[pct-l] Purpose of a PCT FAQ

[Brian Lewis]

Paul/Mags asked:
"But if we keep on saying "Check out the FAQ" to every question, why have an
interactive BBS  or e-mail list?"


I don't see such a response as appropriate for every question, but I do
think it's a good idea to keep in mind, i.e., if the question is likely to
come up again and again, either add it to the FAQ or point to an existing
FAQ entry (preferably an entry-specific link, such as
http://postholer.com/faq.php#books).

So with such a FAQ in existence, why have a BBS or e-mail list?  Well, in
part to constantly improve & update the FAQ so that folks can find a great
set of answers to most-common questions!  Without them having to hope that
someone might give them a complete, correct, sufficiently detailed response
at the particular time that they ask--- and on the flip side, so people
don't get tired of the same questions coming up again and again.
Also, of course, to discuss new developments, trail changes, current
conditions,  etc etc.

I don't think an ever-improving FAQ need impede discussion --- I hope the
FAQ never causes anyone to suggest that an existing entry should somehow
preclude or terminate discussion of a topic.
Folks can always take issue with and/or augment or update or just generally
reopen discussion on stuff that's already has an entry.  I think it would be
a mistake to think of any FAQ as ever "complete".    And lots of things that
are discussed need not be in the FAQ.     But having the FAQ provides a
stronger base of reference and discussion for various topics without the
basics needing to be repeated via email/posts.

Put another way, if the perceived purpose of the discussion list were to be
to reprise the same questions and answers over and over again with some
occasional inside jokes and off-topic discussions thrown into the mix, I'd
definitely opt out!


Brian Lewis / Gadget '08
http://postholer.com/brianle