So, it's perfectly fine to post about stuff when I've only just started?
Just checking, cuz I've heard otherwise elsewhere..
I'm under the impression that help, feedback, etc. is valuable regardless of the stage of development you're in. Likewise, to refrain from posting because of an "etiquette" issue really shouldn't apply here. If you need help or advice, there really isn't a wrong time to ask it. If you need validation, you should at least have a working idea about what you want, otherwise no one can help you there.
Just going by my own forum tastes, I don't enjoy reading about vague, starry-eyed descriptions of cliched games. All too often new users will post about a game they plan to start, talk about how they want to start it, and then never start it. Most of the time these stories mimic something we've already played. If you want to post in this manner, you're welcome to--it is acceptable--but I for one won't have anything to add to the conversation, or any reason to look forward to the game. It's better to discuss with a screenshot (gives us something to feed off of), filter gameplay ideas you'd like to try (while opening up a discussion for other tricks that maybe you haven't thought about), and avoid being vague. This will do a better job of getting people interested.
Another thing to consider: If you do start working on a game, log your progress in a design journal as you go. Set weekly goals. Try your best to make those goals. If you need the extra motivation, update the journal right here in this forum. There are plenty examples of the design journal on this site (which many authors have been neglecting lately, I've noticed--hint hint, slackers), so it shouldn't be too difficult to fall right in and start one. But this is quite honestly what keeps me working on my games, so if you're worried about dropping an idea midgame to start something else, this might at least help deter that. You'll also find that the satisfaction of seeing great progress logged each day/week will motivate you to keep going. If you're serious about it, this does work.
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