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New people on Techrepublic

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by zlitocook

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I have suggested this before and I still think it is a good idea. People new to Techrepublic or just new to computers need help with out being ignored or being talked to like a dumbie.
Is there a way for a person to register as a new computer user and have a place where they can talk to others in thier group? I was there and know how hard it is to learn new stuff and talk to others who know more.

6 replies

by j sheesley

This is where we've always faced a challenge in creating content for the site - Trying to decide the technical level of the user we're writing for. Write too complicated and you write over the heads of some ppl. Pick too simple of a topic and ppl accuse us of being too simplistic.

The general assumption when we write an article is that the user we're writing for works for a small/medium size business with a primarily Windows-based network and is at an average level of techincal ability. That means that often Linux and NetWare topics are basic, with a bent towards interoperability. Likewise, sometimes our Cisco and other technical topics are beginner/intermediate.

It's also hard to 'rate' an article. What's 'beginner' for some is 'expert' for others, with lots of gray in between.

Do these assumptions make sense? What assumptions SHOULD we make about a TPG subscriber?

by blackcurrant

do this. For example, there are several articles on TechRepublic and TPG that are referred to as 'primers'. Perhaps references to these can be collected on one page. There are also 'starter' articles, and basic guides to shortcut keys. Many of the TechTips are also of use to beginners (and others) as they are simple quick solutions or time savers.

It does not matter if there is a wealth of beginner articles, but with these introductory pieces new users can at least make a start in understanding new technology.

by j sheesley

Just playing Devils Advocate here for a second...

If I were to create and populate a Beginner's Page, would that alienate or make more experienced users think "Why should I subscribe to this, it's just for newbies?"

Or are you thinking something more along the lines of a Get Up To Speed section where we'd highlight some of the Introductory articles...

by zlitocook

That is great but when a new person joins, ether free or paid do they get directed to the new user area? I do not know but I have had six or more people say that when they get to Techrepublic all they get is a pay for option. And if they skip it they have limited access.

by blackcurrant

It depends where you place it. If you place the page on TPG, then, yes, some users may think this is the ABC of computing and wonder what their subs are being spent on.

Also, it all depends on how you present it. If you make it quite clear that the page is different from the rest of TR, and is provided as a courtesy (perhaps disguised as a 'Get Up To Speed' section as you suggest), then no one is likely to comment, and new users will be more comfortable coming here.

If new users know that they can access this type of content, enabling them to learn the basics, they are much more likely to be loyal to TR than any other site. You don't need to 'baby' anyone, and indeed, if you started to, you would probably lose quite a few subscribers. This is a professional site after all.

One of the features I really like about TR/TPG is the professional presentation of all the articles/tips/how to's regardless of target audience. It is, in my opinion, a good crowd puller. This also comes across in the Technical Q&A, which is probably the best Q&A I've seen, and I think it reflects the professional attitude that many participants have.

by j sheesley

There is no 'New User Area' on TR or TPG. Once you pay up, you're in and can go anywhere. There's a TR and a TPG FAQ somewhere, but thats about all we've got for new subscribers. The TPG Tour and Preview can help a little.

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