# So, Is anyone going to tell us about/explain this new forum? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 4, 2008, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941 "2008-09-04T05:18:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Kythereia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e8c25b/32.png) [@Kythereia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kythereia)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/21 "2008-09-04T06:30:05Z")
I am so lost and confused. Therefore, I am throwing a tea party. You’re all welcome to join in. ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/22 "2008-09-04T06:32:07Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > I’ve seen it before. It always starts with a fnorum. What’s the difference between a fnorum and a forum? Does a fnorum have fangs? Is it part horse? Do small children think it’s cute? I must know! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Alan\_Smithee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2acd7d/32.png) [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/23 "2008-09-04T06:35:33Z")
I believe it’s a forum with ties to the Illuminati. ---
**Author:** ![bufftabby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/77aa72/32.png) [@bufftabby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bufftabby)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/24 "2008-09-04T06:37:25Z")
I’m allergic to fnorums. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/25 "2008-09-04T07:03:15Z")
> [@Jragon](#): > > What’s the difference between a fnorum and a forum? Does a fnorum have fangs? Is it part horse? Do small children think it’s cute? I must know! > > 😃 Ah, you will. [You will.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fnord) ---
**Author:** ![ouryL](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ouryl/32/6067_2.png) [@ouryL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouryL)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/26 "2008-09-04T07:11:33Z")
It’s easy. If you got wood, ask your questions here. ---
**Author:** ![FourPaws](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e0b2c6/32.png) [@FourPaws](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FourPaws)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/27 "2008-09-04T09:47:12Z")
Why not just turn groups back on, and have a group for this, instead of a new forum? ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/28 "2008-09-04T10:06:35Z")
> [@Cunctator](#): > > Will we all get our own forums to flog our merchandise? When you’ve been here 35 years like Ed has, sure. 🙂 If it wasn’t for Ed none of this would be here. Geez, show a little respect already. ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Zotti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/fbc32d/32.png) [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/29 "2008-09-04T11:27:14Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > Couldn’t we just have a thread about this? We needed a whole new forum to plug Ed’s book? Legitimate question. Let me explain the thinking here. The original idea was that I’d set up a book forum in the message board for a new site we plan to launch. We think the new site is an exciting idea; you’ll be hearing more about it in the next couple months. But it became clear the site wouldn’t be ready in time for publication of the book. So opening the forum here instead was Plan B. I think it’s a good Plan B, though. If the book does well and people want to talk about it, they’ll be directed here. (The last page of the book mentions [www.edzotti.com](http://www.edzotti.com), which is merely a landing page that tells people to come here.) That’ll bring new blood into the SDMB. Our user base stopped growing after we went to pay-to-post. We want to boost growth now that we’re going back to free posting. The new forum ideally will help us do that. (And yes, I have every confidence that we’ll be able to accommodate growth once Jerry gets the board upgrade tweaked - Jerry was fine with launching the book forum now.) Why not just direct people to a thread? Because I want people to understand that they can start threads and post their own great thoughts, not just respond to someone else’s. I need a forum for that. I could have just started a blog; nowadays that’s what most book authors do. Directing people into a message board is more complicated; frankly I’m not sure it’s going to work. This is an experiment - I’m trying to get a conversation going, not give a lecture. The whole thing could be a fiasco. The book may flop and no one will post here. If it becomes evident after a while that the forum just isn’t working, we’ll pull the plug. As it is we may move the book forum to the new site once we get that launched; we’ll see what makes the most sense. Anyway that’s the thinking. Bottom line is I get to do it because I’m the site administrator, but this isn’t just an exercise in ego gratification - it may do the SDMB some good. ---
**Author:** ![Brainiac4](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brainiac4/32/3534_2.png) [@Brainiac4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brainiac4)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/30 "2008-09-04T12:09:26Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Anyway that’s the thinking. Bottom line is I get to do it because I’m the site administrator, but this isn’t just an exercise in ego gratification - it may do the SDMB some good. Not least because it may mean you post more often, and more posting in general is a good thing, and a very good thing in your specific case. Good luck with the book. ---
**Author:** ![buns3000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c89c15/32.png) [@buns3000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buns3000)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/31 "2008-09-04T12:33:51Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Legitimate question. Let me explain the thinking here. > > The original idea was that I’d set up a book forum in the message board for a new site we plan to launch. We think the new site is an exciting idea; you’ll be hearing more about it in the next couple months. But it became clear the site wouldn’t be ready in time for publication of the book. So opening the forum here instead was Plan B. > > I think it’s a good Plan B, though. If the book does well and people want to talk about it, they’ll be directed here. (The last page of the book mentions [www.edzotti.com](http://www.edzotti.com), which is merely a landing page that tells people to come here.) That’ll bring new blood into the SDMB. Our user base stopped growing after we went to pay-to-post. We want to boost growth now that we’re going back to free posting. The new forum ideally will help us do that. (And yes, I have every confidence that we’ll be able to accommodate growth once Jerry gets the board upgrade tweaked - Jerry was fine with launching the book forum now.) > > Why not just direct people to a thread? Because I want people to understand that they can start threads and post their own great thoughts, not just respond to someone else’s. I need a forum for that. I could have just started a blog; nowadays that’s what most book authors do. Directing people into a message board is more complicated; frankly I’m not sure it’s going to work. This is an experiment - I’m trying to get a conversation going, not give a lecture. > > The whole thing could be a fiasco. The book may flop and no one will post here. If it becomes evident after a while that the forum just isn’t working, we’ll pull the plug. As it is we may move the book forum to the new site once we get that launched; we’ll see what makes the most sense. > > Anyway that’s the thinking. Bottom line is I get to do it because I’m the site administrator, but this isn’t just an exercise in ego gratification - it may do the SDMB some good. There is already a forum to discuss books. Its called The Cafe Society. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/32 "2008-09-04T12:45:33Z")
> [@buns3000](#): > > There is already a forum to discuss books. Its called The Cafe Society. Then maybe the only problem is one of organization? Maybe The _Barn House_ and _The Game Room_ should be a sub-forum under Cafe Society? Then that would make logical other sub-forums about other books… You can tell I’m an Organization Man. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/33 "2008-09-04T12:47:24Z")
Well, I just hope that threads discussing fabric adhesives and wood glues are preceeded with a “Sticky:” Good luck with the book, **Ed**. I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading it and turning others on to it that share the passion. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/34 "2008-09-04T12:52:49Z")
Man you guys are tough. Good luck with the book Ed. Will you be selling it through the [Dope Merchandise](https://securesite.chireader.com/cgi-bin/dopestore/buystuff.bat)page eventually or will the Dope add some Amazon partnership like \*\*Bosda \*\*keeps suggesting. Jim ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/35 "2008-09-04T12:53:35Z")
> [@buns3000](#): > > There is already a forum to discuss books. Its called The Cafe Society. How helpful of you. I’m sure that Ed appreciates you bringing this to his attention. ---
**Author:** ![Risha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@Risha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Risha)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/36 "2008-09-04T13:01:52Z")
Geez guys - this is their message board, they can have a forum to talk about how much they dislike Doper hairstyles if they want to. You don’t have to come in here ever again if you don’t want to. I think most of us already have forums that we skip. ---
**Author:** ![ivan\_astikov](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/37 "2008-09-04T13:04:45Z")
So, it’s a D.I.Y. forum? Or am I missing something? ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/38 "2008-09-04T13:22:47Z")
Oh, no. The Straightdope was my refuge from work! As to this forum, it might work, look at the popularity of home remodeling or home shows. On the other hand it typically helps having someone with a ton of knowledge to answer questions, advise, etc. On this board I have noticed less than ten posters who do this kind of work for a living. I don’t think we have the resources necessary to make this a viable forum. If people just want to relate tips or horror stories, there is MPSIMS or usually more fitting, the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/39 "2008-09-04T13:24:40Z")
I don’t like it. We don’t need a whole forum just for one book. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941/40 "2008-09-04T13:48:07Z")
But it does have the new forum smell. snniiiiiiiiifffffff [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-anyone-going-to-tell-us-about-explain-this-new-forum/461941.md?page=3)