On Tuesday 29 Mar 2005 17:50, Mikkel L. Ellertson wrote:
Mr. Geek wrote:
Having something like a newsletter would also allow people to compile their own libraries on a variety of technical topics, which can be reviewed offline at their leisure, while cutting back on some of the redundant posts to the list.
Following along this line of thought, would it be possible to post the newsletters on the Twiki site for future reference, with a possibility of any user requesting those article by email at a later date?
In theory, it sounds good. In practice, I suspect that the people that need it most would not read it. It would get treated like the welcome message - filed and forgotten.
Having been away, I've only just seen this. Just a few points I'd like to make:
1) The TWiki was started for just this reason - so many FAQs.
2) It wasn't being read by many newbies, so some of us started adding a link from our sigs.
3) It wasn't being read by many newbies, so the 'Welcome' letter was added.
4) When we re-direct people to the TWiki they say that they have never heard of it, and would have like to have known about it earlier.
I accept the criticism that getting around is not always easy, but we get few constructive comments to make it easier. There is an Index, and there is a search, which, though primitive, always seems to help me find something that isn't in the obvious place. Improvements are always welcome, but we need suggestions to help us.
As for the drop in new posters to the newbie list, it seems to have been roughly in proportion to the increase in complete newbies posting to the expert list.
Not wanting to put a damper on anyone's ideas :-)
Anne
Anne; No damper 'taken'. After all, it was only a suggestion. I would like to point out however (there's always a however, isn't there? Grin!) that a mailer - like the 'Welcome to Newbie' one - could become the next evolution of the Twiki.
I'm not suggesting that we drop or stop focusing on the Twiki, not by a long shot! I'm suggesting that a newsletter could contain links to various sections of the Twiki, with references to various topics.
For example, one note or topic could refer to setting up file sharing between various OS's, with a link to the appropriate Twiki section, while another could refer to installation problems and again could include a corresponding link.
In addition to the fact that this would make it simpler for newbies to find information quickly and reduce the amount of repeated questions regarding basic topics, it should increase the use of the Twiki. Newbie's would become familiar with and would probably contribute more
of their own helpful info to the Twiki.
Anyway, it seems rhetorical at this point, since the majority of the feedback concerning the idea was not positive. It seems that other assessments were right on this. No one would have the time.
Oh, well. Back to the drawing board.
-- Mr. Geek Registered Linux User #190712
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