dolface

so, it's ocurred to me that a lot of the same questions get asked over and over again, and while it seems like no minds answering them it also seems like it might be a good thing(tm) to have a(n) faq that we can point people too before they start a new thread on a subject that's be covered in detail before.

i don't mind organizing it, as long as a few other peeps would be willing to contribute questions and answers to it.

any takers?

[165] whaddaya think?

ostro

I agree, and a FAQ stickies in the FAQ sticky, there as well(a most frequently asked question sticky, with most frequently asked questions in there). I would be willing to contribute.

ryan_c

I think it would be great. It seems like a format should be set up for the posts contributed to it too, maybe...

Q: blah blah blah?
A: Yakkety yak yak.

And a special notation or a quote if the post is adding on to the information from another specific post, so that a mod can merge the text at a later time.

So, each post could pertain to a specific issue and the thread could stay organized.

BostonFixed

Wasn't there plans to do this a while back? Lotek?

HereNT

I think I remember [165] offering to help out with that, too. Maybe now that he's a mod something will be done? I'd be willing to help if anyone wants my help...

BostonFixed

Haha. Good joke!

trekkie820

Excellent idea. Make sure it includes links to helpful sites, too.

ostro

This will help all the noobs learn what the faq we are talking about!!!

Ken Cox

I like faq's.
They make for a quick reference.

That said, I have moderated several forums over the years and I have seen almost every question come up ten times.
I have thought about keeping my own file of answers, from which I could copy and paste.
However, I have also noticed that each time I answer the same question I learn something new.

I have two things to say about this specific SS&FG forum, and I hope my observations won't offend anyone.

First, despite comments by regular forumites to the contrary, I consider this by far the most literate, productive and respectful forum of my experience.

Secondly, this forum has the least tolerance for repeat questions of any forum where I have played.

Or so it seems from where I sit.

Ken Cox

In my previous post I wrote:

"...I hope my observations won't offend anyone."

What a strange thing to say.
Go ahead.
Take offense.
Take two.

BostonFixed

Ken, out of curiosity, what other forums do you visit/moderate?

Ken Cox

I moderate the Political Forum at BladeForums, and the Christian Knife Enthusiasts Forum at KnifeForums.
Otherwise, I like Ethics, Negotiation, Philosophy, Self-Defense and Martial Arts type of forums.
As helicopter pilot, I used to visit the helicopter pilots forums, but I can't stand those guys.
Anyway, despite the outward impression of knife and gun forums, I have a strong interest in non-violence (I had a problem with violence in the past).

absntr

It's been discussed many a time. I offered to help out a while ago as well and things seemed to be going well and then the mods said they'd look at it and that was back in the Fall. No word since. I'll drop a line to old 165, if not I'll harass him in person.

adamkell

didn't this idea fall flat last time just because it's so easy to type sheldonbrown.com ? Also, every now and then, the conversation that stems from a simple question ends up being interesting and worthwhile.

dolface

well, clearly the first entry in a fg faq would be 'read sheldonbrown.com', and i think the answers to a lot of questions would just be links to sheldon

having an faq wouldn't mean that discussions wouldn't happen, it wouldn't even have to be referenced, but people COULD point to it if they wanted to

Guest

FAQ's end up getting way too long, way too old, and difficult to manage over the long run. We're already slowly phasing out the old FAQs and stickies, and what makes the FAQ's worse is when people ignore them anyway, claiming their question is somewhat different and post the same thing in a new thread, which then has to be merged into the sticky, which makes people upset when their thread's been merged.

We have things we're already working on for all the forums. Just stay tuned.

Koffee

Mod

dolface

well allrighty then. that answers that.

thanks koffee brown.

BostonFixed

Like pie?

adamkell

no, not at all like pie

skitbraviking

Sounds good in theory, but how the hell could it be organized? It can't be searched and who's to tell whether an entry belongs there or not?

skitbraviking

I'll help! I'll help!

MKRG

Yeah, that's kinda scary there. Just maybe...a little bit. Thou shallt not knife others lest they draw their blade unto you. But after calling this forum respectful and literate I'll let it slide. Then you should probably not listen to me in the first place and you should definitely not take offense, for tonight I have partooken of the red wine. And that makes me stupid and giggly. Where's that giggly emoticon dammit?!?

icithecat

Just got to wonder how many of us trained killers there are out there cycling the streets, loving our wives and cats at home.

MKRG

What exactly did you do to your cat ici? I had a cat that I shaved. Just ask sohi.

crustedfish

two words.... " Search Forums. "