Isn't it time for a FAQ?

[robvonk]

I've been reading this forum for some time now and read a lot of the older messages before i dared to ask a question myself.

Unfortunatly not everyone works that way. It surprises me that a lot of people ask the same questions. Most of them could be answered by reading older messages. Some examples i remember being asked often:

- lens to buy for EOS 10D
- RAW versus JPG
- 10D focus issues

Maybe it's a good idea to start a FAQ to answer these questions? That way you won't have to answer the same questions again and again.

Is it possible to create such a FAQ 'sticky' so that it stays on top of the list?

Rob 'just helping the buzy guys' Vonk

Oh, and i did a search before posting this question :) It seems that the FAQ issue was mentioned before..:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1456#5645

[Jeppe]

robvonk wrote:
Some examples i remember being asked often:

- lens to buy for EOS 10D
- RAW versus JPG
- 10D focus issues



Official Canon Digital Photography Forum FAQ

- Always buy L-lenses, or at least in the +500$ range (EF 50/1.8 disregarded), never ever buy third part

- Always shoot RAW, memory is cheap and the upside is enormous

- Focus issue? What focus issue?

Hope this will help alot of people ;)

[henkbos]

If people are not inclined to search the old messages, what makes you think that they will seach a FAQ-section?

It's too easy popping questions and let other people do the work.

[robvonk]

henkbos wrote:
If people are not inclined to search the old messages, what makes you think that they will seach a FAQ-section?

It's too easy popping questions and let other people do the work.

But if someone posts a 'standard question', you can point to the faq without being rude.

[hommedars]

robvonk wrote:
henkbos wrote:
If people are not inclined to search the old messages, what makes you think that they will seach a FAQ-section?

It's too easy popping questions and let other people do the work.

But if someone posts a 'standard question', you can point to the faq without being rude.

Absolutely right! And the FAQ can provide faster, more consistent, and more complete answers that do not degrade into off-topic discussions of no interest to the reader.

Joe

[CyberDyneSystems]

I think a FAQ would be an excellent idea.

The trick with a subjective question like "What lens do I buy?"

would be that the author/authors of the FAQ would need to compile an answer based on an averadge of replies to that question in the forum,. rather than there own personal experirences.

When someone asks this question thaey are often looking for answers from diverse individuals in the hopes of finding a user that has a similar style of shooting and similar price point restrictions.

In fact I think perhaps two FAQs may make the most sense,. one for general questions we get all the time,.and one for equipment recomendations made up of quotes and or summaries of previous discussions on the subject.

[robvonk]

A FAQ could be usefull for the 'custom answers' too. You can teach people on how to 'write a question' so that they provide some information in advance..

Like this:
Q: How do i write a good question?
A: The more info you give, the better it is. Tell how much experience you have ith SLR, whats your budget?, What lenses do you own right now. Stuff like that..

Rob

[msvirick]

Repititions are unavoidable without some one chairing the forum. With all this I have found this forum very useful

[Greg M]

I've thought about this and even tried to set-up a site that would serve as a kind of FAQ for beginners. It doesn't work but it does help some people.

However, the more I think about it the more I think that it would do more harm then good. A FAQ area and directing new people to it instead of answering their question will be like saying, "Don't bother us. Go look here for your answer." These forums work when people feel a sense of friendship and community.

Forums also need new people joining in all the time to keep them fresh with new ideas and new perspectives. Without new people the forum would wither away. By answering the basic questions and giving well thought out sensible advice to newcomers it is like saying, "Welcome! Come and join us and we'll enjoy photography and our equipment together."

You never know. That person who you helped make the decision to buy the lens that they really needed instead of the one they were going to buy just might help you someday down the road.