Would it be possible?

[Broni]

I'm still pretty new to this board, but in a process of helping others, I've notice one inconvenience/time wasting issue.
We have "Microsoft Windows" section here, and in prevailing cases initial poster doesn't state his/her Windows version, which is crucial to giving even first advice.
Sometimes, thread goes on through several answers, and finally someone says: "Oh, btw, what's your Windows version?"
Also, giving an advice, not knowing poster's OS version, may be even dangerous.

So, would it be possible to split "Microsoft Windows" category into subforums:
- Windows Vista
- Windows XP
- Windows 2000/NT
- Windows ME/98/95
or something similar?
That way, when seeing a post, we would know, right away, what Window version we are dealing with.

[street1 (RIP)]

That's a really good idea Broni. Hope Nathan catches this one
and responds.

[WillyW]

...
That way, when seeing a post, we would know, right away, what Window version we are dealing with.

Actually, you wouldn't know,  you would be assuming that the poster got in the proper forum.

So the question is:   Would that be better than having to ask so as to be sure?

It is something to consider carefully.

[Broni]

Thanks 

[Broni]

you would be assuming that the poster got in the proper forum

I would say...9 out of 10 will, and in case of that 1 out of 10, mods have a power to move a topic to appropriate subforum.

[Fed]

I think we would still have to ask every poster to confirm they had posted in the right forum.

[street1 (RIP)]

I think we would still have to ask every poster to confirm they had posted in the right forum.

You probably have something there Fed.

[WillyW]

you would be assuming that the poster got in the proper forum

I would say...9 out of 10 will, and in case of that 1 out of 10, mods have a power to move a topic to appropriate subforum.

Sorry,  I'm with Fed on this one.     I feel that the cure you propose might be worse than the problem.   

It has the potential for a lot of confusion.    Let alone necessitating the moderators having to move more posts around.

If you feel that it would be a good thing to streamline the process, and thus provide faster and better assistance,  I fully agree with that concept.   I just don't think it is really all that possible.    Remember,  new comers here are likely to be - and this is meant to be a factual statement, not deragotory -  innocently ignorant.    Heck,  that is why they are here.... they need help. 
Often that includes holding their hand from the beginning.
Heck... when I get confused I need my hand held too! 

If you are feeling frustrated by having to repeat the same questions over and over,  I agree with that too.    And I applaud your desire to come up with a better idea.    In other words,  I didn't make my post with the intention of just shooting you down.   Not at all.    It is just that I don't have a better idea either.

Well - maybe a tad bit of one.   
Actually, it is another poster here that I feel  often provides a wonderful example.
Have you ever noticed what Dusty does?     
Check it out:
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,43983.msg275830.html#msg275830

That is clear, to the point, friendly, courteous, helpful and welcoming.
Note the "Welcome" and "please" words.
The whole post probably took Dusty less than a minute to compose.  I'm assuming that Dusty has that link bookmarked or something like that.

By the way,  do follow the link, and check out what is there.


I cannot help but notice a trend here, by a few here on CH, towards making smart alecky and useless replies to newcomers that don't know any better than to phrase their questions as they do.
This is not a good thing.  It drives people away, and provides a bad example for others here. 

I think Dusty's post is an example of just the opposite.   It is what we want here.

I think it might be a good idea to copy-n-paste that post to a text file, and keep it handy for future use.     




... just my opinion.

[Broni]

Thank you all for your input. I was just thinking aloud.
There is also another option.
When a new member registers, a new REQUIRED field could be created concerning new member Windows version.
Maybe more fields, I don't know.
Then, that info could be implemented somewhere...right under member name, under avatar, whatever.
I realize, that people buy new computers, but how often? Info like this, would be good for couple of years, and could be modified in User CP.
Thinking aloud, again...

[patio]

Just for some perspective...i volunteer at a few Forums. 2 others have their Windows section set up this way.
I'd say about a third of the time you get " oh i'm running 98" in the XP section etc.

It's a common sense approach...but it requires some common sense.

[Broni]

2 others have their Windows section set up this way

patio...you mean, ONE Windows forum, or with subforums?
I attend few other boards, too, and they all have subforums. Surely, once in a while, some Win98 user posts under Vista, but it's not that common.
And if someone is worrying about mods getting overwhelmed with wrong postings, it won't happen.
Judging fro other boards, more active members got involved, too.
All, it takes is to say to that Win98 poster:
"Hey bud, it's wrong forum, post, please under Win98".
This is how it's done on other boards.

[WillyW]

...
There is also another option.
When a new member registers, a new REQUIRED field could be created concerning new member Windows version.

How about  -    required to read that post that Dusty provided a link for?
Of course they might blow right by it,  but some wouldn't.

Maybe more fields, I don't know.
Then, that info could be implemented somewhere...right under member name, under avatar, whatever.
I realize, that people buy new computers, but how often? Info like this, would be good for couple of years, and could be modified in User CP.
Thinking aloud, again...

I've seen this implemented.
Don't know how often they buy whole new computers,  but forums like this do attract folks that are apt to change components.   
That, and I've seen text in the places for computer info that was entered just for fun... did not provide the hoped for info.

[WillyW]

...
I'd say about a third of the time you get " oh i'm running 98" in the XP section etc.

If the forums are active,  in real numbers that third could be quite a bit.

It's a common sense approach...but it requires some common sense.

Aye,  there's the rub.

[WillyW]

...
All, it takes is to say to that Win98 poster:
"Hey bud, it's wrong forum, post, please under Win98".
This is how it's done on other boards.

   Just like having to say, "Hey... what version of Windows are you using?"
or... with class, like Dusty's example.         Having to post/ask is having to post/ask ... whether it is telling someone to try another forum, or to ask what ver of Windows they are using.   

Other than keeping it courteous, friendly, welcoming, and helpful -  I really don't think there is a "best" method beyond those things.

[WillyW]

...i volunteer at a few Forums.

Can you provide links?     If it is out of line to do so in this open forum, please PM me with them.

You too please,  Broni.

How much time I have to spend reading varies,  but I like it.  Since there are lot of forums out there, it would be nice to know of a those that come recommended.

Thanks