Thread: Newbs and the wiki

It sometimes SEEMS easier to get answers by posting a question and waiting for a response than sifting through wiki articles (although I find I learn more doing my own research). So I don't think this issue will ever completely go away.

My best suggestion would be to answer these questions with links to the answer in the wiki. Maybe some will start to use the wiki after some time of going there by way of linked answers.

Originally Posted by TheBaron

My best suggestion would be to answer these questions with links to the answer in the wiki.

That's what I have been doing for a while. However I feel the newbs might be a bit more active in doing their own searches.

Now being a newbee or noob or noobie or whatever derogatory term you want to label me with I take a great deal of offense to these suggestions....

JUST KIDDING!

I think that the Baron is correct when he says it seems easier to ask than to research. I always have to tell myself to look through the wiki instead of making a post.

If there is something you do not like a wiki or think can be improved, PLEASE help us improve it!

I was always big on doing forum searches for myself. Still do but not as much. I have over 100 subscribed threads for quick reference. I think it depends on how zealous the new guy is. Some people just want a quick answer while others are filled with a passionate desire to learn all they can. The latter will do the searches, the wiki, whatever they can and devour it as long as the fire is burning.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

If there is something you do not like a wiki or think can be improved, PLEASE help us improve it!

I for one, as stated earlier in this thread, would love to invest the time needed to make it even better.
In fact, I'm gonna make that a priority in the next few weeks.
(having a broken foot has me just sitting around anyway)

The Wiki is a great resource, and really needs some updates...

But we always have to do both, Answer the question first, then link the Wiki,,, that gives the New guys the best chance of learning what we love here..

For awhile some were just linking the Wiki and basically saying "Look here dummy"

Others were doing it perfectly by saying "This is what I do dummy" "And here is more info in this" (insert Wiki link, or thread link)

I find it hard to use the Wiki. When I do come across an "answer" I sometimes don't really agree with it.

I find it annoying to try and avoid threads while bad information is posted in reply to questions. I have to deal with a lot of the fall out through PMs or phone conversations.

Beginner: "I heard that I should attack my shave ready razor with 1K grit for 16 hours, and now having done that, I have a few questions for you"

Me: "Let me guess, your not happy with the shave now?"

I find it annoying to deal with basic questions over and over again. I think sometimes I should just tell everyone "Yes, I strop every time before a shave, because the Wiki says so" and be done with it. That way there would always be a single answer for every problem.

I find it annoying to have to deal with questions, and poor replies, say about honing, when I know darn well the original poster isn't even honing. That drives me nuts.

"MMMMM, btw I was just wondering whats the best way to climb a mountain?" "Some day I might climb one, and I just wanted to check here first. Ya know?"

I agree completely about the need to do research to ask valuable questions, but I don't think the Wiki is, as it stands, the viable answer.

I wonder if it might make sense to post a FAQ thread (sticky) at the beginning of each forum. I forget, does every forum have something like that?

So, in the "Strops" forum we'd have a FAQ of strops and in the stropping forum a FAQ on stropping. ??

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I find it annoying to deal with basic questions over and over again.

I think all of us that are long time members, especially those who've really participated a lot, risk burning out at some point. I know I have gone there and had to back up from time to time. Fortunately there are other guys picking up the slack for those of use who need a break. I know the feeling though.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

If there is something you do not like a wiki or think can be improved, PLEASE help us improve it!

I think a FAQ section would be a big help. And may alleviate some of the problem. Or maybe not.