How about a glossary of TechIMO terms?

[myoung6264]

I'm talking about a glossary just of terms (definitions and basic instructions) related to using the techIMO site. I'm sure it seems intuitively obvious to those of you who have been members for years, and it is beautifully designed for the most part, but some things can be a little confusing for newbies.

For example, I recently saw where someone asked what FAQ meant. The person was directed to click to find out, but when you do, it still doesn't spell out what it means. (If that person happens to read this, it stands for Frequently Asked Questions, or what was called Q&A--questions and answers--in the olden days.)

Another person was having trouble with the search function, because it doesn't tell you until you've entered something that there is a minimum number of letters required for each word. (I ran into that myself when I tried to find out what a "Sticky" is. First it refused to search, due to the wording of my question, then it directed me to a bunch of sticky threads, some of which I'd already seen and were what prompted my question in the first place. I didn't want to waste anyone's time with such an insignificant question, but I would still like to know...)

Just think of all the time (and trying of patience!) it would save all you "veterans" if you could just say, "Look it up in the Glossary," instead of having to provide some answers over... and over... and over...

Most newbies aren't dumb, just ignorant () and eager to learn, while causing the rest of you as little aggravation as possible.

Thanks to everyone who has offered me a helping hand so far!

[Steve R Jones]

Nice idea...BUT...The FAQ for example is part of the vBulletin software....Its there on thousands of sites and you'd be amazed at how many people don't read things like that....So getting people to read glossary/sticky threads and what nots is a universal problem.

[myoung6264]

vBulletin? Another term for the glossary?

I was familiar with the term FAQ because it's pretty common these days, for businesses and organiztions as well as on Web sites, but there's a first time for everyone at everything.

For example, the first day I visited TechIMO became the first time I'd ever posted anything, anywhere! I just jumped in and tried to do it correctly, because I wanted to get help for a friend, but I really didn't know what I was doing.

Still another possible term for inclusion in the glossary: "Introduce yourself to the community." I got a nice e-mail welcoming me to TechIMO and asking me to please do that, but I didn't know how. About a week later I saw a new thread that was that was entitled, "Please allow me to introduce myself," and then the light bulb turned on. (I still haven't done it though, because it doesn't seem worth a whole new thread just to introduce "lil ole me," when so many people are joining every day...)

You may be right that people wouldn't use the glossary, but at least they could be directed to it, and if they didn't bother to use it, that would be on them.

If anyone does think it would be worthwhile, it sounds like (from reading a lot of his posts) the kind of project GZ3 would be good at heading up, with input from anyone else who wished to contribute.

[RicheemxX]

Quote:

Just think of all the time (and trying of patience!) it would save all you "veterans" if you could just say, "Look it up in the Glossary," instead of having to provide some answers over... and over... and over...

IMO (in my opinion) why reinvent the wheel, Google would cover most all of the basic definitions. Vbulletin for example, Google's results.

I'm not really sure anything you've asked is TIMO specific, other than the limit on search terms and I'll agree that should be specified before hand.

As Steve said I have seen a few sites that have a really good FAQ list asking members to not post thread titles like "help me" or " I need help" that also describes posting for better results. However the majority of the time I see user not bothering to read those or not taking them time to try to post all the details needed because they are in too big a hurry to get help.

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by myoung6264

I tried to find out what a "Sticky" is. First it refused to search, due to the wording of my question, then it directed me to a bunch of sticky threads, some of which I'd already seen and were what prompted my question in the first place. I didn't want to waste anyone's time with such an insignificant question, but I would still like to know...)

FYI (For Your Information), a Sticky is a thread (conversation, if you will) that 'sticks' to the top, so while the other threads scroll down as each new thread is created at the top of the list, the 'sticky' thread stays above all of them.

Personally, I just Wiki anything that I don't know/understand, this allows me to find out a little more... Between that and Google, I find a lot of the answers to assist others who use this site - if I don't actually know myself........

[KarmaKiller]

I understand what your saying myoung, I was in the same spot. TechIMO was the first forum board I ever joined, that I actually came back to. lol
But what makes this forum so great, is you can make this happen.
Make a thread that has all these weird terms, and find the meaning for them, and post it. Then you can simply drop a link in your sig, and if it pics up enough steam, PM a Mod (moderator of the forum) and ask for a sticky.

[cksboy15]

Techimo is a site where knowledge is gained and given. As in just ask and we will answer.

[myoung6264]

Thanks RicheemxX for answering something I hadn't asked, but was curious about (what the IMO was in TechIMO). I see your point about not "reinventing the wheel" here, and promise to Google, or to consult Wiki, and/or refdesk (my old standby for a broad range of info), before asking future questions.

I Googled "sticky post" before I got back to read your post, Nude Lewd Man, but nevertheless appreciate your willingness to explain it to me.

You've all been great!

BTW, I did read the guidelines for new members, so I guess I just assumed most people would. "If all else fails, read the instructions."

[RicheemxX]

This is one of the posts I was referring to How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

That is a very useful guide that will help everyone involved, I found that from an old SD thread I was browsing way back when. That old thread also has some good tips. I had a good abbreviations list at one time that would probably be helpful. But again providing definitions to everything would be a big task, it'd be much easier to just ask, or just google it.

[myoung6264]

Thanks again. I printed them both, to serve as study guides re seeking help in appropriate ways.