AutoCAD version in user profile compulsory?

[CADTutor]

I think the idea of adding the AutoCAD version that people are using to the user profile and displaying it in the postbit is a really good one.:geek:

It get's around all those "Well it depends what version..." replies that we make.

I've altered the options slightly since the board opened because I realised that I'd forgotten all about LT:oops: So now a user has the option to say which product they are using AutoCAD/LT and then which version 2007 etc.

I think this info is so useful that every member should complete these fields but I've been cautious so far and have left it optional.

My question is this:

Do you think I should make the completion of these field compulsory?

[zars]

Yeah it would save us time and we'd think in a better answer according to that.

[Cad64]

It's happened to me many times that I will take time to answer a question, only to find out that the poster is using ADT or LT. Either that, or the person is using R14 or some old version that doesn't have all the new tools. It would really help, not only us answering questions, but also for the poster to get his question answered quicker and more accurately.

[StykFacE]

i'm all for it... i love the idea.

[Lazer]

Great Idea, not only does it stop the question "what version are you using" but also it stops posts from moving on and on and the person who posted the thread getting confused.

[rkmcswain]

Yes, good idea.

What if the poster doesn't use AutoCAD or uses multiple flavors or various Autodesk products?

For example, maybe a Micro$tation user needs to ask an AutoCAD question, or maybe an ADT user needs to ask an ABS question?

I guess you can't cover every situation....

[CADTutor]

Yes, good idea.

What if the poster doesn't use AutoCAD or uses multiple flavors or various Autodesk products?

For example, maybe a Micro$tation user needs to ask an AutoCAD question, or maybe an ADT user needs to ask an ABS question?

I guess you can't cover every situation....

True, maybe we need an additional field where they can enter more information such as "Map 3D" or "ADT" etc. This could just be in their profile for look-up rather than displayed. If they don't use AutoCAD, I can just add an extra choice "none".

[cresta]

What if the poster doesn't use AutoCAD or uses multiple flavors or various Autodesk products?

I think if you have a question and you wants to get an answer you have to put what program you want to get the answer for, we don't care if you use a zillion different programs, that would be your problem to translate to the program you want. If you want the answer for Autocad 2007...Well...you will get the appropiate response.. (If!!) Etc...Etc..
I am for the idea of : "What Cad program and version you are using" ....and: Period!!

[rkmcswain]

What if the poster doesn't use AutoCAD or uses multiple flavors or various Autodesk products?

I think if you have a question and you wants to get an answer you have to put what program you want to get the answer for, we don't care if you use a zillion different programs, that would be your problem to translate to the program you want. If you want the answer for Autocad 2007...Well...you will get the appropiate response.. (If!!) Etc...Etc..
I am for the idea of : "What Cad program and version you are using" ....and: Period!!


So you want people to edit their profile each time to reflect the product they are going to ask a question about?

If they choose AutoCAD 2007, ask a question on it, then need to ask a question on ABS 2006, their profile will reflect this change in the AutoCAD 2007 question then.

[cresta]

So you want people to edit their profile each time to reflect the product they are going to ask a question about?

:huh: No, no necessarily, You Choose what you want on your profile, however they may do this, if it is a question not related to their profiled program:
"This is a question about WinAce Archiver" or "This question is about Google Earth" etc. I think that would be enough to call somebody’s attention and whoever that knows about WinAce or else, may respond accordingly.
That's all...!!:oops:

[CADTutor]

Hi, cresta. When quoting another post, please use the QUOTE system or QUOTE tags rather than a colour. That way it's easier for everyone to read. Thanks.

[StykFacE]

So you want people to edit their profile each time to reflect the product they are going to ask a question about?

:huh: No, no necessarily, You Choose what you want on your profile, however they may do this, if it is a question not related to their profiled program:
"This is a question about WinAce Archiver" or "This question is about Google Earth" etc. I think that would be enough to call somebody’s attention and whoever that knows about WinAce or else, may respond accordingly.
That's all...!!:oops:

well this is an AutoCAD forum.... and things closely related to AutoCAD.... most of the time if people ask about something, they're asking about an AutoCAD issue. if not, they usually WILL post up what program they're having issues with. i'd say 90% of the posts here are for AutoCAD, but the different versions become a concern then regarding which version you're currenty using... so that's why there's an option to show what version CAD you're using, so people don't have to keep typing "well, i use version 2004" etc etc. 8)

[Cad64]

I think adding your version needs to be mandatory for registration. I know it's been left optional, but most new members just don't bother filling in the version field in their profile. Nor do they mention it in their post, so we are still left to ask the obligatory "What version are you running?" It really is an important bit of information. It's like when you go to a bar, you can't just tell the bartender "Give me a drink", what kind of a drink do you want?!!! :lol:

[CADTutor]

Actually, this is now compulsory for all new registrations. I have noticed that some users who registered before I made the change have not added these details to their profile.

I do have one final sanction and that is to prevent any user from viewing the forum UNLESS these details are completed. If you feel this issue is causing problems, I will force all users to add these details to their profile. Any comments?

[Dipali]

I want to know how to edit my profile

[Cad64]

Just click on the "User CP" button

[Strix]

.... Any comments?Yep - we encourage people to search for threads relating to their problems, but they then go digging up threads which appear to relate to an OP running ACAD08, but at the time the question was asked, that OP was running ACAD05!

I don't suppose there is a function within vBulletin that can accommodate a permanent stamp on a post is there?

even the signature changes, leaving 'click the link in my sig' posts making no sense a couple of months down the line :(

plus.....

how many users are now running more than one version?

[Alan Cullen]

how many users are now running more than one version?

I'm one. I run 2008 at work (the main one), and 2007 at home. But 2007 is only for doing a quick test on an answer, or testing an FAQ, that sort of thing.

Unfortunately I've hacked and changed 2007 so much over the last year, it no longer even slightly resembles my prefered setup for acad. Guess I'll have to get around to getting it back to normal one of these days. :twisted:

[CADTutor]

I don't suppose there is a function within vBulletin that can accommodate a permanent stamp on a post is there?


Well, all posts clearly display the date they were made. It's common practice when using forums like this to check the date in order to determine relevance. I don't think we need any further information - just a bit of common sense. :wink:

[Strix]

unless somebody has had ACAD2004 until they upgraded to 2008 David :(

then all the posts they made in 2005/06/07 will appear to refer to those editions as the thread will not say which version

[CADTutor]

You miss the point. The point is that it is clear when any post was made and the reader should infer from that that the answer does not apply to a more recent version.