make a lot of money by having many discussions going at the same time.
That's just my opinion, however, your thoughts are just as valuable as mine.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@luvandpower (2048)
• United States
8 Dec 08
your right on so many points. first off they are guidelines nto rules. soemone could make the most stupid discussion like on mylot put " what is yoru user rating". and if your proud of yoru rating they will put it down. and they should be. one point that you did not make i would like to add though is that also new people join everyday and they don't know what discussions have been said constantly, and how many truly look at the guidelines, because when you start what is the thign you go for? money.
1 person likes this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
8 Dec 08
When we join we accept the terms here on my Lot soit is up to us to read themI feel.
By the way a discussion about ratings would go and the Guidelines are very clear about it.
1 person likes this
@luvandpower (2048)
• United States
8 Dec 08
i have one about rating sup and it is still up lol... had it almost a week now actually. but yes you are supposed to read the terms, i was just pointing out most don't.
1 person likes this
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
8 Dec 08
Thank you for those good words. However, the posts that are being made about ratings and stars are definitely listed as discussions we are not supposed to start. Even responding to them can get your own standing reduced.
While I realize that new people who join need guidance they should read the guidelines and FAQs before they post a discussion to ask their question. I'm also a firm believer that we all need to read these more than once unless we have a photographic memory.
I have had to ask my share of questions from other members myself and I am especially grateful to those who have asked what some have classified as dumb questions because I got the answer I needed without having to show how little I knew.
@Paula1966 (1102)
• United States
9 Dec 08
I agree it is very likely that a discussion has already been started on most subjects. I guess what is kind of annoying is when the exact same thing is posted on, and I know people have mentioned this many times before. For example, I participated in a discussion about phobias a day or two ago... and then I just saw a topic posted asking if people are afraid of heights. I feel sometimes people are just ignoring the DO so they can get credit for starting a discussion. However, where do you draw the line as an admin? I sure don't have an answer for that.
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
9 Dec 08
Did I give the impression that I am an admin? If so I didn't mean to. I have only been a member here for about three weeks. But if I had to draw a line it would be with the discussions that are posted with just one question with no supporting facts especially from the user who starts ten discussions in as many minutes. Or the ones that ask questions that cannot be expanded upon like the ones that ask yes or no questions.
@Paula1966 (1102)
• United States
9 Dec 08
Sorry, I didn't mean YOU you... I meant "you" as any-person-who-it-might-fit you... a bad habit from work! LOL.... didn't mean to confuse the issue.
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
9 Dec 08
this is something vague. The guideline as in all other organization remains as a guide to the users and without one a site doesn't look proper and members are at a lost and it might ends up having a chaotic and an unruly participating members. When making a discussion I have never check whether the topic has previously been discussed and I don't even know where to check those past topics. Even if there was such a discussion before it does not have the same words and the way it was written and the presentation is totally different, which will be in the writer's own version. Again the fast turnover of members the repetitive of discussions are unavoidable. But rest assured that it is not a copycat of the old discussion as the need to have an individual idea is important so that this place would not be turned into a dull site overloaded with stale and recycled discussions. That we need to uphold. Let there be always new and interesting topics worded and written in the writers own initiative.
1 person likes this
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
9 Dec 08
That was just what I meant. I don't look for similar discussions either before I start one because I think that everyone has a unique take on any issue. But I do try to follow the rules as best as I can. Your comment brings up another point to. Since there are so many new members joining every day any topic will be new to them so it's only the older members who are noticing a repetition.
@nageshnnr (85)
•
9 Dec 08
really speking frankly i came to know and observe people pschycos.
1.want to earn money in short time
2.donot want to wotk hard.......
3,like to make smart work and
4.rely on others for ratings.
5.makes many friends.........
yaa what i wanna share is all these are necessary but we must put minimum efforts....for doing all this activities...........my friends...........this is the crucial and decision making trend in every ones ............view of getting money for what work.and really they owe for what they are............
so i suggest all the guys to work hard and gain points rather than.simply.wasting time by posting the same thing again and again..................
thanking u to all my lottions...........
@maverickwarrior (260)
• India
8 Dec 08
I think the novelty of ideas is hard to achieve with the growing mylot population...there is a possibility of thoughts getting repeated..sometimes i have also noticed two discussion started round about the same time meaning the same.. just the words been mashed up...
1 person likes this
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
8 Dec 08
Wise King Solomon said that there was nothing new under the sun and he was correct. But if we bring new ideas or thoughts to the discussion it will make it seem fresh and new. Everyone has their own ideas about every topic. That's what makes conversation so interesting.
