EggXpert

Anyone have any ideas to implement some system that will stimulate users on tech subjects to post basic specs? Maybe a note to add specs when they post? I have asked a lot of people to post specs lately. Yes, I know it is in the forum rules but ideas would be appreciated.

maybe we could have a contest

The answer does not even make sense nor is funny. I am serious. I like to be able to help if possible but cannot without minimum (or is that minime) specs. I hate to give generic answers to specific questions. There may not be a solution but I am interested in investigating the possibilities.

I understand. There are so many variables that could cause trouble. It helps to see everything. Somebody says, my computer turns on but I dont get any video, can be several different things. Some sites members just require it or they wont help. This isnt rude or asking too much. It is a courtesy as the person who needs help to save time for the person helping. 

oldsailor:

Anyone have any ideas to implement some system that will stimulate users on tech subjects to post basic specs? Maybe a note to add specs when they post? I have asked a lot of people to post specs lately. Yes, I know it is in the forum rules but ideas would be appreciated.

 

Easy I think? you click to post- it goes to an info page with instructions on each section on rules to post as well as general guidelines, click continue to post.

Hows that?

Oh yea, and an E-Mail to ask them to mark as answered and otherwise.

 

It's essential to know the specs of a machine before making a diagnostic. Anything else is guessing work. If before someone post a thread on the help forum they get a space between Subject and Message that says : Component specifications: please include brand and model. That would make easier and faster for us to help. Specially with new builds on the System Builds section of Hardware.

Thanks , ladytekki, I am glad someone understands the problem of generic answers for specific questions. Your suggestion is great. What do the rest of you think?

good, and they can't post if its not filled out. but how about more detailed though. instead of only one, each in its seperate little box (processor, hdd, psu, vid card, and so on) and only the ones that might be necessary for that forum be listed. so they know what we need to know.

Just ignore my post if I dont know what I'm talking about (which is likely).

My Asus Mobo came with a program that takes a snapshot of all my computer info for use with tech support, I believe Windows has a similar feature for error reporting. Since Windows is more universal, and if the program exists, there could be an auto.exe link for that program, like on the Asus support site, to automatically list any pertinent information relating to the users system. Then they wouldn't have to type anything relating to their components, just click the link and post their question. If that works, I think everyone would be better served.

Its a good idea but I think it would be difficult to implement as there is a very wide variety of OS's, and it couldn't be automated as people would feel the egg is stealing there info, so there would be an accept this clause and then choose your OS and it would add up to a lot more more on there part. as this is still beta they have there work cut out for them already. (but in the future, I hope so it would be a lot easier for every one, as it would be more accurate than "what they think they have")

hopefully

I would find it very annoying to have to click on another box to simply reach a post window.  Why not simply have a separate entry in the user's profile for their specs, and an additional link below the user's avatar which would link to that data.  That way, it wouldn't slow everybody down on every post.

A good idea except it would depend on users knowledge and them updating thier info at every change.

This is how they do it with vbulletin

would they have "drop" menue's? as it might complicate things if newegg only lists there products, and if typed in, they might not specify enough.

but then again if it was automated, we might get mis-recognised specs, as there are so many varieties.

like hdd, I got like way more than one. description of my case is like 45 characters long, there might be multiple brands and types of memory. So what you are showing is what we will see, or is it what they will type into???

on second thought, making it mandatory might discourage them from even posting if they aren't sure what they have. any thoughts???

I guess newegg could list there specs based on what has been puchased, or is considering to be purchased with there existing components. sweet the egg works for it. (lol) any thoughts???

Please, in any way or form, we really need this feature implemented on the asking for help  threads

This is more important than the points or the tags

Seconded strongly.

A sticky at the top of each sub forum with a template for specs, "fill out, copy and paste at the top of your post" kind of thing? Add a polite note stating that if you use this you'll get better responses. If someone posts without giving the needed info simply answer his /her post with a link to this sticky.

Thirded.

also, if there was link were they are filling out the info for us there could be a link directly to post on a catagory just for asking "how do I find my specs" to make it easier for them.  (good/bad????)

I have never seen a foolproof system for this, regardless of how well thought out it may be, in the end, it depends on the individual as to how well it works.  If anyone is hoping to devise a mechanism that will eliminate the need to ask questions before answering a post for help, it is a futile hope.  The best that any forum can do is to provide the forms and hope that people will use them.  The only other question is how this information is to be displayed or accessed?  I really don't care either way, in a signature like mine, or by clicking a link is fine.

I think trying to find anything "foolproof" is wasted effort when people are involved.

were just hoping to "fix" a minor problem thats making us ask Q's instead of giving answers.

were just giving our $0.02

gmscool:

Thirded.

also, if there was link were they are filling out the info for us there could be a link directly to post on a catagory just for asking "how do I find my specs" to make it easier for them.  (good/bad????)

 

I really like this idea.

FYI,

We are working on a default template for the support forums. When users click on Write A New Post, the default message box will have some spec info so users can add. If they wish not to add it, it can simply be removed.

 

Please remember this

Just cheerleading

Bumpitty, Bump, bump!

Is it possible to get this done during the beta or we must wait?