my idea of a question forum...

[Andy Baker]

Ken, great idea.

Hopefully, I can help with some input.

You mentioned three topics:

1. Who will be the "answerers"? and how are they determined?

2. How do we categorize these questions?

3. How do we publicize these important topics?

Who and How?
OK... as for the question of who and how to determine them, I think that anyone should have the ability to answer these questions. Some of the best stuff that goes on in the CD forum is when a student comes up with a great answer to a difficult question. Sure, it is nice to see "experts" give their opinions, but it is also good to see experienced students show their stuff.

Categorizing?
If the Forums had a page of "Hot Topics" links (see below), then the categories could stay in the current categories that Brandon has already set up.

Publicity?
If there was a page that just highlighted "hot topics" or "hot questions", then it would get plenty of publicity. I know a slew of people who come in here (or used to) and get frustrated to see sooooo many threads which are pointless to them. They are not used to the forum and not really keen on filtering out the chit chat stuff... but they still want view or respond to the meaty, technical, or otherwise important issues. This page could be closely monitored by moderators and they could pull the trigger quicker on posts that might seem out of line or needless. If this "hot topic" page gets alot of notice, then the pointless posts would be self-minimalized (I hope), and the "who and how?" above would take care of itself.

On a side note... sure, the experienced experts are out there, but we also are kinda set in our ways. FIRST definitely needs new ideas and fresh faces to be experts too. I am honored that you guys give me and other experienced FIRSTers credit, but we may not be as well-versed in some of the technical advancements outside of our occupational fields. There are many experts out there, and this "questions forum" will bring them out of their shell.

Andy B.