If my memory serves me well, there was a time when Avsim made compulsory to add one's system specs in one's signature.  Wasn't a bad idea IMO as it gives some perspective to posts commenting on the smoothness (or the lack thereof) of using such or such addon.

Inclusion of system specs in an original post is usually needed if that post is actually a question related to system specs...

Otherwise, specs are usually given for bragging rights😏

1 hour ago, domkle said:

If my memory serves me well, there was a time when Avsim made compulsory to add one's system specs in one's signature.  Wasn't a bad idea IMO as it gives some perspective to posts commenting on the smoothness (or the lack thereof) of using such or such addon.

I don't remember that ever happening at AVSIM.  We have gone back and forth on where to put system specs over the years (e.g. into the sig line or into the profile), but we've never required it.

I don't agree that it's usually an issue of bragging rights.  As the OP mentions, it's important background information when assessing someone's opinions on add-ons, configurations, etc.  If someone says addon X brought their frame rates down to a stuttering 12 fps mess, it makes a huge diffference in the veracity of the complaint if the poster is running a weak 6-year-old system versus a modern cutting-edge machine.  It's also instructive to see what other people are using in their setups.

 

Nope, it could be any thread. For instance I follow one  about the FSLabs bird with people telling how it performs compared to other liners (PMDG etc.) without any indication of their hardware which renders their opinion kinda useless for me with my weak CPU. It could be an airport or a scenery...

I don't think people brags about their specs if you except a couple of fellow simmers that indeed are always glad to tell us about their golden rig . And why not after all...  

4 minutes ago, w6kd said:

I don't remember that ever happening at AVSIM.  We have gone back and forth on where to put system specs over the years (e.g. into the sig line or into the profile), but we've never required it.

 

 

You may be right. I remember of Tom's stern reminders but it was maybe to put them on the left side of the screen below the avatar instead than with the sig... or the other way round ! 

 

There is a five line limit in the signature block to include any banners or other images and maybe some do not have the space (Tom gave Admins and Staff more than 5 lines).  I like the idea of having system specs in the signature as it helps me out when someone has a CTD.  It also gives good info when someone says they cannot get more than 30 fps in P3DV4 and they have an i7 9900K or one of the latest CPU's.  Many think they have a super system (and they do) so they ratchet all the sliders to the right or max settings throughout the P3D.cfg.  They also are flying an aircraft that uses a lot of resources and scenery too.  The signature rules developed by Tom and I has one line that might be construed to show system specs, your favorite sim (P3Dv4, P3dV3, FSX, X-Plane, etc.) and your addons.  It states, "We encourage you to create a unique and informative signature for your account." 

I do know signatures got people into trouble sometimes as Tom would find advertising in violation of our advertising rules and tell me to get the member to remove it. 

Mea culpa: 

Yes, well what I should have said instead of just "related to system specs" was also any problems that may be caused by someone's specs should definitely list specs in a post.  Could'n hurt...