BioRUST Knowledge Base

**tamlin** · 05-08-2007

I've been thinking: if you've been here for any length of time you've probably noticed that the same questions get asked again and again. You know the kind of thing: "What do I do with the brushes I downloaded?", "How do I make a custom shape?", "Photoshop just started acting weird - what should I do?" You know there's a forum thread somewhere that holds the answer, but can you find it when you need it?
What do you think about the idea of setting up a Knowledge Base with answers to all the most frequent queries and problems, and any other nuggets of useful undocumented or hard-to-find information that we happen to stumble upon (such as the filepath character limit for displacement maps)? I know there is a FAQ thread here somewhere, but the problem with forum threads is that they get buried and/or forgotten about. If it's possible, what I'm suggesting could be a subsection of the Tutorials section. Members could submit their answers, tips and tricks and (pending acceptance by the Admins) they would then be included in the Knowledge Base, in much the same way as tutorials are now. Members could also be rewarded with Biocredits for a successful submission.
I don't know if MM would be willing to implement this, but if enough members think it's a good idea maybe we can persuade him. I can't think of any other graphics forum site that has a proper Knowledge Base section, so if we set one up it would be a real feather in the BioRUST cap.

stiney51 · 05-08-2007

I think it's a good idea, but I don't think it would be widely used. In truth as you said most questions have been asked, and people have access to this information already. It's a quick search (powered by *google*) away and you can see a whole host of fun information.

It seems like a lot of work for MM and/or whoever else would be involved with the initial implementation.

It could also limit the initial interaction new visitors have to get them enticed to stick around. It would be a great tool, but not nearly as great as showing the knowledgebase and eclectic backgrounds of the wonderful members of this forum/site.

**tamlin** · 05-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiney51

In truth as you said most questions have been asked, and people have access to this information already. It's a quick search (powered by *google*) away and you can see a whole host of fun information.

Hi stiney: I take your point, but how many people actually take the trouble to do a search before they ask their question? I'm betting not many - or am I just an old cynic?

stiney51 · 05-08-2007

Actually that was my point. For a knowledge base to be effective people would have to search through it to find the answer (if it's there). I just see it as a very useful idea that will largely go just as unused as that handy little search box at the top of the site.

My post has more the markings of a cynic than yours. You put forward a good idea, I'm just over tired and less optomistic this morning I guess.

**tamlin** · 05-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiney51

I'm just over tired and less optomistic this morning I guess.

Ha ha - been there and done that! Is Brady keeping you up at night?

stiney51 · 05-08-2007

Was up at 12:30 with my daughter (been waking up screaming at least a few times both of the past 2 nights). Then up again for an hour with Brady feeding him at 2:30. Then up for work at 6:00 (well sort of up).

I'm trying to catch up on sleep while at work it seems.

**tamlin** · 05-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiney51

I'm trying to catch up on sleep while at work it seems.

I hope you're not a bus driver or an airline pilot!!

*notjustgraphics* · 05-08-2007

I think it's a great idea Tamlin, but I see Stiney's point about it not being used... If people don't use the search function now, would they use the Knowledge Base?

I know there are plugins that MM could use to quickly add the feature to Vbulletin...

I say lets give it a go... i'll help contribute of course, as many will... I think you're right about not seeing it anywhere else... because i certainly haven't.
I'm sure many will use it, others won't.

I'm not sure exactly how it all works... do you have examples that you've seen on other non-design related sights?

Mike.

**tamlin** · 05-08-2007

What I was thinking was that a Knowledge Base would be a useful place to store definitive versions of tips and fixes, so that when someone (who hasn't used the Search tool) comes along and asks a question that's already been answered - which they will always do - you don't have to go rummaging through a lot of old posts trying to find the answer - you can just say "Read this..." and give them the link to the relevant article in the Knowledge Base.

I can't think of any websites that have this function, but the IT Helpdesk software that we use at work has a Knowledge Base section where engineers can post fixes and workarounds that they encounter during the course of their work.

*notjustgraphics* · 05-08-2007

Ohhh. ok, now I get it...

When I worked IT for an Inventory Company here in North America, they were implementing software (just as I was moving on to pursue other interests) that basically collected solutions to reoccurring problems so that the help-desk agents could access the solutions quickly and help field managers with their problems...

So if I understand your vision correctly, we would essentialy be providing a method that enables us to help BioRUST visitors quicker and more accurately?

I love it!

Mike.

**tamlin** · 05-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by notjustgraphics

So if I understand your vision correctly, we would essentialy be providing a method that enables us to help BioRUST visitors quicker and more accurately?

YES! That's exactly it. I figured that we're sort of providing a help-desk service here anyway (among other things) so this would be a useful resource for those of us who want to help others to help themselves.

Phoenix Wynde · 05-08-2007

Seeing as how I do try at times with helping, it can be a challenge because I'm not as educated as some folks are here at BioRUST.

Seeing a new post with a question regarding something I'm not aware of actually kills my laziness so I research it just to provide an answer, and in the process I learn something new.

Perfect example, how to make Custom Shapes. Up until someone inquired about it, I didn't know anything because I've never created one before, so I searched for info and provided an answer.

The inclusion of a Knowledge Base would be perfect for those who really wish to utilize it, like myself. Instead of searching through tons of websites trying to help someone, I could easily and more effectively find the answer right here, thus saving the time it'd take to respond to a post.

We could even include a button to click on right next to the "Post Reply" button that says "Knowledge Base" perhaps provoking anyone to push it and find the answer BEFORE they hit the reply button, you know, like you'd see a little message that says "did you try our Knowledge Base?" right under the button.

Another neat idea would be to have a "Knowledge Base" specific thread where people can post nifty new items of interest down the road if an answer can not be found in the Knowledge Base itself.

I'm all for it, Tamlin. Let's rock.

lmg633 · 05-08-2007

I like the idea. Being one of those plebs still learning about photoshop and stuff, I get tired of trawling through google to find a reliable answer. I'm in this site most of the time and the community here is great with a lot of talented people. I'd like the idea of coming into this site first to find what I need, and if I can't find it, I can post a question which I am sure would be answered. Some of the other sites are a bit cold and confusing to use.

stiney51 · 05-09-2007

Given your explanation of the vision in this second go-around, I'd like to officially say that my initial reservations about it being worthwhile were hasty. I really don't see many people using it on their own, but it would certainly help using it in the way you suggested Tamlin.

(BTW I'm still over-tired this morning, another late night/early morning with infants, but my job as a designer allows me to pass off "sleeping" at work as getting the creative juices going, or as I like to call it. Research.)

**tamlin** · 05-09-2007

Thanks Stiney - I guess I didn't explain myself clearly at the beginning.

PS: If the boss catches you sleeping, tell him it's a "power nap".