Hi Peter--

I couldn't agree more -- this forum was set up with the long-term goal of providing community support, or "help" as you say -- to free my time up for development. On most software I use -- mainly development tools, but also end-user software such as video processing software and the support for this forum software in fact -- is provided by other users.

That said, while it would be nice if this forum solved all my tech support issues :-) if there is a bug, insufficient documentation, etc. it is my responsibility to fix it. I generally answer questions here before I answer emails to encourage people to use it. It is nice to have tech support here for me rather than email -- everything is in one place including files exchanged, and if more than one person is having the same problem, the forum format really makes sense.

Furthermore, it is a resource for me in handling email and phone support -- which is still the bulk of our support efforts. Most phone calls or emails result in either a reference to the manual or help, or link to this forum.

While I am not as prompt as I would like, I am generally pretty good at answering posts, limiting the time others have to respond. That doesn't mean that I am discouraging community participation at all. I really appreciate what you are doing, and welcome input on how to get more community involvement. So by all means, if anyone sees a post where they can contribute, be it an answer to a question or a request for clarification, or just "yeah, I was wondering about that too...", please post!

I will think about your suggestion:



I have shied away from having forums that limit who can post there. Even the FAQ section can be posted to by anyone. The idea is to encourage participation, but maybe I am shooting myself in the foot. Also, I am concerned that a lot of the time it won't be clear if it is "help" that is needed or if an "issue" exists.

(BTW, I was concerned that things might get out of hand and that people would spend a lot of time bad-mouthing our products with no constructive end in mind. I am pleasantly surprised that there has not been one incident of that yet. I thank everyone for that. The criticism we have received is well-deserved and appreciated. LOGic is better and getting better because of it.)

At the very least, I will start some new sections for general discussion. On the technical side I have some material on LED flashlights that Fe cut from the last LOGic Lines that I could contribute. I also replaced some fluorescent tubes with LED. And not just technical stuff. Anything people want to talk about (except for religion and politics that don't affect ham radio hihi).

I can also compose an email to send to everyone. Suggestions are welcome for the content of this email.

Also, it is obvious that we need to market this forum differently, so input on that is welcome.

Peter, I really appreciate your help and of course that of everyone else who has contributed. I apologize if I have done anything to indicate otherwise.

Tnx & 73,

Dennis

G'Day,

I am glad we are on a similar wavelength. I was concerned I was "alone".

Thinking of an email ... it seems to me that a few factors are at play ...

While many spent years learning their profession, they think it takes a week at most to "learn computers" - and expect to "learn Logic" in an hour or two at most.

Some are a little afraid to ask for "help" in the open - they worry about exposing their lack of experience in public.

The old saying that "their are no dumb questions, only dumb answers" is unknown to many.

And lastly, few realise that if they need to ask the question, there is guaranteed to be a few others who want the answer, but are reluctant to ask the question.

So ... an email should especially stress the resources for the very new to Logic; those new to a forum, as compared to an email list; those having trouble getting beyond the log form; and the rewards available for sharing their experience. It should also stress the last point above. That knowledge about computers/Logic is an "ongoing construction", that requires one to acquire a little knowledge regularly, and the best place for that is amongst like minded individuals.

I have read several comments on the Logic reflector that they understood "email reflectors" but they did not like the forum style.

So, beyond the email, but also needed, is guidance on using the forum - knowing how to "watch a topic". Perhaps how to use an RSS feed. I suggest when someone registers on the forum you automatically set them up to "watch" FAQ. That way the forum "comes to them" rather than have them chase the forum. The FAQ should then provide a good way to consolidate learning and understanding.

Do you need someone to help in managing the forum?

Peter VK4IU

Ok, I will start a GENERAL DISCUSSION Section to encourage more interaction. Suggested forums? General Computer and Windows discussion for sure!

73,

DH