Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

***mark*** · 12-30-2009, 09:58 AM

Hey Folks...

I had a suggestion not too long ago that it would be cool to incorporate a "Wiki" or FAQ (frequently asked questions) for metal detecting.

The more I've thought about it, the cooler I think the idea is...however, it will be a HUGE undertaking...but imagine this:

A subsite of detectorstuff where you can look up ANYTHING about metal detecting (people, companies, hardware,etc.) like a living encyclopedia.

I'm looking into various software that would allow this to work...I need simple and cheap (free?). It will also need to allow members to all add their own information. There's no way on earth I would have enough time to add everything on the planet about metal detecting!

So, what do y'all think? Good idea?...or am I biting off more than I can chew?

tink · 12-30-2009, 12:35 PM

A basic spot sounds nice but for me all the forums we have tend to answer most of the questions that come up. My fear is that you or others who keep this site going - "Something I have no idea how to do." will face burnout and what we have will be lost. Just a thought Scratchead

marcomo · 12-30-2009, 07:10 PM

Mark - You may be biting off more than you can chew, but there's no way to know until you take that bite.

My knowledge is limited, but I'll be glad to contribute whatever I can.

Phantasman · 12-30-2009, 09:33 PM

I agree with marcomo. The idea is good.............the undertaking, quite a responsibility. Like any wiki, you have to have parameters. Facts are facts, and not just anyone can get their input listed until it's verified true. Else your credibility can jeopardize the forums themselves.

Not being negative, just realistic. I would help out as well, if needed.

Personally, I wouldn't call it a wiki, following other parameters that wiki's follow. May something like IBOD (IPOD rip off) meaning "Information Base of Detecting".

Just a thought.

**Dave** · 12-30-2009, 10:00 PM

I'll show my ignorance, I know what the Wiki site is, where someone asks a question and others answer it, but not sure what your proposing. Confused

troy · 12-30-2009, 11:11 PM

Go for it..!

***mark*** · 12-31-2009, 12:24 AM

Thanks for the feedback. This is a tough one...I don't have enough time to "do it right"...and it will be a monster of a job. I think it's possible and would be very, very useful. Like you guys pointed out, the tough part would be verification and input. I can just see someone posting opinion as fact because they're cheesed off about something! (then an ensuing battle because someone's mad when it gets changed)...

I dunno... I definitely like the concept of a community supported info. database (was my original concept for DetectorStuff when I first cranked it up). It would be nice for the hobby to have a place to look stuff up (the history of Garrett, the coils available for the Sovereign, etc.) Have "definitions" as they relate to the hobby..."what's a "cut"?", what is "halo effect", etc.

I talked to Zack, my resident web guru (and Son). He said he could set me up with some Wiki software pretty easy. I'll tell him to let 'er rip then we'll just see how it goes. If it sputters and dies, well, I'll give it a proper burial! Smile

No harm, no loss. I'll probably "recruit" some of you guys to help keep an eye on content too (like most of ya don't have enough to do!) Smile

seeker41 · 12-31-2009, 08:48 PM

great idea!!!! i would help out as much as possible! i can see it being a huge success.

Eu_citzen · (This post was last modified: 01-29-2010 08:02 PM by Eu_citzen.)

Sure, I'm in! Drinks

I could imagine to set up a cut/polished OPAL as a contest for a "write the best article" for such a Wiki.
How does that sound? Angel

**Dave** · 01-29-2010, 09:27 PM

(01-29-2010 08:00 PM)Eu_citzen Wrote: Sure, I'm in!
I could imagine to set up a cut/polished OPAL as a contest for a "write the best article" for such a Wiki.
How does that sound?