Anyone else noticing that the quality of posts going down after the into of "?"

[AlexThePalex]

I agree with Steve R. A bit of quality control is needed. I did read some fluff after the contest was announced.

I'm busting my head myself to come up with a meaningful question, but I can't, dang, this is the first time my knowledge works against me. Think I'll just stick to answering them as usual.

 

[ajones]

I'm not going to pick at individuals or individual posts, but I do believe that new and old members post redundant questions because they either don't want to use the search function or can't easily or quickly find the information from the search engine.

I understand this viewpoint, but for us, non native English speakers, it is sometimes difficult to come up with the correct search phrase or word. I have often tried to search something that I'm sure I read on here, but just couldn't find it because I didn't use the correct keyword.

greetz,

Philippe

I also have tryed using the search, with poor results.I am aware sometimes that my question has already been asked on numerous occasions but are still awnsered with good humour.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I think the way to solve this dilemma is to either make meaningful posts as determined by a two-thirds majority of Shane or be subject to wearing those boots in JMB's post and a kilt every day for 6 months, unless chafing occurs.

 

[regdor1999]

I'm not going to pick at individuals or individual posts, but I do believe that new and old members post redundant questions because they either don't want to use the search function or can't easily or quickly find the information from the search engine.

Contest aside, I think this is a big issue, and it's not limited to FOG.  I'm a software/data guy by day, and the website I use to look up solutions for the software tools I use are rife with the same questions being asked over and over again. 

I think it's pretty clear that the Search function isn't being used as it should.  At least this forum has an easy to find search button, although it does seem to blend in with the other buttons next to it.

Any ideas on how to highlight the Search feature?  Make that button a different color?  Use a banner to say "Try a Search BEFORE posting a question"?  It has to stand out, so I don't think just a "sticky note" will do it...

We're also fighting human nature, in that "I want my question answered now, I'm excited (or frustrated) and don't want to go looking for it.  The posts about Search results not being optimal and challenges faced by non-English primary language speakers are good points, too.

Rodger
(This might be my first post!)

PS:  Steve R: "It seems my comments have been taken as derogatory, which was not meant by me."  Oh, I think you did mean it, and I agree with it.  [big grin]  You're basically saying "cut the fluff BS" and stop cluttering the board unless the question is truly legitimate.  You just used humor to do it and soften the blow. 

PPS:  Timtool:  Re: jigs    That's actually a pretty cool idea!  It could be informative and enteraining at the same time.  Maybe have two categories, one for "real" jigs and other "for entertainment purposes only"

 

[Theshipstore]

Steve R
I guess I need to apologize to you for what you considered a fluff question.
I will say to me it was a valid question as not having the LR 32 system and having obtained one of the guide rails at a garage sale , I posted a question as to why the holes were egg shaped and not round.
For me the novice LR 32 student I felt it was something other users could answer for me...
Am I offended no I am not , was I inquisitive for an answer to me question yes I was, I can't believe how this turned
As I recall it was another FOG member who questioned my lack of question mark to begin with
Sal

Roger    I forgot as I was trying to answer  Welocme to FOG it a great place to be and get help and direction with the Festool Goodies

 

[peter halle]

Roger,

Welcome to the FOG.  [welcome]

Well written post.

Peter

 

[regdor1999]

Steve R
I guess I need to apologize to you for what you considered a fluff question.
I will say to me it was a valid question as not having the LR 32 system and having obtained one of the guide rails at a garage sale , I posted a question as to why the holes were egg shaped and not round.
For me the novice LR 32 student I felt it was something other users could answer for me...
Am I offended no I am not , was I inquisitive for an answer to me question yes I was, I can't believe how this turned
As I recall it was another FOG member who questioned my lack of question mark to begin with
Sal

Personally, I thought that was a GOOD question... one that most others probably wondered but were afraid to ask...

 

[Ken Nagrod]

No worries, Sal.  Really we're just covering up for a flaw in the hole punching machine and you bought our answer hook, line and sinker.  Wait till you hear how the holes in the MFT weren't supposed to be there.  Eventually we'll admit to that too.  [big grin]

 

[pugilato]

Dont forget that each person who is using Festools was at some point a novice and may have asked the kinds of question under discussion.

 

[Alan m]

[welcome] to the fog  regdor1999

i dont think the quality has suffered by the contest yet. it is going to be very hard to diferenciate between dumb questions for the contest and questions that are genuinly being asked. some of these common questions dont always come from newbies as some times an expert in one tool kn ows nothing about another one. i always treat these type of questions as genuine questions and answer as honestly as i can. even if the question is asked just for the contest it still has merit if the rest of us answer it properly as newbies will learn from them. also we cannot forget that we all dont know everthing and could learn something ourselfs.

as for the jigs and accesories, i think a similar idea would be great. get entered in for showing a jig or not obvious use for an accesory

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I'm not going to pick at individuals or individual posts, but I do believe that new and old members post redundant questions because they either don't want to use the search function or can't easily or quickly find the information from the search engine.

Contest aside, I think this is a big issue, and it's not limited to FOG.  I'm a software/data guy by day, and the website I use to look up solutions for the software tools I use are rife with the same questions being asked over and over again.  

I think it's pretty clear that the Search function isn't being used as it should.  At least this forum has an easy to find search button, although it does seem to blend in with the other buttons next to it.

Any ideas on how to highlight the Search feature?  Make that button a different color?  Use a banner to say "Try a Search BEFORE posting a question"?  It has to stand out, so I don't think just a "sticky note" will do it...

We're also fighting human nature, in that "I want my question answered now, I'm excited (or frustrated) and don't want to go looking for it.  The posts about Search results not being optimal and challenges faced by non-English primary language speakers are good points, too.

Rodger
(This might be my first post!)

PS:  Steve R: "It seems my comments have been taken as derogatory, which was not meant by me."  Oh, I think you did mean it, and I agree with it.   [big grin]  You're basically saying "cut the fluff BS" and stop cluttering the board unless the question is truly legitimate.  You just used humor to do it and soften the blow.  

PPS:  Timtool:  Re: jigs    That's actually a pretty cool idea!  It could be informative and enteraining at the same time.  Maybe have two categories, one for "real" jigs and other "for entertainment purposes only"

I think Shane should change the forum software so that it acts like the UAC in Windows Vista.  You want to start a thread, you type it in.   A window pops up asking if you used the Search function.  You click 'Yes'.  Another window pops up saying, "Are you sure?".  You click 'Yes'.  Another window pops up, "Last chance to save your butt from possible ridicule!".  You click 'Search'.  [big grin]

 

[VictorL]

MSDN forum has good feature. When you try to ask question there, it offers you some related answers as you type your question.

Very often I have difficulties with finding answers on the FOG. I know that I've seen it before, but I cannot find it.

 

[peter halle]

The search function both here and anywhere else is only as good as the information contained in the database.  That is why accurately descriptive subject lines are important as well as spelling.

With the increase in number of posts, the more information you supply in the search, the more narrowed the results.  It still can be daunting due to the volume.

There are tutorials here in the Forum Features & Functions Area that can help you learn to use the search function both here and also thru Google.

To me it is interesting to see that between the end of February 2010 when the tutorials were posted and now, the number of posts here has increased from approximately 95,000 to 161,000.

Peter

 

[mikeneron]

I know in some of the other forums I visit, you are able to tag a post...ie. put key words about what the post is about.  Then when someone searches for that keyword, the post is found.  Sometimes people will just write in humorous things, but I think with this forum that wouldn't really be a concern.

 

[FestoolMike]

I have read all the posts in this thread... And I am trying to decipher what the OP is having issue with.  Is it some sort of contest?  Is it that the search is not functioning to his satisfaction?  Or, is there a joke that didnt hit the mark (as there is some assertion to humor)?   ???

Personally, I don't follow all the new threads on any forum I am on.  I see what is new and what is appealing to me and I read.  If I am looking for something specific I use search.  If I can't find it I ask a question.  Seems simple enough.

What is appealing to me might not be appealing to the OP or anyone else for that matter.  This is a place to share.  If there is something that does not appeal to you, there is no reason to read it.  Find the next thread that is of interest.

On that note, have a good day.

[Edit]

Well, I'm an idiot... I completely tuned out the banners and didn't even recognize there was a contest (thank you Peter).  I guess that is my non-commercial side coming out... I suppose I ignore all ads online!

Anyway, now I understand the concern.  The issue is the perception that the posts on the board are becoming diluted with people trying to increase the odds of winning the prize. 

Well, no good deed goes unpunished I suppose.  Mgmt is trying to encourage a behavior by providing some incentives.  At times, there can be unintended consequences.  As someone said in the thread... If the posts are completely nonsense, report the post as needing moderation.  Otherwise, hold on and enjoy the ride.  It is what it is.  This will run it's course and who knows, I could learn something about shorts!  [bite tongue]

Again, thanks for the clarification!

 

[Mac]

I have read all the posts in this thread... And I am trying to decipher what the OP is having issue with.  Is it some sort of contest?  Is it that the search is not functioning to his satisfaction?  Or, is there a joke that didnt hit the mark (as there is some assertion to humor)?   ???

Personally, I don't follow all the new threads on any forum I am on.  I see what is new and what is appealing to me and I read.  If I am looking for something specific I use search.  If I can't find it I ask a question.  Seems simple enough.

What is appealing to me might not be appealing to the OP or anyone else for that matter.  This is a place to share.  If there is something that does not appeal to you, there is no reason to read it.  Find the next thread that is of interest.

On that note, have a good day.

Nicely said, Mike. I agree entirely.  [thumbs up]

 

[fidelfs]

I have read all the posts in this thread... And I am trying to decipher what the OP is having issue with.  Is it some sort of contest?  Is it that the search is not functioning to his satisfaction?  Or, is there a joke that didnt hit the mark (as there is some assertion to humor)?   ???

Personally, I don't follow all the new threads on any forum I am on.  I see what is new and what is appealing to me and I read.  If I am looking for something specific I use search.  If I can't find it I ask a question.  Seems simple enough.

What is appealing to me might not be appealing to the OP or anyone else for that matter.  This is a place to share.  If there is something that does not appeal to you, there is no reason to read it.  Find the next thread that is of interest.

On that note, have a good day.

+ 1

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Ok, well I think those who have an opinion on the matter have had a chance to voice it. So, I'm going to lock this thread so we can get back to talking about tools and such.

Please use the contest as an opportunity to share information and improve the content of the forum. If you're just posting redundant or ridiculous threads, it's in vain and will not be counted as an eligible contest entry.

If anyone still has concerns or feedback on the matter, I would prefer that you send me a PM or an email.

Thanks.