Looking over some recent posts, it is apparent some of you are still not comfortable with our policy of requiring all posts be signed with a valid "signature file." We've posted our thoughts on this subject in replys to individual posts, but it may not hurt to give them a topic of thier own.
A signature file protects all of us. Our 6 years on the Internet have taught us that people are not always who they claim to be. A common form of promoting a business on the Internet is to have paid "representatives" visit all the usenet groups and popular websites posing as one of the participants. Great marketing idea, but we're not about to allow it here for several reasons.
1. When I ask an opinion on a piece of equipment or a product, I want to know I am hearing from a fellow signmaker that actually uses the product or service in their own shop. Paid "goons" may be a great cheap form of advertising, but are they really interested in us as a community?
2. Here's another issue. From time to time we see requests for a certain font or trademark. We've discussed how risky this is many times and the potential legal issues involved. The last thing we want to see is any of you get into hot water as a result of just trying to help someone.
There's a whole new breed of lawyer out there. Instead of chasing ambulances, this character cruises the Internet looking for potential new law suits. Please make sure you know who you are dealing with. We want to do all we can to protect the users of The Letterhead Website from this sort of crap. Your signature file and a valid e-mail address is just one way to help ensure our BullBoard always remains a safe and credible source of information.
3. This last reason is purely a selfish one. The Letterhead Website is a business. We rely on paid advertising as well as your annual voluntary "memberships" to pay the costs associated with maintaining this website. It's also nice to have a roof over our head and eat.
Let's be honest here. The Letterhead Website is the most popular hangout for signmakers on the Internet. Where else can an advertiser talk to so many of us on a daily basis? A link or ad on The Letterhead Website is the best way to attract one of us to a suppliers website. Why should those that choose not to invest in advertising here get constant free plugs while those who believe and support this forum pay? It's not fair to us and certainly not fair to our supporting advertisers who contribute so much. Is it wrong to encourage you to support the advertisers that offer us group discounts and perks first?
So there you have it. Our reasons for insisting on a signature file. A user can tell at a glance the name of the person and company, as well as their geographical location. Thats all we ask...a name and location. A City and State is fine.
There is one special exception. If you are a single woman concerned about your security, we are willing to bend the rules to accommadate you. Please e-mail us at steve@letterhead.com about your special situation.
Hope this answers most of your questions about signature files. What are we gonna talk about this week? Last weeks Tips & Tricks theme was a great success!
posted
I certainly appreciate the reasons for the signature files, and I truly believe most people on this BB do also, once it is made clear to them. They must be given the chance to be properly informed of the signature files though.
Rick Rokicki makes some valid points in his reply under one of my previous posts. I believe it was Ken Henry who had some wise input a while back on this also on a previous discussion regarding this issue.
I don't think that this last go-around about the signature files had anything to do with the request for them, but more about the delivery of that request. Putting myself in a newcomers shoes, I could see myself being somewhat intimidated by the way this policy was first being pointed out to me, even if the intent was not meant to intimidate. My first days on the internet were scary, and my first times on this site were too. My first post took me forever to push "submit". A big gulp and a sigh, and away I went! I ventured in slowly, and grew to feel more comfortable the more I felt accepted. If someone would have held out giving me information because I didn't have my act together, and I wasn't flying quite right, when I had no idea how to fly to begin with, I'd probably sink back into my hole for awhile, or worst yet, head straight outta dodge feeling rejected.
My point, as I feel many others have made, is simply this. Let's cut some slack and answer the questions of the new folks, and in addition to our answer, kindly slip in the policy for the signature file, along with instruction on how to go about doing it. Some folks may actually have the profile confused with the signature file, and think they are covered, while others just don't have a clue.
Through time we will be able to see the folks that are blatantly ignoring the request, and we can then tactfully bring it to their attention once again.
I'm not one to go around on tip toes, sugar coating my words, but on the internet their is just too much room for the mis-interpretation of a post's tone. I also feel that any newbie on here is probably vulnerable to feelings of insecurity and should be handled with care until they have broken in their wings.
The signature file is a good thing for all the right reasons, but it should be enforced with a helping hand, and not humiliation.
posted
Nettie... As someone who has met me in person I like to think that you know me as a fun loving and, most of the time, reasonable person who woulld never intentionally try to humiliate or hurt anyone. As you have pointed out, I was perhaps over-zealous in my attempts to point out the "rules" to some of the newer members. For that I apologize.
I like your idea of welcoming newcomers,answering their questions but ALSO pointing out the requirement of a real first and last name in the signature file or as a user name. As Ken Henry said it IS kinda like going into WalMart and being greeted with a pleasant hello as opposed to being asked for ID at the door.
I have been phoned by a couple of newer members in the last few weeks asking for a "walk-thru" on the process of setting up a signature file and profile. ( in a lot of cases it is a lack of knowledge of "how to do it" that prevents folks from doing what some of us take for granted) I helped them out with no problem and believe that they also realised that i wasn't trying to be mean spirited.
The people that I REALLY object to are the one's who use a nickname, DO fill out the profile section and the signature file section but REFUSE to include their names. In their case it is clearly not a case of not knowing how but rather a case of saying that they WILL NOT abide by the wishes of the moderator. Of course, as Steve mentioned, there could be circumstances where an individual required that their identity not be known but I would think that situation would be a rare exception.
I will, in the future, adopt the method you are suggesting, and hope that others will do the same. But I feel we must be vigilant in asking for this courtesy by our members in order to prevent this BullBoard from degenerating into the laughable fiasco that is happening on another well know Bulletin Board for sign people. It is just too easy to easy to ridicule and humiliate others when your identity is not known and I know that the vast majority of posters would never wish to see that type of posting happen here.
------------------ Dave Grundy #340 AKA applicator on mIRC "stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!" in Granton, Ontario, Canada dave.grundy@odyssey.on.ca
Not only do I know you to be fun-loving and reasonable, but I know you to be a friend. This much I grew to know about you through time on this BB and chat. Meeting you in person just confirmed it and put a jovial & smiling face on the package!
Yes, you may have come off as over-zealous in your attempt to inform about the sig files, but many of us knew your intent was only to inform and not to humiliate.
Those new to the board are still wearing a cloak of apprehension, and have not yet had the chance to know you, or anyone else for that matter, enough to see past what only sounds like a reprimand. The tendancy when you are insecure about something, is to magnify any less than favourable attention.
We can't always be responsible for how our words are recieved on this board. The only thing we can do is to be more careful with them, and have consideration to the situations of those we are talking to.
I do agree with your ideas on protecting this board, and feel that most would agree once they understand the reasons behind them. Since new people come on here regularily, my guess is we will be explaining these reasons quite alot. It's going to be important for us all to exercise patience in doing so.
Dave, it has been my pleasure knowing you, and hope that everyone here opens themselves up to forming such good friendships as I have on this board.
posted
I support the use of signature files. Especially after some of the fiascos that have occured when Steve and Barb were utilizing the previous BB format.
I think that the recent complaints about the signature file has been that some have been acting as the "moderators" other than Steve and Barb. If others have been asked by Steve & Barb to do so, then I think they should be identified as such. This might help prevent the appearent ego bruising. Lets face it....most "creative" people tend to be more emotional than the average person; and tend to take things a bit more personal. Also, the "offender" should be "corrected" privately via e-mail and not openly on the BB. Then if the "offender" doesn't make the necessary corrections, I think it should be up to Steve & Barb to take whatever measures they deem necessary.
posted
I don't think anyone has a problem doing up a sig file... it's just that new folks don't know about it or know how to do it. So when a newbie posts without one, someone jumps down their back right away. Kinda an abrubt hello for someone new.
I can't add any unique solitions that haven't already been stated above, however in my own words, my solution is...
Whoever is delegated to be the official sig. file "cop", what about if they kept their eye open on those without sig files and sent a personal email to them, rather than tell the world they posted wrong? The message could contain info on why a sig file is preferred and showing how to do it with live links. This way, the wording message can be preworded in a delicate way and everyone would get the same message. And the newbie isn't embarrassed in front of everyone.
Just a suggestion meant to be constructive and more user friendly for newcomers visiting this site.
------------------ Donna with Graphic Impact, BC Canada aka "signmaker" on mirc gisigns@sprint.ca
Posts: 5630 | From: Yarrow, BC Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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All the reasons you mentioned are good But I just love to know who I'm talkin to. After all we're all friends here. Geographic info is very pertenant to a lot of the posts as well.
Thanks steve!
-dan
------------------ Dan Sawatzky Edmonton, Alberta (for now) Soon to be Chemainus British Columbia imagine2@netcom.ca
posted
oh lord,i know shouldn't be doing this as i NEVER enter into coversation i can't learn from or ones that i feel is none of my business,but Steve try this on,is there a way to program the system that you couldn't post without the information you would like being put in with the post?just a question as i'm not really hip to this coumputer stuff except to most times getting it to do what i need in the shop,i know some of the sites i go to require a certain amount of information or it don't go in,is this possible?
------------------ Geo Cob "Outside Rocket City,Al" (huntsville) Just my "Thoughts" not the "Rules"
[This message has been edited by geocob (edited April 18, 1999).]
posted
I think the signature requirement is good. When I asked a question for the 1st time, Dave set me straight as far as the signature files thing goes. At first, I though to myself, gee...what a jerk!! But...after I got to see for myself that this is a friendly place (unlike the Signweb site!, sorry, just my experience!!) I warmed up to "exposing" myself. I have Dave Grundy to that for that! He took me under his wing and walked me through setting everything up, and so far, I have been fine!!
And Steve, what's the deal with "if your a single woman" hey....this is the 90's, how about us single guys?!!!!
So, after all was said & done, setting up everything with a signature should be a must as far as I can see. I think we all oughtta be like Dave Grundy.
------------------ Mike Berry Concord, NH "engraving & puttin' sticky stuff all over"
posted
OK, OK, OK, Why doesn't someone explain to us how to do it in easy to follow steps? Last time I needed help (I would not have asked for help if I had been able to fix the problem myself) I had problems with my URL (whatever that is) and that is the answer I recieved "URL" now to someone with my inability to configer computers that was like a smack in the chops. Up to now I have not been game to ask for assistance again, as I am not happy feeling foolish with the answer. Please bear in Mind, we do not all have the same computer skills, Said my piece and that's the end of that matter. All I ask is show us what you want done and how to do it!. Butch downunder
------------------
[This message has been edited by Butch Chapman (edited April 19, 1999).]
[This message has been edited by Butch Chapman (edited April 19, 1999).]
Posts: 41 | From: Smithfield,Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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Up on the right hand area of the page, right under the buttons that let you post, are 5 catagories in smaller type. They say, profile/register/prefs/faq/search
Under profile, fill out any info you want us to know. Near the bottom of that page is an area called "signature file". This is the area that everyone is talking about here.
In this area, Steve and Barb are requesting that you put in some information about yourself. The most important information being ... your real name, (this is especially important for those with nicks) your location, and your email address.
Other info could, if you wish, include, your actual address, phone number, icq number and link to your web page.
There is a link at the top left hand area of the BB page, under the header that gives more specifics on the info desired for your signature file.
Another cool plus is that if you put [email]before your email address and [/email] after it, it will actually be a link to your email that makes it handy for a person to reach you. Note the square brackets, and there is no space before the address and no space after. Also note the / in the last command.
Also if you put [url] before and [/url] after your web address... that becomes a link too. Check under faq for more info on ubb codes.
If I've missed anything here, I hope someone steps in and adds their 2 cents!
posted
Thanks a bunch Nettie, I think I got it right and it did not hurt a bit, I don't know what an icq number is so I did not bother with that. By the way the Epson went to the hospital today and they have instructions what to do with it if it can't be repaired. Thank you very much for taking the time to explain the Signature File thing,, Butch
------------------ Butch Chapman, ID3724 Smithfield, Sydney Australia. (02)9725 2515 fflions@ideal.net.au}
Posts: 41 | From: Smithfield,Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Ted...I agree that intimate details are not needed. Just a name and e-mail address. As far as "may" or "must" or whatever..It is stated directly under the box where you type in messages.
quote:Your Signature Profile is added automatically. In an on-line community like this, it is only good manners that all posts are signed. If you have NOT yet created your own signature file, please click on the Profile link at the top of this BB and create one right now.
------------------ Dave Grundy #340 AKA applicator on mIRC "stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!" in Granton, Ontario, Canada dave.grundy@odyssey.on.ca
[This message has been edited by Dave Grundy (edited April 19, 1999).]
posted
Hi Ted...Hey please don't get rough with me...I'm old and frail!!!
I followed your directions to find out where you were reading that message and YES you are reading correctly. BUT what you are reading is the FAQ file that accompanies this program called "The Ultimate Bulletin Board". That file was created by the author of the program to point out the features that are available in it. Obviously he had to use that wording because each administrator that buys the program has the ability to use or not use those various features. To see what the administrator of THIS site requires you just have to read what is written immediatly below the typing box when you type in a message.
------------------ Dave Grundy #340 AKA applicator on mIRC "stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!" in Granton, Ontario, Canada dave.grundy@odyssey.on.ca
posted
Some of you are making too much out of all this and it seems everytime I open my mouth, I manage to get more of my foot in it.
All we are after is a simple signature file that includes a valid name and your City and State. Anything else is optional.
I thought long and hard about the single gal thing. Truth is most of you already have your name, address and telephone numbers listed in telephone directories as well as several other places on the Net. Despite this, I'm still old fashioned enough to respect the wishes of those gals that wish to use an inital instead of their full name as long as we know who they are. A City and State should not pose any risk.
We're just trying to do all we can to replicate a live meet here on-line. Signature files are the "name tags" that allow us to recognize and communicate better with each other. I'm not sure how to inform new people about our policy without someone's feelings being hurt. It's like telling a newbie about typing in Caps. Some say thanks for the info and others feel insulted. We now include sig file instructions with our mailouts to new people registering at The Letterhead Website. I need to look at some of our BullBoard instructions to see if we can make this even easier.
posted
To tell the truth, I'm one of those who have been a little lery about the signature file. I was'nt too sure what I was doing. My skillsof the computor are very limited, but have learned alot here on the BB. I do hope that I've got my signature correct. So this reply is a test. Lets hope I'm gettin' it right. I do want to do things in the correct manner. I don't want to be one of those who refuses to comply to the rules. The only reason I have'nt done so, already was out of confusion. Thanks to Nettie, maybe I've accomplished this task. Robert
------------------ Robert Fair(Bamaboy) Creative Images Studios Fayette, Al. USA "Stay Fresh, Be Creative."
Posts: 346 | From: Gordo, Alabama USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
Well thanks heads for the information, As some of you know, I'm the ole crusty signpainter from Cape Cod but I aint any computer whiz. I guess I dint fill in all the information when I first got on here and thats why it's all missing. Thanks Donna and Dave Grundy for informing me and "scuse" me for not fillin out all the stuff I was "spose" to. Now I'm gonna go back and lookit all them little gizmos and try to put in my e-mail; thingy and stuff. I do agree that each and all of are a pretty close family (thats my feelings) and I am so grateful to be lucky enuf to be a member of this wonnerful group! I will say one more thing while I runneth off at the mouth..........it's a shame that everyone hasn't contributed thier share of dues to the membership to The Letterhead site. Where in the world would anyone get such a wealth of information about our trade other than here?
With admiration ansd respect,
Jack Jordan Jordan Sign Co. Cape Cod, Taxachusetts signs@mediaone.net -800-247-4467 Fax 508-771-6658 Age; a hunnert
Design is Everything! 
Cob
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