Category: Zone BBS Suggestions and Feedback
i was thinking, maybe for the new people that register on the site we could have help files so that new users know exactly what to do.
you don't have to be loged in, perhaps it can be a link near the bottom.
topics could include such things as sending quicknotes, and posting to the boards.
i think it will save users a lot of hassle of trying to work everything out
This topic has been suggested before. If you guys come up with helpful content for a web page or for the introductory email, it can definitely be included.
cool chris.
i'll think about it and then post here
I thought that a draft had been written at one point when this topic was up for discussion in the past.
How about we call it, "ZoneBBS Getting Started"? I'm sure that we can work up a draft for it...it would all be pretty simple and straightforward to right.
that's a good idea, and a good straight forward name
Maddog, that was such a great name that I have posted a topic in the "getting to know you" board called "the zone bbs getting started - draft".
It has a rather generic file to begin with.
I hope that others will post to the topic their own ideas as to what should go in there. Please don't just post things like "I think you should put something about the games in there." Do the work, write up something about the games and post it there. Otherwise, this idea wil dissolve into a bunch of one-line messages with no actual work being done.
Bob
You know, that's a good idea, Bob. Do we really need a bunch of frustrated users trying to figure out how to do hings around here? No, we don't, since by creating this help file, we could alleviate the frustration.
Since posting this, I found out that Brice24 created a similar file.
I don't mind working on help files, but since I found out that Brice24 put out a similar article some time ago (one that, in my opinion, is superior to mine) which has been languishing in the bowels of the boards for some time, I figure it's up to the administration to do something with it.
I don't mind working on something like this, and I think it would be helpful. However, it would take the support of the administration for this thing to work. New users would have to know that such a thing exists. Hell, old users would have to know it too. <lol>
Frankly, I'm a little hacked off, because I put some effort into my endeavor and find out that someone else has also done work on a similar project.
For anyone who wishes to read Brice24's post, it's in the Zonebbs suggestions board called "Here you go; final copy".
Bob
ya. this got lost in the shuffle awhile back. I've got some plans for improving the help around here, soon. Thanks for your efforts.
to the GROUP here, if I can be of help...
Grace and j-squared, thanks.
I will be happy to help with it if I'm needed, I just won't take the initiative anymore.
Looking forward to working with others on this.
Bob
Wow there are people too stupid to figure out how the zone works? *hmmm* perhaps this is why I don't log in anymore.
Well it does take awhile... been here myself approx. two years and yet still am l in a learning process...Also new additions and all what with the various musical/talent contests and all..can be a lot to take in.. just my personal thots.
ya, it can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially with the newer stuff, qn commands, lots of random options, and other things we have now.
Hey. Lack of information is not stupidity. It's ... well... lack of information. Nothing wrong with that.
The zone's not a hard place to learn, but a person's computer skills come into play here, as well as their patience.
When I first got on here, I had lots of folks offer helpful information both in quick notes and the boards. But, if you don't know what to ask you can't ask it.
Anyway, I think helpfiles is a good way to help others who do not have our experience. Who knows, I might learn something through them too.
Bob
Midnight Princess, that was a pretty ignorant comment in my opinion. Like Bob said, there are a lot of things to consider, including a person's computer skills.
And it is not a case of simply computer skills... for there is also the workings of say the programs, like, "Jaws" to consider...
i agree with becky on this one, people arn't going to know how everything works straight away.
and if they did, well they are clever!
that's why i started this topic, i had new users in mind
Hey bob,
If you or anyone wishes to improve upon what I've already written, feel free to. With absolutely nothing else to do, I took an hour or so and created that draft, but it definitely needs work.
Brice
Brice, first let me compliment you on your file, it is really well done.
Secondly, (he admits rather sheepishly) I had assumed that it was okay to alter your file as long as I delineated which parts were yours and which were mine.
However, for this thing to be a success, I think it is going to take more involvement by the board administration or community leaders to make it a success. We have had several people--Grace, Buckeyed cat, Iternity, and many others--who have offered to help. What we need is leadership. That is, someone to say, here is how it will work.
Frankly, what I would like to see would be a whole new board called something like "zonebbs getting started suggestions." But, I think, from what I've insinuated from brief comments from the administration, is that they would like to have a single help file that each new user
would get when they sign up. The problem is, who's going to write it (you have tried, and I have tried, yet nothing happens).
Do we just keep throwing files out there, with nothing happening?
I guess so.
Bob
Well, Bob, here is to keeping this Board Post ALIVE while those of us who care..
well, we are given MORE TIME to Think on these valued questions that you, Bob, have raised...
Connie ~ Grace
Actually, we're planning on doing more than just the help file, though that is a good first step.
Shot in the dark, but is anyone interested in doing a Zone BBS intro tutorial for Blind Cool Tech?
j-squared,
Not quite certain what BLIND COOL TECH is..??
Connie ~ Grace
It's a hugely popular Podcast that deals with all sorts of blind, cool, tech things. Basically a radio show that lots of people listen to. www.blindcooltech.com
Sounds like a neat idea, but not my cup of tea, thanks. Wouldn't you have to be a broadcaster or something? I'm microphonically challenged.
Bob
yes j, give me the info, and i'll get it sorted
An update. We have a knowledge base module ready to launch. It just needs topics. If anyone wants to help in writing answers to common questions or tutorials on features, send me a PM. As soon as there's a fair amount of topics, I'll put the knowledge base live on the site.
Sorry, j-square, I missed your last entry in this topic, but will respond asap.
Thanks.
Bob
Good. I'm ready to put the thing up, but don't want to put it up with only a couple of topics.
Since this topic is about a month old, I wanted to bring it back to the forefront.
I really hope something can be done with it.
Bob