Creating Value in the Forum
 

Periodically, we get these complaints about the supposed quality of this forum from disgruntled folks whose threads do not get the "attention" they deserve. I was reading a thread today, and it occured to me that there's at least 1 good way many of us could add some value to this forum.

I think we can all agree that trivial threads are pretty boring. Standard question, easy answer, snide remark about the newb question, thread over. Not to pick on lemming, but he recently posted this thread:
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showfl...e=0#Post9934617

Basically, if you don't want to read it, he had 55 on a healthy stack in the BB, some guy who he thought was tight pushed in MP for 10xBB after a UTG limp, and he wondered if he could call, and a bunch of people told him, no, easy fold. And that's great, now lemming knows that spot was a fold, but nobody really learned anything interesting.

But the thread doesn't have to end there. Telling him that's a fold answers his question and maybe helps a few newer players who had a similar question, but doesn't add value to anyone who has been around long enough to know that's a fold.

To me, that particular thread poses at least a few additional questions.
1) What is our range to get involved in this hand? 55 might not be in it, but what about 88, or AQ?
2) Do we reraise to isolate with that entire range, or is there a part of the range where we would just flat-call?
3) If the shortie was half the size, would we isolate with some hands we might flat-call with at his current size?

So my suggestion, particularly for the posters who have been here longer, is to not just post a 2 word answer to a simple thread. Give the two word answer, sure...but then also look at that spot and try to see if there's something more than could be learned from it. Try to think of ways to shift the situation that might make a boring decision more interesting. What if the stack sizes were a bit different? What if positions were different? What if we had a particular read?

Essentially, try to turn a trivial, boring thread into something interesting. Try to learn something from a thread, don't just post the "right answer" and move on to the next one, actually take the time to consider if the thread could lead to some interesting discussion...and make the effort to lead it that way.

You won't constantly improve your game by answering questions you already have answered before. You will improve your game by trying to come up with a strategy for a spot where you develop an understanding of how you might play differently based on notable factors (hand strength, stack size, position, reads).

Just my $0.02 for the day. Obviously welcome to discussion on this...and other suggestions people have for other ways in which we, as a community, can make this place a more valuable learning tool for all of us.

Re: Creating Value in the Forum
 

Seke

The thing about you that made you make this constructive post is probably the same thing that makes you one of the 10-15 people in this forum who I consider my favorite posters.

Although this is a good forum, it does have room for improvement. I 100% agree with the points you listed, and that's probably something we should all think about the next time we answer a post.

Re: Creating Value in the Forum
 

Spot on Seke.

In another forum a mod suggested the less experienced/newcomer should answer posts themselves even though the answers are likely to be incorrect or sub-optimum. Develop a thick skin and jump in. You will retain more by being involved/arguing than simply lurking. Shrug off the insults and keep asking the better players to explain "I fold".

Re: Creating Value in the Forum
 

Why is Dan not a mod yet?

In general the noob responses in general that so many had, the 'holier than thou' type stuff really derails the threads. I'm speaking from my experience like 6 months ago, but ya, the more discussion and fewer snide remarks the better.

Re: Creating Value in the Forum
 

Everytime I read a thread I look for these type of responses and have learned more from one or two well thought out posts then 1000 2 word answers. I can't say how many times I've read a thread and said to myself I know that's the right answer but I really don't know all the reasons why. I feel the difference there closes the gap between average and great.

Re: Creating Value in the Forum
 

Two words

Re: Creating Value in the Forum
 

If a posted thread is truly trivial why not have a mod move it to the beginner's forum? It might be an opportunity for some newer/less experienced posters to respond in a less threatening environment, and it would improve the quality of this forum.

Joe

Re: Creating Value in the Forum
 

Sorry, i just couldnt resist the previous post.

Seke, you are dead on as always. I also agree that Noobs should answer more than trying to start a new post. I didnt start very many posts back when I was a noobie and still got lots of great anwsers and got flammed for being a noob with a dumb question. It really helps you to develop your game and see the logic behind how you should have thought about the hand and seeing that maybe there are more optimal lines available.

I dont mind the snide remarks if the guy saying them can back it up. If guys like Shaundeeb and Nath say something and it comes off as arrogant, then so be it, they can back it up. I cant be the arrogant one, yet, someday maybe, but not this week. Thats also not my personality anyway, but you get the idea. I like jokes.

So much for that tangent, lol.

Re: Creating Value in the Forum
 

[ QUOTE ]
Periodically, we get these complaints about the supposed quality of this forum from disgruntled folks whose threads do not get the "attention" they deserve. I was reading a thread today, and it occured to me that there's at least 1 good way many of us could add some value to this forum.

I think we can all agree that trivial threads are pretty boring. Standard question, easy answer, snide remark about the newb question, thread over. Not to pick on lemming, but he recently posted this thread:
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/sh...=0#Post9934617

Basically, if you don't want to read it, he had 55 on a healthy stack in the BB, some guy who he thought was tight pushed in MP for 10xBB after a UTG limp, and he wondered if he could call, and a bunch of people told him, no, easy fold. And that's great, now lemming knows that spot was a fold, but nobody really learned anything interesting.

But the thread doesn't have to end there. Telling him that's a fold answers his question and maybe helps a few newer players who had a similar question, but doesn't add value to anyone who has been around long enough to know that's a fold.

To me, that particular thread poses at least a few additional questions.
1) What is our range to get involved in this hand? 55 might not be in it, but what about 88, or AQ?
2) Do we reraise to isolate with that entire range, or is there a part of the range where we would just flat-call?
3) If the shortie was half the size, would we isolate with some hands we might flat-call with at his current size?

So my suggestion, particularly for the posters who have been here longer, is to not just post a 2 word answer to a simple thread. Give the two word answer, sure...but then also look at that spot and try to see if there's something more than could be learned from it. Try to think of ways to shift the situation that might make a boring decision more interesting. What if the stack sizes were a bit different? What if positions were different? What if we had a particular read?

Essentially, try to turn a trivial, boring thread into something interesting. Try to learn something from a thread, don't just post the "right answer" and move on to the next one, actually take the time to consider if the thread could lead to some interesting discussion...and make the effort to lead it that way.

You won't constantly improve your game by answering questions you already have answered before. You will improve your game by trying to come up with a strategy for a spot where you develop an understanding of how you might play differently based on notable factors (hand strength, stack size, position, reads).

Just my $0.02 for the day. Obviously welcome to discussion on this...and other suggestions people have for other ways in which we, as a community, can make this place a more valuable learning tool for all of us.




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As primarily a lurker and limited poster for the last couple of years, I'd like to echo Fikdsal's assessment of OP.

Great post bro.

Re: Creating Value in the Forum
 

[ QUOTE ]
Two words

[/ QUOTE ]

Funny but just wrong.....LOL