I will sketch some topic templates to help users include all the necessary information when asking for help. Currently I am thinking of the following categories:
- results-help: when a LAMMPS simulation runs successfully (or is user-terminated) but does not give the “correct results”. Template comments will note that most forum help is restricted to mechanistic “do the LAMMPS commands do what I think they should” questions and that proper scientific questions should go to Science Talk
- errors-help: when a LAMMPS simulation is terminated by a LAMMPS error. Comments will link to authoritative answers for the evergreen “atoms lost” and “PPPM out of range” errors.
- crash-help: when a LAMMPS simulation is terminated by a system error. More information about compilation and hardware will be asked for.
- script-help: when a LAMMPS user wants to use existing styles to write a script to do X and needs help. Users will be asked to mention at least one style they think is relevant.
- coding-help: when a LAMMPS user wants to write a new style to do X and needs help. Users will be asked to state at least one style that already does something similar.
While help may be given in response to an incomplete template (if there is already enough information), a template response will be available for responders to automatically request a filled-out template, with a spicy meme to drive the point home.
