Misinformation

[Carlton]

I think if people used the search function there would be alot less "newbie" questions. However getting upset at people for asking is also frustrating. Aren't we all here to learn and share info? If it wasn't for new people to this forum where would it go? I am new here myself and it would be smart to have a whole section for start up and commonly asked questions. I started this project with my son and it's really not that complicated, after having a 200 gallon reef tank it's pretty easy! But threads that discourage people from asking ? Sorry I don't understand that reasoning....

One thing about a "Newbie questions" type sub-form that would concern me would be that experienced members may not visit it to answer questions. They are either more interested in the advanced subjects, are going through a frustrated phase, or hope someone else will chime in first if they are short on time. You end up with discussions between inexperienced folks who are snatching at little bits of info they think are OK.

What about a FAQs list under the resources link? We could come up with a list of questions we hear all the time and answer them. Even questions that don't have one clear answer (like the glass vs screen cage thing) could at least give the opinions. The FAQs list could be a work in progress for quite a while.

 

[laurie]

I have tried to stay away but here it is; just my opinion - my opinion - not the forum, not Brad - ME

Eliza I don't doubt you heard this somewhere, but I have never considered it my job as a mod to decide what info is correct or not. Just like I hope everyone does. If a post or thread violates rules or causes problems I will step in as a mod. On a personal level I will pm with people and discuss views.

I was recently told by a moderator that the appropriate thing to do when confronted with a post with bad information is flag it and let the mods handle it.

I'm not sure how I feel about that because I tend to side with those who think a discussion of the issue is better and that will involve posting that I disagree.

But, I do put that out there as something that can be done.

Carlton, I can't imagine there are very many times anyone would or could correct you. You give rock solid information. You are a wonderful resource for this forum. If ever someone corrected you on the open forum, they would have to be either very brave or very stupid. imo

I think the FAQ could work well even if it was copied and pasted into a post rather than some of us (me) lazy people just counting on a few great people (you, kinyongia, etc) to answer a lot of the questions.

I would be very happy to be "corrected" but would also ask that it be done by PM rather than by public flaying. Even though no one can see my blushing I would still feel a bit defensive. PMs have their uses.

One thing about a "Newbie questions" type sub-form that would concern me would be that experienced members may not visit it to answer questions. They are either more interested in the advanced subjects, are going through a frustrated phase, or hope someone else will chime in first if they are short on time. You end up with discussions between inexperienced folks who are snatching at little bits of info they think are OK.

What about a FAQs list under the resources link? We could come up with a list of questions we hear all the time and answer them. Even questions that don't have one clear answer (like the glass vs screen cage thing) could at least give the opinions. The FAQs list could be a work in progress for quite a while.

 

[Elizadolots]

Laurie, that sounds like a great way to handle it. I was given this information in a private message, it was not something I read on the board.

 

[Carlton]

Carlton, I can't imagine there are very many times anyone would or could correct you. You give rock solid information. You are a wonderful resource for this forum. If ever someone corrected you on the open forum, they would have to be either very brave or very stupid. imo

Thanks Laurie! Some of my knowledge is a bit outdated (some of the newer supplementation topics) and I haven't bred any species, but I know enough to keep my mouth shut on those topics! But seriously, thinking over the other forums I've been part of over the years there are definite patterns. Consider how often we use the "how to ask for help" sticky. If we had a FAQ about the basics of cham care it could narrow down the questions as long as newbies bother to read it. It could also disable the bad info floating around the web and pet shops. I don't know anything about how it could be created to come up quickly on web searches though.