Link to original post: [drupal=1811]Impressions n' Stuff[/drupal]
So I'm feeling kinda bored today, and as I was changing my avatar and random stuff like that, I realized what a huge part of what you come across as on the internet is your avatar, the way you type, and other small things like that.
It's not like I haven't ever noticed this before; after all, when you first join you are immediatly assumed to be an idiot due to post count/join date. I know that it happened to me, people don't listen to your opinion and just brush you off if you're anything but the best. I always used to think that I would never succumb to being like that, judging users on how they type or their join date. (after all, us 08'ers were/are probably the most discriminated against when it came to that) However, it's like a habit I suppose. When I first see a thread pop-up, I read the title, and depending on the title that leaves an impression on me right away. A thread named "Analysis of Squirtle's Forward Air" will make me think it is worthwhile to visit, while a thread named "squirtls superkick talk" will make me click regardless, but with a carefree attitude, like I'm preparing for a joke thread. Oh, and I love me a thread that is bolded, it makes me want to click on it. The next thing I look at is the username. While this isn't so much a factor, if I know the name then I'm more inclined to think the contents are good, while if the username is something like "olimarfan97" then I'm preparing for the worst. The next thing I look at when I get to the thread itself is the post bit. I first look at the avatar. The avatar in my opinion is very reflective of what the person is like, what they like, etc. Is it a Pokemon? Masterchief? A lollipop? It all leaves some kind of an impression. Also, if the person doesn't have an avatar, that makes me see them as a noob by default. I have to look at the name again if the thread is good, as some people here that actually have brains have no avatar, and it makes me confused to see them posting smart stuff.
The next thing I notice is probably the location, it doesn't really matter to me unless it stretches the page...I hate those locations so much. I then look at the post count and then the join date. It's simple for me:
-single digit post count = probably a dumb post
-double digit " " = probably a dumb post
-triple digit " " = probably an average post
-four digit " " = maybe a good post
-five digits or more = auto cool
The join date really just intensifies my impression on the post count, so nothing much there. Then the length of the post is considered, as well as grammar. If it sucks, I'm already opening another tab and getting ready to use the search feature. If it's good, I keep reading, and usually just either skip the thread if it's not something that I feel as though I should post in, or post if I do think it's worthwhile.
So I guess what this blog is about is; What do you do before posting in a thread? Do you even consider if the thread is spam etc.? Do certain things leave an impression on you?
A lame blog, I know, but I have to lower the bar so the epic blogs seem that much more epic. :3
So I'm feeling kinda bored today, and as I was changing my avatar and random stuff like that, I realized what a huge part of what you come across as on the internet is your avatar, the way you type, and other small things like that.
It's not like I haven't ever noticed this before; after all, when you first join you are immediatly assumed to be an idiot due to post count/join date. I know that it happened to me, people don't listen to your opinion and just brush you off if you're anything but the best. I always used to think that I would never succumb to being like that, judging users on how they type or their join date. (after all, us 08'ers were/are probably the most discriminated against when it came to that) However, it's like a habit I suppose. When I first see a thread pop-up, I read the title, and depending on the title that leaves an impression on me right away. A thread named "Analysis of Squirtle's Forward Air" will make me think it is worthwhile to visit, while a thread named "squirtls superkick talk" will make me click regardless, but with a carefree attitude, like I'm preparing for a joke thread. Oh, and I love me a thread that is bolded, it makes me want to click on it. The next thing I look at is the username. While this isn't so much a factor, if I know the name then I'm more inclined to think the contents are good, while if the username is something like "olimarfan97" then I'm preparing for the worst. The next thing I look at when I get to the thread itself is the post bit. I first look at the avatar. The avatar in my opinion is very reflective of what the person is like, what they like, etc. Is it a Pokemon? Masterchief? A lollipop? It all leaves some kind of an impression. Also, if the person doesn't have an avatar, that makes me see them as a noob by default. I have to look at the name again if the thread is good, as some people here that actually have brains have no avatar, and it makes me confused to see them posting smart stuff.
The next thing I notice is probably the location, it doesn't really matter to me unless it stretches the page...I hate those locations so much. I then look at the post count and then the join date. It's simple for me:
-single digit post count = probably a dumb post
-double digit " " = probably a dumb post
-triple digit " " = probably an average post
-four digit " " = maybe a good post
-five digits or more = auto cool
The join date really just intensifies my impression on the post count, so nothing much there. Then the length of the post is considered, as well as grammar. If it sucks, I'm already opening another tab and getting ready to use the search feature. If it's good, I keep reading, and usually just either skip the thread if it's not something that I feel as though I should post in, or post if I do think it's worthwhile.
So I guess what this blog is about is; What do you do before posting in a thread? Do you even consider if the thread is spam etc.? Do certain things leave an impression on you?
A lame blog, I know, but I have to lower the bar so the epic blogs seem that much more epic. :3
TBH I feel the same way, i'll never write it down and i'm sure people feel the same way about me, I try be as polite as possible though to everyone but I don't think I am good at that 
