Should Newbies have to take a TEST?

[DiamondCutCows]

After MANY MANY questions by newbies that could simply be answered by looking at threads on the first two pages, nevermind the search function. I am proposing that newbies have to fill out some sort of Test made up of questions designed by the MODS/VETS before they are able to post on the forums.

While I realize they could just "cheat" on it, they would still have to read the info somewhere, which makes them learn.

I also suggest that new members who have 2-3 vets from the AAS board vouch for them, dont need to take the test.

Input/Ideas/Opinions???

Should Newbies have to take a test to post?

 

[Lenas25]

Sounds like an interesting idea to me.........................hmmm, i wonder what others think............


I wont go either route (yes or no, but will say maybe)

 

[MJM79]

I dont think they should have to take a test..Just maybe post a FAQ thread with all the basics that they should read before becoming a member..

 

[Gastroc O'Jenkins]

It would defeat the purpose of the board. Remember they're here to make money too. More members = more memberships = more revenue. Newbie types are a necessary evil bro, they keep the wheel greased.

FAQ's or FAQ sections are always a good idea, even if only half the people use them.

 

[DiamondCutCows]

I dont think they should have to take a test..Just maybe post a FAQ thread with all the basics that they should read before becoming a member..

The sticky's are that. We still get threads saying
"WTF IS PCT?"
"CAN I DRINK WINNY"?
"MY DBOL ISNT WORKING AND I INJECT IT EVERY 5 DAYS"

 

[khemix]

What I believe we shoudl do is create a good AAS FAQ page, and before they can post for the first time they must read through the FAQ and then take a short test, just to make sure they read it. I'm not exactly for this idea though because it will push alot of people away from the AAS board, which I dont think we want. But if we do do it, I think we should do it the way i presented. Make it fairly easy for them, yet make them have to read the FAQ to get the answers. Like highschool all over again!!

Chris

 

[DiamondCutCows]

What I believe we shoudl do is create a good AAS FAQ page, and before they can post for the first time they must read through the FAQ and then take a short test, just to make sure they read it. I'm not exactly for this idea though because it will push alot of people away from the AAS board, which I dont think we want. But if we do do it, I think we should do it the way i presented. Make it fairly easy for them, yet make them have to read the FAQ to get the answers. Like highschool all over again!!

Chris

I definitely think they can use the board to study, lol. Thats all "we" ask.

 

[rpol]

The problem is the search function doesn't always work if your not plat. thats from experience, also, although annoying, questions on how should I properly do a source check etc. would be better than them stupidly posting data openly, a required reading of like the newbies sticky and an acknowledgement before activating their posting function would be an acceptable alternative, this is my third Id and have been on here for 2 years now and I still ask questions alot, before doing something potentially stupid

 

[khemix]

DCC - Hop on AIM, want your advice on somethin real fast.

Chris

 

[c17]

"MY DBOL ISNT WORKING AND I INJECT IT EVERY 5 DAYS"[/QUOTE]
for some reason this brightened up my night. i dont know why, i just cracked up for like 5 min. thanks. i must spread k before giving it to dcc.

 

[jonny jacked]

Though I am able to sympathize with your disappointment in the direction it seems our anabolic board has gone, I feel your method of resolution is faulty. What you must realize is that there are only so many questions you can ask about steroids. Think about all the muscle magazines that are out there – Flex, Muscle and Fitness etc. all they do is recycle old ideas by re-wording them. Why? Because after a few months, they have exhausted all there is to talk about in the world of fitness. There are only so many ways to “pump up your pecs.” The same happens on these boards. After being here a few months, you quickly realize that every question you can imagine has been asked. This is why so many of the guys on there who used to frequent the anabolic board, now spend their time on the chat board, simply because in chat - everyday brings something new – unlike here.
So how do we solve this? I would have to give it some thought. But, I do not believe testing new members will eliminate the problem, because as I said – there is only so much you can ask about juice.

 

[FlexManning]

But, I do not believe testing new members will eliminate the problem, because as I said – there is only so much you can ask about juice.

You are indeed hitting on a hard truth there bro, which is certain aspects of the big picture are made much more complicated than necessary. There are so many schools of thought on cycles that it boggles the mind, but some of the cheapest and most effective cycles can be explained in about 10 words.

I used to grit my teeth seeing questions over and over again about "cutting" stacks and "bulking" stacks. The truth is that many of the knowledgable pros and "gurus" have moved past that school of thought to some degree. I've even read some astute writers suggesting stacking period is a little overrated. Not useless mind you, but just a little overrated.

 

[DIVISION]

Though I am able to sympathize with your disappointment in the direction it seems our anabolic board has gone, I feel your method of resolution is faulty.

It's a vicious cycle, JackerJon..

The more stupid threads that vets see posted, the less inclined they are to spend time here. That's the main reason alot of the Vets who have been here longer than me don't frequent the site. Having the search function available for non-plats isn't a factor either because alot of these "newbie" questions can be found by simply doing a google search. It's not hard, I've even done it myself just to see if the information was that hard to gather.

I suppose I could just skip the repetitive newbie posts, but I'm trying to get people to take some intiative and learn on their own. As CowCutter said, it's more beneficial for them to learn these things the hard way, through research and experience. Cycles are subjective because everyone's genetics and body's response will be different.

@ManualFlex, yes you've got a point regarding Cutters and Bulkers......they are overrated as a whole. The drugs will do what they do regardless, it's whether the training, diet and rest are adequate which determines what the results in a given cycle will be. Also, the variable of whether the individual is an athlete, aspiring bodybuilder, powerlifter, or recreational lifter will factor in determining what is best. Breaking things down to either "cutters" or "bulkers" is pretty simplistic and inefficient, but that's what it's come down to here.



DIV

 

[jonny jacked]

You are indeed hitting on a hard truth there bro, which is certain aspects of the big picture are made much more complicated than necessary. There are so many schools of thought on cycles that it boggles the mind, but some of the cheapest and most effective cycles can be explained in about 10 words.

I used to grit my teeth seeing questions over and over again about "cutting" stacks and "bulking" stacks. The truth is that many of the knowledgable pros and "gurus" have moved past that school of thought to some degree. I've even read some astute writers suggesting stacking period is a little overrated. Not useless mind you, but just a little overrated.

Yes, you are correct that there are a select few posts that we see which do privy us to new and exciting schools of thought. but, if you eliminate everything else – you eliminate over 90% of the posts (and people) on here. What could we do then? One idea would be to create a board which would only host such ideas of using steroids that have not been proposed on the ‘regular’ board. A board which would deal with cutting edge methods, and new theories on muscle growth – thus eliminating the regular everyday questions which plague our anabolic forum. An ‘elite’ forum if you will.
What are everyone’s thoughts on this?

 

[jonny jacked]

It's a vicious cycle, JackerJon..

The more stupid threads that vets see posted, the less inclined they are to spend time here. That's the main reason alot of the Vets who have been here longer than me don't frequent the site. Having the search function available for non-plats isn't a factor either because alot of these "newbie" questions can be found by simply doing a google search. It's not hard, I've even done it myself just to see if the information was that hard to gather.

I suppose I could just skip the repetitive newbie posts, but I'm trying to get people to take some intiative and learn on their own. As CowCutter said, it's more beneficial for them to learn these things the hard way, through research and experience. Cycles are subjective because everyone's genetics and body's response will be different.

@ManualFlex, yes you've got a point regarding Cutters and Bulkers......they are overrated as a whole. The drugs will do what they do regardless, it's whether the training, diet and rest are adequate which determines what the results in a given cycle will be. Also, the variable of whether the individual is an athlete, aspiring bodybuilder, powerlifter, or recreational lifter will factor in determining what is best. Breaking things down to either "cutters" or "bulkers" is pretty simplistic and inefficient, but that's what it's come down to here.



DIV

Div, I am certainly not advocating boycotting all posts deemed repetitive or ‘stupid’. I am a teacher, and as I tell my students – there is no such thing as a stupid question. I think the reason many people when they have a question, rather than researching, simply post it, is because they are lazy. Unfortunately, many have the mentality of ‘why do something yourself, when you could have someone else do it for you’.

 

[DIVISION]

What are everyone’s thoughts on this?

I think it's too late and the vets are already jaded with the way the Anabolic forum has degraded over the last year+.

I like the idea, but I don't see it really having the effect you want it to.

Pass.




DIV

 

[CENTURION44]

AbSOLUTELY...........saves all of us allot of time reading stupid posts...i agree to the fullest

 

[DIVISION]

Div, I am certainly not advocating boycotting all posts deemed repetitive or ‘stupid’. I am a teacher, and as I tell my students – there is no such thing as a stupid question. I think the reason many people when they have a question, rather than researching, simply post it, is because they are lazy. Unfortunately, many have the mentality of ‘why do something yourself, when you could have someone else do it for you’.

JackerJonathan, I've preached for kids to do their own research for years.....

It doesn't work.....they keep asking the same questions.



DIV

 

[flyingjer]

i don't think they should have to take a test...but i do think that maybe at sign up there should be some kind of pop up or disclaimer saying read all stickys related to the forum you are posting in too before asking any questions....and well about the question vs research thing...just because some of us know our stuff doesn't mean we didn't ask question to get some of that knowledge...also if you are not plat the search sucks...and not everybody first joining the board wants to spend the money to be platinum...or can afford it for that matter...give some of the guys a break...yeah there are some dumb questions or post by newbies but some i see people rip on are not that bad...just a question that has been answered before...big deal...instead of typing something to complain about it...just answer the question...i know i am fairly new been on the board about 7 months with 155 posts but...just my .02

 

[DIVISION]

i don't think they should have to take a test...but i do think that maybe at sign up there should be some kind of pop up or disclaimer saying read all stickys related to the forum you are posting in too before asking any questions....and well about the question vs research thing...just because some of us know our stuff doesn't mean we didn't ask question to get some of that knowledge...also if you are not plat the search sucks...and not everybody first joining the board wants to spend the money to be platinum...or can afford it for that matter...give some of the guys a break...yeah there are some dumb questions or post by newbies but some i see people rip on are not that bad...just a question that has been answered before...big deal...instead of typing something to complain about it...just answer the question...i know i am fairly new been on the board about 7 months with 155 posts but...just my .02

HighFlyer......you're a newbie so of course you have this perspective on things. I rip on all newbies for dumb questions, I'm an equal opportunity asshole. I've answered enough newbie questions and when you've been on as long as I have you will understand where I am coming from.




DIV

 

[doneritebob]

I don't think this is a good idea.
Everybody is new at some time or another.
Who on this board has ever taken a test, (for a message board).
Some people aren't very good on a PC and searching. It takes time.
Is is much easier to go to another board than to take a test. What if your a VET to juice but just bought your first PC? Who would want to take a lousy test. The board should be enjoyable not a pain.
My 2 cents.

 

[azul]

I don't think this is a good idea.
Everybody is new at some time or another.
Who on this board has ever taken a test, (for a message board).
Some people aren't very good on a PC and searching. It takes time.
Is is much easier to go to another board than to take a test. What if your a VET to juice but just bought your first PC? Who would want to take a lousy test. The board should be enjoyable not a pain.
My 2 cents.

I think an FAQ would be a wonderful idea. Maybe some basic cycles, some links to steroid descriptions, the idea behind PCT, what acronyms such as AAS and PCT mean, etc. That way, if someone asks something that is in the FAQ, we can just direct them to it and save everybody a lot of time.

 

[Steve The Bluesman]

How about a test to see if newbies are able to type complete sentences?

Seriously, I think a "test" would make this place even more elitist than it already is. New guys are not exactly welcomed with open arms here - they have to earn the respect of others.

Newbies already gets beaten down for stupid questions and not reading the stickies already. If they learn how things are done here and research, then they stick around, otherwise, they are gone.

If anything, I would suggest a new member forum where all the stupid questions in the world can be asked and answered.


Bluesman

 

[slat1]

I dont think they should have to take a test..Just maybe post a FAQ thread with all the basics that they should read before becoming a member..

I agree. If we force a test down their throats they will stop coming to us for info and listen to some guy at the gym that doesn't know crap or just wants to make money off them without caring about their health.
I like the idea of a fact type sheet. It could have something like ten questions ranging from how long esters are active, whats a good beginner cycle, what is pct etc. At the end it could say something like "if you got any of these wrong you are not ready to use AAS" and then point them to specific posts that answer questions.
I've been on here a while... and I would still take that test and go through the recomended posts. I learn something new every day on here. I value everyones input and experience!

 

[0ldsk00l]

If anything, I would suggest a new member forum where all the stupid questions in the world can be asked and answered.


Bluesman

Seems like a good plan to me.

 

[ohashi]

The test should consist of only one question:


John, Marry, and Peter left _____ jackets in the car.

a) they're
b) their
c) there


Seems that the people that don't read the first-page topics are the same ones that don't know the difference between the above.

 

[slat1]

The test should consist of only one question:


John, Marry, and Peter left _____ jackets in the car.

a) they're
b) their
c) there


Seems that the people that don't read the first-page topics are the same ones that don't know the difference between the above.

Now thats funny! "must spread the karma around".. sorry!

 

[blut wump]

It might be worthwhile to have a sticky of maybe 20 or 30 multiple-choice questions. If the answers were all at the bottom, people could rate themselves and be recommended to take it again if they score less than X points. The answers could even have links to relevant threads so that the prospective newbie could look up the info there and then.

This could then effectively double as a test and an faq.

On the question of dumb questions we also have the problem of dumb answers. I just read a thread on someone asking for advice on his first cycle. The answers ranged from the simple (250 sust ew) to the sublime (250 prop e3d with a 1g frontload and with extra suggestions for throwing in dbol, deca and winny at various stages and think about HCG). It's no wonder that people follow dumb questions with more dumb questions or even sensible questions with a slew of dumb ones after being confused by the initial answers.

 

[hugeman1]

That may be a good idea, what if they are on though and have a few questions on the topic so that they will need to use a product, say test en or if they need it on protien? You are just talking about the anabolic forum I hope?

 

[BionicBC]

I answered yes, I think newbies should have to take a test. Actually, we should have them just take test.
Bionic