Last week we focused on how to create high-quality, community-engaging CR4 threads. Ultimately, this is where CR4 content comes from.
However, these threads would be valueless without the comments answering questions or continuing the discussion.
Since last week we talked about posting best practices, this week let’s talk about comments.
Thankfully, the majority of parent-level replies to threads and blogs are on-topic and help further the community’s understanding of the topic at hand.
Too often, comments consist of overly simplistic answers, cynicism or off-topic replies. These types of answers discourage posters from engaging with respondents or asking future questions, and are what we want to prevent.
Common types of unhelpful answers:
- Let me Google that for you.
- Homework is not allowed! (so report it instead)
- One-word replies
- URL-only replies (add some context, please).
- Contact the manufacturer (with no additional information provided).
Be sure to rate comments as Good Answers or Off Topic. There is no reason to be stingy handing these votes out.
Also, keep the attitudes and arguments in check. It is okay to disagree, and to criticize each other’s ideas. When the conversation turns personal or insulting, that is when it is time for a moderator to intervene.
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