Can we get a hardware linking rule?

[Staren]

This might be a personal thing, but can we get a discussion going about a rule for linking to hardware? A lot of people seem to either just post the name and information for a part, or just post a bank of links with no more information so that you have to open each one. Both cases are a bit of a pain when trying to gather information. So I'd really like to see some kind of standard link format. It doesn't have to be as strict as the format I use:

Part Type
Brand - Model
Link
Price

but just if we could get at least a brand and model number along with a link, it would go a long way to streamlining the process in the hardware boards.

[Freakitchen]

I personally think it doesn't need to be that comprehensive. When I spec out a whole list of parts, it takes enough time to link to every item, type out a basic description and tot up the prices. I don't believe in spoon-feeding our new members; at times I'll tell them what I recommend and let them find the part themselves.

What I *do* agree with, is that long lists of newegg links don't help. I'd always encourage anyone who did that to post a quick description of the item along with the link.

As far as establishing a 'Rule' goes, I think it might go as far to discourage members from helping out if doing so was becoming a chore. Off the top of my head, I can't think of a regular member who just posts lists of links.

FK

[Staren]

I don't think it needs to be as detailed as I use either. I posted that as an example more then anything, but we need to get some people away from the masive link lists and/or model numbers with no link. It doesn't have to be detailed, but just something so that those of us that pretty much know the heavily used models don't have to follow every link, or go googling for reviews when someone decides to throw up a list of stuff we haven't seen before.

[blue60007]

Might be worth adding to the sticky we've got:
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131236

Not that anyone actually reads the stickies before posting.

I'm much more willing to take a look at someone's build if they put text for the link...

Here's some examples attached.

Starting with the bad...just pasting the links. I have to open up each link to check out the parts. Most of us more seasoned builders that follow the latest and what not know the general specs of most parts so we don't really need links. Links are nice in case we don't know the specs or for the less seasoned folks.

Looking at the good...the 1st one, while no links, I like the organization. Type of part (CPU, mobo, etc) and bolding it is nice. Also like the order. Things like monitor and speakers should go last, get the important parts of the system first. Also don't post things lights, extra fans, and other doodads between the important parts...put them at the end.

Second is good as well...good order added text with links. Third is better in some regards - text made into links (saves space and looks more organized), but needs ordering could be better.

Also it's nice when folks put what the total price at the end so we can see how they are doing with their budget (which should always be included!).

[Alaron]

Scroll down to Post #14 in the link blue provided. Exactly what you guys are mentioning. :)

[blue60007]

Ahaha, good find.

[FLG]

Heres a spreadsheet which i quickly made. If theres anything to add, please tell me. Seems like a good idea.

[thefultonhow]

Spreadsheets don't help tremendously because you can't attach .xls files to messages. There is also the issue that not everyone has Excel -- some people just have Word or an alternative program that can't handle spreadsheets, like WordPerfect or AbiWord.

With that said, here is an example of the spreadsheet format I have used for years. I have 55 of these spreadsheets in a folder in My Documents, dating back to 2002, and since sometimes I overwrote old ones by accident or worked on them on other computers, I'm guessing that I've actually created around 60-70. The format has changed very little since I did the first spreadsheet.

[glc]

Staren - bottom line is we don't want to nitpick people with "rules". If it's in a sticky thread, that's about all we can do. Feel free to link people to the sticky, keep it respectful, please.

[TimPoet]

Yeah, this has developed into a pet peeve of mine. Having to click a link just to see the price and other specs on a part mentioned. Cricket once voiced dismay at this I have observed. But, such is life at the Mech.
We just have to muddle along, bearing one another's geek-transgressions.

[glc]

It's not that hard with FF or Opera - just go down the line middle clicking on the links to pop them all up in new tabs.