Post #56403 by Humuhumu on Wed, Oct 22, 2003 8:27 PM

I really enjoy that we don't have to be moderated here (that we are even able to have this discussion is a testament to our being a big 'ohana -- one with the occasional tussles between siblings, but still an 'ohana). On the other hand, self-moderation is difficult without some guidelines to fall back on.

May I suggest that a revamping of the FAQ is in order? Right now the FAQ is focused mainly on useability issues, and doesn't touch on the dos & don'ts that are particular to our group (e.g.: tiki relates to things that are Polynesian, not Carribean or African; posts about items for sale belong in Collecting Tiki; before asking a question, try the Search feature since odds are good it's already been answered; etc.).

To get a sense of what I'm thinking, take a gander at the FAQ at Television Without Pity. TWoP is a very well-run forum, but is very different than this one (biggest difference is that it's heavily moderated which we neither need nor want here); much of what's there won't fit here, but perhaps it can give some ideas.

I'd also like to suggest that new users are walked through the FAQ before they are able to finish the registration process, and that they are urged to make their first post in the "Introductions from New Members" thread. It's a little thing, but helping new members understand better the conversation they're about to jump into may make them more comfortable, and may cut down on some of the more cringe-inducing first posts from well-intentioned but misguided new people.