FAQ's - how to do it?

[tcm]

FAQ\'s - how to do it?

Bit further on the a3335 to Damascus, and through the traffic lights at Antioch, I think praps that an FAQ area could be jolly good.

The non-context stuff, like "wot are outdrives" frexample and soem other stuff could be archived, cut paste and splosh on there. I volunteer Kim's New assistant newbie to do this to get it started, or the MBM lot. *maybe* others can do it too, but expect severe editing from Kim. I wouldn't expect more than one or two FAQ's to be added a week after the first flurry.

Although people might post a reply, what might happen is that the reply is canned and the original edited to add the other bit of info.

The less opinion based the better - not much opion about whether x or y boat is planing or not, or what outdrives are like, or what licence etc needed up Thames.
BUT praps revolving topics such as flybridge or not flybridge cd be pulled together as whole thread, jokes chucked out etc.

A header poster could ask more specific, so newbie (or even oldbie) with what he thinks is new subject could mebbe read up there, and come back for more specifics?

But of course, more work, and needs a kickstart from Kim.

 

[boatone]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

Now it's my turn to say...'if it ain't broke don't fix it'.

You're asking an impossible job of somebody to analyse every post, sort out the wheat from the chaff and organise into some sort of archived 'everything you want to know about boats' database.
It really isn't necessary. As long as the forums historic postings remain available for searching it is possible for anyone to do a keyword search and find all previous posts which contain the keywords. I do it frequently, as I know others do, and if you know how to use keyword searches effectively you will get much more info back than you could hope to achieve via an FAQ route.
What would be useful is an idiots guide to keyword searching..........

TonyR
boatone@boatsontheweb.com
www.boatsonthethames.co.uk

 

[claymore]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

I don't suppose you like the idea then of having folders that postings get filed into as an alternative to FAQ's - 'Anchor' for instance would have every post that had anything top do with Anchors, Windlasses, Chains, Warps, Kedges etc, providing a folder in alphabetic order for topics plus possible a how to folder?
Perhaps it would lead to a quicker result than Keyword searching?
just a thought
regards
JS

 

[cngarrod]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

I understand the reason behind why some of the "posters" here want an FAQ section, but i feel that by doing this the general feel of the forum will be lost.

As a new boat owner.. i read most of the threads every day, both the MBC and PBO ones, mainly because there is loads of good advice and tips...

I have also asked the usual questions about Anti Foul, Training and VHF etc as any new owner does... But what is important is that there is a level of interaction and an introduction into the boating fraternity.

I think that in some instances new users will be encouraged to not post as the answers to the questions will be on a FAQ page... and they won't bother to get involved in the forum.

A lot of the regulars here either know each other or have been posting on here for so long that they are "forum friends" ... to a new user, they could well feel that their input would not be welcomed as they are not part of the clan.. or have the wrong coloured blazer in the sailing club!

Personally, i think the more people that log onto the forum the better.. the wider the area of interests and knowledge has to be an improvement for all!

Anyway.. enough of my witterings.. see y'all around!

 

[tcm]

Re: ok then, stuff FAQ\'s

ah, I see your point. So, we'll just suggest a "search" praps from time to time. Easy peasy.

And they all lived happily ever after

 

[tcm]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

yes, it would, but bearing in mind that it aint bin posible to do alphabetical sequence for the fuel thuing, no chance of careful university-approved cross-indexed and sub-categorised subjects....

 

[claymore]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

Yes
You seem to have defined two reasons why people visit the forum. One is obviously to interact with others and your notion of 'forum friends' is an accurate observation. If however you want to simply find something out - such as a good weather site - then this kind of information could be obtained from a folder (see my other posting) dealing with weather. I've done searches in the past - on each site - for advice where I've felt that I didn't want to bore everyone to bits with "yet another posting about..." If I haven't got the answer from a trawl through the previous postingsthen at least the research has helped me pose a more precise question.
regards
JS

 

[claymore]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

are we not fond of cross-index and sub-category then my old sweatbox?

 

[cngarrod]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

I agree with your point re the searching... it does make sense.. so maybe a compromise then...

If someone asks a questiosn that has been asked before.. we line em, take aim and tell em to bloody look around for the answer!

Just kidding... i see your point, the current trend is for people to be lazy.. it is easier for them to ask someone than look for the answer themselves... but that is the way it goes!

Cheers,

C

 

[claymore]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

Ah, this microwave society of instant gratification
regards
js

 

[tcm]

Re: University approach

We should first set uip a working party involving at least one representative of each faculty. These in turn will elect a appropriate chair and two deputies. the role of the working party will be to investigate the possibilty of having an FAQ Forum (herafter FAQF) although the style abnd substance of the FAQF is to be left open. On hearing of their report, heads of department will convene to assimilate the report. The results of their discusions will be to make a recommendation to the vice chancellor's office to inaugurate an FAQF department, with initial responsibilty for devising and developing and FAQF, specifying the resources and timescales within which such a facility could be provided.

By this time all the heads of department will be dead or early retiremnet, so nobody will care much. So, the head of the FAQF will be unencumbered to start daft undergraduate courses and award honorary degrees in Batchelors cupasoup (BSc). Loads of money will pour in on account of the fact that anyone can join the course provided that they have (heard of) the right A-levels, and promises not to break university rules (no buggering teaching staff on the front lawn on Sundays).

 

[tcm]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

ooh yes. cross-indexing, especially with overlaid indexes for rapid many-to-many searches across multiple deques all very lovely, but this cheapy software can't do it.

 

[ToMo]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

OK Matts, I give in bring the bluddy box back!...I sware that foetus kicked just now!! Oh heck, I need to go and lie down!
TôMö

 

[Guest]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

So that's what it is...I thought it was a picture of Matt's ear

 

[hlb]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

Think Matts gone round in circles and disapeared up his own bum on this one. All IMHO of course.

Haydn

 

[JohnR]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

I think we ought to divide this forum so that "proper" questions don't get overwhelmed with inane remarks. I can't think why Kim hasn't suggested this before now, this week.

 

[tcm]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

er, you're joking yes?

 

[JohnR]

Re: FAQ\'s - how to do it?

Ah, the pussy is back.

 

[paulineb]

You can\'t call Matt a pussy .nm

;-)

Pxx

 

[tcm]

Re: monster boat

well how did it go? tellus all