Website suggestion!

[Debo123]

So it seems that more and more there are questions about topics that have already been extensively discussed and it makes everyone grumble a bit when we see the same question. Well we're stage managers, we solve problems, don't we? Let me suggest a solution to this one, so nobody starts heckling new members who are, more than likely, so overjoyed to have found a community of SMs and share their inquiries, that they don't realize they're jumping off the virtual bridge of e-awkwardness.
Can there be a FAQ section, or some sort of archiving of all the threads on the popular topics? I know there's a search feature but it is hard to sift through its results. Maybe just one page of most popular topics, and link to that page in the requisite email where you get your password. Or, it could pop up the first few times you log in or be a big link or something. Topics I'd suggest in there include grad school, undergrad, show calling, Broadway, kits, PSM vs. SM, tips for new stage managers, salaries, high school sms, etc. (Others I'm sure will remember other popular topics I have forgotten).

Made this into a poll! --PSMK

[Kimberly]

Dude, that is a WONDERFUL idea!!! I hope the admin/mods agree!!    :wink:

[Mac Calder]

Great idea, but how about a wiki instead?

[Debo123]

Resumes/cover letters is also a fav

[PSMKay]

Ok, if you want to go through and find stuff that's particularly useful, I'll go through and either "sticky" the threads so they don't drop off or move them to the SMNetwork FAQ.

I only come through here every couple of weeks, but will try and get in here more frequently for a bit until new moderators are chosen.

Oh, and while we're on the subject of suggestions, is it maybe also time to start considering a new lineup of forums? I mean, Topic of the Month just ain't happenin and I can think of some other forums that might be more useful.  (Job Hunting... Get Togethers... International)  Help me out here, folks.  I've now been out of the business myself for two years, it's tough for me to stay connected to everything when I spend 60 hours a week showing apartments.

[ChaCha]

what's a wiki?

[Mac Calder]

On the topic of "What is a wiki":

The way a wiki works is someone creates an article (anyone).  They write some content, place it in certain categories. Someone else comes along later and reads that same article and thinks "Oh, That's wrong." They click edit, and they change the article. Someone else comes along and they see it is missing some information, so they click edit and add it.

If you want an example of a wiki, have a look at This one or if you want to see a really spectacular wiki, look at wikipedia.

Basically a wiki is a site that any member can edit all (or most) of the content. (For example, pages can be protected if need be)

[MatthewShiner]

My concern over a Wiki . . .

even the simpliest question like "How do I lay out a daily" call would warrant  like 12 answers, and the editing on top of each other I think can only lead to confusion.  I think a Wiki can better be suited for more factual information, rather then questions of style.

I think some sort of system where various answers to a specific question can be posted by different people.

Stage Management is not a black and white job - everything is chalked up to a personal style and your own opinion.  And with this site geared for everyone from beginngers to season pros, sometimes you will find the same questions can warrant different answers (How you stage manage in college can be very different then a major regional theatre.)

That's my 2 cents.  I am excitede about the Wiki idea, but ultimately think it might not be the exact right technology.

[Mac Calder]

Whilst it is true that stage management is subjective, wiki's usually have a 'talk' or 'discussion' page which allows members to discuss the content. By using that, you can come up with a "Largely accepted" answer to the question.

[nmno]

I agree that Job Searching could warrent its own forum (resumes/cover letters/negotiations/how to find jobs, etc).  
Also, not sure what to call it, but some place to ask for solutions to production related challenges ala smokeless cigarettes, substitutions for prop food, how to make stage whisky etc.
Perhaps a "tools of the trade" forum for the ever popular "what goes in a kit" threads as well as sharing great finds of the best headsets, flashlights, stopwatches, etc.

[PSMKay]

These are all great suggestions!  I've moved this into General SM so that all of the discussions are consolidated.  Please continue discussions in the Sticky thread at the top of the forum!