Rongnongno Loc: FL

It already exist. Ask Nikonian about it. He puts lots of efforts into it but few notice his work.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

THAT is the correct approach.

Generic answer to others

So what you have now is the idea of creating a (private) section led by a respected knowledgeable person capable of censoring wrong answers and keep away the trolls knowing that this will create conflicts and do not care to be dissed by the said trolls in other forums (Just check the threads in the attic - I noticed quite a few attacks directed toward Steve, ~ For your consideration forum).

The main problem is always the same, how to advertise this?

One more trouble spot that you must deal with... Something I constantly fight: Folks that create threads w/o regard of the section intent and specific instruction.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

It's not a bad idea, but most of that information is already available on UHH. One of the forum sections is "Frequently Asked Questions and Answers" which is very extensive and in addition to many other subjects has a part on abbreviations. Maybe instead of a new forum section for newbies, it would be more helpful to new members if they were better informed of the "Search" function as well as all the different forum sections (including the FAQ section) when they first sign up.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Telling folks to check the FAQ or do preliminary research before posting is considered 'rude'...

To me it logical and something we all should do but heck saying that makes you a troll.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I don't know why anyone would consider it rude to suggest checking the FAQ, There are many things I understand myself but am not good at explaining. A good explanation from the FAQ would be more helpful than a partial or poorly presented explanation.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-106-1.html
Unfortunately, there is no method of organizing threads in this section. They are posted in order as received. Only factual information is allowed in this section; no opinion allowed. Some members disagree, but that is their opinion.
Best method of review is to start on last page (first threads covering most basic questions), and advance forward, towards most recent subjects.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Rongn..., I understand what you're expressing here and agree. I usually hit google and post the link to the pages to which the OP can then read. It's a tad better than posting look it up yourself. It's also a hint that this stuff can be found by searching google, but in a less abrasive manner. This was not meant in any way to indicate, or accuse, anyone of being abrasive. It's just my own thinking. I've so often been tempted to post look it up, do a search, etc., but would rather not be that abrupt.
--Bob

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

I find it quite interesting the the same people that tell newbies to check FAQ's and do a Search in posts are the same ones that keep saying in this post there is no need for a Newbie section because there is already FAQ's and a Search function. Even though you have beginners that have stated in this post they are intimidated to ask questions for that very reason. Some people just dont get it. Imagine yourself in a foreign country with out any knowledge at all of the language. Someone hands you a dictionary for that language and says "here this is all you need" "Every word is in this book and not only that their definitions too". That essentially is what you are saying to beginners. FAQ's and Search funtions are more of an intermediate step than beginner. If you have no idea what you are searching for they do no good at all. When you open an instruction manual on any subject do you find the FAQ's in the front? Do you go directly to the FAQ's before reading the manual if you have no knowledge of the subject? FAQ's are at the back of the manual because you are supposed to read the manual first. I have used the FAQ and Search functions here but honestly Google gets me where I want and the answers I want faster. The whole point of a board like this is for the discussion and there are new members that might want a section they can ask their questions with out feeling intimidated. Its like going into a Camera Store for the first time, If you go to a big box store you are for the most part on your own. If you go into a good Camera Store or even use the chat function online with B&H or Adorama. The first thing that happens is someone asks you questions. What are you looking for? What do you want to do with it? What is your level of skill? etc. That is the whole point of discussion here to engage with other people who have knowledge of photography so that we can all learn. The other reason for the beginner section is so that the above mentioned "Experts" who get annoyed with beginner questions about things like Back Button Focusing over and over and feel a need to jump in and blast someone can avoid those post all together. They would be in a separate section so they would not have to be annoyed by seeing those subjects coming up. I also believe that majority of people here that dont mind helping beginners would not mind viewing the section and lend their expertise when they could. I see no down side for anyone.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Good idea, but for the sake of the newbies and those who want to share, it should have a strict code of etiquette - one single off-topic or snarky post and that poster gets permanently banned from that forum. It would help encourage discussion and questions, and keep out the riff-raff who add nothing to the conversation . . .

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

It's also a hint that this stuff can be found by searching google, but in a less abrasive manner.

Stolen from Bob's comment - but the salient point is the last 6 words. People seem to have forgotten, or don't care, how their comments are seen by people who don't know them.

I can say certain things to someone who has known me for years but the same comment would be seen negatively by someone less familiar. A little common sense goes a long way, unfortunately it isn't so common.

Admin

That's a real problem. Well, there are two problems actually.

1)

One of the frequent reasons people enter into the comment box after unsubscribing is "this is way too advanced for me". So something like a Newbies Corner section would be a good idea.

I'm just not sure how to make it work without creating a big mess of redundancy between Main and this Newbie section.

If a topic is "too advanced" (by whatever arbitrary standard), then do I move it from the Newbie section to Main?

Or if someone posts a simple question in Main, do I move it to the Newbie section?

And if I don't move topics around, then we'll end up with two sections that do the same thing, because both Main and Newbie sections will over time contain both simple and advanced discussions.

Another option would be to create "Main (safe space)" section. But I'm not a fan of safe spaces in general.

Besides, it would look ridiculous. "Main Photography Discussion" and "Main Photography Discussion (safe space)" on the home page of the forum.

Still, I know of at least one forum I used to frequent around 2001-2002 (not related to photography) that had a Newbie section. Its purpose there was solely to get new users posting, so that they get over their fear of posting and get involved, and then cross over to the other sections of the forum.

It would be nice to have something like that, but as I said, I'm not sure how to make it work with Main.


2)

The second problem is people who are rude to new users. This isn't always related to the skill level. And yes, I agree that it's doesn't present a good first impression of the forum.

But I have a fix for that. If you see someone regularly being rude to new users (especially in the Main section), then please use Report Issue link, select "other", and enter comment "rude to new users", to let me know what the report is about.

The new forum software has an option to block replies in topics of new users. So if someone is rude and condescending towards people who just joined UHH, then I can limit their account. They would still be able to post as before in topics of established users, but they wouldn't be able to post in topics that are created by newly registered users.

I forgot that I implemented such functionality while keeping this exact scenario in mind. Reading this topic reminded me of that.

Of course, that won't solve the first problem of people who are shy about posting or think that this forum is only for advanced photography discussions. But taking care of rudeness towards new users might be the first step.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I'm out.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I suspect that many joined looking to get help when needed. Many times there have been posts made regarding the way some are treated. Rarely have I been able to get what I need from the search function and have had the benefit of soliciting information from members. Typically I google and find what I'm looking for,but there is nothing like being able to obtain help or affirmation from others. I have been chastised for recommending that,so I started providing what I thought might be useful links. I will concede that I often jest when certain topics like filters for protection appear,but I do not disparage anyone over it.

I thought being able to get help was one of the big benefits of our forum.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Thanks for jumping in here with these very good comments.
--Bob