Originally posted by: DasFox
Sure interaction is the name of the game.
The problem as I mentioned before, was about giving the user REAL information, "FACTS", not just someone's idea of what they think, based on no real evidence.
When someone asks, "What's the best PSU for my pc", and the replies are obvious that they are not from technical people, then the experienced users who see this, but the newbie has no idea, then we also start getting into flames wars over who is right, and who is wrong. So now, not only is the newbie overwhelmed by the replies, but also the war that is going on trying to make heads or tails over it.
When there is an idea of what others think, most based on inexperience that really don't even know, they just think it's good, because they like it, then we are not doing a good service to others.
This topic is not about saying don't let others share, and tell us what you think, but it's about putting up some help somewhere so when someone asks, then they can get REAL answers, REAL facts, and not just some ideas about someone's own personal experience that worked for them, with no real knowledge of the components.
What you'll find out is users start to believe what they were told was the absolute truth, and follow it, or become confused with the overwhelming responses of information. Some do take things to heart, and others, wiser, take it with a grain of salt.
Do you get what I'm saying here? When you have someone say, "What's the best"? Look at all the flood of information coming in, and when you are new this can be quite a daunting task to weed through all the information, and make a choice. Sure looking at all of this from an experienced users stand point is all fine, and dandy, but we are talking about newbies, without a clue. Think now about that for a moment.
There are truly differences in parts, some better then others, and many just reference designs, not much different then the next, so personal preferences can be ok, but when the ideas fly off the inexperienced, and the PC Gods step in to battle war, and information is flying in all directions, this to the newbie starts to look like total chaos, and that too is really a major POINT here, not allowing these types of things to happen to often, and one such way is by what I'm suggesting here, giving the newbies, sound credible information, from REAL sources, not some general rantings.
All forums should start taking on the responsibility of separating Fact from Fiction. Some might, while others don't, or can't. Yes this is a challenge, but getting out some real information, by what is being suggested here as possible ideas can, and will help.
Again this doesn't mean there needs to be something here on the forum, but there should be something placed later on the AnandTech website that fills this void.
Here now is a chance for AnandTech to step up to the plate and set a "Standard" for others to follow.
ALOHA
Well made point. You're right that there should be a separation from comments made and FACTS.
I guess my last question would be what holds Anandtech to the responsibility of creating these guides. I always had the impression that the forums were user propelled, and so any guides that users recommend(and make themselves) and demand a sticky was then left up to Anandtech.