Thread: Newbs and the wiki

The last couple of weeks I have noticed that I am getting less and less tolerant of newbees asking unnecessary questions, i.e. questions that are answered in the wiki.

Wouldn't there be a way of educating newbees before they start asking such questions in the forums?

I think I understand your frustration to some extent.

All the repetitive questions can, I guess, be a bit annoying to the more experienced users who answers the same questions again and again.

And I agree that the wiki is full of useful information that would help newcomers and more experienced users alike, if used.

IMHO though, the Wiki is not the tidiest of places.
Meaning that there is a lot of information hiding in places not easily found.

I would love to see it become a bit more user friendly, and more pleasing on the eye, if at all possible.
And of course, I am very willing to contribute to making it so.

On the other hand, what amazes me sometimes, is the lack of trying a simple search in the main forum.
That has given me a bundle of great threads with multiple solutions on many occasions.

It sometimes SEEMS easier to get answers by posting a question and waiting for a response than sifting through wiki articles (although I find I learn more doing my own research). So I don't think this issue will ever completely go away.

My best suggestion would be to answer these questions with links to the answer in the wiki. Maybe some will start to use the wiki after some time of going there by way of linked answers.

Originally Posted by TheBaron

My best suggestion would be to answer these questions with links to the answer in the wiki.

That's what I have been doing for a while. However I feel the newbs might be a bit more active in doing their own searches.

Now being a newbee or noob or noobie or whatever derogatory term you want to label me with I take a great deal of offense to these suggestions....

JUST KIDDING!

I think that the Baron is correct when he says it seems easier to ask than to research. I always have to tell myself to look through the wiki instead of making a post.

If there is something you do not like a wiki or think can be improved, PLEASE help us improve it!

I was always big on doing forum searches for myself. Still do but not as much. I have over 100 subscribed threads for quick reference. I think it depends on how zealous the new guy is. Some people just want a quick answer while others are filled with a passionate desire to learn all they can. The latter will do the searches, the wiki, whatever they can and devour it as long as the fire is burning.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

If there is something you do not like a wiki or think can be improved, PLEASE help us improve it!

I for one, as stated earlier in this thread, would love to invest the time needed to make it even better.
In fact, I'm gonna make that a priority in the next few weeks.
(having a broken foot has me just sitting around anyway)

The Wiki is a great resource, and really needs some updates...

But we always have to do both, Answer the question first, then link the Wiki,,, that gives the New guys the best chance of learning what we love here..

For awhile some were just linking the Wiki and basically saying "Look here dummy"

Others were doing it perfectly by saying "This is what I do dummy" "And here is more info in this" (insert Wiki link, or thread link)

Originally Posted by Kees

Wouldn't there be a way of educating newbees before they start asking such questions in the forums?

Sure. The great dave could restrict posting access for new members until they first attend an online training and education course run by you and whoever else is tired of newbie questions and of course the newbie has to pass the required tests which you will be responsible for grading.

Then, and only then, shall they start asking such questions in the forums. And when they ask them, which is what they would have done anyway, you will say to yourself "gee, why did I go to the trouble to make the newbie jump through hoops? He or she learned nothing!" and someone wise will answer you, "because you still didn't give them what they want: an individualized answer to a problem they don't don't believe they have to solve on their own"