Thanks Guys
05/14/08
Just a note to say thank you for your guys amazing site.
<Welcome my/our friend. It is for your benefit (enjoyment and progress) we
labor. Bob Fenner>
We are novices, and purchased a 75g from the LFS as a good activity to share
with my 6&* year old that love marine life.. We closely followed instructions
from the owner and stocked based on his advice and what looked nice.. this
worked fine until he had a Potter's Angel in the shop, and we left with him
I stumbled on your site, after I purchased a Potter's Angel (named Harry!)from
my LFS.. the owner of the LFS claimed it to be just as easy as a Coral Beauty to
take care of.. After a few days of the fish not eating.. I went to the internet
to research the problem.. After fining your site.. it was quite obvious what the
problem was.. we were in over our head with the Potter's.. and the notes said if
we returned it. it would surely die..Well the fish
never ate lasted about 3 weeks..A shame.. If it were up to the LFS..we'd have
tanks full of Potters' and other expensive exotic fish, and only check for
Nitrate, PH, and Salinity..
But the good news is your site which I came across is unbelievable for
information. We consult if before every purchase and to try to improve our
husbandry practices.. The information we have gathered post Harry has definitely
keep us from making poor selection decisions, and has tank quality of life
.knock on wood..looking pretty good.
I often have many questions, but search the WWM and come up with about 5 other
people that have submitted the same question..So I really do have any other
reason to write other that to say thanks for the help, and keep up the
fantastic work!
Best Regards,
Peter Baron
<<Thank you Peter>>
Do my eyes deceive me? -05/13/08
Crew,
I'm pretty knowledgeable about fungiid husbandry and this advice below from Adam
Blundell is just plain irresponsible!
<Yikes!>
Just wanted to alert you on an error in your FAQ on fungiidae.
It is located here - http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fungiidfaq2.htm
Thanks,
Steve
<Thank you for catching this and bringing it to our attention. I will promptly
add a note of correction/clarification. To be clear, as I'm sure you know,
Fungia do well under strong lightly. However, it is not a good idea to place
them on rockwork (they belong on flat surfaces, sand or crushed coral). Perhaps
Adam was trying to say that if you have insufficient lighting, putting them up
on rocks (closer to the light) might help get them the light they need (perhaps
temporarily until proper lighting is obtained). Regardless, it's recommended to
have the correct lighting to start with.
Thanks again,
Sara M.>
New bottom ad works!!
5/13/08
Many more views than the Glass-Holes ads!
https://webapp.trafficfacts.com/login.php
Login name: superbuzz
Password: ********
<Ahh, will have to look at when at a better conn.>
Although you can probably get the same info from your end and all this means
little until you get back into descent web range. Hope you are having a
great time, looking forward to joining you soon,
Scott V.
<Thank you... I as well. B>
New WWM page 5/2/08
Hello crew,
This was Bob's idea... I compiled a page of pics from all the 21 marine algae
FAQs pages. I didn't include all the photos (some are
just too fuzzy/blurry to be too useful). Anyway, I think it might be useful for
people who don't have a picture:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/trialalgaeid.htm
Best,
Sara M.
<Ahh! I'd like to see each of these images "framed" (a convention I suggest we
adopt to designate that such graphics are linked/links as well)... sending folks
to another page each... with more images of the same species/genus... with notes
on identification, compatibility/control... BobF>
<<Sounds good... please direct me to the photos you want added, specifically
what comments/notes you'd like... I would be happy to add
all this.
Best,
Sara M.>>
<The pix are here... some scanned, most not... B>
A trio of items re WWM
5/1/08
Howdy!
First off, welcome back Mac Lewis to the WWM Crew!
Second, please be diligent re moving unanswered queries to your folders... Do so
only if/when you intend to respond... for obvious reasons.
Lastly, I am off on the sixth for three or so weeks... some of "us" are going
along... MichelleM, JasonC... to the Red Sea and Interzoo in Germany. I
hope/trust the Net will be steady, quick-enough, but SaraM has offered to try to
move some of the dailies onto WWM in my apparent absence. DO please try to help
by answering what you can every day...
I'll be back recharged and with plenty of pix and video to share hopefully!
BobF.
"baby steps" for WWM 4/27/08
Hello Bob, friends/crew,
<Sara>
A lot of my hobby friends complain about the presentation style of WWM (the use
of queries, sometimes with many different topics in each).
I've heard many times that it is a "pain" to try and pick out the "points" of
each query, more so for whole pages of them on the FAQs
pages. The complaint is that it just takes too long to find what one is looking
for, what is there/what isn't (within the lists of
queries/conversations which can be about several different things/animals). So,
I thought of doing something like this
perhaps... a box at the top of each FAQ page with bulleted "highlights"/main
points.
I did it for this one page, just to demonstrate:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zoanthidcompfaqs.htm
It only took <hour (for me). So, while I know there are hundreds
<Thousands>
of these pages, I still think it's quite possible to do this for every page.
Then with each query added, one bullet point could be added (if needed/if
useful).
But, if y'all don't like it, I will take it off.
Best,
Sara M.
<Is a wonderful idea... I encourage you to go ahead and add as you deem fit,
have time. BobF>
<Thousands>
::shrug:: Is still quite possible/practical....IMO
<Is a wonderful idea... I encourage you to go ahead and add as you deem fit,
have time. BobF>
Thanks, will do.
Sara M.
'baby steps' for WWM
4/29/08
Hi Sara,
<Hi Lynn>
Sorry I didn't get back to you yesterday, I had a packed day! I just wanted to
let you know that I do think what you're proposing is a good idea. I think
anything that helps people find information quicker benefits us all - livestock
and human alike! Let's face it, most people I'm sure come to our site, do their
research and find what they need. However, there are those that can't find what
they're looking for and write us instead or just leave. Sometimes it's because
the information just isn't there yet. Other times it's there but the person
either can't find it or has given up trying. That makes more work for all of us,
and only increases the number of FAQ's in which we tell people, once again, to
go look at such-in-such pages.
<I agree...>
I've asked myself more than a few times why people aren't finding the
information that I know for a fact is there in black and white. Are these people
just lazy? No doubt a few are, but not all. What I've noticed is that most seem
to have made an effort, but were simply unsuccessful. Why is that? Is it due to
a lack of patience and willingness to pursue answers when the process extends
beyond a few minutes?
<It probably just depends on the person/situation, what is sought...>
Or do they just not know how to word a search through our
Google engine?
<Better META tags on all the pages would really help make
search results better.>
Perhaps some don't know about the "Edit"/"Find on this page"
function on their computer and get frustrated reading through numerous pages of
FAQ's. I can't imagine how much longer it would take me to research something
without that one function. Then there are those that maybe English isn't their
first language. We do have people from around the world visiting our site.
Having brief bullets at the top of each FAQ page would reduce the amount of
superfluous writing/words they had to wade through/translate in order to get to
the concentrated information they need.
<I agree, but as Bob (and others) have pointed
out, this will be a HUGE undertaking (there are at least
3000 FAQs pages). To avoid getting overwhelmed, I am thinking of starting
with just the top10% (300 of them!) most viewed FAQ pages...>
I just don't see this as spoon-feeding and therefore a bad thing.
<agreed!>
How can something that makes finding information
quicker/easier be bad? After all, why do we write articles and books, if not to
supply people with the best/most complete information we know of as quickly and
directly as possible? LOL If we truly feel that people benefit more by spending
their own time, doing their own research, then we'd better cut that out right
away! I agree that a person can learn much more about a subject when they have
to work a bit harder to find it, but at some point we have to understand that
not all hobbyists have the time to do this. This is especially true when an
emergency comes up, or what a hobbyist deems to be an emergency. They're
stressed and want answers right away. The quicker they find those answers, the
better off their livestock is and I'm all for it!
<Agreed again>
Also, I know you were kidding yesterday when you asked if I wanted to help, but
seriously, I would if I could. Unfortunately, I'm up to my neck right now in
projects. I'm still working on the crustacean sheets and on the side I'm trying
to work on some articles as well as moderating over at the forums and looking
for queries I can handle at WWM. On top of all that, I'm trying to get ready to
leave town next week for vacation - aaahhhhh!! Anyway, if at some point, things
do open up I'd be glad to help. Especially at some later date, I'd be more than
happy to help compile/go through the bullets for individual critters. I still
think it would be a great idea to have a specific page for each, with something
like "FAQ's at a glance". The pertinent bullets could be separated/compiled into
diet, care, disease, whatever's appropriate for the family/genus/species. I
wouldn't be much help in some of the other departments, but I would gladly lend
a hand with the inverts!
<I would love/welcome/appreciate any help you have to offer. But I do
think it's important to be methodical about this (to keep all organized and not
drive ourselves crazy). So, if you're up to it and have time/inclination
to help with this, please pick a few FAQs pages you would like to make bullet
points for and send me what you put together.>
Take care and thanks for your work to improve the site. Have a great week!
<You too!>
-Lynn
<Thank you,
Sara M.>
|
Video on WWM,
photography/videography, diving, life 4/13/08
In regard to last week¹s video possibilities on WWM, what do you think of
simply posting vids on YouTube? WWM can have it¹s own dedicated channel,
controlled by yourself for official WWM posts. It seems to me an easy solution.
Those that want to view can, those that don¹t won¹t have to. It costs WWM
nothing and links can be incorporated into articles or even FAQ¹s.
Just something I have been thinking and wanted to discuss in person this last
weekend (shame it did not work out). What is your take?
Scott V.
<Thanks for this Scott... Have thought re going this route... And have been
trying to download the last trips video on the new Mac Pro... not going all the
way on the import... Argghhh, but am determined to try... maybe both... loading
on our site with FrontPage and also YouTube. BobF>
Re: Video on WWM 4/13/08
I was able to directly upload to Imovie. It did not work at all with a
USB...curious. But worked and continues to work flawlessly with a firewire
cable.
<Have spent the last twenty so minutes looking for a ding dang cable that will
go into the four pin Firewire on the Mac... AND fit the Sony (1080 line, 60 gig
HD... that has all sorts of ports... but not a firewire!!!! Nor a cord that has
their flattened "V" connector to fire! Am going to upload on my other desktop,
copy and try linking to the Mac... or off to the electronic store for a cable?
B>
Re: Video on WWM 4/13/08
BTW, has more to do with the Sony export than the Mac import, I think.
<If memory serves, they/Sony offers a Mac vers. of their upload software...
would rather not use though. BobF>
Re: Video on WWM 4/13/08
No, the Sony software generally stinks, especially compared to what is
included with the Mac. The same goes for Nikon!!
<We are in total agreement... what a fiasco the NEF format is/was... and
charging folks for the crap software post purchase of their camera bodies!?>
My Sony is not HD and has standard Firewire ports. Do let me know what you
figure out, I have been contemplating a HD camera for a while now.
Scott V.
<The camera is fab... have a cheapy Ikelite housing and some old-retrofitted
NiteRider lighting system... Do you dive, make pix U/W? BobF>
Re: Video on WWM
4/14/08
Bob,
<Scott>
I do not dive, have wished to for years. First it was an issue of lack
of funds, now it is lack of time.
<Ahh, too often mutually exclusive properties, limiting the exercise of
our growth in these... "modern times">
I am always saying I have no time to travel.
Fact of the matter is I do.
<Yes my younger friend... We all have exactly the same amount of time.
An important lesson... to learn/realize>
I choose to use it traveling to Central/South America with a medical
team.
<Ahh!>
I go and make prosthetics for people that usually don't even have shoes.
I generally do two stints of two weeks a piece per year.
<Very worthwhile>
Not being happy with the way my pictures translated what I experienced
prodded me into the DSLR. The difference is amazing! The next trip is to
Tejutla, Guatemala in May, although it looks like I may miss this one.
The underwater world continues to captivate my interest. My friends that
do dive tell me I will ditch the tank after seeing a reef in person...
<Mmm, or delve further... these are not mutually exclusive activities>
I doubt that! My business partner dives and is constantly harassing me
into going with him.
<You should listen>
If and when I do go diving I will invest in the underwater equip.,
<Easy enough to rent/borrow...>
I would not want to miss capturing that experience either. What is your
primary lens you use?
<60 and 105 mm macro, fixed focal length, auto-focus (Nikon)... with a
few others used in small percentage time>
I have looked at the Ikelite housings, seems to be the way to go.
<Are fine for general use>
A grand is reasonable enough for what you get, it is the price of the
strobe that is killer!
<Also... about a grand currently... each... then there are arms,
batteries... the computer to...>
Needless to say, if I do someday dive, you are the first one I will
contact. Perhaps meeting up on the big island with you!
<I do see this happening... and soon! Let's chat over when you have
time>
Cheers,
Scott V.
PS, I have been creating a website for an LFS owner/friend of mine. This
is oddly enough the first time I have taken interest in taking pictures
in a tank. This has captivated me more than the livestock and
reefkeeping itself. Of course, as soon as I figured out what I was doing
the camera crapped out, a bad image sensor according to Nikon. Supposed
to be back to me this next week. I miss my camera and bounce between
buying a cheap point and shoot and just swallowing my wallet and getting
a D200. Patience is not my greatest virtue.
<Another important lesson... Cheers, BobF> |
Small changes to WWM
4/13/07
Howdy! A mention of the deletion of the apparent "boxes" on all shared
borders, rearrangement of links there and some changes/additions of color
palette... Oh, and the shifting of GlassHoles and addn. of Microcosm's fab site
links to the left shared border on the root web... Minor improvements... but
they took me a few agonizing but fun hours to bring about. Cheers, BobF.
Suggestion re website design
– 4/12/08
Hello, Crew!
First, I would like to say thank you to all the volunteers who keep this site up
and running. A friend got me into this hobby just recently (only a
few months ago), and this has been an invaluable source of information. I often
find myself reading into the wee hours of the mornings on weekends,
and way past my bedtime on workdays! One article leads to another, which leads
to a faq page.... :)
<Ah, yes... my intention...>
Second, my suggestion. I was wondering about the feasibility of making
photographs linked, that is to say, you could click on them and go to the
page that discusses the subject of the photograph. The reason I ask is that I
was trying to identify something in my tank, and though I saw a picture of it at
the top of a page right away, nothing on that page referred specifically to that
picture. It took quite awhile to find the page that did
contain the picture and the creature's identification (lots of interesting
reading along the way, though).
<An outstanding suggestion! And one that has been on my "to do list" for years
now... ala Fishbase.org... Just have not come up with the time to launch this
massive project (at present with the photo work on hand will take 3-4k
hours...)>
I do not work with website design much, so I don't know how much I'm asking of
you, and I do realize you are all working on a volunteer basis, but I thought
I'd at least mention it, just in case.
Thanks again,
Jackie
<Thank you for this Jackie... I do think/believe such an arrangement, offering
of color/ID work would be of value... and do have many tens of thousands of
images, hundreds of hours of video... Just getting organized, focused, giving up
other activities that take up the time currently... is my shortcoming
presently... and I don't have a day job! Bob Fenner>
Thank you!
To the Crew at WWM: - 4-11-08
Thank you for your website and great FAQ listing. I just found your website
a few weeks ago, when I was given a 75 gal. aquarium (my first large setup; I'm
a novice) and I needed to find out how to properly level and support it. Your
helpful advice to hobbyists on this topic was VERY valuable to me, and helped me
avoid a couple dangerous mistakes. I really appreciate your help, and I'm sure
I'll be visiting WWM for information and help in the future.
Sincerely, Laurel
<Thank you for your kind, encouraging word Laurel. Bob Fenner>
The best website ever 04/11/2008
Good Morning Crew!!!
<<Good afternoon Bill, Andrew today>>
This is not a question for you, just a brief Thank You from a long time marine
Aquarium guy (20+ years and counting) Since I first stumbled upon your website
several years ago, I have tried to read the FAQ's every day - I am amazed at how
much I have learned because of your site. PLEASE keep up the great job you all
are doing!!! I would also like to mention that I recently took advantage of the
link to one of your sponsors, the folks at Glass-Holes.com. They were very
helpful, and responded to my questions very quickly, allowing me to feel good
about my purchase of the Dart pump and overflow kit they offer. I now get to
drill my next tank so that it will actually get the flow it needs! (wish me
luck?)
<<Its very nice indeed to receive kind words such these. Although i help out
here without wanting thanks, its always lovely to read a message such as this
from yourself. Fact is, without the good folk who submit their questions in to
us on a daily basis, it would not be what it is today, which is a feature packed
valuable resource to all aquarists / aquatic keepers.>>
Thanks again for the service you provide, and for all the creatures that you
have, without a doubt, saved from a horrible death with your insightful answers
to hobbyists questions!!!! Bill (billdogg) Smith, Columbus, Ohio
<<Good day to you Bill, i hope all goes well when you next go for drilling the
tank....Oooh the things we look forward too...he he he...Take care, enjoy the
day, regards. A Nixon>>
Some fantastic example now! Needed changes
to WWM? 4/8/08
Andrew, Neale, Miguel... check out Microcosm's new fab site:
http://en.microcosmaquariumexplorer.com/wiki/Your_Portal_to_Aquatic_Discovery
It's obvious that I've not paid much attn. to having our work be all
that profitable... or showy... Take a look at their ad rates, and
apparent sponsorship... And for larks, insert in Compete.com or other
tool their name and ours... Oh yes, we have a much larger
following/readership... But... anyhow, IF there was an interest in
actually making money to pay yourself for efforts... and/or just making
the site nicer looking, more functional, adding elements... there are
some excellent examples here. Should we invest in better software,
outside design, content help? BobF.
Bob,
<Mike>> > The Microcosm site looks clean and full of information. I
wonder how many> total pages they have there?
<Looks like quite a few... I'd say the low hundreds... a bunch of stuff
is others/off-site>
It may be worth the time and expense to have> some professional web
designers look over the WWM and give us some> recommendations on how to
improve it.
<A very good idea>
I'm not one of the guys but wow does
that site have it going ON! Its amazingly organized. I love the layout
but it doesn't hold near the information of WetWebMedia
<Yes and YES Mac>
I talked to a diving friend who is also a web designer and he says it
shouldn't be all that hard to convert WWM to something like that. Mac
<Really!? I do hope so... Am going to give this due consideration... and
look about. Thank you, BobF
That's what I was thinking too...
that it wouldn't be that difficult
(for a professional web designer).
Sara |
Re: Some
fantastic example now! Needed changes to WWM? 4/9/08
<<<Andrew, Neale, Miguel... check out Microcosm's new fab site:
http://en.microcosmaquariumexplorer.com/wiki/Your_Portal_to_Aquatic_Discovery
It's obvious that I've not paid much attn. to having our work be all
that profitable... or showy... Take a look at their ad rates, and
apparent sponsorship... And for larks, insert in Compete.com or other
tool their name and ours... Oh yes, we have a much larger
following/readership... But... anyhow, IF there was an interest in
actually making money to pay yourself for efforts... and/or just making
the site nicer looking, more functional, adding elements... there are
some excellent examples here. Should we invest in better software,
outside design, content help? BobF. >>
I have to say i think its a very well web site, easy to navigate, use,
browse, find info. The layout concept is clean and spacious.
<Ahh! A succinct evaluation> My thoughts...I think it would do WWM the
world of good to go for a re-face of the site and its something that i
feel some revenue would be worth spending on. An added benefit is a
focal point on having the sponsors more prominent...more exposure for
them, means more revenue for WWM. Personally, i participate on WWM for
the enjoyment and personal knowledge advancement, and with zero monetary
gain for myself. This is my passion, its what i enjoy. I think the
investment in this will bring WWM forward, make our presence on the net
a better experience for browsers of the info database. Andrew
<Thank you for sharing Andrew... I am hopeful of "meeting up" with said
agent/agency for this spiffing... and soon! It's not so much for the
economic gain, but/though what this might well be able to allow us to
"buy" in the way of assistance/help... And the huge improvement in
looks, navigation and functionality we stand to gain/offer... Am
hopeful. BobF>Re: Some
fantastic example now! Needed changes to WWM?
I do think people would use/enjoy/appreciate the site more if it were a
little better organized and perhaps not such an eyesore. I know we don't
"need" more viewers/users, but I do fear we may start *losing* people to
sites with less (or worse, less accurate) information simply because
they're easier to use/nicer to look at.
<Good points>
If I can help in any way, I'd be more than happy to.
Best,
Sara
<Much appreciated. BobF>
Re: Some fantastic example now! Needed changes to WWM?
Let me start out with this: I don't help out at WWM for the money. I
suppose we all have our reasons, but the thought of being paid for my
efforts here has never crossed my mind.
<Mine hardly either>
That being said, I do (and have always felt) that WWM should be more
navigable.
<Agreed... even the originator of Melev's Reef told me the site was "too
big" ayer>
Obviously, since it's all volunteer work, and given the fact that WWM
contains a large amount of information, redesigning the website would be
time consuming to say the least. However, if there is money to be made
(and looking at the rates of the site you sent us, there probably is)
then I think it's worthwhile to spend the money to have the site
revamped, and then attempt to sell high dollar ad positions if you/we so
wanted. I also think that the number of visitors to the website would
significantly increase if the site were to be revamped, and easier to
navigate/find information.
<Well-stated>
What to do with the money (assuming there is money to be made, though I
suspect there is)? There are many excellent, charitable uses for money
(my tuition?! ^ ^)
<... or... that new Mercedes... 1/16 size model!>
or organizations that could be helped if you/we were to keep WWM a
strictly "nonprofit" endeavor. Though I don't feel I currently am able
to contribute enough to make my efforts worth much/anything, I don't see
a problem with contributors gaining slightly from their efforts, but
with paying for help comes issues to be dealt with. Who is qualified to
write for WWM?
<Most all>
How much will be paid?
<What ever we can afford, the market will bear... See CA re currently>
Will there be grace periods, online interviews?
<Would be great... among many other possibilities>
Will we be paid per email?
<About a dollar... per>
The list goes on...
These are just some quick thoughts that came to mind. Discussion amongst
ourselves is definitely a good thing, so I'd like to hear what other
people have to say.
<Hear hear>
Bottom line in my opinion:
The site does need a revamp Ads should at least be used to pay for the
revamp Something needs to be decided regarding ad profits, the use of
which needs further discussion.
My .02
Mike Maddox
<Gracias. BobF>
Re: Some fantastic example
now! Needed changes to WWM? 4/9/08
Andrew, Neale, Miguel... check out Microcosm's new fab site:
http://en.microcosmaquariumexplorer.com/wiki/Your_Portal_to_Aquatic_Discovery
Bob,
<James>
I spent 10 minutes or so on this sight with the mindset of a newbie.
<Ahh!>
I believe our sight is easier to find specific information. I found myself going
through page after page trying to locate a particular fish (Saddleback
Clownfish) which wasn't there to begin with. In fact, only four species of
clownfish were listed. On the marine fish link, only the scientific name of the
fish families appears. Most newbies aren't going to have a clue which type of
fish are in each family. You have to go one step further and click on the Reef
Fish Volume I, there the scientific names with common names in parenthesis
appears, so now you have to go back and forth. Seems like the site is designed
where you have to navigate through all these pages to insure you see all the
different ads.
<A very good, valid point. This site, compared with WWM is VERY commercial...
though also VERY beautiful, even... what's that word... Splashy?>
A pretty sight for sure, but in my opinion, all we need is a new face and more
grab you by the pants photos. After spending a little time on this sight, I feel
our site is much more user friendly for the newbie. A search on our site will
provide many links such as FAQ's and articles on a particular subject. I typed
in "Saddleback Clownfish" on their search bar and results came back as "no page
found, you can create this page". Not something a newbie would like.
<Agreed>
I'm sure this sight has plenty of good features, but as I mentioned, in the eyes
of the newbie, I think our site is easier to use and leads you to the subject
being searched quicker. This being based on the very short time I spent on the
site.
James (Salty)
<Thank you. BobF>
|
Sarcasm and Humor Much
Appreciated... Who's Trying To Be Funny? - 3/21/08
<Hi Jeff, Mich here.>
I just wanted to say I read your site just about every day.
<Glad to hear! Funny, I read the site just about every day as well. Keeps me
“regular” if you will.>
Your humor and sarcasm is much appreciated especially when it has been a rough
day at work.
<Work is a 4 letter word, so doesn’t that mean every day is a rough day at
work?>
I just want to let you know I would have given up on my reef tank a long time
ago if it had not been for you folks.
<Me too!>
As it is, I have had my 90-gallon tank for 2 and a half years now. The last 15
months have been great, since I found your site. My tank crashed twice prior to
finding your site.
<Sorry to hear that. Better the tank than the car, you spent more money on the
car, then again, maybe not.>
I was so confused.
<I’m often confused!>
I was lost in a sea of conflicting information (no pun intended).
<Two fish swim into a concrete wall, one turns to the other and says “Dam”. Pun
intended.>
The best advice I can give to new people in the hobby is to keep reading your
site.
<Careful, they could grow old and died before they are done reading!>
I am reading your daily questions sections and I always get something out of it.
<Headache? Blurry vision? Confusion? Heehee! If the symptoms last for more than
four hours seek medical assistance!>
I don't think people always find the humor in some of the comments you folks
provide (trying to keep it light hearted)
<That’s for sure! We do get the occasional nastygram!>
even when their tank is in trouble, but I do.
<Better to laugh than cry is my philosophy!>
You folks provide a great service and because of all of you, I have not lost a
fish in those 15 months and I have corals growing out the ying yang.
<Wow! Hope your ying yang can handle it!>
I did a lot of research on your site pertaining to lighting, refugiums, and
macro algae. Because of it I have a stable tank.
<Well, that and good husbandry practices hopefully!>
Please keep finding the humor and I'll keep laughing and learning.
<Glad to hear and I hope I can do the same and wish that for the many others who
read our site. Cheers, Mich>
R/
Jeff
Your words... reach more than 30k
unique ISP addresses per day... Thank you... WWM usage
3/3/08
Ha! Thanks Scott, I finally got it! I
just entered "125982" under Site ID and "Stats" under Username and Password at
http://smarterstats1.safesecureweb.com/login.aspx and voila.
Very interesting information to say the least.
Take care and thanks again,
Lynn
Re: A Fair Price for Hobbyist
Style Services 2/17/08
Hi one last time, Bob. I don't want to be one of "those guys" that never
stops emailing/responding, but I feel a very strong urge to say one last thing.
I am always really amazed at your generosity and willingness to help anyone who
has a passion for aquarium keeping and a willingness to learn. I imagine that
you must be very busy and have lots of requests on your time, but every time
I've submitted an inquiry, you've been excessively kind with your knowledge and
always willing to extend your help a step further.
<Ahh!>
I must admit that I'm very much a cynic when it comes to people (which is
probably why I'm such an animal lover-their intentions are always pure), so
anytime people display innate "good" qualities, it makes me question my cynicism
(and I guess that's a good thing). Thanks so much, and please continue to
gracefully sidestep the rude, angry and unkind emailers that pop up on
WetWebMedia every once in a blue moon and please stay the "good" guy that you
are who is always willing to help and then help a little more. I know I don't
know you personally, but I do believe that sometimes a person's traits come
through in their writing... who knows; maybe I'm not the cynic that I think I
am. Your staff shares these attributes as well. It is clear that your staff is a
reflection of their "leader". Thanks again and I hope I haven't embarrassed you
too much.-Nick Sadaka
<Thank you Nick. BobF>
Organization of
information/WWM 2/16/08
Hello all,
<Eric>
This is directed at Bob. Today I read a "letter" from an individual complaining
about the lack of organization of the site and the difficulty they had in
finding information.
<Yes...>
If possible I'd like to help with this by summarizing some of the FAQs or
perhaps rearrange the info therein into a more obvious question/answer format.
<Yay!>
I have limited time to allocate to this purpose, but would like to do something
to contribute to WetWebMedia. If this proposal is agreeable to you I'd like to
start with either a "small" FAQ or group of FAQs. I would then e-mail you the
file so that you could review it and let me know if my effort would be of some
use to you.
Eric
<Thank you for coming forward Eric. We have had generous help/offers a few
times... with some groups of FAQs being greatly straightened out, made more
useful/useable... Please so start on whatever group you'd like... I will gladly
place, add to the existing structure or write over... Bob Fenner>
Future Schlock... Magazine software
for online pres... A GIANT poss. or already done? 2-4-08
Is there currently editing software
that allows one to have the same look and functionality (along with
searchability, links to archives... they lack) that print media currently have?
In the advent of today's cheaper, larger flat screens, and some new/upcoming
easier on the eyes terminals... Wouldn't this software, as a pkg., be a great
boon? Can we do this before the Net becomes teevee, phones, PDAs et al.? Bob/DF.
WWM Crew. A tremendous thank you...
just coincidental with holiday season
- 12/23/07
Huge thanks for your time, efforts, general resource-sharing which is
WetWebMedia.com.
I greatly appreciate your help in responding to queries, sharing ideas, selling
us the occasional content. Am sure this sense/sensation is shared by many of our
daily readers... Oh! And happy holidays to you and yours. BobF, finishing up in
Key West... off to Pablo Tepoot's for din din.
"Best of/worst of"...
Ideas for Dailies 12/18/07
Crew,
In my readings of your daily FAQs I cam across the "sharks in my living
room militant stupidity etc." mail and nearly wet myself laughing. as
such I was wondering if you had considered having a best of and/or worst
of FAQs page. Also I didn't get to read the ini9tial response is there
anyway I can find the original response on the site?
<Oh yes. Here: http://wetwebmedia.com/sharksysf7.htm>
thanks
P.S. in case anyone recognizes the email address, the angle fish tank I
had trouble with months ago is now running fine. Thanks on that
Forrest
<Good idea. Cheers, BobF>
|
Neat site stats - kudos to
WWM! 11/19/07
cheers, Bob
<Antoine>
I came across a neat site stats tool for comparing traffic (Eric B found and
mentioned it). WWM is (maybe no great surprise) excelling in traffic greater,
far and away, than any other hobby message board or forum that I am aware of.
neat site: www.compete.com
<Neat... I did take a look with the two more popular BB's:
http://siteanalytics.compete.com/wetwebmedia.com+reefcentral.com+reefs.org/?metric=uv#
Though we don't have a Google sitemap, nor advertise... is good to know and see
numbers for the great quantity of folks, systems, livestock we are helping...
Including the many thousands of your article and response efforts from years
past>
Kudos to WWM!
Anth-
<Cheers, BobF>
-------
Anthony Calfo
www.ReadingTrees.com
Compete web stats -11/19/07
Hey Bob,
<Sihaya>
I noticed Anthony's email about www.compete.com. It's an interesting
idea. Let me tell you about how this works. It's not "exact" data...
it's estimated. What Compete does is, they "survey" a selection of the
population (kinda like a high-tech Gallup poll). This is why you don't
have to give them permission (or put any code/images on your site) in
order for them to do this. In a way, it works backwards (compared to the
way this data has been traditionally collected-- by sending a "message"
to a data collector every time someone visits the site). In SOME ways,
their estimates are arguably more accurate in that they count "people"
as actual people-- they don't count web crawlers and such (which some
other site stat programs sometimes do). It doesn't usually work so well
for lower-traffic sites (not an issue for WWM though).
<Thank you for this input, clarification. I only consider such info. as
"general"...>
Anyway, I realize I just revealed myself to be a huge geek, but this is
a pretty cool thing... ;-) Best, Sara
<BobF> |
WWM articles/ my friend Curt 11/19/07
Hi Bob,
I've noticed that WWM has a few "coming soon..." type pages where articles are
needed. I have a very knowledgeable friend who would like to help out. He's been
at the reefing hobby (and been helping others) for more years than me. He now
owns/manages a LFS in St. Louis. His name is Curt and I think you met him once
but might not remember.
<Possibly... but we/I are/am VERY grateful, and we do pay... $200 w/o pix, $250
for such accepted manuscripts if accepted... about 1,400-2,000 word length...
AND I will gladly offer pix for his/their use... AND I will gladly offer to help
sell such work FIRST into the print realm, then our e- use if this is desired>
So, what do you think? Is there anything he could help you/us with? I could do
some of the editing/proofreading of his writing if you think that would help.
<I am VERY susceptible to this idea... Is in part, the raison d' etre for CA,
our on-line ''zine... id est, to fill in these enormous gaps. Please do
introduce us here. Thank you, BobF>
Best,
Sara
A BIG thank you
10/17/07
Whew! Took about thirty hours to format, put-away the outstanding WWM
responses... and they were outstanding! I do appreciate the gracious over-time,
time you put in... and am sure the many folks who read, benefit from your
efforts do as well. Cheers, BobF.
WWM website help
10/16/07
was talking to a LFS owner at MACNA. He didn't realize that WWM was still
being kept current. He complained, as many do, about the difficulty with the
structure of the of the WWM website, in that it is not always the most user
friendly. I told him of my understanding of the difficulties changing to a more
updated format related to the way the website was originally designed using
Frontpage. He suggested this program would make things more usable, thought it
would be compatible with front page and would link all related info together
making searches/info gathering much easier. I don't have a great understanding
or really know what I am talking about here, but perhaps this is something for
Mike to look into. Here is the program he was referring to :
http://phpnuke.org/
And here is his message to me:
<I am woefully ignorant of such matters (software period, web-editing
inclusive)... have never even heard of this program... Am glad to see you have
cc'd Miguel re... as he is taking some interest, expanding his focus back into
web matters, wants to help w/ WWM. Any other input here? BobF>
Re: WWM website help
10/16/07
Greetings.
While I agree that the WWM site isn't optimal in terms of layout and usability,
re-jigging the entire site into a more modern format would be a gigantic job of
work.
My feeling is that the main problem isn't the articles but the FAQs.
Specifically, creating tidier, more informative index pages to the free-standing
articles wouldn't be too difficult. At the moment there's a lot of stuff, and
some of the headings are a bit cryptic or at least require some degree of
specialist knowledge (e.g., "inadvanced bony fishes", a Fennerism I personally
love, but am not sure is a real word). So what's needed for the articles is
simply a clean up with some attention to more self-explanatory divisions so that
casual readers can smoothly work downwards through layers of organisation.
<<Mmm, I swear that inadvanced bony fishes is not of my making/fabrication...>>
The FAQs strike me as altogether a bigger deal. As things stand now, in many
cases, there are literally hundreds of queries scattered across dozens of
possible pages. Look at the Goldfish FAQs for example. If you want to tell
someone to refer to a particular query, it's difficult, without some vague "go
to this page, and it's about halfway down".
<Totally agreed... my thinking, well, ongoing cogitation is/was that in time,
sub-dividing such "FAQs files" into more detailed "SubFAQs" categories (e.g.
Goldfish Disease Poisoning, GF Env., GF Fungal... by causative mechanism/s,
symptomology... compounds that are efficacious and not... might be a "way to go"
here... Am very eager for the more intuitive PDAs of the future... they're
coming... and we'll still be around for a few decades...>>
I can't see any easy way to transfer this vast collection of queries into clean,
shiny new pages without a massive amount of work.
Software can be found to create a *new* site without fuss, but importing OLD
data and resources is *always* a lot more difficult (and ultimately becomes a
manual job anyway).
<Yeeeikesville!>>
So it comes down to this: do we refresh the WWM articles and leave the FAQs
alone; or spend time updating the FAQs as well, which given the repetitive
nature of many queries ("my goldfish has finrot...") becomes an exercise in
diminishing returns. Possibly there's a third way: archive them all in the
present format, start up new collections in a more modern format, and import
selected, informative queries from the old stacks into the new ones.
Yours etc.,
Neale
<Thanks as usual for your thoughtful and provoking input Neale... Am given to
make the super offer of remuneration for/when we get this process going
economically... for further content provision, spiffing up, general re-do. B>> >
On 15 Oct 2007, at 16:46, Robert Fenner wrote:> > > <I am woefully ignorant of
such matters (software period, web- > > editing inclusive)... have never even
heard of this program... Am > > glad to see you have cc'd Miguel re... as he is
taking some > > interest, expanding his focus back into web matters, wants to
help > > w/ WWM. Any other input here? BobF>>
Re: WWM website help
10/16/07
For what it is worth, I've seen things done where new sections were put in
and the old sections still kept up. By this I mean, you create a new format and
go forward with it, moving over indeed as you suggest or by selectively copying
what is necessary but you also keep the archives accessible in the past format.
Should someone desire to go through them to find more information they would
have that ability but you would put up the message that this is in the old
format and may be difficult to access. That way all the old information is not
lost because some of it is priceless.
Mac
<I did not know this was possible, thanks Mac... B>
Thanks 9/27/07
To the Crew and Bob,
<Paul>
Thank you for your time and effort. I'm very happy that I found your book and
guidance prior to diving into a saltwater tank. I was clearly in need of
education and would have failed. Not that I'm claiming some great understanding
now, but I'm clearly more educated today than I was yesterday. My increased
understanding creates more enthusiasm for the hobby.
<Ahhh!>
Looking forward to reading, learning and enjoying the hobby over decades, not
months,
Paul McCarron
<Thank you for your kind, encouraging words. Bob Fenner>
Syntax and daily FAQ's 9/26/07
Good morning Crew,
<Good morning Tom, Mich here.>
I hope you all are having as good a day as I have every day.
<Thank you, unfortunately my day has been a bit rough. Hopefully it will
improve.>
I would also like to throw my two cents in (though I think it should probably be
quarters, adjusted for inflation)
<Heehee!>
about using proper syntax when asking a question. I agree, the English language
is hard enough, when the word phonetic is not spelled phonetically.
<Irony eh? Ever wonder why we park in the driveway and drive on the parkway?>
I personally try to speak and write as well as possible for no other reason as
not to be misinterpreted or taken out of context. I work from home, spending
most of my day on the computer, monitoring my sites and dealing with
'administrivia'. When I check out WWM, I do not want to take the time figure out
what someone is trying to say. I don't want to read the corrections or the
endless comments for using proper language skills.
<Understandable.>
I want to get in, read the FAQ's, glean what I can and move on to other things.
Speaking for myself, I am grateful for the service you all provide. Thanks to
WWM, I have become a fish 'keeper' not a fish haver.
<This is rewarding to hear.>
The fact that you are all VOLUNTEERS seems to go largely unnoticed.
<Yes, we are all volunteers. We actually do this out of the kindness of our
hearts.>
You all have the patience of a host of saints, doing what you do without
recompense, simply doing so for the love of the hobby.
<Patience is a good virtue to have in this hobby.>
Please continue to be the lone voice crying out from the wilderness of
mediocrity to make this world a better place.
<Wow what writing! Thank you for the kind words!>
Now, as I step down from my soapbox, I look forward to the day when I see, in
the immortal words
of Sergeant Joe Friday, "Just the FAQ's ma'am, just the FAQ's."
<Heehee! Is the goal!>
Thomas N. (Tom) Bilello
<Michelle (Mich) Lemech
Just a quick rip on WWM. NealeM's
turn 9/20/07
Gentlemen & Ladies (if there are any),
<Hello Richard, and yes, there are ladies here!>
Although most of us appreciate your knowledge on WWM's website, there
have been numerous complaints about your grammatical corrections to
people's emails\questions. I myself along with others find it absurd to
correct the spelling and or grammatical errors when people are reaching
out to you for help.
<While I respect your opinion, the other way of looking at it is this:
if someone wants help, they should make it easier for the helper.
Writing clearly, politely, formally, and correctly is the way that
happens. I just now answered an "all-capitals" message that had been
sitting in the in-box for days. Why was it sitting there? Because the
WWM Crew -- all volunteers -- have limited time and energy. The crew are
only human, and so naturally would rather tackle questions that are easy
to read and understand. Messages typed in capitals, fragmented or
tortured English, or gods forbid teenager-style abbreviation-speak just
aren't appealing. So they get ignored until someone grudgingly answers
them.>
There are MANY resources on the web for people to use but the people who
choose this site are people who want to give WWM a chance to spread the
knowledge and honestly you are blowing it.
<I don't see this at all. People are free to ask questions in many, many
places. Fishkeeping forums, mailing lists, etc. What makes WWM special
is the Crew are all respected, published expert fishkeepers. So the
advice isn't stuff dreamt up by a 17-year old boy who's kept a couple of
convict cichlids, one of which died a week after purchase, but by
honest-to-goodness experts. Many of us write for the fishkeeping press,
and several of us (including myself) have written fishkeeping books.
Every day our in-boxes are filled to overflowing. I spend about 30-60
minutes a day doing queries, usually 4-5 times per week. If people want
to go ask their questions someplace else because they have a dread fear
of punctuation or haven't figured out how the Caps Lock key works, then
that's fine with me.>
Personally it makes you guys seem a bit dare I say it RUDE.
<Perhaps. But rudeness is also spending ten seconds to write a
barely-decipherable message, not bothering with adding a salutation or
thanks, and then expecting someone at the other end to spend fifteen or
twenty minutes creating a sensible, helpful reply. The rules are posted
on the site: so it's not like any of this is a surprise to the sender.
None of us have a problem with messages from people who don't speak
English as a first language. The messages we react to are the ones
obviously from native English speakers who frankly don't give a rip
about writing properly.>
Quite honestly after reading some of the posts on here it seems your
group gets more joy from bashing someone who just plain needs help
rather than actually giving sound advice. I myself take pride in helping
someone who needs it, spreading my knowledge for hobbyist alike to share
and pass on.
<Fair enough.>
So maybe in the future you can take pride and joy in the actual help you
give to people rather than make them look stupid.
<I don't think we attack stupid people, and we certainly don't make the
inexperienced out to be idiots. No, the people we're hard on are the
lazy and the willfully-ignorant. And they, generally, do indeed deserve
a quick boot up the backside.>
I really want to thank you for reading this and hopefully maybe get you
guys back to the true roots of this website... Helpful people helping
others not ripping others.
<We're not camp counselors. If someone has done something just plain
stupid, like stuck an Oscar into a brand new 10 gallon tank, then it's
not our job to say "there there, it'll be fine". What we always do is
explain what they did wrong, why they need to fix it, and how they can
go about fixing things.>
There are some occasions where you do look over some things and give
GREAT advice, but more often than not you are just playing English
teacher for the class.
<I don't really think we comment on English a majority of the time, but
heck, why not? Poor English is confusing English. Everyone makes
grammatical and spelling errors, and that's not a big deal. What annoys
me (and others here) are not putting "I" as an upper case letter, not
using commas, not bothering to turn fragments into complete sentences,
writing everything in capitals, and so on. These aren't about being
dumb, they're about being lazy. And bad English ends up obscuring
content and making the reader's job more difficult. There's no excuse
for it.>
Regards,
Richard
<I hope this makes my (Neale Monks') perspective clear. I can't speak
for the others, of course! Sincerely, Neale>
<<Well-spoken/written Neale. RMF>>
Re: Just a quick rip on WWM 7/21/07
Fair enough Neale. Great response.
Thanks,
Richard
<Hi Richard. Glad to chat about this, and we always appreciate hearing from our
readers for good or for bad. Helps us to improve the site. Cheers, Neale>
Just a quick rip on WWM. SaraM's go 9/20/07
Gentlemen & Ladies (if there are any),
<If Darwin's Bulldog is correct about what makes a lady or gentlemen,
then indeed; I believe we have both here.>
Although most of us appreciate your knowledge on WWM's website, there
have been numerous complaints about your grammatical corrections to
people's emails\questions. I myself along with others find it absurd to
correct the spelling and or grammatical errors when people are reaching
out to you for help.
<Maybe I just haven’t been here long enough, but I personally don't
point out people's spelling/grammatical errors. If for no other reason,
I just don’t have the time.>
There are MANY resources on the web for people to use but the people who
choose this site are people who want to give WWM a chance to spread the
knowledge and honestly you are blowing it.
<Ah yes, the 20,000 hits we get each day are hardly worth mentioning.
Clearly, we must be doing something very wrong.>
Personally it makes you guys seem a bit dare I say it RUDE.
<Personally, I think it's rude to send emails with multiple grammatical
and spelling errors when you know that your writing will become a
permanent part of this website. When people writing to us make these
errors, we have to correct them ourselves or else the poor grammar and
spelling becomes a permanent part of the site. Now, remember we don't
get paid to do this. Even when an email is perfectly well written (and
especially so, actually), it can easily take me over an hour to answer a
long query. So please forgive me if I don't always understand why an
e-mailer can’t take 5 minutes to proof read his or her query.>
Quite honestly after reading some of the posts on here it seems your
group gets more joy from bashing someone who just plain needs help
rather than actually giving sound advice.
<Now this truly is absurd.>
I myself take pride in helping someone who needs it, spreading my
knowledge for hobbyist alike to share and pass on.
<As do we.>
So maybe in the future you can take pride and joy in the actual help you
give to people rather than make them look stupid.
<I don't believe that anyone ever "makes" another look stupid. One can
only exploit an opportunity to reveal someone else's lack of knowledge,
intelligence, diligence, respect, or character. We must always be aware
of such opportunities we give other people to reveal things about
ourselves. What do you think this email reveals about you?>
I really want to thank you for reading this and hopefully maybe get you
guys back to the true roots of this website... Helpful people helping
others not ripping others.
<How do we return to a place we never left?>
There are some occasions where you do look over some things and give
GREAT advice, but more often than not you are just playing english
teacher for the class.
<That should be "English" with a capital "E." It’s a proper noun. ;-)>
Regards,
Richard
<Best,
Sara M.> <<Well done Sara... that this querier did not know that
some here are female IS telling. RMF>>
An opinion and sincere thanks!! More re
Anglish and WWM. Darrel's go – 09/22/07
Good Morning Guys and Gals of "The Crew"!!
<Well .. a hearty Hiya, Howdy & Hello right back at ya! Every time I hear or
read "Guys & Gals" I think of singing "A bushel & a peck" or "Luck be a lady"
(that's a slightly twisted trivia reference for anyone who cares)>
At risk of unnecessarily "fanning the flames" I would like to offer my two cents
worth about the use proper syntax in emails.
<As a flame fanner myself from way back .. sometimes it just has to be done!>
When an individual requests assistance/information from you (collectively), they
are not sending a chatty email to a friend. They are sending an email which will
become a permanent part of your site/database and as such will be read over and
over again by people worldwide. As one of those "people", I truly appreciate
being able to understand the question as well as the reply.
<Kerry, that comment right there falls under the category of a Home Run - that's
exactly the point. This site is about education for everyone and in order to
educate there has to be common standards>
A few years ago, I was involved on a website which incorporated a "chat"
component. The "chat" style of writing/communication is very easy to adapt to
and very difficult to "get away" from. It is extremely pervasive and seen
everywhere these days. My husband and I welcome the use of proper syntax on this
site. To be blunt, the "garbage" that we have to wade through to find
information on other sites makes the effort of doing so seem futile. Here on
WWM, we are able to comprehend the questions as well as the replies. Without
understanding the nature of the issues that others are experiencing, how would
we know if they apply to us; how would we benefit? Without that understanding,
you (collectively) would have as much effect by sending only a reply to the
individual with the query.
<Well, I "LOL" once in a while myself. In fact, just the other day I LMAO'd
about something I read, so I'm a bit guilty myself. That being said, language is
a complicated thing that many use and yet few understand. Words we speak or type
don't communicate a thought or idea as much as they are used by the reader or
listener as a blueprint to build a picture in their own mind of THEIR thought or
idea. That's why there's such a focus here on scientific names -- it's not to
show how cool or smart we are (actually if anything it screams out our nerdiness
and probably admits our use of pocket protectors and why many of us had so few
friends in High School) it's because we strive to do everything we can to help
the reader build EXACTLY the same picture in their mind as we have in ours so
that our answer is useful and precise.>
<When you see us going out of our way to point out grammatical errors, it's not
intended to insult or offend the writer. We do it to illustrate a point to the
larger audience what not to do. As has been pointed out, we're all volunteers,
we mostly have day jobs and evening & weekend families -- not to mention the
fact that we all have these aquatic hobbies that requires our attention. It's
easy to fix the grammar in one letter (I personally copy into Word and do F7
before I even read it) but the site gets hundreds letters a week and that's not
even including the offers to increase the size of our anatomy, better places to
buy drugs and the constant begging from the lawyers who's clients have died and
need our help to get millions of dollars out of their home country. (laughing
out loud)!>
Thank you all so much for volunteering to share so much of your time and
knowledge. We truly appreciate it!!
<That's always nice to hear, Kerry. I came across this site when I started to
help my son establish his first Marine aquarium and like you, found it different
from the rest and heads above all of them for the reasons you stated. While I
have a lifetime of experience and education in turtles and other reptiles and
understand the SCIENCE of the aquarium hobby as well as a scientist ... the
'art' of the hobby often escapes me and I can say for a fact that Bob and the
Crew are responsible for the ongoing success of at least several of our marine
fish. So now I jump in to answer the turtle questions at the same time that I
read with rapt attention about marine stocking and water quality issues.>
While we do not want to contribute to what seems to be something of a
controversial point at WWM and by no means will we be offended if this email is
not posted in the interest of "world peace", I felt the need to let you know
that your efforts are appreciated and welcomed!
<It's never our intention to offend, Kerry and it IS nice to hear that we're
appreciated>
Thanks again, Kerry and hubby
<Darrel>
An opinion and sincere thanks!! Neale's
turn – 09/22/07
Good Morning Guys and Gals of "The Crew"!!
At risk of unnecessarily "fanning the flames" I would like to offer my two cents
worth about the use proper syntax in e-mails.
When an individual requests assistance/information from you (collectively), they
are not sending a chatty email to a friend. They are sending an email which will
become a permanent part of your site/database and as such will be read over and
over again by people worldwide. As one of those "people", I truly appreciate
being able to understand the question as well as the reply.
A few years ago, I was involved on a website which incorporated a "chat"
component. The "chat" style of writing/communication is very easy to adapt to
and very difficult to "get away" from. It is extremely pervasive and seen
everywhere these days. My husband and I welcome the use of proper syntax on this
site. To be blunt, the "garbage" that we have to wade through to find
information on other sites makes the effort of doing so seem futile. Here on
WWM, we are able to comprehend the questions as well as the replies. Without
understanding the nature of the issues that others are experiencing, how would
we know if they apply to us; how would we benefit? Without that understanding,
you (collectively) would have as much effect by sending only a reply to the
individual with the query.
Thank you all so much for volunteering to share so much of your time and
knowledge. We truly appreciate it!!
While we do not want to contribute to what seems to be something of a
controversial point at WWM and by no means will we be offended if this e-mail is
not posted in the interest of "world peace", I felt the need to let you know
that your efforts are appreciated and welcomed!
Thanks again, Kerry and hubby
<Hello Kerry, and thanks for the e-mail. As you correctly observe, most of the
messages sent to WWM end up posted on one of the FAQ pages. This site is read by
twenty thousand fishkeepers every day, and the FAQs are a major draw, being a
quick way for people to research particular problems or issues. Clearly written
messages are easier to read and more likely to turn up on search engines, so
they provide the best service. Idiomatic English, slang, and abbreviations work
in the opposite direction, making it more difficult for people to find what
they're looking for. Of course we understand that writing a message to WWM isn't
like sitting an English exam, and we don't normally criticise people for casual
mistakes. After all, we crewmembers make plenty of them ourselves! But finding a
happy balance between tolerating typos and accepting lazily written messages can
be tricky. Feedback from other WWM readers helps us to try and get this balance
right, so your comments are appreciated. Cheers, Neale>
Just a quick rip on WWM, AndrewB chimes in
7/23/07
I saw the above-captioned FAQ on WWM and felt compelled to comment. I am a
huge fan of WWM (read it every day) and, indeed, have posted many questions and
received much help from the staff. Although I think this writer has a bug up his
bum, and although I realize that all of you are volunteers, do this because you
love the hobby and are very busy with other things, I do ask all to keep in mind
that not everyone that is in the hobby/has a problem holds a Bachelor's Degree
(or even graduated from high school). Generally, I think you guys are really
good with balancing keeping people on the straight and narrow vis-a-vis grammar,
spelling, following the rules, etc. and helping people, and you do the latter
much more than you do the former. Most times, the people you blast are as
stated--truly looking for you to do their work for them; no thinking, no
searching, not caring about what they're writing. I have seen posts, however, in
which the WWM staff was a little too critical where it was clear to me, as a
reader, that the person inquiring probably wasn't the most educated person. As a
story, and not as an example of the foregoing of course ;-), I have received a
serve from RMF because I misspelled "Lemnalia" in a question in which he told me
without mincing words to get the name right and use search indices, all without
answering my question.
I note that I have received and read many responses from the Crew that contained
typos . . .. The point is, while I disagree with most of the points expressed by
the poster (and the manner in which he/she did so), I do think he has a
point--we're all human.
We all respect that you do this for free, and truly appreciate your help.
Andy
<Thank you for this input Andy. BobF>
Funkiest... Query - 09/24/07
Hi Crew, I do not think that 'funkiest' is a proper description of the 9/23
query.
<Heeee! Got a better descriptor?>
Is it any different than if the question was -I just bought some nice fish and
put them in a nice bird cage and they seem to be dying, can you help? And of
course it starts with 'Love the website, its a wealth of info'.
And add me to those who appreciate your efforts including insisting on good
English.
Thanks
<Thanks Sam. BobF>
No question, just thanks 7/23/07
Thanks to you I have maintained two 12 gallon tanks for over 2 years now
without any loss of life. One salt, one fresh water. I was really taken aback by
that post from "Richard" and wanted to add my voice to no doubt probably
hundreds, that you guys do an amazing job. I have a well worn copy of The
Conscientious Marine Aquarist on my bookshelf. I emailed once about a problem I
was having and received a fast and informative response. I think it is your
obligation to point out when people are doing wrong and I'm glad you do so . So,
thanks for all you do, keep it up, and next time any of you are in Austin ,
email me so I can buy you a beer! Susan
<Thank you! Oh, both for your timely input as well as the libation offer Susan.
Bob Fenner>
WWM Apparent stance, attitude toward LFS,
personnel – 09/08/07
Dear WetWebMedia Crew,
In the daily FAQs September 8, 2007, the following exchange appeared:
I do have to throw in how disappointing it is how little correct information
comes from the places where you get these poor fish.
"<Indeed. But you have to remember the motives. Pet stores want you to keep
coming back to buy stuff. They want you to have just enough success to stay
interested. But they have no vested interest in your fish staying healthy
provided you keep buying more fish from them.
People like us here at WWM don't get paid for what we're doing, we do it because
we want you to enjoy your hobby and your fish to stay healthy. Who you gonna
trust?>"
I'm writing to dispute both the accuracy and the appropriateness of the fairly
common (from the WWM crew generally and the cited respondent specifically)
assertion that pet stores care only about profit even in the face of massive
loss of livestock that has left the store. To be sure, 'pet stores' -- the
businesses proper -- need to be financially solvent. But is providing marginally
useful information the best way to do that?
<Of a certainty, no>
The most successful independent pet stores, in my experience, have been those
which give the best and most useful advice to hobbyists. Those of us familiar
with the shop in Lansing, MI to which Bob and Anthony give thanks for photos in
their Reef Invertebrates book know at least this example of such a shop, and
there are many more.
<Agreed>
So more business does not follow from fish dying in fishkeeper's tanks -- often,
frustration and a search for a new hobby (or at the very least, a new pet shop)
does.
<Or worse... leaving our interest>
Nor is the associated assertion (also fairly easy to find examples of on WWM)
that pet store employees tend to be ignorant of/unconcerned with livestock care
universally applicable -- not even close.
<Again, we are in agreement>
Many of us spend a good deal of time doing things like reading your daily FAQs
so that we can pass on the knowledge gained to our customers and fellow
hobbyists. Many are heavily involved in propagation of livestock that we
certainly don't want to see die after it is sold.
Many work for minimum wage (!!!), so we are certainly not in it for the money.
<Very much in agreement!>
Many of us have other jobs with which we support ourselves, and are thus pretty
close to those who "don't get paid for what we are doing." There are, indeed,
some (or many, or 62.5%; it makes little difference) ignorant/unconcerned shop
employees, but does it follow from the fact that there is a lot of bad
fishkeeping information on the web that fishkeeping web sites give bad
information? No, it does not.
<"Some of this, some of that">
The categorical claims about ignorant LFS employees are illegitimate, as are
comments about their motives -- it certainly would not be appropriate negatively
to comment on your motives for giving information. The appropriate discussion is
about the information itself.
<I concur>
Please continue to give the valuable information that you offer to us all.
Please discontinue disseminating unproductive categorical claims and ungrounded
assertions about the psychology/character/ motives of folks who, in great many
instances, are or ought to be offended by such claims. Thank you.
-John
<Thank you for coming forward and expressing the points so clearly John... I
spent 14 years "on the floor" in retail pet-fish... and with friends, owned
several stores over many years more. The broad mix of outlets are owned, managed
and staffed with well-meaning folks in my estimation... And once again, being
beware of absolutes, I am given to comment that one should "blame the act, not
the child" Or the president for that matter... Certainly there are
knowledgeable, dedicated, passionate people in our trade at all levels... Lastly
a comment re my making comments... as the "grand arbiter" (person who mostly
moves things around here). If I see something outright "wrong" or spurious, I
will make an insertion... but too often do find myself out of time to review
others input... For this vague generalization example above I do apologize... I
am in agreement with your/John's P.O.V. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
WWM Crew: The upcoming crush on WWM
- 9/3/07
Howdy! Our unique ISP user count is hovering right about 20k per day
currently... and am hopeful that with all our great answers and articles
archived we won't be deluged as badly as usual this time of year (with summer
over in the N. hemisphere, school re-commencing, holidays over... the weather
becoming more bunk, folks paying a bit more attn. to their indoor affairs... and
the giant gear up for Xmas)... but we will likely see something like a fifty
percent gain in questioning... Cheers and biers! BobF.
R2: Water Flow…Four Two-Inch
Drains And Still Having Problems – 08/13/07
Hi EricR
<<Hello Ian>>
I think I have enough food for thought. I will try all the various options we
discussed (starting with the easiest) and see what will help.
<<Ah yes...and if you have a gate-valve plumbed on the output side of the pump,
well then...>>
I have no doubt I will solve this.
<<There “is” a solution...>>
Thank you very much for your input.
<<My pleasure>>
Often one thinks of an idea but is not sure if on the right track until you hear
it from the "experts". I tell you I am not sure what most of us would do without
this wonderful service from WetWebMedia!
<<Gratifying to hear...and I am happy to be a part of it>>
This hobby is so complex, with so many variables that I think it is a godsend we
have access to a body that deals with ALL these problems on a never ending basis
thereby getting the experience that a mate down the road or the local stockist
could never provide....
<<Indeed...the range of experiences/varied backgrounds of the Crew under Bob’s
ever watchful and almost [grin] all-knowing eye...the wealth of written data
available for public perusal...and the fact that everyone here is a “volunteer”
and truly wants to help, is what I think makes this service unique>>
Cheers,
Ian
<<Good luck my friend...and please do let me know how this turns out. Eric
Russell>>
Images, WWM – 08/08/07
Fair enough.
You know those "desktop size pictures" you put at the top of the FAQ page?
We should really try and combine thumbnails of them into a gallery.
<Heeeee! Where were you a decade ago? A couple of friends and inactive WWM Crew
generated an omnibus prog. (as I'd had no success finding a "Corbis" type
home-hobby type) to do what we currently do, and what you suggest here... and
much more... We opted not to use this... and part of "it" became WWF (the BB and
pix sites)... and went w/ "Brand X" Frontpage for web-authoring... and thank
goodness we did... As predicted, the fellows involved have had life changes,
other things on their plate... and the software has had troubles...>
I keep getting messages from magazines wanting photos of fish. At the moment I
ask around on forums, and the average hobbyist seems happy to sell some digital
snaps for a few dollars and a copy of the magazine. Perhaps if WWM had a "image
sourcing" service, where we collated images and made them available for editors,
who'd e-mail the site and then be put in touch with the photographer. Perhaps
one way to defray operating costs? Not sure how that would work, but an idea
anyway.
Cheers, Neale
<IS an excellent idea... and near the top of my "wish list to do" areas...
We're in a sort of "Catch 22" (KV RIP) with funds to have someone/s going
through, cataloging, adding different size pix, MUCH background material... and
making our catalog of pix (WWM has 22k plus, I have several times this)...
available in larger sizes (ala fishbase.org) and for sale... IF there were but
time lady (with regards to Ben Jonson, Volpone). Cheers,
BobF>
Thank you... improving WWM's "bottom line".
Membership? – 07/18/07
Dear Bob & Crew,
<Mike>
No reply required.
First, a quick thank you note for all the prompt and informative help you have
generously provided while I've been cramming at warp speed trying to keep up
with all of the things I need to learn.
I'm also confident your other "students" are equally grateful judging from the
comments I've read in the FAQ's. That's the other reason I'm writing
(explanation below).
One should be almost required to take a course and be licensed prior to
beginning an undertaking like this. Who knew? (I sure hope the Government isn't
reading this!)
<Heeeee!>
Second, I finally managed to catch your WWM "Become a Member" page on a good day
and it worked.
The reason I wanted to join was to be able to make a donation to your site,
which I was more than happy to do, as a gesture of my appreciation for your
time, patience and advice.
It was well worth it. I'm sure you have saved me enough time and money as to
make donating to your site the very least I could do.
<Thank you for your generosity of spirit, and economy>
Last, but not least, I noticed that you don't have to be a member to use your
service (admirable), but it was not until I joined that I realized, you don't
have to be a member to donate.
<Really? Is this through the "Amazon begging bowl?" I did/do not know re this
issue of membership...>
Frankly, I'm just not sure all your visitors would know this and, perhaps, it
might help your cause to post this somewhere that all visitors will see.
<Will send this along to MikeK/Miguel for his info.>
(Forgive me for the following, it's part of what I do professionally)
Do you know what percentage of site / service users are members?
<Mmm, no>
Are members automatically ID'd as being such when e-mailing your site.
<Not by us for sure... We do not track folks period, nor ever retain their email
addr. or other info...>
They might feel that they are more a part of something bigger (It is human
nature to be attracted by this).
<Really?... I feel compelled to respond that I am much more often repulsed by
such "requirements"... but I do agree that every person MUST feel important...
the value of everyone's' sense of place is critical to me...>
Might they, in turn, feel more inclined to help out in your Q&A forum pages if
their answers to posted questions are also ID'd as coming from WWM Members?
<Possibly... Are you aware of our quasi-related BB: WetWebFotos.com? There is a
different (less moderated) sort of camaraderie there... and the capacity to post
personal info., pix...>
They might feel it lends credibility to their responses, or attracts more
attention to their questions from other members. Members helping members? All
for the cause and the greater good? What a concept.
<I see... and do agree... And am now wondering how we might incorporate such
features in our site?>
I might also suggest, if I may, that the Click to Donate Button / Box be up top
as opposed to at the very bottom of the home page where if you don't scroll down
(which you would have to, to see it), you may never know it's there. I saw it
only accidentally. I would imagine that most visitors click an option (Marine
etc.) that does not require any scrolling at all. When will they be provided
with the opportunity to give back?
<I see... and would appreciate the chance/opportunity to respond, proffer my
input here. It was/is my intent as the common progenitor of these sites to
de-emphasize the/our need for remuneration. Indeed, I have never "paid" myself
for my help here... but assuredly derive recompense in abundance in many other
ways... But have considered that we could do much more good, and rightly "pay"
our Crew, all volunteers, if we had more funding... Just really don't know how
to accomplish this ends easily... We've added shared border
sponsorship/advertising, and this year, the now-declining in popularity rotating
banner ads... and have had dreams, glimpses of devising a sort of software that
would allow one to "turn pages", design/use dynamic templates ala the look, feel
of print magazines... replete with inserted paid advertising... But I will admit
to personal laziness... and a lack of ambition... to devote my "scarce
resources" toward our ends here for responding to queries, writing,
making/manipulating/placing images (static)... content building simply put...
and not focusing at least part of the/my time strategically on generating
revenue... If I had more general resource myself, I'd much rather look/delve
into bringing video to the site for instance, than administering the
making/doling out of monies... But... this/these other activity/ies are
potentially seductive>
Another thought might be to add an automatic footer to your replies asking if
they were happy with the service, and providing an optional link to the "help
the cause" page. All of the above can be done without appearing pushy or
offensive. The rule is, you never know how generous and appreciative people can
be until you ask (subtly and politely, of course). "Voluntary user fees" do not
leave that bad taste in your mouth. I, for one, feel better about having used
the service now that I have donated (especially when some questions were real
rookie ones).
The lightest touch of guilt can, depending on the situation, yield a higher
return than high pressure aggressive lobbying.
<Well-stated>
I am certainly not criticizing your site by any means. I read some of it daily
and am enjoying it. I just thought I might take this opportunity to offer you
some free professional advice in return for all the great advice you have given
me.
Now you have my two cents worth along with my donation. Feel free to take it for
what it's worth (even if you feel it's only worth the two cents).
My fish thank you.
Mike from Canada
<And I and they you. I will share your well-thought out missal with the WWM
Crew. Bob Fenner>
Re: WWM... money... what we might do –
07/18/07
Hmm, I am in agreement with you Bob RE membership. Most websites now seem to
require/force you to become "Registered" and this often, IMO and experience puts
people off. The connotations of membership also I feel have changed in today's
society and whereas before it may have been part of close net group it is now
more associated with corporate and retail retention of customer base, through
the use of SPAM, mail and "Sponsors Offers".
<Ahh!>
Also a large proportion of the people that use WWM that enter the site as
new/unique visitors use the information for resolution of problems, normally
that they are experiencing at that time and any furthering of registration may
compromise this influx of new visitors.
With regards to site improvement and adding to the sense of person. Possible
additions could include simple Tank of The Month and Photo Competitions that
would encourage people to "become the site", these could be supplemented with
sponsored prizes thus giving added interest to the commercial sector.
An article section could be included with a list of articles to be written and a
"Sign-up" registration for multiple users to collaborate their experiences to
pen new pages of information for inclusion - like a writing club which will
inevitably help the site and alleviate the stretch on the usual authors.
Would it also be possible to include some type of product placement with
companies to generate revenue to fund other avenues for expansion with a
"Product Review" section possibly along with recommendations.
Just my 2 cents if any of it makes sense or is relevant =]
Olly
<You show remarkable insight my young friend. B>
Re: Membership and Donations - 7/20/07
Dear Bob and Crew,
No reply required.
<Mike>
I completely agree with your friend Olly. Forcing people to join, especially
newcomers, will likely drive them away from the site.
Requiring too much personal information, and too early, will likely scare them
off as well.
In my opinion, neither of these would suit, or serve your site well, one of the
last bastions of service without a catch. No spam - no scam (Tag Line anyone?)
<I'd copyright this... pronto!>
The average human will require some time for their justifiable prejudices
against strange and information hungry web sites to subside. Have some faith
that this will happen after you and your crew inevitably rescue them from
impending doom.
<Heeee!>
Too dramatic? An exaggeration?
<Nah and Hah... am copyrighting m'self>
Just read through the panic in many of the FAQ's you receive and decide for
yourself. Newcomers will learn soon enough that your site exists to relieve them
of their frustration and confusion, not their money and identity.
<Oooh, yes>
Again, just read many of the FAQ's and compare the ratio of questions posted to
thanks posted. It is impressive indeed. Many are so confident in you and your
service that they thank you even before you have answered their question! This
is meaningful in that their level of trust and confidence in you, your Crew and
the site is quantifiable. You have "white coat syndrome" working for you.
<No wonder my blood pressure's so high!>
(If you are not familiar with this one, it is, in part, that the richest most
powerful people on the planet become like wide eyed children hanging on the
every word and facial expression of even a young intern if they have some health
concern that they can not identify / handle themselves).
The benefit is in not underestimating the value of the service you are providing
and the level of appreciation of those who benefit from it.
I hope there was no misunderstanding. What I was suggesting in my previous
e-mail was something completely voluntary with no tricks, hooks or catches.
<Yes... this was and is my understanding>
Newcomers would be permitted the opportunity to become comfortable with the site
over time and through use the impressive services you offer, prior to deciding
on their own to "become part of something great" once the appropriate level of
trust has been established. I wouldn't imagine this would take too long at the
speed you and your Crew operate.
Becoming a member remains the user's decision. One that I believe many would
ultimately make once they realize the site is "clean" and is made up of helpful,
honest people who respond using their own names.
Identifying members does not have to involve identity theft. It's all in the
presentation. Have a look at how e-Bay identifies its members, while protecting
their identity. There can not be any question that this has been hugely
successful for them. Although their site exists for a different purpose, members
of your site may also have something to offer (your chat style FAQ forums) as
well as something to gain (your knowledge and experience).
Donating to the site / cause also remains the user's decision. I'm merely
suggesting that you present them with the opportunity to make that choice
(again, obvious, but subtle and polite).
After you've saved them a few fish, countless hours of fruitless endeavours, and
even more money, they might just feel so inclined as to voluntarily help those
that voluntarily helped them. I did.
What is to prevent you from introducing yourselves / your site as a non-profit
site that exists for the proliferation of the hobby aquarist. (I would advise
checking your state laws prior to using the non-profit term) or something along
those lines.
<Good idea>
The whole idea was to better promote the opportunities available to your users.
The offer to send out your on-line magazine, for example, might be one of them.
Just post "e-mail address required for on-line magazine subscribers only".
People will get the message.
The bottom line here is that very little bottom line would be required to make
the above available / visible to your users. The results can be measured over a
period of time. The risk - reward scale is tipped in your favour, to the benefit
of all.
Now you have my 4 1/2 cents. I thought the method in my madness was deserving of
some explanation.
<I do thank you for this intelligent, earnest input>
I very much enjoyed our discussion (I enjoy my work as well) and hope that
something positive might come from the subject having been raised.
Mike from Canada
<And I do think this is the case as well... The real only "stumbling" block/s as
it were are the usual social/individual inertia (yours truly being too
lackadaisical), not knowing how to add such a feature (likely easily cured with
the Catch-22, RIP, of having the funds to hire someone to generate/add code),
and the ongoing lack of drive to make the site more sophisticated... Really
Mike... we don't want to appear or change to something that "looks", "feels" too
involved, hard, or scientific... Runs contrary to being approachable... Would
indeed like to apply my/our efforts contrarily... develop sections for
beginners... Cheers, BobF>
WWM Site "Usability" – 07/18/07
Hiya Bob...enjoying your stay on the Big Island I hope? About time for Chris
and Jorie to show up isn't it? Do tell them I said "Hey!"
<Will do so>
I've been looking at ways to improve folk's understanding/usability of the site
as we discussed. I asked Karen to take a quick look at the site for her input
since improving usability of websites is "what she does" for living, and she
pointed out a couple things right away. With these in mind I wanted to go ahead
and run a few things by you and get your input.
<VERY good>
First, and most obvious to Karen... We need to add a "prominent" link to the top
of the homepage that says "How To Use This Site!" which will take folks to a
page (not yet developed) that will go over how to use/do keyword searches;
including some Boolean search tips, as well as some explanation of FAQs/site
layout and whatever else we determine will be of use.
<In total agreement>
Second... I think the page explaining how to send us a query should be
pared-down and reworded to just that...our requests/rules/requirements for query
composition. Maybe even set it up so an individual has to click a "I have read
and understand" link to get to where they can write their query?
It won't stop folks from just breezing through/ignoring all, but it may give
pause/catch those who "are" interested but just not paying attention.
<Also>
Third... Karen found the link headers that are listed after a Google search to
be very confusing...e.g. euxangfdgfaqs. To be honest, looking at them from her
perspective I'm sure they must look quite cryptic, even forbidding, to the lay
person or beginning hobbyist. I don't know how these are set up, but I'm
guessing they are headers you understand/originally created to help you with
query placement and as such I don't know what if anything can be done here. I
have a suspicion creating new Google search headers might be a monumental task
in itself.
<This unfortunately is artifactual... from my early generation of file names
period... the need for some descriptors that were "useful"... definitive,
abidingly short (to fit in the constraints of software and particularly the
"Navigation View" of the site...>
I can work on/compose these changes and will then send them to you for approval
and placement on the site. To do this I will either have to purchase/learn the
compatible software (MSFrontPage is it?),
<Yes, and can use any web-authoring software... or just send along
changes/proposed new files and I will gladly place... Am very interested and yet
hesitant to start you on the slippery slide of building the site... But
would GREATLY appreciate your doing so...>
or I can compose the pages in a text editor (MSWord) and then send to you for
conversion. Eric
<Ah, yes... Do please start. BobF>
Re: WWM Site "Usability" – 07/18/07
Bob, I forwarded your response to Karen and she has more questions re the
Google search tool and how it finds search headers. Please see below...
Eric
<Ok>
"I would like to know - if Bob knows - how Google interprets and composes the
headers for each hit on a search. I'm sure with the millions of hits, this is
done programmatically and obviously, not manually.
<Our site is crawled in real time by G and others, but I know extremely little
re the process. It appears however that not simply titles, but ALL the content,
including images, titles therein, are included/scanned>
For instance, initiate a search in Google for Butterfly Fish and observe the
headers. Then initiate a Google search within WWM for Butterfly Fish and compare
the headers. Is there a way WWM can use the same method to generate the headers
that Google uses? It certainly is more scannable, readable, usable, less
daunting and understandable."
<Mmm... a good question... would take a HUGE amount of effort to go back,
change all... BobF>
Hello – 07/07/07
Hello, I just wanted to say hi to Mr. Robert Fenner and his friendly staff.
Keep up the good work guys! Looking forward to talking to you again in the near
future.
Sincerely,
Joe Reza from the El Paso Zoo, El Paso, TX.
<Hi Joe! How's things down your way? Any new exhibits going up? BobF>
WWM in the GWN, Crypt redux
6/30/07
Thanks again for your help!
<Welcome!>
Just this past week I observed something and know that you and your site are
making a difference in Calgary, Canada. I went into a fish retailer and they had
your website up and visible for customers and staff. I was there for about
20minutes and they must have referred to it twice. They were using it for
compatibility reference for a lady's new purchase.
The other time I overheard them referencing your site for information on a
bacteria.
<Ahh!>
Perhaps gone are the days where owners and staff will guess or misinform
customers. The same owner refused to sell a family a pair of clownfish the same
day they were buying their tank. He basically told them to get it up and running
and come back in 4 weeks when they were familiar with the water parameters. I
was happy to hear that.
<Me too>
Anyhow, thanks again!
P.S. Sadly, you may recall my plethora of emails in a panic for some information
regarding what I believed to be Crypt ~ hence my 3 fish in quarantine. I lost my
Yellow Tang and Foxface in a quarantine tank 3 days after capture. Do you happen
to know if those NanoTanks (that include lights, filter, skimmer, etc) would
deprive the water of oxygen?
<Mmm, should not>
The lid is pretty tight fitting and the has fans... although the fans seem to
blow hot air out. Just wondering... I can go into more details in a subsequent
email if you are interested in exploring with me.
<Up to you... Easy to have a small system become oxygen deficient with a good
deal of biomass present, metabolizing... Bob Fenner>
Pix of the day – 06/11/07
It was only 3 months ago, I started my tank. 55 gallon with an over the
back bio wheel filter and regular fluorescent lighting. Since finding your
website (and apparently a whole bunch of money)
<Heee! Dollars with wings come to mind...>
I have moved to a 75 gallon with 40gal refuge, 30gal sump, 2 150w MH and 2
actinic VHO 110w.
<And next month?>
Needless to say everything is going great, Thank you so much for all of your
help, and it is not much but it is all the payoff that I have to offer right
now, hope you enjoy it and please let me know if you place it on the site.
Thanks again
Dave (Bratz)
<Thank you for sending this along. Will post today. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Re: IMAC thanks 6/5/07
And while we're on the subject of thanking everyone...
A huge thanks to you, Bob for your humor, friendship, hospitality and
inspiration. And, for those of you who have never "worked a room" with Bob
at a hobby conference before, it's an amazing experience!
Jennie (PufferPunk)- for your wonderful hospitality, killer tanks, and
superb "diplomacy" with Chicago's finest! P.S.- your doggie rocks!
Jorie- You and your husband are two of the nicest folks I've ever met!
Thanks you so much for arranging a great Saturday night, and for grabbing
the pizza for me! I was the butt of flight attendant humor the whole way
home (I'll tell you about it sometime!).
Eric R.- You are yet another one of the nicest guys on the planet (WWM seems
to have an excess of 'em!). You selflessly endured torture in the back of
John D's SUV and inspired us all...Well, at the very least, you made
everyone else that much more comfortable! I know that you're the first guy
on my list to buy a drink for at MACNA!
Alex- You're the coolest engineer I ever met! Your humor and overall
coolness are going to be a HUGE asset to the readers of Conscientious
Aquarist!
Mac L- One of the people that I'd definitely trust my Fungia to on a table
saw! Looking forward to working with you on the mag, too!
Brenda- Definitely the heart, sole and backbone of "Scotty's Angels"- a
master at scamming free tee shirts from vendors, and an inspiration to us
all!
Michele- My new "bestest buddy" and friend to manufacturers of digital
camera memory worldwide! You rock!!! When she's around, you gotta be on your
best behavior, or it WILL be documented!
All kidding aside, we have some of the best people you'll ever meet right
here on WWM! Glad that you're all part of my family! I'm privileged to be
apart of this group! It's great associating new faces (and old) with names,
and creating new memories!
Truly a great weekend for all who attended and I'm looking forward to the
WWM Crew conquering MACNA in September! Hope to see you all there!
Regards,
Scott F.
Re: the FAQs. It's interesting that a few
groups seem to dominate the questions: goldfish, bettas, mollies, Oscars,
etc. Very useful to know, because it means I can pitch story ideas to TFH
and PFK much more effectively. 6/5/07
<Ahh!>
I sent off a nice "Goldfish 101" article to PFK the other day, on the
strength of this. Is there the same consistency among the marine questions?
<Yes... and as "telling" is the use of our stats tool... the new one for WWM
reachable here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/wwmsponsors.htm
Where one may scan what files, topics/search terms viewers are using...
Cheers, BobF>
Neale
Technology for WWM 4/11/07
Good Morning Bob:
<Hey there Brad!>
Say, on 1/29/07 a fellow named Mike wrote to you regarding enhanced search
capabilities for WetWebMedia (in that case, cached searches). You may already
know about this technology, so forgive me for butting in. If not, I believe
that it may revolutionize your site. Google has a low cost software/hardware
solution that can give your site a great deal more horse (fish) power. It can
be test driven by viewing the product tours and demos at
http://www.google.com/enterprise/mini/ .
<Thank you for this... just read over...>
In the most basic application, you could leave your site exactly as is, but then
allow subscribed members to do research using a more powerful search device that
will: 1) allow readers to see all results related to a search, 2) to sort these
pages by category, 3) take the reader to the exact spot on your website where
the text exists (instead of to a page where dozens of less related letters are
also stored), and 4) it would allow the readers to view cached text if so
desired. You could also allow readers to view your incredible library of
photographs, and then purchase high resolution copies.
<I really like these features... My only principal hesitation has to do with the
"subscription" issue... Do you think folks would be inclined to subscribe? Our
longstanding procedure has been complete anonymity, free-use...>
I suspect that this enhanced search technology would cut down on the number of
repetitive FAQs you receive, and at the same time generate revenue for WWM. If
you have further interest after viewing the product tours, the fellow listed
below would be happy to assist you.
Hope all is well,
Brad in Basalt
<Thanks much for introducing this idea, possibility... Revolutionary as you
state... Am going to query our Crew as well re>
Andrew Greene
Google, Inc.
Sr. Enterprise Sales - Western States (US)
Email: <mailto:agreene@google.com>
agreene@google.com
Direct: 650-253-3252
Cell: 415-272-5658
Fax: 650-618-1835
< I would like to add to Alexandra's great comments that another way to
help can be on the Chat Forum.> 4/11/07
<Yes> >
Hi folks- just wanted to emphasize the importance of this. Many times, as
of late (past 6-12 mos.) when I've checked in on the forum, I am horrified
to see the amount of bad advice floating around. I'm not blaming anyone, as
I know we all have limited amounts of time and can only do so much at a
time, not to mention I understand how free speech works, and don't want to
try to regulate what people write on the forums, but we DESPERATELY need
some qualified aquarists to answer the zillions of questions out there. As
of now, at least as far as FW goes, we've got Sabrina and Jason, plus a
couple of other intelligent regulars, but there's a HUGE dearth of good
responses to questions. By the time I look at 911 and FW, I'm usually so
depressed that I don't go further to look at Marine, so I won't extend my
comments to that section...
So, bottom line, if you go to answer queries and don't find any that you
can/want to answer, GO TO THE FORUMS and spend a few minutes answering ?s
there!
Cheers,
Jorie
Re: Your input please... 4/11/07
<Sab>
I will ask about the mini search appliance of T.R., as he has much more
knowledge of its use than I. However, I don't think it would be something that
could be of good (enough) use to us; the Google search appliance is usually used
by companies that have numerous computers, files, documents, etc., and an
employee can search on "health benefits" (for example) and get all documents and
folders that have "health benefits" anywhere in the document name, text, etc.,
as the search results. I'm not sure if or how this could be applied for our
use. I do see that it has uses for websites, but I don't know how useful it
would be in our application. Perhaps T.R. can clarify, as he has a growing
relationship with these devices.
<Ah yes. Much appreciated>
<<T.R. says a Google Search Appliance would really only be useful if we had
members-only content. Though it would allow for some search customization, T.R.
feels that it really wouldn't be worth the while, or cost of the appliance. We
discussed it via IM, and with his permission, I have pasted excerpts of our
conversation for you at the end of the email, in case you'd like to read it in
his words - he states things better than I can, and has some good comments.>>
>Thank you both for this<
As for subscription based benefits.... I'm still more than hesitant to be
interested in charging members for our services.
<Me too>
I have always been fascinated with information being a free commodity, and
wish/feel that it should always remain so. If I have information that will help
a 7 year old kid keep her pet goldfish alive, I don't wish to charge her for
it. I *do* think that some folks would pay for subscription-based benefits, but
at what "real" cost to us?
<Tremendous... in NOT supplying, getting this to the intended user/recipient>
<<My thoughts exactly....>>
The "real" answer, in my opinion, is to turn WWM into a site of dynamic content,
rather than static pages, and make the indices a little more "elegant" for
users. This would be a very large task, but it would improve not only the
experience of the fellow/s maintaining the site (you), but it would improve the
end-users' experiences, as well. T.R. and I have toyed with the idea of doing
it piecemeal to build a "second" WWM to present to you to play with and see if
you like, but it's a big task for two folks with regular jobs.
<Uh, yes... or one w/o (me)>
And with the added excitement of finding a new web host, it's just not a
priority. Maybe after a successful move to a new host (and, yes, a good webmail
system is at the top of my list of "needs" for the new host!) T.R. and I could
devote some time to figuring this out.
<I would like to see the difference... gain an understanding of what might be
involved in re/doing... Here's that pitch again, to have you both come out to
HI...>
<<We would love to, though funds are tight right now, what with both of us
switching jobs - him a couple weeks ago, and me a jobless wonder until next
Wednesday, when I start at Apple. If we can find some way to afford it, we both
could actually come this weekend, though for just a few days in his case. I'll
see what I can scrape together and I'll look at airfares.>>
>Mmm, no rush... though/and WWM has money to help<
A couple o' questions, so I may be better prepared with finding a new host:
How much space are we using at DataPipe?
<We're up to paying for 400 megs>
Or do you mind if I go ahead and log in and find out?
<You're welcome to log in any time>
<<Argh, very little info to be gleaned logging in at DataPipe. Ah well.>>
>Perhaps our stats tool:
>http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/wwmsponsors.htm<
What are our current monthly charges at DP (or, again, do you mind if I log in,
try to find out m'self)?
<I believe it's something like $120 per month... automatically drawn against WWM
bank acct.>
<<And do you know our monthly bandwidth allotment? Thanks for the info/help.>>
>See the above, log-in, pw for the stats tool... 3-4 gigs per day<
All the best to you,
-Sabrina
<And you my friend, BobF>
Re: Technology for WWM 4/11/07
Well, if one takes a sub-set of "folks" and offers them advanced features -
yes they (I) would subscribe. This is why I tossed out the idea of leaving a
basic search available for those who are not so inclined. This technology would
cost $2000 up front,
<Yes... plus the time et al. to install...>
so I was brainstorming ways to offset the cost to WWM. I'm sure that the number
of people who would subscribe is a function of annual cost. For $25 a year, I
am in. For $50, I would still be in, but would evaluate the utility at the end
of the year... Of course, WWM could offer the technology for free, depending on
the depth of one's pockets I suppose. :)
<Thank you for this follow-up. BobF>
Re: Your input please... 4/11/07
Bob,
<Adam>
Personally I'm a technology junkie and like to see improvements over older
technology, and I do think we should at the very least, create some type of
tutorial that will instruct visitors on how to effectively navigate the site, as
this seems to be one of the reoccurring complaints.
<Agreed>
Having said that I have severe reservations about the subscription option as
well.
<I as well. A/the "real" issue is how to pay for what it costs... time and
more... Makes sense, the same as Police, Fire, Trash... that the folks receiving
the benefits should pay... I am fresh out of time... and will NOT ask other
people to work for free...>
To me WetWebMedia is about the free exchange of ideas in regards to the realm of
ornamental aquatics, a free space where people can come and go as they please.
And though I hate to say it, people are lazy,
<I don't mind saying it... it's so>
if we forc
