Forum Moderators: open
#2: pay no attention to post counts
#3: totally disregard anything posted by a guy called "oilman"
2) Watch the active list [webmasterworld.com] (recent posts) a few times a day.
3) Come to PubConference [pubconference.com].
4) Think quality first. Don't post just because you want to comment - post when you have something good to add to the discussion.
Don't check the box for email notifications of replies when the Google update thread starts.
Use this tool to try and search for what you are looking for. For example, I was JUST looking for information related to filter words. I found EXACTLY what I was looking for by searching for it. I was tempted to make a post about it, but decided to use the search tool. Glad I did because I found exactly what I was looking for.
BTW, Thanks Brett for posting your comprehensive list of filter words.
#2: pay no attention to post counts - well you can at least ignore most of rcjordans' - I mean really, that many quality posts? come on, let's be real
#3: totally disregard anything posted by a guy called "oilman" - fair point
#4: if you happen to stumble across one of rcjordan's sites it's a great lesson in how not to design - I'm fairly certain rc works with his eyes closed
#5: read it all - the whole board - I'm not kidding
#6: read it all again - seriously, you missed some - I'm sure of it
Think quality first.
That's the hardest one to learn - joining in with a quick remark here isn't just being part of a conversation - whatever you write will be found on site searches for years to come (OUCH!)
And anything written sounds far more abrupt (and impolite) when read than you (or I) ever intended when writing it...
The voice of (sometimes regretful) experience...
<<added>>forget what Brett said about watching the active a "few times a day." Just give yourself over to the dark side now and get it over with...>>.
For example, if you're adept at design but want to dig into learning optimization, peruse the homepage threads and the active, but also go through the forums related to search engines one by one to get a basic mastery of the foundations of each. If that's the case I'd dig into the Google forum and the PFI forum for Inktomi at this point in time.
Sometimes people have good all-around skills but need help in a particular area, like technical server-side issues. Or foundations in affiliate marketing, or PPC, or programming. This is where not only digging through the topically related forums is helpful, but the value of the use of the of site search is maximized.
Bottom line, based on individual need, is to use the homepage and active for the broad approach and to stay abreast of what's current, and dig in with depth for honing skills in individual aspects of web development and promotion to reach your maximum individual potential.
rmjvol
2. Skim the active posts daily. Note whose posts you get the best advice from and/or the posts of those who really seem to be making a nice living from SEO or affliate work. Use the 80/20 rule and spend most of your time reading the posts from the top twenty percenters.
3. Set a time limit on how much time to spend at webmasterworld each day. WebmasterWorld can get addicting, especially if you work from your home and don't have anyone offline to talk about SEO stuff with. (I'm already over my limit for today!)
It is very demoralizing for someone when they really need some info, and no one responds. I remember when brett first posted a thread about this feature and for the next few days there where hardly any unanswered posts. Now if you click on it now there are quite a few slipping through. It is always worth it for someone elses benefit to have a quick glance now and then untill you see something that you are able to answer. If we all did this it would make webmasterworld a lot friendlier to new users and people who are new to web development.
Just a thought.
Sorry about the sack Mack( no pun intended)
And wanted to post on that one reminding you what Bob Marley sang about.
When one door is closed another one is opened.
What I really wanted to do was thank you for the unanswered posts. I never use it before and know and get a sicken-ing feeling when a post is made and get the feeling no one have the answer or care to do so. I will start reading these.
Least I can say is Brett seems to make it a point to get back to answering if there is no response
jaybee
edited 3/2/2003 re: poor spelling
Getting back to the real world, I still have to make the knowledge on this site part of my life. I need to comfortably use the site, and your tips helped.
A couple points that I think are important to address:
1. If you take from this site, you should give back. Senior, Preferred, Moderators, Juniors-- this is giving back (thank you). - Buying a sponsorship on this site because of the inherent value- this is giving back.
2:Many of us are Buying, Selling, and Optimizing as our CAREERS (not job, not a hobby site). Many of us own business(es). Many of us consult clients on a daily basis. Many of us will be part the Internet's new waive of "smart" Internet Service Companies. Where on this site can we talk. Does anyone think this would be valuable.
Everytime I write, I say it will be short- so sorry about that. I'll get it right-
I Think there are so many different ways to use this site and no way it right.
My typical journey starts with a trip to control pannel where I can check on threads I have posted in. That way I dont ignore anyone who has replied to me. I also take a look at th etop of the pages to check for any stickymail that I have received. I then take a look in the active list and make a few posts before taking a look through the unanswered messages.
I usualy then take a quick look in my favourite topics to see if there is anything that has passed through the active list that is of interest.
