The forum might be better if...

[Crow]

I have occasionally wondered how to make the forum better, i.e. more active, engaging, inclusive, diverse, fun etc. I am not going to do a big wind-up about it, but if anyone has any concerns or suggestions, you are welcome to raise them if you wish.

[Sacré d'Jeu]

... there was some structure.
... there was a '101 analytics' for beginners that gives an overview of where analytics are today and an explanation the important statistics/results that exist today.
... great/important literature, articles, posts, research, ... were gathered in one place.

as I'm having a bit of trouble as a beginner to find my way.

[Crow]

This is probably one if the best detailed introductions http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/66264287

This is another good one http://www.d3coder.com/thecity/advanced-stats-primer/

I thought these were posted already but here they are.

If you have questions, just ask and hopefully someone from among us can help.


In terms of organization, the thread order is chronological. Theoretically they could be grouped by major topic. Would that accomplish what you are looking for? To do so would time and might not be universally popular. The search tool can be pretty helpful.

[BigLeagueInsights]

A thread where newbies introduce themselves might help. That intro thread could have the "must read" introduction material, etc.

A "best of" thread would be nice as well (or maybe it's just most viewed all time)?

[Crow]

There was a new member introduction thread before. May have gotten lost when site got hacked and had to be rebuilt. I'll add one.

Best of thread might be worth a try. Some day.

[Mike G]

You know, as in most things, it's probably a lot easier to make it worse here, than it is to make it better.
We don't have much (if any) in the way of acrimonious exchanges, lack of mutual respect, etc. About the worst that happens is we often ignore or don't comment on a post. That's cool, in my opinion. If people read and appreciate, no-comment may be just right.

[Crow]

Several people have told me they visited but felt intimidated to post. I don't know what to say, other than maybe try it, feel how it goes and quit if you don't like it. You probably have things to say or ask that some others will relate to, respond to.

[bondom343]

Yep, I'd agree with Crow. I felt that way, as I'm no statistician (nothing beyond a college stats course and that was years ago), I just enjoy the topics at hand here and speak when I feel I can. Everyone here is very welcoming, no need to be intimidated!

[Mike G]

The forums would be easier to read, and to re-read, if people didn't copy the entire post that they're replying to.
In a back-and-forth, in which 2 or more people are continuing a conversation, they sometimes just copy every comment to date. This leads to an ever-expanding repetition.

Just copy those bits that you're responding to. Please.