Official Luthiers Forum!

In 2005 early on in the history of the OLF Mario P. posted that he would appreciate it if people used a post title that let us know what the hell the thread was about. I specifically remember thinking to myself what a dick this Mario guy is....

But as time goes by I learned that what Mario offered that day was true. Some folks including the folks YOU may want to help you with a question are often busy sorts and don't have time to open every post titled "Lookie Here...." to see what it's all about.

I find myself in this same situation now, being a dick... and not appreciating people who do not respect my time by titling their posts in at least enough of a descriptive manner that we have some idea what it's about.

This ain't hard folks and not everyone wants to have to search and read to even begin to understand what's on your mind. Please make it as easy as it can be for all of the folks here who sincerely want to help folks to do just that. You may be missing out on the solution you were seeking because the right person passes up your post not wishing to guess at what you seek.

I'll add that the archives are priceless here but when a post is titled "I did it again" no one is going to open that thing....

Thanks

100% agree. It would even be nice when threads evolve to update titles. Like the recent one on M&T joints now covers the whole gamut of the joint and would be a great resource if titled to reflect the content.

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Brian R, Wood Mechanic
N8ZED

This is happening across the internet forums that I visit on a daily basis. I am probably as guilty of it as anyone else. The whole point of these forums is clear communications, and verbal subtleties can't be shared in the written language. Also, let's face it, the social media culture has a language all its own, and people in general are having trouble expressing themselves in an understandable manner. I'm going to try to improve my posting habits, and if I don't feel free to call me on it - because I want to do better. I want to be fully understood to the fullest extent possible.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Works for me, I do appreciate descriptive titles.


Steve

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Absolutely and great idea Brian!!!

Thanks too everyone for taking this as intended and that is to improve the value that you and everyone receives from the OLF. We have a good thing going here in this community so let's keep it that way and perhaps, perhaps even make it better.

Brian I just updated my post title thanks to you

Yep, me too, great suggestion.

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Measure Twice,

Karl Borum

Yeah, the reason forums are my preferred social media is because they keep the information fairly well organized and navigable for future people. Not perfect, of course. Sometimes it's difficult to find a specific old post even if you know what you're looking for. But compared to the cacophony of a chat room history or twitter posts, it's much easier to find and read through old discussions on a topic you're interested in. Good thread titles help with that.

I'm not too keen on updating titles, though. It's confusing when you come to check in on a thread you've been following and the exact title is not there anymore. Especially if it's gotten pushed down the page a ways and you have to hunt for something similar to what you remember.

Also a good point Dennis.

Maybe a better recommendation would be to update titles with additional specifics. Something like --- ....... "& M&T joints in general", as an example.

I think we're on the right path.

The worst are obviously like -- Check This Out --- lacking even a clue as to content.

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Brian R, Wood Mechanic
N8ZED

I must say that expecting somebody to update the title of their thread because somebody else hijacked it is a bit troublesome...maybe the "somebody else" should create a new thread?

I get what you're saying Mike_P. about updating their title.
I just re-titled my M&T thread, based on this thread's discussion, so the info in it would be easier to find in a search, as there was so much excellent content in it (not of mine mind you). I appreciate the suggestion from the group- it'll make content more searchable, and a better overall Forum. And yeah, hi-jacking hard to update a title for that.....

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Measure Twice,

Karl Borum

I haven't had the impression from this thread that anyone was proposing expectations or rules about titles or content -- only suggestions that might make finding valuable content easier via a search.

Likewise, hijacking a thread, I think is a little strong implying some mal-intent. As more folks comment or make suggestions on an issue, some thread drift is almost inevitable in a public forum. That's kinda what different ideas are, they tend to broaden a topic with ideas.

Deciding whether content of a new post deserves a separate thread of its own can be a tough call. Is it better to add more content to an already great thread or start a new one? I ask myself that a lot.

On the other hand, some threads get so big I think a lot of great content can get lost in them. Hesh's "What's happening in your shop" has over 1500 posts and over a million views. I don't think I missed any of the posts and enjoyed them all and I'm sure I read many where I said, man, that rates it's own thread.

I like threads like, What's your favorite finish? Gives a one stop shop for pros and cons of many.

Great forum and fantastic content across the board.

Thanks everyone!

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Brian R, Wood Mechanic
N8ZED