Dedicated hardware and software support forum

But how rare is that?

Quite rare. Hey, I'm just playing Devil's Advocate here, providing the proof that killadoob asked for :p

I'm curious, though. Will there be any chance of debate on this professional support subforum? If an opinion is asked (which motherboard to buy, for instance), will the original poster be able to receive a variety of opinions?
 
Techie your always going to get funny remarks in a thread but why did you fail to quote the helpful posts there and only quote the funny remark? :D
 
Last edited:
What's the catch? I fail to see why an external company would dedicate resources to users here or is there money involved? Something ala ExpertsExchangeAmaAfrica?


I think there is enough knowledgable people on here already to sort most problems out.
 
Thanks for the feedback so far.

The idea is to bring hardware and software support specialists to the forum to add value rather than replace the advice from members (they will be well qualified :D). They will get some exposure in return – basically free ads.

We are looking at ways to bring more value to MyBroadband members, and this is one of things which we are exploring. Others include network notices from the broadband operators, better company representation and the like.

Your feedback will ultimately guide us in which direction to go.
 
Thanks for the feedback so far.

The idea is to bring hardware and software support specialists to the forum to add value rather than replace the advice from members (they will be well qualified :D). They will get some exposure in return – basically free ads.

We are looking at ways to bring more value to MyBroadband members, and this is one of things which we are exploring. Others include network notices from the broadband operators, better company representation and the like.

Your feedback will ultimately guide us in which direction to go.

Sounds good. May I inquire as to what will happen to the current subforums? Are they to stay as forums for news discussions?
 
Maybe I misunderstood. Will this be a new dedicated forum under its own domain or an addition to the forum structure as it is now?
 
Maybe I misunderstood. Will this be a new dedicated forum under its own domain or an addition to the forum structure as it is now?

I'm also curious as to whether it adds to our current discussions and troubleshooting (another option available to posters) or replaces it altogether... :confused: Sounds like the experts and forumites will be able to post and discuss in this new proposed forum?
 
Last edited:
Personally I think that there are many here who may offer far better advice than some (not all) so-called support professionals.

Ever try calling a telco support line? Then you'd most probably know what I'm talking about :)

I wouldn't mind the idea, though, if members are free to disagree and contribute as well.
 
I vote no. It'll only divide everyone. It's not necessary. Just like the split of hardware and software. It doesn't help anyone. Sometimes the best way to help is to just leave it and let it grow.
 
Maybe I misunderstood. Will this be a new dedicated forum under its own domain or an addition to the forum structure as it is now?
Definitely part of this forum - either a new sub-forum or just forming part of the discussions here.
 
RPM i think the general consensus is leave it alone like the TK thread :p

Put up a poll and base your decision on that.
 
Thanks for the feedback so far.

The idea is to bring hardware and software support specialists to the forum to add value rather than replace the advice from members (they will be well qualified :D). They will get some exposure in return – basically free ads.

We are looking at ways to bring more value to MyBroadband members, and this is one of things which we are exploring. Others include network notices from the broadband operators, better company representation and the like.

Your feedback will ultimately guide us in which direction to go.

As far as anyone knows we may already have numerous hardware and software support specialists on the forum who provide advice on a daily basis without expecting any exposure in return. In fact I know for a fact that we have professional people from all industries providing advice for free on this forum.

If these people are wanting to be so giving then why do they not just join the forum like the rest of us and provide advice when it is asked for.

I think adding some "genuine" specialists will result in the comments from "regular" posters being overshadowed and we'd lose the feeling of community on this forum. An expert would automatically be assumed to have the right answer and others with slight knowledge may be reluctant to provide a solution themselves. I personally prefer asking a question and getting responses from people with varying qualifications offering solutions. I am then free to try all these solutions and see which works for me. Sometimes a "non-specialist" may in fact have an easier solution.
 
I think adding some "genuine" specialists will result in the comments from "regular" posters being overshadowed and we'd lose the feeling of community on this forum.

More like, "this product will solve your problem, you can buy it here www.buyfromus.co.za"

There are already lots of "genuine specialist" here if you ask me.
 
Having dedicated "Experts" might reduce the credibility of perceived non-experts.

For example: I have 10+ years experience in enterprise class solutions. My advice on Disk performance may be spot on (because of experience) but I don't know which display card to buy :) If I had "expert" status, people might be inclined to value my "expert" knowledge on Nvidia VS ATI, while I'm actually just blowing smoke....

The great thing about this forum is that you get a diverse range of opinions and skills; people learn who knows what and take their advice accordingly....
 
Having dedicated "Experts" might reduce the credibility of perceived non-experts.

For example: I have 10+ years experience in enterprise class solutions. My advice on Disk performance may be spot on (because of experience) but I don't know which display card to buy :) If I had "expert" status, people might be inclined to value my "expert" knowledge on Nvidia VS ATI, while I'm actually just blowing smoke....

The great thing about this forum is that you get a diverse range of opinions and skills; people learn who knows what and take their advice accordingly....

+1
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X