Is it a full time job keeping up with the n00bs?

[Revvy]

Jeez Revvy, take a breath! That has to be one of the best novels I have read in a while, though. hehehe
Excellent post, and very accurate however. To sum it up, Revvy is basically saying, and I quote - "hey a$$hat, use the search." (Oops, did I take your words out of context?)
I would like to add a big "THANKS" to all of those who have helped me along the way as well.

Someday bull POW right to the kisser. j/k

It's probably a good time to say 'thanks' to everyone too. I've been searching everytime I come across a question and have found more really excellent information than I could possibly find time to read. It's made it much easier to just relax...

You know...something people COULD do...is if they search for something and find a thread that actually answers their question, they could actually post the fact that they got help, right in the thread....

And/or Prost it...

I know when someone post in one of my threads that they found it helpful, I feel like I've done good...

It does a couple things...it gets you postcount up....AND it bounces that old thread up to the top, where just maybe someone who needs the info, might actually see it...

On some bumped threads we have had some amazing discussions about stuff..

 

[DudeBrew]

Yea this place seems relaxed and helpful I know I will learn a few things from you all Thanks

 

[Madman]

I'll third, fourth, and fifth the thanks for all the great info here and the helpful veterans!

 

[reim0027]

So true. I am astounded at the patience of you guys who answer the same questions over and over. I don't take it personally when you try to tell people to use the search button first. Some of the problem with being new is when you search, the question is worded slightly differently, and you don't understand the subtle difference is really not different at all. It is just being new to brewing and being overwhelmed with info. That is my take on it. I use the search often, and many times I find the answer, other times, I am not sure if or how the answers in the posts apply to my question. Sucks being a n00b. But you guys sure make it easier.

Another thing you do is "police" the replies. Some of the advice is not worded correctly or inaccurate. So, props to the people who not only answer the same questions for the 1,000th time, but also to those who correct the less than ideal advice with better advice (and an explanation why their advice is better - so we can all learn from the mistakes).

 

[Parker36]

It's fun! We get to help others get into the obsession, er, hobby- and we get to "meet" new people at the same time. Thanks for the kind words!

ENABLER!!!

 

[BlackDogBrewing]

I've learned a tremendous amount here; thanks for all of your help.

 

[Revvy]

One thing I've learned about the search is that you can tweak it to work for you and can save your preferences...

Don't use the standard drop down search...when you pull it down click on advanced search, which will give you a full page...Or you can right click on it and open it as a new window or tab...

On the top left is a box that says "Search by key word" then there is a text box below that...below that is a drop down menu...you have the option to search by titles or for the word in the thread...unless I know a specific title phrased perfectly, I change it to search IN THREAD for the key word...unless the word is too short OR to common you will find more information by searching inside the threads..

On the right hand you can select the name of a poster....(I betcha if you searched for posts by me, you'd find something) or you can leave it blank..

I ignore all the search options below that EXCEPT the one labeled "Show results as"

I usually select threads rather than posts...because if you choose posts, you may end up with EVERY POST in a single thread that has your word...and not necessarily be the thread you are looking for...if you select show as threads, you will get a list of threads instead...

This MIGHT be the singular issue with people using the search and why they don't like it...

And then at the bottom, you can save the preferences so that all the time you use the advanced search it is set that way...

The search isn't great...but a couple quick hacks in advanced search and you will find what you need.

 

[Thumper]

^^^^ See I just learned how to search better from Revvy too. Thanks for that information also. Do you have any advice on how to convince the "swmbo" that the exessive time (in her way of thinking) that I spend on this site? LOL

 

[bull8042]

^^^^ See I just learned how to search better from Revvy too. Thanks for that information also. Do you have any advice on how to convince the "swmbo" that the exessive time (in her way of thinking) that I spend on this site? LOL

Dude, that's easy! Do all of your browsing while at work....
Works for me!

 

[Homercidal]

I too am very appreciative of the support of the people who take the time to answer the same questions day in and day out.

I've learned so much from reading this site that I fell as though I'm an expert even though I've only brewed a few batches since coming across this site.

Remember that sometimes people are lazy and figure that a quick question and a quick answer is easier then doing a search (seriously, the ADVANCED search is the only way to go!).

Also, that sometimes people feel they want to introduce themselves through a question post. It's like getting a little bit of attention. We don't know any people who post for attention around here do we?

And sometimes it's good to ask and get a new set of varied opinions. If the same basic questions don't keep popping up on the first page, then new members might think the site is stale because they don't see threads with their questions on there. First impressions you know.

 

[underwaterdan]

One thing I've learned about the search is that you can tweak it to work for you and can save your preferences...

This board has a search feature?!?!?!
Just kidding Seriously thanks to everyone for your help in the process of making my brown water into a beer that I can hopefully drink someday soon! Also thanks for helping me spend my money! I really am getting into this brewing thing!

 

[Revvy]

T Also thanks for helping me spend my money! I really am getting into this brewing thing!

Your not married, right? Otherwise Swmbo might not be too happy with how you're spending your money...

 

[NZGirl]

I used the search function a few times when I first joined to try to find answers to my questions before posting because I was nervous about asking dumb questions.

I was hindered in my search because as a newbie I didn't know some of the lingo. I tried all sorts of key words and after clicking on links and clicking "back" a few dozen times I got frustrated and just posted my questions.

I appreciated the help I got very much.

I can't help but feel a little self conscious when I see some of the "preaching" on here making you feel guilty for asking a "noob" question.

 

[Hugh_Jass]

Your not married, right? Otherwise Swmbo might not be too happy with how you're spending your money...

Actually Revvy,
My SWMBO has been completely supportive of this obsession. She's encouraged me to up my brewing frequencies, bought equipment and ingredients for me, and went so far as to re-organize my about 40 sq.ft. in the basement that's now dedicated to storing brewing supplies and equipment and fermenting beers. Yup, she's a keeper.:cross:

Note: she's half Irish and half German, so she really can't help but like beer. It'd be easier for her to give up breathing than give up beer.

 

[reim0027]

Actually Revvy,
My SWMBO has been completely supportive of this obsession. She's encouraged me to up my brewing frequencies, bought equipment and ingredients for me, and went so far as to re-organize my about 40 sq.ft. in the basement that's now dedicated to storing brewing supplies and equipment and fermenting beers. Yup, she's a keeper.:cross:

Note: she's half Irish and half German, so she really can't help but like beer. It'd be easier for her to give up breathing than give up beer.

You can say that again. :rockin:

 

[jkarp]

I consider myself a fairly competent homebrewer, but I am relatively new to HBT. I think the counter-point to the guru kudos is that the gurus keep an open mind and try to stay current with brewing knowledge. I'm always eager to question what I "know" and often brew up assorted experiments to test flavors, yeast behaviors, etc. I eagerly look forward to each issue of BYO (Palmer's latest on Hop Polyphenols was fascinating, IMO!), and fully confess to being a brewing geek.

Above said, PROST to the vets!

 

[CiscoKid]

You know...something people COULD do...is if they search for something and find a thread that actually answers their question, they could actually post the fact that they got help, right in the thread...

I didn't think about that. I guess I'm used to other message boards where when you end up putting a post in a thread, you get jumped on asking "Why are you bringing that thread from x years ago up again." I guess I'll just have to see how that works out here.

 

[Revvy]

I consider myself a fairly competent homebrewer, but I am relatively new to HBT. I think the counter-point to the guru kudos is that the gurus keep an open mind and try to stay current with brewing knowledge. I'm always eager to question what I "know" and often brew up assorted experiments to test flavors, yeast behaviors, etc. I eagerly look forward to each issue of BYO (Palmer's latest on Hop Polyphenols was fascinating, IMO!), and fully confess to being a brewing geek.

Above said, PROST to the vets!

I think I addressed how up to date I try to be in my uber post this morning...

he thing with the internet and podcasts is that the author might have actually said he was wrong about something, or learned something new that renders what he originally wrote no longer valid, and it might have happened only yesterday...So the common wisdom has not caught up with it unless someone like me who tries to keep up with everything new and constantly tries to learn as much as he can reports it back to you...case in point...

Didja know that John Palmer has retracted most of what he wrote about IBU's in How To Brew?

He attended a high end academic conference on hops that totally blew away he felt what he wrote in the book....And he did an entire basic brewing podcast on it..

I try to keep up to date as much as possible...and learn as much...I'm usually the one trying to counter some of the old beliefs (like the anti plastic sentiments...I actually dug up info and posted a lot of it that in the wake of the BPE banning, a heck of a lot of srping water distributorss are going with better bottles (including the symbol) as their primary water bottle..and someone even found that their BB was actually one of the water bottles mixed into the line...an other companies are cloning the bb's, so all the OLD rules arguments against culligan type bottles no longer necessarily apply...that you can fine many newer water bottles that would be quite acceptable to use as a fermenter...Yet many old timers (including some last night) persist in bring the old info up...

Oh well...


I also spent two weeks listenning to 5 years worth of Aussie Craftbrewer podcasts the two hosts have 60 years accumulated knowlege...they push the limits and do stuff that sometimes puts Palmer to shame...and he loves it.

 

[jkarp]

I like yer style Revvy!

 

[skadalajara]

I used to lurk on rec.arts.homebrewing many moons ago. Never brewed anything, though.
Then i found this and the "green board". I registered on both, but haven't really been back there since then. Maybe it's cos I'm just more used to VBulletin.
Anyway, I lurked here for a couple months, reading all the sticky threads and FAQs. (I wouldn't have read Palmer otherwise.) And I read every n00b thread that got posted.
My point is this: I haven't had to ask a question yet. I really haven't had to search too much, either. It just seems every n00b has the same concerns, and once I saw that, and learned who knows what they're talking about, i knew it was time to brew.
So, yes, thanks to all the old hands. Your expertise is invaluable.
But also thanks to all the fellow n00bs. your inexperience is equally invaluable.

Someone far wiser than myself once said the best way to learn to do something is to teach someone else how to do it.

 

[Revvy]

I like yer style Revvy!

Thanks!!!!! Today you wouldn't believe how much I appreciate the sentiments...

 

[homebrewflyfish]

Second all this, you guys make this site a much better resource than any book could ever be once you actually turn on the gas and start brewing. I'm constantly amazed by how often and how quickly posts are made to answer questions that are probably redundant.

As an aside, I find the google search option to be much better than the search box in the upper right...it just usually gives me what I'm looking for.

In the end, I don't personally know anyone else who brews...so I'd be totally lost without this site.

I'm loving my new hobby and looking forward to helping other n00bs as I learn more.

 

[OLB]

I echo the many thanks. I have learned plenty about techniques and how to best put my brewing budget to use. This site has certainly fed the obsession.

 

[PlayMizuno]

I would also like to express my thanks. My post count is all but non existent because of my persistent use of the search function. I brewed my first batch in September of 2008 (about to brew batch number 7:rockin, and I can't think of a question I had that I was not able to find the answer to without actually posting a question. You may not be able to find what you are looking for with the first search, but if you change the wording or use the google search you are almost assured of finding your answer here. Again... thanks to all the patient members helping us all make the best beer we can!!!!

 

[TexasStu]

Gotta add my thanks here as well!
I've moderated several forums and been admin of several.
Truely about as thankless a job there is and even if you get it down pat with all the links right at your fingertips (for those repeated threads) you can still spend hours per day.
I try to use the search feature whenever I can and I am probably responsible for at least one thread that could be moved (the coopers thread in the beginners forum seems like it would have been a 'better fit' in the extract forum).
Revvy and all youse guys do a GREAT job!
Stay cool and try rogaine for those bald spots (where you ripped your hair out)!

 

[impatient]

Lets keep this going.

 

[EzMak24]

I also wanna say thanx. I am in the middle of my first batch and I have already had a lot of good advice. Thanks Guys!