|
| |
|
Using WetWebMedia is Easy & Fun! Some 20-30,000 folks do everyday |
About Asking the WWM Crew a Question
…it's as easy as 1, 2, 3
1.)
Ahead of writing us,
use the Google Search
tool below. Enter the key words and terms you have questions about in the
white box, then press the Google Search button. By doing your own research you
may quickly find the answer to your question without delay! Using/choosing the
"cached" view will produce highlights over your searched terms.
2.5.) Still Lost or want more help in understanding searching here?
Please read Eric Russell's Guide to Searching on
WWM, & For Freshwater Issues/Organisms Neale Monk's:
Before You Write;
A Checklist of Common Problems
with Freshwater Aquaria, Bettas, Goldfish, and Freshwater Turtles (Terrapins)
2.)
Next,
try to use the Website
Index listed on the left
side of the page. There are hundreds of thousands of FAQ's and articles and the
answer to your question may already be on the website!
3.)
Finally,
if you still need assistance you can send an e-mail to the WWM Crew.
a.
Please check your grammar and
spelling...
as all content is answered, then posted on this website and read over MANY times
by others.
b.
Please write in complete
sentences,
c.
PLEASE,
NO MESSAGES IN ALL CAPITALS!
d.
If you want to send attachments
(particularly of photographs), please
limit photo size to a few hundred kbytes... and send along as jpegs or bmps.
e. DO send us as much pertinent information/data as you have. DON'T worry re
length of your message... We NEED to know what you have in terms of the system,
its history of operation, water quality tests, livestock, observable data...
See the
Tips
page for more info.
Click on the following link to send
an e-mail,
Ask
the WWM Crew a Question,
or send to our Address: Crew@WetWebMedia.com
Is my set up ok 04/23/08
Hi,
I have attached a letter regarding my enquiry and would very much appreciate you
reading it and replying
Thanks,
Lozza
<Greetings. Please re-send with the text as part of the e-mail. With the
proliferation of viruses in MS Word documents and the potential damage they can
cause to Windows PCs, it is simply much safer to work with plain text in
e-mails. Cheers, Neale.>
Sea hoses and pipe fish...
still not following directions 3/9/08
hello bob, and crew, I was thinking about making a species tank for sea
horses and pipe fish. will this work out. also, to my previous list, can trigger
fish and puffers live with cleaner wrasse or cleaner shrimp.
<... Please use the search tool, indices... this is all posted. B>
A suggestion... Re:
responding vs. chatting... the value of personalizing resp.s perhaps... on WWM,
the Net, World...
Hi Crew,
I just have a brief suggestion to make. I am one of those folks who keeps track
of the dailies almost every day, especially the freshwater queries. Naturally, I
have been following the, shall I say "saga" of Neervana requesting advice from
Neale almost every day...
I noticed yesterday (2/21) that she said she had an "in-built filter", which
suggests a lack of knowledge about the filtration system itself. I've always
adhered to the philosophy that the best filter is the one that you find the
easiest to clean. At least in freshwater fishkeeping, this makes sense. While it
may be more aesthetically pleasing, a functional filter with identifiable parts
that are rinsable and reusable (such as an AquaClear stacked with foam sponges
and ceramic media) would probably serve Neervana well. Not to mention a library
of aquarium books! I volunteer to answer fish questions on allexperts.com, and
when I have a "repeat customer" like this, I simply say "Give me the name,
author, and an excerpt of a fishkeeping book you have read before you write
back. That's your homework... no reading, no answer!"
Not to be mean, but if she actually gets Discus, I am going to have to find
another pastime online. Neale, if you read this, you have the patience of a
saint!
Thanks for listening,
Nicole
<Nicole, thanks for the kind words and the comments. It's always difficult to
balance offering help with simply spoon-feeding people; at some point, people
have to do their own research and try and handle things my themselves. If they
don't learn, they'll never master the hobby. Of course that isn't always easy,
especially when everything you're doing seems to be going wrong. Your advice
that questioners should read a fishkeeping book is sound, but I think it's a sad
truth that younger generations that mine seem to see books as the last option,
not the first. Bob Fenner created WWM as one place where aquarists could go to
get help from experienced hobbyists, and I'm honoured to be a part of that.
Anyway, good luck with your own work in the hobby, Neale.>
Re: pleco... Actually
maturity, using WWM... 2/10/08
didnt realize u were an english teacher get a life!!!
<Jay my friend, you will find that in real life, you'll get a lot more from
people when you're polite and respectful. Especially if you're coming to them
asking for help. But Life will beat that experience into you the hard way even
if you aren't ready to learn it from us right now. And in case you're wondering,
we run this site to share information with people. A lot of those people don't
necessarily speak English as a first language, and even those for whom English
is their native tongue, translating the text-speak of the sort used by
inarticulate 14-year olds isn't easy or pleasant for them. We explain the house
rules at the "front door" of the site, right where you got the Q&A e-mail
address from. If you can't even be bothered to show us even this modest amount
of respect, why the heck should we offer you any help in return? Sincerely,
Neale.>
How To Search Info On
WWM....Date: Fri, 2 Nov 2007
Hiya Bob,
<Hey Eric!>
After much agonizing over content and format (along with much procrastination),
I've come up with a much simplified version (than originally envisioned) of this
page. It consists mainly of info I pulled from Google's own articles and edited
to make it more relevant to us/our use. I thought this to be better than simply
linking and trying to get folks to go look up what they need since this already
seems to be a problem. Hopefully placing an explanation of how to use the Google
search tool on WWM itself will induce folks to give it a "better" try. Please
take a look and see what you think/if you think it will be of use to us. Do let
me know if there is anything you want me to change/add/tweak.
<Looks very good to me... Will post today>
Also, I have not received any WWM email from you directly since the end of
September...I only learn of things if someone happens to reply-all with my email
address. Have I been blacklisted <<grin>>? Eric
<Mmm, no... and I just checked both my (oh and now the group WWM email address)
on both the MSN and WebMail contact list... and have your address as here.... I
do hope this is not yet another computer problem. This last week I gave up on my
MS/XP machine and low level re-formatted, AND bought a Mac Pro machine... I do
hope/trust you receive this response. Sheesh! BobF>
|
Question about search
10/23/07
How do you do this?
"Using/choosing the "cached" view will produce highlights over your
searched terms."
I am searching on the site and it says that I could do this but do not
know how.
<I see.... start here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/question_page.htm
with the Google search tool... and then look at the cached views
shown... as the option with Google... BobF>
Thank you,
Zach
Question About
“Cached” Search Function – 10/23/07
How do you do this?
"Using/choosing the "cached" view will produce highlights over your
searched terms."
I am searching on the site and it says that I could do this but do not
know how.
Thank you,
Zach
<<Well Zach, not to oversimplify but...you start by entering your search
word(s) or phrase in the search engine and selecting “search.” The
search engine displays all the documents/articles/queries containing the
search term. In my experience, to see the “cached view” you would then
select the “CACHED” link that is normally displayed next to the “Similar
pages” link listed under each ‘hit’ made on your search term. The
problem here is...I don’t see where Google is caching our pages...thus
no link to cached views. I can’t say why, unless it has something to do
with the way we index our pages...or maybe our move to this new
server...(Bob?) But that said...just entering your search term and
selecting “search” will display all your hits with your search term
“highlighted.” This also gives you more “recent” data; as I understand
it, the cached view is a “snapshot” of the page as it was when Google
indexed it, which means any updates made afterwards won’t be available
in the cached view (Hmm, maybe this is why we don’t cache...considering
the site is updated daily, at least!). Hope this helps/makes some sense.
Regards, EricR>>
|
Searching for info, on WWM, elsewhere...
– 07/22/07
I have been using this site for six months.
<Me? Ten years or so>
My question or maybe suggestion is that when I do a search and click one of the
results I am then sent to page with at least thirty 'related discussion' posts
and it is very difficult to find the one that pertains to me.
<Mmm, depending on the logic, subject, limit of the topic... likely about all
you can do... The site is arranged to avail relevant, related info>
While there is always good info to be read on these other posts, it is
frustrating and time consuming enough that I turn to another reef site.
<Go there>
Isn't there any way to make it so that when I search for something on say
'Deltec skimmer' the only link that I click brings up ONLY 'Deltec skimmer'
posts as opposed to the general forum on skimmers.
<Write the folks at Google such questions... not our search tool. RMF>
Thank you for all your hard work,
<Welcome>
Todd
Finding Responses On WWM Website – 4/13/07
Oh, Chuck, thank you for such a quick response. Thank you. I realized the
response would be on the site but where on the site would it be found? Thank you
again. Dee
< If the question and answer are worthy, they would be found on Today's
Frequently Asked Questions link. Once there if not on the main page then it
would be found on the Freshwater Link.-Chuck> <<Mmm, actually, all are placed on
the Dailies... Daily! RMF>>
Google search cached pages... and not! 1/29/07
Hello Guys/Gals of the Crew-
<Michael>
I do a TON of research on your site, and it has helped immensely in my
fishkeeping efforts. I'm not writing with a question, but rather, an FYI. The
Google searches done on the homepage (when using WWM search) do not contain
cached links. The cached links are INVALUABLE, in my opinion,
<Am in total agreement>
as they highlight your search terms for you. Using the cached links has made my
research on WWM incredibly more efficient-- otherwise, it's needle/haystack
without the highlights.
However, if you use the Google search located in the "Ask the WWM Crew a
Question" section, there ARE cached links.
<... I wonder what the difference is...>
It might be worthwhile to use the same Google engine on the homepage, with an
instruction on using cached links. It will definitely save you time if readers
are more efficient at researching the volume on the site. . . . just a small
suggestion as it can be awkward watching writers getting "yelled at" by Crew
members for not doing their homework.
Keep up the amazing work, though.
-Mike
<Thanks much for this... Will add to my ever-growing list... Bob Fenner
Oh... turns out the code for/from Google is the difference here... not
adjustable by ourselves>
Mich: One of my biggest issues is the size/placement of the Google search
feature. 12/27/06
It's just not prominent enough in my opinion. I don't know how difficult
it would be to move/add this on the home-page,
<Is on the homepage... and the subweb homepages... on the bottom left>
but IMO it should be in located directly under the WetWebMedia logo in the
medium blue colored box. I think the size could/should be increased also.
I think it is easily overlooked on the bottom of the page, though it wouldn't
be a bad idea to keep the one where it is for those that are used to finding it
here. I do feel strongly about possibly adding it to the area on the top.
<Am going to send this to MikeK for his input...>
Maybe a line with a link under (the new google search link on the top of the
page, hint hint hint) it titled "How to use this site." I think the how to use
needs to be relatively straight forward. Something to the effect of:
Welcome to WetWebMedia. This site is dedicated to all things aquatic.
Generally the area is divided into articles on specific subjects and FAQs.
FAQs are Frequently Asked Questions related to the particular topic at
hand. If you are seeking general knowledge about a particular topic, the
articles will be most helpful. If you are trying to find the answer to a
particular question, you may find your answer among the FAQ's. At the top each
page written in blue are related links to the current topic. Click on these
links to explore related issues.
The volume of information located on this site is tremendous. In order to most
efficiently find the information you seek, please use the Google search feature
located at the (top or) bottom of the home- page. You can search the entire
internet or limit your search to WetWebMedia by clicking the circle in front of
www.WetWebMedia.com in the search link. We do have an all volunteer staff
available to help if you are unable to find the answers. But, due to the high
volume of contacts we receive, please be considerate and make a
sincere attempt at finding this information on your own. If you are unable to
do so please feel free to contact the crew.
Before sending your question, please use the spell and grammar checker tools
supplied by your email provider. Be aware, inquires submitted with
blatant disregard to spelling, capitalization and grammar will be returned for
your correction and resubmission.
Welcome to the wonderful world of aquatics! Enjoy the journey!
<Miguel? B>
Re: Fw: Please help! It appears the tips are dying, and are not growth
7/25/06
I know my pics suck, but I can't seem to find the right settings for Aquarium
pics!
<They're also too large... why, why can't/won't folks who write in follow
directions? Please re-send as a few hundred Kbytes max. BobF>
WWM Etiquette - Questions About Questions - 11/25/2005
Greetings from Colorado to the WWM Crew:
<And salutations from the Crew to you!>
I am nearly two months into my fist marine aquarium,
<An exciting time, to be sure.>
and have read many books and FAQs before putting the first drop of salt water
into my tank. I am trying to be a very conscientious aquarist on all fronts.
<Your (future) livestock will thank you.>
My last e-mail was sent to you several weeks ago, and did not get a response.
<I beg your forgiveness on this.... Our email system has been "acting up", and
we actually had some big-ish issues a few weeks back of lost/dropped emails or
ones that didn't have the "tray" that includes our ability to reply....>
I am fearful that I broke some rule, or failed to observe proper etiquette. If
so, please forgive me.
<Oh, no; not in the least. We tend to answer very nearly any legitimate
question sent to us.>
My question this time is simple. Do you have a list of do's and don'ts for WWM
readers?
<Mm, just this: http://wetwebmedia.com/faqstips.htm
and a few other, similar pages.>
I am aware that 1) pictures should be as small as possible, 2) people should
first search for information before asking questions, and 3) attempts should be
made to use proper English, grammar and spelling.
<All correct.>
I wonder if you would prefer one e-mail with several questions, or several
e-mails with one question each.
<My preference, and I believe Bob's preference as well (and likely all the rest
of us), is that all your questions be sent in one larger email.... it is easier
to get a "feel" for your system, and be thorough about answering your questions,
if all are "lumped" together.... Furthermore, in replies or future questions
concerning similar or the same questions you asked before, it is GREATLY helpful
if you can copy any previous correspondences to better help us help you. You
can also put Attn: and the Crewmember's name who helped you in the subject line
to make it easier for us to route your question to the right person.>
Do you prefer that a person give details of tank volume, depth, chemistry,
lighting and maintenance with each question?
<Mm, if possible/pertinent, yes. Usually we're flying on a lack of information
- giving "too much" info is nearly impossible.>
Should questions be limited to one per week, month, or year?
<Just as necessary. We're here for ya.>
I wonder if it would benefit both your team and your faithful audience to have a
spot on the "Website Index" for a comprehensive set of ground rules?
<Maybe.... The link for asking the Crew a question takes folks to what I feel
is a pretty blatant chunk of information/suggestions, but seems that it must be
lacking as we do still get questions in all caps, no capitalization, or written
in "webbish". Argh!>
As always, thanks for the help,
<And thank you for your kind consideration in this issue.>
Brad in Basalt
<Sabrina in Silicon Valley>
P.S. I would like to let your great sponsors know that I use an AquaC skimmer,
Seachem products and other recommended items. Is there a proper way to do that?
<Sure! Just drop 'em an email or give 'em a call. I'm sure they'd be glad to
know their advertising is worthwhile. Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
My new aquarium thingummy, basic lack of regard for using WWM
im <No such word: I'm> getting into a saltwater tank after years of fascination with tropical fish.
I purchased a 25 gallon nanocube tank, with the blue lights so I can get coral later,
I have living Fiji rock and live sand, I also have an Amphiprion tricinctus, and a
Pterapogon kauderni. so far so good, the temp has stabilized at approx. 77 degrees F. the cardinal
isn't eating, however. I am feeding them what the store owner told me was best:
"Ocean Nutrition : Formula Two" I know the cardinal likes to eat feeder shrimp, marine flesh etc.
What's the difference?
<What?>
The ingredients say it has salmon in it, is that enough?
<Obviously not>
I'm looking for some basic tips, I'm a super beginner. Got the tank last week, added the fishes yesterday.
Also, do I need an anemone for the clown? I know they go well with Stichodactyla mertensii, good for the cardinal too?
I know the cardinals like long- spined sea urchins, is that okay for the clown?
I'm just looking for some reassurance! thanks! ( also, any suggestions on what I can add? coral? other fish? etc?
-Bryna
<Uh, try looking over our site: www.WetWebMedia.com
see the search tool? See the indices? Try them, you'll like them. Bob Fenner>
Not Happy with the Help Received
Wow, thanks for all that help you promised.
<<I promised you nothing>>
Let me reword it in "lingo" you may appreciate.
My "LFS" XXXXed me over. they sold me a tank, fish, live rock and live sand, and said, "get to it."
I got:
16 lbs of live Fiji rock
10lbs of live sand
a 12 (not 25) gallon nanocube tank
a clown ( A. tricinctus)
A Kaudern's ( or Banggai) Cardinal
Mysis shrimp
And Formula two flake food
A basic heater
I wasn't sold (or told) that I needed anything beyond that. I've remedied that not, thankfully (and expensively).
My cardinal died, for obvious reasons. I wasn't even aware of what cycling the tank was, until earlier this morning.
I got my questions answered, no thanks to you or your crap "search tool." For God's sake, one would think that someone of your obvious knowledge would overlook the grammar in a hastily typed, panic laden, email.
I was unaware that marine hobbyism required MENSA level emails. Especially when one is requesting help.
Apologies if I've wasted your time. My clown is fine, and my tank is cycling beautifully now. Thanks.
(for nothing) -Bryna
<Ah, good. BobF><<Mmm, there are over ten thousand visitors to WWM daily... in
just the English rendition... queriers are referred to using the search tool,
indices as we NOT only lack the resources to reiterate the same information, BUT
there are VERY often side issues, further questions that people will answer for
themselves by delving into what is archived... If this is a waste of ones time,
I suggest looking into a more passive hobby/interest... like "video-fish" that
one can turn-off when they're bored. RMF>>
Corrected letter on gaimard Coris
>No problem, here is the corrected letter. Nobody has mentioned it
previously, but now that I know I'll make sure to keep with proper grammar
rules. Sorry about the inconvenience.
>>Hey, we *really* appreciate the effort, my friend, though most are too busy to
even bother asking. However, they also are generally not the ones who'll spend
the time retyping, and then it's left to those (usually Bob, and when he's
overseas, me) who are putting the queries up on the daily page to correct. It's
often too much to accomplish in a reasonable time frame. A lot of people get
mad when we ask. It's not up on the main daily page, the requests are found
through another link, and it's understandable that folks miss it. I, for one,
VERY much appreciate your understanding on the matter. Anyway, let's get going
answering your question!
| |
|
