MindTheGap
495 posts
Jan 19, 2015
12:50 AM
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I have to agree that, right now, there are more beginners posting and getting good answers and a warm welcome. This is very recent, but really good and I hope it continues.
Clearly, there isn't a groundswell here in favour of a separate beginners' forum. But note Kudzu's important point about selection bias when drawing conclusions. Broadly, the people posting here are here because they like what they are getting.
Given how things are going (IMO in a positive direction), it does seem reasonable to keep things as they are for now, and revisit the debate from time to time. Having the discussion is in itself a sign of good health.
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MindTheGap
496 posts
Jan 19, 2015
2:22 AM
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harmlessonica - Re the long text at the top of the forum, yes it's unusual. But when I first came across it, it read it more positively along the lines of this one isn't a free-for-all. There have been some problems in the past (as you say, like all forums), and the owners have taken positive steps.
It's good to review and reform. I also think it's good that Kudzu has taken the trouble to clearly state rules and spirit. It's one of the several elements that sets MBH apart.
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florida-trader
612 posts
Jan 19, 2015
4:01 AM
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Harmlessonica – You don’t need to look for a hidden agenda. I took Adam’s offer as sincere. It is good to get another perspective from a totally independent source. There are a few full time pro harmonica players or techs that hang out on this forum but the overwhelming majority of us have “real jobs” which means we each bring our own unique perspective to the table. Case in point – you are a graphic designer. Lots of us have a website. When you are a one man operation you have to wear a lot of hats so it is helpful to get (sincere) input and advice from someone who has expertise in certain areas. I have customers from every walk of life and gotten a lot of very good advice as I have built my business. (Some of it I have even followed.)
This conversation has been, in part, about how to make MBH a more hospitable place for beginners who might otherwise be reluctant to ask questions. As a beginner and a new member of this forum who just experienced the discovery process first hand you are a good resource for this project. Just because you are a beginner and are new to the forum does not mean your opinion does not count. What better evidence of that do you need than an invitation by the owner and Supreme Ruler to help re-write the creed?
I believe Adam is trying to broaden the base of this forum by making sure that everyone’s needs are met – beginner and advanced players alike. It’s good all the way around. I think you completely missed the mark with your comment, “Finally, I've omitted the nice 'Beginners welcome!' sentiment as it appears this will not be valid after the new forum is created...” In my opinion, you are 180 degrees off – going in the wrong direction (mentally speaking) with this.
Just my 2 cents. And oh yeah – welcome to the forum. I mean it. Really.
---------- Tom Halchak www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Jan 19, 2015 4:03 AM
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Harmlessonica
17 posts
Jan 19, 2015
6:18 AM
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@mtg Yes, I read it positively too - hence I was happy to sign up. I just offered a suggestion because I thought it would help. I also tried to keep that same spirit intact, whilst still reducing the word count.
@florida-trader I wasn't looking for any 'hidden agenda'. Nor did I mean to imply there was any insincerity on anyone's part whatsoever. My apologies to one and all if I came across in that manner.
I think you misunderstood what I meant with the beginners paragraph. The request was to rephrase the text for brevity and hopefully make it lighter in tone. That paragraph didn't need rephrasing because it was perfect already (I previously suggested the text ends with that statement).
However, if Adam decides to add a Beginner's Forum, that statement here on this forum might not be necessary and may even confuse those wondering which forum is most appropriate for them.
Once again I apologise if I came across differently. That paragraph could be used on any forum on this site - my experience is a testament to that.
Thanks for having me. :)
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SuperBee
2345 posts
Jan 19, 2015
11:41 AM
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I've noticed a big increase in beginners posting/first time posting...since this discussion began. I wonder if that's a coincidence.
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