What is Language Learning Stack Exchange?
A lot of new users complain about getting tons of critical, negative feedback from other users on their first posts. Now sometimes, the feedback is valid (wrong site, it’s spam, etc.) but usually, it’s because the new users don’t actually understand how that Stack Exchange site works. This post is to clear any confusion about Language Learning Stack Exchange as well as provide information on how to become an excellent user as well.
Let’s start with terminology. A lot of users get confused with some basic SE terminology. Here’s a list of some SE special terminology and their definitions:
1. SE: Stands for Stack Exchange
2. LL.SE: Stands for Language Learning Stack Exchange
3. OP: Original poster (usually of question)
4. Reputation (also called rep): A rough estimate of how trustworthy you are
5. Up/Down Voting: The act of adding or subtracting one from a post’s net score based on its overall quality
Also, a lot of users struggle with formatting so here are some tricks and tips:
1. **insert text here**: Makes the text between the asterisks bold
2. *insert text here*: Makes the text between the asterisks italicized
3. ***insert text here***: Makes text between the asterisks bold and italicized
4. > text here: Places all text within the paragraph enclosed in a yellow box
5. >! text here: Places all within the paragraph enclosed in a yellow box that can only be revealed by hovering over the box
6. [text](link): Makes the text a hyperlink for the link put in the second pair of parentheses
There really isn’t a lot at all. Now to the more formal rules of the site. As usual, follow the Be Nice policy and just don’t be a jerk. No user with a brain will try to insult or hurt you. If someone does, they will be quickly reported and dealt with by fellow users and your trusty moderators.
Now how do I ask questions properly: Help Center. Also, look around in Meta and see what the community decided what you can and cannot ask. It would also help to see on and off topic posts by looking around in the collection of questions. Same applies for not to ask: follow the above and another Help Center link.
Now if you’re actually pay attention, a pattern starts to emerge. What is it? Well here it is:
1. Look around at Language Learning Meta (and actually view the questions and their answers)
2. Look around the posts to see what is on-topic and what is not
3. Look around in the Help Center and Tour for valuable information about the site
4. Gain experience to further improve your quality and trustworthiness (rep)
5. Ask for help from fellow users in chat or meta (whichever one is appropriate)
6. Follow the rules!
If you follow the above six steps and gain more advanced information through experience, joining community discussions, learning how the site works, etc., you will soon be an amazing user just like me and the rest of the community. Don’t be shy, come join us at Language Learning Stack Exchange! (And the blog too!)
