New user briefing
 

would it be a good idea to have new users read ---and acknowledge--- a few simple instructions/guidelines before their account is activated?

Some candidate content for the intro:

1. When posting, always include the name of the distro
2. Keep posts short--with the question clearly stated
3. Use descriptive titles

Other members can add their own favorites.....

IMHO it would be the same as an EULA. Do most people fully read it before selecting accept? Something like distribution is a concrete item. However, lots of people will think their thread is clearly stated when in reality the readers would do not have a clue to what the OP really stated. Communication is not as easy as one thinks especially in dealing with people from around the world where english is not their native language.

I agree--however EULAs are longggggg. I would visualize something very concise.
Another **possible** benefit: The right wording MIGHT discourage some of the looky-loos, lazy students, and spammers.

You are right that we cannot teach communication skills. One trick that IS effective is the form you often see--in which there is a box to enter a summary of the issue, question, etc. and then another box for details. I see this mostly with help desks.

You do get some tips, along with a link to more detailed information in the welcome email. If you have specific suggestions on how that information could be improved, feel free to post it here.

--jeremy

It would be annoying as hell, but the you could throw up a "STOP! have you..." message that they have to ok through to post, including the stuff mentioned above (which are pretty good, IMHO.) Like I said, it's really annoying, perhaps we could only torment the newbies? (just kidding. I like newbies. They taste good with tomato sauce ;) ) Meh. it's what the history department makes you do when you submit an essay- must sign the coversheet with boxes ticked... grrr.

:) There's some serious stuff mentioned here, but most of it is humour. Feel free to ignore. :)

titanium_geek