Laurie,
Now that your expanding the forum database how about adding one for Newbies???? 
I'm not sure it's really the best thing. Most noob questions are seeking the advice of more experienced kiters. Do you think they would read all the posts in the noob forum? It could be a decent place to ask a question without fear of the seabreeze trolls though.
We have all been a Noob at one stage. What I think would be great would be an area where all the common questions are asked.
1. Do i need lessons
2. What kite is right for me
etc. and place them in an area that all newbies could visit and re-read. It would save all the questions on be repeated in the forums.
KR
I think its a great idea. There is nothing worst than asking a simple question only to have some one (who is obviously gods gift to the sport) write a load of dribble not answering your question. There heaps of guys on here willing to give advice so if the tools come into the newbie forum then they will be only there to stir the pot.
I don't know if i am searching correctly, but with the "Search By Date:" field you can only go back 1 year could it be extended?
Don't make it a "Newbie Forum" make it a "Technique Forum" that way it will have a broader appeal.
Maybe the solution is a permanent newbie FAQ at the top of the forum that people can add to. I've seen it on previous forums. As people submit other frequently asked questions, the responses are deleted and the question and answers are added to the initial post.
as an example of how well newbie forums work go checkout
www.rotorburn.com
this is an oz mountainbike forum
This topic came up in another thread recently. Either a separate forum or a FAQ for new comers (or both) are great ideas. They possibly benefit the forum and make the increasing number of new threads manageable. Now it is up to the administration to implement it. They appear to be hesitant to move at the moment.....It might be a bit of an extra work, but it's worth it.
I agree both are great ideas, I think if it has to be one or the other though, FAQ would be better.
D
We had a FAQ many moons ago, but got obsoleted by kite technology, as you say, it would be good to have one again.
I have limited time available, if you think you can help it would be great to hear from you with any ideas/a proposal - please PM me.
Regards the new forum, any more input on the title would be good
So far:
"Newbies"
"Newbie Central"
"Technique"
Personally, I'm a fan of the Newbie one ..
Regards FAQ's though, please do check the Articles section as there is a tonne of stuff, and there is a new article about every fortnight.
Kitesurfing How To Articles
www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/Summary.aspx .. or via the News / Articles / Kitesurfing menu.
e.g.:
Kitesurfer beginer questions
www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/Kitesurfing-beginner-questions_903071.aspx
How To Start Kiteboarding
www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/How-to-start-Kiteboarding_2274949.aspx
Should I use a board leash?
www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/Should-I-use-a-board-leash_903067.aspx
.. and many more ..
How to do your first jump,
How to self land your kite,
How to wave ride,
How to gybe your surfboard,
How to tack your surfboard ...
.. Kitesurfing How To Articles
www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/Summary.aspx
A newbie section is a great idea, it would give noobs a place to share their stoke of the sport without ridicule from those that think they rock. I'll never forget my first up on the board experince, awsome!!. It would also stop stupid comments from more experienced kiters.
...yes, maintaining an up to date kite surfing FAQ might be a daunting task....so a newbie forum with an introduction would be the way to go.
The intro could contain all the links to the info that Laurie mentioned, plus some general advice about the search button. I would also suggest to extend the search to 2 years instead of 12 months....although seeing the frequency of some questions coming up...?
I would suggest to chose a name for the newbie forum that has no inferior connotation, something more encouraging......something like "rising stars"....technical might be a bit too general, something that resonates with learning....
^^^^^^^^yes but kite surfing has well and truly taken over
The past is in your head,
The futures in our hands.lol
No Worries .. now online:
Seabreeze Kitesurfing Newbies Forum
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=72
Enjoy .. Lozza
