Author Topic: A protest! (Read 29772 times)

Lightages · « **on:** July 17, 2015, 07:26:12 am »

I am gong to refuse to answer anyone who does not have their country set in their profile. I am soooooo tired of asking newbies what country they are from when they ask for recommendations for what thing to buy. It is so wasteful of time, and so pointless that this happens over and over and over. I thought this was resolved with the forum settings, but it still continues and I am getting very tired of it. What says the herd?

I know,I am being grumpy, but c'mon.......

EEVblog · « **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2015, 07:29:44 am »

I thought I fixed this in the forum settings to force new user to pick a ocuntry, but it doesn't work. I do not know what is wrong, sorry. I have spent many hours on this.

EEVblog · « **Reply #2 on:** July 17, 2015, 07:42:14 am »

I have just installed the latest version. Don't know if it'll make a difference.
Even if it does work for new registration I can find no way to force existing people to select a country.

EEVblog · « **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2015, 07:44:26 am »

Just checked by registering a new person, nope, doesn't work.

Lightages · « **Reply #4 on:** July 17, 2015, 07:46:42 am »

Thanks for trying Dave. Perhaps you can put a message in the sign up that states that the user must set their country flag or they might be ignored.

EEVblog · « **Reply #5 on:** July 17, 2015, 07:51:55 am »

Ah, got it!
It now requires new users to select the country before they can sign up. Bug seems to have been fixed.

Psi · « **Reply #6 on:** July 17, 2015, 07:55:41 am »

Could do a global PM or email message to all current users asking them to set the country code

EEVblog · « **Reply #7 on:** July 17, 2015, 08:12:24 am »

Quote from: Psi on July 17, 2015, 07:55:41 am

Could do a global PM or email message to all current users asking them to set the country code

Have never done that!

Muttley Snickers · « **Reply #8 on:** July 17, 2015, 08:27:16 am »

Wow, if you were going to do a global mail drop please add the following line and I know that it has been asked before and the response was that they still dont bother to use it, we can only try. It shouldn't add much to the printing costs and it would be nice if all newbies got a reminder notification to start them off, occasionally I will use Google and follow the term with EEVblog which brings up a short list and this works a bit better for me.

Please remember to use the search feature before starting a new thread

AndreasF · « **Reply #9 on:** July 17, 2015, 08:36:47 am »

and a link to this (or something similar):

http://www.wikihow.com/Ask-a-Question-on-the-Internet-and-Get-It-Answered

Not that it's going to help ...

Mr.B · « **Reply #10 on:** July 17, 2015, 09:06:01 am »

I agree with @wilfred.
It is not hard to say "Please set your country flag in your profile so that forum members can provide more accurate suggestions".
I don't have a problem with it.

timofonic · « **Reply #11 on:** July 17, 2015, 09:57:54 am »

I think country is not enough. What about able to put a better specified location? I'm from Malaga, Andalusia, Spain.

Mr.B · « **Reply #12 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:04:07 am »

Quote from: Circuiteromalaguito on July 17, 2015, 09:57:54 am

I think country is not enough. What about able to put a better specified location? I'm from Malaga, Andalusia, Spain.

And I am from -41.338071, 173.185442
I don't think so.
Country is sufficient to provide enough information for help.
If you want to disclose your almost exact address, put it in your posting signature.

Muttley Snickers · « **Reply #13 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:11:04 am »

In case anyone gives a rats I'm from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and to prove it the car number plates say Victoria the place to be, at least they let us fill in the last few words.

Muttley

tautech · « **Reply #14 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:19:06 am »

Quote from: EEVblog on July 17, 2015, 07:51:55 am

Ah, got it!
It now requires new users to select the country before they can sign up. Bug seems to have been fixed.

Hope it works this time.

Quote from: Circuiteromalaguito on July 17, 2015, 09:57:54 am

I think country is not enough. What about able to put a better specified location? I'm from Malaga, Andalusia, Spain.

No need.
Choose a flag AND type in your Location, there's options to do each, hopefully one's now compulsory.

Mr.B · « **Reply #15 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:20:46 am »

Melbourne is a big place...

And, BTW I love Melbourne.
I am from little old Nelson, New Zealand... It says so in my profile... Little being 80,000 people in the Tasman district...
That's as much disclosure as I am prepared to offer.
A forum registration should not insist on you providing your location, however knowing a persons country assists in providing help...
just my 10c worth.

tautech · « **Reply #16 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:24:11 am »

Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:20:46 am

Melbourne is a big place...
And, BTW I love Melbourne.
I am from little old Nelson, New Zealand... It says so in my profile... Little being 80,000 people in the Tasman district...
That's as much disclosure as I am prepared to offer.
A forum forum registration should not insist on you providing your location, however knowing a persons country assists in providing help...
just my 10c worth.

I'd hope the black flag is still an option for those that NEED to keep their location private.
Let's hope we don't get a rush on black flags.

Mr.B · « **Reply #17 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:28:19 am »

Quote from: tautech on July 17, 2015, 10:24:11 am

Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:20:46 am
Melbourne is a big place...
And, BTW I love Melbourne.
I am from little old Nelson, New Zealand... It says so in my profile... Little being 80,000 people in the Tasman district...
That's as much disclosure as I am prepared to offer.
A forum forum registration should not insist on you providing your location, however knowing a persons country assists in providing help...
just my 10c worth.
I'd hope the black flag is still an option for those that NEED to keep their location private.
Let's hope we don't get a rush on black flags.

I don't get it with the black flag...
I am proud of being a Kiwi and am happy to disclose my country and city.
Obviously I am not going to disclose my residential location on the internet, but come on... Black flag... really...

timofonic · « **Reply #18 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:28:21 am »

Quote from: tautech on July 17, 2015, 10:24:11 am

Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:20:46 am
Melbourne is a big place...
And, BTW I love Melbourne.
I am from little old Nelson, New Zealand... It says so in my profile... Little being 80,000 people in the Tasman district...
That's as much disclosure as I am prepared to offer.
A forum forum registration should not insist on you providing your location, however knowing a persons country assists in providing help...
just my 10c worth.
I'd hope the black flag is still an option for those that NEED to keep their location private.
Let's hope we don't get a rush on black flags.

Do we accept pirates and nomads in the forum?

f1rmb · « **Reply #19 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:32:15 am »

Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:28:19 am

Quote from: tautech on July 17, 2015, 10:24:11 am
Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:20:46 am
Melbourne is a big place...
And, BTW I love Melbourne.
I am from little old Nelson, New Zealand... It says so in my profile... Little being 80,000 people in the Tasman district...
That's as much disclosure as I am prepared to offer.
A forum forum registration should not insist on you providing your location, however knowing a persons country assists in providing help...
just my 10c worth.
I'd hope the black flag is still an option for those that NEED to keep their location private.
Let's hope we don't get a rush on black flags.

I don't get it with the black flag...
I am proud of being a Kiwi and am happy to disclose my country and city.
Obviously I am not going to disclose my residential location on the internet, but come on... Black flag... really...

Yeah, but I guess it is needed for some people living in countries where authorities aren't that nice. Maybe I'm wrong.

Cheers.
---
Daniel

Mr.B · « **Reply #20 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:33:29 am »

Quote from: Circuiteromalaguito on July 17, 2015, 10:28:21 am

Do we accept pirates and nomads in the forum?

Pirates and Nomad can update their Country settings at will...

And, yes, Pirates and Nomads who have something to offer are probably very welcome...

Mr.B · « **Reply #21 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:36:03 am »

Quote from: f1rmb on July 17, 2015, 10:32:15 am

Yeah, but I guess it is needed for some people living in countries where authorities aren't that nice. Maybe I'm wrong.

If you are talking about the countries that I think you are talking about, the country flag setting will make no difference...
They are being tracked anyway.

tautech · « **Reply #22 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:43:09 am »

Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:28:19 am

Quote from: tautech on July 17, 2015, 10:24:11 am
Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:20:46 am
Melbourne is a big place...
And, BTW I love Melbourne.
I am from little old Nelson, New Zealand... It says so in my profile... Little being 80,000 people in the Tasman district...
That's as much disclosure as I am prepared to offer.
A forum forum registration should not insist on you providing your location, however knowing a persons country assists in providing help...
just my 10c worth.
I'd hope the black flag is still an option for those that NEED to keep their location private.
Let's hope we don't get a rush on black flags.

I don't get it with the black flag...
I am proud of being a Kiwi and am happy to disclose my country and city.
Obviously I am not going to disclose my residential location on the internet, but come on... Black flag... really...

IMHO you need to provide for those that NEED maintain their anonymity, some are constrained from membership of forums by employers and while they are presently very few, without a black flag they would be prevented from joining EEVblog after Daves recent

.
That would not be good.

I previously wasn't a fan of the black flag but I have long ago 180'ed on this issue.

I too am very proud to be Kiwi Mr.B.

f1rmb · « **Reply #23 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:48:27 am »

Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:36:03 am

Quote from: f1rmb on July 17, 2015, 10:32:15 am
Yeah, but I guess it is needed for some people living in countries where authorities aren't that nice. Maybe I'm wrong.

If you are talking about the countries that I think you are talking about, the country flag setting will make no difference...
They are being tracked anyway.

Yes, I know.
There is also the case of people living in some kind of "hated" countries. They maybe don't want to get bad reactions due to actions of some crazy, fanatic guys.

Muttley Snickers · « **Reply #24 on:** July 17, 2015, 10:54:23 am »

I have to agree with tautech on the black flag option it's better than no flag at all and indicates to others that the member has made a consideration in relation to disclosing their location.

Muttley

Mr.B · « **Reply #25 on:** July 17, 2015, 11:14:56 am »

@tautech
I am sure there are people that want maintain their anonymity with their employer and I get that (especially considering my full time job roll), however if they want help and assistance then they should use an "off employer site" registration and visit EEVblog not on the employers time... Yes, I am being hypocritical because I cruse EEVblog in company time... (but hey, I am a senior manager... LOL... Is that OK???)

@f1rmb
Yes, understand what you are saying.

@mutley
Ok, point taken... yes, I will run with that.

All that said, I will shut up and go to bed now...

Fungus · « **Reply #26 on:** July 17, 2015, 11:38:55 am »

Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:04:07 am

Country is sufficient to provide enough information for help.

I say "continent".

I'm in Spain but I have no clue where to buy anything inside Spain, all my stuff comes from "Europe".

Quote from: Lightages on July 17, 2015, 07:26:12 am

I am gong to refuse to answer anyone who does not have their country set in their profile. I am soooooo tired of .......

Fine. Stop doing it.

FWIW: I think that 'forcing' people to reveal their info will cause as many problems as it solves.

Fungus · « **Reply #27 on:** July 17, 2015, 11:47:29 am »

Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:28:19 am

I don't get it with the black flag...
I am proud of being a Kiwi and am happy to disclose my country and city.
Obviously I am not going to disclose my residential location on the internet, but come on... Black flag... really...

OK, you're a rompin' stompin' Kiwi and proud of it!

But ... nobody voted you as spokesperson for the world. It should be there so long as even one person wants it. Heck, it should be there even if nobody wanted it yet. Just because you can't instantly think of a reason doesn't mean there isn't one.

EEVblog · « **Reply #28 on:** July 17, 2015, 12:08:43 pm »

No one is being forced to chose the country they are actually in. Anyone who wanted to remain truly anonymous can pick any one of a few hundred.

Ian.M · « **Reply #29 on:** July 17, 2015, 12:14:29 pm »

If some of us choose not to set our location, what's the big deal? If I'm looking for local part suppliers, I don't mind disclosing the approximate location, but I certainly don't want every post tagged with my location, and if I happen to be a resident of a small island nation, I'd be giving away a very large clue to my identity. The most interesting 'nation' in the list is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouvet_Island, a Norwegian dependency with a permanent population of zero, so anyone truthfully claiming that, is identifying themselves as the electronics 'geek' of a very small expedition (the research station accommodates six)!

I am happy to admit at any time that my usual habitat is located approximately 1 AU from Sol.

timofonic · « **Reply #30 on:** July 17, 2015, 12:20:47 pm »

Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:36:03 am

Quote from: f1rmb on July 17, 2015, 10:32:15 am
Yeah, but I guess it is needed for some people living in countries where authorities aren't that nice. Maybe I'm wrong.

If you are talking about the countries that I think you are talking about, the country flag setting will make no difference...
They are being tracked anyway.

Very smart people can avoid tracking wisely...

@Fungus

Hola!

I find most shops in Spain to be crappy and expensive. I understand you...

f4eru · « **Reply #31 on:** July 17, 2015, 01:38:09 pm »

Why care the location

I don't care, I will answer you even if you are in the USA

Lightages · « **Reply #32 on:** July 17, 2015, 02:48:04 pm »

The problem with not disclosing a country is something like this:

Quote

Where can I buy a power supply?

This type of bare question without any location comes up all the time. I don't care if people don't want to disclose their location but I was just getting tired of having to give as my first response "Where do you live?" If people want an answer as to where or what they should buy, their location is a big part of the recommendation. It is a waste of time to go over all the possibilities all around the world just to have them say they can't use ebay, or they won't import anything because of their countries importation fees, etc..

This was my complaint. It happens all the time.

free_electron · « **Reply #33 on:** July 17, 2015, 02:57:18 pm »

Quote from: Muttley Snickers on July 17, 2015, 10:11:04 am

In case anyone gives a rats I'm from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and to prove it the car number plates say Victoria the place to be, at least they let us fill in the last few words.

Muttley

Long dead english queen , the place to be .

i think not ...

zapta · « **Reply #34 on:** July 17, 2015, 03:05:53 pm »

Quote from: Lightages on July 17, 2015, 07:26:12 am

I am gong to refuse to answer anyone who does not have their country set in their profile.

Our importance we over estimate, do we?

Lightages · « **Reply #35 on:** July 17, 2015, 03:08:29 pm »

Quote from: zapta on July 17, 2015, 03:05:53 pm

Quote from: Lightages on July 17, 2015, 07:26:12 am
I am gong to refuse to answer anyone who does not have their country set in their profile.

Our importance we over estimate, do we?

NO

Did you not read my last post? My complaint is not just my own. This has been discussed in the past and many people have complained about this too.

Richard Crowley · « **Reply #36 on:** July 17, 2015, 03:21:40 pm »

Quote from: wilfred on July 17, 2015, 08:58:11 am

So far I've only heard they'll be ignored by you.

HA! Of course you wouldn't actually know HOW many people ignore those with no flag or black flag.

I will admit that I have grown weary of playing 20-Questions with clueless people. If they can't discern how to ask a question or how much information is necessary to evaluate the situation, then they probably won't understand the answer, either and it is a waste of their time and mine.

jancumps · « **Reply #37 on:** July 17, 2015, 03:40:04 pm »

Quote from: Lightages on July 17, 2015, 03:08:29 pm

Quote from: zapta on July 17, 2015, 03:05:53 pm
Quote from: Lightages on July 17, 2015, 07:26:12 am
I am gong to refuse to answer anyone who does not have their country set in their profile.

Our importance we over estimate, do we?
NO

Did you not read my last post? My complaint is not just my own. This has been discussed in the past and many people have complained about this too.

Many others haven't complained.

Lightages · « **Reply #38 on:** July 17, 2015, 03:46:27 pm »

Quote from: jancumps on July 17, 2015, 03:40:04 pm

Many others haven't complained.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/where-the-bloody-hell-are-you/

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/please-show-your-country/

Just with a simple quick search.......

zapta · « **Reply #39 on:** July 17, 2015, 03:54:31 pm »

Quote from: Richard Crowley on July 17, 2015, 03:21:40 pm

Quote from: wilfred on July 17, 2015, 08:58:11 am
So far I've only heard they'll be ignored by you.

HA! Of course you wouldn't actually know HOW many people ignore those with no flag or black flag.

I will admit that I have grown weary of playing 20-Questions with clueless people. If they can't discern how to ask a question or how much information is necessary to evaluate the situation, then they probably won't understand the answer, either and it is a waste of their time and mine.

We are not require to answer all the questions. Pick the ones you like, others will be other questions and as for the rest, tough luck. The 'my way or the highway' approach, not by you, is inappropriate for such a diverse community.

Lightages · « **Reply #40 on:** July 17, 2015, 04:04:14 pm »

Quote from: zapta on July 17, 2015, 03:54:31 pm

We are not require to answer all the questions. Pick the ones you like, others will be other questions and as for the rest, tough luck. The 'my way or the highway' approach, not by you, is inappropriate for such a diverse community.

You might want to consider that if people are going to ignore people who ask these questions without saying where they live that making sure they do disclose their location before they post will get them more answers and actually help them rather than have them be ignored. There is still the black flag option and they can even indicate the wrong country if they want. At least they know and have made the conscious decision and we can then decide not to waste our time trying to help someone with information that isn't relevant.

tautech · « **Reply #41 on:** July 17, 2015, 08:35:39 pm »

Quote from: Lightages on July 17, 2015, 03:08:29 pm

Quote from: zapta on July 17, 2015, 03:05:53 pm
Quote from: Lightages on July 17, 2015, 07:26:12 am
I am gong to refuse to answer anyone who does not have their country set in their profile.

Our importance we over estimate, do we?
NO

Did you not read my last post? My complaint is not just my own. This has been discussed in the past and many people have complained about this too.

Quite right.
Derailed thread from not too long ago:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/news/zero-posters-purged/

Muttley Snickers · « **Reply #42 on:** July 17, 2015, 11:19:53 pm »

The flag option is probably not relevant to established members, it's the new ones that cause the grief that Lightages refers to. And we nearly forgot this one, I was very proud of this post some of my better work.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/(freebies)-cleaning-up-some-stuff/

tautech · « **Reply #43 on:** July 17, 2015, 11:51:07 pm »

Quote from: wilfred on July 17, 2015, 11:28:33 pm

Quote from: tautech on July 17, 2015, 08:35:39 pm
Quote from: Lightages on July 17, 2015, 03:08:29 pm

NO

Did you not read my last post? My complaint is not just my own. This has been discussed in the past and many people have complained about this too.
Quite right.
Derailed thread from not too long ago:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/news/zero-posters-purged/

In that thread Dave posted this "The final opinion seemed to be that it would force many to put a false country, so just as bad or perhaps worse as no country?"

As for putting the country name instead of the flag image, well colour me a closet vexillologist.

A bigger issue than not filling in the location flag, is not creating a title that has sufficient detail to facilitate a latter search for the thread.

Had to Google vexillologist.
Flag fetish?

As all these links pop up as part of this discussion, another:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/(poll)-setting-the-country-in-new-user-profiles/
In that one there is 65% support for compulsion, admittedly some do not want the black flag retained but despite their views there is good reason for it.

Add to this the support of many SC's that are weary of trying to get basic info from newbies.

Daves statement and very recent actions reveal his understanding of the communitys needs and hopefully we can how move forward.

zapta · « **Reply #44 on:** July 18, 2015, 05:57:17 pm »

Quote from: tautech on July 17, 2015, 11:51:07 pm

In that one there is 65% support for compulsion, admittedly some do not want the black flag retained but despite their views there is good reason for it.

We should reduce the size of the black flag by 65% then.

Richard Crowley · « **Reply #45 on:** July 19, 2015, 06:01:02 am »

Ironically, black flags (as the one flown by @mojo-chan) are not being displayed at all. We see only the "missing-image" icon where the black flag should be. This happens on both my Chrome and on Internet Explorer browsers.

Lightages · « **Reply #46 on:** July 19, 2015, 06:07:22 am »

Same here.

tautech · « **Reply #47 on:** July 19, 2015, 08:17:18 am »

Quote from: Lightages on July 19, 2015, 06:07:22 am

Same here.

+1
Noticed it soon after Dave did his

Dave, further

required to fix the black flag, you'll probably have create a country name for it.

gildasd · « **Reply #48 on:** July 19, 2015, 08:35:13 am »

Quote from: tautech on July 19, 2015, 08:17:18 am

Quote from: Lightages on July 19, 2015, 06:07:22 am
Same here.
+1
Noticed it soon after Dave did his

Dave, further required to fix the black flag, you'll probably have create a country name for it.

As far as I am concerned, a black flag means you are a submarine and are surrendering.

Ian.M · « **Reply #49 on:** July 19, 2015, 11:11:37 am »

Oh for %DEITY%'s sake, simply add "The World" with the UN flag to the list!
As has previously been suggested, continent or region choices would also be useful. A couple of obvious ones would be the EU and NAFTA countries.

Macbeth · « **Reply #50 on:** July 19, 2015, 01:59:09 pm »

Quote from: Mr.B on July 17, 2015, 10:36:03 am

Quote from: f1rmb on July 17, 2015, 10:32:15 am
Yeah, but I guess it is needed for some people living in countries where authorities aren't that nice. Maybe I'm wrong.

If you are talking about the countries that I think you are talking about, the country flag setting will make no difference...
They are being tracked anyway.

Exactly! Hence my flag

Quote from: wilfred on July 17, 2015, 11:28:33 pm

As for putting the country name instead of the flag image, well colour me a closet vexillologist.

The country name is in the tag when you hover the mouse over the flag. I know this as I am constantly testing my flag knowledge this way

Keep it like it is, I like it when I get it right

Ok, now that we know flags should be enforced, may I demand that people disclose their ages? I refuse to speak to anyone if I don't know their age. It's unprofessional. (Just kidding, spare the banhammer! I remember this being suggested once before)

zapta · « **Reply #51 on:** July 19, 2015, 03:00:00 pm »

Quote from: gildasd on July 19, 2015, 08:35:13 am

As far as I am concerned, a black flag means you are a submarine and are surrendering.

"There are two types of naval vessel: submarines and targets."

An old saying.

steves · « **Reply #52 on:** July 20, 2015, 01:46:59 am »

If only there was a white flag I would have hoisted it long ago.

ivan747 · « **Reply #53 on:** July 20, 2015, 02:28:44 am »

Quote from: Muttley Snickers on July 17, 2015, 10:54:23 am

I have to agree with tautech on the black flag option it's better than no flag at all and indicates to others that the member has made a consideration in relation to disclosing their location.

Muttley

The black flag should be selected with an option called "I have a very good reason not to show my country, I'm sorry".

I don't feel I have ever been treated differently for my flag. Well, this country is not that relevant in the big scheme of things anyways.

tautech · « **Reply #54 on:** July 20, 2015, 02:41:47 am »

Quote from: ivan747 on July 20, 2015, 02:28:44 am

Well, this country is not that relevant in the big scheme of things anyways.

Except for it's reknown for gorgeous women.

Fungus · « **Reply #55 on:** July 20, 2015, 06:43:28 am »

Quote from: ivan747 on July 20, 2015, 02:28:44 am

The black flag should be selected with an option called "I have a very good reason not to show my country, I'm sorry".

The people proposing this obviously don't think there are any good reasons.

Every single person in the world should be standing up and shouting about how proud they are of the statistically insignificant event of their birthplace/religion/color/etc.

As to the 'buying advice!!' problem: I think it's better to put in a big sticky 'read this before asking what to buy' post and have a boilerplate reply that says "Please read THIS and try asking that again..."

Anybody caught NOT posting the boilerplate reply to an offending question can be publicly flamed and shamed. Maybe three non-boilerplate replies could even get you banned from the forum. Problem solved.

This solution keeps the problem localized without dragging the entire Internet into toeing a line only being advocated by a minority. That's the way the Internet has always worked, that's the way the Internet should work.

Richard Crowley · « **Reply #56 on:** July 20, 2015, 06:55:45 am »

Quote from: Fungus on July 20, 2015, 06:43:28 am

Every single person in the world should be standing up and shouting about how proud they are of the statistically insignificant event of their birthplace/religion/color/etc.

Oh, Phuleeeeze!

This is about very practical things like mains power voltage, acquisition source availability, shipping, import tariffs, etc.

Fungus · « **Reply #57 on:** July 20, 2015, 07:38:20 am »

Quote from: Richard Crowley on July 20, 2015, 06:55:45 am

Oh, Phuleeeeze!
This is about very practical things like mains power voltage, acquisition source availability, shipping, import tariffs, etc.

And that's exactly why my solution works so well.

modrobert · « **Reply #58 on:** July 20, 2015, 07:56:24 am »

Black like this?

Deathwish · « **Reply #59 on:** July 20, 2015, 08:05:32 am »

Quote from: modrobert on July 20, 2015, 07:56:24 am

Black like this?

I'm up for that flag too. Those living in europe could post this one perhaps......

modrobert · « **Reply #60 on:** July 20, 2015, 12:28:28 pm »

After reading the whole thread I can understand some of the concerns about showing the country flag, it's hard to be completely neutral and objective. Check this fictional example post I just made up.

Quote

I'm reverse engineering a piece of hardware that literally fell out of the sky and landed in my backyard using a logic analyzer, could use some help.

Now, what is the first thing that comes to mind after reading that request, potential associations those country flags could give (at least if you are easily indoctrinated by mainstream media outlets in the west).

If you were able to help, would you feel equally inclined to do so regardless of the posters country? Really?

modrobert · « **Reply #61 on:** July 20, 2015, 01:33:46 pm »

Quote from: wilfred on July 20, 2015, 01:07:32 pm

You're overthinking this issue. It flares up from time to time because people (usually new members) ask a question and the answer would be better tailored if some idea of where they are was supplied. The forum software has, but until recently did not require new members fill out the country location. As it also doesn't require many other available bits of information that are not normally filled in either.

Dave provided a middle solution for those that for undisclosed personal reasons did not want to supply that detail. That was to use the black flag to at least show that the detail had not been ignored.

Dave IIRC did not want to force people to supply such details or at the very least he was sympathetic the individuals right to not supply it.

At the heart of this latest flare up is a fundamental intolerance of a vocal few who want to insist everyone conform to their idea of how things should be done.

I seriously don't think appeasing them is a progressive step forward.

The country detail is often not sufficient in itself anyway. It is a supreme irony that ones who bleat the loudest about this minor transgression of omitting locality context are also the ones who complain about how hard it makes their lives when trying to help the new member. And then proceed to not be helpful.

I agree about the middle solution.

Being an admin of a forum myself for the past 12 years, I can relate to these kind of problems.

A few years ago I added some php code which blocked any new threads posted with the text 'need help' or 'please help' in the "topic/subject" line (when string matched the user was instructed to change the subject line), it was a desperate attempt to force users into posting meaningful problem descriptions in a support forum, because "I need help" isn't really useful for someone who could potentially help when browsing the forum threads by subject title. Anyway, the strategy backfired and some users got really frustrated instead, so now they can type "I need help" as topic again.

I guess my point is that forcing the user by code (or otherwise) is rarely the right way.

dcac · « **Reply #62 on:** July 20, 2015, 02:31:12 pm »

IMO sharing any personal information on forums should never be mandatory.

I really fail to understand why a simple info tag wouldn’t suffice - That it might be a good idea to provide for what market/Country when i.e. asking for buying advice.

BTW, "Modify Forum Profile" information still reads:

Quote

You can change your personal information on this page. This information will be displayed throughout EEVblog Electronics Community Forum. If you aren't comfortable with sharing some information, simply skip it - nothing here is required.

Fungus · « **Reply #63 on:** July 20, 2015, 02:42:20 pm »

Quote from: wilfred on July 20, 2015, 01:07:32 pm

At the heart of this latest flare up is a fundamental intolerance of a vocal few who want to insist everyone conform to their idea of how things should be done.

I seriously don't think appeasing them is a progressive step forward.

This.

Quote from: fungus

I think it's better to have a sticky 'Read this before asking what to buy!' post and have a boilerplate reply that says "Please read THIS then try asking that again...". You can copy/paste that reply in about three seconds.

Anybody caught NOT posting the boilerplate reply to an offending question can be publicly flamed and shamed. Three offenses should get you banned (because if you can't follow forum procedure then why should they???).

Seems a better way. Vocal few made grudgingly happy without affecting all 20,000 satisfied forum members.

You could maybe add a hint on the signup page where it asks for the country: "If you're just signing up to ask for buying advice then this is a good idea..."

Ian.M · « **Reply #64 on:** July 20, 2015, 03:41:39 pm »

Quote from: Fungus on July 20, 2015, 06:43:28 am

As to the 'buying advice!!' problem: I think it's better to put in a big sticky 'read this before asking what to buy' post and have a boilerplate reply that says "Please read THIS and try asking that again..."

Anybody caught NOT posting the boilerplate reply to an offending question can be publicly flamed and shamed. Maybe three non-boilerplate replies could even get you banned from the forum. Problem solved.

Your proposed solution is itself abusive. There are many ways of pointing out that one needs to know the O.P.'s location, or other details they have chosen not to disclose, to be able to give good or even valid answers to certain questions. Its not just buying/selling topics that need the location. (e.g. anything involving AC power or broadcast timesignals) Boilerplate replies aren't always appropriate. As long as the reply asking for the missing information isn't inappropriately abusive, there's no need to start flaming anyone.

jancumps · « **Reply #65 on:** July 20, 2015, 03:54:23 pm »

Members trying to dictate what other members should do - it rubs me the wrong way.
Go ahead and don't reply to posts without flags. But don't impose your rules on others.

Fungus · « **Reply #66 on:** July 20, 2015, 08:31:32 pm »

Quote from: Ian.M on July 20, 2015, 03:41:39 pm

Boilerplate replies aren't always appropriate.

Sure they are.

"You just asked a question that requires a location-specific answer but you didn't supply your location. If you still want a reply; please let people know where you live, what your mains voltage is, etc.

Thanks."

PS: This is covered in the forum's sticky (click here to view).

What situation would something like that not apply to? How would you modify it so that it does?

(Let's all collaborate on a standard reply...)

Lightages · « **Reply #67 on:** July 20, 2015, 10:37:59 pm »

Those who are accusing people like me, who are asking for the mandatory country indication, of intolerance are being overly defensive and are not considering the whole idea. The problem is when people ask specific questions that almost require location information and it is obvious they haven't even bothered to say where they can buy from.

It has been said over and over, nobody needs to put their real location if they are that concerned about revealing it. At least this way we know that the person has considered their location information and has made a conscious decision to set the flag. If the black flag is available then it can be used.

If the person has made an active decision to not indicate their correct location, that is fine. If they then post a question about what/how/where to buy something and then reject answers because it doesn't work where they live, then we can chastise them for not being clearer.

As it is now, the majority of the newbies posting come in and make no indication where they are or where they can buy and ask for advice on purchases. This wastes everyone's time and after the hundredth time people will either not respond or get nasty with them. This is not good for welcoming newcomers nor encouraging people to help.

That is my intent and point. The OP was not some narrow minded, intolerant, racist and elitist ego maniacal rant.

zapta · « **Reply #68 on:** July 20, 2015, 10:54:32 pm »

Quote from: modrobert on July 20, 2015, 01:33:46 pm

That is my intent and point. The OP was not some narrow minded, intolerant, racist and elitist ego maniacal rant.

I think that the criticism was more in the direction of being a busybody.

Lightages · « **Reply #69 on:** July 20, 2015, 11:08:43 pm »

OK, same statement applies. How trying to help people the best way when they ask for help is being a busy body....

tautech · « **Reply #70 on:** July 20, 2015, 11:24:46 pm »

Quote from: Lightages on July 20, 2015, 10:37:59 pm

Those who are accusing people like me, who are asking for the mandatory country indication, of intolerance are being overly defensive and are not considering the whole idea. The problem is when people ask specific questions that almost require location information and it is obvious they haven't even bothered to say where they can buy from.

It has been said over and over, nobody needs to put their real location if they are that concerned about revealing it. At least this way we know that the person has considered their location information and has made a conscious decision to set the flag. If the black flag is available then it can be used.

If the person has made an active decision to not indicate their correct location, that is fine. If they then post a question about what/how/where to buy something and then reject answers because it doesn't work where they live, then we can chastise them for not being clearer.

As it is now, the majority of the newbies posting come in and make no indication where they are or where they can buy and ask for advice on purchases. This wastes everyone's time and after the hundredth time people will either not respond or get nasty with them. This is not good for welcoming newcomers nor encouraging people to help.

That is my intent and point. The OP was not some narrow minded, intolerant, racist and elitist ego maniacal rant.

+1
Many of us are here just to give their help/knowledge freely, more so than asking for it.
Others that need/want help should (you would think) attempt to assist us in our endeavours.
Hell, if we had access to IP's as Dave and Mods do we wouldn't need flags, there's enough tools on the web to ID where you are.

Call us know alls, I don't care, but without those of us that willingly attempt to assist others, what would this forum be?
Even though I now sell TE I hate to see old gear not being fixed, not all can afford new gear and when it's a straight forward fix why wouldn't I help?
We all started with old shitty gear, spent all our time keeping it going and learnt heaps on the way.

I'm proud of that and happy to share what I can, just as others do too.

It's very refreshing to now see newbies with country flags, remember many of us are prepared to help locals at a personal level but somebody without a flag and/or location could be living 5km away from me and I'd never know.

With a flag and location in my profile I get PM's from locals, including some from Aussie, seeking all sorts of advice.

/rant

I've made some good friends on EEVblog, it's a great place.

Thanks Dave.

Lightages · « **Reply #71 on:** July 20, 2015, 11:26:52 pm »

Quote from: zapta on July 20, 2015, 10:54:32 pm

Quote from: modrobert on July 20, 2015, 01:33:46 pm
That is my intent and point. The OP was not some narrow minded, intolerant, racist and elitist ego maniacal rant.

I think that the criticism was more in the direction of being a busybody.

Quote

There is also the case of people living in some kind of "hated" countries. They maybe don't want to get bad reactions due to actions of some crazy, fanatic guys.

Quote

Our importance we over estimate, do we?

from zapta

Quote

The 'my way or the highway' approach, not by you, is inappropriate for such a diverse community.

from zapta

Quote

Plus I find that having a flag causes people to treat you differently, depending on their idea of the country in question.

Quote

At the heart of this latest flare up is a fundamental intolerance of a vocal few who want to insist everyone conform to their idea of how things should be done.

Quote

Members trying to dictate what other members should do - it rubs me the wrong way.
Go ahead and don't reply to posts without flags. But don't impose your rules on others.

Again, the problem is with people asking for advice and help that requires an answer based on location. If the user does not disclose his location, or does not indicate that he does not want his location known by setting a flag or black flag or whatever, he gets ignored, or wastes everyone's time. There is no requirement to disclose your location correctly as Dave has said. What is worse, wasting everyone's time with pointless responses, or chastising a brand new member for not being clearer with his first post, or ignoring them completely? All I was asking is to have the person indicate a location so people can answer them the best way and not waste everyone's time and/or not be pedantic with them every time.

jancumps · « **Reply #72 on:** July 20, 2015, 11:53:42 pm »

Leave the everyone out of the discussion please, because you're not talking for everyone here.

zapta · « **Reply #73 on:** July 21, 2015, 12:15:29 am »

Quote from: Lightages on July 20, 2015, 11:08:43 pm

OK, same statement applies. How trying to help people the best way when they ask for help is being a busy body....

And I am trying to help you being a more tolerant and flexible person and you keep arguing with me. I care about you and know better so you should do what I say. It's for your own good.

Anyway, you got the point ... ;-)


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