Am I wasting my time with a FAQ?

November 12, 2002 6:13 PM from

I've been working on 3 FAQ pages. One for newbies, one for newbies that want to start skinning, and one specific to WC... why the 100meg cap, why am I getting server busy, and such. I'm still waiting for Brad to respond to an email I sent him, asking for permission for the WC FAQ. I won't post it without his approval.
Anyway, the question is, am I wasting my time? Will you guys and gals that answer the same questions over and over, send the newbies asking for help to the link? Will any of you help me out by submitting ideas for improvement, additional questions and the like? Will the newbies read it? Should I just get back to skinning something, and forget this?
Please respond, and tell me what you think.
oh yes.......... the first page as it stands right now is here http://koasati.net/faq1.htm
So ......what say ye, answerers of the redundant questions.

22,081 views 77 replies

Reply #1 November 12, 2002 6:33 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Not bad Koasati. I'll send them to the answer link or links.

No time is wasted if one person uses it, but it would be nice if most used it.

Reply #2 November 12, 2002 6:56 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Since the site is so popular, I think it would be great for a newbie to have a FAQ page to go to and I would think most of them would appreciate it. (If they are serious) There are a lot of programs and skins here and it can look overwelming. As you said, the cooperation would need to be there to send the newbies to the FAQ page. I've learned a lot from these posts and also the Stardock newsgroups. I think you are doing a great service. Best of Luck with the endeavor.

SoundPackager - Customize the Windows sound scheme

Reply #3 November 12, 2002 6:57 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

I think a "Please read the FAQ" would save a whole bunch of threads like the "Bullsh*t" and "I can't download nuthin'" ones.

Not that we won't get them but a quick RTF reply beats a whole bunch of discussion. Should save some bandwith.

Reply #4 November 12, 2002 7:06 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Hell yeah Randy! For sure I would send people to your/the page. Would save me a lot of time too

Also I'd be more than happy to send you some of the FAQ's I get along with some answers/explantions

Reply #5 November 12, 2002 7:11 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

.wsz=WinAmp
.iptheme, .ip=IconPackager
.CurXPtheme=CursorXP
.suite=WinStyles Suite
.XPtheme=WinStyles Theme
.bnSkin=BeatNik
.dxpack=DesktopX Object
.wal=WinAmp3

Just helping out with more extensions

I think the FAQ is going great and i will lead the newbies in the right direction

Reply #6 November 12, 2002 7:12 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Well to the link anyway

Reply #7 November 12, 2002 7:18 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

RE the thread: hey i cant put the theme on!!!!do u have...

I think you all are so great to help these people out. There is a saying about "helping those who help themselves". Can't see anything wrong with that. People need to do a little research, especially pertaining to this very costly computer equipment. It's like "measure twice, cut once". The FAQ page may help to train (some) not all, in the fine art of reading and figuring things out, which can be ever so gratifying, when you accomplish it. Might be doing some a favor, in the long run.

Reply #8 November 12, 2002 7:22 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Should be great and save a lot of tribal floggings. One question: should the FAQ specifically aimed at newbies be called something other than "FAQ" ? Many of the FAQs i've seen in other places turned me off, and were only resorted to if you had to have the answer to a very specific question. i'm rambling, so i'll stop. Thank you for the effort you've put into this Koasati.

Reply #9 November 12, 2002 7:37 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Patience, Randy....I let people know for you...

Reply #10 November 12, 2002 8:21 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Might be a good idea to have the FAQ displayed as the first page after registration. A link to it on the 'post thread' screen might also help.

I will definitely send people to the link when it's available! Thanks Kosati for taking the time....BTW what happened to your partner in crime (jobeleco)? He's suddenly gone quiet...or did I miss something...

Reply #11 November 12, 2002 8:46 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Koasati, for sure, if we can send the new users to your FAQ page(s) it will be a big plus.
The genuine ones will take notice and the dipsticks will remain dipsticks!

Reply #12 November 12, 2002 11:19 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

honz; yes please send me some of your stuff.
elvee; Thanx!
Bangkokboy; Maybe we could call it "the Ad Naseum Replies Pages"

Jafo; I trying.

Peff; Jobe said he was going to store for a six pack of balogna, but that was over a week ago............I think he ducked out on me.

Everyone; many thanx for the support!

Reply #13 November 12, 2002 11:51 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

You are awesome Koasati! The only down side is that the message board will probably seem almost dead without all those posts

.

Here's an idea. How about in addition to the link on the site why not make the page load when a new member creates a profile. That way they would see it as soon as they join.

Here's one my favorites for your FAQ from #Stardock:

Q - I have my serial number for WB but I can't find a place to enter it to register?

A#1 - Forget about your warez serialz bro... That serial was from WB2 and won't work anyway. Besides you can't register the shareware verison.

A#2 - The email Stardock sent you contains your serial and a link to the full version of WB. Just download the file, run the executable and enter your password when it prompts you to.

Either or both will do.

Reply #14 November 13, 2002 12:12 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

I'll use them both, Bill.

Reply #15 November 13, 2002 1:58 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

1. No.
2. Yes.
3. If possible.
4. If pointed in the right direction.
5. Yes & No.
May the luck of Irish be with you.

Reply #16 November 13, 2002 3:53 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Make it http://koasati.net/faq/ Koa, easier to remember.

Reply #17 November 13, 2002 6:21 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

all hail the great god FAQ!

now all we need is a magic want to teach people to read *giggle*

very good work Koasati!

one point, near the bottom of the page you have the question:

"I've download icon files, how do I use them?"

but there is no answer, only a place for one

Reply #18 November 13, 2002 6:23 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

/me makes mental note to re-read posts before posting

that should have been:

"magic wand to teach people to read"

Reply #19 November 13, 2002 8:32 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Yes, a FAQ is a waste of time. Most of the people who post a 'how do I?' thread are too lazy to find the answer for themselves. A FAQ would go unread because it's much easier to ask someone else than do a bit of reading.

People would find life a lot less frustrating if they got off their backsides once in a while. >

Reply #20 November 13, 2002 9:15 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

I think it's a good idea, this site definitely needs a FAQ link, preferably in a prominently displayed position that is readily apparent even to the dipsticks..

Reply #21 November 13, 2002 9:36 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Koasati, yes its a good idea. I have been waiting for this FAQ. I know Jobeleca was either making one on his own or trying to help you out. Not sure which.

Anyway, I've been waiting for one of you guys to post your FAQ. What I would like to do is create a FAQ page on WinCustomize and create a link on the main msgboard page that will always be on top of the list that points to the FAQ page.

I also like the idea of having the welcome page after registering also point to the page as well. So no this is now a waste of time. But I would like to have a FAQ on WinCustomize too.

Reply #22 November 13, 2002 9:40 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

"So no this is now a waste of time." Where's that spell-checker at, hee hee!

Reply #23 November 13, 2002 9:41 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

I agree with JM - put a faq link on the left hand panel. Fuzzy is right as well, I think most of the people that ask some of these truly lame questions won't be bothered to check the faq.
But (and I see this as the key value and main point) with the faq we only need suggest they click the faq link and find out for themselves.

Reply #24 November 13, 2002 9:41 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Way to go T-Man. I think the on top of the messageboard is a great idea. I hope that the FAQ can be edited or updated as needed.

Reply #25 November 13, 2002 10:00 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

well, put it this way, i have already posted the FAQ link as my reply to one question thread!

saves a lot of typing for me!

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting and posting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!