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Waterboy
Navigator

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USA
204 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/14/2004 : 13:47:10

Hi it's me again! I'm still full of questions and getting more excited by the day as I prepare for the summer of cruising.

First let me tell you all again how much I appreciate this forum; the combined expertise and experience here is like nothing I've found elsewhere. Also, the group's ability to stay 'on topic' and downright friendly is just outstanding - there's no spam, no flame wars, no passionate threads having absolutely nothing to do with maintaining and sailing our C's ... 'just enough fringe topic discussion to add a little flavor.

I'd like to get the forum's consensus on 'proper' etiquette regarding submitting inquiries. Obviously, one should search the archives first to see how a given topic has been approached and discussed before asking the 'same' question for the umpteenth time. But the existing threads often don't contain the answer to a 'new' question on a previously discussed topic.

Is it preferred to resurrect an 'old' thread, or should one post a new question? I'm certain the forum has not explored all possibilities, and as such, even topics previously discussed rather exhaustively can frequently benefit from further discussion. Also, one of the great things about a forum such as this is not neccesarily having to wade through all the existing threads to ferret out the particular gem your seeking.

I certainly don't want to spam or hog the forum, but I do have several questions on unrelated topics I'd like to post. I'm cautious about pestering too much, but I know you all have many of the answers I seek. How I pose these will depend on your response(s).

Greg

Edited by - on

MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2004 : 14:03:58

Spam or hog the forum, I don't think that is possible.

In regards to off topic stuff, some things are OK others are not as far as I can see. If it has anything to do with fixing something I I can see a relationship to what we are doing. For example when someone asks about repairing fiberglass I don't mind talking about fixing the front right fender of my wifes old corvett. It can be related to actual methods used in boat repair.
Also sometimes you just got to let off some steam.
In regards to reposting an old thread, it kind of depends on the old thread. I have seen some old things come back and I have seen new posts with references to old ones. Perhaps you could re word the question with a link back to the old post This might get some new answeres or insites into an old problem.

Above all don't be afraid to post a question or answer, unless that is your talk about those nasty republicans or jerks of democrates, or those idot (what is my brother)... libertarians.
God I hope I didn't open a can of worms just now.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
5904 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2004 : 15:13:49

The only thing we try to discourage is politics and other inflammatory off-topic subjects, because they could ruin the spirit of good will on the forum. For subjects that are frequently revisited, most of us appreciate it if you do a search for past discussions, but you certainly don't have to. I agree with you that it's good to have repeat discussions of the same issues, because, each time we discuss them, someone is likely to come up with a new idea. Ask away!

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2004 : 15:39:35

It is a good idea to check the archieves for past discussions on a topic, but its not mandatory.

Some of the topics come up again and again, but in addition to new insight new people are contributing to the discussion and learning from it.

So my 2 cents is ask away - if no one discusses a topic it won't get much attention.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2004 : 16:35:20

As to old thread info; if there are pictures in the old thread it might be best to resurrect the old thread so the pictures are handy to the discussion. It is possible to copy and past the picture links so it would be possible to start a fresh thread with an old picture.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2004 : 19:14:06

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Waterboy
 ...I'd like to get the forum's consensus on 'proper' etiquette regarding submitting inquiries. Obviously, one should search the archives first to see how a given topic has been approached and discussed before asking the 'same' question for the umpteenth time. But the existing threads often don't contain the answer to a 'new' question on a previously discussed topic...Is it preferred to resurrect an 'old' thread, or should one post a new question?...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I sometimes have a hard time searching for particular topics in the archives and I can imagine how difficult it must be for the newbie, who is still trying to figure out how to edit his post, to wade his way through to find that nugget of information he is seeking. With this in mind, I personally have no problem with anyone asking a question that has already been asked and answered.

As for resurrecting old topics, I find that people who attached a new question to an older topic usually don't get too many responses, especially if the old topic was long and had strayed from the original post.

I like the fact that content on the forums here stays mainly with sailing. Most of the discussions here are the same ones I have with sailor's down at the boatyard and at the marina.

Edited by - dlucier on 05/14/2004 19:16:31

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2004 : 21:29:15

Hi Greg... I think everyone here is impressed and grateful that you are asking these questions. But we're actually pretty laid back--the only boundaries we seem to have agreed on involve politics and religion--just a little too far from sailing and way to inflamatory (even though we have at least one preacher in the fold).

Regarding resurrecting old threads, I'd lean toward starting a new thread to ask a new question. That allows you to put the topic of your question in the header, which, I think, has some value. On the other hand, if your question is closely related to a relatively current topic, you can slip it in as a response. Some of us "more mature" members might be a little vague on what went on in a thread six months ago...

Jump right in--the water's fine!

Edited by - on

Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2004 : 01:37:11

Just ask away. Someone will tell you if there's and old thread. Just don't ever say:
1. I never lock/ unlock my swing keel.
2. I can change the name of my boat, right?
3. Where's all the gay pirates I heard about? (no offense intended to any gay pirates reading this)
4. Boater's World is way cooler than Catalina Direct.
5. I think those 50 hp MacGregors make a lot of sense.
6. Anyone want to trade my C25 FK Tall rig for a PWC?

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2004 : 07:13:59

Maybe those 50 hp MacGregors make sense to those gay pirates who shop at boaters world for PWC parts

Just jump right in

We can really impress Greg with our smarts, and most of all, maturity.

Not to mention demure, and not the least bit opinionated.

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2004 : 18:23:38

MMMMMMMM! <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">(even though we have at least one preacher in the fold)<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">,

I know of at least two.

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2004 : 22:34:07

Doug, you forgot one:

I'm trying to decide between aHUNTER 26...

and a WB......

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay on the Chesapeake

Edited by - Oscar on 05/16/2004 07:04:32

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.