SMF Members/Groups Threads

[wade]

 
That would be fantastic. I wouldn't even mind them putting a big note on my reply that Say's " This response is the sole opinion of a non member of this group"

Happy smoken.

David

If the group can be made open (as most of them are) and no approval is actually needed to become a member, then you don't really even need a group disclaimer.

Maybe we need to first look at the purpose of using the "groups" and whether using the "group" feature of the forum software is the best way to achieve it. That is not meant to be a statement but just an open question.

From my perspective I really just want an easy way to group all of the special interest group posts together in a way that they can be easily read in context, whilst also remaining an integral part of the main forum itself.

Maybe an option would be to add another "Forum" into the main screen where the existing "Group" can be created and any posts can be moved.

 

[gary s]

I have seen a few threads I would like to post to but you have to join. So I did join a few groups, but don't contribute as much as the members who are involved in group. I do understand the specific nature and topics of some of these groups are unique and probably doesn't interest everyone. I think join as many groups that interest you or are specific to your area, contribute when you can.

Gary S

 

[kc5tpy]

Hello.  Thanks Wade for pointing this thread out to me.  This is a tough question.  I am Group Lead in the U.K. Group.  We do have the option to require approval for a person to join the Group.  As with me I am sure all the other Group Leads don't use that as we don't want to exclude anyone.  If I have a general Question then I post in the Open Forum, but I take SQWIB's point for new folks.  I have often sent a PM to a U.K. member and suggested posting in the Open Forum to get more replies.  I think our Group is SLIGHTLY different as some answers we get from folks in the States can leave new members just as confused.  I have this problem with many things here.  I KNOW what I want, I just don't know what the heck it's called here in the U.K..  Have a look at the primal cuts of beef:

US_Beef_cuts.svg.png

• kc5tpy
• Aug 26, 2014

U.S.

400px-British_cuts_of_beef_illustrated.jpg

• kc5tpy
• Aug 26, 2014

U.K.

You can't find a chuck roast in the U.K. unless you have knowledge and have a butcher with knowledge of U.S. cuts.  Some of you have seen my post on what brisket looks like in a U.K. supermarket:

P1000869.JPG

• kc5tpy
• Jun 25, 2013

P1000871.JPG

• kc5tpy
• Jun 25, 2013

HAVING SAID ALL THAT,  I am really glad to have some of you U.S. members as members of the U.K. Group.  You have a wealth of knowledge on the general questions that really help folks.  I have to also agree with SQWIB in that I sometimes don't answer a post because of the need to join the Group.  I usually don't join a Group because I feel I have nothing to bring to the table.  I may have an idea for an OP on a general question, but I have never used and electric smoker so what advice could I offer on most questions in such a Group.  I am sorry I can't remember the exact name but the wine Group I feel has merit; as do many others, in that it allows folks with an interest in wine to share comments on a new wine they may have tried and really enjoyed all in a compact Group of like minded folks.

One last point I would like to make is that I feel that IF you are a member of a Group; or especially a Group Lead, you should spend as much time as possible making sure the posts in that Group receive some sort of answer.  I have often sent a PM to Chef Jimmy and others and asked them to take a look at a post and offer advice because I didn't have the knowledge.  The OP and I learned together.

As I said at the beginning this one is tough.  I see the need for Groups BUT I feel they can put folks off and maybe not the best way for new folks to receive help.  I am sure the SMF techies will come up with a great solution if we are just patient.  Just my opinion.  Keep Smokin!

Danny

 

[gary s]

Good evening Danny, Your a prime example of a specific group. I understand completely about different cuts of meat, types of wood, etc in different parts of the world. I see most all your post, and are always helpful and willing to share, and start a beginner in the right direction..

That way UK members do have a direct link to what is going on. As do members in other groups. As I said everybody is not interested in the same thing, or live in the same place.

Gary

 

[JckDanls 07]

here is a perfect example... This question would get more reply's if not for having to join the group..

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/168604/feeling-left-out#post_1227309

 

[kc5tpy]

Hello JckDanls 07.  GREAT example!  oldschoolbbq is a Moderator ( not from the U.K. )  who has joined the U.K. Group.  He has offered his help.  As Group Lead I have offered my help.  I won't let this go.  I will PM everyone I can think of even if I need to PM Jeff to get the member help.  BUT! As you say, the OP probably would have gotten more responses in the Open Forum.  This is an example of a post that should have been in the Open Forum; but how are new folks to know?  There again, how do folks in the U.S. tell folks in the U.K. where to buy mesquite chips, how to order a brisket.  Chilli powder here is just ground cayenne pepper.  Look at some of your recipes and convert chilli powder to ground cayenne pepper.  Can you imagine?  Bacon is a great example.  Bacon here is normally not smoked.  It isn't made from pork belly.  Pork belly smoked bacon is called smoked streaky bacon.  So think about a recipe if you say add bacon and folks here use unsmoked ALMOST fat-less bacon.  Please don't misunderstand, I am not having a rant; just trying to explain.  I didn't realise these things either until I came over here.  When I invite new folks to a party they ask me how long I put chicken in the oven before I put it on the smoker.  Ham here USUALLY isn't smoked. I can't buy charcoal locally after September.  It's a totally different world.

How do we help the folks who have posted in a Group?  I think I must reiterate, the Group members and Group Leads need to be more proactive.  IF you are a Group Lead and don't have the time to invest then find someone in your Group who does.  Ask them for help.  IF you are a member of a Group I think you should check in at least weekly.  I agree with SQWIB!  We gotta get these new folks help with their questions one way or another.  I often read the "unanswered".  I can't answer them all but I KNOW the knowledge is out there in SMF.  Can you imagine if you are completely new and ask a question and receive ZERO response?

I think this is a GREAT thread and worthy of discussion.  So many different ideas.

I hope the techies can sort it all out.

Keep Smokin!

Danny

 

[themule69]

 
Hello JckDanls 07.  GREAT example!  oldschoolbbq is a Moderator ( not from the U.K. )  who has joined the U.K. Group.  He has offered his help.  As Group Lead I have offered my help.  I won't let this go.  I will PM everyone I can think of even if I need to PM Jeff to get the member help.  BUT! As you say, the OP probably would have gotten more responses in the Open Forum.  This is an example of a post that should have been in the Open Forum; but how are new folks to know?  There again, how do folks in the U.S. tell folks in the U.K. where to buy mesquite chips, how to order a brisket.  Chilli powder here is just ground cayenne pepper.  Look at some of your recipes and convert chilli powder to ground cayenne pepper.  Can you imagine?  Bacon is a great example.  Bacon here is normally not smoked.  It isn't made from pork belly.  Pork belly smoked bacon is called smoked streaky bacon.  So think about a recipe if you say add bacon and folks here use unsmoked ALMOST fat-less bacon.  Please don't misunderstand, I am not having a rant; just trying to explain.  I didn't realise these things either until I came over here.  When I invite new folks to a party they ask me how long I put chicken in the oven before I put it on the smoker.  Ham here USUALLY isn't smoked. I can't buy charcoal locally after September.  It's a totally different world.

How do we help the folks who have posted in a Group?  I think I must reiterate, the Group members and Group Leads need to be more proactive.  IF you are a Group Lead and don't have the time to invest then find someone in your Group who does.  Ask them for help.  IF you are a member of a Group I think you should check in at least weekly.  I agree with SQWIB!  We gotta get these new folks help with their questions one way or another.  I often read the "unanswered".  I can't answer them all but I KNOW the knowledge is out there in SMF.  Can you imagine if you are completely new and ask a question and receive ZERO response?

I think this is a GREAT thread and worthy of discussion.  So many different ideas.

I hope the techies can sort it all out.

Keep Smokin!

Danny

Danny

I know I have been away. You and i have kept up with each other. You have PM'ed me and I the same even before the UK group started. From this side of the pond I don't see a problem at all with the UK group and as you stated above the differences from different cuts and ways. I to, when I am here go straight for the unanswered questions. They are the members that are in need of an answer right now. When I see the same question the next day with no answer it bothers me. I often PM members. However I don't join a group just to answer a question. If you and I PM an answer to each other just think of all the members who could have learned from that question if it was in general SMF. An electric smoker is just a smoker. A charcoal smoker is just a smoke. Anyway it is a heat source. That is what cooks food. It you look at my list of toys/ heat sources I have most of the play ground covered. I love to talk smoking. I am pretty well rounded in my abilities around a cold or hot fire. add some cure and I can do that too. Just think of how your's or my answer could help a lot of people.

Happy smoken my friend from this side of the pond.

David

 

[wade]

I don't think there is any real doubt that the grouping of specific interest posts is desirable however I think the key question is whether the current way that is is being done is encouraging or discouraging responses to posts within groups that may be helpful - especially to new members.

I take Danny's point about the differences between US and UK terminology but I am not sure that this really a major factor here as NON-UK folks can openly join the UK group just as NON mini WSM owners can join the Mini WSM group. The fact that the post can be viewed in context as a group (rather than simply spread throughout the main general forums) means that where localised supporting or explaining posts are required they can easily be identified and added by other members of that "group". The current downside is that having to "join" a group in order to post is that it is deterring many valuable responses from outside to members questions.

If I do not have a Mini WSM but someone posts up Q-view of some great looking meat that they have cooked in that Group then I should not feel discouraged from posting my appreciation by first having to register. Conversely, if a member there is asking about the best way to mod the bottom air vent, then with little to contribute I can still choose not to respond as I can in any of the other main forums.

By all means, if a group leader wants to approve membership then the registration process is needed, however for those who don't then it is probably counter productive.

 

[leah elisheva]

Well Greetings To ALL You Great GROUPIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Smiles. And happy wonderful Wednesday to you!

As a group lead, in the WINO group, which is open to all, has always been open to all and will always be open to all, so long as I have anything to do with it, I am sharing the following...

Everyone is welcome there. Whether you drink wine or just want to come see the threads and comment and post your thoughts; whether you enjoy PRICY wine or INEXPENSIVE wine, or whatever it be; (you will not be graded), and whether you know lots about that subject or don't know a thing!

I am always encouraging people to come enjoy the fun, to have an incredible day, to make today delicious and so it goes! (Whether in my wine group or any thread I post). And I do mean that!

What's nice about the groups is that it sections off or categorizes something. When I first requested that there be a wine group, I asked if it could just be another forum category OR a group if a forum category didn't make sense.

Whichever one comments in, (a forum section or group), the feeling and access should be the same, in my opinion, and I don't see any harm in having the groups.

Having said that, I raise my big goblet of gratitude, (and VINO of course too) and to everyone! Come splash into the "Winos & Woodchips" group whenever you wish, and get "drunk on life" via the warmth, shared smokes and sips, and friendly and WELCOMING environment! Anytime!

And make today so fantastic that even five towns away will be filled with dancing bears that are smoking cigars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Leah

 

[wade]

Hi Leah

I fully agree with what you say about the value of grouping special interest topics together. The main issue though I think is whether the requirement to register for group access (even when there is open membership) is deterring non group members from actively contributing to them when they have something useful to add. We all know it should not, but from the very different experience of responses to UK related topics that get posted in the UK group compared with similar topics that are posted in the main forums shows that it certainly does. The first couple of times as a rookie here I tried to respond to a group thread from "New Posts" and was told that "Only group members can participate in group discussions"  (highlighted!) it seemed quite scary and so I immediately assumed that I would not be welcomed - and therefore didn't post.

JoinGroup.PNG

• wade
• Aug 27, 2014

Sorry to pick on you guys from Wisconsin - but Wisconsin can be a scary place to visit at the best of times 

 

 

[fpmich]

Wow!  Interesting thread!

I can see the viewpoints of both sides, pro and con.  I don't have a solution though. 

If I did, my own forums (non-smoking related) would run perfectly, and keep everyone happy.

If anyone finds the secret to that, please let me know.  It's impossible!

I do appreciate groups of interest, locale, or equipment specific.   I just join the ones, that I think I would gain some specific info pertaining to my needs.

For instance, I've joined a Michigan Group.  Without joining that specific Michigan Group, I would have never met some great people nearby, from my own state at a recent get-to-gather smoking event.  We had a blast together!    I may read the other groups, but I would not be inclined to join if I wasn't going to be a regular visitor there.

Yes, groups may get off specific topics once in awhile, but that happens in every single forum here! 

For instance this thread in Pellet Smoking group.  

It has nothing pertaining exactly to pellet smoking, but rather on how to cook goat and at what temp. 

This type of post/thread is perfectly acceptable in a group in my opinion, because you know that the people answering you are using the same equipment as you, even though your question could be construed as general, and could be placed in open forums.

I'm also a member of the Char-Griller group.  Specifically for CG owners.  I asked for fire management help in the CG group.  

I wanted fire management help from ONLY people who know. and use, the same equipment as I am.    NOT "in general" fire management from everyone, with all different kinds of equipment.

If I would have posted in open forums, I may have ended up having a huge pit owner tell me to add logs of a certain size, or something of that like, or advice from a pellet, or electric smoker owner. 

That has actually happened to me on a different subject about a year ago, and I screwed up a lot certain type of food, when I tended to trust anyone and everyone's advice because this site has so much info. LOL  I was talking CG with sfb, and they were talking a sealed electric smoker.  Two different setups, equals bad advice sometimes.  I'm sure they didn't mean to mislead me.  But if there would've been a CG Group back then, would I have gotten better advice?  I think so.

The search function on this forum, as with most all forums, leaves something lacking.   I've pretty much given up using search unless it is one word search only.  That is why I appreciate the groups.  If it is something I'm interested in, I'll read.  If something I feel a need to post, I'll join.  I don't feel left out at all by not being able to post in all groups.  I have the option of joining to post if I want.  If I would only be making one or two posts, then why bother joining?  Am I the only one who could answer a question?  In that case I would PM.

But I've never known a time when I was the only one with the correct answer to something.

To me, groups are good!  As well as the various forums, and sub forums. 

Trust me, organizing a large community such as this is, is no easy task. 

For the size of membership on SMF, I think they are doing a fantastic job!

It has to be the best run forum I've ever run across, including my own!

Just my 2 cents. .... Now toss me a beer, and hand me some ribs please! 

 

 

[leah elisheva]

Hi Wade! I can see how a post like that would deter folk indeed.

For the record, EVERYONE is welcome to come read, post words, photos, videos, or anything kind, in the wino group! (Or in any of my threads anywhere on this site for that matter too - the more the merrier)!

Cheers!!!!!!! - Leah

 

[kc5tpy]

[h4]Hello Leah.  Please see below.  The point Wade is trying to make is that warning is what everyone not a member of the Group sees when trying to post a reply.[/h4][h4]  [/h4][h4]Hello.  When a newbie myself I had the same reaction as Wade.  Not being from "X" maybe I shouldn't and I didn't.  IN FACT before asking Jeff about a U.K. Group ( be careful what you ask Jeff for!  

  You may get it! ) I didn't belong to ANY group.  I just thought there were hoops to jump through so I never tried.  I didn't know you just had to click the join button.  I can see where it puts folks off, especially new folks.  I still don't belong to other Groups because I don't feel I have the time to contribute to the Group as I should.  I can see fpmich's point about asking a particular question in a Group so that you ONLY get certain replies, but the same info MAY be available from a person who is not a member.  They have the same equipment, just haven't chosen to join the Group.  I definitely see the need for Groups, I am just not smart enough to figure out how to make it all work together so as |Groups don't  "feel" exclusive.  Maybe if joining the Group was just an option and not a requirement to post in the Group??  I of course don't know how difficult that would be to do??  One thing I think I may do as a Group Lead is to rewrite the Group descriptive Welcome to include wording that this is the place for specific questions.  For General questions please use the General Discussion forum, or some such.  Whether folks will read it or not?  

  As I said in my first post, this is a tough one.[/h4][h4]  [/h4][h4]Join Group[/h4]
Oops! This thread belongs to the group, Winos & Wood Chips and only group members can participate in group discussions.

Would you like to join this group?

[h5]Winos & Wood Chips[/h5]
74 members | Open Membership

Whether sharing which wine that one paired with their sumptuous smoked meal, asking questions about wine and what to serve, or posting photos of great feasts that were brined or marinated in vino in whatever fun way, this is a place for everyone to become “drunk on life and upbeat living and sharing” and of fabulous Cabernet wood chips, or whatever it be!

CancelJoin

 

[driedstick]

 
That would be fantastic. I wouldn't even mind them putting a big note on my reply that Say's " This response is the sole opinion of a non member of this group"

Happy smoken.

David

 

[leah elisheva]

Hi Danny!

Thanks for clarifying that. I did not know that any warning existed about posting in groups, I have simply clicked "join" to a couple groups, and my wine group is open to all, whether some SMF "pop up" appears or not, (as you posted above) as I never knew that.

I'm delighted you posted the blurb/text about the wine group however, as I had not read that little paragraph in a while and I find it so very inviting and welcoming and informative and fun! May others do the same and come share some sips!

Meanwhile, perhaps somebody can speak with admin about removing the "warning" you speak of, so that group postings shall just appear, and one can join or not, without being reminded with an offputting, "Oops" message.

Happy Thursday to all! I'm thinking about making some conch ceviche today! (As it has been quite hot here lately and that meal sounds good). If you all lived closer, I'd invite you over, and have a little GROUP brunch!

CHEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Leah

 

[mdboatbum]

One other thing I just realized is that on the mobile version of the page there is no provision to join a group. I just attempted to answer a thread in what I thought was a mini wsm subforum only do discover it was a separate group after all. Figured I'd just join, but found no way to do so. Only by switching to the desktop version was I able to join. Kind of a pain.

 

[wade]

I am not sure if Jeff is following this thread as we have not had any comment from him yet about what is and what isn't possible.

 

[themule69]

 
I am not sure if Jeff is following this thread as we have not had any comment from him yet about what is and what isn't possible.

I will PM him and ask him to take a look .

Happy smoken.

David

 

[TulsaJeff]

I have been following this post with interest and I don't know what the answer is yet. 

A lot of things have been mentioned that I had not thought about and I can certainly see how groups could be detracting from the forum rather than helping in some instances.

There are a few advantages to having groups such as knowing who the interested parties are (members), having a group lead (I guess we could assign a moderator over a sub forum to handle this), and being able to PM all group members at once.

Perhaps most of the groups should actually be sub-forums?

I will talk to the folks that build the software and see what can be done, then I will discuss what I find out with the other admins and see what we can do to try and make this situation better.

@squib, I appreciate you bringing this up and I appreciate all of the others who have shared your thoughts on this as well.

Continue the discussion if you wish and I will check back in as soon as I have something helpful to offer.

 

[flip me over]

Great thread. As a newbie here I wondered about joining a group myself. Don't like to stick my nose in where it doesn't belong, don't you know. I guess I should just jump in and join, the more the merrier! But I think it's good to be able to ad a comment to a thread in a grop you don't belong to, also. 

Thanks

Scott