Our New Group Space!

[Matthew Schenker]

Dear Select Members,
For our 20 most active members, some exciting news: the Festool Owners Group has a new home!

As you all know, the Festool Owners Group has grown rapidly over the last couple of years.  We've built an impressive community with great information and terrific members.  But you also know we have outgrown our space at Yahoo.

Recently, I began searching for a Web host and better forum software, and I have found a combination that I'm sure will make everyone a lot happier.  Over the past few days, I've been setting up the new group, and it's close to being ready.  But before I open it up to the general public, I want to have you, our most active members, take a look and offer your insights and feedback.

So, I'm asking all of you to please go into the new group area, sign up for a user name, and take a look around.  Tell me what you think. Let me know if you like the structure I've created, and tell me what else you'd like to see.

Feel free to make suggestions about any group elements.  For example, should members have to use their real names?  How about a "Shop of the Month" tour?  Be imaginative.  This group belongs to all of us!

After you've all had a chance to offer your comments, I'll make a general announcement to the community.  I'm planning to open the group to general membership on January 22, 2007.

I want this group to be the best tool forum out there!  My plans are to have more photos, videos, shop tours, tool reviews, along with the great discussions we've always had among members.

E-mail me your comments, suggestions, or questions.  Reply to everyone listed in this e-mail group, so we can all follow along.

For now, please only share news of the new group with recipients of this e-mail.  I want to make sure everything is set before I issue a general invitation.

Looking ahead,
Matthew Schenker
(Group Owner and Manager)

 

[woodshopdemos]

Matthew,
  You did yourself proud. This has every chance of being a really great forum. Yahoo worked well for us in our infancy. This forum will be able to grow with all of us. My hat is off to you Matthew. Bravo zulu (old Navy for "job well done.")
John Lucas
www.woodshopdemos.com
RI

 

[Jim Becker]

Nice job, Matt. I am a member of another forum that uses the Simple Machines Forum (an adoption site) and it's worked very well. Different than vBulletin based forums, but similar enough that folks will find it comfortable.

When you open things up, be sure to sticky a thread somewhere that explains photo and file limits if you have not done so already.

Jim

 

[John Stevens]

Hi, Matt.  Thanks for putting in the effort to find a new host and create this site.  I think all the forum categories are great, and will really help us all to find useful info more quickly.

I don't have any suggestions, but I like your idea of having people use their real names.

Regards,

John
Ardmore (near Philly) PA

 

[Bob Marino]

Matt,

I echo what the other have said. I applaud your efforts on all of our behalfs. This is a much better format than Yahoo and will be way easier to attract members and keep em' participating.

Bob

 

[Jerry Work]

Looks good.  Will take a bit of learning so exect a bit of grumbling at first.  I, too, would much prefer people use their real name.  It is far friendlier and allows for off line communications as well.  I get a lot of off line email and phone calls and think that is a positive part of any effective chat group.

Jerry

 

[Frank Pellow]

Thanks for setting this up Matt.  

About three months ago, I decided that I simply could not tolerate the Yahoo forum software any longer, so I stopped posting at the Festool Owners Group.    I did visit and read occasionally but, even that, was a annoying because of the abysmal human factors provided by Yahoo.  This interface appears to be a lot better, and I am glad that I will be able to participate once again.  

Matt, I do like your suggestion that people use their real names.  I always use my real name, even when not forced to do so, and much prefert it when others do the same.

 

[Dan Clark]

Matthew,

This is excellent and long overdue.  Festool products and topics have reached the point where they going almost mainstream.  The posts on the Festool Yahoo Group have grown significantly in recent months, but I expect the volume to ramp up even more in the coming months.  We need a place to discuss Festools and your new site fits the bill VERY nicely.

Overall this is a GREAT start.  Here are some comments including things that are missing or should be changed, in my opinion...

What's great as is:
- Overall format, color scheme, etc. 
- Editing engine (what I'm using to edit this message).  It has excellent flexibility and format.   
- Ability to add decent size images directly to a post.  This GREATLY improves communication.

Suggested Changes and Improvements:

- Fewer Tool Folders - Consider having fewer folders or a "General" folder.  One concern that I have is about having too many tool folders.  On the one hand, it's good to have folders for specific tools.  However...

It dilutes the discussion concentration.  And, it doesn't give a place to cover multi-category tools like CMS (saw/router/sander) and cross-over topics like "Which is better to cut a circular hole - Festool routers or jigsaws?" or "What's the best way to use my Festool Jigsaw and Router with the Festool guide rails - on the MFT or some other mechanism?"

Take a look at the current posts on the Yahoo Festools forum. Count how many posts are about a single Festool tool.  Now count the number of cross category/cross tool posts.

I'd suggest having a single "General Festool Discussion" folder at the top with its own category.  Then below that, you could have the current "Main Tools Discussions" but change the title to "Individual Tool Discussions".  This might be the best of both worlds.

- "How To" Folder - We need a "How To..." folder in the "Tools in Action" category.  This "How To" section is specifically for longer "How To" threads. It could include everything how to set up your MFT, to descriptions of different ways of using foam board to cut sheet goods, to tips and tricks about adjusting your tools. 

For example, several people have had alignment issues with the TS55.  Mine is OK now, but still not perfect.  It would be AWESOME if people could post a "how to" description of their process with pics. 

For me this is critical.  It could the single most useful folder in the site.    When a "how to" question pops up in a general forum and there are some good responses, you or someone else can say, "Hey, why not outline your process with pics and post it in the "How To" folder.

- Move "Board Discussions" to the bottom.  While this is critical at the start and is utmost on your mind right, this will be a very low volume folder after the first few weeks.  For example, in the WoodWorks forum (http://www.woodworkslive.com/index.php), the main folder had 36,964 posts.  Their board discussion folder has 65 posts.  At Sawmill Creek, the "General Woodworking and Power Tools" folder has 270,569 posts while the "Support Forum" has 9,491 posts.

- Additional Folders
-- "Festool Accessory Folder"
-- "Jigs, Inventions, Tool Enhancements Folder".  On the Yahoo site, "Jigs, Inventions, Tool Enhancements Folder" is one of the most active albums.  (Unfortunately, with no ability to post a contiguous story, that Yahoo folder is VERY limited.  Stories alone are OK.  Pics alone are OK.  Combining the two is ten times better.)

Great work Matthew!

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Loren Hedahl]

Matthew,

Seems like a huge undertaking it is obvious you have done a lot of planning for your new format.  I wonder, as did Dan if categorizing into individual tools might be too limiting.  However, there would be no reason to become too tedious about this and as administrator/moderator you could shift threads to a more appropriate folder when desireable.  I'd say give it a chance to develop as stands and if something doesn't work, fix it when necessary.

The only suggestion I'd make would be to consider making a "General Chat" folder.  A forum that has this category and seems to work quite well is "fiberglassrv.com".

Again, thanks for your continued service and foresight in preparing for future growth.  And thanks to all who support with creative, safe, practical and sensible comments.  The future looks bright.

Loren

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Thanks everyone for your responses so far.  I really like the concept of taking a few days to develop ideas and opinions about the group.

Regarding real names: I like the idea, because I think it does make for a friendly place, but I don't want to force people to do it.  I think I'll try to find a way, for now, of emphasizing it without demanding it.

Dan offers some really good points about tool discussions.  You're right, splitting the discussions up into too many smaller folders might make things more confusing and less easy to navigate.  It's kind of a balance -- making the folders specific enough to find what you need, but not to have so many sub-folders.  I'll change the arrangement and then all of you can comment again.

Terrific idea about the "How To" folder.  That would be an amazing resource for people who are stuck or confused about something with their new tools, or perhaps even if the tools are not so new!

I like your other idea for the "Jigs, Inventions, Tool Enhancements."

One other idea: What do all of you think of having a space reserved for Festool representatives?  This could be for announcements directly from the CEO or others.

Remember, this is still the preliminary phase, so keep the ideas flowing.

Stay in touch,
Matthew Schenker

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Loren,
Thanks for the reply.  I was making some changes as your post came through.
What do you think of the new structure for the "Tools and Accessories" area?
Matthew Schenker

 

[Al]

Matt,

I really didn't think that the old forum was bad more than Yahoo space has limitations.  My personal opinion is to have one general category where all the BS comes in and out, no matter the topic. Separate places for Tips and Techniques or even a place to highlight tools as they are introduced (or a shortcut to Bob Marino's site).  In order to keep from having too many messages to search on, thus slowing everything down and to keep your work to a minimum, having separate sections for every year, leaving it to the person searching to travel to each section.  This is the way the AlphaForum works for computer programmers using Alpha5.  Alpha5 is a programming application which is based on it's own database plus programming in XBasic.  The AlphaForum is not one free-for-all but it is thread-based. 

If I want to talk about a subject or ask a question, I mark my post as "New Topic".  Any responses for any reason are linked to that topic and that topic only.  It makes it easy as, once logged on, I can quickly scan to see if there's anything of interest since the last time I logged on.  And it does cut down the amount of email you receive.

This new forum seems to cover everything you can thing of but................. I'd like to see fewer folders.  For example:  Individual Toools and Accessories......... Tool Reviews.........  Is it necessary to have the two folders under Festool offerings?  One would seem to be enough.  Shop Tours............. can't that be covered in Videos or Photos?

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I like the present setup, just not under Yahoo.  I read every message but I realize, as the forum grows, there will be too damn many messages to read.  By and at that time, topic threads make it easy to contribute without getting bogged down in reading every post.

 

[Dan Clark]

Loren,
Thanks for the reply.  I was making some changes as your post came through.
What do you think of the new structure for the "Tools and Accessories" area?
Matthew Schenker

Matthew,

I have to think a bit more, but here are a few quick comments...

First, I see the structure starting to come together and "focus".    I agree with Loren though - I suspect that you will want to modify the forum and move threads.  I.e., let it flow.  Trim the underperforming folders and create new ones as they become needed. 

Some specific suggestions:

- Assuming that Festool folks don't have a hissy-fit, change "Tools" to "Festools".  E.g., "FESTOOLS IN ACTION!".

- Regarding "TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES", I have mixed feelings I'd have to think on this more.  I think there should be a general product, one or more specific product folders, and maybe an Accessories folder.  I think fewer folders are better, but I have to think more about this.  One exception might be the Domino.  I expect that we'll see a FLOOD of posts on this.  Again, I have to think on this more.

- "Jigs, Inventions, and Tool Enhancements" should probably go somewhere else, but I'm not sure where.  Maybe "FESTOOLS IN ACTION!" 

- Regarding "TOOLS IN ACTION!" (or even better "FESTOOLS IN ACTION!"), that is an EXCELLENT category title.  The content is pretty obvious and the name is very catchy.

- In "FESTOOLS IN ACTION", add a "User Projects" folder.

- Remove the Photos and Videos folders.  These were necessary in Yahoo because of it's limitations.  We don't have those.  I expect that we'll see photos and videos everywhere.

- As Loren suggested, a "General Chat", "Corner Pub", "Open Topics" folder would be very good.

- Encourage Real Names - I'd like to see everyone use their real name.  It's much friendlier.  In the John Bridge forum (http://johnbridge.com/vbulletin/index.php?), they push each user to add at least their real first name to the Signature line.  It's not manadatory, but it's strongly encouraged.

- Reference Library - I'm not sure if this is critical, but you may want to add a Reference folder.  It's a compilation of links, posts, etc. which is used for reference.  Here's the "Liberry" in the John Bridge forum:http://johnbridge.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?s=&f=8&page=1&pp=60&sort=title&order=asc.    I think a "Links and References" folder folder would be good, but I'm not sure where it should be placed.

- Instead of "TECHNICAL AREA", how about "TECH TALK"?

- Festool Company Hangout - I think that there should be a category specific to Festool "Official" discussions/postings.  Maybe something like "OFFICIAL FESTOOL" might be a good category title.  Regarding the folders:
-- I'd combine "Specials and Packages" to one folder. 
-- Add a folder called "Festool News and Announcements".  (Maybe this is where Specials and Packages could go.)  This would primarily be for promotional types of posts.
-- And a folder called "Talk to Festool" for users to ask questions of Festool (only if Festool agrees to monitor and respond). 
-- Add a folder called "Festool Surveys and Public Opinion".  In this folder both Festool and users (moderators only?) could post surveys.

Again, excellent work Matthew!!!  ;D

Dan.

 

[Les]

Matthew,

As usual you're on top of things. This should be a good upgrade from Yahoo.

I may have missed it, but shouldn't we have a "off topic" forum? Then those that get upset about off topic posts won't have to read them.

One of the main questions that comes up on SMC is the posting of pic's. Think you need a FAQ section for general info about using the site.

Not sure if you do or don't want to allow posting of vendors links. It's a fine line at SMC. Some worry about self promotion by vendors. Some want them to be able to post about sales. Damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Thanks for all your hard work.

Les (near Indy)

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Dan,
Again, thanks for your hard work putting together some great responses.

I have a lot to consider here, and I have to find the right balance, but I am very happy with the feedback I'm getting from everyone.

Here's the deal: my job over the next couple of days is to keep tweaking the folder structure.  Everyone else's job is to give me your honest opinion, which I will then incorporate into the look of the forum.  With that process, I'm positive we'll have a good structure in place by next Monday!

There might be individual points that each person may disagree with, but I hope that, overall, people's response is, "That's a great forum!"

Thanks again everyone.

Keep watching the board for changes, and jump in any time.

Matthew Schenker

 

[Per Swenson]

Ohh Boy!

Great, Lets move in.

Per

 

[Dan Clark]

Matthew,

I'm likin' what I see.  You may want to tweak it a bit more, but I'm OK with it right now.   About the only additional change thing that I can think of would be to make sure that folks understand that the "OPEN TOPICS" category is for off topic, non-Festool discussions (did I get that right?)

I agree with Per.   I'm ready to move in now.   

And, just so I get to be first...  Attached is a pic of my Festool Drill.   ;D

Best regards,

Dan.

p.s., click on the pic to zoom.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Per,

I may have missed it, but shouldn't we have a "off topic" forum? Then those that get upset about off topic posts won't have to read them.

I've got an "Open Topics" category, with a folder called "General Chat and Random Ideas."  Do you think that works?  I'm open to suggestions!

One of the main questions that comes up on SMC is the posting of pic's. Think you need a FAQ section for general info about using the site.

I will definitely do that.  I'll create a quick file and put it into the "Tech Talk" area.

Not sure if you do or don't want to allow posting of vendors links. It's a fine line at SMC. Some worry about self promotion by vendors. Some want them to be able to post about sales. Damned if you do and damned if you don't.

This is a big question.  I am really against having advertisers come in here.  I want members to be able to post whatever they want without having to worry that they might be upsetting an advertiser.  I'll have to think this over.

Keep the comments and ideas flowing!

Matthew Schenker

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Per and Dan,

Dan, you might go down in history as being the first one to post a photo here.  Maybe that drill will become a collector's item one day!

I'm anxious to announce the new group as well.  Maybe I'll move the official announcement up a day or two!

Matthew Schenker

 

[Dan Clark]

One of the main questions that comes up on SMC is the posting of pic's. Think you need a FAQ section for general info about using the site.

I will definitely do that.  I'll create a quick file and put it into the "Tech Talk" area.

Not sure if you do or don't want to allow posting of vendors links. It's a fine line at SMC. Some worry about self promotion by vendors. Some want them to be able to post about sales. Damned if you do and damned if you don't.

This is a big question.  I am really against having advertisers come in here.  I want members to be able to post whatever they want without having to worry that they might be upsetting an advertiser.  I'll have to think this over.

Matthew,

I think a FAQ folder in Tech Talk would be great!  I'd suggest keeping it as a separate folder.  (I.e., not include it with the "Questions/Comments on Forum Software" folder.)

Regarding vendors, that's a toughie.  For example, I used a Fein hose adapter to connect my CT22 to non-Festool tools.  It would be useful to post a vendor link for someone who wants to buy it.  OTOH, I can think of certain individuals on SMC who post rather strong statements about their non-Festool guide rails.  :  On the third hand, WoodNet allows vendor link posts and doesn't seem to have a problem.

One possibility... Leave it open to start with guidelines such as "No spamming your own site or products."  Monitor the results and lock 'er down if necessary.

Best regards,

Dan.