Would it help if there was a limit (maybe 30 characters) in the title box as some posters put extremely long questions in the title box which are hard to read eg: http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Law/Question97 2891.html

[factor-fiction]

Just an idea

[B00]

I think some of the problem factor is some people are accessing AB on their phones, and if I remember correctly, I recall someone once saying that sometimes the question box doesn't always open for them.

[factor-fiction]

Whenever we get a long title, though, there is always something in the details box as well- sometimes just a few words such as "Thanks" and sometimes the whole question from the title box appears again in the details box. Perhaps they don't see the details box until after they've typed a long question, and so they insert a few words or copy and paste their title

I am puzzled by those posts that have the same thing written twice -once as the question and once as the post- maybe that happens with certain phones- you enter it once only and AB inserts it into both boxes.

I can understand new users who are unfamiliar with the input screen putting the full question in the title box but some regulars do it.

I find it hard to handle crossword clues when the known letters are shown only in the title box.

[boxtops]

I wish there were, factor - or a facility so you couldn't type the same thing twice. Ed has put up those helpful hints, but a lot of people don't seem to read them.

[MarkRae]

I think the best we can do is, as the Ed asked, to provide users with a link to the guide for asking crossword questions and ask them to adhere to them thereafter...

[boxtops]

Good idea MR, I've seen you do that in the past - I try to but I don't always remember.

[factor-fiction]

The title box does allow around 250 characters though- surely that is far more than is ever needed. It could be limited to maybe 100 characters

[boxtops]

Do the crossword Qs still ask the OP to fill in the details of the crossword (I haven't asked one for ages)?

If so it would be better if the crossword details then automatically filled in as the thread title - otherwise, I can't see why Ed bothers to have those boxes available.

[MarkRae]

Personally, I'd like the freeform title box removed entirely for new crossword questions so that people would be required to use the title builder. For people who do lots of crosswords every day, it really does help...

[boxtops]

Yes, I agree with that suggestion.

[factor-fiction]

I agree with MarkRae as well

[weecalf]

Every question should have same title like .Hi There

[boxtops]

... or "Last One I'm stuck on, help"

[MarkRae]

Anything which prevented people from putting titles like 'Help me', 'Crossword', '17 down' etc would be excellent.

[boxtops]

Yes :-)

[MarkRae]

This is a case in point: http://www.theanswerb.../Question1091135.html

Problem is, though, there's no incentive for people to follow the guidelines even if they know about them because their questions get answered anyway!

[weecalf]

or just uunn

[B00]

Bit a bit picky there aren't you Mark and the rest of you? The guy (assume its a guy anyway) asked a reasonable question, in what looks ot be the correct category and even put a thanks on the end. I fail to see why knowing which crossword it is important either?

We have to bear in mind that many newusers aren't knowledgeable about forums in general ,never mind individual rules relating to each one, and what other users require from them from the get go.

Unless we cut them a bit of slack we run the risk of alienating new members.

[Bambiagain]

It is helpful to have the name of the publication where the crossword or quiz is printed. If I need more than one answer, I often scroll through the existing Q&As rather than enter a query for each one, and if I see the 'Please help with 12 ac' or similar, it isn't very helpful. Similarly, I have more chance of answering a question if I know it's one I've done myself. I agree that the title box should be for just a title, and it should be a helpful one especially where someone wants a such a specific answer.

[albaqwerty]

I have no objection to anyone saying thanks or TIA at the end of their question.
If it is a crossword or puzzle question, then the name of the xword or puzzlr might helpt other followers of them.