Since Harbaugh-geddon went down last month, Niners Nation has seen a nice little uptick in traffic and an increase in the number of people joining our community. This surge in new readers makes now as good a time as any to go over some of the ground rules about how the site operates. These aren't meant to stifle discussion, but rather to focus it so we have more efficient use of the tools SB Nation has developed.

As you can see on this particular post, we've got a section of posts titled Niners Nation 101. I use this section to tab any posts meant to help people better understand how we operate here at Niners Nation. Arguably the biggest issue on a regular basis is the use of FanPosts, FanShots, and comments. Each is available for all to use, but each has its own distinctly different purpose. At the end of this post I've linked some pertinent posts I've written before. I don't want to get into every single detail in this post, but rather give you a basic idea, and where you can go for more information. If you have any questions about anything I say here (or have said in previous posts), either post a comment below, or email me at ninersnation@gmail.com. I'd recommend posting the comment because somebody else might have the same question, so they'll be able to read the Q&A below.

After the jump, I've got some thoughts on FanPosts, FanShots, comments, and site conduct.

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I've received various comments over the years about the FanShots and how they're hard to locate on the front page. After a comment earlier this evening, I decided it was time to do a little bit of experimenting with the front page. I've moved the FanShots to the left side of the page. They're just below the SB Nation blogroll. I can't move any of those top three things (SBN blogroll, RSS feed, Sections layout) from their current location so this as high as the FanShots can go. They're not quite parallel with the FanPosts, but they're much closer.

What do folks think of this look?

Now that football season is back in our life (for which we bow down in thanks every day of the week and twice on Sunday), the traffic here at Niners Nation is picking up. The traffic is picking up both in terms of visitors to the site and commenters on the various posts, which is obviously a good thing.

A good chunk of the increase in traffic is due to many folks returning from the offseason. However, we also get a lot of new visitors to the site. I've noticed a few folks that are new, some of whom introduce themselves as being new. Welcome to all of you. In the past I've tried to welcome people individually with a quick reply, but as the site grows and grows that becomes a bit more difficult.

As SB Nation has grown, more and more people have become aware of what the network offers. However, plenty of folks are only discovering SB Nation for the first time. For those folks, and as a reminder to new folks, I wanted to post some information and a couple useful links so you can really enjoy your time here at Niners Nation as we welcome another season of 49ers football. If you get a moment, here are some useful links of information from the site worth checking out.

If you have any questions about any of this (or anything else related to the site), post a comment or email me at ninersnation@gmail.com. The comment option is preferred because then if somebody else has the same question, my answer to yours will help others.

The two biggest areas that people need to know about are the site's general code of conduct, and the use of FanShots and FanPosts. As to the code of conduct, it's actually really simple with one important rule. The general idea is to be respectful of fellow commenters. We shouldn't have to explain this, but as often happens on the Internet, people feel the need to get in other people's faces (so to speak) and make disparaging remarks. It's unnecessary, but I'd imagine being able to hide behind the anonymity of the Internet makes it easier to do this.

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Over the weekend, we had a situation develop where individuals were attacking each other on extremely personal levels. I do understand that things can get heated, but the upside to posting on the Internet is that if somebody says something that bugs you, you can take a moment to think about your response and hopefully take the higher road. Unfortunately that is not always the case.

This is not a matter of who was right and who was wrong. That will only lead to further bickering. Instead, I simply want to reinforce the general code of conduct we have at Niners Nation.  When you join the site you have to agree to our Membership Agreement/Community Guidelines. I know most people don't bother reading it so I'm going to just mention it again.

The first sentence includes the phrase "please be respectful of your fellow readers." I realize that might be vague for some folks, but just to clarify, that means no personal attacks. If you have a problem with the way somebody expresses their opinions, you can state this, but do not call them an idiot or belittle their general existence. Make your opinion in a respectful tone and then move on.  On the other hand, if someone does attack you, that does not give you the right to respond in an equally childish manner. If you feel the need to respond, again, be respectful. Personal attacks simply not acceptable EVER. I don't think I can be any more clear.

Or as Dalton said, "Be Nice." And as far as when the time comes to not be nice, it only exists in game and draft threads (A small bit of language in this clip). Remember, we're all on the same team when it comes to the 49ers. We love this team and only want the best for them. If anybody has any questions, post them in the comments or email me at ninersnation@gmail.com.

With free agency kicking off in a couple days, and the NFL Draft 7+ weeks away, I wanted to address some site issues that have arisen and likely will continue in the coming weeks.

We always want to encourage discussion, whether it be comments, FanPosts, or FanShots.  A year ago tomorrow I put together a post called "Niners Nation 101: FanPosts and FanShots."  In that post I discussed the differences between FanPosts and FanShots.  I recommend reading it over, but basically FanShots are for quick takes, links and videos, while FanPosts are for extended discussions on a particular topic.

I bring it up now because we've made some slight changes in the way we're using FanPosts for certain subjects.  As you may or may not have noticed, we have several "Official NN FanPosts" for everything from mock drafts to free agency-related transactions to the combine (now completed).  The reason we have these kinds of posts is to keep the discussion on a given topic relatively organized.  If we have ten different FanPosts talking about the combine, it makes it extremely difficult to follow the discussion.

This has been particularly pertinent for mock drafts.  We've got the continually updated mock draft thread for people to post their mocks, whether it be a look at one pick or an entire seven round mock.  We strongly encourage you to provide your mock draft as a comment in that thread.  Doing that allows people to compare your mock to the various other ones people are posting and provide critiques accordingly.

So when would a mock draft be suitable as its own FanPost?  Here are two examples.  One by nocal81 and one by trickeysob.  The two threads provide some kinds of mock drafts, but on top of that they provide info about current 49ers, free agents, needs, and in the case of trickeysob, a 53-man roster projection.  Now, each one of these things individually would not make for the best FanPost at this point.  However, combining them all together provides depth that FanPosts should really contain.  Whether you agree with the predictions is besides the point.  In fact, it might be better for you to disagree so we can get some lively discussion.

So, if you're just going to post a mock draft (even with some explanations), please go to the mock draft thread.  However, if you're going to put together a mock draft, along with a look at free agency, along with a projection of the 53-man roster (as an example), then we're talking about a potentially quality FanPost.  Obviously the substantive and technical quality of your FanPost depend on the details, but if you include enough depth, you're on your way to a quality post.

Again, I'm not here to discourage discussion in any form.  Rather, I just want to keep things organized so people can follow the flow and logic of various discussions without having to hop between five different threads.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about this (or anything on the site), feel free to leave a comment or email me at ninersnation@gmail.com.

We're getting closer and closer to the regular season, which means more and more folks are coming to our corner of the Internet universe to discuss our beloved 49ers.  I wanted to throw out a few things (links, thoughts, etc...) to help folks take greater advantage of the site.  In the future, if you want to look at old Niners Nation 101 posts, head to the NN 101 section.

FanPosts and FanShots
I forgot to add this earlier, but as our community grows, this is an especially important bit of information.  Back in March, shortly after our partnership with Yahoo! Sports, I put together a rundown of FanPosts and FanShots.  I strongly encourage folks to read these over when you get a chance as I think it's useful for improving the quality of FanPosts.  The basic idea to take away from it is that a FanPost is meant to cover a topic in somewhat detailed fashion and accordingly open the door for discussion.  It can be about an issue already being discussed, but a new FanPost about an existing topic should take some new approach to the subject.  An important point: FanPosts require 75 words, so if you have to add in 49ers 49ers 49ers 49ers to meet the limit, you should probably be posting your thoughts either as a FanShot, or a comment in an existing thread.

Archived material
As the site has grown we've all grown more active in posting, whether it be front page stories or FanPosts.  While some still slip by, folks are getting much better about putting together quality FanPosts that generate quality discussion.  However, as I said, with more FanPosts and stories, older stuff drops off the front page rather quickly.

If you're looking for an older front story that you want to read or comment on, head over to our Story Archives.  The tech folks have put together a solid archive of stories dating back to our first days.  It can be rather amusing to compare things back then to now.  Also interesting to see one of our first, and always vocal, members, howtheyscored, has been around since the very beginning.

Another location for archived material is our list of FanPosts.  If you have not been there, you might not know that the Official Michael Crabtree Holdout FanPost has had continued discussion even after dropping off the front page.  Comments usually close after 30 days for a story or FanPost, but when necessary I can open comments up for even longer.

Some more odds and ends after the jump...

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Due to the sizable increase in traffic over the past couple months, we have a lot of new regular readers at the site.  It's been a while since I posted any details about the gadgets and doodads on Niners Nation, and now is as good a time as any to delve back in.  Accordingly, I've created a new section of the site called Niners Nation 101, of which this is the first post.  Over the next few months I'll roll out a few more posts explaining a little bit of this, that and the other thing.  Some of our other sites have rolled out similar features, so I may borrow liberally from their explanations.

Although this is old hat for a lot of folks here, I strongly encourage everybody to read this and make sure you understand things.  I don't want to squelch participation, but I think there are ways to organize things to optimize the conversation.  Before I get into the difference between FanPosts and FanShots, I wanted to discuss the "RECOMMEND" feature.

When big news comes down the pipeline, it's very easy for people to get excited and post multiple FanPosts about a single subject.  When you go to post a FanPost, the first thing you should always do is double check the list of most recent FanPosts in the right column as well as front page posts and see if the topic is being discussed.  If you see a FanPost discussing the 49ers existing QB situation, it's probably not necessary to create a "Shaun Hill is God" FanPost.  I like to think this site goes above and beyond the general message board mentality of post early, post often, and post again.

However, I do realize people will interpret a FanPost one way and think their own FanPost is different enough to be worthy of posting.  I'm fine with that because I'm only here to censor swearing.  I'd rather let the readers determine what they think are the best FanPosts on the site.

One such way to promote the better FanPosts is by Recommending them.   To do that, go to the bottom of any FanPost and you will see  the word "rec" and an icon that looks like a page with an up arrow.  By clicking this you "recommend" that the post you just read will get promoted to a higher panel! Instead of being in the "FanPost" section, the article bumps up to the "Recommended" posts panel, where it will stay for a much longer time.  To move a FanPost up to the Recommended FanPosts, three people need to Rec the FP, as seen with Dre's.

Now a quick look at the difference between FanPosts and FanShots.

FanPost
A FanPost is meant to cover a topic in somewhat detailed fashion and accordingly open the door for discussion.  It can be about an issue already being discussed, but a new FanPost about an existing topic should take some new approach to the subject. 

A good example would be Dre's FanPost called Niner's Niblets.  The FanPost was about potential free agent acquisitions, which is a topic that has been discussed ad nauseum.  However, Dre listed several options to consider, some details on each guy, and then a yea or nay vote on each guy.  It was sufficiently detailed to provide analysis and give people something to discuss themselves.  It was a new angle on an existing topic.

Another example that I wasn't sure about at first, but have realized is solid is MrLomez's post "Kurt Warner should go to the 49ers - Hell to the yea."  It's a little bit repetitive to other threads, but given the detail he put forth, I think it was a legitimate option as a FanPost.

One general word of wisdom: FanPosts require 75 words, so if you have to write words words words words words words words words words words to fill that 75 words, it's probably better off as a FanShot.  Speaking of which:

FanShot
FanShots are more for quick hitting items that could be links, video, pictures or even just a quick thought that's too short for a FanPost. They're located directly below the FanPosts in the right hand column.

A good example of a FanShot would be this video.  Another good example was the Vonnie Holliday FanShot.  A player was released and 49erLou wanted to get people's opinion on whether to consider him.  This kind of post would work as a FanPost if 49erLou included more details about Holliday and why he might fit in as a 49er.  To just point to a recently released and ask yes or no works better as a FanShot.

To use an example that could be adjusted for both a FanPost and FanShot, I'll point to one of our newest member Aussie Jack.  He was inquiring about the 49ers 2009 schedule because of plans to possibly come to a game around Christmas time (I believe).  If you're just trying to get a question answered as to where to find the 2009 schedule, a FanShot is the way to go.  However, if later in the year, Aussie Jack is planning a visit out here and wants to get fans together before a game, a FanPost could work for him to explain his own details and discuss options with people.

After the jump, I'll roll out a more extended look into FanPosts and FanShots.  There's a lot of detail there so feel free to ask any questions.

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It's with great pleasure that I announce the latest and greates step taken by this humble network of sports blogs.  SB Nation has worked out a content distribution deal with Yahoo! where each team's blog is linked at the respective Yahoo! team site.  So, if you go to the 49ers team page and scroll down just below the "News" section on the left side, you'll see a graphic box that says Niners Nation and links to our most recent articles.

Needless to say, this is a pretty big deal for this site and the entire network.  The news was announced by SBN head honcho Jim Bankoff at SB Nation's official blog:

As members of our communities or readers of our sites, you already know that SB Nation takes a different approach to online sports.  Our focus has always been on empowering fans to participate in conversations that are specific to their particular teams, leagues or sports.  We’ve watched over the years as the popularity of this unique approach has rapidly accelerated.
......

Relevant pages of Yahoo Sports will now feature contextual links to specific SB Nation communities.  Many other pages of Yahoo Sports will feature SB Nation content and links. The great news is that more sports fans will be introduced to SB Nation sites.

The only change this really means for Niners Nation is hopefully greater traffic, and thus more and more individuals joining the on-going discussions.  Consequently, it's incumbent upon existing members to be welcoming to new folks and maybe cut them a little slack as they get their bearings here.  Everybody has usually been cool with new folks, but I just wanted to throw that out there one more time.

For the new folks coming over from Yahoo! and really anywhere else for the first time, Niners Nation began shortly before Christmas in 2006 and has developed into what I think is the best and most intelligent community of 49ers fans on the Internet.  The network that this site is part of is truly unique in the ability for true interaction between fans.  Technically I run this blog, but it's the commentary from everybody that keeps it going.

If you want to join in the discussion, it just takes a quick moment to register (and I promise no junk email).  Registration allows you to leave comments in all discussions, but more importantly, it allows you the opportunity to create FanPosts and FanShots, the bread and butter of SB Nation.  There will be more details in the upcoming FAQ (hopefully this weekend), but for now, I think the best distinction is made over at our Cubs blog, Bleed Cubbie Blue.  For our immediate purposes, that post pretty much hits the nail on the head.  Just replace any Chicago references with 49ers references!

As far as site rules are concerned, it's pretty simple:

1) Be respectful of other people's opinions: Even if you disagree with them, that's no reason to call them an idiot
2) In that vain, no swearing is allowed except in game threads: In game threads you're commenting in the heat of the action and swearing happens.  However, any other time, if somebody says something that gets your panties in a twist, stop, take a breath and then type.  I guarantee you can say something 10x more intelligent to shut that person down without swearing.
3) Jump in and join the conversation.  People here might give you crap if you accidentally refer to Frank Gore as Fred Gore (yes it happened here), but they don't think you're a bad person because of that.  They're just sharks smelling blood in the water!  Just kidding.  Just brush it off your shoulder and keep the chatter going.

So what can you expect to see at Niners Nation?  Well, the site is always looking to add new segments, but for now, here's what we've got for you:

Golden Nuggets: These are the daily links.  I came up with the name because I'm originally from Las Vegas, home of the Golden Nugget casino, and of course the 49ers, the goldrush, California...well you get the point.  Ninjames handles those on a daily basis and is an absolute beast.  He's been a godsend in getting the links up very early every morning.

49ers Year-By-Year: Each Friday our man howtheyscored puts together an in depth recap of a different season in 49ers history.  We're going in order of season and have gotten through 1976, which means we're fast approaching the golden age of 49ers football.  Most of us don't have a strong knowledge of the 49ers pre-Montana/Walsh (well, at least I don't) so I was really excited when he volunteered his services for this.  You can learn a heck of a lot from these posts.

Statistical Reviews/Previews: We haven't come up with a single title for these posts, but they're oh so money.  Florida Danny has been putting together statistical analysis for this site since the middle of last season.  Danny utilizes all of Football Outsiders alternative stats to give us a different view of a given issue.  During the season he previews each week's matchup and then gives a review afterwards.  This offseason he's reviewed the 49ers in three parts and Thursday will be wrapping up his free agency preview.  He'll have links in that article to the previous free agency articles.  I stumbled across him in the comments section over at Maiocco's blog and it's been the proverbial diamond in the rough.

Draft Scouting: This is a relatively new segment of the site.  Briandean has been starting up some scouting pieces to get everyone focused on the draft.  Every Monday (for the most part) he'll have a different post related to the draft in some regard.  Keep an eye out come Monday morning.

As I said, I'm always on the look out for new authors who can make a substantial contribution to the site.  For now though, we've got an assortment of entertaining options for you.  I think people here will vouch for this site being a fun place to discuss the 49ers.  It can certainly get a little heated, but that's just the passion we all have for the team.

If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns about the site, feel free to email me at ninersnation@gmail.com.