Question

Suggestion- There should be some pinned questions in each subject. Some basic questions like -

Using LaTeX to post questions in a subject. Just some basics so that beginners can post their equations accordingly.

Asking a good question - like @e.mccormick 's recent post - http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/54b70fcde4b04eed2e563793

How to use sub-topics / tags ? Like that of Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus etc. in Maths and Thermodynamics etc. in Physics.

Answer 1

Well, whenever anyone comes on the site... he/she generally doesn't know how to use the site. I don't think that a user generally opts to view video tutorials for How to use a site etc. And neither shows interest in asking a user about how to use a site or so. Life has got busy for everyone and most of the users now prefer to just go through point to point explanations and better do their work for what they've come for on the site.

In this case, I suggest that there should be some pinned questions which guide the users through some very important texts before going on through the site. As already expressed in the question above, questions like: How to ask a good question? , How to use sub-topics? , How to write equations? etc. can be pinned up, with giving solutions for the new comers.

For those who already have started their journey and don't require such texts to read, they may be given the option to hide those pinned questions.

I've seen many users, who come here and when they seem uncomfortable in posting questions with equations of a proper format etc. , they just close the tab or simply sign-out and never come back. It is not about promoting a site or getting traffic but it is the matter for someone to get help, who comes here with an expectation to be guided by someone towards the right way through. I don't think that we are standing strong with the expectations. Not because we are not good enough to help but because the way users approach the helpers is just not good enough. They keep mentioning "Medal + FAN" etc. which is obviously not a better way to ask a question. As already explained by @e.mccormick in his tutorial for How to ask a good question? I think that such types of texts should be pinned in the groups.

In my opinion, this shall work. Would love to see response from you all!

Answer 2

This is a great idea, and it would be great to see!
Subject rules could be added to this as well, because moderators have to continually bump their music/Openstudy Feedback question that states the rules.

Answer 3

great idea :)

Answer 4

Like Cam said, we could also pin the "Subject rules" so that users know what they are allowed to post in that subject and what is not allowed to be posted.

Answer 5

But overall a great idea!!!

Answer 6

A lot of the topic inspecific ones could be in a FAQ page. I would also push new users through a very fast, 2 or 3 page site tutorial. Sort of a picture preview of how to do things and some info like that ask a question one, the top three rules (Be nice, Don't cheat, Remember to say thanks.) That plus a short description at the top of each topic would be really useful in promoting proper use of the site and each section in it.

Answer 7

A nice idea but I think the user should have the choice to unpin it whenever they want. It should only affect the users side and not anyone else's side.

Answer 8

GOOD idea i was thinking about this :)

Answer 9

really great idea man

Answer 10

:D Wonderful idea!!