Re: Why we have FAQs [Re: Slightly puzzled]

[Jack Friess <jfriess@wctc.net>]

Nate:

In article <324E1664.70C6@mc.net>, Tony <anomaly3@mc.net> makes a good 
point about people, especially newcomers, feeling welcome to ask 
questions.  If someone just bought an Apple II and doesnt know where to 
start (and I've read several articles the past several weeks like this), 
they'll just post a basic question ("Where is the power switch on this 
thing, anyway?").  [And don't laugh.  I mean, I'm a professional 
technology consultant, and I ask that question of folks and their 
equipment several times a year.]

The question, I think, isn't whether or not we should have a FAQ (the 
one we have, thanks to you, is great), but, rather, how to get people to 
it with them _feeling_ turned off, or that someone is implying they're 
stupid.

I was thinking about this even before Tony raised the question. What 
would be the problem with posting an a short, permanent (I suppose it 
might have to be continully reposted) article entitled:  "AAA: Newcomers 
read me first".  And then in the article invite prople to check out the 
FAQ, before posting their question?  We could also include other A2 
information and/or links to FTP sites, etc.

Perhaps this "newcomers" posting will not only help new people feel 
welcome and get their questions answered faster, but it might help you 
and other A2 pros to concentrate on more technical 
questions/discussions.

What do you think?


Jack Friess
Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA