Thread: Newbs and the wiki

asking a question also gives us newcomers a chance to see who's approachable, who's friendly, who's a dick, and so on.

that makes sense to us, noisykids, because that is the normal etiquette in threads in websites, but this site, I recently found out, is different in that there are several designated mentors/moderators who actually have the job of keeping thread info accurate and answering questions to the best of their ability. Then think there's 30,000 members on this site. I'd say we can all agree they do pretty good under the circumstances, And maybe appreciate knowing how we feel about the interaction, too

I thought about this a bit and drafted two responses, and then this occurred to me.

We have set up a self perpetuating cycle. For the most part, the vets answer questions in threads, and that is definitely fantastic. But those threads get buried or die off or go off topic, and it can be very difficult for a newbie (especially a newbie who is not familiar with internet forums) to find the information. We have the wiki, which is great, but I personally do not think it is particularly easy to navigate. So the new guys ask more questions, which get answered and buried, and the cycle continues.

I think the solution lies in keeping the wiki updated, making it easier to navigate, and making the wiki as a whole and the basic level tutorial type articles in particular more visible.

I personally would be happy to write articles for the wiki, but I am terrible with the larger picture organizational/structural aspect, so I need someone to tell me specifically what to write about and what level of detail (based on where the given article will fit into the picture). If there are people interested in revitalizing the wiki, I know the effort would be hugely appreciated, and I'd love to get involved in the writing capacity.

From what I've seen recently, the problem is less with asking questions, and more with people who know nothing on the matter yet feel entitled that their opinion is as valuable as anybody else's.

Sometimes this is just noise that makes it harder and more confusing to figure out the correct information, sometimes it's bad advise (even if well intentioned) which when followed will do more harm than good.

One very easy way to fix this is for the staff to simply ban members that are causing more confusion. But that doesn't make for a very welcoming place either. Sometimes people do get banned, but they get the benefit of doubt for a while.

There is an inherent tension between having more open discussion where everybody can say whatever they want be it true or false, or even having to back up their arguments, and having more of an expert answers which would be far more helpful.

As an active member of some other internet forums, some thoughts come to mind:

Fortunately, the Wiki can be EXTREMELY helpful; especially if you have free time and can peruse it aimlessly, as it is very easy to stumble upon new and useful tidbits. It can also be difficult to search or even to know what it is you are searching for unless you already know. UNfortunately, I have found that more often than not, experience and advice is needed to learn what it is you need to learn. (ie, the more I learn, the more I learn how much I haven't learned.)

There are better ways to keep the "Wiki" updated. For instance, a forum I frequent is the : FJ Cruiser Forums They have a "Tech" section that is an extensive read only thread of various how to's. They were threads that were reviewed by the moderators and deemed "worthy" of immortalization. The original threads are also separately maintained so that comments and questions may be posted. There is also a "Staging area" so that ideas of threads may be submitted for the moderators review. See below:


This method seems to work very well.

As far as performing searches, the results(for me at least) have been hit or miss. Even using fairly specific search terms results in a plethora of results that need to be waded through. I do not always have the time to do so and sometimes find it more suitable to post the question directly.




Finally, a short(i hope) rant. If there is a question posted in the Beginners section of the forum that is answered in the wiki, either answer it politely and correctly,perhaps make reference(via a link if possible) to the appropriate thread or Wiki section, or; if it offends you so greatly that a newb would have the gall to ask a question that you in all of your encyclopedic knowledge of the topic could pontificate at great lengths about: PERUSE ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FORUM. What is the Beginners section for if not for newb's to ask questions that require an experienced answer? This is an internet forum to discuss, educate, and (i hope) advance the hobby of straight razor shaving. As a member you should be here to learn AND SHARE the knowledge gained by the group as a whole. This is not a private club with strictly regulated rules of conduct and entry, but a public, semi-social, and informal means of learning about a topic. In other words, LIGHTEN UP!




Ok, I'm better now.
;D

Webs, I totally respect your right to rant, but please be mindful that for every rant, there is an equal and opposite re-rant.

Originally Posted by gugi

From what I've seen recently, the problem is less with asking questions, and more with people who know nothing on the matter yet feel entitled that their opinion is as valuable as anybody else's.

Sometimes this is just noise that makes it harder and more confusing to figure out the correct information, sometimes it's bad advise (even if well intentioned) which when followed will do more harm than good.

One very easy way to fix this is for the staff to simply ban members that are causing more confusion. But that doesn't make for a very welcoming place either. Sometimes people do get banned, but they get the benefit of doubt for a while.

There is an inherent tension between having more open discussion where everybody can say whatever they want be it true or false, or even having to back up their arguments, and having more of an expert answers which would be far more helpful.

I'm worried now. Are my somewhat more casual comments setting me up for ostracism from the company of those with the baby buttly cheeks ? I do shave with the things straight. I hone my own. I strop like a wizard unleashed. I Like creams; am abivalent to soaps and suspect I'm treading on thin ice because of my often offered opinions on nearly everything accompanied by an expertise on nearly nothing shavely. It's been fun, gents, but hurry now. My arms are getting seriously tired from holding them overhead for so long.

Bruce , I don't think you fall into this category "From what I've seen recently, the problem is less with asking questions, and more with people who know nothing on the matter " It's more about the newbs who have the"absolute" answers on a sport that has few absolutes.
Casual comments & cream pies have their place IMHO.