Quoting Post Archived Topic: It will not be bumped to the top of the forum. Topic So, what is the minimum...? Membername   Not a member? Sign Up Free (takes 20 seconds) Password   Forgotten your password? Post Font: Verdana Arial Black Georgia Comic Sans Impact   Size: Tiny Normal Big Huge   Color: Default Dark Red Red Orange Brown Green Olive Cyan Blue Dark Blue Indigo Black [ Check Spelling ] [ Post Preview ] [ LiveTags ] Quote: from [m]CaliKevin[/m] at 2:05 pm on Aug. 17, 2008[quote]I'd like to know before I go searching for replies for my next Support Leader application, what is the minimum amount of characters needed for the Moderators to actually consider the submitee?  I've had two SL applications rejected because, apparently, I'm too blunt.  It would appear that it's impossible to offer any kind of support with a two or three sentence reply, thus I need to fluff my replies a little more. So what is it, 500 words per reply?  1000 words?  Am I supposed to write an essay whenever someone needs help with they boyfriend?  Because if that's the case, there are some currently appointed Support Leaders that are slacking on the job.[/quote] FAQ Keyword Search: Post Options Favorites Manager Notify me of new replies to this topic by email Notify me of new replies to this topic by private message Original Post CaliKevin Posted at 2:05 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 I'd like to know before I go searching for replies for my next Support Leader application, what is the minimum amount of characters needed for the Moderators to actually consider the submitee?  I've had two SL applications rejected because, apparently, I'm too blunt.  It would appear that it's impossible to offer any kind of support with a two or three sentence reply, thus I need to fluff my replies a little more. So what is it, 500 words per reply?  1000 words?  Am I supposed to write an essay whenever someone needs help with they boyfriend?  Because if that's the case, there are some currently appointed Support Leaders that are slacking on the job.

Replies CaliKevin Posted at 12:07 am on Aug. 21, 2008 Nevermind, this problem has been resolved. hidden bump Annastasia Posted at 4:52 pm on Aug. 18, 2008 I don't have a problem with approving an application with short posts, as long as the posts answer the person's question thoroughly, or provide some options, or something. If you can say what you need to say, and help that person in 5 concise sentences, all the more power to you. However, most people need more than that to actually help the person. I feel like a lot of the short posts provide some support, but don't really fully cover the person's problem, and that's where I have the problem with them. Obviously I can't see what posts you used for your application, but if you have any questions about them, I'll try to answer them. =) barnabas Posted at 2:32 pm on Aug. 18, 2008 I would definately agree that quantity does not trump quality to any of the mods I know. You need good answers. If you have 10 1000 word answers that are full of crap I hope no moderator on this site would approve that application. That does not mean that length is not an issue however. Support leaders should be able to provide a decent length answer,  I would say minimum paragraph length to any question that a member poses in a support forum. Part of being supportive is understanding the problem. You can seek to understand the problem in your answer, provide multiple options, provide personal experience if it is applicable  and provide resources as well. Doing that in less than 4 sentences is a challenge in my opinion. CaliKevin Posted at 1:01 pm on Aug. 18, 2008 So, which mods are you calling the "problem"?  The ones that don't pay attention to the content of the post and only look at the length? marshmellowman Posted at 2:43 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 Quote: from CaliKevin at 10:39 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 The content of the post really does not matter as long is it's long and well-written. Really? That's quite shocking, but then not every moderator has the same mindset, they don't all have think as one person so one might be more understanding another might be the "problem". CaliKevin Posted at 2:39 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 Quote: from TheOtherHorseman at 2:33 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 If you were able to concisely offer excellent support, that's more impressive than stretching it out. One would hope length isn't such a major determining factor as to rule out content. Unfortunately it is.  The content of the post really does not matter as long is it's long and well-written.   I was told this by both a Support Leader and Mod (who will both remain nameless) Spice Posted at 2:39 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 Length doesn't rule out quality, btw. Whoever processed the application may have thought in those mere lines that the support was just not up to scratch. marshmellowman Posted at 2:38 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 Quote: from TheOtherHorseman at 10:33 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 If you were able to concisely offer excellent support, that's more impressive than stretching it out. One would hope length isn't such a major determining factor as to rule out content. Well it's one thing to be concise rather than milking it all, but it's another to be too brief and not give much detail. I like to think that giving quite a bit of detail is better for the OP because they can see that someone has spent a lot of time on it, and reading it over is probably better for their mind too. It reassures them and is better than something that is the same thing but only consists of 3 lines. I guess it depends on the type of topic really, I like to write a lot for TDEI topics as the OP is usually afraid and alone and oftentimes has no-one else to go to. TheOtherHorseman Posted at 2:33 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 If you were able to concisely offer excellent support, that's more impressive than stretching it out. One would hope length isn't such a major determining factor as to rule out content.   CaliKevin Posted at 2:32 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 Quote: from UnusualOne at 2:28 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 If I see something that "requires 2lines of support", I'm sure I could up it a bit longer than that. There are ways to extend what you're saying. Not just "oh, do this and it'll be good" My replies never consist of that.  That's what I'm trying to say.  The mods looking over the applications rarely consider the content of the post, just how long they are, and it's pretty ridiculous. Spice Posted at 2:28 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 If I see something that "requires 2lines of support", I'm sure I could up it a bit longer than that. There are ways to extend what you're saying. Not just "oh, do this and it'll be good" marshmellowman Posted at 2:28 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 Quote: from CaliKevin at 10:24 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 So basically if a thread is only calling for one or two sentences of support, don't bother replying? NO, that's not the point. Still give help if you can, because as a Support Leader that what you'd be there for. I made so many more supportive replies than just the ones on my application. I just chose the best ones. There will be times when you can't write a great deal, but you still reply because you want to help people out when and if you can. TheOtherHorseman Posted at 2:26 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 While that counts as support, the idea is probably to choose responses that show you're willing to actually set aside the time necessary to provide the more in-depth kind of replies. CaliKevin Posted at 2:24 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 So basically if a thread is only calling for one or two sentences of support, don't bother replying? I'll keep that in mind. Spice Posted at 2:17 pm on Aug. 17, 2008 I look for about 8-10lines plus. And not short sentence, new line. A whole proper paragraph. Most recent 15 of 23 previous replies displayed.