- Joined
- Jan 27, 2005
- Messages
- 12,903
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- 5,194
- Location
- Dalworthington Gardens, TX
- Website
- pbase.com
The Newbie Forum was created in April 2009 following the requests of a number of new turners and subsequent discussions about its purpose and goals. Here is a link to the sticky thread that summarizes the purposes of the forum.
Based on my own feelings and numerous comments from others, both beginners and long time turners, I feel that the existence of a separate Newbie Forum often sends a negative or confusing message to forum users, both new and long time members. At the worst, I'm concerned about the implied message telling beginners that their place is in the kiddie corner and they're not ready to play with the adults. It's also is confusing to beginners who don't know whether or not a question should be asked in the Newbie forum. Also, I haven't seen much evidence that the original intent of the forum has actually occurred.
I wouldn't want there to be the existence of even the slightest hint of second class status to any forum member and that is what has been bothering me about having a designated separate place for beginners. Of course, it's obvious that I'm only hearing from those wanting change. People aren't going to contact me and say, "I'm happy with the status quo and don't change anything" if they don't know that a change is being considered. So this is the time for everybody to make their preference known on this question. Vote in the poll and post your opinion in this thread. I'm anxiously awaiting what you have to say.
(As a separate unrelated matter, I am planning to create an Introductions Forum, but I'm still working on the details.)
Based on my own feelings and numerous comments from others, both beginners and long time turners, I feel that the existence of a separate Newbie Forum often sends a negative or confusing message to forum users, both new and long time members. At the worst, I'm concerned about the implied message telling beginners that their place is in the kiddie corner and they're not ready to play with the adults. It's also is confusing to beginners who don't know whether or not a question should be asked in the Newbie forum. Also, I haven't seen much evidence that the original intent of the forum has actually occurred.
I wouldn't want there to be the existence of even the slightest hint of second class status to any forum member and that is what has been bothering me about having a designated separate place for beginners. Of course, it's obvious that I'm only hearing from those wanting change. People aren't going to contact me and say, "I'm happy with the status quo and don't change anything" if they don't know that a change is being considered. So this is the time for everybody to make their preference known on this question. Vote in the poll and post your opinion in this thread. I'm anxiously awaiting what you have to say.
(As a separate unrelated matter, I am planning to create an Introductions Forum, but I'm still working on the details.)