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How about an FAQ RMF (Read Me First) sticky for newbies? The post could contain links to all the commonly asked questions. The post could be edited and added to by a mod, and would be a great way for new members to find things. That way, (once it was up and running), members could refer newbies to one single thread more times than not.
But Parrothead, what PTS put together for e-waste cannot be found in like manner any where on the internet. What our noob is asking can be found in droves with the click of a button. When I came on the forum I didn't know nothin' from nothin' but it never occured to me to ask the forum to show me the difference between iron and steel. I read the forum and I googled. Why should noobs come on and not have to study like most of us have ??
Coming on this site is a little bit like going into another country - it makes sense to try to suss out the various customs and traditions before accidentally offending people.
That being said, I'm not sure why people react so negatively to someone asking them for expert advice "without a proper introduction" - I had some random stranger tell me today not to just take the cord off a fan I was trash-picking but to be sure that I got the copper from the motor as well. I didn't have to tell him anything about myself. I already knew that about the motor, of course (thanks to the forum btw!) . He was there to try to get the same fan but I got there first. However, out of a spirit of generosity and respect for our shared metal quest, he gave me trade information-gratis.
I feel that being asked about what we do is a compliment, an acknowledgement that we have acquired knowledge that has value. I don't see it as disrespectful even when it is done in a clumsy and clueless manner. If we weren't willing to engage in the sharing of information, we wouldn't be here. So why put people through so much #$@&*? Some of the comments directed to newbies are really mean spirited and, imo, disrespectful in themselves.
Meeting people at the dumpster is one thing Scrappette, but what if a total stranger came to your door and said, "hey, I heard you were a scrapper. Can you show me how to tell the different metals cause I want to be a scrapper." Wouldn't you feel more inclined to help if he or she said something like: "Hello ma'm, my name is so-n-so and so-in-so told me you were a scrapper. I'm real interested in learning about scrapping. Do you think maybe at your convenience you could show me how to start. I can get you some references if you need them and I'll even help you while I learn."
Dee, I demand that you help me get the copper out of these motors. :D
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrapette
My friend! I love and respect you for who you are but! Asking simple questions that has been answered over and over is just simple!
Simple people will never make the grade, that is a fact of life not just a mere observation but fact!
If one comes a pond a hunk of metal Is it our obligation to explain what to do with it? No We are here to share! Not to be used nor are we here to be questioned!
Perhaps off subject but most commerical web sites I frequent have a section, FAQ. Perhaps we could develope such a section here and place it at the top. Fill it with sticky threads. Just my little thought without fanning any flames, I hope. Mike.
Well said Mike.
My comments are only made from feeling being used for what I know!
[QUOTE=Dumpster-Dee;44272]Meeting people at the dumpster is one thing Scrappette, but what if a total stranger came to your door and said, "hey, I heard you were a scrapper. Can you show me how to tell the different metals cause I want to be a scrapper." Wouldn't you feel more inclined to help if he or she said something like: "Hello ma'm, my name is so-n-so and so-in-so told me you were a scrapper. I'm real interested in learning about scrapping. Do you think maybe at your convenience you could show me how to start. I can get you some references if you need them and I'll even help you while I learn."[/QUOT
Maybe I didn't make myself clear. I think that people should introduce themselves here because that is the polite thing to do and the etiquette standard of this forum. My issue is that I don't understand the outrage when they don't. I seriously doubt there is any intentional rudeness involved, just some social ineptitude. And, as I said, no disrespect intended, I believe.
Do I want people showing up at my private residence? Not particularly. But I might try to help them even if they didn't present themselves in the best way. That's mostly because so many others both off and on this forum have helped me. And also because I know that good manners don't always indicate a good person and likewise with bad manners.
As far as fans go I made two videos:Quote:
Originally Posted by sars101
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE91WNds6zU
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5yYIL553Kw
As far as different types of metal. I'm still learning myself.
Here is a video I took to the junk yard and video taped the guy sorting through different metals. though he does goes fast.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSCzlsGpoQk
Hope this helps and welcome to the forum and to the family!
Without stepping on toes here I think for now on I will just offer a warm welcome and keep what I think I know to myself!
This way they can ask away and just get a nice "Welcome"
Keep everything you tear down. Take it to your scrapyard and ask them questions. Anything that your magnet sticks to is iron. copper, brass, and alumimum is not magnetic. Copper is redish brown, Brass is yellowish, and Alumimum is grey. Plastic and paper you can trow away. Breakdown and seperate into buckets. Hope your not colorblind! There is your start. The rest you will learn along the way.
Since many of the members are not happy about being asked the same questions ad nauseum, perhaps the moderators would consider having some kind of required introductory course or tutorial for people seeking forum membership.
The course would contain basic information on metals and on scrapping, on how to find information on the site and on expectations of members to do their own research. At the end there would be a test. Pass the test and get free provisional membership. Violate too many of the forum expectations and get your membership suspended. After a period of time - maybe six months- you get full membership. People who want to participate in the give and take of the forum would have a way to do that.
Thoughts?
Kate that would be great but that will not solve the issues.
People just expect more then they deserve. I feel there will be no changing that!
Now that's the way to treat people - hooray!Quote:
Originally Posted by BiggerHammer
Thank you for your comment, Joe.Quote:
Originally Posted by injunjoe
Well, if you have to meet basic requirements to get on the site (and stay on the site) it would weed out some who do not want to be part of the give and take, don't you think? You can't change some people, but you can reduce their ability to undermine the quality of the forum without making it overly restrictive to participate.
Amen - very well put. How about if folks have something mean or negative to say, they just say nothing and go onto the next post. There's no requirement to answer a post.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrapette
Some may, some may not. What's wrong with a little help and a lot of courtesy?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dumpster-Dee
How about this. If we don't have something nice to say, how about not saying anything at all? Courteous things to do. Why offend and ridicule? What's the point of having the forum if there is not some give and take. Who knows today's newbie may be your source tomorrow for a great idea that will help you out. And besides the utilitarian value of being decent, it's just the right thing to do.Quote:
Originally Posted by olddude
RecyclingSecrets you said if I sent you my email you'd send me a free copy of your eBook. Well No eBook yet but alot of SPAM...what the heck?
UPDATE: Sorry RecyclingSecrets I was checking the wrong email. I got it now. THANK YOU. Didn't mean to slander you!
RecyclingSecrets DID NOT spam my email. I was checking the wrong email. I got a free copy of his eBook and have started reading it. I'll let you all know how it was when i'm done reading it.