Yellowstone Wolf Directory

[peter]

NORMAL

Be sure your contributions are much appreciated. The reasons are accuracy, reliability and, in particular, (the accumulation of) knowledge. As a result of your posts, readers interested in wolves are offered the opportunity to get to some insight. They'll no doubt find their way.  

As to the length of some posts. We know it isn't easy to present good information in a few paragraphs and add a few tables and pictures to digest the message. At times, words are the only means to transfer information in the proper way. What we're saying is we know long posts can't be avoided. Remember, however, this forum isn't about selling a new brand of toothpaste. Our business is information. Good information about something overlooked by many. 

In the end, this is what counts. The information we present is needed to get to a bit more insight in the natural world. We need it to prevent problems that can, and have to, be expected when unknown territory in invaded. As that's what we've been doing for a long time. The virus affecting the lives of so many today is just one example of the possible consequences. 

And it starts with Yellowstone wolves? 

Who knows? What we're saying is the days of the old system are numbered. We can't go on in this way and most people know. The question is what next. The answer is we first need to answer a number of questions regarding the past. The next step is to get to a new goal. The outcome of the debate that will follow isn't that important. It's about changing the outlook and the way we act. And in this department, you, in an indirect way, most definitely contributed. 

As to presenting your ideas on, for example, a forum like this one. 

When a member decides for specialisation and joins a forum to interact, chances are long posts will be produced. This way of interacting has consequences. Experience says most readers potentially interested in what you have to say will decide against it. The reason is they don't have the time and energy needed to finish the project. This means this method will not result in a lot of views. How solve this problem? Here's a few ideas.  

01 - Use a title that covers the post.
02 - Start the post with an introduction. Inform the reader about your goal in a few sentences only. 
03 - Use chapters and sections and keep every section as short as possible. Use a paragraph for every topic.  
04 - Use size and colour to distinguish between chapters and sections. 
05 - Add tables and pics that fit the topic discussed in every chapter and section. 
06 - Present all sources used. Add links. 
07 - When you quote, make sure readers know you're quoting someone. 
08 - Remember most readers can focus for 10-15 minutes at best. 
09 - Finish every post with a conclusion. Avoid opinions. Readers are interested in facts. 
10 - If the post only covers a part of the topic you want to discuss, start a series. Inform your readers.
11 - If the formula you used works, stick to it. In this way readers will get to know you.  
12 - When done, read the post. Ask someone else to read it. Ask for advice. 
13 - Post the result of your effort. Read it again and edit the post until you're happy. 
14 - Go over the thread you created every now and then. Edit your contributions when you're not happy.

All of this, to be sure, isn't a result of problems in the department of readability. The posts I read, apart from being loaded with good information, were easy to access. Most of them only took me a few minutes. But I'm an experienced reader.  

Remember every member is free to interact in the way he/she prefers. It's up to you, that is. If you're interested in writing, however, this forum offers you a great opportunity to develop your skills.    

Thanks again for the interesting information about wolves. We hope you'll continue for a long time to come,

Sanjay and Peter. Reply