I have been considering addressing some of these questions for a while. This week I have decided to answer questions I've encountered along the way since introducing master threads on AGN. If there is a question that wasn't addressed, ask and I may answer. Snarky and trolling comments will be treated accordingly.
Questions:
1) What is a master thread?
2) How did master threads come about?
3) Why do we have master threads?
4) What is the difference between a regular thread and a master thread?
5) Why do you try to moderate a master thread?
Answers:
1) Simply put, a master thread is a repository of airgun related information. They utilize methods of compiling and organizing existing information on a topic, mapping it out in order to guide readers through a framework designed to lead readers to more specific details (via threads, other forums, articles, instruction manuals, diagrams, videos, sites, etc). Think of a master thread as an outline of a topic (think of how we are taught to write essays) or a map to a destination (answers to questions you may have). If you want to know more details about a topic, you can find specific information easily through the loose ordering of information into categories containing corresponding links to other threads. It is a sort of open source "wiki" styled compilation of information in which I provide a framework and invite members to freely add relevant information to the these threads.
2) The master thread concept came about as a combination of two primary elements:
a) a somewhat difficult internal search engine that didn't always immediately yield the best results. This is before AGN was overhauled with a beefed up search function and before the brand tags that we see today. You used to literally have to sift through search results and read for hours (sometimes) to find answers. Sometimes you still may not have found exactly what you were looking for. I was a person that did a ton of reading here. So I learned the threads fairly well over the course of a few years.
b) another member commented that it would be nice if someone organized all of the information about a particular airgun so that the information would be readily accessible. I think it was an AAA Evol thread. Consequently, I believe that the first AGN "Master Thread" was the "All Things Evol - Master Thread." These threads take days to weeks to compile. Often times I'd remember certain things that I read or who posted them so I had a bit of an edge when it came to searching for information.
3) I created the first master thread because after the member mentioned how it would be nice to have this, I pitched an idea or two at AGN staff about the feasibility of better organizing information so that it would be easier for members to locate specific info and have it more readily accessible to them. I think we had different visions on how to accomplish that. When the discussion didn't develop in to a collaborative effort I didn't question the decision. I simply accepted what was explained to me and moved along. That is to say that some things were explained to me. Later the brand labels/tags emerged which are very helpful. Ultimately I decided to compile and organize information on a subject and post it to show that it could be done and to observe how it would be received. The concept has proven beneficial to numerous members and it has also fomented discussion and encouraged troubleshooting by concentrating members who are excited or passionate about particular products or activities into single common threads to exchange thoughts, ideas, and to promote learning.
4) As a repository, a master thread is meant to be a framework of a topic that guides readers to specific information that they are seeking. To get to the specifics or the "meat" of a topic, links are provided for the reader to read further or ask more nuanced questions in linked threads that delve off into more specific areas of the master thread subject. They were never meant to be a catch-all or dump box for lazy members or those that don't do so well using search engines or technology. Consequently, several master threads have devolved into the very thing I wished to avoid. It's almost like getting a text book in grade-school where the previous children wrote and drew all over the pages, didn't cover it, tore pages, etc. All of these things are distracting and can discourage students from wanting to use a particular book (in our case discourage members from using a particular master thread). The problem with dumping questions in the master thread or repeating the same questions that have already been asked and answered in the master thread as opposed to ancillary threads is it can make the master threads unnecessarily longer. As a result it can further discourage members and others from wanting to read through them to find relevant information that they seek. In general, redundant questions and answers lessen the appeal of threads while lengthening them unnecessarily.
A regular thread can discuss several topics within a single thread. They are a lot more susceptible to members going on off-topic tangents. They often die after the posting wanes Eventually other members may introduce the same or a similar topic in more recent threads. Overall we end up with an over abundance of threads on the same or simialr topics. If you search AGN long enough for answers to your questions you may also notice what I’m stating.
5) A question I have received , often sharply, that some people really seem to want an answer to. ”Why do you monitor, moderate, and communicate with people within the master threads the way that you do?” Because I care more about the preservation and access to good information concerning our airguns and airgun related hobbies. I care about that a lot more than how you feel about me suggesting something, asking things of others, or telling others not to do a thing out of respect for the concept of the master thread and for the consideration of others who will come behind us to read AGN threads. I'm thinking years ahead here.
The concept was implemented with the intent of expanding the framework by adding linked threads to the master threads, not to continue discussions that are best carried on in threads that began similar or the same discussion. Reading earlier master threads, I didn't always articulate this clearly. However, I have noticed that a significant portion of members will comment on a thread only reading the last page or the last post. So if you go to a master thread and never read page #1 or post #1 then you are likely clueless as to what this is even supposed to be. One member told me that the title says "ALL THINGS..." in which it did. However, these threads weren't spawned to create monetary opportunities for entrepreneurial minded individuals to chime in and litter the threads intermittently with free advertising spots for their products. That's totally unfair to others. If you make something, let us know what you have, leave contact info or a link to further details, and move along. I'm pretty sure your post will remain within the thread as long as it lasts so long as it doesn't violate AGN rules.
Anyhow, I wanted to explain these things that people have asked or may have been wondering. I may not compile another because some of the mess that people come to me with doesn't always feel like it's worth the sacrifice. It's a concept, many of you can do the same or something similar. It's one of those "put up or shut up things." If you don't like something about AGN and complain about it , have you tried offering a solution? No? Then why not try offering something useful or simply be quiet? A few have. Kudos to them. I was glad to see it.
*These are my thoughts on this. If there are typos, I'll fix them later as I find them.
Questions:
1) What is a master thread?
2) How did master threads come about?
3) Why do we have master threads?
4) What is the difference between a regular thread and a master thread?
5) Why do you try to moderate a master thread?
Answers:
1) Simply put, a master thread is a repository of airgun related information. They utilize methods of compiling and organizing existing information on a topic, mapping it out in order to guide readers through a framework designed to lead readers to more specific details (via threads, other forums, articles, instruction manuals, diagrams, videos, sites, etc). Think of a master thread as an outline of a topic (think of how we are taught to write essays) or a map to a destination (answers to questions you may have). If you want to know more details about a topic, you can find specific information easily through the loose ordering of information into categories containing corresponding links to other threads. It is a sort of open source "wiki" styled compilation of information in which I provide a framework and invite members to freely add relevant information to the these threads.
2) The master thread concept came about as a combination of two primary elements:
a) a somewhat difficult internal search engine that didn't always immediately yield the best results. This is before AGN was overhauled with a beefed up search function and before the brand tags that we see today. You used to literally have to sift through search results and read for hours (sometimes) to find answers. Sometimes you still may not have found exactly what you were looking for. I was a person that did a ton of reading here. So I learned the threads fairly well over the course of a few years.
b) another member commented that it would be nice if someone organized all of the information about a particular airgun so that the information would be readily accessible. I think it was an AAA Evol thread. Consequently, I believe that the first AGN "Master Thread" was the "All Things Evol - Master Thread." These threads take days to weeks to compile. Often times I'd remember certain things that I read or who posted them so I had a bit of an edge when it came to searching for information.
3) I created the first master thread because after the member mentioned how it would be nice to have this, I pitched an idea or two at AGN staff about the feasibility of better organizing information so that it would be easier for members to locate specific info and have it more readily accessible to them. I think we had different visions on how to accomplish that. When the discussion didn't develop in to a collaborative effort I didn't question the decision. I simply accepted what was explained to me and moved along. That is to say that some things were explained to me. Later the brand labels/tags emerged which are very helpful. Ultimately I decided to compile and organize information on a subject and post it to show that it could be done and to observe how it would be received. The concept has proven beneficial to numerous members and it has also fomented discussion and encouraged troubleshooting by concentrating members who are excited or passionate about particular products or activities into single common threads to exchange thoughts, ideas, and to promote learning.
4) As a repository, a master thread is meant to be a framework of a topic that guides readers to specific information that they are seeking. To get to the specifics or the "meat" of a topic, links are provided for the reader to read further or ask more nuanced questions in linked threads that delve off into more specific areas of the master thread subject. They were never meant to be a catch-all or dump box for lazy members or those that don't do so well using search engines or technology. Consequently, several master threads have devolved into the very thing I wished to avoid. It's almost like getting a text book in grade-school where the previous children wrote and drew all over the pages, didn't cover it, tore pages, etc. All of these things are distracting and can discourage students from wanting to use a particular book (in our case discourage members from using a particular master thread). The problem with dumping questions in the master thread or repeating the same questions that have already been asked and answered in the master thread as opposed to ancillary threads is it can make the master threads unnecessarily longer. As a result it can further discourage members and others from wanting to read through them to find relevant information that they seek. In general, redundant questions and answers lessen the appeal of threads while lengthening them unnecessarily.
A regular thread can discuss several topics within a single thread. They are a lot more susceptible to members going on off-topic tangents. They often die after the posting wanes Eventually other members may introduce the same or a similar topic in more recent threads. Overall we end up with an over abundance of threads on the same or simialr topics. If you search AGN long enough for answers to your questions you may also notice what I’m stating.
5) A question I have received , often sharply, that some people really seem to want an answer to. ”Why do you monitor, moderate, and communicate with people within the master threads the way that you do?” Because I care more about the preservation and access to good information concerning our airguns and airgun related hobbies. I care about that a lot more than how you feel about me suggesting something, asking things of others, or telling others not to do a thing out of respect for the concept of the master thread and for the consideration of others who will come behind us to read AGN threads. I'm thinking years ahead here.
The concept was implemented with the intent of expanding the framework by adding linked threads to the master threads, not to continue discussions that are best carried on in threads that began similar or the same discussion. Reading earlier master threads, I didn't always articulate this clearly. However, I have noticed that a significant portion of members will comment on a thread only reading the last page or the last post. So if you go to a master thread and never read page #1 or post #1 then you are likely clueless as to what this is even supposed to be. One member told me that the title says "ALL THINGS..." in which it did. However, these threads weren't spawned to create monetary opportunities for entrepreneurial minded individuals to chime in and litter the threads intermittently with free advertising spots for their products. That's totally unfair to others. If you make something, let us know what you have, leave contact info or a link to further details, and move along. I'm pretty sure your post will remain within the thread as long as it lasts so long as it doesn't violate AGN rules.
Anyhow, I wanted to explain these things that people have asked or may have been wondering. I may not compile another because some of the mess that people come to me with doesn't always feel like it's worth the sacrifice. It's a concept, many of you can do the same or something similar. It's one of those "put up or shut up things." If you don't like something about AGN and complain about it , have you tried offering a solution? No? Then why not try offering something useful or simply be quiet? A few have. Kudos to them. I was glad to see it.
*These are my thoughts on this. If there are typos, I'll fix them later as I find them.
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