KNOT TESTING GUIDELINES - is IGKT best positioned to set fundamental guidelines?

[DerekSmith]

Okay...

So, what is the procedure for creating a new topic category in this forum?

Is it done by a forum vote or is it done by web admins decision?

In my view, if a separate knot test report and peer review category was created - it would hopefully turn up in google searches by future knot testers. Over time, and by default, perhaps it could develop into something quite useful and worthwhile as a central hub for knot testers.

Hi Mark.

The procedure is to firm up the format of how the data will be presented, how much opinion or if any straying discussion should be included in the postings, should the data be locked after entry and only modified by request and should it be a child board and in what parent board?

A forum vote can be good, then go from there.

SS

Hi Scott,

Please correct me if I am  wrong, but I believe that our WebAdmin and WebMistress between them have the authority and ability to amend the Forum structure, provided that the Forum Administrators have no objections on the grounds of any changes 'bringing the IGKT into disrepute' or of being generally inappropriate to IGKT business.

So far I have not read any posts that suggest that the addition of a Review section was raising objections.

The Simple Machines engine that our WebMistress has used to build this Forum is capable of handling forums of far greater complexity and content than our little IGKT Forum.  One of the nice things about this engine is that it is very easy to make changes.

For example, we could easily add a board called Reviews, with a couple of sub boards called perhaps Books and Literature and Technical Reports.  This would not in anyway change or interfere with the rest of the Forum, but would allow us to 'try out' such an addition for a few months, to see how it would work.  If it is good, we keep it, if it has problems, we can discuss improvements or even, if the experiment is a failure, we can delete it.

This Forum has three top level boards - General,  Feedback and International Guild of Knot Tyers Forum - Info 
Center   I was rather hoping that Reviews could be made into a new top level board with its two sub boards.

I think there are two or three agreements to add this new board, and as yet no disagreements, so, is it appropriate to hand this over to you and your fellow admins for your final say?  - Remember, it is just a test - we can always change it if needs be.

Derek

[SS369]

Good day Derek.

You are correct that is should be a simple matter to add a board.
Approval will be sought after a firm consensus is acquired and the format dialed in.

So far, not too many forum members have put their two cents in...

But, for now, a test of how this can work for a while, perhaps we can just accumulate some of the subject posts within a thread to be then transferred to the new board.

SS

Edit: Spelling

[roo]

Good day Derek.

You are correct that is should be a simple matter to add a board.
Approval will be sought after a firm consensus is acquired and the format dialed in.

So far, not too many forum members have put there two cents in...

But, for now, a test of how this can work for a while, perhaps we can just accumulate some of the subject posts within a thread to be then transferred to the new board.

SS

If the volume of knot testing posts were so much as to overwhelm the Practical Knots forum, I could see possibly having a separate board for it.

But currently, such posts are so few and far between, I can't see it being a problem for the Practical Knots forum. 

[DerekSmith]

Thanks Roo,

Apart from your opinion that those who would like a specific board, cannot justify it on volume grounds, can you make an argument for NOT having a trial of such a facility?  I am fairly confident that the Admins are more likely to be swayed by reasons that would compromise IGKT principles and reputation, rather than just a 'I don't think we need it'.

[roo]

Thanks Roo,

Apart from your opinion that those who would like a specific board, cannot justify it on volume grounds, can you make an argument for NOT having a trial of such a facility?  I am fairly confident that the Admins are more likely to be swayed by reasons that would compromise IGKT principles and reputation, rather than just a 'I don't think we need it'.

Simplicity is a good aim.  Having a separate board for every variation of Practical Knot topics violates that principle.

[DerekSmith]

Thanks Scott,

So far, not too many forum members have put there two cents in...

Given that this new board and its topics might only attract attention from 4 or 5 prolific posters, what sort of consensus are you wanting to see?

Derek

[DerekSmith]

@ Roo

Simplicity is a good aim.  Having a separate board for every variation of Practical Knot topics violates that principle.

I totally agree, and would likewise argue against  "Having a separate board for every variation of Practical Knot topics ".  Of course that is certainly not what is being suggested with the proposed Review Board.

As well as Simplicity, I would also suggest that Clarity is a good aim, and again, the proposed board is aimed at untangling the clutter of vastly differing posts, such that readers may more easily focus on the fields they find interesting.

The proposal that we untangle Decorative from Functional was one such proposal and has proven to be hugely successful.

Derek

[SS369]

Thanks Scott,

So far, not too many forum members have put there two cents in...

Given that this new board and its topics might only attract attention from 4 or 5 prolific posters, what sort of consensus are you wanting to see?

Derek

Hi Derek.

I would like to see as many as possible in the next days. It would be good if the prolific and non-prolific (occasional) posters chimed in.

SS

[roo]

The proposal that we untangle Decorative from Functional was one such proposal and has proven to be hugely successful.

I think that most people who are interested in Practical Knots would also like to see Practical Knot test results.

However, most people who are interested in knotting in general almost always focus either on decorative or practical knots, but not both equally.  So in that case it makes sense to have separate boards.

Since we're talking about it, I'd like the New Knot Investigation Board to go away.  I'm tired of not knowing if I'm going to be clicking on a Practical or Decorative knot topic.   The main forums can easily absorb the once-a-week (or less) new knot investigation topic.

[DerekSmith]

Hi Derek.

I would like to see as many as possible in the next days. It would be good if the prolific and non-prolific (occasional) posters chimed in.

SS

I am certain we can both agree on that, but equally, I am sure we are neither of us naive enough to believe that it will happen.  Contrary to Roo's assertion that most practical knotters will be interested in test reports,  they may read them, but the fact remains very few are interested in commenting, questioning or interpreting the findings.

How should we interpret your response?  If there are no more 'chimes', is the request dead in the water?

Derek

[roo]

Contrary to Roo's assertion that most practical knotters will be interested in test reports,  they may read them, but the fact remains very few are interested in commenting, questioning or interpreting the findings.

I actually mostly agree with you here.  As with most topics, the number of reads far exceeds the number of replies.  That's normal. 

I won't split hairs on what level of interpretation people may or may not conduct on their own.

[SS369]

Hi Derek.

I would like to see as many as possible in the next days. It would be good if the prolific and non-prolific (occasional) posters chimed in.

SS

I am certain we can both agree on that, but equally, I am sure we are neither of us naive enough to believe that it will happen.  Contrary to Roo's assertion that most practical knotters will be interested in test reports,  they may read them, but the fact remains very few are interested in commenting, questioning or interpreting the findings.

How should we interpret your response?  If there are no more 'chimes', is the request dead in the water?

Derek

Not dead in the water at all. Just wanted to have more input from additional people. Perhaps I am naive... sorry.

I personally think it would be a good endeavor and helpful to the rope/knot users who come searching for this type of data and reports.

roo's assertion is his personal opinion and perhaps desire that he is entitled to.

SS

[SS369]

Since we're talking about it, I'd like the New Knot Investigation Board to go away.  I'm tired of not knowing if I'm going to be clicking on a Practical or Decorative knot topic.   The main forums can easily absorb the once-a-week (or less) new knot investigation topic.

I am not inclined to remove that board. I believe it is useful to the forum readers.

SS

[roo]

Since we're talking about it, I'd like the New Knot Investigation Board to go away.  I'm tired of not knowing if I'm going to be clicking on a Practical or Decorative knot topic.   The main forums can easily absorb the once-a-week (or less) new knot investigation topic.

I am not inclined to remove that board. I believe it is useful to the forum readers.

SS

OK.  In the spirit of testing, let us test that belief:

http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?topic=6221.0

 

[DerekSmith]

Since we're talking about it, I'd like the New Knot Investigation Board to go away.  I'm tired of not knowing if I'm going to be clicking on a Practical or Decorative knot topic.   The main forums can easily absorb the once-a-week (or less) new knot investigation topic.

I am not inclined to remove that board. I believe it is useful to the forum readers.

SS

OK.  In the spirit of testing, let us test that belief:

http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?topic=6221.0

 

LOL, Gem...

Personally, I like that little board, and it certainly attracts a large number of reads.

I am not so taken by the 'hopeful' new knot posts, but do enjoy the occasional new (or rediscovered old) way of tying a knot..  As much as I agree with you that I don't like 'Decoratives' spoiling my tea, I really haven't found (m)any on there.

But the big issue tho' is - will the poll get any more than 2 votes???

Derek