Diagram forum???

[Mahk_Adams]

[ QUOTE ]
I think there should be a "Diagram" drawing function, like "Paint" incorporated into the board to facilitate the discussions. One which would be easy to use and seamless in importing it into the responses.
I don't understand, Mark, what you mean by a "Diagram Forum" ??? Would you discuss how to make diagrams? Or teach each other how to draw? What to use? How to import the drawing? Or to discuss already drawn diagrams?
Can you please explain a little more.


[/ QUOTE ]

Now that CB put it this way a diagram forum isn't really what we need. What we need is a way to incorporate and use diagrams within each of the existing forums, and a way to search for previously posted diagrams and photos.

Mark C. said

[ QUOTE ]
I guess that what some members were looking for was a place that diagrams could be posted and discussed and easily referenced rather than putting them just anywhere.

[/ QUOTE ]

But really the diagrams are not now put "...just anywhere." The diagrams and photos are already within the context of relevant forums and specific discussions. The difficulties lie in

1) making the diagrams
2) downloading the diagrams (dial up esp.), and
3) finding and referencing the diagrams later, days, weeks or months after the discussion has ended.

Maybe you could look into ways of archiving and cross referencing diagrams and photos within the search feature. Perhaps anytime someone adds a diagram or photo to a post that attachment is automatically placed into a separate archive that can be searched by key words in the original forum.

As I said, the diagrams are already within the context of specific discussions, but it is sometimes hard to find the post that contains a specific diagram or photo.

Sounds like a lot of work... /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[glens]

It would be some work, but not entirely difficult, I'd think. Maybe using "free" (GPL) software instead of proprietary, as this is, an extra field on the upload form could be provided with a "keywords" text entry area, and the data incorporated into the database. Then the search engine could be given the additional input form to glean such information.

Once again, I want to state that unless scalable vector graphics can readily be used for diagrams (as the first and best choice), the format should be PNG from the outset (no JPEG anywhere in the process!). This will result in the smallest and sharpest diagram.

 

[Colin]

I dunno know, if diagrams, pics etc are in the relevant discussion thread that's all you need isn't it?

If some-one wants to find them later they search for wording on the thread.

for example, a thread starts up on cabling, some pics are posted, then some diagrams on where to put the cables, then some more diagrams and pics of the job done.

Some-one in a years time can search "cabling" and in the thread is everything.

Over at TH we have a pic thread, try to find or even go thru them, forget about it. Over 1000 pages! No particular story, just good pics and stories.

These boards work on thread topics, just like this one we are all writing in. That's how you find things.

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

okay, how about a new search function, or a google search window?

 

[Colin]

Actually, just give them a link to Spydies website, I think he's got every scenario covered with diagrams, pics, flash animation and video.

Pack a lunch and water canteen when you click on the link coz you'll be gone a while. Pretty darn good if you haven't had a look recently. /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Hey Spydie, what's up with the search thing, it's got one here, seems to work OK unless I'm missing something?