Firstly, let me just say... there is not a single thing below that I can disagree with, because what you have said is all technically correct, and in a perfect world, people would read first, act second, but that is where the below turns south quickly. Experience dictates differently, in other words.
So am I wrong in thinking that those who are violating these rules have NO idea that this thread has been posted?
Here is the issue, which you outlined just below. If a member doesn't read announcements, then why would they read a long thread linked above the chat? I can tell you now from tracking the statistics of this website... people rarely read the rules or legal policy. Very few actually, have ever read either.
The facts are that members tend not to read such documents, and instead learn from either warnings or other members outlining to them that x is not acceptable here.
Maybe the "quote" above chat should say something along the lines of reading this admin thread?
I think I just answered that above...
I know that ignorance of the "law" is no excuse, but sometimes if someone is simply aware that their behavior is being called into question, that's enough to stop it. But, if they don't even go into the forums or on the main page (where this thread will drop off soon enough if it hasn't already....) then they will never know and continue the bad behaviour.
All very correct Solara, and exactly on the money for what is just another forum administrative issue.
In fact, this is exactly where you get a little carried away at times, with repetitiveness of issues. Staff see you and others get frustrated saying the same things to newer members, which is just another day in the life of staff. The very issues you raise, are also some of the streamlining coming over the following months. Trying to limit issues by having as much as possible in one place, however; people still won't read it unless directed, as a majority.
Very few read the rules and legal policy, and those who do, do so because they don't want any issues coming into a new community, so they're prepared and decide whether the rules and policies fit them, or not.
This all comes down to senior members directing new members to such relevant topics for them to read. See how many follow your advice, and other senior members, and feel the frustration that staff endure daily.
This isn't limited to this community, and it happens on every community across the web. People learn more on the job, as they post, instead of reading lots of information first.
We've tried rules, warnings, bans, you name it... linked content, stuck it in front of members making them accept it first, and they've all failed, usually detracting membership and hurting the community overall. There are ways to do it, and the best is to simplify things ongoing, as well as senior members, established members, directing newer members towards relevant information, hoping they may follow your direction for their benefit and read it.
