Mods are you listening?

[chris ashdown]

Somewhere in the middle of the 40 results you find on a search is the answer to almost any problem you will ever encounter and it is not always the most replied thread. If duplicate posting on exactly the same subject, needing exactly the same answers is allowed to continue, all it will do is increase the search results produced, making it much harder to find the thread that is the actual answer to the problem.

Do you think we do not search the forum at all? You're wrong, simply check the current users online from time to time and you will see the experienced users, who handle most of the replies, actually searching the forum all the time, as we know the answer exists. If we do that, why on earth does anyone think that is not the best approach for a newbie, it's madness this current approach.

I cannot stress enough to the people who don't like the 'search the forum' answer, it is not about 'can't be arsed to reply to this again', it is about streamlining the fantastic info we have on this forum which is currently surrounded by too much duplicated crap. No book or resource in the world would have the same question answered in 40 different ways in 40 different places, why on earth do we think this approach is best for a forum?

Therefore we need to get these 40 questions and solutions presented in a clear way and maybe given their own sticky and clear subject header so we solve the peceived problem

We could also ask Actinic to enter the details in the next printed manual update

[leehack]

That's not what i mean. The number 40 is just an example. I am referring to each problem on it's own having 40 odd applicable threads - that in itself makes a daunting list for someone to trawl the search results.

So when i search for 'blue widgets', i don't want 40 results, i want 5 results, i will only get 5 results, if the repeat posts stop and everything on that search term is funnelled into those 5 key results.

I've looked at the search results before and thot FFS how many, most of them are complete crap - that is not a failing in the search, it is a failing in the crap being allowed to stay.

People struggle to see the uploads forum, they struggle to read the "new users" post and the manual and help within actinic are rarely used.

With a repeat question - answer with a link to the new users post/forum guidelines or the problem solvers thread (if updated) and then close the thread and delete it after a week. It is those crappy threads that bloat this forum even more than a V7 table layout.

Now undoubtedly it can appear a little heavy handed at the start, however once grasped that the forum has the answers for you, it is soon understood. Anyone who wants to do nothing at all to help themselves, should be contacting a designer or buying a support contract. In the meantime we work collectively to slim down the crap and keep the regular problem results down to a bare minimum, making it easy for them to find. 40 results is daunting, 5 results is not.

The "Google Analaytics" is the perfect example of how this works. Nobody dreams of offering advice on other new threads, you are pointed to the correct thread. That is how i would like the forum on all key issues - that would be a stunning resource then.

[george]

Search test, try finding the answer to adding a sidebar box into v8, smart theme. Not an unusual request I wouldn't have thought? Certainly the most common Q for the smart theme in v7 I think.

[leehack]

one result i find.

click in the sidebar, type <div></div>

and in between those tags put what you want in there.

PS - you will find very little on the smart theme....i won't say why lol, i'll get banned.

[Darren B]

one result i find.

click in the sidebar, type <div></div>

and in between those tags put what you want in there.

PS - you will find very little on the smart theme....i won't say why lol, i'll get banned.

Smart Arse

I must have missed something then with regards the smart theme

[leehack]

I must have missed something then with regards the smart theme

No Mr Wonder, you're fine lol

[george]

Maybe we've all missed the point, the standard documentation is ultra poor...

[wjcampbe]

Add my vote for a "contains a solution" indicator on posts.

[pinbrook]

how about us regulars starting to rate posts?

this will at least get some stars beside the posts we consider important?

[Darren B]

how about us regulars starting to rate posts?

this will at least get some stars beside the posts we consider important?

Good idea Jo, it would help to get rid of the threads that contain useless information an posts that contain all the dribble that go's on

seriously, i think it would be a good idea

[leehack]

Very good idea Pinny, ooooh getting gold stars and everything. **Dons his helpful hat to try and get an extra bottle of milk off the school teacher**

[george]

contain all the dribble that go's on

Old people dribble, that mean you are ageist?


Anyway, can I get a wee Skull & Crossbones icon (for stress), a heart thingy (when Traceys flirting), a stick of dynamite (Mal has replied), a snooze icon (Lees on 24hr shift), a sugar puff (Jontys around), a double JJ (one of the wimen have replied), a wee Einstein (CroweBoy's on the go), A kite (Dazz the aviation expert), a Sphynix (Bills 'ere), a tiny crossword puzzle (Norman and Duncan's solutions), a small banjo (Chris D), a flat cap (Brucey Boy), and I'm sure theres a few I've missed out...

[Darren B]

Old people dribble, that mean you are ageist?


Anyway, can I get a wee Skull & Crossbones icon (for stress), a heart thingy (when Traceys flirting), a stick of dynamite (Mal has replied), a snooze icon (Lees on 24hr shift), a sugar puff (Jontys around), a double JJ (one of the wimen have replied), a wee Einstein (CroweBoy's on the go), A kite (Dazz the aviation expert), a Sphynix (Bills 'ere), a tiny crossword puzzle (Norman and Duncan's solutions), a small banjo (Chris D), a flat cap (Brucey Boy), and I'm sure theres a few I've missed out...

avatar attached G

[kev67]

Mods are you listening?

obviously not then!

Marvelous................

[jont]

Your holding a one-man conversation there Kev