When the first post of a new user is in good faith but inappropriate as posted, it needs to be deleted, addressed, or moved. How much effort should I as moderator/admin put into educating the new user?
There are three general approaches that I often see used. (and yes, I have used all 3)
Delete, etc; without a comment, leave the onus of figuring out why completely on the user.
Delete, etc; leave a brief comment, and a link to the relevant site instructions.
Delete, etc; leave a detailed comment explaining, how and why, as well as links to one or more relevant site instructions.
Given that you really don't know anything about the new user other than they took the time to create an account before posting. Which approach is most likely to result in a contributor that will be an ongoing asset to the site?
The best answer will include studies and/or profiling to define which approach is most likely to engage a potentially valuable member. Or that indicates all potential valuable members will have become familiar prior to posting.
Related but I believe not a duplicate What are techniques that encourage new members to familiarize themselves with community guidelines?What are techniques that encourage new members to familiarize themselves with community guidelines?
