Jumpstarting The PC Guide

[ixl]

Hey all...

I was very pleased to see the nice reaction to the idea of getting The PC Guide updated through contributions. It will take quite a while before I have the time for a complete PC Guide overhaul project. And I also think some "proof of concept" for the idea of doing this work in teams would make sense. And based on that, I have another idea.

The PC Guide has had an Articles section for many years, but I have not added any articles in a long while. I would like to change that, by soliciting and publishing articles from those who might be interested in writing them.

This would accomplish a number of goals:

It will get some fresh content onto the site.
It will let me see how many people are serious about writing.
Writers will be able to see if they like the concept.
I can figure out if I enjoy editing and if the concept is viable.


There would be no monetary compensation for this, at least at the start, and you would have to agree to give me the rights to the material so I can edit and publish it... but it would be a great way to "get noticed" for anyone interested.

The subjects of articles can be just about anything PC-related.

What does everyone think?

Charles

[Steve]

I think it's a great idea. We have several people here with enough expertise to come up with some good articles.

I know BB66 has expressed a desire to write. I guess it's just a matter of finding those who would like to give it a shot.

:)

[Abbadon]

This is just an idea, but maybe you should put up a list of priority-subject. Things that are "more in need of an upgrade".

Of course, people could write about whatever they want, as any contribution is welcome. On the other hand, in a cooperative writing experience like this, some guidance might help things along. It might also give people idea's what to write about, and how to "divide up" the content.

Does this make sense to others out there or am I talking crazy talk again ? :)

[Budfred]

Sounds like a good idea to me.....:)

[Paleo Pete]

Sounds like a plan...

I have been in favor of the idea of having guide members author articles, but wondered how to implement it. This might just be a workable idea.

A number of the people here certainly have the knowledge necessary to produce acceptible content, but I fear the editing might be a chore due to spelling and grammar issues most of those same people will have. That, I think will be the biggest challenge.

Abbadon's idea of a list of priority topics is worth looking into, so that rather than individuals taking the time to compose something that turns not to be along the lines of what is needed, they can focus their efforts on subjects known to be worth the time and effort from the beginning. areas that need attention most can be pointed out so interested individuals can concentrate on those subjects first.
For the benefit of the people interested in authoring:

I'm sure you will probably get really tired of me bringing this up again and again, but the articles proposed need to be concise, coherent and grammatically correct as possible, The editing will be a nightmare if it involves major corrections of spelling, punctuation and grammar. Let's try to make it as easy on Charles in that respect as we can.

No, I don't expect anyone to whip out a perfect article, (ok except myself, I'm never satisfied with my own work), but if you decide to contribute, I hope to see you do the best you can do and try your best to minimize the time and labor required of Charles by double and triple checking it yourself before submitting it. And no, I won't shut up about it...we're talking PC Guide here... :D

And I can't wait to see what some of these guys and gals can come up with...this is gonna be good.

[pave_spectre]

I like the idea, and would offer my services, but my writing tends to drift somewhat off-topic or into ranting about things I dislike.:D If you ever need examples of how not to write an article (technical or otherwise) then I'm definitely the guy.:p

[BigBlue66]

I definitely agree that there should be some structure to all this.

I'm sure that those of us who would like to write have an idea as to what the topic should be, however, I think that Charles should give some direction here. A list of topics could be presented that the writers would then be able to pick and choose from.

The writer would then be able to pick a topic that they know well enough to write about...and at the same time be assured that their efforts are going in the right direction towards content that is both wanted and needed.

[mjc]

You can count me in too.......

[Abbadon]

Also there should be some type of overview available, so that when several people want to write on the same subject, they can work together, or divide up the content or somesuch.

[Deagle]

Count me in IXL. Although I'm only a new member(point to status:rolleyes: ) I want to write some articles. Albeit I'm not very comp-smart perse but competent enough to contribute what little knowledge I've gather.;)
:D

PS: so when will this thing start?

[Jiggy]

PC Guide and the members have helped me alot, id love to help though im no writer,:) (i can make good coffee)

[ixl]

Hi all..

Thanks for all of your interest and support; sorry I did not follow this up sooner.

I would like to start this immediately. Simply put, I don't have time to embark on a full PC Guide reference work restructuring and writing project now. But I can publish any good articles immediately. This will let me see what the interest is in getting writing done, and also allow me to find out how much work is needed to get submissions into publishable state.

So, if anyone has anything they want to write about, email me and we'll see if we can figure something out.

Pete... I appreciate your desire to encourage people to submit high-quality work, but I want to say that people should not worry too much about that. The content is what is important; I can do any necessary editing.

Anyone who has any more comments or questions, just fire away.

Thanks again.

c

[Paleo Pete]

Ixl...understood, but I also want these folks to try their best to make your job easy as possible. I have little doubt a number of these people can produce reliable information, they've done it for a long time right here on the forums, I'm very impressed by the accumulation of knowledgeable folks here. But I allso knowe how attroshuss the spellling and grammer can bee at times. :D

If they can get it close to correct to begin with, it will take you less time and trouble getting it ready for publication. I don't expect perfection, but would like to see everyone try to make it easier on you. Editing can be quite tedious.

As for myself, I'm sure I could do a passable job at writing, but I'm not sure I'm familiar enough with current technology to attempt it. I don't think I know enough detail in any one area, I've stayed pretty much generalized. I also have the same tendency pave_spectre noted, I can easily drift off topic.

[ixl]

Thanks Pete.. I do appreciate your concern. Though I do this for a living, so editing other's material isn't that big a deal as long as the content itself is good.

So far, I have two offers from people who want to write, which is great... but not really enough to get this ball rolling. Anyone else? Please drop me a line if you want to see your name up in lights. :) And don't be scared, I don't bite.

c

[ixl]

I am really sorry to the folks who expressed interest in this project for not following through with it. My plate is a little full at the present time but I do plan to proceed with this as soon as I can. Thanks for being understanding. --c