Stickey sub section?

[Brendon_t]

does anyone else think it would be valuable to newer members, often coming in for the first time asking a question that has been hashed through a bunch of times to have a sticky sub section mods could move a few of the better previous discussions into? 

If we do our part in getting good reoccurring topics in there, someone could easily link to that particular thread rather than just ignoring it or rehashing everything, often at the expense of the OP not actually getting the information that is out there.

Topics like 

domino vs dowels

Should I buy a cabinet saw or contractor saw

stand alone jointer or bench top model

what finish should I use

Should I buy Grizzly or (fill in the blank)

 

just a few but it seems like a decent running " archive" of sorts would be an asset rather than hearing " use the search function" which I know I'm guilty of also. 

[thewoodwhisperer]

I have mixed feelings on this. First, I have always wanted the forum to remain newb-friendly. I find it really upsetting when a new person comes in to ask a question and the only response is to use the search. That's how forums become old, cranky, and not much fun to be around unless you're "in the club." Furthermore, new folks asking beginner questions encourages other new members to chime in. When I first got into the online woodworking scene, I took part in a forum where beginner questions were asked repeatedly. After seeing the common answers to these questions, I eventually became one of the people who would offer a response whenever those questions came in. In fact, it was one of the things that encouraged me to teach others about woodworking, as I was able to easily share what little I knew at the time. It was one of those, "Hey I know the answer to this one!" sort of moments for me. I want this to be a place that encourages that sort of behavior.

Now a sticky sub-forum is a neat idea, but it obviously relies on people actually looking there. Eventually, there will be enough items in the sub-forum that saying, "use the search" will be roughly the same as "check the sticky sub-forum." If people aren't using the search, they probably aren't all that likely to check the sub-forum either.

But in theory, I do like the idea of a sticky sub-forum for our most popular topics if nothing else than to serve as a nice collection of important info. I just wouldn't want it to become something that we beat people in the head with if they ask a common question. Common questions will always be welcome.

[drzaius]

I think that often, a thread on a forum is as much about interacting with others as it is about getting cold data. Sure, you can do a search & read old threads, but there is value in rehashing it in you own words & reading it fresh from others.

[Llama]

All new people should be required to submit a 25 page paper outlining their reasons for joining the forum. Applicants should follow APA format. Topics should include: Life story, My journey into wood, First memory of Norm and so on... You get the idea.

These papers will be graded for grammar, content and the ability of the author convey why they are here.

In all seriousness (which I don't care for) - Some stickies are good, others are bad. Many people get tired of seeing the same questions, the same topics, same same same... There is a lot of content to consume. Search is faulty, and most often a person asks something in the interest of new information. Perhaps it was 6 months since the last domino debate. A lot can happen in 6 months.  

[Chestnut]

1 minute ago, Llama said:

All new people should be required to submit a 25 page paper outlining their reasons for joining the forum. Applicants should follow APA format. Topics should include: Life story, My journey into wood, First memory of Norm and so on... You get the idea.

These papers will be graded for grammar, content and the ability of the author convey why they are here.

In all seriousness (which I don't care for) - Some stickies are good, others are bad. Many people get tired of seeing the same questions, the same topics, same same same... There is a lot of content to consume. Search is faulty, and most often a person asks something in the interest of new information. Perhaps it was 6 months since the last domino debate. A lot can happen in 6 months.  

Who's norm?

The sticky's also give a good location for information that changes readily to be easily accessed by all. Being a somewhat new member myself and having been active on other forums it would be nice if there was a spot for looking up information. This forum is ACTIVE and 3 months here is the same as 4 years other places. Running a search string across 200,000 posts a lot of times doesn't yield the best information that a sticky could solve. I was there yesterday.

On the flip side they will only get used by those looking for them and constantly referencing them gets as old as hearing the same question over and over again.

I tihnk the idea is only as good as how organized the sticky can be. If someone wants to put the work in to keep it organized and maintained it could be a HUGE help. Other wise it will get as tough to navigate and be as repetitive as anything else.

[Llama]

8 minutes ago, Chestnut said:

Who's norm?

I expect a 25 page paper on my deck by the end of the day. 

[JosephThomas]

1 hour ago, Llama said:

52 minutes ago, Llama said:

Who's Norm?

 

 

 

I know this one:

[wtnhighlander]

Just stickify every post ever made by Particleboard.

Done.

[Llama]

18 minutes ago, wtnhighlander said:

Just stickify every post ever made by Particleboard.

Done.

LOL.... Get a Shaper.... Next....