Static content/articles

[Oliver]

So, as you will know from the other thread, part of the ECF 2.0 process involves mass consolidation of forums (watch out for another thread on that shortly).

One of the things that our monumental "node-list" does usefully provide is an anchor point for useful information. I've already had some complaints that helpful stickies have been removed. I promise not to do any more of that until we have a replacement method for providing this information.

So, what might that method be? Well, I have found it. I'm going to set up an articles system in the next few days - this system will allow us to "promote" content into a navigable archive. But, boy, this is going to be a BIG job. Thankfully, it's not a job that needs to be done immediately. To be clear, I'm not yet sure of the exact form this will take, what categories and so forth - but I do think we can create the most authoritative knowledgebase on the planet.

So, who's up for this? Sound like a good idea? I should add - there's all kinds of very, very cool stuff we can do to ensure that informaiton we put in this system gets widely seen using some contextual tricks I've been learning over the last few weeks.

So, for instance, say we have an article on DIY liquid recipes - if someone's browsing a thread which contains discussion of DIY recipes, we can show a link to the DIY article in the sidebar or even in the thread itself.

Sound pretty cool? I think so - but I can't do this alone, this is definitely something that requires ECF member editors.

Anyway, this is the start of a discussion - I'd like to hear what people think about this, and if anyone's interested in participating please do send me a private message.

 

[Katdarling]

Oliver, sounds enormous and exciting.

I do hope you find some time to sleep tho.

 

[Robino1]

It might help to say what someone would have to do as far as the volunteer work would be. An instruction sheet of sorts.

It's kinda of hard to volunteer for something when we are not sure of what the job is...

 

[mikepetro]

I love the "concept".

The whole "editing" word could get contentious though. If someone edits "my" content I may or may not like it.

That being said, there are a lot of threads where if the "noise" where edited out, they could be a damn good reference.

Maybe "invite" members who posted worthwhile content to edit a noise free version.
Allow likes/dislikes and lock the post except for the "owner/editor", but allow permanent edits to them, so the post can be updated as more is learned..

It sort of sounds like you may be reinventing the Blog system.

 

[BrotherBob]

I'm going to set up an articles system in the next few days - this system will allow us to "promote" content into a navigable archive. But, boy, this is going to be a BIG job.

I believe this is a good idea. the cream should float to the top.

 

[sonicbomb]

Will the articles system include any material from users blogs?

 

[Oliver]

Will the articles system include any material from users blogs?

Hi Sonic,

I hadn't really thought about that. Worth noting that I'm also looking at revamping the blogs specifically.

 

[sonicbomb]

For me blogs on ECF are a way of consolidating knowledge accumulated from personal experience and participating in threads. It's useful as the same small handful of problems/questions tend to be asked repeatedly and it's an easy way to provide someone with an answer without getting sore fingers. This seems to line up in principle with what you are proposing.
Some things are subject to vagaries of choice and opinion like, mod choice, juice flavors etc. requiring discussion.
Some things vaping related like battery safety are absolute and benefit from a simple straight easy to access answer.

Are you able to discuss what changes you are planning for the blog system?

 

[Oliver]

No major changes to the blog system, but the new software offers in a bunch of extra features which may be helpful in organising things. But, to be honest, I am prioritising the AMS first as I think content organised around topic areas is a priority.

 

[Marc411]

How about a library of sorts where you can upload PDF documents or create a link within a specific category

Coil building
RTA/RTA
DIY
Battery knowledge base.......

 

[Eskie]

I still wonder of a Wiki system would offer an easy to navigate way to both save and search for information. If it's a long blog that needs to be moved over (or created in the future) those can be locked against edits. It's really a question of what can be incorporated as integral to the forum and not result in nasty stuff like code bloat and slower traffic.

 

[Oliver]

How about a library of sorts where you can upload PDF documents or create a link within a specific category

Coil building
RTA/RTA
DIY
Battery knowledge base.......

We can do all of that within the new article system

 

[Oliver]

So, I'm looking for people who'd like to join to help flesh stuff out. If that's you, please ping me directly by PM.

 

[Oliver]

I still wonder of a Wiki system would offer an easy to navigate way to both save and search for information. If it's a long blog that needs to be moved over (or created in the future) those can be locked against edits. It's really a question of what can be incorporated as integral to the forum and not result in nasty stuff like code bloat and slower traffic.

I'm not averse to Wikis, but I've chosen the article system over a wiki because of its ability to create article structures that Wiki can't handle. It's a powerful system and we'll be able to do much of what can be done in a wiki.

 

[Eskie]

I'm not averse to Wikis, but I've chosen the article system over a wiki because of its ability to create article structures that Wiki can't handle. It's a powerful system and we'll be able to do much of what can be done in a wiki.

That sounds great. I'm looking forward to seeing it when you roll it out. There is so much good information here that finding ways to improve access to the community will be a great help. I'm finding the new search function also improving my ability to retrieve data on the forums.

 

[Oliver]

This is, ultimately, about creating redundancy - we know that the forum contains more-or-less everything a vaper needs, but we also know that searching forums to find that information isn't great for everyone.

That said, I do think there's some cool stuff we can do. For instance, I'm looking at all the resources associated with DIY eliquid, and thinking we can make this MUCH better.

 

[Oliver]

This is, ultimately, about creating redundancy - we know that the forum contains more-or-less everything a vaper needs, but we also know that searching forums to find that information isn't great for everyone.

That said, I do think there's some cool stuff we can do. For instance, I'm looking at all the resources associated with DIY eliquid, and thinking we can make this MUCH better.