The forum tags "Off-Topic" and "How Do I Linux" seem to carry a negative connotation to them. But I believe they are not meant to. Writing a post, I would at first hesitate to self-tag my post in those categories; and when mods inevitably add the tags, it can seem off-putting (until you realize what the tags are supposed to mean). Would there be any consideration to rename them?

Also, "How Do I Linux" seems to group upstream software support with it.

How Do I Linux
General questions about Linux and the software provided by Solus.

Might it make more sense to split this tag into 2: "Linux General" and "Upstream Software", for example?

    tomocafe Not really sure where you are getting a negative connotation from. Off-Topic is anything not Solus specific or related to the packages we ship. How Do I Linux was meant to be more of a humorous title for general Linux questions that aren't specific to how software is packaged in Solus. We support the Solus-specific questions for how we have configured or otherwise integrated packages into Solus. Anything about how to use the software itself is not something we directly support. How Do I Linux is meant to allow questions about using the software to be posited to Solus users and is by no means intended to be a full replacement for upstream documentation and support channels.

        DataDrake Generally when I hear "off-topic", it's a bad thing, as in "this doesn't belong here". But, as you say, these topics do belong here, and are not "off" in their respective category.

        Further, one way to interpret "How Do I Linux" is "You don't know anything about Linux". The grammar can almost be construed as mocking the author's intelligence. I appreciate that this isn't at all the intent, and that not all will feel this way, but I think it's worth bringing up.

        Recently I asked a question about Spotify, specifically how people are using it on Solus. I self-tagged it as "Off-Topic" and "How Do I Linux", but it felt quite awkward to me. It isn't really Off-Topic even though it's not Solus responsibility, and it's not really about Linux in general. (and I do believe I "know how to Linux", thank you.)

        Would it be more clear and encouraging to use:

        "Non-Solus"
        "General Linux Questions"
        "Upstream Software" // or something to that extent

        The goal here is to (1) make it easier to find/self-categorize questions, and (2) make it more professional, open and friendly.

            tomocafe I really think you're over-thinking it. We intentionally tried to keep the number of tags small to make it easier to find a category for something. The more you divide things out, the harder it is so categorize something, especially when it crosses multiple topics.

              Ok, I have a personal rant here that </beginrant> people should stop wearing their heart on their sleeves (and this is in general and not just about Solus and the forum). </endrant>
              But other than that, I think he has a point, and I feel the tags could be changed or more added as suggested. Because I also feel that the 'How do I Linux' can be look a bit daunting to folks. Ok, I have to admit some need it because they haven't done a darn bit of research (not even a cursory forum search or googling). </beginrant again> I think people SHOULD try to help themselves as much as possible.</endrant>
              If we need to keep tags small (DD above), then rename them (suggestion).

                There is nothing wrong with the existing tags, any "negative connotations" are in your own head. How anyone can be can be offended by "How do I Linux" is beyond me an if you're that senstive I suggest getting the internet disconnected and never leaving the house.

                Off-topic is a very common section on forums that don't wish to heavily restrict what the community can talk about, its a catch all for everything that doesn't fit in another category... So complaining about that tag is even weirder.

                  dbarron At the same time, no-one is forcing you to use the tag. You could just mark it as Off-Topic without a second tag.

                    Harvey Let's try to keep things positive. I can see how someone might be offended by the name, but it's not really meant to label the person, just the content.

                        DataDrake Yeah, my personal rant about things to be offended about (lol) is intended to say this is very minor, but yes, I can see the possibility. That's my two cents (and probably worth about $0.00 these days).

                          Sorry to push buttons, the tags don't personally offend me, I just wanted to give my feedback that some alternate wording could be used to make it a bit more open and friendly (IMHO).

                          The forums have generally been very cordial and helpful, and I appreciate it immensely. I just want to make sure newcomers feel the same way and that the wording we present reflects that.

                            DataDrake There, I renamed it to How Do I... so that it is less inflammatory.

                            Ah, what an elegant solution!

                              tomocafe people really have to earn the Over-Dramatic and Fake News tags, and they do. The abrupt NO is jarring on first take, but absolutely necessary to quell speculations, hopes, and the "I demand this unstable package because I used to have it at XXXOperatingSystem" crowd.
                              Have I ever been offended or intimidated by the classification system here?
                              No.
                              By the same token, I've always tried to stay on the right side of it, so maybe that is a yes? Who knows.
                              One person's floor is another person's ceiling sometimes...