2. misc-audio
  3. 160661-139155

Could Audiogon create some FAQ pages in each Forum Category?

So many questions get posed here that have been asked before, sometimes with the same exact wording. Frequently, the advice to the OP will tell them to "go search the threads for ___."

It would be great if Audiogon could create some FAQ pages with subcategories for each category. In each subcategory, old threads addressing basic questions could be pinned.

So, for example, the main "Speaker" category could have FAQ threads on
"How to connect a subwoofer to my amp" or
"How will I know if my amp can power these speakers?" or
"Bookshelf vs. Tower"
Etc.

Creating FAQ subcategories in each category would be relatively easy, could be added to easily, and would make it simple for forum users to know where to point new users asking FAQ’s in threads.

If Audiogon wanted users to help generate this, a thread calling for "FAQ suggestions" could simply be posted in each category, suggestions could be collected and then all that would be left would be the work of finding a few good threads to put into the categories.

128x128hilde45
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,795 posts
 
@isochronism Oh, I thought there was some kind of special function. I have used the search at Audiogon extensively. It comes out with pages and pages of hits, and while it can sort by relevance, it comes out with too many thread hits, and then, even deep inside a thread there is often an answer that is especially compact and clear in it's explanation. Or there are some threads that have a really coherent set of explanations -- but it's really hard for the newbie to find these.

In other words, whatever the present search function tool does -- and if you're experienced, it can do a lot -- it does not prevent the same questions from being asked over and over again. And that's what a FAQ page would help with.

I don't suppose you've used a FAQ page before, but I recommend them. They save a lot of time and keep conversations directed toward new questions.
testpilot
896 posts
 
The FAQ section would be either too basic, but easy to use, or so extensive that you would still need a search function. Besides, people would still post a seemingly easy question because they would feel that their situation is unique and requires validation. . 
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,795 posts
 
@testpilot Well, there are encyclopedias, with search. That's kind of the idea here. And people can still ask questions, of course, but it would be easier to refer them back to the FAQ's then to tell them -- "go search among the hundreds of posts on this topic and try to find the answer or two which clearly and concisely answers your question."
jperry
2,430 posts
 
Use this instead

https://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/d.mpl?audio/faq.html
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,795 posts
 
@jperry That looks very good but not quite an "instead of" IMHO.
More to discover