Suggestions for Tutorial Section of the Website.

[Fromlostdays]

So first, thanks for implementing this. Its exciting to be able to organize so much information. 

 

That said, and correct me if I'm wrong, we can narrow down possible content formats to this:

 

1 - An embed-able video (like youtube)

2 - A video that can't be embedded (I'm not sure if this exists but just in case)

3 - A guide written by one of our members on site

4 - A guide written offsite

 

2 and 4 will definitely have to be links, otherwise we'd just be stealing content. 3 could optionally be a link to a thread.

 

So for naming purposes, ex: 

 

Hyperspin Guide [Video]       (embedded video)

Hyperspin Guide [Link-Video]    (A video that for whatever reason won't post to the site)

Hyperspin Guide [username]     (If someone wants to cut and paste a prewritten guide from this site, or create a new one)

Hyperspin Guide [Link-Forum]    (If someone wants to post a link to a prewitten guide from this site)

Hyperspin Guide [Link-Written]    (A link to other guides around the web)

 

Just some suggestions to further streamline the helpful stuff. I'm not sure what ideas are floating as the section doesn't have information yet. But it is very exciting, and this way would allow all users to contribute, at very least, viable linked content that is helpful. 

 

Another suggestion, and I have no idea if this is possible, but can we allow tutorials of original content to be edited by multiple people? Just some thoughts.

 

I'm loving the new stuff around here. 

 

 

 

[damageinc86]

Just to keep it streamlined, if you were using a guide from offsite then maybe it could just be cited and posted here?  That way there is a "hard copy" so to speak, here on our forums, cited properly to give credit.  Still put a link.  Then that way if the site it was on ever goes down someday in the future, or the posts are deleted, we would still have that tutorial here.

[Iggy]

Hey there...ill be going over you ideas very soon...the one thing I was suggesting is to have the guides locked down (where only moderators/admins are able to edit them)...and this is why....somebody could make unexpected changes, confusing directions that are hard to follow, people not following guide formatting etc.  We would like to also close down the thread so you can not add comments to the guide threads themselves....which reduces the clutter within that tutorial category.  I say to go with this schema so the tutorials do not get out of control fast.

 

However, on the flip side, to encourage collaboration, within each category will be a comments section relevant to that category for personnel to comment on anything related to that guide and a guide approval section (so moderators/admins can go over content...kind of like theme approvers).  Like artwork, dbs, etc we want the highest quality tutorials that dont have the extra fluff, easy to find, and straight to the point.  I want the tutorials to be a collaboration amongst community members (cuz I sure dont have the time to make every guide ).  Whats even more nice is that I have not even had the chance to really set up my HS since my focus is on wheels....but the brilliant thing about that is that it will be like im a new user, which will allow me to go through the directions and address any confusion concerns.

 

Now this section is still in its infancy so nothing is set in stone....therefore let me review you suggestions (thank you very much by the way) and will get back to ya! 

[Iggy]

Anddd im not sure why the font changed on the last statement ....typing this on my cell

[Circo]

Not interested in direct linking to other sites in tutorial section

[Iggy]

Not interested in direct linking to other sites in tutorial section

 

Circo, would this include youtube links?  If so, what would you suggest to get the videos on the tutorials?

[Circo]

YouTube has to be linked. I'm talking about written instructions

[Iggy]

Ah gotcha....okie dokie so in reference to point 4, I agree in this respect

[Metalzoic]

How does something qualify for the tutorials section?

I posted some very long step-by-step instructions on getting Steam games working in a members topic. Would that possibly go in the Tutorials section or would you want it all re-written, formatted etc..?

[damageinc86]

I would think almost anything that takes some detailed instruction would require a tutorial.  Or maybe the most popularly asked questions.  For example, I would have never figured out on my own how to set up pclauncher module system specific settings, and drag the non-existant window down so that you can see games listed inside of it.  That whole process had to be explained in detail.

[Iggy]

Hi Metalzoic....if you have written a tutorial and can PM me the link...I have a tool that tutorializes the tutorial....Dont worry about formatting as the tool will mess with formatting, however; please check that your guide is accurate, clear, and concise.  If it has screenshots excellent....if not, I might need ya to capture those screenshots for me......Ill be converting these to Word format..... in other words, this is going to be an ongoing process until we can nail down a final version that can be posted in the tutorial section.  If you want to try your hand on creating an RTF or Word written tutorial, I do have a tutorial on formatting standards that includes technical formatting standards (in word format) and an example (in word format).  You can find it under Tutorials->Tutorial Guidelines

[Iggy]

Aletterfromthelostdays (whew that took a bit to type out , just kidding)

 

I went through your suggestions and definitely agree with points 1 and 3.  In fact, these ideas is what we implemented.  I definitely will take up your idea of your naming convention to identify if its a video or written.  Thank you for that. 

 

So the process is this (for now): member submits a guide by pasting url of youtube video or attaching their word document and uploads to the Tutorial Uploads (For Approval) section.  This section is like the theme approval thread where we offer feedback to you.  If we approve, the guide goes public....if not, we suggest the requested changes in the guides comment section in which you upload the new version of your guide in the same submitted tutorial (no need to create a new thread).  If members want to request changes, they just use the commenting feature of that specific guide. An admin will take a look and if the change is approved, then they will update the attachment (if written) or URL if (revised video).  Again, we didnt want multiple people to edit the guide, because; it can become out of control and the tutorial content could potentially be deleted)

 

If you have any other ideas....shoot em my or rfancella's way   Thanks!