How do you pick threads to read?

[Mark Hammer]

Just curious as to how you folks decide what threads to read.  These certainly can't be ALL the factors, but are enough to elicit your responses.

1 ) I read (or at least open) them all, without prejudice.

2 ) I look for whatever has lots of hits, figuring that it is of interest.

3 ) I look for things with lots of posts/replies, figuring that it has a lot of useful discussion.

4 ) I avoid anything from newbies, figuring that it will not be of very challenging or of interest.

5 ) I look for specific writers, whether as thread initiator or reply, and ignore others.  Alternatively, I avoid certain writers.

6 ) I am always and immediately drawn to anything with a schematic or suggestion of a schematic/layout.

7 ) I am always and immediately drawn to anything related to a particular category of effect (fuzz, compressor, flanger, etc.).

8 ) I steer clear of anything that does not seem related to pedals (e.g., anything listed as OT, tube amps, opinions, happy purchase stories, rants about retailers) or to how they sound (e.g., chassis fabrication, graphics, mounting)

9 ) I am more drawn to threads about commercial products than threads about DIY projects.

10 ) If it says "mods", I am on it in a flash!

11 ) I only look at stuff on the first page of thread listings, rarely going past it, even if I've been away for a couple of days or more.

12 ) I rarely open up threads where I can't understand what it's about from the header/subject.

13 ) I avoid threads where there is a clear request for technical info I do not possess.

14 ) I avoid threads concerning pedals or categories of effects where I am already pretty satisfied with my tone and "holdings".

15 ) I am drawn to threads about pedals effects I know very little about, or things that have some "legendary" status.

16 ) I am drawn to threads about things that won't cost me much money, and stay clear of things that strike me as expensive (e.g., tube amps vs one-transistor fuzzes).

17 ) I am often/always intrigued by threads having to do with the physical production of pedals.

18 ) I always check out threads having to do with purchase, availability, shipping and shopping, as well as new components.  If it's about raw materials, I'm interested.


There.  That will get you talking.

[skiraly017]

Just curious as to how you folks decide what threads to read.  These certainly can't be ALL the factors, but are enough to elicit your responses.

4 ) I avoid anything from newbies, figuring that it will not be of very challenging or of interest.

13 ) I avoid threads where there is a clear request for technical info I do not possess.

14 ) I avoid threads concerning pedals or categories of effects where I am already pretty satisfied with my tone and "holdings".

15 ) I am drawn to threads about pedals effects I know very little about, or things that have some "legendary" status.

17 ) I am often/always intrigued by threads having to do with the physical production of pedals.

There.  That will get you talking.

In response to -

4 - Everyone was a newbie at one time. Not only have you read some of my threads, you've even replied to a few.

13 - I'm always looking to learn. Maybe I have the same question or problem and someone will answer it.

14 - I don't know that I'll ever be satisfied.  

15 - Agree.

17 - Agree.

Generally, I read threads that look like they might be of interest to me. I especially like threads that have to deal with painting and finishing. I always like seeing what other people have done.

[nelson]

I look for posts by particular authors, about pedals I am interested in. I particularly enjoy watching a thread where a pedal is a) figured out/cloned b)a new idea prototyped and tested by forumites.

I DO click on newbie threads as I am semi newb myself and can always learn something new, plus it gives me the chance to impart my limited knowledge.

I rarely go past first page.


I read build reports of pedals.

I think I have my component sourcing all sorted

:wink:

D) I think mark is either a sociologist or psychologist. Due to the wording of his post.

[Fret Wire]

19) Ouija Board.  

[pi22seven]

I'm a sucker for build reports with the word "Pics" in the title.

But I pretty much read everything. I figure that I'm such a n00b I can learn from just about anyone. :lol:

[cd]

4 ) I avoid anything from newbies, figuring that it will not be of very challenging or of interest.

5 ) I look for specific writers, whether as thread initiator or reply, and ignore others.  Alternatively, I avoid certain writers.

7 ) I am always and immediately drawn to anything related to a particular category of effect (fuzz, compressor, flanger, etc.).

8 ) I steer clear of anything that does not seem related to pedals (e.g., anything listed as OT, tube amps, opinions, happy purchase stories, rants about retailers) or to how they sound (e.g., chassis fabrication, graphics, mounting)

9 ) I am more drawn to threads about commercial products than threads about DIY projects.

11 ) I only look at stuff on the first page of thread listings, rarely going past it, even if I've been away for a couple of days or more.

12 ) I rarely open up threads where I can't understand what it's about from the header/subject.

15 ) I am drawn to threads about pedals effects I know very little about, or things that have some "legendary" status.

[Joe Hart]

I usually go by the subject line, but have no other real preference. I will read ones that have lost of replies even if the subject line doesn't really catch me. I mean, a subject line with "what do the color bands on a resistor mean?" with two replies is one that I would skip. If it had no replies, I would read it (and try to help), or if it had 29 replies, I would check it out to see what's up.

But that's about how I do it.

And I use the search function A LOT!! Sometimes I wish more people would.
-Joe Hart

[JimRayden]

I'm a sucker for build reports with the word "Pics" in the title.

That makes 2 of us. Oh and I ALWAYS take the "sound lips inside" bait.

First of all, I AVOID threads like "Why is my GI242R246XY chip's sourning resistance drolnindining every time I use the bakaloop function?"

I love threads that have really simple questions inside that hasn't been answered. That lets me use my limited knowledge to actually help someone.

Oh and build reports are sweet.

I avoid threads with gazillion responses. Or, if the title is interesting, I read the first post and then see what to do - read or avoid.

I also visit threads that have something like "." or "!!" in the subject line.

I always visit threads with "I FIGURED IT OUT ALREADY!!! DON'T READ!!!" as the subject, with 0 responses, since that promises to be a VERY interesting thread.

-----------
Jimbo

[KORGULL]

2 ) I look for whatever has lots of hits, figuring that it is of interest.

If a thread that seems uninteresting to me hangs around long enough and gets lots of hits, eventually I do check it to see what is going on.

4 ) I avoid anything from newbies, figuring that it will not be of very challenging or of interest.

I like to help, so I usually check these. Since I'm a novice myself, I usually can't be of much help in the more advanced discussions.

5 ) I look for specific writers, whether as thread initiator or reply, and ignore others. Alternatively, I avoid certain writers.

I will read a thread no matter who is involved. I do skip over some replies if they are rambling and incoherent.

9 ) I am more drawn to threads about commercial products than threads about DIY projects.

Just the opposite is true in my case.

11 ) I only look at stuff on the first page of thread listings, rarely going past it, even if I've been away for a couple of days or more.

I always check every thread title that has been active since my last visit.

12 ) I rarely open up threads where I can't understand what it's about from the header/subject.

I open these, 'cause I need to know/understand.

13 ) I avoid threads where there is a clear request for technical info I do not possess.

I avoid these only until there are some replies posted - then I can check it and learn something.

15 ) I am drawn to threads about pedals effects I know very little about, or things that have some "legendary" status.

Sure, why not.

17 ) I am often/always intrigued by threads having to do with the physical production of pedals.

Yup.

18 ) I always check out threads having to do with purchase, availability, shipping and shopping, as well as new components. If it's about raw materials, I'm interested.

Usually - depends on the component/supplier.

I would add that I also usually check threads that have been around awhile and have had no replies. If possible I will help - I hate to see someone left hanging.

Oh yeah, I also avoid the threads that contain nothing but jokes.

[bioroids]

Hi!

You can make a poll out of this too.

I tend to stay on the first page normally, though I find myself reading old threads a lot, thru the search function. I think there's enough material to publish a book! (I'll certainly buy that book)

I usually read newbie questions if they're related to something I think I understand and provide some help.

I like all aspect of pedals, including finishing, painting, mounting, etc.

And I try not to miss any R.G. posts!

Luck!

Miguel

[Transmogrifox]

*I am also a sucker for "PICS", "SOUND CLIPS", and "BUILD REPORT".  It's fun to see what the other DIY'rs are up to.  DougDeeper's Midfi box turned out to be a winner--definitely worth a read.

*I like things with original ideas, like "check out my 'new' pedal idea.  Really, how many people actually have an UglyFace, noise swash or PWM?

*I think it must be a near standard across the board to read R.G. posts.  He has some interesting and useful things to say.

*I usually avoid posts concerning commercial pedals and mods to commercial pedals unless I own one of the mentioned pedals and feel like modding it.

*I usually read OT posts since they are typically not far off topic--as in tube amps.  Really a stompbox is  a little amp in a box and effects the sound of whatever instrument you plug into it, so if they're talking about electronics/music related things then I don't consider it rude.  Topics like "What's your favorite beer" should go in the lounge.

[Mihkel]

I LOVE looking at build reports with pics. I try to check every thread, but if there are too many new ones, i check the ones with categories that interest me the most. I don't steer away from newbie post in the hopes of learning something new and maybe being able to help someone.

[doug deeper]

normaly things i dont know about...
and things other people dont know about...
its all about the info!

[jmusser]

#6 for sure, because I'm always looking for a new circuit, or one a vintage one they may have finally been reversed engineered. #7 I'm looking especially for certain types of circuits, (especially up octaves). #15 I'm always drawn to something I don't know about, which for me, covers a lot of pedals. #16 and #17 for sure, although I'll spend some money on parts for a pedal if I think it's within my capabilities. I look for anything Hammer, R.G., and various folks with their own sites. I'll go ahead an look at stuff that makes no sense whatsoever, to see if someone may have broken it down to a remedial level that I can grasp. Last but not least, any pictures of builds, because I'm costantly astounded by the level of construction and ideas that people have.

[NaBo]

I read this one cuz Mark Hammer started it... when the pedal gurus speak, you better listen.

I'm a sucker for build reports, sound samples, and pics.  New layouts/projects peak my interest as well.  If I see anyone asking about a project I've recently completed, am working on, or will be commencing shortly, i'll jump in there.  I find I'm especially drawn to topics surrounding power supplies, amps, tube pedals, rocker pedals now though.  "Regular" stuff doesnt hold TOO much mystery for me anymore.

[petemoore]

Here's an example of one I liked to reread and I'd like to reread.
 http://diystompboxes.com/sboxforum/viewtopic.php?t=36528
 I figure if I do that enough, one day I'll catch on and be able to comprehend the first time through.

[Paul Marossy]

The first thing I look at is the topic description and who started it. The reason why I actually look at the thread depends - mostly I like to help people figure out how to fix whatever isn't working or I am gathering information/learning something new. I learn a lot by reading about other people's mistakes and discoveries, in a general sense.

[-Jk-]

I read threads that look interesting, and of course the ones with pics or sounds samples  

[Johan]

..anything by R.G usualy means a good read...
..no seriously...there are a few peoples answers and posts I try to catch, but otherwise I just go by the title..if it catches my eye, I read it..I also beleive that everyone has something to offer, no matter how experience or new at this...sometimes a "newbie" ask something that opens up a different chain of thought that can lead to something else...dont dismiss the newbies...
..I do pass on 9 out of 10 threads containing the lettercombinations FF and TS...

johan

[Doug_H]

Whatever happens to pique my interest on any given day. There's no logic to it and no way of organizing it coherently.

Doug