*When* to Suggest and How to Suggest it!

  • Cr15py
    7th Feb 2011 Member 5 Permalink
    This thread isn't about what not too suggest, but what type of ideas to suggest. These guidelines are always applicable to any element suggestion and to most other suggestions.
    Ok so onto the guidelines:

    Part 1 - The Conception
    Now this is the critical point when you think of an idea and is also a key point for shutting down bad ones. Don't post ideas that occur with any of the following thoughts, "Dude, this would be really cool.", "Dude, that was a wicked science lab. That would be so cool.", "Dude, I just thought of a cool idea", or "Powder Toy is missing this element of realism... I should suggest it!". Instead the ideas you suggest should occur with the following thoughts, "Dude, this would have so many uses.", "All these creations could be so much smaller if this existed.", and "This would let us make so many new types of [BLANK]s! It also has plenty of uses!".

    Part 2 - The Missing Link
    Ok, so you've thought of your suggestion and you've gotten to a computer and are going to suggest it. But wait, is there anything else you could do? Of course! 1) Search your idea, and use plenty of synonyms. 2) Go on Powder Toy and try to think of a/find an existing way to make this using existing tools to make it. 3) Go on IRC(irc.freenode.net or webchat.net freenode.net from a browser, #powder) and ask if it is a good idea or if anyone can think of a way of making it. 4) Check for similar ideas in the "Do not suggest" posts. 5) If it has anything to do with non-GOL life or moving creatures(AI, sticmen, etc) DO NOT POST IT.

    Part 3 - Posting
    Ok, so as far as you've been able to ascertain your idea is useful and new. Time to complete your suggestion, now it's time to post and brace for the storm of feedback! But first, you need to know how to post. First of all, the title. MAKE IT DESCRIPTIVE!!! I cannot stress this enough your title should do justice to your suggestion. Make sure to include either the name of the element(e.g. TSTN - Tungsten) or a descriptive name of what it does(e.g. PBHL - Powered Black Hole). Do not put something like "New element" or "My Suggestions". Now, onto the actual suggestion. First off include the element name, expanded name, and description at the top("e.g. PBHL - Powered Black Hole - Powered Black Hole. PSCN turns on, NSCN turns off. Creates negative pressure."). Then detail it's attributes such as color, melting and boiling points, state, special properties(e.g. "Midtone gray, solid, doesn't change state, Creates negative pressure and turns 0x000000 black when turned on."). Now finally, and this is important. DETAIL USES. The reader NEEDS to know that your element actually has uses, just in case they don't see any. If you don't you may get many more -1s than if you had included this. A good number to hit is 3, but you should get as many as you can. If you can't think of ATLEAST 3, or atleast 1 major use(e.g. LN2 can be used to reduce temperture, that's about it, but it's a big use). For the PBHL example:
    -Equalizing pressure in reactor meltdowns, bunkers, etc.
    -Signs(like a not gate sign)
    -Converting electricity into pressure.

    Conclusion
    Thank you all for reading, if you have any more suggestions on things to do before posting, and what sort of ideas not to post, reply to this. I appreciate your time and hope you all consider these things before posting.
  • Uberness
    7th Feb 2011 Member 0 Permalink
    This should be pinned.
  • Lockheedmartin
    7th Feb 2011 Moderator 1 Permalink
    Get 10 posts that give positive feedback or some comment to prove good usage, I will.
  • Candunc
    7th Feb 2011 Member 0 Permalink
    This post has been removed: Rule 15
  • Uberness
    7th Feb 2011 Member 0 Permalink
    This post has been removed: Rule 15
  • Neospector
    7th Feb 2011 Member 0 Permalink

    Cr15py:

    This thread isn't about what not too suggest

    Cr15py:


    Don't post ideas that occur with any of the following thoughts, "Dude, this would be really cool.", "Dude, that was a wicked science lab. That would be so cool.", "Dude, I just thought of a cool idea", or "Powder Toy is missing this element of realism... I should suggest it!".

    I like the word "oxymoron"
  • Catelite
    7th Feb 2011 Former Staff 1 Permalink
    In honesty, more than half of the elements in the game at the present time were generated from "Omg that would be cool" thoughts.

    INVS for example: "Oooh, What would it be like if there were an element that lose collisions like Ehole but only under pressure?"

    And DEUT: "...omg, liquid sponge that eats itself +_+"

    Even ISOZ: "I wonder what would happen if PLUT reacted with photons? o_o"


  • Cr15py
    7th Feb 2011 Member 0 Permalink
    Cate, you're missing a key point. Those were GOOD ideas. I could take 100 ideas from a group of noobs that came out of the same type of thought that someone like cracker, or you, or another reputable member and none would be good.
  • dgreen
    7th Feb 2011 Member 0 Permalink
    i want this pinned +1. this would help eliminate some of the crap that is posted so some good elements could acutually get developed.
  • Catelite
    7th Feb 2011 Former Staff 0 Permalink
    Ahh I see n_n
Locked by jacob1: Necros, people should be reading the first post