chefjeff said:
Cripes, I couldn't find this thread until tonight...I forgot where it was...der der der...
I like all of that, Colin, but do you have a system so I can remember to use whatever part of it I need when I'm at the table shooting a particular shot, that may or may not require just one little bit of all that info?
I'm not so concerned about how to store it as I am about how to USE it when needed. We learn so much, on AZ for example, but I sometimes forget it by the time I need it during a game. How do the pros, or anyone, remember the nuances of the game, for lack of a better term?
Tag, you're it,
Jeff Livingston
Hi Jeff,
No information storage system is perfect. Even if things are cleverly categorized, it helps a lot if you have a good memory and are familiar with where things are located.
I think the main challenge is to set up an intelligent categorization directory structure, that helps lead people to the information, without just relying on searches which can bring back too many unwanted results.
For example: Players>Legends>Eddie Taylor or Players>Recent Stars>Efren Reyes
I wouldn't want to divide up until a particular category became to large to browse through.
With Intructional information, categorization would be a challenge, but it could prove worthwhile if there was enough interest.
eg: Instuction>9-ball>:
Then sub-categories such as
9-Ball breaking
Pattern Building
Hooked Solutions
Kicking solutions and Exercises
What to do if
Even with some good descriptions, a clear categorization system would not be easy as many articles can fit into various categories. It is an option to place one article into vaious categories, but it is a bit trickier, and leads to some automation of the process which is not always as user friendly as personalized selection of information on a page. Still, it would be a good idea to have an automated section on the page that says: You may be looking for THESE related articles/sections.
I think many people would actually find what they are looking for via the forums. They's ask some question and someone with knowledge of the database and its contents can qickly locate it and paste the relevant URL. That's a lot easier than trying to type the same responses over and over, like what happens here all the time with 'Aiming' and 'Pool Movie' and 'Where can I find online videos' and 'Who is the greatest player' and 'CB deflection' and other such threads that come up again and again.
If information can be re-used, then it becomes worthwhile to put together higher quality information on these subjects. And edit and improve it and provide lists of relevant links or contrary opinions so newbies with an interest can get up to date on difficult topics in a few hours of pre-organized reading.
Then he can come back to the forums and have an intelligent debate, or raise interesting questions with other guys with knowledge on the subject.
It is a pretty big task, but once it starts rolling, like wikipedia, it will grow in value and more people will find value in contributing to its development I think. It would be an online Pool Encyclopedia.
I have set up the website
www.cuesportcentral.com to try to begin this project. I am hesitating to start adding data though, until I am more confident about how to manage the data best. I don't want to spend 500 hours setting up web pages of info only to find a better way to do it and then have to re-input the lot.
You're tagged
