Do threads like "Needing more than a spark test" need a different sub-forum?

[homebrewed]

A question on my part, for both members and moderators. This particular thread has grown into a behemoth, perhaps viewed with a mix of amusement and bemusement by those who have browsed through it. But my question isn't specifically about that one. It's a subject that clearly has some interest for some machinists, but definitely covers quite a bit more than traditional machining. I don't think it is completely inappropriate for this online forum, considering interests like CNC and ELS....or, for that matter, 3D printing. I also have seen that there are many here who have knowledge and expertise on widely disparate subjects which aren't directly related to machining so perhaps they could contribute to some of these way-out-there things. There also are items of interest like DIY induction furnaces, spark erosion systems etc. But might there be a better sub-forum for stuff like this instead of where it's currently located -- "general home machine shop discussions"?

I'm not pushing for relocating this particular thread because I think it's particularly "special". It's more about making it easier for members to find subjects like it. In essence, subjects that could be useful for some machinists, but have aspects that include substantial portions of other kinds of technology, with the intent of eventually -- maybe-- benefiting machining as a whole. I dunno, maybe "works in progress" or "Way Out There"......that might eventually find their way to a specific sub-forum.

 

[GrifterGuru]

A few of the older (now defunct due to Farcebook) forums I was a member of had a "General Chat" and "off topic" section.

Maybe that could suffice to cover non-machining related or off-topic discussions?

 

[homebrewed]

A few of the older (now defunct due to Farcebook) forums I was a member of had a "General Chat" and "off topic" section.

Maybe that could suffice to cover non-machining related or off-topic discussions?

OK (and thanks for your comments). I might dispute the off-topic nature in terms of a binary decision but let's see how things develop.

 

[matthewsx]

Nope, I like it just where it is. Occasionally look over at it to remember just how slow I am

John

 

[GeneT45]

With the manner in which I use most forums it just doesn't matter. I log in, check responses / alerts and then go to 'new posts' - I pay not attention to what subforum. If I'm looking for something in particular, I just use search. The only forums where I've paid attention to what was in a particular subforum were those very few where my interest was limited to some small corner of the forum. I've always assumed most people did some variation of this, perhaps not?

GsT

 

[rabler]

Similar to @GeneT45, I use the "New Posts" feature for browsing. I use the search functions when I'm trying to research a particular topic. There is such a vast number of sub-forums already, that I don't find it particularly useful for sorting/separating content due to possible overlap in where topics should go. It wouldn't bother me if it was in a separate forum, it just wouldn't add anything to the site's utility from my perspective.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

I lost interest in that thread a long time ago.

What’s bugging me is on the forum list main page the most recently discussed topic inder each category is all fubar.

In the beginner forum header I’m showing a o-ring groove thread last discussed in the middle of July, and in general machine shop discussion I’m showing how to charge for jobs as the most recent.

WTF?

 

[matthewsx]

This kind of thing only matters on forums where people get upset if something is “off-topic”.

Fortunately this isn’t one of those so I can enjoy all the “off-topic” subjects that I never would have considered if I was strictly looking for only what the sub category heading was.

I too just tend to check “what’s new” unless I’m searching for something in particular.

I really like it this way and I’ve been exchanging info online for more than three decades.

John

 

[ChazzC]

There already is an Off-Topic sub-forum (it's under "The Members' Area/The Members' Hang-Out").

The Spark Test thread could go under Forums / RESOURCES FOR HOBBY-MACHINISTS / MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES

 

[jwmay]

Having never looked at the particular thread in question, I vote to leave it wherever it is.