DA forum revision needed - Wiki req'd

[cbservers]

Everytime I go looking for an answer to my troubles, I do the forum search and what do I find. Just more questions....

I would find differing how-to's usually 2 to 3 years old and not much clarification about whether it was fressbsd, centos, redhat, debian. It's too hard to tell whether that how-to was still relevant or destroy my box.

The only way i can see this problem being resolved is to have a DA wiki, with the first line of each wiki entry referring back to a thread in this forum. The two should work together and hopefully it will result in a comprehensive DA manual.

I know this has been suggested before, but the problems still exist.

What do you think?

[DutchTSE]

http://help.directadmin.com gives you some answers to your problems;)

[cbservers]

http://help.directadmin.com gives you some answers to your problems;)

Yep I'm fully aware of the DA Knowledge base, but that can only really deal with "Official" support, I'm mainly talking about all the other information, like updating spam assasin, php, clamav, and other such information.

When it's posted in the knowledge base, only da staff can maintain it, when it's in a thread on this forum, it's up to the original poster, but in a wiki we can all maintain the record.

[floyd]

I think it is already bad enough that I have to go to the site-helper page, the knowledge base, and the forum to search for answers. Now you want to add a fourth place for me to have to look?

[cbservers]

So you understand my problem!

You look in the knowledge base, nup no answer there, then you go to the forums and you find something that is 3 or 4 years old and a bit vague, do you trust it will work now?? Would it mess with DA configuration, especially features added to DA since that topic was created in 2003.

Atleast with a Wiki a page is created and then updated, not just abandoned and a new thread created later.

Therefore you will only need to visit the wiki. You would hope that the wiki would be populated by the knowledge base first up.

[smtalk]

If you find an old thread in the DirectAdmin forums and you're not sure if it will work for you (how-to or something like that) - you can post a question to the thread and it will be answered.

[floyd]

So you understand my problem!

Actually I don't. I have never had a problem finding answers to questions on this forum unless it has to do with new technology or software.

[Seth]

I have to agree with floyd and smtalk. This forum has saved me more than once. DIG DEEPER :)

[nobaloney]

cbservers,

You make some good points and I'm of mixed feelings on a wiki.

The biggest problem is that I've seen a lot of wikis (including wikipedia) where I've had to make changes to totally incorrect information. When I do, there's no way to notify any of the people who've already gotten the wrong information.

If a How-To is incorrect, it can be edited. If it's really bad, and if the original author isn't able or willing to fix it, then it can be removed; just report the post and give the reason, or post the problem in the thread itself, or even email me; there's always a working email address in my siglines.

I think up-to-date How-Tos are much easier to maintain than wiki's.

All that said, you can always create your own unofficial wiki. Go for it :) .

Just don't expect that those of us who do a lot of support here will have the time to work with your wiki as well.

Jeff

[tlchost]

I think up-to-date How-Tos are much easier to maintain than wiki's.
Jeff

I tend to agree with you....but that only works when there is a fairly complete collection of Howtos

If I was in the "support" mode, I'd rather develop a howto than answer the same question with the same detail time and time again.

Thom

[nobaloney]

We do have a How-To section. Feel free to add to it ;) .

Jeff

[tlchost]

We do have a How-To section. Feel free to add to it ;) .

Jeff

Still the pithy sense of humor....

Thom

[nobaloney]

Hey, I've contributed, others have contributed. So now it's your turn ;) .

Jeff

[tlchost]

Hey, I've contributed, others have contributed. So now it's your turn ;) .

Jeff

That's a good point....I was going to do that....but then realized that I've been told that my problems with squirrelmail could have been handled if I didn't use it for Admin mail, and then that there was no problem, but a mis-configuration by my vendor.

Even funnier was my thought of having squirrelmail forward mail. After I was told that no web-based client forwarded mail. I suppose I could write about installing the squirrelmail module to forward mail :D

I think I will simply play dumb and ask questions, as it's obvious that I am not smart enough to make any contributions.

Thom

[nobaloney]

Thom, I wouldn't use that term not smart enough. Perhaps not experienced enough; that even happens to me, still, after all this time on these forums.

Never sell yourself short; there are too many others out there willing to do that for you ;) .

Jeff

[tlchost]

Never sell yourself short; there are too many others out there willing to do that for you ;) .
Jeff

What a nice thing to say...it's good to have folks who know you.

T

[Marshall]

Well, if you all want to make a wiki, I noticed that dawiki.com was available and went ahead and registered it so if you decide to start one up, let me know and I'll set up account for it and host it for free (that is if DA doesn't want to do wiki.directadmin.com).

[tlchost]

Thom, I wouldn't use that term not smart enough. Perhaps not experienced enough; that even happens to me, still, after all this time on these forums.

Never sell yourself short; there are too many others out there willing to do that for you ;) .

Jeff

I re-read this thread and realized that not only have I not seen anymore posts about the wiki, but even after you drafted me for help on it, and I sent the reqested email and left a message on your phone system, I have gotten no feedback.

I realize everyone is busy.

I have the impression that a DA wiki is a dead issue.

[chatwizrd]

Game over ! :D

[tlchost]

Game over ! :D

It's a shame....but I guess there simply aren't enough folks willing to volunteer the time to post/maintain it.

So we can look forward to topics that are like:

How can I install a buggy whip in DA
Do it this way
I tried, it didn't work
Ah, maybe this way?
Well, sorta, but it still hits the horse in the head

And about 30 posts later, someone posts the way to do it.....and then there are many posts after that explaining why what works can't.

On the other hand, this forum is lot more helpful than many.

[nobaloney]

I'm willing to open the wiki.

is anyone willing to work on it?

Say the word. Make me an offer to work on setting it up, and I'll give you the password. Then a week later ;) we can remove the password protection.

Right? :D

Jeff

[jlandes]

I have said multiple times that I'd be willing to put up content, but nobody has listened to me. :)

[nobaloney]

Please send me an email to the address in my sig, and I'll open it up to you tomorrow (I want to go to bed now; I've been at my desk since 6am and it's now almost 11pm).

Jeff

[tlchost]

I'm willing to open the wiki.

is anyone willing to work on it?

I've already emailed you and left voice messages....check your inbox/voicemail.

[tlchost]

I have said multiple times that I'd be willing to put up content, but nobody has listened to me. :)

I did...this is beginning to remind me of dealing with government.....perhaps there is some big form we need to complete....or provide testaments to our certificiations.

Take a peek at http://www.zerobeat.net/mediawiki/index.php/Main_Page The guys that volunteered to "run" it have done a nice job.

[ostendo]

Please send me an email to the address in my sig, and I'll open it up to you tomorrow (I want to go to bed now; I've been at my desk since 6am and it's now almost 11pm).

Jeff

I am also willing to help with the wiki, if you'd like..

[nobaloney]

I've been incredibly busy; I'll search today for requests and give folk the password who've asked for it.

Jeff

[ostendo]

I've been incredibly busy; I'll search today for requests and give folk the password who've asked for it.

Jeff

Hey Jeff,

I don't want to push you or put you under more pressure than you apparently are already, but if you've already searched for requests you probably missed mine ;)

[nobaloney]

Actually I'm awaiting an email response from someone before I open it up; I'm afraid too many people at one time may be a bit much, so I'm waiting for information on how to control access through the wiki so I don't have to allow all access to everyone.

Anyone know?

Jeff

[tlchost]

Actually I'm awaiting an email response from someone before I open it up; I'm afraid too many people at one time may be a bit much, so I'm waiting for information on how to control access through the wiki so I don't have to allow all access to everyone.

Anyone know?


Well, you know I responded (g)

When I set up a wiki, I set up a private forum area for the folks that had voluneered to man the wiki....I stayed out of the discussions unless they asked for something that the server and/or the wiki couldn't do.

I think they did a good job.

I'd suggest the same thing be done for the DA wiki.....and if DA couldn't provide a private forum, you could...since you house the wiki. I'd offer space for thet type of forum, but my experience tells me that the offer would be not be taken up.

It's easy enough to do....a matter of seconds, or maybe mintues for us old guys.:D

[nobaloney]

I'm incredibly busy these days but will, if someone writes me (email, not a post) on Sunday, March 2nd, I'll set up the forum.

I'll be talking with the wiki 'chief' volunteer within the next day or two about how to best open it up. I really do want this to move forward. If you've noticed that I sometimes go over a week without posting lately you'll know how busy I am.

Jeff

[tlchost]

I'm incredibly busy these days but will, if someone writes me (email, not a post) on Sunday, March 2nd, I'll set up the forum.

I didn't email, since I suggested the idea. Have to assume that no one else did. Based on what I see here, I have to assume that the wiki concept is dead in the water.

[ostendo]

I can't really follow it anymore. Is there a wiki? Where is it? Why can't I work on it (it's a WIKI! it's meant to be edited by users..) Should there be a forum? Etc.

Anyway, if there is need for a wiki or a forum, I can set up one too, if you like to. I'm not that busy ;)

[tlchost]

I can't really follow it anymore. Is there a wiki? Where is it? Why can't I work on it (it's a WIKI! it's meant to be edited by users..) Should there be a forum? Etc.

Anyway, if there is need for a wiki or a forum, I can set up one too, if you like to. I'm not that busy ;)

There is a wiki....it's password protected. so of little use to the community at this time. I suggested a forum for those that had the password so that we could discuss how to set up the wiki.

Although wiki's are normally "wide open", some are set up with limitiations on additions/edits because of the large number of entries that may not be factual.

Start one... hopefully folks will use it.

Frankly, I'm tired of waiting for Jeff's wiki.

[ostendo]

I just registered dawiki.info and added a MediaWiki installation there.
Someone who wants to volunteer to initiate the startup? Please give me a mail on bart@dawiki.info

[ostendo]

And of course, everyone of you who likes this idea, feel free to fill the wiki!
http://www.dawiki.info

[tlchost]

And of course, everyone of you who likes this idea, feel free to fill the wiki!
http://www.dawiki.info

Did I get the URL correctly?
You tried to access the address http://www.dawiki.info/, which is currently unavailable.

[ostendo]

Did I get the URL correctly?
You tried to access the address http://www.dawiki.info/, which is currently unavailable.

Well, I just registered it a few hours ago, so maybe your DNS has not been updated yet. Try again tomorrow ;)

[jlandes]

I contacted Jeff several times about the Wiki and even offered to be the lead on it, but it's gone nowhere. I'm glad to see that somebody has something up and running. :) So, is this going to be the official DA Wiki? If so, I'll begin adding some content.

[ostendo]

I contacted Jeff several times about the Wiki and even offered to be the lead on it, but it's gone nowhere. I'm glad to see that somebody has something up and running. :) So, is this going to be the official DA Wiki? If so, I'll begin adding some content.

When is it "the official DA Wiki"? I haven't contacted Jeff nor the DA crew about this (yet).. I suppose they read this topic as well sometime..
But as far as I know this is the only active and running wiki about DA. :)

[tlchost]

When is it "the official DA Wiki"? I haven't contacted Jeff nor the DA crew about this (yet).. I suppose they read this topic as well sometime..
But as far as I know this is the only active and running wiki about DA. :)

Jeff has one up....I have the password to it....when I last looked it didn't have much/anything in it.

I know Jeff is/was busy, but the fact that he had it password protected meant that not many people could access it.

I'll say about yours what I said about Jeff's ... I will primarily be a reader, but am willing to help with setup and topic logic. One of the problems with wikis is that they are all too often like Topsy...they simply grow and become as cumbersome as the forums.

I think that what the wiki needs is a few technical folks who have the time to review entries to insure that the subject matter is correct and up-to-date...otherwise we'll have a howto section that is pages long, not organized and filled with outdated information.

[tlchost]

So, is this going to be the official DA Wiki? If so, I'll begin adding some content.

I suspect that if knowledgeable folks like yourself start adding content, it will become the "official" wiki by default....Official meaning the one folks look to for information.

I've done the same thing concerning some amateur radio equipment....the manufacturer, for whatever reason, refuses to use wikis and forums...so a few of us set up independent ones.....while the "official" mailing list is alive and well, the wiki and the forum are also healthy.

The benefit of a "non-official" wiki or forum is that it may be less personal/corporate agenda driven than a sanctioned one.

[jlandes]

I believe that organization and structure for the Wiki is key to DA users finding the information that they need and in a timely manner. I understand how important this is because I'm programming a complete user documentation management system at work and there is a lot of things to consider upfront if the project is to be successful.

In building out the Wiki or whatever system is used, we have to remember that not all users are very technical and you sometimes have to make it easy enough for a monkey to use. :) Okay, that's a little overkill, but you get my drift. And, it also has to be kept updated otherwise it will end up like the site-helper.com site. No offense to the DA crew. :)

If we get too many people in there adding content, especially before the system is ready, there will be no organization, no structure, and no standards.

I'm willing to work with somebody to help set things up, I just need to know what to do and where to do it at. Thanks.

[tlchost]

I believe that organization and structure for the Wiki is key to DA users finding the information that they need and in a timely manner. .......

And, it also has to be kept updated otherwise it will end up like the site-helper.com site. No offense to the DA crew. :)

If we get too many people in there adding content, especially before the system is ready, there will be no organization, no structure, and no standards.

I'm willing to work with somebody to help set things up, I just need to know what to do and where to do it at. Thanks.

All good points. I think we need to recruit a relatively small number of folks that have the technical and/or organizational skills and the time and work on the wiki. What I propose is that we use a furum type venue to accoplish that. It needs to be a private forum for starters, just to get things organized.

What we do in the amateur radio one is to have a few "sysop" types that can watch over the board.

It's more work that simply putting it up. I ain't technical, but I can help with other areas....if a forum is needed, I can set one up.....let me know via a PM and I'll get you the info.

[jlandes]

Can someone from the DA crew or a moderator setup a private forum on this site for those that are interested in starting on a Wiki?

[nobaloney]

I don't read the forum as often as I should these days because I'm busy.

Okay, I'm going to open the wiki I set up tonight. Jeremy, Thom, anyone ... go for it :).

Jeff

[nobaloney]

Here's the URL for the wiki, which is now open.

URL: http://wiki.daguru.net/

Have fun but be nice.

This thread is now closed; the live thread is here (http://www.directadmin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21755).

Jeff