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[Improve content] Answering questions off-forum

#1

Hi all. As the result of various posted questions, I have received
much generous and valuable advice off-forum. While I can understand
why some circumstances might dictate an off-forum response, I would
like to encourage on-forum responses whenever possible.

Even though many queries posted may seem relevant only to the
questioner, I guarantee there are LOTS of forum readers who are
saying, “Yeah, what is the answer to that?”- and look forward to the
responses. If some knowledgeable member responds off-forum, everyone
else is denied the answer, and the archives are all the poorer as
well. So to all you generous geniuses out there, I say “Let it
shine!”

Allan Mason
silvermason.com

#2

Thank you , Allan , for your suggestion ! I am one of those "lurkers"
who enjoys the answers to the questions of others. I ,too, ask that
most answers be made available to the entire list ( there are
exceptions , of course ).

Molly

#3 
If some knowledgeable member responds off-forum, everyone else is
denied the answer, and the archives are all the poorer as well.  So
to all you generous geniuses out there, I say "Let it shine!"

I agree. We have forum members who are at all levels of expertise
in an extremely wide range of skills. No one can know it all, if for
no other reason than the fact that techniques, tools, and equipment
are constantly changing. The more we can learn from each other’s
experiences the better off we will be both individually and
corporately. I can’t count the times I have seen a question posted,
waited for responses, and saw none. Perhaps some folks think that
basic questions–or esoteric ones–are not of interest to a lot of
folks. Whatever the reasons for responding off-forum, I too would
appreciate seeing answers to even the most mundane (in someone’s
opinion) questions. So, folks, I know there are times when an
off-forum response is appropriate, but please share with us unless
there is a good reason not to.

Del Pearson, PhD, of Designs of Eagle Creek in Beautiful South Texas
where sterling and turquoise are often more treasured than platinum
and diamonds.

#4

Hi all. Since my original post suggesting that members respond to
questions on-forum so that all may share in their wisdom, I’ve had a
couple of further thoughts I’d like to lob out there.

It seems as though a large percentage of the wisdom offered on
Orchid comes from a relatively small percentage of those who read
the forum daily. I’m often amazed at the big-name big-talent
artists who share their knowledge (including the much-missed David
Barzilay).

Then I got to thinking that perhaps that some of our more prolific
posters might prefer to occasionally respond off-furum simply to
avoid seeming like ubiquitous know-it-alls by chiming in publicly on
every topic they might have some expertise on. While I can kind of
understand this thinking, I’d like to suggest that it stop right
now!!

If you have the time, the knowledge, and the inclination to respond
to some ernest question- DO IT! Maybe it’s your third post of the
day, but if you know what you’re talking about you’ll never wear out
your welcome with me. I won’t get sick of seeing your name or
reading your advice, and will only appreciate your generosity of
spirit and envy the good karma you’ll have coming.

This forum can suck up a lot of time, what with all the writing, the
reading, the THINKING. But it’s my daily kick in the ass and a
constant source of inspiration. I urge you all to SUBSCRIBE! Now I
have to go and finally get some work done.

Allan Mason
silvermason.com