Do we need a JavaScript FAQ?

Hello folks,

there have been some long threads about source code protection and it's shortcomings/uselessness recently. Particularly, I refer to http://www.codingforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5389 and similar to this one, http://www.codingforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4437 . While the last one pops directly into sight because it's a sticky one, it should be easy for everyone to follow it. The same is not true for the former thread, and since people tend to address this issue also in the javascript forums, yet are not aware of this sticky thread in another forum, I want to propose the development of a JavaScript FAQ for that forum.

As a preliminary solution, the sticky thread of the Gen Web forum could be referenced in the must-read post of the javascript forum.

But before I'll go on and sketch the details I have in mind for a decent FAQ, I'll wanted to gather opinions about that in general.

So what do you think of this idea? Any feedback, objections and criticism is highly welcome. :)

Hi mordred:
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll consider adding that thread in the General development category to the sticky JS post.

The issue of creating a FAQs for the forum has been brought up in the past. There are basically two ways to go about this:

1) Create a sticky thread for each category, and put all the relevant FAQs under it.

2) Create a new section under the forum (ie: similar to the existing "Client side development" section) devoted exclusively to FAQs. The section will then be broken down into the existing categories.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both of the above; neither is perfect. I like 1) for the fact that it will be more accessible and likely to be read by everyone, since the FAQ is posted inline along with the rest of the threads. 2) however allows me to post FAQs as separate threads, as each category will have a corresponding FAQ category.

I can't say for sure when the above will be implemented, as I'm currently working on some unrelated things that's taking up a lot of time. It will be for sure however.

just a thought, but why not add the various faqs to the boards faq page? that way it would all be covered under the faqs link in the green bar, and you could make sure it is the first port of call when poeple have problems.

Originally posted by redhead
just a thought, but why not add the various faqs to the boards faq page? that way it would all be covered under the faqs link in the green bar, and you could make sure it is the first port of call when poeple have problems.

That's an interesting idea...never thought of putting the FAQs inside the section green bar. Thanks.

Originally posted by redhead
just a thought, but why not add the various faqs to the boards faq page?

there are good things and bad things about that. good thing is that it keeps all of the FAQ's together in one place. bad thing is that it means a lot of FAQs, all together in one place. it'd also be a lot more difficult to keep the FAQs maintainable as part of the main board FAQs, than it would be if they were just sticky threads on the board.

posting the FAQs as a thread, means that they're alwas in your immediate line of sight in the forums, any member can post to it, and any mod can edit it, which means that George isn't the only one who can (has to) update them, when they need updating.

i say take it a step further, and combine the "How to Post a ---- Question!" Thread with a FAQs thread, putting all of the information that a newbie should read, before posting in a particular forum, in one thread.

just my thoughts on the matter.