> As soon as more than x people actively seeking help are on a channel (not > sure how many in this case), it becomes hard for new people on the channel > to get attention. The trick would be to get the volunteers onto the right > subchannel so that when someone on #ubuntu points the user to #ubuntu-sound, > there are a couple of people on #ubuntu-sound to help them. Otherwise, > they'll just go back to #ubuntu and start complaining.
One of the sites that has become very successful (IMO) in the IT world is the experts-exchange site. The model they have setup works very well because it's a reward-based system and everyone can benefit from the answers just scroll down to the very bottom of the page... ;) One way of applying this to IRC would be similar to what you said. Have #ubuntu where everyone comes in to ask their questions and get redirected. Have a few channels that everyone can join. #ubuntu-general #ubuntu-networking #ubuntu-install etc... You might join #ubuntu and ask why your NIC isn't working. Someone will redirect you to #ubuntu-networking to get your problem fixed. If no one in #ubuntu-networking can figure out the problem, they can have someone in #ubuntu-networking-level-2 send the user an invite to join the 'level 2' channel for support. People who are very proficient with networking would be in the level 2 channel. The only way to become a tech in the level 2 channel would be to spend time in #ubuntu-networking and demonstrating that you 'know your stuff'. Level 2 channels would be invite only so tech won't have to reply 'Did you kick your network cable out?' I believe a situation like this would be beneficial both to end-users and support people. End users would have a place to go and ask questions. If they can't get an answer, they get passed up to higher level and more experiences techs. >From the tech standpoint, it is somewhat a badge of honor to be a level 2 >tech. You have the benefit of being recognized as someone knowledgeable, and >you also don't have to wade through the 'Is the network cable plugged in?' >type questions that would come through the level 1 channels. Personally, I never join #ubuntu to help out. There's no benefit to me, but there *is* a huge headache of trying to wade through the flood. ...but I would put in my time so I can become a level 2 tech because I love working on tough network issues. The idea could potentially be applied in a forum situation where people can ask questions and give points for fixing the problem... That's just my thoughts. -A -- Ubuntu-devel-discuss mailing list Ubuntu-devel-discuss@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-devel-discuss
