FAQ Index

Now that I know pasting threads works fine I am going thread happy ! It takes too **** long to do a search on Posts by the author, so here is a list of the threads I have posted that contain useful information and a sort of history, leaving off extraneous remarks. The lower the number (such as 2652) then the older the post.

I suggest that other really experienced players create a file, do a search on their own postings, and copy/paste the thread URL into the file as I did. Then post on this thread. When you add more threads, update the file, post the revised list, and delete the old previous post. This thread can then become a sort of FAQ index for the game. I use the Dubious Strategy guide and Modders guide, but my editor really sucks. By having a brief description of what information the thread URL gives, a player can quickly scan this thread to see if a topic has a FAQ thread already created. I have used the search a LOT - it takes too long and hits too many irrelevant topics. Once this thread matures, a combined file can be created that gives an alphabetical index to thread topics with URL links. Then the Posts before the master index post can be deleted and just post updates to the index. A seperate thread can be used as a BUG FAQ, do not clutter up this one with temporary bug complaints.

To kick off this thread, here are some of mine that may be useful topics.

See the hyperlinks in a later post above. I have the original links on file in case it turns out that the world is less civilized than we thought.

WHEN YOU USE A HYPERLINK, DO **NOT** USE BACK ARROW TO GET BACK TO THE LINK THREAD AFTER BROWSING THE LINK. USE CLOSE WINDOW ON WHAT YOU BROWSED INSTEAD. THE REASON IS THAT HYPERLINKS REMAIN OPEN AFTER YOU BACK ARROW, SO YOU CAN GET A "MAXIMUM WINDOWS OPEN" ERROR ON YOUR BROWSER IF YOU DO NOT CLOSE THEM.

[This message has been edited by LCC (edited 19 July 2001).]

[geoschmo]

Great idea. If I may offer one bit of refinement to it though. You can use actual hyperlinks. I suggest using the thread subject as the name.

The syntax is fairly simple. While making a post you should see a link for UBB code on the left side.

Instead of...
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/For...ML/002652.html

You can have...

BASIC STRATEGY


Geo



[This message has been edited by geoschmo (edited 18 July 2001).]

quote:

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Originally posted by geoschmo:
You can use actual hyperlinks.

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My concern was that hyperlinks might not be compatible with all browsers. You are absolutely right about the tedious repetition of the basic URL. What I should have said was that when a master index is created from the Posts, it will give the basic URL only once at the start. Then each entry just gives the number.html, so you paste the basic link into the URL selection then append the number.html to it. That should make a much shorter list. OTOH this is extra work for somebody who just wants a quick in and out, which is the whole point of not using search anyway.....

[geoschmo]

quote:

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Originally posted by LCC:
My concern was that hyperlinks might not be compatible with all browsers.

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Ah yes. I often forget that not everyone is a mindless drone under the control of THE BILL like I am.

"Come join us. Use Internet explorer. You don't need independant thought. It just gets in the way of being productive. Productivity is the key to universal hapiness..."

Geo


[This message has been edited by geoschmo (edited 18 July 2001).]

[Suicide Junkie]

Guys, a hyperlink is a hyperlink.
I'm using netscape right now, for example.

If you "mouse over" the link, and look at the bottom bar on the page, you should see the destination page.

If there is a browser out there that dosen't support hyperlinks, it is not going anywhere. Literally

Use: [ url=www.shrapnelgames.com]ClickMe[/url]
to get: ClickMe

------------------
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-<Download compatible EMPs for P&N v1.6>-
-<SJs latest AI Patcher>-
Visit My Homepage

[This message has been edited by suicide_junkie (edited 18 July 2001).]

quote:

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Originally posted by suicide_junkie:
Guys, a hyperlink is a hyperlink.
I'm using netscape right now, for example.

If you "mouse over" the link, and look at the bottom bar on the page, you should see the destination page.

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I am using Aol, and you are right, pointer over the hyperlink shows the URL, so if nobody says they get different, I will change the post to hyperlinks and use them instead of the URL. It would have been shorter to give just the numbers in the master index. I concede it would be less informative...