FOG Site suggestion...

[Warren]

First, let me say that I think this is an excellent site.  I hope that what I say here is taken in the spirit intended.  I know that I don't understand the intricacies of hosting a web site like this, but I do appreciate the talent and time that it takes.

I am brand new to the FOG.  I am waiting my first Festool (the Domino).  I have spent a bit of time at the site looking for information on the Domino, and wonder if my experience in that regard resonates with other users of the site.

In order to read relevant posts about the Domino, I have to scroll down past a lot of other posts regarding other Festool products.  I wonder if there is a way to consolidate the posts or mark them according to the tool they reference?

I hope this suggestion isn't out of line.

Thanks for listening...

Warren

 

[Eli]

I'd say the best way to consolidate posts about anything is to use the search function.

Having said that, the first place you should always look for any tool info without too much chaff is the Reference Library.

Welcome. ;D

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Warren,
First, welcome to the forum!

Next, please never hesitate to make a suggestion about what you would like to see here in the forum.  I am always happy to receive a suggestion from members, especially when it comes in the form of a post rather than an offline email (hint hint hint)!

Now, on your specific idea...

As Eli suggested, the search function works very well.  If you go to SEARCH (from the main manu) and enter "Domino" you'll get over 500 responses!  Not a bad start.

With that said, it's very interesting that you bring this subject up, because I have been working on an indexing system for each major topic we've discussed in the forum.  In theory, the indexing system would be installed in a board in the forum, and members would have a section of quick links to forum posts on that subject.  The question I have is, does an indexing system give us more than just using search?

Again, welcome to the forum, and thanks for the suggestion!

Matthew

 

[NVFlyAngler]

FOG's AND, OR and quoted "exact phrase" capabilities make it pretty easy to customize search criteria. I'm not sure an index would add much above and beyond what we already have available.

 

[Warren]

As Eli suggested, the search function works very well.  If you go to SEARCH (from the main manu) and enter "Domino" you'll get over 500 responses!  Not a bad start.

With that said, it's very interesting that you bring this subject up, because I have been working on an indexing system for each major topic we've discussed in the forum.  In theory, the indexing system would be installed in a board in the forum, and members would have a section of quick links to forum posts on that subject.  The question I have is, does an indexing system give us more than just using search?

I know that you can search, and 500 responses is part of the issue.  A lot to wade through, even though it is all relevant to some degree or other.

What I thought might help would be being able to look at a specific forums "How to" etc. and see "How to....domino" rather than "How to.....all Festool products" and then look for Domino stuff.

I am not sure what you are talking about when you mention indexing, but it seems like it would be on the right track.

As I said, I don't understand nor fully appreciate the complexities of the programming involved.  I would just like to be able to drill into each forum and have a way of displaying information related to my particular interest.

Thanks for being open to suggestions.  I have made it and now promise to sit in a corner    ; )

Warren

 

[Eli]

Did you also know that if you go to a certain board or topic and start your search from there, the search will be self limiting by using the drop box to the right of the search window. To use our example, if from the main page you go to Tool Reviews or Reference Library and type domino and then in the drop-down choose "this board", you get considerably less than 500 returns, and you can rank these further with other keywords.

 

[Warren]

Eli,
I hadn't actually tried that, but assumed that it was possible.  That will certainly make searching more focused. 

Thanks!
Warren

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Warren,
Indexing is an interesting idea, but every time I experiment with it, the index itself becomes almost as full and complex as the original free-flowing ideas themselves.  A forum like this is a very fluid thing.

This subject has come up before, specifically in how the boards are categorized.  A few months ago, the forum had a "general" board, as well as a "specific-tool" board, but the general consensus was that such a structure was not as easy to use.

We do have divisions for certain subjects (tool reviews, how-tos, etc).  If members wanted it, I could create sub-boards for each tool category (sanders, saws, MFT, etc).  That might make searching easier.  But does it make posting more cumbersome?

Finding the right balance of specific boards and general categories is a delicate game.  My goal is to keep the structure as simple as possible, to encourage people to jump in and post, even if that means many subjects get combined together.  Too many individual categories and sub-categories make people less likely to be active.  At least that's my opinion -- I've got no scientific proof.

Currently, the forum uses a structure with fewer boards, and relies on search for more specific materials.

But I am always open to suggestions.

Matthew

 

[enderw88]

Maybe we need a FOG Wiki?  I can say that knowing I am not qualified to add any content, but I would be more than happy to help others write up what they know...

 

[dheisner]

Another thought would be to divide the Festools In General section in to different product types.  i.e. saws, routers, etc.

I've seen this done on a few other forums fairly successfully.

Just a thought.

 

[Eli]

As he said, we sort of tried that. I actually think it's finally streamlined enough. If anybody really can't find anything, just start a thread and ask. The strength of this format as compared to a wiki is the constant gardening done by the members.

 

[Ned]

The strength of this format as compared to a wiki is the constant gardening done by the members.

Digging holes and burying things?  I don't think I understand what you're saying...

I agree the forum seems "streamlined enough".

Perhaps a billboard near the entrance directing folks to the Reference Library would be a plus.

Ned

 

[Daviddubya]

Another thought would be to divide the Festools In General section in to different product types.  i.e. saws, routers, etc.

I've seen this done on a few other forums fairly successfully.

Just a thought.

Seems to me the more subdivisions there are in a forum, the more likely someone will post in the "wrong" place.  That puts work on the moderator to move the post to the "right" place.  And the definition of right and wrong is subject to interpretation.  The fewer subdivisions, the better, IMHO.  Certainly no more that we already have here, maybe fewer.

 

[Eli]

It would be interesting if there was some way for the reader to rank where the post should go. Like an original post is in the most general location there is, and the posters vote poll style on where to put it. That way if a post starts out about the rotex, but is mostly about our back problems, it ends up where it should. ;D

Still more work though. I like to cruise through when I'm reading and fire quick replies. I really like it the way it is, although I'm not against change....

 

[Brice Burrell]

  I have mentioned this before, I'd like to know where a member is from. In light of the "very unhappy" thread, it would have been nice to know he was in the UK while offering advice, and I'd bet Christian O would have liked to know that guy was referring to Festool UK. With the site becoming more multi-national I move we make location a requirement, the country, I don't see a need for more info than that.

 

[Ned]

...I move we make location a requirement, the country, I don't see a need for more info than that.

Seconded.

Ned

 

[Matthew Schenker]

  I have mentioned this before, I'd like to know where a member is from. In light of the "very unhappy" thread, it would have been nice to know he was in the UK while offering advice, and I'd bet Christian O would have liked to know that guy was referring to Festool UK. With the site becoming more multi-national I move we make location a requirement, the country, I don't see a need for more info than that.

This issue of international identification is important.  So as not to unintentionally redirect Warren's inquiry about searching for relevant information about particular tools, I started a new discussion.  To participate in that discussion, click here.

Matthew