FAQ's - Some e-mails that have been ignored without reply. . . .

[smreish]

Not Macbethian, more Claudius or Brutus. Either way, I like the fact that the "statements" clearly express the opinion and contribution required to the Forum to receive knowledge. Clearly around the world the statement - no free lunch - still applies.

I for one like it!

Plus, what's the point in a DIY type project if you don't actually learn "why" your doing a process instead of just "doing" the process. Learning.....love that idea!

Sean

[jehayes]

Nader is spot on, the answers are all (mostly) already in the forum or the plans. One just has to look long enough (and be good at using the Search function) to find 99% of what is needed. (I say this as one who has asked and received answers to newbie questions, for which I am grateful.)
Sean is also right: The discovery process is at least as important (and fun) as the actual building of the machine, if folks aren't happy with that, they can always order a ShopBot online and have it delivered to their door and, thus, avoid all the hassle of actually learning something new!

[Besser]

Being a newbie but having sunk my teeth into the forum and plans, my initial experiences may help format a soft lead in to the MM community and reduce the wild questions.

I didn't know what to expect when I came across MM, it was simply from a post on a cnc site that I caught the name and so I came here. I didn't know what to expect but new what I ultimately wanted (a cheap, quick to hand cnc machine). I never found that but did grow into appreciating how a MM and I could work together. I have had to realise this is a "work in progress" CNC and always will be (that's exciting)

Where I was dearly tempted to short circuit the process was when I realised my initial requirements required reading ALOT of this forum. This is the Achillies Heel of MM. It's why the questions come thick, fast and dumb! To much reading

To deal with the low value questions I would suggest a set of small video clips that explain MM. I would embed in these videos a verbal letter that is required to be entered to access MM. So you must watch and listen to get in. In the videos explain the facts of NO KITS FOR SALE, no help with nonMM anything, no buts and ifs, NO BOM, NO Supplier Lists, No Shortcuts, No Bugging members. Yes a Great CNC Router at the end, Yes you get help and you need to help your self, Yes it works.

The First Video I would show a MM in action to get the goal in the inquirers head. After that make the videos to cover all the points.

Remember the lowest common denominator doesn't want to read, just do less to get more! Telling people where you stand and what their attitude needs to be to interact is the nicest way of saving you and them time (something I do in my day job, saves me heaps of time and makes me more money)

Hope that helps and I am working on my MM (BOM can anyone spare me one?hehe just kidding)

[jehayes]

I'm not sure I understand the antipathy to BOM's. Sure, it may make it too easy for some who just want to go out and buy the parts and assemble a machine, but so what? They will be the ones who miss the full experience of doing all the research (and gaining the understanding as a result - the really valuable part of this exercise). But if I have produced a BOM for my own use and share it with the group, what's the problem? As long as it is understood that my BOM is for my machine and may not be right for someone else's machine.

Am I missing something here?

BTW - Anyone who wants my steel BOM and my fasteners BOM - feel free to PM me.

Joe

[Gerald D]

The antipathy is towards one "standard" BOM in the official downloads section of this website. Shared BOM's are no problem.

[jehayes]

Ahhh!

[Maylinda]

Thanks for Gerald's superb work.

[Zouave]

Those e-mails are like a regular "Best of Craigslist". Hilarious stuff. My condolences, Gerald, for all that you have to put up with, and my thanks, as well, for all that you do on here. I shall try to keep my stupid questions to a minimum. :-D