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Be sure you understand the Voting/Experience System.
This faqlet exists as a guide to answer questions like: "Why should I vote ++ for a node?", "Why should I vote -- for a node?", "What are the site's official voting rules?", and "How should I spend my votes?". The suggestions given here are exactly that, suggestions. You will of course develop your own, personal voting guidelines over the course of using this site, but hopefully you'll find these ideas useful if you are just starting out and feeling a little lost.
One issue concerning voting is not a matter of opinion but of site policy: votebots are not allowed.
If you're already wondering "What the hell do you mean, 'voting'? How do I vote?", then you're at the wrong node. You belong here: I just became a Novice; Why can't I vote yet?
These guidelines were compiled based on input from a number of Monks in both the Chatterbox and a number of extended threads on the subject (? why do you vote like you do ?, Explanations for Voting, Abusive Negative Voting, and many others since then). If you have anything you'd like to see added, send SiteDocClan a /msg.
The guidelines are arranged by section:
Voting on Wisdom Seekers:
- ++ if ...
- it's a thoughtful question.
- it shows that the poster did some research.
- it is well presented.
- it is a question you might ask.
- -- if ...
- it seems as though the poster is saying, "You do the work because I don't feel like it."
Voting on Wisdom Sharers:
- ++ if ...
- it is technically correct.
- it answers the questioner's question.
- it is simple, fast, and on point.
- it contains code examples.
- it wasn't an answer already given.
- it helps the questioner find the answer on his/her own.
- -- if ...
- it is negative and cruel towards the questioner. (usually is something like this, "This is a stupid question," or, "You should have figured it out on your own you idiot.")
NOTE: Redundant answers and answers that are not entirely correct should probably not be voted -- since the poster probably did put some kind of effort into writing it.
Voting on Suggestions
- ++ if ...
- it is original and creative.
- it would lead to an improvement in the site.
- -- if ...
- you think it would make the site less usable/functional.
- the suggestion has been raised, debated, and dismissed conclusively in the past.
Voting on Questions About the Site
- ++ if ...
- it is an insightful, novel question.
- it presents something that maybe should be a suggestion.
NOTE: You probably shouldn't vote -- on a question immediately even if it is a stupid question or you can find the answer in a FAQ, because the poster may be a newbie and not know that there is a FAQ. But again, use personal judgement.