Hobbes announcing new threads

[LabChimp]

Pretty much self explanatory, each new thread created in the forum (apart from restricted sections such as staff, VIP and exalted) will be announced on irc main channel with a hyperlink.
I think it would increase the activity on the forums.



Some of it's benefits:
Help requests will be viewed in seconds by every online user.
We would notice intros faster.
Interesting topics in the general discussion would have more views and more publicity.
People who are looking for a specific GAs will notice them immediately.
No need to continuously refresh a section or "what's new?" to know if new threads were created.

[TankGirl]

If this were to be in a separate channel then I don't see a major issue with it, but to have something like this in main would be more of a distraction than helpful I think - if you think how many GA's get bumped per day it would soon become an irritation.

[LabChimp]

If this were to be in a separate channel then I don't see a major issue with it, but to have something like this in main would be more of a distraction than helpful I think - if you think how many GA's get bumped per day it would soon become an irritation.

I said just new threads, not every new post.
Besides, area 51 section doesn't have to be included in this system.

[Kitkatra]

I don't see many really good ideas here but this one is imo. Mabye only for threads in certain forums though as you said, but definately the help forum as this would really help the site I think if new users got help even quicker than they already do. The reputation of this site will increase loads!

[Kevin]

Like TankGirl said - I think it is unnecessary, but if you make a channel just for that it won't hurt anyone. Only those who want to be updated on new threads will join that channel and everyone is happy :)

[daydada]

I like the idea. Actually, I find the lotto/raffle spam on the main channel more annoying than this. The announcement of new threads would be better suited in the main channel wheras I'd prefer to see the games moved to a separate channel instead.

[LabChimp]

I don't see many really good ideas here but this one is imo. Mabye only for threads in certain forums though as you said, but definately the help forum as this would really help the site I think if new users got help even quicker than they already do. The reputation of this site will increase loads!

I like the idea. Actually, I find the lotto/raffle spam on the main channel more annoying than this. The announcement of new threads would be better suited in the main channel wheras I'd prefer to see the games moved to a separate channel instead.

[TankGirl]

I think you would find that the announcing of new threads would quickly become irritating tbh. As I said, I have no issues with the idea if it is in a separate channel and as Kev said, those that would want to be kept informed could join it. I personally think that the only real section that would be of benefit to anyone and I think would be of most interest would be GA's in area 51 and then we do get an enormous amount of new threads being created each day.

Best person to talk to about this would be outdoors, he's the resident IRC boff so he would probably be the best person to advise on this idea.

[LabChimp]

You're right about area 51, for users that don't need invites anymore it's almost completely irrelevant and will be annoying, on the other hand, I couldn't care less if it will be announced on another channel and I'm sure most members won't join just to see 90% uninteresting threads announcements.

What about splitting this system into three channels ?

Intro section will be announced on #intros
Are 51 will be announced in a new separate channel [on a side note; maybe we should move all the raffles and lotto there also].
Everything else will be announced on the main channel.

This way it won't get too annoying with irrelevant announcements and every online user on main channel will be notified of interesting topics and help requests.

[Kevin]

On a side note - even though they might be a bit annoying sometimes, raffles and lotto keep the channel active. Some users only go to IRC because of the lotto and they would end up only joining the lotto channel if they had the option. Even I sometimes end up talking in IRC because someone saw me play and decided to say "hi" :) so, no matter what you do, don't remove the lotto from the main channel.