Dear all whitebelts… please read.

BrianFantana · 07-12-2006, 10:25 AM

I know, I know, there’s a FAQ section. It’s even stickied right at the top of the forums. But, whitebelts, have you read it? If not, press “back” on your browser and read it when you’re done with this. What follows is an open letter to help you out in your forum-posting experience.

Are you tired of being told to use the search function? Have you been told to "stfu noob" more than once? Well, as unjust as it may seem to you, you probably deserved it, but that’s why I’m here to help you.

Do you want to know the most effective way to stop being told to use the search function? Use the damn search function. I know it may seem intuitive to some, but for those of you who can’t think for yourselves, you click on the “search” button (located at the top of just about every page in the forum), and then type in the words you want to search for. For example, do you want to start a thread about how Diego Sanchez would do against BJ Penn? Really, you do? Well, not so fast there junior, click the “search” button, and then type “Diego Penn” and see what comes up. The words you type into the search are known as “boolean operators” and the search will locate all instances of whatever words you put in there. From here, simply ADD to one of the 5000 threads that have already been started on this topic. Why is this a good idea? Because, even if you add to a 2 month old thread, it moves back to the top of the “recently posted” list, meaning that all your fellow Sherdoggers can open the thread and see what brilliant insight you had into the topic. Isn’t that swell?

Next up, the fight finder. For this, I’d like to reference two whitebelt posts I saw just today. “I don’t know who this Lyoto guy is, but Vernon White will expose that can”, and “If they ever fought, Wandy would kill Tito”. Now, as a whitebelt, one of two things are true, either you just got into the forum, or in the case of the previous posters, you just got into MMA. And you know what? I’m glad you did, because the more fans of the sport, the more recognition it gets, and the better it is for all us fans. However, if you’re interested in the sport, take the time to learn a little something about its athletes. The fight finder (located on the left hand side, near the top, of just about EVERY page on this website) is a convenient little tool that will avoid idiotic statements like the ones above. So long stfu noob!

Now onto the real bread and butter, starting threads. Before you start a new thread, ask yourself a few simple questions:
1) Is this topic relevant to MMA?
2a) If so, what forum does it belong in?
2b) If not, what forum does it belong in?
3) Have I searched to see if this topic has already been started?
If you can answer the first two questions, and “yes” to the third, post away. The reason you may have been told “whitebelts shouldn’t start threads” is because these questions are not asked, and you begin threads that just clutter up the forum.

There are just two more things all whitebelts should know: firstly, if you just got into the forum, chances are that the rest of the posters know more than you. I know it’s hard to imagine, but if you’re not careful some of the guys here will put you in your place… hard. So, treat the other opinions you read with respect, because some of these people live and breathe MMA. If you have a question, just ask, you’ll be surprised how helpful everyone can be when asked nicely. Second, if you see a thread started by “Donny_x” with “x” representing a number, letter, etc., don’t bother reading it. I don’t know how may times that guy’s been banned, but he sucks.

Hope this helps, happy posting.

And remember, you suck Donny. Seriously.

ZleepySweden · 07-12-2006, 10:30 AM

says he who joined in february...

Redneck UFC Fan · 07-12-2006, 10:31 AM

too long, didn't read

BrianFantana · 07-12-2006, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZleepySweden

says he who joined in february...

Exactly, the experience is recent. Well thought out post though...

DaleCaliente · 07-12-2006, 10:35 AM

Sorry MOM

swooperman · 07-12-2006, 10:36 AM

Thank you O God Of The Threads. While I agree with SOME of your post, there are a few things that are off base. Just because someone just started posting, doesn't mean they know less than someone with oh let's say 383 posts. Maybe they just got a computer, or just got the internet, or maybe just now decided to speak on a subject for the first time. Some are quite intelligent and some posters with 2000 posts just flame them because they are raging gonads.....it happens. I don't have all that many posts but have been a Sherdog forum member for a bit and been into MMA since UFC 2 and follow it religiously. There are many here who are much smarter than me and many who aren't. Even blue and orange and black belts make stupid threads and ignorant posts and some with 3,000 posts have never touched the search funtion. So in closing.....this thread should apply to EVERYONE who is a dumb ass....not just white belts.

**Cap'n** · 07-12-2006, 10:37 AM

Tl/fwi

Mr. KiLo · 07-12-2006, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianFantana

Second, if you see a thread started by “Donny_x” with “x” representing a number, letter, etc., don’t bother reading it. I don’t know how may times that guy’s been banned, but he sucks.

Hope this helps, happy posting.

And remember, you suck Donny. Seriously.

Did I ever tell you that I love you?

Mr Randy Watson · 07-12-2006, 10:39 AM

If one person reads all of that I would be astonished.

Mr. KiLo · 07-12-2006, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swooperman

Thank you O God Of The Threads. While I agree with SOME of your post, there are a few things that are off base. Just because someone just started posting, doesn't mean they know less than someone with oh let's say 383 posts. Maybe they just got a computer, or just got the internet, or maybe just now decided to speak on a subject for the first time. Some are quite intelligent and some posters with 2000 posts just flame them because they are raging gonads.....it happens. I don't have all that many posts but have been a Sherdog forum member for a bit and been into MMA since UFC 2 and follow it religiously. There are many here who are much smarter than me and many who aren't. Even blue and orange and black belts make stupid threads and ignorant posts and some with 3,000 posts have never touched the search funtion. So in closing.....this thread should apply to EVERYONE who is a dumb ass....not just white belts.

Yes, but the rate of idiotic posts seems to be higher with whitebelts than others, but in general you are correct, sir.

As someone said:

My knowledge > your post whoring