Would something along the lines of the tutorials fill that need do you think?
What I would prefer is for the first information I see to be..... 'How to use this Archive--Basic Information' and then subdivide that post into information for readers and information for posters. Putting your mission statement first is understandable but what most people coming here want first is information about how to get to the stories. (sorry we are a selfish lot, LOL) Your detailed descriptions and tutorials need to be ramified prioritized and directed. Your topic order now is based on the assumption that new arrivals know what they need. How do I know what are the important tutorials to read first?
At the moment I am very confused about making an account, I know I don't need one as a reader, but am I supposed to get one if I want an icon? That I am even asking this question means I was unable to figure that out from the information as it is presented. And this gives you insight into the profound cluelessness of a newbie like me. It is hard for people who are very experienced with computers to break down learning-steps for newbies, because so many things are self evident to the experienced that they don't even realize what they are not saying.
So in answer to your question, your need a 'welcome station' type of first entry that lays out the steps to the FAQs and the tutorials. The experienced archive user will blow past that entry, which is fine. But since this archive will eventually have thousands (millions LOL) of newbies putting out an upfront welcome mat for them makes a lot of sense.
Comment on Help review the Archive FAQ!
yellowbird (Guest) Wed 31 Mar 2010 03:22PM UTC
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