new comers section

[styleone]

Just a quick suggestion for discussion and perhaps for mods/Jimmy to consider. There are often posts from new comers to RC looking for advice. It can range from simply 'what car should I buy' to more 'scene' related questions. I, as do many other reguler users always take a few minutes to add help and tips as I feel new comers are essential to the sport growing and sustaining.

My suggestion is that we open a 'new comers area' that's there for all those common questions, starting tips, and general information that otherwise gets asked almost every day. It would allow new comers (and new oOple users) a place to view and search everything they need, and also allow more experienced guys and gals an opportunity to pop in and help.

It would be a great way for us all to support new folk and would benefit from people adding that kind of info we all take for granted but may seem like black magic to RC new arrivals.

I am always keen to help and use this forum myself as much for sharing useful info as finding answers myself.
I would even consider looking after this proposed section as it would be an amazing addition to our already thriving oOple community
Let's support the new guys the way we all needed when we first got cracking.

Thoughts please?

[john333]

excellent idea!

[Skye]

Originally Posted by john333

excellent idea!

+1

I was one of these newcomers only a few months ago. I asked all the same questions that hundreds have asked before I did, and I have seen hundreds more ask them since me...

With so many sub forums it was hard for me to locate previously asked questions so I just started a new thread which is what I'm sure the majority of others do also.

A dedicated area would be a very useful addition in my opinion!

[gainsy]

+1 a great idea

[john333]

over to you then Jimmy! lol

[Col]

Idea? Good
Practice? Useless!

I'm a member of a couple of other forums that use this method and it has no effect whatsoever.
Maybe RC's are brighter than other groups...

[AfroP]

a newbie section would be a good idea as its a good place to dump hints and tips and its less intimidating for newbies like me to be able to find everything in one place

[wacattack]

Originally Posted by Col

Idea? Good
Practice? Useless!

I'm a member of a couple of other forums that use this method and it has no effect whatsoever.
Maybe RC's are brighter than other groups...

Ha! Your cynicism always amuses me

[Andy68]

Speaking as a newcomer , very good idea

[sosidge]

Originally Posted by Col

Idea? Good
Practice? Useless!

I'm a member of a couple of other forums that use this method and it has no effect whatsoever.
Maybe RC's are brighter than other groups...

I totally agree with you.

As soon as you create a "newcomers" section, none of the experienced people bother to look in it. When what you need is experienced people to answer the posts.

The best place for a newcomers question is in the appropriate general section.

[James]

Good idea, the only problem is stopping bad advice!

[styleone]

Originally Posted by smOkin

Good idea, the only problem is stopping bad advice!

Its a really good point Smokin, I feel that the this is relevant across all forums and we should all feel a responsibility to 'police' these situations. If people give bad advice (and its not based on a difference of opinion) others should politely inform them and correct their errors.

The only way any of us have learnt, or for that matter can continue learning is to share experiences, share practical happenings, and be humble enough to ask our peers when we need some help.

All comments so far are equally valid and I am happy to see that people are generally responding well to my suggestion. I fully understand the concerns of some regarding the suggested section not being accessed by more experienced users, but I may speak for others here when I say, a lot of people use forums to share info and I believe there are enough users who enjoy this element enough to give the new section plenty of feedback. Also the section would have say...4 main 'sticky threads' that cover the stuff that gets asked literally every day. A one stop answer place for those needing very basic info

Bad advice exists everywhere these days, I still see manufacturers giving terrible advice on occassions We are all able to go with general, well informed answers if we first realise that the information we all read and collect over the internet is often submitted by people who are much like ourselves, enthusiasts and fans of what is a fairly underground hobby still even in 2011.

Keep the debate going guys as I feel we really owe it to the grass roots of this amazing sport to show a united front in supporting and welcoming new comers in their own dedicated section.

[RudeTony]

Originally Posted by smOkin

Good idea, the only problem is stopping bad advice!

ditto - or everyone should and must have there ability or achievements attached to their sig - that will sort it

[c0sie]

Originally Posted by RudeTony

ditto - or everyone should and must have there ability or achievements attached to their sig - that will sort it

Because sponsored drivers and trophy winners are the be all and end all?

[F1END]

Originally Posted by john333

excellent idea!

+1

There are "What car should I buy?", "What's this brushless/lipo stuff all about" threads every month or so, which then get buried quickly. Making them a sticky in a newbie section would be a great idea. Also, newbies don't often know which section is best to post their questions anyway.

In my experience, being relatively new here, people are generally very helpful. I generally try to help when I know what I'm talking about (not often ). All it would take is a couple of the more experienced drivers to check every so often to make sure nobody is being told the wrong stuff.

[tony12795]

I agree.

Originally Posted by smOkin

Good idea, the only problem is stopping bad advice!

[James]

Originally Posted by c0sie

Because sponsored drivers and trophy winners are the be all and end all?

Is there a better way of proving a good track record?

[styleone]

I feel that the administration of duff info would be made easy by having the correct mods for the proposed new section. I understand that this will create 'work' for somebody but lets not forget the core reason we all use oOple, to mix and discuss RC racing info with like minded individuals. The need for new comers is so prominant at present with so many tracks and clubs closing or just slowing down due to low numbers/lack of funding. Lets encourage as many new racers as possible by giving them what they seem to be asking for...a section they can find all they need without feeling out of their depth on a forum that has many many very experienced RC users Our community will get stronger by allowing more scope for a broad spectrum of user, newbie and expert alike

[qatmix]

As has been mentioned, the concept is good but in practice it's not really effective. You will get less traffic from experienced users giving a narrow amount of opinions etc.

The forums here are friendly and usually very helpful. I havent ever seen anyone get put down when asking beginners questions. let's just ensure oople stays this way, it's more important than pushing new members to a lonely sub forum.

[styleone]

Originally Posted by qatmix

As has been mentioned, the concept is good but in practice it's not really effective. You will get less traffic from experienced users giving a narrow amount of opinions etc.

The forums here are friendly and usually very helpful. I havent ever seen anyone get put down when asking beginners questions. let's just ensure oople stays this way, it's more important than pushing new members to a lonely sub forum.

Every opinion is completely valid up to this point, Qatmix has a fair point when he states that the forums are very friendly and welcoming. I am by no means suggesting that we dont manage the influx of basic questions in a polite and professional manner, very much the opposite really as I see many users giving solid and well informed feedback and it is always great to see vastly experienced users sharing thier experience, I guess it was a general idea that I wanted to just open up for public oOple debate really. As expected, the new comers are really wanting the new section, and the more experienced users are giving constructive reasons as to why it may not work in practice.

Either way guys and gals, I thought it good to suggest and discuss, if there are any more thoughts then carry on the discussion folks. Any new users/memebers of the hobby, if you are reading this then speak up as your contributions are just as valid

Cheers everybody