Feedback for Solar Panel Talk

[russ]

Another wise one? If you wish to be here - good and if not then good.

Regards
Russ

[johnkimball@sunelec.com]

Solar Panel Talk is Awsome

It is clear thru your obsession to keep your site updated and the content on the site itself, that this is the best forum on solar in the world. I am looking forward to participating.

John

[peakbagger]

I realize that this is packaged software that runs the forum, but it would be great if there was a screen that popped up when someone tries to do a new post that asks "have you used the search function yet to find what you are looking for" and maybe a description of how to use search.

After awhile it does get old seeing the exact same questions posted by new posters. Sure I can spend the time to do a search and then post a link to a prior thread but it does get old.

[Mike90250]

It is clear thru your obsession to keep your site updated and the content on the site itself, that this is the best forum on solar in the world. I am looking forward to participating. John

Welcome John. Thanks for the kudos.

[ILFE]

look at these two threads

http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?4307-Thin-skinned-New-posters-that-have-not-read-the-FAQ-s-and-insist-on-asking-same-s

http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?4623-Double-Dip-Recession-or-Depression

first one a moderator belittles the general newbies and the oldtimers who should know better egg him on.

second one is nothing but a political diatribe that has nothing to do with solar. Every well run forum I've been on bans this kind of childlike behavior.

this forum is totally negative and is full of know it alls.

Forgive me if I am wrong here. But, I thought that was the reason we were here, to learn from those who know-it-all?

[russ]

Everybody can have varying opinions and ways to do things - that is normal. Everyone is wrong sometimes.

Some people claim that their way is the only way.

You will notice that Meridian Solar is no longer around. Discussion and arguing of points is great but just being obstinate we have no use for.

[dave_in_delaware]

I know your post said to send an email or use the contact link, but I wanted to post this publicly for everyone to see....

I have nothing but positive feedback and kudos to give to this forum and its experts.

When I joined this forum I admitted that I was a noob and had a lot of questions. I did read some threads prior to asking any questions to try to figure some things out on my own, or at least get a clue as to how to ask the right questions. When it came time to post my own threads, I tried asking intelligent questions without wanting to be spoon-fed all the answers.

Everyone who replied to my posts treated me with respect and made me feel welcomed, and they gave me the steps and formulas I needed so I could figure things out on my own. I never felt like a "dumb noob" and I appreciate that very much!

Since joining this forum I know a lot more than I did only a few weeks ago. I know I'll have more questions as I work on my homebuilt RV Project, but I know the people on this forum will have simple and helpful answers for me.

This forum is AWESOME. Keep up the great work! And thank you for what you give back to all of us!

[ILFE]

I agree with you, Dave.

In fact, prior to finding this forum, and another focusing primarily on alternative energy in the Philippines, I was going just go out and buy what I "knew" I would need. Since I joined, began reading and learning more about this project of mine, I have learned to apply the brakes, read even more, and learn a LOT more - prior to pulling out the debit card.

[Jason]

Updated rules

Based on considerable feedback, we have now amended the rules to the Forum, and any post that:

•is rude or contains personal attacks, including attacking a member’s character, referring to a member in a contemptuous manner, belittling a member using sarcasm or otherwise, making negative or rude statements about administrators or moderators

will be subject to removal. We do allow enlivened debate and honest commentary, but we would request that our members try to maintain some civility. Thank you.

SolarPanelTalk

[websterize]

Disclosure when mucking with posts

How about more transparency when a forum member's (and administrator's) posts are edited or deleted, e.g. http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...ll=1#post51464 without explanation.

[dwm10251]

leaving

Rudest people I've met online. I am deleting my account.

[ILFE]

Rudest people I've met online. I am deleting my account.

I don't know that a member can "delete" his own account. However, considering the short amount of time you have been on this forum, which isn't long enough to even determine the "personality" of this forum, that you should be making such harsh judgements so early on.

[ppreceipt]

Unfortunately all it takes for most people is one or two inconsiderate comments for them to leave. There are plenty of free forums out there to jump ship to. Hopefully the amended rules make this place better.

[PNjunction]

Wow - you have to develop a thicker skin to deal with online media - or you may end up throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Yeah, I'm old.

Two simple rules from my old dialup FidoNet bbs days back in the 80's has served me well no matter what forum I participated in:

Rule 1: Don't be annoying.
Rule 2: Don't be easily annoyed.

I'm probably breaking Rule #1 right now. From past experience, Rule #2 was the hardest to learn. Rule 2 got more people banned than rule #1.

Enough of my preaching. I actually respect frank / honest opinions. I was only two steps away from sinking my young life savings into a solar panel building adventure that wouldn't eventually work, because guys that knew better were being nice to me.

Off the soapbox now ...

[Cal Dan]

great site

This site is wonderful. It seems to have the same format as some other forums (non solar) that I visit from time to time. So to me, that makes it user friendly.

As for those who feel the negitivity, I don't understand. It is just information. It can't hurt you. If I am looking for info, I try to find as many points of view that I can. Some people can make their points a little harshly. I love it! It just means that they really want you to listen, and usually those are the ones who are the most knowledgeable. Just remember, those who know so much about this stuff don't need to hang out here. For whatever reasons that they do it, it only helps the rest of us.

Thanks to all with the info. You know who you are. It is much apreciated.

Dan