Where is a "Who these forums are for" answer?

[geeyathink]

I have looked at freq. asked questions etc... but not found the answer.

[Moose]

That's because this forum is for everybody with an interest in astronomy, science, and/or people with these interests. We have members with decades of direct aerospace experience. We have people (myself included) who are content to simply look at the pretty pictures and dream.

If you find something that interests you, then the forum is for you.

Really, it's quicker to list the sorts of people this forum _isn't_ for: spammers and people who otherwise behave badly in social situations.

[hhEb09'1]

Under the FAQ, the Rules For Posting To This Board:

1. Posting Topics

First and foremost, this discussion forum focuses upon space and astronomy. Please stay within these areas when creating topics and participating in existing conversations. The Off-Topic Babbling section exists for general banter which falls outside space and astronomy -- and do note that the forum rules apply there as well. Scientific topics outside of space and astronomy are welcome in the General Science section.

[Argos]

Originally Posted by Moose

That's because this forum is for everybody with an interest in astronomy, science, and/or people with these interests.

Nevertheless, it might be a good idea to state it in the FAQ.

[hhEb09'1]

Originally Posted by Argos

Nevertheless, it might be a good idea to state it in the FAQ.

I thought that's what I posted, no?

[Argos]

Originally Posted by hhEb09'1

I thought that's what I posted, no?

No. I meant something along the lines:

1. Who are these forums for.

First and foremost, this discussion forum focuses upon space and astronomy.

But we´re not gonna make a big deal of it, ok?

[hhEb09'1]

I never make a big deal out of anything.

[geeyathink]

Thanks, I was thinking this place may only be for people with advanced knowledge or similar.

[slang]

Originally Posted by geeyathink

Thanks, I was thinking this place may only be for people with advanced knowledge or similar.

Noway! I'm here, that's proof enough Welcome, geeyathink. May your stay here leave you with plenty added advanced knowledge!

[Jens]

Though considering the concern of the OP, it might be a nice idea to add some kind of welcoming comment, like "feel free to ask questions even if you are just a beginner" or something.

[Paul Beardsley]

What Jens said, except I'd replace "even if" with "especially if"!

geeyathink (great name!) has articulated a possible problem that I don't think any established member had thought of - that it might not be obvious to newcomers what level of knowledge and understanding BAUT is pitched at. So it's probably worth spelling it out.

[hhEb09'1]

Originally Posted by Paul Beardsley

What Jens said, except I'd replace "even if" with "especially if"!

geeyathink (great name!) has articulated a possible problem that I don't think any established member had thought of - that it might not be obvious to newcomers what level of knowledge and understanding BAUT is pitched at. So it's probably worth spelling it out.

It's not pitched at any level of knowledge and understanding, hence the reason it is not obvious!

I've had discussions here on BAUT that wouldn't have impressed Jeff Foxworthy, but at other times I'd put them right up there with discussions I've had with the inventors of the transistor, and plate tectonics. They were talking down to me of course but still...

[slang]

The inventor of plate tectonics... high level indeed!

[Arnold Layne]

Originally Posted by Moose

That's because this forum is for everybody with an interest in astronomy, science, and/or people with these interests.

Originally Posted by Moose

Really, it's quicker to list the sorts of people this forum _isn't_ for: spammers and people who otherwise behave badly in social situations.

Well, there are people who could fall into both of those categories

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Arnold Layne

Well, there are people who could fall into both of those categories

We've actually had a rare few spammers use astronomy as a cover for commercial spamming. A couple even sounded like they knew what they were talking about, kinda-sorta.

[Arneb]

Originally Posted by hhEb09'1

It's not pitched at any level of knowledge and understanding, hence the reason it is not obvious!

Huh? It could be made obvious (but isn't, it seems) that one is welcomed here regardless of astronomical knowledge or lack thereof, that this is a place to learn starting at whatever level of knowledge one is currently at, etc.

I think it's a valid question: What about some kind of "mission statement" at the top of the FAQ or another prominent place?

[R.A.F.]

Originally Posted by Arneb

I think it's a valid question: What about some kind of "mission statement" at the top of the FAQ or another prominent place?

It would be kind of short don't you think?, like "all with an interest in things astronomical are welcome, as long as they follow the rules."

Is it really something that needs stating?

[Arneb]

Ah well, with some kind of friendly invitation, you might rack it up to three or four lines...

[slang]

Originally Posted by R.A.F.

Is it really something that needs stating?

Isn't this thread an indication that it wouldn't be totally useless? geeyathink took the trouble to post about it, how many didn't and moved on?

[hhEb09'1]

Originally Posted by slang

Isn't this thread an indication that it wouldn't be totally useless? geeyathink took the trouble to post about it, how many didn't and moved on?

I dunno.

How would you feel about a post that asked "How much money do you need to post to this forum?" I don't think that necessarily indicates a need. The only suggestion so far on how to word it, is already there.

[uncommonsense]

Originally Posted by hhEb09'1

I dunno.

How would you feel about a post that asked "How much money do you need to post to this forum?" I don't think that necessarily indicates a need. The only suggestion so far on how to word it, is already there.

Just as I have had the fat cut from my undisciplined propositions, and am all the leaner for it, I must present my opinion supported by my doctorate that this is absurd. Nothing personal, please.

[hhEb09'1]

Nothing personal taken.

I agree with the absurdity, that's why I posted it.

Now, what kind of wording are you all suggesting?

ETA: Our welcome page used to be the "website attached to this board", before it was just attached to a blag.

EETS: !!

[mahesh]

What do eta and eets mean? eta has been bugging me for some time now!
I mean, in the great scheme of things in the Universe, I don't have to know...Pardon me for asking!

[BetaDust]

ETA = edited to add, the other one I don't know.

[ToSeek]

Originally Posted by BetaDust

ETA = eddited to add, the other one I don't know.

I've added "ETA" to our official acronym list.

[mugaliens]

Here are two abbreviation lists:

Text Messaging

Chat

Neither ETA nor EETS are on 'em.

ETA is "edit to add," but EETS?

...

Edit exclamation, then save???

hhEb09'1 - HUOH! (help us out, here!)