Time for a FAQ/How-To?

[Elledan]

While browsing the forums, I notice that many people keep asking the same questions over and over again, like in 'Networking': "Computers can't see each other!! Please help!!", or "How can I share my DSL-connection??".

Then we network-'gurus' have to ask the same questions over and over again to determine the problem or give the same advice over and over.
The result of this is that after a while the enthusiasm for this kind of posts decreases quickly, which is not benificial to the moral in the Forums.

Maybe a solution to this would be to compile a FAQ/How-To for each forum (if necessary) containing the most asked questions and the answers on those?

I know that someone will now say something like: "But they can use the search function.", I'm well aware of this, but although this sounds good in theory, the search function is far from perfect, doesn't always yields the results you're looking for, and usually returns far too many (irrelevent) results.
Furthermore, many seem to forget about this function, so in reality people will continue to post topics that have been beaten to death.

Just a suggestion 🙂

 

[narzy]

set up a website with the info on it, make it perdy, sell some advertising on it. and make a butt load of money 🙂

 

[Elledan]

Heh, sounds like a great idea 🙂

Unfortunately, I'm so awfully short on time (school, hobbies, managing two sites, webdesign job), that I wouldn't even the time to compile a FAQ/How-To 🙁

Ah well, if only I feel the need for this solution, so be it.

 

[BurntKooshie]

Last I heard PM was working on compiling a list of FAQ's, and some outstanding answers given by members. I don't know if he finished it, but he was willing to host it somewhere (as in, he had space somewhere for which it could be used). Send him a pm (no pun intended), and see what he's up to.

 

[Garet Jax]

Elledan,

I wholeheartedly agree. I know I am responsible for this in a number of forums. What I have found is that a lot of the knowledgeable people have been very good in answering the same question over and over again (in every forum).

I don't think this lessens the need though. I think adding a locked at the top thread in the appropriate forums for FAQ would be awesome. The only problem is who would administer them.