»

[homer_simpson]

I don't like the search function. The problem is that many threads get too long and tend to digress here and there. Finding such information using the search function is a bit tedious. I like the idea of making summaries of certain topics where everybody can contribute. I think Fred's idea of using WIKI is a good one.

Also, the topics being summarized must be selected topics. Thus, people can still post, argue, share, discuss via the K4L forum about many things. The forum is the place to brainstorm and to digress to whatever topics it needs to be. The topics may be repeated, resurrected, discussed and analyzed over and over again. Everybody can say whatever they want. If the discussion leads to valuable information, then the information is saved to WIKI.

[sandman]

Do nothing EXCEPT - add a rule that there can be no complaints to new members when they bring up an old topic.

[FredInChina]

Seems like some forums are using a 'LOOK HERE FIRST" for some topics:

Check this link about injuries that meguro posted.

It says:

"For all things injury, look here first."

Could we have a "for all things "HEAD PUNCHES" check here first"

[FredInChina]

Open a "THREAD" or a "Shout box" or a "Chat box" where innocuous, non committal and trivial questions that don't need to be kept for posterity can be asked...

For instance, I am trying to figure out the title of the recent English movie that features a case of violence where an old chess player gentleman is murdered in a neighborhood - his chess mate seeks revenge and is indicted by the police, etc...
...this is a real case so if someone has the answer, I'd appreciate a pointer... Thanks!
I can't find the thread that featured it; there are no keywords that I can think of that will pull it up; I can't remember the title, the actors, who posted the thread; and it may well be inside a completely different topic...
...opening a new thread for that seems a little overkill!

Osu!

[jcarmello]

Originally Posted by FredInChina

Open a "THREAD" or a "Shout box" or a "Chat box" where innocuous, non committal and trivial questions that don't need to be kept for posterity can be asked...

For instance, I am trying to figure out the title of the recent English movie that features a case of violence where an old chess player gentleman is murdered in a neighborhood - his chess mate seeks revenge and is indicted by the police, etc...
...this is a real case so if someone has the answer, I'd appreciate a pointer... Thanks!
I can't find the thread that featured it; there are no keywords that I can think of that will pull it up; I can't remember the title, the actors, who posted the thread; and it may well be inside a completely different topic...
...opening a new thread for that seems a little overkill!

Osu!

This is a good idea Fred!

[FredInChina]

Great contribution and excellent suggestions from everyone; please keep it coming uncensored for a few more days. OSU!

WIKI - COLLABORATIVE
-Use the WIKI to organize the info - a sort of collaborative work
-assemble a task force and convert topical threads into power articles or wiki entries or FAQ subjects, depending on the scope of the topic.
-write a synopsis of an entire thread into one post.
- clean up, merge and pin; remove off topic posts relevant threads & merge similar topics then pin them.

SEARCH
-Install a quick tutorial about the search function could be linked to the registration process.
-When you register to be a K4L member, before you can actually logon you get a quick paragraph about how to use the search function and how to scan through the forums to find what you are looking for. The paragraph would also include encouragement to do a quick search before posting questions as a courtesy to members.
-Display the Search button more prominently? Maybe bigger...
-Install an automated search function - you set up your new thread and when you create it, a search is automatically done and returns some sort of a message like: "This topic is discussed in X thread, Y thread, and Z thread - do any of these answer your questions?" You have to click no before the new thread will post.
-Considering those who don't bother to read thoroughly, how to go about making them alert about such? There should be a system that also alerts them before posting a question. It could be in a way as when you google, you know, whenever you are entering a letter, options of what you "might" be looking for or to ask would come up, either by one letter or word.
-simplify the search option...have a selection for simple search (which searches everything) and then advanced search; default to simple
-place a search feature on the User Control panel, and inside the "Forums!" drop down and underneath the "unread posts" indicator on the top right
-remove the link to "Introductions" from the Forums menu (for first time users) and suggest to the new user to use the search to find the Introductions Forum?
-popup alert about the search function once a new user creates an intro thread...
-Add one extra step on the thread submittal that asks, "Have you searched the archive to reduce the incidence of redundency (search button - click here) before submitting a thisthread?"

HUMAN VALIDATION or MIX M/C-HUMAN VALIDATION
-new members must obtain approval of their new thread by a mod. ... maybe all members?
-When mods close a thread, they have "standard" language that points out the search function.
-Let the moderators do what they do. If a particular thread smells redundant merge it with a similar one, rebadge it, launch a generic p.m. to the author and on we move. Again that would be up to the mod squad to determine.
-Implement an automated search procedure that will suggest existing threads before posting a new one: 1- A new thread is requested - the server asks what it is about and offers a list of possible categories. 2- the server asks the topic & uses key words to suggest possible other threads that are related to the topic & asks if these threads, maybe, already answer the question. 3- if not, a new thread is temporarily opened but not published - it goes into a MOD box for approval, or merging with an existing thread.
-Prevent threads from getting too long and digress here and there. Keep them focused so finding information using the search function is easy.

TUTORIAL
-Create a frequently asked questions section?
-First question: 1). "How do you..." Any questions regarding technique have likely been answered. K4L has a lot of knowledgeable members, some of which may no longer be active. Before asking a technique or training relating question, or seeking advice, do yourself a favor and please try our Search (that would be a link) function. If you can't find what you're looking for, please feel free to ask.
-Have the registering process include an extra step before making your first post. After the initial registration, you would be taken to a "final step" so to speak. Here you will be instructed on forum etiquette and common mistakes etc. The search function would be pointed out often and explained. Sort of a tutorial. This step in registering would be required to move on. Maybe separate pages that you have to click on to insure you've read it all? After that final step you would be taken to the forums and free to post.
-use a 'LOOK HERE FIRST" for some topics:"For all things injury, look here first." Could we have a "for all things "HEAD PUNCHES" check here first"
- Pin a few more threads. Maybe once discussion goes on for awhile, members can request/vote for the thread to be pinned. (made sticky)

AVOID, LIMIT, GO AROUND or IGNORE THE PROBLEM
-set up an option to "opt out" of having to see threads on certain topics or threads started by new members (or whatever)?
-Limit or restrict the number of new threads one can open in a given time span, or for any number of posts... This number can vary as reputation increases...
-Do nothing - double or triple or eternally repeating info & questions are what forum life is made of - it keeps the darn thing alive & new comers flowing - where would K4L be if everything has been said and done?
-Do nothing EXCEPT - add a rule that there can be no complaints to new members when they bring up an old topic.
-The forum is the place to brainstorm and to digress to whatever topics it needs to be. The topics may be repeated, resurrected, discussed and analyzed over and over again. Everybody can say whatever they want. If the discussion leads to valuable information, then the information is saved to WIKI.
- Open a "THREAD" or install a "Shout box" or a "Chat box" where innocuous, non committal and trivial questions that don't need to be kept for posterity can be asked...

[sandman]

Thanks for putting it all together Fred! I was just thinking about this thread this morning for some reason - I didn't have a new suggestion to make, but was just thinking that it must be coming close to time to act.

Repped!

[Mas]

Osu,

And you made it all worth it Fred.... 2 heads are better than one

Thanks..... ayoba

Osu

[Hangtime]

One more for the record: Pin a few more threads. Maybe once discussion goes on for awhile, members can request/vote for the thread to be pinned.

A good example would be the "Karate Magazines"; that's a topic that may go on for a good long time. So to prevent people from asking about them, the thread is pinned near the top.

Also, maybe a "clean, merge and pin"; off topic posts removed from some threads, they are merged with threads of relevance and pinned.

[FredInChina]

Thankx Xrisscross03, I updated the recap with your suggestions.
Osu!

[FredInChina]

Mods, adms, the forum is done brainstorming; please find the recap of all ideas and suggestions.

Thank you all for your participation, you have provided great ideas and help.
Time to move on to the decision & execution phases.

Somebody, please close this thread.

Osu!

[kyokushin4life]

Very nice guys. Thank you for all the suggestions.

We could also use the k4l article section to keep FAQ threads?
Similar to this -> http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums...ead.php?t=8194

We can also try to get our wiki by fixing the technical issue..