Beginners Forum

[ozboy]

I have thought, for some time, that there should be a forum dedicated to beginner players. I don't know how many times I have seen someone ask what seems to be genuine question and get crucified. I know this may cause problems as to what represents a beginners question as opposed to a more advanced. Obviously all questions represent information on a continuum that can be taken on a range of levels. Maybe also, new members should be sent a stock standard message as to how to use the search function as I guess it would not be the first port of call for a new member who is eager to become involved.
By having a beginner's forum, people who find naive questions frustrating could avoid frustration. It might also give some protection to posters who might otherwise be Kiboshed by those of us with a sense of humour and/or dogma. Just a thought.

[Pedal C]

Maybe there could be a FAQ section where moderators could link to the best threads or posts that represent good answers to common questions. Breathing, routine, sensible questions about mpcs or equipment, etc. Add them as stickys that are locked so its simply a place to find common info, not to debate (there will still be plenty of that, I think). Non-mods could suggest things for the "Best of" list to whoever moderates it, and the new member message could mention that the FAQ section exists.

Another thing I've thought about (not about beginners, but about the same questions over and over) is to link to your favorite threads in your signature. Then instead of constantly rewriting the same thing, someone could say something like "That's a good question, check out my signature for a link to another great thread that has everything I'd say here. Post here again if you want to know more." Then any further questions or whatever could continue in the new thread. I don't think it would shut down too much meaningful discussion. I don't know, just my two cents.

Jason.

[Schwab]

I barely have enough time to read all the posts already! We're going to need some more moderators...

[ozboy]

Originally Posted by Schwab

I barely have enough time to read all the posts already! We're going to need some more moderators...

That's why I thought a forum might work. Sure, some people may post in the wrong forum, but it might streamline things a little.

[rowuk]

a good way to "test the waters" would be for someone to call beginners to the Chat room. Set up a time period and chat. The really good stuff could get moved to the forums, the high note cheats questions will die with the end of the chat session. Instant gratification.

As far as a full blown forum goes, I am not sure about the use of storing the typical questions 175 kazillion times. If the search feature is not used now...............

I also feel it would have to be pretty tightly moderated to keep the answer quality high and the threads clean.

Perhaps a resources section that covers the beginners questions would be the safest. We post the typical questions and "approved" answers and lock them to keep them manageable in length.

Schwab is right about other moderators though. That forum if it existed would not be first choice for most working musicians.

[ozboy]

Rowuk. Now I understand why you are a 'Utimate User'. Maybe if you keep it up, they might bestow on you that magic letter 'L' so that you can be complete.

[rowuk]

Originally Posted by ozboy

Rowuk. Now I understand why you are a 'Utimate User'. Maybe if you keep it up, they might bestow on you that magic letter 'L' so that you can be complete.

Ozboy,
actuarry that is the correct sperring. I have often been toad to go to L.


broody L, he's drunk again..............

[trumpetnick]

I think that it may be a better solution to set up a no discussion area (just articles) with basic info on the FAQ like fingerings, basic maintenance and maybe some exercises/pieces to download.

[rowuk]

Beginners, no discussion? They won't go there.

I analysed the situation elsewhere.
Why does a beginner post?
1) to learn something
2) to brag (many times about things not yet earned)
3) to compensate for deficiencies elsewhere - if you have few or no friends, the internet acquaintances can give you a sense of worth
4) just for the heck of it with no real goal or coherency
5) to help somebody in a similar situation

The optimum would be #1 and #5, but blocking 2 (only not earned stuff) and 4 is real work. The moderators here often take a hardline stand for 2 and 4 and get heat for it, but I am convinced that it keeps TM attractive by making REAL content easier to find by establishing minimal standards. My rule of thumb is not to post anything that I haven't tried in real lessons. Yes, many lessons that I give are very "to the point!".

[jonterman]

Originally Posted by trumpetnick

I think that it may be a better solution to set up a no discussion area (just articles) with basic info on the FAQ like fingerings, basic maintenance and maybe some exercises/pieces to download.

As a beginner (playing inside a year) I really like this idea. I go to TM frequently to learn. Being an adult (and studying with a very accomplished teacher) I can sift through the garbage and understand what I am not ready to try (although I do like to read opinions and experiences had by others - the pros and BS'ers are easy to pick out).

Younger TM'ers may not have as good insght. Also, I do not like seeing people get slammed for asking 'stupid' questions. Posted articles of FAQs will be a great resource for TM'ers and Moderators. If a moderator sees an obvious beginner question that a new TM'er posted, he may tell that individual to go to that link. So 'approved' articles may be a good way to steer beginners in the right direction.

I would also like to see articles for the the advancing student. Not sure its possible, just my two and a half cents...