Groundspeak Portal

 

I call lists that define what's unacceptable in a category "Do Not Want" lists. I don't like writing these lists. They can be constructive and informative, but I think they're negative and take the focus off the positive activity of finding what's on the "Want" list. I tend to think the "Want" list should really say everything that needs to be said. I'd almost go to the extreme of saying staunch and strict "Do Not Want" lists interfer with creativity and having fun.

How do you feel about "Do Not Want" lists? Are they necessary? How much Do Not Want is too much? Should they be incorporated into every category as a standard writing practice?

Redneck Parrotheads:

How do you feel about "Do Not Want" lists? Are they necessary? How much Do Not Want is too much? Should they be incorporated into every category as a standard writing practice?

I don't mind "Do Not Want" lists.  I do mind when there are more "do not wants" than what is acceptable for a category.  I think there are some cats where it makes sense to have them but others, no.  It doesn't really bother me either way.

I call them exclusions and don't mind them if they make sense.....Hopefully, mine make sense. I agree that they should be limited but I have found if they are not included you get all sorts of submissions that do not fit the category despite how well written and explained the category is.

I have seen this evolve along with the global, prevalence and several other aspects of waymarking . These ideas have changed since the inception of waymarking in 2005.

I like when there are a few visual examples of what the group is looking for. Especially when it's a category like Shot Towers or Unique Chimneys and Chimney Pots that is uncommon for my area. In the cookie cutter suburbia where I live, I would have no clue what they were looking for unless they added a photo.  Also on the Chimney category, at least they include photos of what they don't want so if I'm traveling in a new city I can be on the lookout.  Also, it is helpful to list a few Don't Wants for a category with a large gray area like Realistic Object Sculpture. They list three pictures and I "get" what they're talking about clearly from the photos.

I also like how some categories show a lot of personality and you can tell the authors really care about the category and are "into" it.  There was one that I got a good chuckle about where they listed a car as a Don't Want. I can't remember the category off hand. For most of us, it's obvious that the car was not intended, but you'll always get that one wise guy who pushes the limits.

Also, I think the Don't Wants can help when the cat is in peer review.

I feel it depends on the category if exclusions are necessary.  I do think if there could be some confusion on what is be acceptable then an exclusion list helps to prevent hurt feelings because someone did not understand what was expected and ended up getting their waymark declined.

I think the do not want lists help define a category so people know what the group expects. A list might help cut down on the prevalence. Too much and it turns into a niche.

I also like how some categories show a lot of personality and you can tell the authors really care about the category and are "into" it.  There was one that I got a good chuckle about where they listed a car as a Don't Want. I can't remember the category off hand. For most of us, it's obvious that the car was not intended, but you'll always get that one wise guy who pushes the limits.

It was the Neon category......They showed a picture of a Dodge Neon as one of  their "Do Not Want" items....

I think if they are simple and direct, they can be quite valuable.  The weathervane category has the restriction, "no weathervanes with farm animals will be allowed".  I think this is great.  It is clear, it is precise.  Something like this, if used with discretion, can help a category and make life easier for the officers.

ptcrazy:

I also like how some categories show a lot of personality and you can tell the authors really care about the category and are "into" it.  There was one that I got a good chuckle about where they listed a car as a Don't Want. I can't remember the category off hand. For most of us, it's obvious that the car was not intended, but you'll always get that one wise guy who pushes the limits.

It was the Neon category......They showed a picture of a Dodge Neon as one of  their "Do Not Want" items....

Hey You,

I'll show you wise guy!

Glad you like it, seriously.

If they're not overdone, exclusions help me as a reference for those who try to shoehorn something into a tightly defined category. Some of the pickier exclusions can be a result of category adjustments made after peer review.