Another Research Forum where people offer expertise - Writers Forum

DanteRisen · 09-10-2005, 02:10 AM

I used to go to another writing forum that no longer exists and they had two Research forums

One was just like the forum you have here where people just ask random questions.

The other however was where people posted their area of expertise. I for one offered information pertaining to history ranging from Medieval all the way back to the early Bronze Age.

This made it easier for people to get specific answers rather than just hoping someone will know the answer to your question. At the other site I went to, if there wasn't a specific area offered then they would just ask in the general research forum.

It worked well, and it made it easy to interact with people that had the same interests.

Thanks,

DanteRisen

silverwriter · 09-10-2005, 03:02 AM

Kind of like "I claim a lot of knowledge in abnormal psychology" sort of thing?

daniela · 09-10-2005, 03:04 AM

It's not very big yet, but we do have a thread called Areas of expertise. Maybe you could be the one to revive it.

I realize a single thread is not the same thing as an entire forum but it's something at least.

DanteRisen · 09-10-2005, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daniela

It's not very big yet, but we do have a thread called Areas of expertise. Maybe you could be the one to revive it.

I realize a single thread is not the same thing as an entire forum but it's something at least.

Only problem with it only being a thread is you have to scroll through the whole thing just to find what you need. At the other site I went to, once the forum was up it was used quite often. It just needs to be given a chance.

Hodge · 09-10-2005, 03:18 AM

I don't think it'd work, because people aren't neccessarily experts in what they claim to be. Much better to do your own research (google works wonders).

DanteRisen · 09-10-2005, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hodge

Much better to do your own research (google works wonders).

Then what is the point of even having a research section? People obviously have questions and want help. This would only make it quicker to find someone that can help. And honestly, google doesn't always work that well.

Kane · 09-10-2005, 05:39 AM

I've NEVER seen a google search come up empty when I am researching for a story or an essay or anything else. I would definately be one to disregard most of what someone might claim lies within their field of expertise, that I might check on google and instantly have multiple, well rounded sources for information.

DanteRisen · 09-10-2005, 06:54 AM

Anyway, google is irrelevant.

People post in the research area asking questions. With a forum where people say they have information ready and are willing to help, research can go much faster, especially when you don't know that much about the topic to begin with.

If you don't want to help people then don't. I personally enjoy interacting with people and learning at the same time. We're all writers and need to stick together.

mammamaia · 09-10-2005, 08:03 AM

Quote:

If you don't want to help people then don't. I personally enjoy interacting with people and learning at the same time. We're all writers and need to stick together.

dante... you're new here, so don't know the 'older' members yet... hodge and kane happen to be two of the most ready-to-help and helpful folks on the forum... it's not fair to diss them just because they offer a somewhat different pov than yours...

fyi, as you can see from this post, those of us who've been here a while, DO stick together... wouldn't it be nice for a newcomer to do the same?

btw, i happen to agree with both of them... and i've been helping others here and on other writer's sites for years...

love and hugs, maia

Pawn · 09-10-2005, 10:23 AM

I can't see a new forum as per this suggestion being used sufficiently to warrant its creation. As has been pointed out, Google tends to supplant even the one research forum in the majority of cases. However, I do respect the point that learning through actual dialogue is a far more pleasant activity than trauling websites of no guarantee accuracy. WF members do cumulatively have a wealth of knowledge which it would be nice to at least allow the potential for tapping.

I've sticky'd the aforementioned Areas of Expertise post in the Research forum. I would encourage anyone who feels they know enough about anything to make themselves known.

Have a nice, y'hear.