Another redshirt ramble:
I was unfamiliar to bulletin boards like this when I joined, I am more at home with books, card catalogs and data bases. I have learned a bit since then (thinks to the infinite patience of the staff ) and there is much more yet to learn. I think that there are a many visitors and lurker members who are unfamiliar, but don’t have the time to explore or the inclination to ask.
One thing I just recently realized that the top part (general topics) of the forums section was Shipwrights and that the rest are “all sites”. I know, it was right there in front of me the whole time but perhaps some differentiation could be made, like a different color of back ground or characters. Perhaps even a different character color for members by registration affiliation. There also seems to be many paths to the same place(s), I think this is a good idea as people think in many ways and you never know from which direction they will approach. An example is image help. I see it at the bottom of the forums page next to FAQ’s (but not included in the FAQ) and as a button under the header in the topic list as well as in a topic itself. I think that an eye catching button in the upper left of all pages that lead to help, all and sundry, would be useful to new and unfamiliar members. There could also be PM there to ask questions quietly. This could generate items to add to the FAQ and give you an idea what members want to do and are not seeing or understanding. I would also include a highlighted screenshot walk through of how to upload photos, start a new topic, reply to a topic and include the photo and link(s). The FAQ and photo help have the information, but make easy and tutor modelers who are out of there element.
I have previously stated my difficulty with finding things. That was mainly due to my unfamiliarity and not understanding the structure.
I throw out these many ideas, opinions and suggestions with no knowledge of thier feasibility or of the requirements involved.
If an inept, unknowledgeable, part time, intern would help, I here by volunteer.
