Adding a sample post to the New Topic editor?

[andywestken]

Do you thing there's enough space to add a brief example post to the New Topic editor?

Or even just a sentence or two about tagging and formatting (with a link to the How To)? e.g.

"Please bracket code with tags, like [code]char msg[] = "Hi!";[/code]

char msg[] = "Hi!";

You can either type the tags manually, or select the code and click on the <> format button found below the text entry box."

Andy

PS Would it be possible to make the sample folding? And the fold state stored along with my username, etc.

[chrisname]

Here's an idea: What about a default message in the text area when you open a new topic?

Something like:

Describe the problem in detail. Be as specific and detailed as possible about what you expect to happen and what actually happens. Don't forget to surround any code samples with [code]...[/code] tags. This highlights your code and preserves its indentation, making it easier for people to read, which in turn increases the chance of someone helping you with your problem.

The message text would be highlighted by default, so as soon as you start typing the browser will automatically delete its contents. Some people might actually read it though.

[L B]

I also think if they post with the example post still intact then it should remove it for them.

[Duoas]

http://www.cplusplus.com/forum/lounge/79938/

Also,
http://www.cplusplus.com/forum/lounge/68064/ from April 2012
http://www.cplusplus.com/forum/lounge/48476/ from April 2011

[chrisname]

The problem with automatically detecting code when the user's post count is low is that once their post count goes over the limit and the code tags aren't automatically added any more, they won't understand why their code isn't being formatted because they won't have learned.

It's much better to put some obvious text. I think the reason most people don't bother with code tags is because they haven't spent the time to look at the stickied posts. If the example text is right where they're intending to write their post... at least some people would read it. The others don't deserve to be helped in the first place.

[ResidentBiscuit]

Think there could be some kind of message box to pop up when they enter code (this would also require real time text analysis) telling them to use code tags before they post?

[Duoas]

I still think that the simplest, most effective solution is this:
http://www.cplusplus.com/forum/lounge/79938/

[andywestken]

That does look like a good idea (I missed this post when it first appeared).

Maybe augmented with an additional, brief comment?

Andy

PS Of course, we need to provide our e-mail addresses to cplusplus.com when we register, so we could get the server to analyze all new posts and spam anyone who is naughty until they come back and tidy up! >:->

[L B]

I don't think it would be a good idea or even feasible to spam people who are messy on the forums.