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Blog entry or forum topic?

2K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  Karson 
#1 ·
Blog entry or forum topic?

There is an interesting discussion going in the latest Mike's blog entry Jigs and Suggestions about what is a good place to place specific posts - blog or forums. I hope that projects are clear. Here is my view on tihs issue:

  • blog entry - if you're writing about your own experience you should post it to your blog. This includes posts like project progress logs, tips, suggestions and I also think that any kind of review fits perfectly here.
  • forum topic - forums should be primarily used for asking the questions and requesting help. Each forum has its own description that is useful when deciding which one of the forums is right for the post.

Quote Obi: I have a Lumberjocks.com link on my browser and it brings me right to the pulse, so I can see what's at the top of the list. I don't blog because blogs get lost in the shuffle whereas the forum would always come back to the top of the list as soon as you replied to it.

Obi, blog entries also come back to the top as soon as they are commented . So forum topics and blog entries have the equal weight in the Pulse.

Quote Dick: Better yet, How about a FAQ section for help.

Good idea. Anybody interested in helping me with this? ;)
 
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#2 ·
poor Martin :(
I'd help if I could.

The "fine tuning the site" process is working well I think-and vital now that the activity level is getting so busy. I'm going to have to start being selective on what I read, otherwise I'd be sitting here at my computer all day and the dishes wouldn't get done, pies wouldn't get made, and woodworking wouldn't get woodworked!!
Decisions, decisions (just like Martin having to set priorities for what he updates first…)
 
#3 ·
Martin,

I'd certainly be willing to assist you with this. I have about seven years of professional experience in writing FAQs, instructional docutmentation, and How Tos for MCI and NISC (the small software company where I am now employed).

If you want a resume, I can send one. :)

E
 
#4 ·
To comment more generally on the topic at hand, I think it is important to distinguish between blogs, forums, and projects and for all members to make the efforts to post their entries accordingly.

Part of it boils down to the responsibilities of membership. We cannot and should not expect Martin to maintain and organize the Lumberjocks website solely and of his own accord; the website is growing in leaps and bounds and he already has a full plate, what with his normal life routine and trying to keep up with the growing list of website fixes and enhancements.

As a member, one must be willing to do their part to assist in the upkeep of the site as best they can. The beauty of it is you don't need to know one lick of HTML or XML to do your part; for most members, the simplest way to help out is to make sure your entries are made in the most appropriate place. In doing such a small thing, you help maintain the organization of the site and make it easier for everyone to navigate and locate information important to them, especially the newer members.

Part of it boils down to a responsibility to ourselves. The "I can't be bothered with such a thing" response isn't really a feasible one to me. Saying that I can't be bothered to organize my entries properly is like saying I can't be bothered to sand through the proper levels or to pick the wood most appropriate for my project. Consider the amount of useful information and knowledge and shared experience you receive from Lumberjocks.com. In doing so, I think you'll come to the same conclusion that I have - Lumberjocks is just as important a part of my woodworking as any other aspect.

I think I can get my point across more clearly by comparing woodworking to a brilliant, sparkling gemstone. Each facet of a gemstone relies upon all of the other facets in order to refract and reflect light in the best possible way. If one facet is off or flawed or unpolished, then the ability of the stone as a whole to reflect light is diminished and the beauty and value of the gemstone is reduced. Your activity on the Lumberjocks website is a facet of your woodworking, as is stock selection, project design, marking accuracy, sanding and finishing. If this aspect of your woodworking is neglected or treated with callous disdain, then this has an impact on your woodworking and, ultimately, the level of quality and craftsmanship you can achieve.
 
#6 ·
If you see him on the list of Jocks. You can send him a message. Providing of cource that his e-mail is still good.
 
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