This is a first pass, not set in stone. Just trying to help!
Details
It turns out (after stumbling around) that Discourse has a “Template” system. So we can pre-fill the box a user types in, to encourage them to provide a decent set of data. Here’s what it looks like when it’s empty:
They can of course completely delete it all and write “I love tacos” or whatever. But I think it could help some people focus on the important things we like to know.
So, I thought I’d have a go at putting something in there, and see if that gets us any better support requests.
Support and Help template
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I used the signature feature and always encouraged others to use it with a brief description of their system and o/s in the old UF.
It was very useful for gaining information on a questioners system without having to go through the same rigmarole every time you ask a question.
Perhaps the Discourse can have such a feature enabled?
I asked about this a few weeks ago and it is going to be checked into but I do believe we will get this feature, I will ask about the progress made towards this during tomorrows meeting but it may be a little while because the 503 server issue is more urgent and that is only created from the large influx of support users coming in daily, let’s keep this on topic please but great suggestion as well.
How about adding some additional links to support resources for the things we can not support here, like the Linuxmint forum and popos so people don’t bother to ask and we don’t have to tell them off
I think that should all go in the “Start here” page. Partly because what the user gets is markdown source, so any links will be unclickable. A clickable link is often not clicked - as we well know. I suspect (with no data to back this up) an UNclickable link that has to be copy/pasted will be even less likely to be visited.
One comment: “Steps to reproduce”, “Expected behavior”, “Actual behavior” feels like filing a bug report. Obtaining that level of information is too rigorous for most support questions.
It would be better to have a more free-form way of encouraging users to give any relevant details they’re able to give.
What do you think about:
removing those 3 sections;
adding a note in the “Problem Description” section’s comment saying that if the user knows steps to reproduce the problem, it would be helpful to include it;
adding a “What goal are you trying to achieve?” type section to encourage stating expectations in a way that helps avoid XY problem
@Wild_Man Has there been any progress on the addition of signatures?
I know you guys are busy, but this could ease the back and forth of respondents keep asking for information on OP’s equipment, especially for newbies.
It could also remove the need for the template for posts, which could be too onerous and difficult for the non-technical users.
I would argue that the signature was not used frequently on UF and will likely not be used here for what you envisage.
Most users did not add their computer hardware info, either in a signature or the profile page.
Unless there is some sort of active encouragement from experienced users and moderators here on UD, I think it is unlikely that we will see any different outcome.
I also would suggest that the template is an excellent idea. I have seen many users, both new and experienced, using it. It makes the job of helping much, much easier.
Sure, not everybody will take advantage but the option should be there for those that do want to.
@rubi1200, Yes you are right, not enough people used the signature, but new users already have multiple hoops to jump through with the Discourse software one more that would actually be really useful would be a good thing in my very humble opinion. The trouble with the template is it’s required on every new post, a signature is a once only effort for members.
Cheers Tony.
Hi, I was waiting for the meeting this afternoon to get an update on signatures today but I see @aaron has replied and he is the one I would have asked.
I also agree with Rubi the template system is an excellent tool and even here user do not have to use it if they do not want to but it slows down they help process, signatures serve a completely different purpose imo then the templates, I use signatures to provide links to posting guidelines, the CoC, the wireless and hardware scripts and that’s about it.
@Wild_Man
Hey, we all have different ideas, you like templates, I like signatures, it really is not that important in the scheme of things. Whatever the mods decide is the way it will be, just thought I’d put my 5 eggs in!
Cheers Tony.
