Message Board FAQ

[scarver]

Are there Frequently Asked Questions for this message board? (By this, I mean not questions that get asked a lot!). I'm seeing the same questions come up many times - like what knife should I use - and if there were a FAQ, this would be very helpful.

If there's not a FAQ, maybe we could take a question a month and start building one. I'd be willing to help out on this, if it doesn't detract from quality carving time.

[Paul_Guraedy]

If you look closely at each of the catergories for the message board....you are really looking at FAQ. It would be nearly impossible to pull them together into one single category and not divide that out into knives, power, caricatures and such.......when you do that you have another message board don't you?

There are two reasons that the same type of questions keep coming up over and over again. One is that they are asked by new comers who are not familiar with the search function. Usually, these are given shortened answers with references to the subject matter which has already been discussed.

The second reason is that it is not the same question. Take a look at any of the various categories, pick a question and you will find that the answer is that there is no answer, just suggestions. Which knife do you use? The answer is the one you like best for that situation.

I don't mean to marginalize your suggestion. It is through participation by members like you that the forum improves. Please keep bringing forth ideas for discussion.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

About the only FAQ you can count on is that for every question you'll get about 100 different answers most of which are probabl true. It would be really hard to designate one thing as being the best thing to use. Enjoy all the different responses, try a few and make up your own mind. Not only do you learn more about the craft that way you also will gain more toys and tools.

[scarver]

Yes, I agree, the board categorization has come a long way. But a FAQ under each area would help the new carvers (and I think we need to make it as easy as possible for new folks to join our activity). So, I think a sticky would help answer the common questions like "how do I get started", "what knife should I get and where", etc.

I don't think this would cut down on the conversation on the board, but make things a lot easier for those who are new.

[BobD]

Actually, when we update our entire site, we're planning on having a "carving wiki" where we can include that information with links to the message board.

Bob

[scarver]

Woo Hoo, Bob, great news. Anything else you can say about the site update?

[BobD]

We're testing it out on the SSWC site now, but it's basically going to change the format from being issue-centered (like it is now on the main site) to content centered. It'll make it much easier to find all of the great information we've already got squirreled away here on the site, and also make it easier for Shannon and I (and our authors) to upload content, photos, and videos.

Plus, we're including a major update to the message board software that will give people the opportunity to start their own blog on the message board and join social groups with people of similar interests.

Bob

[Merle Rice]

Hey Bob, Don't know if this is where I post this question but I'm asking. I ordered a Badge a while back and was told when you get enough orders you will do another batch. How's that working out for you? Merle