Forum Moderators: mack
Welcome to Webmaster World!
Even the old timers here need help from time to time, so don't worry about asking questions that you think are dumb. If you check my old posts, you'll see I've probably asked them myself! ;)
Here are a few links to get you started on the forum:
Webmaster World Site Help [webmasterworld.com]
Using Webmaster World [webmasterworld.com]
Site Search [webmasterworld.com]
Glossary [webmasterworld.com]
Terms of Service [webmasterworld.com]
If you are new to the forum, then do yourself a favour and read the Terms of Service first. The moderators and admin are on 23 hour shifts and only get one 15 minute break per week, so make life easy for them! ;)
Next port of call - site search. Have a quick search for the answer to your problem - the chances ar that someone has already asked your question before.
General rule of thumb for posting - no specifics and no URL's (there are exceptions, but anything that promotes your site or slags off someone else will be deleted).
Google, Google and er, Google
As you probably know, Google updates on a regular basis (well, they have been a bit funny recently), which prompts the ever increasing Google Update Thread here at WW.
(this month - Update Esmeralda [webmasterworld.com])
The problem here (mainly for mods and admin) is that so many people have so many questions, that dozens of new threads appear and saturated the recent posts list.
So all the threads have to be consolidated into one big thread (the update thread, above), which is a lot of work. So, if you do have a question about the current update, then post it in the update thread, and don't start a new one. It keeps the place tidy, if ya know what I mean! ;)
Any other questions about Google can be posted in one of the Google forums:
Google News [webmasterworld.com]
Google Toolbar [webmasterworld.com]
Google Adwords and Advertising [webmasterworld.com]
Google IPO Watch, Finance and Business Operations [webmasterworld.com]
Also note, each forum has it's own Charter and Library.
The Charter can fill you in on what should be posted in that particular forum, and the Library has an index of the most useful threads on that subject area.
The rest of the forum
As you can see from the Forum Index [webmasterworld.com], most subject areas are covered. Have a browse through the index and find the right forum for your question. You will see that each has it's own charter and library, so have a look there first.
There is a dedicated Commercial Exchange [webmasterworld.com] forum for asking for specific help (ie, paid for help) or for advertising services. This keeps the other forums free from self promotion so they can focus on information.
The dark side
You will be different when you leave... [webmasterworld.com]
Some useful threads
You can flag threads in the control panel so they are bookmarked for your future reference.
Here are a few that I found useful, and perhaps some others may add their own favourite threads to this thread.
What goes into a forum upkeep? [webmasterworld.com]
11 tips from a senior DMOZ editor [webmasterworld.com]
Link strategies - to build presence and increase exposure [webmasterworld.com]
Marketing Guy is a God! [webmasterworld.com]
Hope this is some help, and Im sure some other people will have more to add to this list.
Scott :)
<edit> style code fix - er twice </edit>
I thought I would chime in with a few additional useful threads that I have flagged [webmasterworld.com] in the past:
Foundational Reading for the New Webmaster [webmasterworld.com]
Successful Site in 12 Months with Google Alone [webmasterworld.com]
Search Engine Relationship Chart [webmasterworld.com]
Handy, generic javascript coding [webmasterworld.com]
Research your Competition [webmasterworld.com]
How to get a PR10 [webmasterworld.com]
Becoming a professional webmaster [webmasterworld.com]
Basic Webmaster Skills [webmasterworld.com]
Welcome to WebmasterWorld, enjoy your stay.
- Chad
Resources for writers - make your words sing [webmasterworld.com]
Don't be afraid to ask questions, but be sure that you're asking the right question in the right manner. Brett posted a link to an excellent HOWTO on asking smart questions. It says "required reading," and I'm surprised it never made it to the Webmasterworld home page.
Required reading: How to be a better member [webmasterworld.com]
