Sure, let's make this happen. I'll go ahead and add a note to the Chat Guide; I think we'll eventually need to implement a short rules document for 17 (at least for how site members; the only rules a newbie should need concern themselves with is 'can't lurk forever if not a member' & 'no trolling/assholery').
Do not interfere with conversations in which staff are responding to member questions, especially if it's disciplinary.
This was just a plain oversight and we probably should've implemented it earlier. But—-
Do not answer newbie inquiries yourself, even if you are sure that no staff are online. Either get staff's attention, or politely let them know to wait or come back later.
This part I'm fairly disappointed that we need to implement, because some non-staff members have been incredibly helpful. But there's no easy way to specially single out who should & shouldn't be helping newbies here, because some veteran members have been kibitzing as well.
Suggestions (for allowing members to help out in 17 if staff aren't around) are welcome if anyone has them.
EDIT: Added a note to the Chat Guide, but I didn't add a note to the Chat page because that's aimed at non-member newbies.
DOUBLE EDIT: Almost forgot to say — I noticed some people recently telling newbies not to lurk even though their question hasn't been answered yet. This isn't cool. But not sure it needs a specific addition to the chat guide?
