Courtesy of tunersteve
How to: title/write/search a new thread
I decided to write this up, since lately it seems like more and more people post things with the following:
1 - they haven't read the sticky threads in each section.
2 - they haven't searched.
3 - they create a thread title that is so ambiguous, it hurts their chances of getting answers.
So, without further adieu, here are my recommendations for creating a thread.
Step 1: Check the stickies!
Reason: Stickies are created with the new members in mind to answer common questions and keep the clutter down. Common things like fixing the windows after disconnecting the battery, bulb sizes/types, and abbreviations that are thrown around are things that make your time on the forums easier and more productive.
Step 2: If you've checked and still can't find, SEARCH!
Reason: We have a search system for a reason. You can very easily go to the top of the page and type a word or phrase in and get everything this forum has to offer (most likely more than you need to look at).
To make this easier, I suggest the following:
-Under the search tab, click on 'Advanced Search'. Once there, you can further narrow down the areas you want to search through, and speed up the process. For the 6/MS6 crowd, I recommend selecting the entire 6/MS6 section of the board, so you don't get caught up with other models that might use similar parts. You can search by title, or by thread content. Our search engine can only handle 4 characters or more, so be mindful of that as well. You can, however, search a 3 letter topic such as AFR, EGT, etc. by going to Google, and typing "(xxx):Mazdas247.com", and it will search only that site. It's a simple workaround, but should help (thanks to Wagonbacker9 for this info!)
Also in the search section, you can search by member. You can combine these things to help make your searching more efficient.
Step 3: Create a thread with a proper title (in the proper sub-forum too!)
Reason: Threads with titles like 'Help' and 'Issue' do nothing. If you're having issues with your boost spiking up, then create a thread called 'Boost spikes, need help/advice', or something of that nature. You will get a lot more traffic if you just put specific items in the title, so that people can skim the thread topics and get more info. Makes life easier for everyone.
If the issue is with the engine, don't put it in the electronics part of the forum. Be aware that the welcome area isn't a place to put something, only to have a moderator move it because you were too lazy to put it where it belongs. If you're torn, and put it somewhere where a mod thinks it might get more exposure, they'll move it for you. Don't worry, it's not a bad thing. Our job is to help you get the answers you need as well.
Hopefully this makes your time on the forums easier and more painless. If there's anything I can do to make this better, feel free to comment or PM me.
Enjoy!(headbang)
-Steve
How to: title/write/search a new thread
I decided to write this up, since lately it seems like more and more people post things with the following:
1 - they haven't read the sticky threads in each section.
2 - they haven't searched.
3 - they create a thread title that is so ambiguous, it hurts their chances of getting answers.
So, without further adieu, here are my recommendations for creating a thread.
Step 1: Check the stickies!
Reason: Stickies are created with the new members in mind to answer common questions and keep the clutter down. Common things like fixing the windows after disconnecting the battery, bulb sizes/types, and abbreviations that are thrown around are things that make your time on the forums easier and more productive.
Step 2: If you've checked and still can't find, SEARCH!
Reason: We have a search system for a reason. You can very easily go to the top of the page and type a word or phrase in and get everything this forum has to offer (most likely more than you need to look at).
To make this easier, I suggest the following:
-Under the search tab, click on 'Advanced Search'. Once there, you can further narrow down the areas you want to search through, and speed up the process. For the 6/MS6 crowd, I recommend selecting the entire 6/MS6 section of the board, so you don't get caught up with other models that might use similar parts. You can search by title, or by thread content. Our search engine can only handle 4 characters or more, so be mindful of that as well. You can, however, search a 3 letter topic such as AFR, EGT, etc. by going to Google, and typing "(xxx):Mazdas247.com", and it will search only that site. It's a simple workaround, but should help (thanks to Wagonbacker9 for this info!)
Also in the search section, you can search by member. You can combine these things to help make your searching more efficient.
Step 3: Create a thread with a proper title (in the proper sub-forum too!)
Reason: Threads with titles like 'Help' and 'Issue' do nothing. If you're having issues with your boost spiking up, then create a thread called 'Boost spikes, need help/advice', or something of that nature. You will get a lot more traffic if you just put specific items in the title, so that people can skim the thread topics and get more info. Makes life easier for everyone.
If the issue is with the engine, don't put it in the electronics part of the forum. Be aware that the welcome area isn't a place to put something, only to have a moderator move it because you were too lazy to put it where it belongs. If you're torn, and put it somewhere where a mod thinks it might get more exposure, they'll move it for you. Don't worry, it's not a bad thing. Our job is to help you get the answers you need as well.
Hopefully this makes your time on the forums easier and more painless. If there's anything I can do to make this better, feel free to comment or PM me.
Enjoy!(headbang)
-Steve
