Newbie FAQs

[Rob_Webb]

Don't know if there's something in the water but there has been a recent spate of newcomers asking very similar basic questions about how to start boating i.e. what to buy, how to buy, how to learn, options for moorings etc etc etc.

Now I know every query is individual and newcomers always (quite rightly) receive a warm welcome with lots of answers forthcoming from us all, but it does lead to a lot of repetition in the answers we provide back.

This is a very specific and common query we get on all the forums so why not set up a dedicated FAQs section for newcomers. I am sure we could all manage to contribute some general answers in a factual and non-controversial way, no doubt with a bit of humour thrown in!

Probably something that Kim would need to set up and invite contributions for? Maybe even a new category of forum for newcomers?

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[AndrewB]

"Should there be FAQs" is something of a FAQ in itself. It has been suggested many times since these forums started. There are pro's and con's. One con is that the FAQ starts to look like the definitive answer and would tend to stifle fresh discussion and points of view on a subject. But the real problem is how the invidious decision about which postings merit becoming FAQs should be made. No-one, but no-one, has a monopoly on the 'right' answer.

If you feel a question has been answered well in the past, the best thing is to give an answer embedding a piece of markup that provides a quick link to the earlier thread or answer. The board has a good search facility for locating earlier postings on a topic.

Regarding newbie questions, I don't think one size fits all. While not wishing to discourage anyone, some seem sensible and thoughtful, others clueless and even lazy. Each one merits a different type of response.

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[BrendanS]

Nice response. Even though some 'newbie' posters may cover old ground, there is no reason to treat them like idiots.

Personally, I favour a FAQ section, though I suspect many topics will be covered many times even if a FAQ is set up

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[NigeCh]

100% agree ... BUT ...

Going back over the years there is a correlation in what is posted here as FAQ's and what follows several months later in YM. So if that premise is correct, then here is a sounding board for future YM copy.

The rate of repetition is fundamental ... It's like Gardener's World on TV: Each time it goes round you learn something new as there are new posters who oftentimes contribute something new to what was said before.

IMO, if there was a FAQ section for newbies (horrible word) then it would destroy this BB by turning it into a sortof 'elitist only' BB. The joy of being here is that you have no idea who you are talking to and all you are wishing to do is to share info based on experience. There's a lot of rubbish posted here (Guilty!!!!) as there is a lot of sense - It's up to us to sort out what we require.

What we have now is a good and sensible BB which overall self-measures itself. It's the same as YM: although the Editors may change, the core and substance is still there in the ever repeating medium term.

We were once all newbies .... IMO, we are still all newbies as we are all still learners learning .... and that we can share our thoughts and experiences here is part of the learning game.

It's also good fodder for YM.

So ... What is the best scope? How do you trim a mast furling main? How do you soundproof an engine compartment? Which GPS/Chart plotter is best? What varnish is best for teak? What boat should I buy? Why wasn't a Moody 47 included in JJ's list of 2nd hand boats? What's the best route from Poole to La Coruna? ... Etc Etc Etc.

NO! Here is FAQ and let's encourage all those lurkers who read here to post - There's no daft question or questions: Somebody here may be able to answer it ... and it doesn't matter one iota whether it's been asked many times before, just like Gardeners World.


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[Twister_Ken]

Re: 100% agree ... BUT ...

Nigel, I am impressed by the breadth of your knowledge on gardening.

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[BlueSkyNick]

How about another section for FSQ's - Flipping (or similar) Stupid Questions. Won't quote any to avoid libel, but there have been a few recently.

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[tcm]

Yotties Question Time

I have bought a boat, and I would like to ask the panel if there is any cure? Also, here is a photograph for the benefit of the listeners.

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[jamesjermain]

Re: Yotties Question Time

Your illness is chronic: there is no cure or treatment. I enjoyed listening to your photograph! How very Milligoon!

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[Rob_Webb]

Re: Yotties Question Time

I didn't read this post because I didn't understand it and I certainly didn't reply to it cos I hit my 'back' button.

Clear?

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[Aja]

Re: Yotties Question Time

WHAT HAVE I DONE WRONG

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[Aja]

Re: Yotties Question Time

WHAT HAVE I DONE WRONG?

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[djs]

As a newbie...i agree about having a section for FAQ's. trouble is it does need someone to complile it, volunteers anyone?

One thought is for the site to promote the search function better. There is lots of accumulated wisdom out there. time spend on searching does throw up useful info and may reduce the number of 'basic' or 'repetitous' postings.

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