Let's Just Have Four Forums

[tjaymadison]

It seems that despite the 'Tips For Success', many new and sometimes not-so-new members
don't take the time or the effort to 'look before they leap'. Why not just give in or up,
and admit that people are by nature self-centered and either too confused or too agitated
to follow what are really quite simple instructions for their own benefit.

I would hazard a guess that as many as 40% of new topics are posted in the wrong forum.
Just today there are obviously misplaced posts in the Announcements and Suggestion Box forums.

To this end, I propose: Hardware, Software, I Don't Know the Difference, and Other.

Somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but also more than half serious. My rant for the month. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif


------------------
"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand."
-- Homer Simpson

[sea69]

hehe.. tjay

------------------
sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

;)~

[ixl]

The sad thing is that even then 40% of the postings would be in the wrong place. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

The forums will be reorganized and the number of forums reduced, probably in a couple of weeks when I have some time. Right now I am writing feverishly for a new project, but I am getting close to burnt out and when that happens will take a break and work on a bunch of Forums issues.

------------------
Charles M. Kozierok
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...
Note: Please reply to my forum postings here on the forums. Thanks.

[ranchdog]

My humble suggestion is..... The FAQ Forum needs to be promoted heavily. I know you can lead a Horse.......But......

------------------
"Lemmee Fix That Thing......."
-Beauty is only a light switch away.-

[nimnorf2]

Charles sir,
I can't remember what this forum looked like to me the first time I visited. Does the first page change after you've registered or visited more than once? All I know is that the first time I posted, I posted in the wrong place and was gently scolded by one of the masters who then said, well now that you are here lets see if we can get you up and running and since then I only mess up when I try to give others advice. Ha!
Anyhow, if the first time you look at this site remains the same as it looks to me today,....well.... then I recommend you consider putting some little flashing icon on the first page for newcomers. Something that says something like FIRST TIME HERE? CLICK FOR A THIRTY SECOND GUIDE.
I just went looking for "Tips for Success" and couldn't find what TJ was referring to.

[iisbob]

i think nimnorf2 has the right idea; besides you've got to remember that the majority of people who post questions here are complete novices and are already confused with their problem, not to mention knowing what the " correct " post section may be.

------------------
iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

[kayofcircles]

I usually just read all the posts on the Today's page (not paying any attention to what section they're in), and then go to links I have saved if that particular thread isn't included on Today's, so don't find myself looking through the main board very often. I agree with iisbob about newbies, particularly frustrated and confused newbies, and think maybe we need that "don't know" category. I posted a thread recently in Suggestions..where it didn't belong..because when started to post a New in the After Hours section, it said above the message window that After Hours was not for tech questions. (I think, nimnorf, that is what TJay was referring to.) I needed the "Other" category. I have had a non urgent question to ask, but have no idea where to post it, so haven't.

------------------
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day.
Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life.
-- Chinese proverb

[jinn]

Good Idea TJ, the only problem is-the people that post in the wrong forum, are the people that don't take the time to try and figure out/or don't care where they post. So I doubt they would care with fewer forums. I am here everyday, but, don't answer as many questions as you do, for lack of knowledge on my part, and see how hard it is for people to get it right. If I was in your shoes and answered as many questions as you do, I'd feel a little miffed also.