A New and Disturbing Trend at TDH - ALL PLEASE READ!

There are several recurring themes here, some of which point to limitations when using vBulletin as a message board and as a content management system.
  • many useful threads are buried under tons of other redundant threads
  • useful information in a definitive thread is spread out through 150 replies
  • the search function has no way of ranking popular results
  • definitive articles are old and have dead picture links
  • new users can't find what they're looking for, ask the question again
  • senior users already know most of what they're interested to know, get sick of redundant newbie questions
  • it's always more fun to dogpile on the n00b, than it is to track down the right answer/URL for them. Regardless, the message board shouldn't put that burden on the veteran user anyway.
Among the possible solutions, which don't involve costly add-ons to the message board software (some of this has already been suggested, trying to summarize here)
  1. the experts nominate the best threads, and consolidate the information in the initial post or paraphrase into a new threads, more like technical articles.
  2. the admins implement some kind of sidebar on the forum pages with links to popular articles per forum.
  3. the initial email a user receives after joining gets revised into a decent html page, telling newbies where to look for information. I think people who find what they're looking for are generally going to abide by the CoC anyway.
  4. split the "how much you will spend" article to accommodate zero-budget Fetts, weekend troopers, and screen-accurate prop replica fanatics. Contrary to popular belief, it is entirely possible for some TDH members to create a costume they are satisfied with, for less than $3,500.
  5. maybe we have a separate forum just for introductions. A single intro thread is unmanageable as the TDH membership continues to increase. Possibly limit users' ability to post anywhere else until they've posted in the intro forum.
These actually are all really good. I nominate Dookie to do them! ;)
 
I think (if this is not what it is already) that it would be good to have a FAQ that lists all things about that particular topic that we know.

For example: In the Shin Tools and Blasters section, the FAQ section that is a stick would include info like:
ESB base of the blaster was a Webley & Scott Flare gun with a ASI scope, molex connectors....etc.

or in the Helmet section it would say:
Borden hole connector was used for the check, the MQ-1 calculator was used in the back key hole slots....etc.

Something that is well known to be found parts, fabrics, details, web links to companies that may sell these original parts, even templets, sewing patterns, and blueprints all in the FAQ to answer a lot of newbie questions and just have the info readly available for 'old timers'.

Being on this board for almost 5 years now, I have noticed that orginization is the best method for those whom have questions. As a newbie, you may not know what to search for, and it sometimes is just easier to make a new thread.

Just my 2 cents (though it may be off topic...)

THANK YOU!! I didn't know a good way to explain it because I know absolutely zilch about this stuff. But you nailed it on the head. THANKS!!!
 
hahahaha! ohhh... couldn't we have so much fun with that!!! They would of course have to be multipart questions...

Question 1) Give the full name for the folllowing: MSH, MSH2, ROTJ, ESB, ANH, FP, RA, MS, MH, BM, etc, etc.

Question 2) Name all the found parts that have been discovered and released so far.

Man, Arts going hardcore now...hahaha
 
These actually are all really good. I nominate Dookie to do them! ;)

I second that! :D

Those are actually some great ideas! We've run into the budget vs. screen accurate issues in the Zam forum. Room needs to be made for both I think. And consolidating useful information into one area is a lot of work... but probably a time and energy (stress?) saver in the long run. Just my 02.
 
There are several recurring themes here, some of which point to limitations when using vBulletin as a message board and as a content management system.
  • many useful threads are buried under tons of other redundant threads
  • useful information in a definitive thread is spread out through 150 replies
  • the search function has no way of ranking popular results
  • definitive articles are old and have dead picture links
  • new users can't find what they're looking for, ask the question again
  • senior users already know most of what they're interested to know, get sick of redundant newbie questions
  • it's always more fun to dogpile on the n00b, than it is to track down the right answer/URL for them. Regardless, the message board shouldn't put that burden on the veteran user anyway.
Among the possible solutions, which don't involve costly add-ons to the message board software (some of this has already been suggested, trying to summarize here)
  1. the experts nominate the best threads, and consolidate the information in the initial post or paraphrase into a new threads, more like technical articles.
  2. the admins implement some kind of sidebar on the forum pages with links to popular articles per forum.
  3. the initial email a user receives after joining gets revised into a decent html page, telling newbies where to look for information. I think people who find what they're looking for are generally going to abide by the CoC anyway.
  4. split the "how much you will spend" article to accommodate zero-budget Fetts, weekend troopers, and screen-accurate prop replica fanatics. Contrary to popular belief, it is entirely possible for some TDH members to create a costume they are satisfied with, for less than $3,500.
  5. maybe we have a separate forum just for introductions. A single intro thread is unmanageable as the TDH membership continues to increase. Possibly limit users' ability to post anywhere else until they've posted in the intro forum.


This sums up and expands on what I was trying to say all at the same time. (y) Great post. I'ad rather see Count Dookie do some more work on his helmet stenzels than head this project.:lol: I like the wiki idea also, that gives everyone the chance to work on it a little at a time in a collaborative sort of way, i've never contributed to one, but I think i have the basic idea what it involves.
 
Well, if these are things that you, the members are wanting, then we ask that you, the members help create them and we will look into trying to implement them. Again, the administration just simply does not have the time to try and create the things that you are wanting but if you do, please, go for it and submit it to us and we will see what we can possibly do with it.
 
I think there should be an automatice disclaimer that comes up evry time a member under 30 days visits the forum that tells them building a Fett will cost more money than they expect. :p

But seriously, the Admin. staff could think about adding a child board to the Sarlacc pit as mentioned above just for new member intros, and inside the forum, there could be a couple pinned topics advising/telling them which threads to look through.Etc. They could also have say a 25 post minium before they can post topics, but the down side to it, new members might/proboly would spam the boards trying to get their number of posts in to post a topic.

Or they could do it the old fashion way and actualy use the search feature.
 
I'd quite happily write a basic "beginners guide" article to be included at the top of each section. I think with my level of knowledge there's no chance of me drifting into too much detail. :)
 
I'm about as new of a newbie as you can get with TDH. I've only been a member for a couple of days, and have made a whopping 3 or 4 posts. I haven't had any resposes, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it! I know people have those 'normal life' things that we'd all just as soon avoid sometimes, but they tend to get busy sometimes. Personally, I'd chalk the whole 'no reply' thing up to general busyness, and hopefully not people ignoring me. I'm not going to let the lack of someone answering get me down. I know people with their outfits done are not going to be one this forum as much as I am when I'm just compiling the stuff I need to get and do. Hopefully, however, I didn't make any of those 'quirky' references (although hansoloway mentioned the Klingon language :) I am guilty of mentioning Trek in a previous post...SORRY! I was just saying that ST can get into $$$$$ too, since Paramount only puts out garbage for "costumes" and if you want to do something right, DIY), but if I did, keep in mind I'm getting used to this, like the rest of the newbies are. I can say one thing I didn't know until yesterday...and that's the SEARCH option. Another forum I'm on that is very similar in layout doesn't have a search option. Which would explain why they have multiple posts of the same variety at times. So...I solemnly swear that I will ALWAYS search before I open my big yap... AMEN ;) Bear with me, vets...we're all 'new' at something, sometime.
 
I'm about as new of a newbie as you can get with TDH. I've only been a member for a couple of days, and have made a whopping 3 or 4 posts. I haven't had any resposes, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it! I know people have those 'normal life' things that we'd all just as soon avoid sometimes, but they tend to get busy sometimes. Personally, I'd chalk the whole 'no reply' thing up to general busyness, and hopefully not people ignoring me. I'm not going to let the lack of someone answering get me down. I know people with their outfits done are not going to be one this forum as much as I am when I'm just compiling the stuff I need to get and do. Hopefully, however, I didn't make any of those 'quirky' references (although hansoloway mentioned the Klingon language :) I am guilty of mentioning Trek in a previous post...SORRY! I was just saying that ST can get into $$$$$ too, since Paramount only puts out garbage for "costumes" and if you want to do something right, DIY), but if I did, keep in mind I'm getting used to this, like the rest of the newbies are. I can say one thing I didn't know until yesterday...and that's the SEARCH option. Another forum I'm on that is very similar in layout doesn't have a search option. Which would explain why they have multiple posts of the same variety at times. So...I solemnly swear that I will ALWAYS search before I open my big yap... AMEN ;) Bear with me, vets...we're all 'new' at something, sometime.

This is a great example of the right attitude and outlook to have on these or any boards. Well said, and well done ZamBamThankYouMaam. And that's all I gots to say about that.

(y)
 
Hi!

Some words of a newbie!!!

I´m a 44y old father who wanna scratchbuild a Boba.
This site is incredible good for people like me who are not a geek in SW modelling.

My english is not pretty well I no, and for some words I´ve had to look to the dictonary;)

All the "old" members are very friendly - too friendly maybe!!!

We newbies need criticism!!!
We all can learn by our faults.

But there isn´t any criticism. Everyone said "wonderful", "good so far for the first time" aso.

Nobody said "godd sor far, but....".
This is, what I´m missing; please give us some hints to make a better work.

Hope you understand my rusty english ;);)

Thx,

Thomas
 
Something else I have noticed, is when a new member DOES use the search and comes across a thread that covers the topic they have a question about, and posts in it, they get slammed again for "resurrecting" an old thread. I think if the thread is still there, and the topic is not 100% concluded, it is always open to discussion as along as there are those who are here to ...well discuss it. In my opinion, only 'Locked' threads are dead threads.

But I don't think the point of this thread is to figure out regulations, rules or limitations about new members, but for all of us to be more patient, understanding and helpful regarless.
 
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Seven, that's actually a very good point. That happens a lot and I've even been guilty of it myself. I'll made comments (the most recent yesterday) where I admit I was thinking.... man... talk about digging up the dead!

You're right though. If the topic is still valid and we're telling folks to search instead of asking again than what do we really expect them to do?
 
Is there a way to set up a limit to how long a thread can still be replied to. Maybe like after a year or so, or a certain period of inactivity. Then if the question is still not answered they one can fire away. Just a thought.
 
Why should it matter? Why are we worried about stopping people from replying to or asking questions? Why does it matter if the question was asked two years ago or 15 minutes ago? if it's relevant, then it's relevant. There are some pretty obvious signs usually when someone is just trolling, but leave that to the admin to decide. That's my thought on it all.

-x
 
Yeah, I agree completely.
I can't stand seening a member whose not an Admin, scolding someone for reviving a post, but has a relevent comment or question.
 
As a new member, I would like to comment here. I find this site to be an awesome resource, and there are a lot of talented members who post pics of their work and make go "ummm.... WOW". On the other hand, I find the site is just so busy - there are always people online and they are always posting something. When I check in it becomes a task to keep up with the new posts before another string of posts have been added. I think it may partly be the level of activity that seems to detract from the potentially friendly atmosphere. Obvioulsy I'm not trying to suggest the posting needs to be slowed down. People post because they love the Fett stuff.

I do, however, find it difficult to find answers to the questions I have. Being new to the Fett costuming arena I don't have all the "old news" answers that many of you do. I could do a search, but if I don't know the right words to use I'm outa luck. For instance, I only just recently learned the Borden connector bit is called a "mole" by Fett enthusiasts.

For this reason it is difficult to refrain from posting, even when you feel that the question has probably come up a zillion times before.

GB
 
Why should it matter? Why are we worried about stopping people from replying to or asking questions? Why does it matter if the question was asked two years ago or 15 minutes ago? if it's relevant, then it's relevant. There are some pretty obvious signs usually when someone is just trolling, but leave that to the admin to decide. That's my thought on it all.

-x

Yeah, I agree completely.
I can't stand seening a member whose not an Admin, scolding someone for reviving a post, but has a relevent comment or question.

I'm not really worried about stopping it and I have never scolded someone for reviving an old post. I totally agree with what Seven and webchief said. Shoot, there are many things I would have missed in the beginning had it not been for an old post dragged up by someone. I was just throwing out the idea for those members who are apparently offended by it, so that they wouldn't be upset when it happened. Matter of fact, I answered a new question in a revived thread a couple weeks ago and someone made a comment about it being an old thread.
 
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