REGULARS- need your HELP!!!

[Russ H]

Hey, what do you think of an FAQ section?

Would cover the most frequently asked noob questions (or topics that we suggest they learn about, like due diligence, fer instance).

So:

1. Are Fastlane FAQs a good idea?, and

2. What are the most frequently asked questions?

-Russ H.

PS MJ-- apologies-- I saw after posting this that you have a new section called "FAQ". Perhaps the feedback from this thread will contribute towards that. Let me know-- happy to erase this thread if you're already done w/the FAQs!

 

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[Bilgefisher]

1. Yes. I think many people do in fact read them, and we can redirect folks that way if need be.

2. Basic stuff such as.
-why no mlm?
-What is the fastlane?
-Why no politics?
(although I think MJ has covered those in another sticky as well)

Detailed items could easily be linked to threads that have covered that topic. Such items as Focus, goals, etc etc.

Russ, when the forum grows, it may be worth doing a faq for each mini forum. There are many common RE questions, e-biz questions or asset protection questions.

It also may be pertinent for members to emphasize the use of the search button.

 

[mtnman]

Yes, there is a need for it. I already started a similar thread for ebiz here. (note, I'm thinking a re title may be in order for referencing)

Even though I agree, most of the FAQ's are out of laziness. I have a hard time thinking that people don't know the power of Google.

I agree with Bilge though about linking threads, but that's available now. My point is, even with FAQ's, people will still ask, just as they do now even though the threads exist.

 

[Diane Kennedy]

Google and the search function on The Fast Lane are the most powerful tools. I knew very little about eBiz outside of my model when I first came to this forum. Remembering what it was like for me, I think there could be a problem initially with Google simply because I wouldn't know what I don't know.

But then again I didn't ask questions like "Tell me everything about the Internet, don't leave anything out".

My thought would be to have the posts for "Start Here to Learn about ..." (real estate, eBusiness, etc) put a sticky on it and then when questions come in, point them there. Step 2 is go to Google.

Just my thoughts... this is a common issue on all forums that I've seen.

 

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[andviv]

When I recognize a repeated topic I do a search and then refer the thread to the old ones. Sometimes I lock the new one if the topic is identical, but if there is a slight difference then I leave the new one open as well.
Problem is, that works fine for a thousand threads, we have way more than that these days.
I think it is great if the regulars also help redirect the newbies to the old threads so we can maintain a meaningful discussion in as few places as possible.
FAQ's are a great way to centralize the information and will help to redirect people to those common topics.

Common questions I've noticed:

- Is my internet idea great/will make millions?
- How to get started in apartment building investment?
- Should I buy this duplex/SFH/condo/4-plex/etc? (answer is always the same: it depends, where is your plan)
- I have no money/credit/experience, how do I get people to give me their money to run a deal?
- What business entity should I form to run this business?

 

[Allthingznew]

Currently the search function appears to be down due to the forum upgrade so I can't test it, but one of the difficulties I've noticed with the search feature in the past was the in ability to search for a 3 letter word.

Obviously searching for "the" is not useful, however SEO, PPC, CMC, CPC, to name a few, is very targeted. This whole post may be moot if the new search feature includes 3 letter words, but if it still excludes them and disqualifies an entire search if one is used, it may be worth looking in to.

 

[andviv]

yup, that is right, maybe there is way to enable those searches for only registered users? Although probably that will make the forum to create a bigger index to maintain that search. MJ?

 

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[Diane Kennedy]

Currently the search function appears to be down due to the forum upgrade so I can't test it, but one of the difficulties I've noticed with the search feature in the past was the in ability to search for a 3 letter word.

Obviously searching for "the" is not useful, however SEO, PPC, CMC, CPC, to name a few, is very targeted. This whole post may be moot if the new search feature includes 3 letter words, but if it still excludes them and disqualifies an entire search if one is used, it may be worth looking in to.

So that's what happened! I did a search for "RSS" and got an error. It seems acronyms frequently come in 3's, so that might be a nice change, if possible without too much work.

 

[Russ H]

Completely agree w/the 3 character thing.

Would be great to include, somehow.

I get it a lot 'cause I forget and search for things like ROI, etc.

-Russ H.

 

[Bilgefisher]

Completely agree w/the 3 character thing.

Would be great to include, somehow.

I get it a lot 'cause I forget and search for things like ROI, etc.

-Russ H.

Agreed. I run into that problem about once a week. Sadly I seem to forget about it every time lol.

 

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[kurtyordy]

I think a faq for the different subjects would be great. Maybe where the most viewed theads are you couild put FAQ's for the most visited sections of the forum. i.e. FAQ for R.E. FAQ for Ebiz etc etc.