You are probably on this one already...

Maybe add something in the new to kitchens FAQ explaining how posting a question on a thread that is several years old is not productive as it bumps people's threads down who need help now. I saw you had to explain that a couple times recently to newbies.

Also, I loved marcolos ice,water,stone,fire thread the first time I read it. (Laughed my head off of course, but learned a lot too!) I don't remember seeing it linked anywhere. Maybe it could go in with the work zones FAQ?

Thanks for doing this for everyone!

Old threads...Yes, that's one I'm definitely going to add! I'm also going to redo the "Read Me" thread one of these days - soon! - with the same information.

buehl -- I intentionally didn't reply to your last 'Shelf Paper' post so as not to keep bumping that thread forward (which I realized I did right when I hit Submit on my prior comment about flagging spam...sorry!). But this brings up something I'd been meaning to add (perhaps a good place, here, to mention it): as a newbie, I admit I'm confused about proper forum etiquette -- I'd gladly follow it, but oftentimes not sure what the 'it' is.

During my lurking months, I noticed some obviously frustrated veterans (possibly...didn't know at the time who they were) chastise people for starting a new thread when "this has been already been covered many times" -- the OP was pretty much sent packing. Yet you and others have recommended that we do, indeed, start a new thread. There have been many times I was hesitant to post a question, and just simply didn't. (I can understand your taking exception to the Shelf Paper thread, as it was resurrected by a self-promoting spammer.) My two cents - thanks for listening.

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Input for the FAQ section: I notice quite a number of folks have trouble posting pictures (correct orientation) -- maybe an updated section for iPad users, since those devices are so prevalent now.

Javiwa - thanks for the input. I think an FAQ of basic Form etiquette may be useful.

To address your specific example, before posting a question, search the Forum for your question. If you don't find an answer, then start a new thread. You might mention you searched the Forum but did not find an answer so others know you did your homework first!

What frustrates some people is seeing the same question over and over that would have been answered if the people asking had done a search first.

I do tell people to search first b/f posting a question, but most people don't read the "Read Me" thread and we no longer have a "sticky" at the top to direct people to the FAQs. Ideally, I'd like to get a combination of:

(1) A sticky similar to the "Read Me" thread

(2) FAQs

.

Regarding pictures - unfortunately, I think this is an Apple product issue that cannot be fixed on Houzz. People with Apple products would probably be better off uploading their pictures to Photobucket or other photohosting site and then uploading their pictures from there.

Another one: how to identify/recognize and flag spam...and why it's important to do so.

Watchmelol - I hear ya. But, don't worry Buehl is very good at how she words things. I have no doubt it will be very clear with no confusion.

It is just common sense not to start a new thread about something that a quick search answers the exact question. I have done sooooo many searches, many being opinion type questions. I think I have only actually started one thread asking for help because I always found an answer. And that is after several years lurking on GW!

If you cannot find an answer to your exact question, then as mentioned, just say that you at least tried searching the topic in your OP. Simple.

Opinion type questions... I sort of agree, they might be something without an expiration date. But, if a search shows that subject was just covered a month ago, then I would not go there. Now, if it has been a couple years, by all means go for it!

For example... Will this_______look dated? Do you think this______looks good/bad with my other finishes? Anyone know where to find this (insert picture) exact tile for my backsplash. Maybe someone asked that exact thing last week.

Some threads might just be purely for laughs. Or to say...Hey I feel so good, look at the progress I made in my kitchen. Those are always welcome from what I've seen.

Of course, there will always be many, many more exceptions. It is nothing to stress out over. Getting the kitchen done is stress enough right?

I think the main point to understand is: Do not revive a 7 year old thread asking how someone is liking their certian brand of sink or cabinets (or whatever) when that person hasn't been active in the forum for a long time. AND a search for that particular item has about 25 threads entitled "How do you like your ______?"

Javiwa - I feel so bad that you were scared to post a question. That's not good. That is why it is so nice that beuhl is updating these issues for everyone.

Buehl - btw....I'm sure you will see that people are still responding to the case in point "shelf paper" thread! Some caught their mistakes afterwards at least. We all make mistakes and that is perfectly understandable. But, it is strange people not reading anything beyond the OP title. Don't get that one.

You are so kind for doing all this and helping so many here. I'll stop my ramble now and go to bed. I know you will take of it!

buehl - I personally can't thank you (and so many others!) enough for all the truly sound advice you've provided. I'm certain if I check my list of bookmarked posts and threads, your name would be at the very top!

rebunky - thanks for the nudge to continue posting. :) It took me a while of sitting back to watch how it's done, and I think I'm getting the hang of it now. Admit I had a few LOL moments last night, watching as folks replied to the Shelf Paper thread.

Pointing out what to do/how to go about searching old threads before posting, in theory, sounds great. But having posted on many forums for many years, I can assure that most people don't think to a. read the FAQ page, or b. search through old threads. A lot of people just have tunnel vision. i.e. Have question, need answer, find forum, post.

So many forums simply lock the threads after so long a time (to be determined by the PTB) and then it all starts all over. But to me, it sort of takes care of both problems. They can't dredge up an old thread, and therefore the question gets refreshed with more up to date info. Just my two measley pennies. :)

Also, I would like to suggest instructions on how to post links and pics. It is wayyy easier (I finally found out) than any of the instructions (multiple variations by multiple posters in different places) I came across in searching on how to do such things. And also, could the test forum be moved to this side of things instead of in gardening? I think that would be most helpful!

Posting pictures is one of those things that has changed with Houzz. For the most part, it's easier, but the downside is that we can no longer see the public folder of the person and see if they have more information when designing a kitchen. Now, we have to ask and wait around for the answer in all cases.

There should be a "Test" forum for testing things (at least there was prior to Houzz) - I'll look around for it later.

Regarding a thread being locked, GW used to no longer bump a thread to Page 1 if the thread had dropped off of the last page (Page 67 in GW days). So, people could post to old threads all they want w/o impacting the current thread list. Another thing we lost with the Houzz takeover. *sigh*

The former 'preview' function sure was helpful. :)

BTW, esp in the beginning, I had a heck of a time locating the FAQ section (specific to Kitchens) because I would always head to Garden Web >Home Forums > Kitchens first. When one reaches this page, FAQ is in such small print tucked up in that little, upper left corner, it's easy to miss -- my eye is immediately drawn to the larger section of forum categories:

I wonder if folks (who aren't reading the FAQ first) simply couldn't find it to begin with. Maybe ask Houzz to list/reference the Kitchen FAQ section within Kitchens (is that what you meant by a sticky?).

I agree with Javiwa. Getting Houzz to have a sticky section at the top of the Kitchen forum for all the great FAQs would be awesome. To be honest, I never even knew that FAQ section was there. I guess I never really look in that upper left corner. I bet I'm not the only one.

Thanks for doing all of this, Buehl.

Buehl, there already is a test section because I finally saw someone talking about it and posted on it. It's on the garden side. But I most likely wouldn't have found it over there. Here it is. :)

And I also think stickies are great at helping new comers and previewing posts is helpful too.

This is a great forum, thanks for everything to all who make it happen!

Bumping up for more input!

I don't know if this is mentioned. I think with my apple phone, if I take a horizontal format picture, it posts correctly. I haven't tried with my iPad.

Is there a comment on how to post screen shots? If not that would be nice. Instructions for PC and Apple.

Buehl, you mention Photobucket option for Apple people. Can we now post directly from Photobucket again, like in the old GW?

bump to pg 1 for more input.

Sometimes people can't find their (or someone else's) old posts. Would it be worthwhile to add a section to FAQs about that? (Sorry if I missed it but couldn't find a part in old FAQs covering this subject)

I thought of something that I would love to see and that is a quote option, so one can include another persons comment in their own, with the option of leaving it all there or deleting parts that are irrelevant/we don't want to comment on.

People with Apple products would probably be better off uploading their pictures to Photobucket or other photohosting site and then uploading their pictures from there.

Folks maybe don't realize the pics they're posting to GW don't need to be the hi-res photos that are stored on their computer, devices, etc. When I want to post either a photo I've taken or an image off the internet, I simply open the file, take a screenshot using SnapNDrag, then drag the image onto my desktop. Start the post, click Houzz Photo >Choose File>Upload..voila. The process could not be simpler - you're essentially posting a screenshot.

All good comments, keep them coming please!

Regarding Photobucket, if your pictures on Photobucket, the do the following:

1. In Photobucket, go to the picture you want to upload to a thread

2. Copy the URL in the "Direct" box

3. In the thread you want to post the picture, select the "Photo" icon below the message box

4. When the "Open" dialog box opens, paste the URL you copied in step 2 into the "File name" box

5. Select the "Open" button

Eventually, the picture will load into the message box. It may take a couple of minutes - be patient! :-)

.

These instructions are being added to the posting photos FAQ, but I thought they might be helpful now.

~Bump~

I haven't read the FAQs since I first got active here last summer, so maybe this was mentioned and I just don't recall it but, after the rather strange and antagonistic responses to many very helpful posts in a kitchen design thread over the last weekend, I wonder if there shouldn't be a paragraph that explains:

• everybody helping is volunteering their time
• while there are a few pro's here most of us are here because we're Totally Kitchen Obsessed and like to share what we've learned with others
• respectful dialogue is expected

I dunno...maybe it won't help that from happening again but maybe it will. I'm sure other good points could be made as well. If you like the idea, please feel free to add to my points or give them a good editing.

How to explain what funkycamper is referring to is interesting. I would think that many of us came here looking for a quick answer and ended up hearing that our whole plan was bad, etc. Those of us that survived the tough love given here, how did we do it? Perhaps adding a statement or two saying posters should expect tough love, that if you are told your plan is a train wreck, the response is not meant to be snarky but trying in just a few words that you need to go back to the drawing board for a complete redo. Many of us (me too) don't have a lot of time for long responses. So a few quick words may seems like an attack but its not.

You may have this covered in FAQ already (I confess, I'm not taking the time to look): a FAQ titled, "what does "xxx" mean? Explaining kitchen forum jargon. Like MW = microwave, SS = either soapstone or stainless steel, ABB, work zone, -- and so on.

Debra's discussion and something that Mama Goose said made me think of something, Buehl. I posted it there but thought I should re-post it here in the proper location.

We want people to give so much information like size of household, ages of kids, types of meals cooked, how many cooks, what can be moved, what can't, yada yada. I think the FAQ's should include a form with the recommendation that people cut-and-paste it into their OP and then type in the answers. It would be easier for people to fully disclose the information we need. And it would be easier for those of us who want to help because all the answers would always be in the same location. It could minimize having to ask a lot of questions and then read through numerous responses filtered throughout the discussion to get all the information needed.

That's a great suggestion funky.

All that information is already asked for in a list in the FAQ about Layout Help. It's not a "form" per-se, but we do ask for all that same information.

How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include?

Here are the Questions:

Some people do copy & paste the questions into their post and then answer them, but most do not.

We can add more questions, but I've already received at least one complaint that we ask too many questions and that people are too intimidated when we ask them to read the FAQs or answer the questions.

I am thinking of adding a sample of a whole-floor floor plan so people can see what we're asking for in that suggestion (top of the questions).

Acronym List - I'm actually working on one for the new FAQs! :-)

It would be really appreciated if it were made possible for us to edit the title of our thread. :)

That list of questions is great. I simply suggest that it be edited to only include questions posed as concisely as possible with directions to cut and paste it into the OP and then type in the answers. I really think it would make it easier to fill it out and for responders to find the info needed.

I like the idea of showing sample floor plans.

Re uploading photos from iPad, just click on the Photo icon under your post, go to photo library and select the photo

Beth09 - I cannot help you with functionality within Houzz itself - that's outside the FAQs. I suggest you email Houzz directly requesting the ability be added.

Lenarufus...People with Apple products in general, not just iPads, seem to have problems adding photos correctly oriented. I suspect it's partly due to the way the photo was taken, but there may be other issues. I do not have any Apple products (and never will!), so I cannot help without someone listing the steps explaining how to re-orient pictures when they post incorrectly. The actual posting of the pictures is no different from any other product - Apple or not.

buehl, thank you for letting me know, I did not realize that is where my request needed to be directed. Have contacted them and hopefully it is granted.

I I just found these instructions on the web - www.imore.com/how-rotate-photos-your-iphone-or-ipad. This works for photos on your iPad taken the wrong way.

But for photos that look correct on the iPad but are uploading with the wrong orientation, I read that this happens because you have to have the home button on the right in landscape mode when you take a photo using a device with the camera on the back, but when the camera is on the front of the device you take it in landscape mode with the home button on the left.

This probably isn't much use though if you have already taken the photo the wrong way!

This is a test related to Buehl's insructions dated 5-25-15 at 10:59. I am trying the "photobucket" posting of an image. I copied the "direct" link. Now clicking on the photo button... no place to put the copied link on my Mac. Now I remember, there is no option to copy the link on a Mac. I remember this issue being discussed back when GW first merged with Houzz. So it wont work for me, darn. Do others remember this issue? Maybe I'm just not doing it right.

test image from my photobucket, using "link"option.

Enduring, did you select the "Photo" icon and paste the Photobucket "Direct" URL into the "File name" box?

You probably did, but I'm just double-checking so I know what to tell people.

Can you post by selecting a file from your computer? Does the "File name" box appear at the bottom of the file list? If so, just paste the URL into the box labeled "File name"

Thanks Lenarufus!

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask this question, but I'm confused about how Gardenweb relates to houzz. I stopped using houzz because it kept making me sign in when I just wanted to quickly browse ... But now Gardenweb seems to be doing the same thing! I already have an account, and I don't necessarily want to sign in every time.

Eg

Or is this something I can change in settings? Or is it something to do with houzz settings?

Thanks

You shouldn't have to sign in each time. I only have to sign in when I clear out my cookies or whatever they are called. I did have to email gardenweb about constantly getting a "confirm your account" message. They fixed it.

I've been following this post promising myself I would answer in between the numerous contractors coming to my house! . I don't know if it's possible but I would love to see a post for "approved layouts". A lot of houses have similar layouts and if they don't maybe someone building can fish for one they like and apply it to their house plan. I know we all have different needs and such but there is one thing all the people who come to this forum have in common... They love functional, efficient layouts. I searched for a long time for a similar layout that was already critiqued before posting my own (with sweats knowing some would hate the restrictions I had). I found one that was similar and buehl, lavendar, bensje, sena, funki, mama, and the rest of the layout lovers gave their input. I ended sifting through all the ideas and used the ones that worked for my situation. I can't thank enough the people who take the time to find an answer to our problems.

Adja - do you mean some basic layouts such as a functional "U", "L", galley, U + island, L + island, galley w/island, etc.?

Yes buehl that would save a lot of headaches to both sides (poster and responder) . It may be a starting point for some or a finish layout for others and they can be tweaked to account for adjacent rooms

Bump

~ Bump ~

I also like the idea of examples of functional kitchen layouts- different shapes. With explanations of why they are functional: they follow ice/water/stone/fire flow; they route traffic around the main prep/cook zone; the appliances, fridge, cooktop/range, dishwasher are placed so that...; aisles are x wide to accommodate...etc. I think it would be helpful for novices to understand what veteran GW's look at before submitting their own design for critique. Might save some frustration on both sides.

Mainly I think it would be great to have all FAQ's and related information in a prominent sidebar on the kitchen forum. There is so much info to read, so much to digest, it would be great if people could see where to go to find it easily to read in stages and re-read before posting their layouts. Related: the "finished kitchens blog" is often mentioned. A permanent link to that posted in the same sidebar would be useful as well.

Yes to a side-bar or sticky. And the sample, annotated floor plans. Anyone know why Houzz doesn't seem to allow that?

Buehl, if you want some help putting any of this together, please let me know. It's a lot of work and I'd be glad to take on a piece of it subject to your evaluation and right to edit for accuracy.