GZ said:
.....So I'd like to see this forum continue as a place where anybody can contribute without feeling silly, without feeling inadequate, and without being publically humiliated.....
Bingo! +1
Bingo! +1
+ another one from here to.
These are a few ways that I have seen stickied FAQ sheets assist towards that aim:
Welcome and General:
FAQs are an opportunity to extend a warm welcome and provide any useful guidelines to follow. Many people feel reluctant to jump in if they feel that they might get flamed for transgressing some hidden set of rules or expectations. Any particular rules can be explained, but general hints can be given too. For instance, it’s an opportunity to point out that nobody is paid to help you here, so if you want some feedback, assistance or just praise, then a good first step is to make yourself known by trying to offer comments to other people’s posts or work.
Current Goals:
Details of any current challenges or projects can be displayed where they’re easy to find.
Equipment:
Many beginners don’t have the equipment to record their ideas, let alone the ability. FAQs can answer some of the most commonly asked questions about a simple and inexpensive starter setup. Often this information is available in dribs and drabs multiple times all round sites but is never collated into a single FAQ, so the same questions get asked over and over.
Other Useful Information:
Some forums also include stickies with lists of past challenges (with an invitation to try any of them at any time). Another possibility is including links to posts or sites with particularly good information on related topics - i.e. it could be arrangement, harmony, theory, lyric writing, overcoming ‘Block’, using specific tools or techniques, or whatever.
I understand the good implications of what you’re saying. But I also know that this can mean learning to live with a flooded basement and mildew on the walls. I tend to prefer installing a pump or applying some technical effort to sealing the place.
I don't think there's much doubt that it's worth doing, but the trick is always finding a willing and able tradesman to actually do the work for you...If not, then I guess that gumboots and grumbling can work too. Horse for courses...
Cheers,
Chris
