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| Removing redundant items 31/12/2012 at 15:57 #39904 | |
postal
5264 posts |
Would it be possible to make the whole web-site more space-efficient by removing redundant items. For example, there doesn't seem to be any point in the Wiki or the Search box on the Forum since so many people now think that research is asking a question for the hundredth time on the Forum and expecting someone else to do the real work then type up and post back the answer. Would it also be possible to have some sort of option(s) or button(s) to create postings automatically saying "Please use the search box as this has been answered previously on the Forum" or "Please read the Manual on the Wiki. The developer spent many hours writing this so it is rather discourteous not to read it before asking questions which the manual addresses." “In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Log in to reply The following users said thank you: Peter Bennet, TimTamToe, jc92, guidomcc, 58050, northroad |
| Removing redundant items 31/12/2012 at 16:20 #39905 | |
jc92
3685 posts |
the other option being not to bother answering the query? I certainly think it might be worthwhile deleting "duplicate" posts, eg covering use of the public docs folder. "We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Log in to reply The following users said thank you: Stephen Fulcher, Javelin395 |
| Removing redundant items 31/12/2012 at 16:33 #39906 | |
John
884 posts |
As jc92 says, anybody that feels so incensed by newbie questions is under no obligation to answer them. Snarky, sarcastic threads like this serve no purpose other than to make this forum seem like an intolerant and unfriendly sort of place. Log in to reply The following users said thank you: Stephen Fulcher, Javelin395, Temple Meads |
| Removing redundant items 31/12/2012 at 18:28 #39910 | |
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postal
5264 posts |
The problem is that (for example) the public documents question has been asked many times and quite often by people who are not newbies. However. we'll put that to one side and try and move forward constructively. I think we are in the territory of giving a man a fish and you feed him for a meal whereas is you teach him to fish and give him a fishing rod you have fed him for life. How do we constructively engage with newbies (and oldies who expect to be spoon-fed) in order to help them solve their problems. Again using the public documents example, posting something like "F3 Options -> Control -> untick 'Use Public Documents' box" solves the immediate problem. However the original poster is then none the wiser that there is a search function and the Wiki (where there is a FAQ about missing timetables). It may even be that the best way forward is actually not to answer question if the answer is already available but to point the poster to that information. This does require some work by whoever responds to the question but may be more helpful to the original poster in the long run if they learn that it is possible to find the information for themselves. So what's the best way forward? “In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Log in to reply The following user said thank you: northroad |
| Removing redundant items 31/12/2012 at 18:43 #39912 | |
headshot119
4869 posts |
Perhaps putting the "F3" "issue" as a sticky at the top of one of the boards?
"Passengers for New Lane, should be seated in the rear coach of the train " - Opinions are my own and not those of my employer Log in to reply |
| Removing redundant items 31/12/2012 at 18:53 #39917 | |
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John
884 posts |
Could the pm facility be set-up to automatically send a message to all new (or even old?) members drawing their attention to the fact that a search box and a wiki is available and should be their first port of call for advice? There is, of course, no guarantee that anyone would actually read the message or even heed the advice contained therein, but I think it would be a start at least? Log in to reply |
| Removing redundant items 01/01/2013 at 18:46 #39934 | |
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jc92
3685 posts |
just to add to the debate, is it worth reviewing the many vague thread titles we see by creating a template. eg if someone has a problem with clearing a signal on Cscot when they think it should release, a suitable thread title would be "Cannot get signal XYZ to clear" or "issue with signal XWY" not "Cscot Help needed" or "cscot issue". a template could read along the lines of A) sim / timetable in question B) clear indication of problem C) what action is needed so for the above "Cscot - cannot get signal XYZ to clear - help needed" or "Cscot - signal XYZ does not clear - bug?" I only make this rant as all to often i see vague thread titles and i have to go through each indivual post to see if it covers the issue i am looking for or not. Joe "We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Log in to reply |
| Removing redundant items 01/02/2013 at 21:46 #41060 | |
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postal
5264 posts |
Further to the ongoing debate (and in particular the vexed "Public Documents" issue) I've just checked the Wiki. The problem is noted in the FAQs but not in a a way I found particularly easy to understand. There is also no obvious link to the FAQs except for an item hidden in the middle of the Index. I've put a link to the FAQs into the main menu on the front page of the Wiki and re-written the "timetables missing" answer. If someone could check it and correct it if I've written up any mis-information it would be appreciated. “In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Last edited: 02/02/2013 at 09:14 by postal Reason: typo Log in to reply The following user said thank you: northroad |
| Removing redundant items 02/02/2013 at 11:17 #41063 | |
KymriskaDraken
963 posts |
The problem is that the new people hereabouts might not know the best way to phrase a search query. I just did a search on "Can't find timetable" and "No timetable" and there wasn't anything helpful returned on the first page of search results. Now, I know about the Public Documents folder issue, but I suspect that a lot of people won't look beyond the first page of search results if they don't find something relevant on that first page. My next step was to click on the "Help" link - that returned a page saying "Article cannot be shown" - again not exactly helpful. Perhaps we need to tidy up the help/FAQs on the website before we start limiting forum posts? Log in to reply |
| Removing redundant items 02/02/2013 at 12:37 #41064 | |
nroberts
227 posts |
If I may add a suggestion (maybe pointless though). I don't recall if one gets an email when one registers at the site (I registered a really long time ago). If there's a welcome message, maybe the template can be edited to add a few important pointers in RED orienting newcomers to these facts. On the other hand I believe some parts of the forum are open to all so those who don't bother registering wouldn't get this "help". As another option, make registering on the forum mandatory for all (after all you're getting a bunch of sims for free and timetables and extra info and friendship and and and...) Just my 2p worth. Last edited: 02/02/2013 at 12:48 by nroberts Log in to reply |
| Removing redundant items 02/02/2013 at 15:53 #41075 | |
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Josie
310 posts |
" said:On the other hand I believe some parts of the forum are open to all so those who don't bother registering wouldn't get this "help".The forum is readable without registration (apart from anything in HIDE tags, as used in the hosting area). To post or use the shoutbox, you have to register. Log in to reply |