@Parlo
First, I want to say that you started an excellent, and valuable conversation.
I'm going to reply to a few of the phrases and words that you've used above. My intent is to clarify why I'm having trouble understanding how to converge on what you really want.
Qualified Tradesmen: H-M doesn't have a qualification certification that I'm aware of. I doubt that H-M is ready to establish one. So, the question is, who/how certifies "Qualified". I tried to address the issue with my previous comments about developing a reputation on H-M. Your posted content will be evaluated by each viewer and each viewer will determine the value to the viewer.
Measures In Place to Verify Content: I think that idea is contrary to the nature of the net in general. I don't see how H-M could implement it and I don't think it's necessary. There's an old adage that goes something like: I have developed my excellent judgement and skills through the consequences of my poor judgement and skills. Each member if free to use his/her judgement to choose techniques that fit his/her skills and other resources.
Obvious: IMO, obvious is a useless concept between strangers. The same with common sense. Those concepts are only useful between persons who are expected to be equivalently familiar with the subject/environment. H-M members have an extremely wide spectrum of knowledge and experience in the hobby/trade. What may be obvious (or common sense) to one, may be unknown to another.
Removing Incorrect Content: H-M has a rule against removing content. AFAIK, staff only does it in the case of content violating a rule(s). As has been said above, what works (is correct) for one may not work (is incorrect) for another. It's not clear how unsafe something would have to be before a majority of members would vote to remove it. What we (H-M members) do is reply with friendly and non denigrating comments to point out perceived problems and safety hazards and suggest alternatives.
Self Promotion: I think you are understanding that term to mean conceit, boasting, bragging and the like. That's not what H-M means. In the H-M rules, self promotion is in reference to commercial activity such as 'Buy my design', 'Buy my tool', 'Buy my machine', etc. You are free to boast, brag and think as highly of yourself as your reputation can stand. LOL
OK, I think I'm getting a grip on what you're talking about. You're describing a forum where only "Qualified Tradesmen" are the judges of what is a good technique vs what is bad or incorrect technique. The judges would have the authority to cull any "bad or incorrect" content posted by the unqualified. Is that it?
Obviously, someone would have to be appointed the
TSAR of Qualified Tradesmen to check credentials and be the top authority determining correct vs incorrect. The forum would have to have a set of rules regarding the removal of content determined to be incorrect (or even off topic and common clutter?). There would have to be a Staff of Qualified Tradesmen to moderate the forum because only they can tell correct from incorrect.
As I understand it, it's beginning to seem a non-trivial effort to implement. I'm hoping to hear from other Staff members here.
Alternatively, I suggest you keep on posting replies where you think you can help and have a clear intention to do so. Reply to warn against what you think to be unsafe or to comment on the incorrect. Simply disregard what you consider to be off topic or clutter.
