I, myself, am getting tired of all of the leechers ("This ain't workin"), all the un-educated people ("z0mg, i wantz runscpe GPz!"), and all of the spammers ("works fine, thanks, cya"). Henceforth, I have written this tut on how to become respected (by my standards) at the SRL-Forums.
Take Note: By following these self-made rules to the best of my ability, I was auto-memberized. So keep in mind that by just following these rules you could receive the same reward if you're lucky
Rule #1 - Absolutely NO Spamming
As soon as I see a newcomer make a spam post, I immediately look down on them. It just shows me that they haven't read rules, are inconsiderate, and/or are just plain stupid. Now, if I see a first time poster make a long, well thought out, lengthy post, I immediately think, "Hey, this guy might actually contribute!". Sometimes even a simple suggestion on how to go about fixing a bug in a script is impressive.
For those of you who don't know, spamming is:
- Making one word posts
- Posting things irrelevant to the topic
- Saying something like "nice, thanks" or "it doesn't work" without explaining yourself
- Double Posting (use the Edit button instead)
Example of a non-spam reply (thanks rizzaliau) -
By the way, if you don't know, a progress report is something the scripter has to implement in his/her script. It usually comes up in the debug box (the box in SCAR right below the script's code) every once in a while.This script works pretty well! Here's a progress report -
One thing I noticed is that it doesn't always click the monster, usually when it has wandered too far south. After that, it takes about 5 minutes until it gets back near the middle and starts fighting. Thanks for the script, good luck with it!|_Blah-Script| 1h:3m:54s|
| XP Gained: 38273 | XP/Hour: 37982 |
| Levels Gained: 2 |
Rule #2 - Try to use decent grammar
If I see someone say something like, "u kno, this thing is pritty sweet, but it cantz find the rock half ofs the time", it doesn't impress me. Some people think they're cool doing that, but to me, it's just a waste of time trying to decipher half of it. The forums have a nice, handy, Spell-Checker built in when you're replying to a thread/making a thread. It's in the top right corner of the box. Use that, and take some time to look over your grammar. Sure, perfect grammar can be annoying, so an occasional 'lol' or smiley can be put in. Also, not too many people do this, and it's not too annoying, but Try To Not Capitalize Every Word You Say.
EDIT: Minkino has brought to my attention that the spell-checker isn't working. Therefore, I suggest you use what I use - the Firefox spell-checker (it comes with Firefox). Everywhere you type is just like typing in MS Word in the sense that all your misspelled words are underlined in red.
Rule #3 - Don't get yourself into flame wars
Flaming is heavily insulting or fighting with another member of the forums. It really is just a waste of space and causes two (or more) people to hate each other. If you get in a big flame war, you're scarred for life in the eyes of anyone who sees it, thinking you have a short temper. Even so, it's always nice if you make up in the end . If you REALLY have to do it, then take it to the BBQ Pit section of the forums, or on IM.
Remember - "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" (Unless it's constructive criticism)
Rule #4 - Use the Search button
You don't know how annoying it is to keep replying to the same question with the same answer over and over. For instance, so many people have asked how to set up Scar + SRL, and every time they are directed to a tutorial which could have been found with 3 minutes of searching. Almost any question could be answered in the Tutorial Island section. And now, since it's re-organized, it should be easier than ever. I suggest you look through tutorial island for 5 minutes, then search for 10 minutes, and if you still can't find it, post it.
Rule #5 - Get at least some SRL/Scar knowledge
As you use scripts, look through the script and think, "What does this procedure do?". Try to answer your own question. If you really can't do it, look at some basic tuts in the Tutorial Island section under Beginner Tutorials. This way, you'll be able to fix simple errors without bugging other people. Don't forget to learn to make your own scripts eventually though (I'll explain why in a bit).
Rule #6 - Do NOT swear
Swearing on these forums can get you banned, usually only if you do it excessively. Even so, just like in real life, when you swear in a public-like area, everybody will look at you (or in this case your post) and think you're an illiterate person who can't think of a less vulgar way of expressing yourself.
Rule #7 - Think Before You Type (Credits to Pixelate)
Sometimes something just pops into your head, but instead of just posting it right away, think it through, and make sure nobody else has suggested it. Don't make yourself look stupid by saying something like "Where can I download RAM?" (Couldn't think of anything better ).
Rule #8 - NEVER use a script without posting the results/proggy (Credits to n00b? n00b?)
Whenever you run a script, even if it doesn't even compile, post your results on the thread where you got the script. This will help the author of the script improve the script, helping both you and him. If you don't post results/proggies, the author will assume that his script is flawless, and he won't update it to make it better. Along with that, you will be considered a leecher.
By the way, by 'results' I mean just say why your player(s) stopped, mention anything the script could be more efficient (like if it finds the tree to cut really slow), etc.
Rule #9 - Be active in the Forums
I know some people have busy lives, but if you really want to get people to know you on SRL, you have to be active. Being active shows others what you're like, and if you follow all of these 'rules' while being active, you'll show that you are an intelligent person, getting people to respect you.
Rule #10 - Help others whenever you can
If you know the answer to something, post it! Not only will the person you helped be very grateful, but everyone else will see that you're willing to help people. Also, if there's a question that keeps coming up again and again (A while ago it used to be Where do I get SCAR/SRL????, like 3 times a day) and you're really getting bored of answering it, write a tutorial, so then all you have to do is post a link.
That concludes the rules, try to follow them to the best of your abilities and you'll be well on the road to SRL greatness
Now, for some info on SRL Junior Members and SRL Members.
SRL Junior Members
Edit: As of 9/26/10, I believe SRL Junior Members are no longer what they once were, so the below explanation is incorrect. I'm not that active anymore so I do not know all the specifics, besides knowing that Jr. Membership is no longer a requirement to access the majority of SRL's scripts.
These are people who have made 10 non-spam posts and have been registered for at least a week. Until then, you only have access to pretty basic scripts (well, some aren't that basic but they don't do all that much). Mainly autofighters, autotalkers, powerminers, powerchoppers, etc. When you're a Jr. Member, you have access to some of the better scripts - including ones that bank.
SRL Members
These people are those that can script, except in some rare special cases. You get this rank after applying (where other SRL Members vote) with a script. Attitude and helpfulness increase your chances. These people have access to the best of the best scripts. The most complicated, the best working, the best....everything. Even so, you'll know how to make your own scripts when you're an SRL Member, so you might not even need those.
Hope you like my tutorial! Happy..err....becoming respected?
Creds to Hy71194 for giving me the idea of making this tut.