Signature Guidelines: What are your thoughts?

[Toby]

Hey guys and gals,

Some of you may remember a few weeks back where we were discussing signatures and their size.

Its very common for communities/forums to apply a limit to them in our guidelines and we may do this in the near future. I have a some thoughts on what to include in the guidelines but would really like to hear all of your thoughts on how you feel about the different aspects.

How do you feel about:

- Signature size?

- Signature content?

- Signature designs? Are pictures OK, or just text?

If it were up to you, what would apply as a signature guideline?

Eager to hear your thoughts

[jonsie]

Personally I feel two lines should be the maximum.

Quote or amusing anecdote (profound or funny can be thought provoking)

Obviously no external links.

Pictures I feel are a little too much unless contained within the badge as it takes up storage space and can take far too long to load especially when viewing the community on a handheld device away from strong wifi signal.

Sometimes you forever scroll with the amount of space taken up by a single post although most people don't go overboard.

I also feel signature text size should be limited as again, it sometimes detracts from the actual post.

[Cleoriff]

I am happy that it stays as it is. As long as we are allowed, within reason, to be unique.. (if we so wish)

[MI5]

A couple of lines max and keep it relevant...

It would also be helpful if the text could be made smaller than the forum text by default.

[Anonymous]

I have previously expressed a view that the signature area really ought to contain some useful information (for example the links that some users have) rather than merely humourous remarks or mottoes..."  I remain of that view and that is why I do not now use the signature area.

I also agree with  @jonsie as regards  the number of lines and having NO pictures or photos within a signature.  

@Cleoriff makes a good point about retaining individuality - though personally  I think the place for that is in members' profiles.  Profiles could be used to good purpose to highlight areas of "expertise" that members feel they bring to the Forum, as well as listing the equipment they have experience of using.  The latter might alternatively be suitable material for the signature area if couched in terms such as " O2 Customer since dd/mm/yy with experience of ...{phone models]  on monthly and/or P&G tariffs".    These two thoughts might be combined if it were possible to insert in the signature a link to the Profile.

A signature is (or should be) to some extent an indication of the "authority" in a broad sense of the writer,  hopefully giving the reader some added confidence that the advice above the signature is worthy of consideration. 

Since I have very limited experience in terms of makes and models of phones I have personal experience of using, and also since my main reason for participating in this Forum at all has been to obtain help and advice rather than to give it, my signature area will remain blank for the foreseeable.  When and where appropriate I may throw out the odd comment or ask questions for clarification.  My main contributions, if they can be called that, are likely to be in the off-topic board where signatures are somewhat irrelevant anyway.

It will be interesting to see the eventual guidelines.

Gerry

[Anonymous]

Hi @Toby

I agree with everything said.

[Toby]

Thanks a lot for your thoughts guys, a nice mix of views.

My initial thoughts consisted of the font size (as MI5 pointed out), as well as the picture issue (jonsie's badge idea is something I've used in previous forums)
I also agree with Cleo though, individuality should be celebrated. You are all very individual though, dont you worry about that

I need to have a think haha. Keep any thoughts coming guys

[Cleoriff]

I am of the opinion that we really don't need to overthink this issue of the signature..

.

To put a list of mobile phones on mine would cause much hilarity... (I have one)

However, I like to see what others have.

I also like @jonsie 's signature with all the help links.....

Mine is a bit of fun...some people know I am obsessed with Sherlock...hence * The Game Is On*....

I am also obsessed with Johnny Depp, though I feel anything I may put about him would be moderated immediately......

I am sad to see @Anonymous won't be writing a new signature...His daily mottos and phrases really made me laugh out loud

[Toby]

I agree Cleo. Its a smaller issue but I like to get you all involved when I can

[Anonymous]

Hi @Cleoriff

I agree.

The signature field should be left to the individual member to do with ,as long as it doesn't contain anything to infringe the current guidelines ,or take up too much space.

I looked forward to seeing what @Anonymous was going to put in his signature next ~ awesome.

I occasionally put a quote for a short period of time but like Gerry I will refrain now.

1st world problems.