I actually prefer threads that DON'T use images or gifs. Why should I have to download that stuff? They are mostly worthless. I wish KAW would give you a choice of whether or not to view images in forums.
Bbcodes dont make a thread good, they just make it slightly more appeasing to the eyes. Plebs that need bbcodes to claim that their thread is good should just not even post IMO. (Hence why i dont post) (jk)
A real lack of effort thread is a thread that has very very little meaning, basically when people post like "boo" or something. Or if they just go "Im against gun control discuss" They're examples of a lack of effort because they dont have any explanation at all and unless constructive posts are posted afterwords that arent just post count spam or people saying "inb4 lock" (arguably the same thing) then these lack of effort threads will be locked immediately.
Bb codes do not take effort. It's a slight bit of extra typing but it takes no mental strength whatsoever.
Effort can only be based off of the quality of the thread. Have they considered every angle to their relevant points, how much time has it taken them to make it, is it well structured, does it make sense etc
There is a minimum standard that exists in forum. That minimum standard is applied by the moderators, and support exists to mediate any differences in opinion between the player base and the moderation team. If you vomit up a thread with one or two words it sentences, it's spammy and will be locked because, if the OP doesn't give a damn, why should anyone else? Asking for a precice definition of "what is enough effort" is not possible, as keeping forum clean requires subjective judgement calls. Again, if you're displeased with he moderators decision, support can review uour complaint and make a final ruling. Consider this..... If you have shown you don't care about your thread Or Your thread sucks Or Your thread does next to nothing to enhance the experience of other forummers here, it's getting a lock. Finally, for those who are wondering about how the system works, the public ensures it does. One kid who gripes about his craptastic thread getting locked won't go anywhere, but if moderators start making judgement calls that go against the will of the community at large, the community will object en masse and we would be innefective. Generally, when I lock low effort threads, the only people who gripe are the people who enjoy littering the forums with trash, and the majority of the community understands that.
It doesn't exactly take mental effort but it does take a good amount of time and extra work for them to work right
No effort thread: just asking a question Good thread: background as to what drew you to ask the question. No pictures needed. Make a thread thought provoking, something helpful beyond a simple do this or do that. Using reasoning, mild complexity, engage the community, help them understand your perspective. That's just my two cents.
Sometimes people have some good legitimate good ideas or concerns and they lack the aptitude to use bbs and pics.