general questions How Do I Make A "Quality Post?"

[Iridescent Edge 249]

So, I noticed that the guidelines say that I have to "make quality posts and threads." But that seems kinda vague. What does "quality post" mean? How do I make one? Do I just have to not be a whiny and obnoxious wretch, or do I have to put my own blood, sweat, and tears into every single keystroke?  Does every single post have to be an essay? Do I have to make longer posts? Because I'm pretty sure that length ≠ quality. Is this post a quality post? Ultimately, I could really use some elaboration on the meaning of "quality post" and what passes as quality here. Some examples would be helpful as well.

[Totally Nyx 36,380]

It's not so much about "making quality posts" as it is about not making low effort or meaningless posts. For example, if you're responding to a thread titled "Do you like cats?", you don't need to type up a full article on the pros and cons of owning a cat, but try not to post just "yeah". Even a simple "I love cats. I used to have this black cat that was always stealing my tacos." is fine. (honestly, respect to that cat, he's got good taste)

It also depends what section you're posting in. In the roleplay section, you'll want a bit more than my example above. In the Forum Lounge or Forum Games sections, you might not need as much. For example the counting threads, where it's post after post after post of just numbers.

[Samurai Equine 54,101]

1 hour ago, Totally Nyx said:

It's not so much about "making quality posts" as it is about not making low effort or meaningless posts. For example, if you're responding to a thread titled "Do you like cats?", you don't need to type up a full article on the pros and cons of owning a cat, but try not to post just "yeah". Even a simple "I love cats. I used to have this black cat that was always stealing my tacos." is fine. (honestly, respect to that cat, he's got good taste)

It also depends what section you're posting in. In the roleplay section, you'll want a bit more than my example above. In the Forum Lounge or Forum Games sections, you might not need as much. For example the counting threads, where it's post after post after post of just numbers.

I couldn't have put it more elegantly myself. Thank you, @Totally Nyx. 

Incidentally, this also counts as another great example! A low quality post would just be me quoting Totally and reply with "This". But instead, I am adding more to it. I am echoing Totally's reply, thanking him, and using this moment to give an additional example for educational purposes.

In a way, I like to think the character minimum helps encourage users to put effort in their posts. Ultimately, it is about the quality of the post. You can still surpass the character limit and say nothing of value; it has happened before. But at the very least, if you are unable to post extremely short sentences, then you pretty much have to put a little more thought and effort into your message.