The Batlabs Batboard FAQ Generation Thread

Post by **alex** » Thu Jul 31, 2003 7:05 am

Alrighty guys...

I have decided it's time to generate a FAQ for the board. This is something that people SHOULD read before they Post on the board.

I would like to be able to begin compiling a good list too of threads that answer common questions as well.

This will all be absorbed into one, hopefully nicely written FAQ (and yes, I'll spell check it too!)

Here's what my goals are:

1) Eliminate duplicate topics which duplicate information, some of which is correct, some of which is incorrect.

2) Get people to search for their answers before posting

3) Update threads on topics, merge, or split as nesecary.

4) Create subforms if needed to split up information and make it easier to access, search, and find.

5) Ensure correct information is posted

6) Find a way to ensure updated information actually makes it to the website in some way shape or form (mainly Bat's responsibility - not mine, but anything to help).

I think that's the start of the list.

So lets get going... Idea's, suggestions, comments, all are welcome.

I have a green light from Bat to work on doing some "renovations" so I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas.

I'll leave this as a announcement.

-Alex

Post by **Code3Response** » Thu Jul 31, 2003 2:58 pm

Great idea Alex - Thanks for getting the ball rolling. I think that a good idea would be to have sub-categories in eachforum. For example, in the Vehicle Installs section, have seperate "categories" for items such as:

Vehicle Installation Pictures
Electrical Problems
Installation Parts & Supplies
Etc...

Znarx · Post by **Znarx** » Thu Jul 31, 2003 10:12 pm

a "How do I program/Why can't I program my radio?" thread with:
1. list of hardware required
2. computer spec recomendations
3. hardware recommendations (no nip clips, etc..)
4. software config settings (True DOS for DOS RSS, com port, etc..)
5. possible workarounds to above

...Z

werdnuts · Post by **werdnuts** » Fri Aug 01, 2003 6:00 am

What about having a seach box and associated stuff at the top of the main page. If the search stuff is right there when you start, it might encourage people to search first.

-werdnuts

wa2zdy · Post by **wa2zdy** » Sun Aug 03, 2003 9:58 am

I don't know how practical this is or if it would even be desireable, but how about putting the FAQ page as the index so everyone logging on, at least for the first time, would see it first and have to choose to go past it to get to what is currently the index page?

Just an idea, since most folks won't look at the FAQ page any more than most of us RTFM first with a new toy.

Post by **HumHead** » Sun Aug 03, 2003 10:35 am

Sounds like a great idea / project!

How about a section on how to obtain RSS through Motorola? It might save a few newcomers from warnings / moderation.

Post by **wavetar** » Thu Aug 07, 2003 2:05 pm

Hmmm... a FAQ sounds good in theory, I'm not sure how practical it would be for this board. It's not like we're dealing with a single model of radio, or a single type of computer, a single type of RSS, or a single OS. There are a lot of variables which would make it much more complex than the average FAQ.
I think everyone should read every page on Batlabs before they ever get here, that would answer a lot of questions.
I think people should take greater advantage of the 'search' function that already exists on the board. Perhaps if it were featured more prominently...I didn't even realize it was there for the longest time. Also, it would be nice if it could search for 3-letter words such as GTX, MCS, LCS, etc...without having to add "*" before & after them (thanks for that tip, Nand).
Don't get me wrong, I'm not very 'creative', and am maybe just missing what's involved in creating a useful, informative FAQ. If there's any way that I can help, I'm more than willing.

Todd

kmoose · Post by **kmoose** » Fri Aug 15, 2003 11:44 am

Maybe set up the FAQ page as the first page you come to, on the website. Then, if you don't click on an FAQ, then this pic of a guy in armor comes up, and a deep voice says, "None shall pass....."?

Just an idea............*grin*

JAYMZ · Post by **JAYMZ** » Fri Aug 15, 2003 5:47 pm

kmoose... What is your name? What is your quest? What...is your favorite colour?

Technically there is already a FAQ page. It's the home page and the model specific info. Maybe a little stronger wording to remind the newcomers that they should search the site and the message forums for their answers prior to posting would be in order.

The header of the boards are pretty straightforward... the RULES. But maybe an adaptation of that for a 5 or 6 line instructional greeting would be in order along with the rules.

"Please search the site and the forums for answers to your questions to prevent multiple postings on the same subject" Blah blah blah... then your rules..

"THOU SHALT NOT ASK FOR RSS...or your toenails will be plucked out"
"THOU SHALT NOT DISTRIBUTE RSS...or you will be burned at the stake like the heretic you are"

Obviously my insanely dry humor won't be used but I think it illustrates the point of what I'm getting at.

Everything the new person needs is right here on the site. You just have to look for it. If you are really THAT interested in the details of how Motorola radios work and performs you will be willing to do a little searching. If not... well... your loss. The only thing that I would add is the "Bible" of the proper programming platform that Monty posts on occasion. Adding that may help a little... although I'm pretty sure the programming primer has that too... I dunno.. I haven't looked at that page in a long time.

Cowthief · Post by **Cowthief** » Sun Sep 21, 2003 4:49 pm

Hello.

The 'programming primer' is well written.
Perhaps most people simply want to try and make doorstops?
Short of making it monty python's looney bin, there is no real easy answer, you will always have the people screw things up, then ask questions later.
P.S. quest for the holy grail, the game, is like RSS, you are never really sure.

RapidCharger · Post by **RapidCharger** » Tue Nov 11, 2003 11:16 pm

I don't know, I was talking to someone tonight who said they were having some trouble following the programming primer. At which point I told him he'd find *someone* via google of course, who was so proud of their accomplishment, they have already documented what you need to do step by step, complete with screen captures and a list of actual key strokes.

Honestly, I think it's time for some organizational improvements. It's doesn't need to look good, but it can certainly be a little easier on the eyes. In fact if it was easier on the eyes, people might actually completely read through everything and find what they are looking for prior to posting. You gotta remember, the content was written by experienced persons, and it's sometimes hard to use newbie speak. If it's not thourough enough, the question will likely find it's way to the board for the 5,000'th time.