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1 | I have been wanting to learn about 3D printing a long time so I really want this site to succeed but I have no previous experience with the subject.
I was wondering how can I help the site at this early stage. I thought about asking about how to get started with 3D printing but SE explicitly discourages "easy" questions in the private beta.
What can newbies like me do for the site at this stage besides voting questions and answers? | [
{
"answer_id": 14,
"author": "Eric Johnson",
"author_id": 43,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/43",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would suggest doing a bit of basic research on 3D printing (including reading questions and answers). From these you will learn more about it and hopefull you will have new questions about 3D printing that can be asked. \n\nIf you are looking at getting a 3D printer, you could ask about different features listed and why they make prints better."
},
{
"answer_id": 15,
"author": "kenorb",
"author_id": 20,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/20",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "That's the goal of the site, learn, research and ask.\n\nWhile you learn, you can always perform other tasks such as:\n\n* improve quality posts by proposing edits,\n* be active in meta (propose new ideas or write your opinion which are always welcomed),\n* review [moderation queues](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/review),\n* housekeeping - help to keep things organised (e.g. tags),\n* propose descriptions for wiki tags,\n* vote on questions, down-vote bad or propose changes on low-quality posts,\n* and so on."
},
{
"answer_id": 41,
"author": "Zizouz212",
"author_id": 138,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/138",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "Vote!\n=====\n\nPrivate Betas love, love, *love* votes. Without votes, it's difficult to attain privileges, get rewards, and help push us out to public beta.\n\nAsk Questions!\n==============\n\nI know you said this:\n\n> \n> I thought about asking about how to get started with 3D printing but SE explicitly discourages \"easy\" questions in the private beta.\n> \n> \n> \n\nBut here's the catch. \"Easy\" isn't defined. If you have an \"easy\" question, but it is specific, high-quality, and to the point, and you can show some effort in it, then, please, go ahead and ask it!\n\nParticipate!\n============\n\nYou have a voice in our meta discussions as well. You also have the authority to suggest edits, to posts, tag wikis, and tag excerpts. They also get you +2 rep for each that is approved, which can help bring you more afloat. You can also give your opinion in scope, by casting close and reopen votes as well :)"
}
] | 2016/01/12 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/1",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/30/"
] |
2 | There are many different printing technologies. While it might be clear to the asker that he's talking about his home 3D printing machine, that's not necessarily the case for those that try to answer the question.
I think it would help to specify the scope of questions with tags, to allow future visitors to identify what type of 3D printer it is about. Answers to a lot of questions related to general properties of the printing process like printing speed, resolution, additional manual work, support structures, etc. depend heavily on the technology that's being used.
This also prevents "Well, it depends..." type of answers that cover a lot of possibly unrelated things. | [
{
"answer_id": 3,
"author": "Adam Davis",
"author_id": 16,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/16",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "No, there will be many questions which are more general in nature, and have little to do with the actual process used to produce the part.\n\nWe should encourage tag use for process when appropriate, but I don't think making it mandatory will work in the long term."
},
{
"answer_id": 4,
"author": "charliefox2",
"author_id": 9,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/9",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "For questions where the technology matters, absolutely.\n\nIf you look at Stack Overflow, for example, all questions must be tagged with the language the OP is asking about. I doubt there will be many questions that are asking about all technologies at once - and if they are, that's likely to be marked as too broad anyway."
},
{
"answer_id": 17,
"author": "Robert Cartaino",
"author_id": 1,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "*Mandatory* is a probably poor choice of words. Not every question is going to be about the use of specific equipment. \n\nAs with *any* Q&A site, a user should always include enough background and support information in the body of the question so it can be answered *definitively.* If the specific material or equipment is relevant, be sure to include that information in the post.\n\nBut if that information is missing, readers can use the 'comments' section to ask the author to go back and clarify the original post. Comments are meant to ask for clarification or to include other information that can somehow improve the original post (questions and answers). Keep at it; editing and constantly improving a post is what this is all about. These posts should serve as a model to the industry and serve as a source authority. But **please do not use comment to answer questions**. Comments are not well-equipped to properly vet any content. Thanks."
}
] | 2016/01/12 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/2",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/10/"
] |
5 | Stack exchange isn't a good platform for product recommendations in general, but a few sites allow it with a tight focus and control. Some that have allowed it in the past have decided to discontinue it for a variety of reasons.
I expect at the start we are going to get a lot of "What specific machine should I use" or "is there a 3D model of item X I can print".
1. Should we allow product or part recommendations?
2. If we do, what can we do to make sure they are limited, rather than open ended questions where dozens or hundreds of answers would be different but correct? | [
{
"answer_id": 16,
"author": "the third dimension",
"author_id": 10,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/10",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "I agree with Lefd's blog post: <https://blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/11/qa-is-hard-lets-go-shopping/>\n\n> \n> don't ask us what you should buy -- ask us *what you need to learn* to tell what you should buy.\n> \n> \n>"
},
{
"answer_id": 25,
"author": "ArtOfCode",
"author_id": 127,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/127",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "3D printers are, I do believe, on-topic for [Hardware Recommendations](http://hardwarerecs.stackexchange.com) (I moderate that site, so one might hope I'd know that).\n\nIn terms of recommendations in general, I recommend not even trying to get them into your scope yet. As a site that's just been set up, and was not set up specifically for recommendation questions, getting the balance of them right without 100% focus on the subject is difficult.\n\nGet a good, balanced, secure scope in place *first*, then try to include recommendation questions if you still want them."
},
{
"answer_id": 46,
"author": "Daniel M.",
"author_id": 156,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/156",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I think that hardware recommendations are ok, but in a **limited** and **specific** scope:\n\nBad:\n\n> \n> Can you recommend a cheap printer with a heated bed that's at least 8\"\\*8\"\\*8\".\n> \n> \n> Which is better? Printer X or printer Y?\n> \n> \n> \n\nGood:\n\n> \n> What hotend can I use to print at 300+C?\n> \n> \n> What are the advantages of borosilicate glass over picture frame glass?\n> \n> \n>"
}
] | 2016/01/12 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/5",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/16/"
] |
6 | From [The 7 Essential Meta Questions of Every Beta](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/07/the-7-essential-meta-questions-of-every-beta/):
---
What should our documentation contain?
--------------------------------------
Much of the sites documentation will be the same as on every other Stack Exchange site: “be nice,” “how to create an account,” “how to ask questions” — it’s all pretty static. Even the sections about “what kind of questions should I (not) ask here?” comes primarily from [the Definition phase of Area 51](http://area51.stackexchange.com/faq#questions).
But the questions you want to discuss in meta are those issues specific to your site that need to be mentioned in the Help Center.
Take the [Super User "About" page](https://superuser.com/faq) as an example:
>
> Super User is for computer enthusiasts and power users.
>
>
> Ask about...
>
>
> * Specific issues with computer software, hardware or networking
> * Real problems or questions that you’ve encountered
>
>
> Don't ask about...
>
>
> * Anything not directly related to computer software or computer hardware
> * Questions that are primarily opinion-based
> * Questions with too many possible answers or require an extremely long answer
> * Videogames, consoles, or other electronic devices, unless they connect to your computer
> * Websites or web services like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and WordPress
> * Shopping, buying or product recommendations
> * Issues specific to corporate IT support and networks
>
>
>
These are then elaborated on in SU's [What topics can I ask about here?](https://superuser.com/help/on-topic) page.
It took almost a year to figure out the list of “we want these sort of questions” and “we don’t want these sort of questions” on Super User. Area 51 gave you a head start but you should also be working out other FAQ-related issues **specific to your topic and your community**. | [
{
"answer_id": 38,
"author": "Zizouz212",
"author_id": 138,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/138",
"pm_score": -1,
"selected": false,
"text": "Don't worry about this.\n=======================\n\nBefore you worry about what you're Tour Page, Help Center... and stop is going to contain, you *first need to figure out what your site is about*. Make sure that you explain every close vote, discuss every controversial question, and so on. If you don't know the details of your scope, documentation should be the last of your worries."
},
{
"answer_id": 58,
"author": "CJK",
"author_id": 11,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/11",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Do worry about it (at least a little bit).\n==========================================\n\nWe need to have at least a rough idea of what is on and off topic to know what the site will be about. Without a least some discussion on this how will mods know when a question needs to be closed? Thats not to say that nothing will change or that we can't refine our thoughts on this but getting a rough draft wouldn't be the worst thing.\n\nTaking the Super User example, we could consider at least a few things, something like this, for example,\n\nOn topic for 3D Printing\n------------------------\n\n* Specific issues with a 3D printer (e.g. My 3D printer keeps failing prints)\n* Real problems or questions you have (e.g. How do I level my 3D printer)\n\nOff Topic\n---------\n\n* Anything not related to 3D printing\n* Opinion based questions (e.g. Which is the better 3D printer?)\n* Shopping, buying and product recommendations\n* Questions with too many possible answers or require an extremely long answer\n\nThings that we need to decide on\n--------------------------------\n\n* Legal questions (e.g. Can I 3D print a gun)\n* Software questions (e.g. questions about Blender for making 3D models specifically to print, on topic or defer to the Blender Stack Exchange site)\n\nThis is just a sample of some things I can think of, off the top of my head."
},
{
"answer_id": 60,
"author": "Mark Booth",
"author_id": 63,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/63",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "Based on the [Help Center > Asking | What topics can I ask about here?](https://robotics.stackexchange.com/help/on-topic) over on [Robotics](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/a/22/37)\n\n---\n\n**$SiteShortName** is for 3d printer professionals, hobbyists, researchers and students.\n\nWe ask and answer questions about 3d printers, control systems, control theory, algorithms, actuators and sensors.\n\nWe feel the best *3d printer* questions have links to pertinent datasheets or code, but if your question generally covers …\n\n* a specific 3d printer design or implementation problem\n* the theory and simulation of 3d printers\n* a sensor, actuator or controller for a 3d printer\n* algorithms or techniques for 3d printing\n\n… then you’re in the right place to ask your question!\n\nSome kinds of questions aren't allowed here:\n\n* **Shopping recommendations**: Questions which ask \"which product or library should I use\" or \"Where can I buy X\", are considered [shopping recommendations](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/11/qa-is-hard-lets-go-shopping/).\n* **Electronics theory**: Questions which are more general electrical engineering questions and have no real relation to 3d printers are better off at [Electrical Engineering](http://electronics.stackexchange.com).\n* **Programming**: Generic programming questions with no relation to 3d printers should be asked on [Stack Overflow](http://stackoverflow.com).\n* **CAD/CAM**: Questions about computer aided design and manufacture should be be asked on [Engineering](http://engineering.stackexchange.com), unless they are related to 3d printing, in which they are fine here.\n* **Life Questions**: Questions about choosing how to spend your time (what book to read, which class to take, what 3d printer project to construct, what career to pursue, etc.) may be about difficult decisions, and they are often important, but they are too specific to your own situation and are unlikely to help future visitors to the site. They would be better off asked in [3d Printing Chat](http://chat.stackexchange.com/rooms/34216).\n\nGenerally speaking, if your question is directly related to *3d printers* then even if your question might *also* be appropriate on another site, we are likely to be happy to see it here.\n\nPlease [look around](/search) to see if your question has been asked before. It’s also OK to [ask and answer your own question](/helpcenter/self-answer).\n\nIf your question is not specifically on-topic for $SiteName, it may be on topic for [another Stack Exchange site](http://stackexchange.com/sites). If no site currently exists that will accept your question, you may [commit to](http://area51.stackexchange.com/faq) or [propose](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/76974/how-can-i-propose-a-new-site) a new site at [Area51](http://area51.stackexchange.com/), the place where new Stack Exchange communities are democratically created.\n\nFor more help, see [\"What types of questions should I avoid asking?\"](/help/dont-ask)\n\n---\n\nThis is Community wiki, so please help improve this suggestion.\n\nAlso, try to maintain the pure html formatting, so that the text between the horizontal bars can be pasted straight into the [What topics can I ask about here?](https://robotics.stackexchange.com/help/on-topic) page."
}
] | 2016/01/12 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/6",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/63/"
] |
11 | Given our successful private beta, soon after we go public it will be time for us to get our first crop of moderators, as explained in the [“Moderator Pro Tempore” blog post](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/07/moderator-pro-tempore/):
>
> About a week into the public beta, we will seek out members who are deeply engaged in the community’s development; members who:
>
>
> * Have a reasonably high reputation score to indicate active, consistent participation.
> * Show an interest in their meta’s community-building activities.
> * Lead by example, showing patience and respect for their fellow community members in everything they write.
> * Exhibit those intangible traits discussed in [*A Theory of Moderation*](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2009/05/a-theory-of-moderation/).
>
>
> Bonus points for:
>
>
> * Members with participation in both meta and the parent site (i.e. interest in both community building and expertise in the field).
> * Area 51 participation, social network referrals, or blogging about the site.
> * Members who have already shown an interest or ability to promote their community.
>
>
> Candidates will be contacted and three of them will be selected to act as provisional Moderators until the community holds formal elections after the Beta period. Besides the normal abilities of a Moderator, they will:
>
>
> * Have access to a special chat room where we will collectively work through the challenges of moderation and community self-policing.
> * Organize the process of selecting the site's attributes (domain names, design issues, the FAQ, etc.).
> * Rally community support and drive the mission of getting publicity for the site.
>
>
> Essentially, **they will have the ear of the Stack Exchange team for anything we can do to help their sites succeed!**
>
>
>
Although the moderators pro tempore will ultimately be selected by Stack Exchange, the purpose of this post is to seek out and propose candidates:
* Each nomination should be posted as an answer and it should include (at minimum) a link to the user's main and meta profile so we can check out their activity.
* Self nominations are encouraged, step up if you feel you can help.
* If you are nominated by someone else you should edit the answer and let us know if you accept or decline (explanation optional). If a nominee declines we will not delete the answer, as to not have someone else nominate them again.
* If you are nominating someone else, please mark the post as Community Wiki before saving. Meta doesn't allow suggested edits, so your nominee may be blocked from accepting the nomination.
* The nominations are not binding to Stack Exchange or the nominees. If you are being considered by Stack Exchange, you will get an official confirmation email at one point.
* Before nominating someone or accept / decline a nomination, you should read [*A Theory of Moderation*](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2009/05/a-theory-of-moderation/) thoroughly to find out what's generally expected from moderators.
If you would like to learn more about the role, please drop into [chat room](http://chat.stackexchange.com/rooms/34216/3d-printing) where you can ask about the role from other moderators (they appear with a blue name in the chat room). Another chatroom called [The Assembly](http://chat.stackexchange.com/rooms/2691/the-assembly) was created specifically for users and moderators to discuss moderation activities, moderators from all over the network are there to answer your questions.
Once again, **please don't hesitate to step up and self-nominate!**.
Thanks to [F'x](https://chemistry.meta.stackexchange.com/users/30/fx) for the original version of this post [over on chemistry](https://chemistry.meta.stackexchange.com/q/113/17315). | [
{
"answer_id": 20,
"author": "Chase Cromwell",
"author_id": 107,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/107",
"pm_score": -1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would like to nominate myself for a moderator, I think I'd be up for the job.\n\n<http://stackexchange.com/users/6668626/chase-cromwell>\n\nI'm probably not the best candidate and I'm not super active in meta or Stack Exchange, but I'm becoming more active."
},
{
"answer_id": 56,
"author": "Matt Clark",
"author_id": 47,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/47",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would like to nominate myself, [MaxyXv Clark](https://stackexchange.com/users/526476/matt-clark).\n\n[![profile for MaxyXv Clark on Stack Exchange, a network of free, community-driven Q&A sites](http://stackexchange.com/users/flair/526476.png \"profile for MaxyXv Clark on Stack Exchange, a network of free, community-driven Q&A sites\")](http://stackexchange.com/users/526476/matt-clark)\n\nWhile I might not have the wildest credentials or reputation, I have been around the StackExchange network for a while (11/2012) and generally know my way around the sites.\n\nMostly active on StackOverflow, I answer when I can, and try and do my part to clean up the review queue: ~5000 review tasks; I plan on giving this site as much attention as I can.\n\nI started [this 3D Printing proposal](https://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/82438/3d-printing) just under a year ago on Area 51, and am either way, glad to see the day we made it to beta."
},
{
"answer_id": 95,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I'll go ahead and nominate myself as well, Trais McAllister.\n\n[![profile for tbm0115 on Stack Exchange, a network of free, community-driven Q&A sites](http://stackexchange.com/users/flair/5815241.png \"profile for tbm0115 on Stack Exchange, a network of free, community-driven Q&A sites\")](http://stackexchange.com/users/5815241/tbm0115)\n\nSo far, my highest reputation is held in this 3D Printing community. I've relied on the Stack Exchange network since about 2011, didn't become a member of Stack Overflow until last year. In my time on this community, I've maintained a reputation position within the top 10%, tried keeping up with the few reviews we've had thus far, and tried updating the tag definitions.\n\nI've had my eyes in 3D printing since about 2008 when I first heard of the MakerBot Cupkake CNC and delved into the 3D printing realm in 2011 when I bought my first printer (Replicator Dual). I've learned a great deal through trial and error and am excited to help others who may be just starting in 3D printing.\n\nAs this site continues to attract more members, I've enjoyed seeing new posts and trying to help direct proper questions/answers based on the general consensus I've seen here on Meta. Although I'm not extremely involved in Meta, I do try to keep up on what's being said."
},
{
"answer_id": 96,
"author": "Mark Booth",
"author_id": 63,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/63",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Since we still need more candidates, I would like to offer myself in a reserve position. If we don't have enough potential moderators by the time the community team need to make a decision, I would be happy to offer my time.\n\n[profile for Circ Foowh on Stack Exchange, a network of free, community-driven Q&A sites http://stackexchange.com/users/flair/18514.png](http://stackexchange.com/users/18514/mark-booth)\n\nAlthough my contribution to 3d Printing so far has mostly been here on meta, I would be happy to help out as a human exception handler for our community. Plus, when I finally get around to putting my Mendel together, I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions to ask. \\*8')\n\nAs an active [Moderator Pro Tempore](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/07/moderator-pro-tempore/) over on [Robotics](https://robotics.stackexchange.com/), I have a solid grasp of [A Theory of Moderation](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2009/05/a-theory-of-moderation/) and 3 years of experience, so know what the job entails. My average flag handling time over the last month has been around 12 hours, I have built up [useful](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/q/176/37) [tools](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/q/1302/37) to [help](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/a/131/37) swiftly deal with problems and I try to [involve](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/q/1300/37) the [community](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/q/149/37) any [time](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/q/106/37) I'm not sure about how we want to [handle](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/q/92/37) things.\n\nI supported the original [Personal Manufacturing](http://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/22246) site and felt passionate enough about it to create [Digital Fabrication](http://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/41850) and take it all the way to private beta. I have also [supported](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/a/1273/37) people asking [3d printing questions over on Robotics](https://robotics.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/3d-printing) while getting [this proposal](http://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/82438) up and running."
},
{
"answer_id": 106,
"author": "Tormod Haugene",
"author_id": 115,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/115",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would like to nominate myself, [Tormod Haugene](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users/115/tormod-haugene?tab=profile).\n\n[profile for Tormod Haugene on Stack Exchange, a network of free, community-driven Q&A sites http://stackexchange.com/users/flair/1574864.png](http://stackexchange.com/users/1574864)\n\nI have been an active user of several Stack Exchange sites since 2012, but have finally now found a site that I really can contribute to. \n\nAs a robotics engineer by education, I early got interested in the art of 3D printing, and decided to join the community for myself in 2014 when I graduated from university. Over the past two years I have experimented with my trustworthy Kossel Mini printer to the point where I now need to set new challenges to still have something to do. Taking part in the Stack Exchange 3D Printer community has provided me further challenges and learning potential, which I truly appreciate.\n\nI already spend a lot of time on this site, and try to help new users uphold the quality standard found on SE sites, answer questions and finish the review queues whenever possible. Overall, I am very proud of how this site has turned out so far, and would very much like to help it progress further. \n\nTo me, taking on further tasks of moderation seems like a natural step, and I hope you will allow me the opportunity to contribute as a moderator in the future."
},
{
"answer_id": 110,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would also like to nominate [Rzun Cozlkle](http://stackexchange.com/users/7675951/ryan-carlyle) for moderation.\n\n[![profile for Rzun Cozlkle on Stack Exchange, a network of free, community-driven Q&A sites](http://stackexchange.com/users/flair/7675951.png \"profile for Rzun Cozlkle on Stack Exchange, a network of free, community-driven Q&A sites\")](http://stackexchange.com/users/7675951/ryan-carlyle)\n\nRxac has proven to be a valuable resource in the community by providing many well written answers and maintained a respectful record in all responses. For these reasons, I believe Rxac would be a great candidate for moderation."
}
] | 2016/01/12 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/11",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/63/"
] |
18 | Are there plans or ideas floating around for a logo contest, or is that a Public-Beta stage thing? | [
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"answer_id": 24,
"author": "ArtOfCode",
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"text": "Getting a logo is part of getting a design, which is something that happens when a site *graduates* out of public beta.\n\nIn short, not for a long time yet.\n\nWhile the site is in beta it will keep this theme that it currently has."
},
{
"answer_id": 26,
"author": "Robert Cartaino",
"author_id": 1,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Sites get a customized design when they near graduation and [that is a long way off](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/257614/graduation-site-closure-and-a-clearer-outlook-on-the-health-of-se-sites). The task at hand is to gather up a collection of high quality questions so this site can get out of Private Beta. Focus on *that* now.\n\nWhen the site is nearing graduation, the designers will contact you for feedback on a potential design. Typically the design is created by the designers first and it is posted for feedback and suggestions. The process of when and how this happens *has* been in flux more recently, but typically a logo contest is not really part of that process. But who knows… I've been floating various suggestions about how to get the community looped back in that process."
},
{
"answer_id": 248,
"author": "darth pixel",
"author_id": 1211,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1211",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "no matter if we are close to graduation or not, i'd like to submit this one as my proposition\n\n[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/CPKTm.png)\n\nit is:\n\n* easy to recognize\n* simple\n* contains stylised '3' and 'D' characters\n* refers to 'layers'\n* aligned to SE logo\n* can be color/gray/BW and still well recognized\n* can be simplified (pixelate) to create favico (min size 8x8 pixels ;)\n\nfirst presented in this topic\n<https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/a/247/1211>"
}
] | 2016/01/12 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/18",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/107/"
] |
19 | Is it realistic or thought neccesary to develop a plugin/feature for this site, to automatically add a small info-box about a thingiverse link? An example of this is Apple's 3D touch technology. In theory, the plugin could recogize thingiverse links in questions and answers, replace the link with an image and the author/name of the project.
I'm also volunteering myself to help with this if there's interest. (Experience with Thingiverse API) | [
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"selected": true,
"text": "Typically, it's a better idea to wait before you try to get this kind of thing integrated.\n\nEnthusiasm is great in a private beta, but for the early stages, direct that enthusiasm towards the Q&A. That's what'll get this site on its feet and into a successful public beta.\n\nWhen the site's more stable and running nicely, then if there's a need (or want) for a plugin like this then the discussion about it can be had.\n\n(On a tangent - if such a plugin is going to happen, it may well be down to SE's developers to get it done, which might make getting assistance from the people on this site difficult.)"
},
{
"answer_id": 43,
"author": "Adam Davis",
"author_id": 16,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/16",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "### Technological issues\n\nStack Exchange works hard for its communities, but there is a limit. If thingiverse changes its API (which it can, and does, do at any time without notice) then anything we build on it has to be modified, and users will be very whiny until it's fixed.\n\nIf we choose to integrate model viewing or any sort of API integration with an outside service, we will have to make sure the service provides some sort of legacy guarantee minimal API that won't change, and then we will only be able to use that. \n\n### Political issues\n\nI would be very uncomfortable endorsing a closed source, commercial service on this site. There are many communities within the world of 3D printing that are very unhappy with makerbot, thingiverse, and their parent company, and encouraging users to use this service may result in pushing away some very valuable experts within the reprap world.\n\n### Looking to the future\n\nIf we integrate any sort of model library or model viewer, I strongly suggest we choose an open source project the community can heartily endorse. We may link to outside models, but the core API should be servable by stack exchange without license or much maintenance so 1) we don't have to deal with API changes messing us up, 2) we don't rely on outside services that may change their terms of use or API, 3) we don't have to form complicated contract bound relationships with 3rd parties just to get the guarantees we'd need to convince Stack Exchange to invest in a new feature, and 4) we don't become too politically involved such that we disenfranchise users who may have very strong feelings about this subject.\n\n### Wait and see\n\nThis is the early beta. Let's find out what people link to in questions before dedicating resources to improving the links/plug-ins/oneboxes. It may be that thingiverse objects are linked to frequently, and that it would add value to the site to improve that experience, but it's also just as likely that thingiverse turns out to be infrequently linked and the effort spent now would essentially have been wasted. Let's wait until we have tens of thousands of questions so we can properly evaluate what the community actually uses and needs."
}
] | 2016/01/12 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/19",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/107/"
] |
21 | It is very easy to ask questions that only tangentially involve 3D printing, such as:
* How do I drill a hole in a 3D printed part?
* How do I paint 3D printed parts?
* How do I sand, smooth, etc...?
* How do I take a picture with a 3D printed camera?
My last example is clearly not on topic, and the other examples aren't
>
> difficult, specific questions — the kind of questions pros and experts ask each other, not the kind of questions novices ask pros.
>
>
>
However, the point is that it's very easy to involve 3D printing in a question that isn't about 3D printing. Drilling a hole in a 3D printed part is, for the most part, just like drilling one in wood. Such questions may be more suited for a general DIY/makers-type site.
On the other hand, there do exist 3D printing specific issues (for instance, low infill or delamination can be a problem when drilling in a (FDM) 3D printed part).
At what point does a question involving 3D printing become on-topic for our site? Should questions identify a specific issue ("I've tried drilling a hole, now my part has delaminated, what now?")?. Queries for general advice and best practice don't seem to fit the bill of being difficult and specific. | [
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"answer_id": 23,
"author": "Robert Cartaino",
"author_id": 1,
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"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "The dividing line of \"tangentially off topic\" is typically when the *actual* subject of the question being asked is only ***coincidentally*** adjacent to 3D printing. \n\nHere is a *clear* example illustrating the \"tangential issue:\"\n\n> \n> I printed a crane mechanism in 3D. How much voltage must I apply to the motor to lift 150 grams?\n> \n> \n> \n\nI see this type of thing all the time. Users will go to the mat arguing that they are printing in 3D, so their question is on topic. It is not. The actual *expertise* needed to answer this question is in electronics. With a question like this, the premise that the user *happens* to be printing in 3D is entirely coincidental to the actual issue. \n\nThe examples you cited above are a bit more iffy. I might argue some of them could (potentially) be on topic… if the issue of the material being printed in 3D is somehow germane to the problem. I actually don't know enough about the subject to say, so I'm only considering the possibility that it *is* relevant to this subject space.\n\nLet's not be too quick to start barring questions that aren't explicitly about the physical process of 3D printing literally. There are a lot of *industry issues* that could be interesting to include here. It's probably better to ***wait for actual examples before trying to create a general rule around this issue.***\n\nAs a general rule for building this site, it is often better to wait for a preponderance of problems that occur *in actual practice* before we start seeking to create a lot of rules around hypothetical situations. Words to live by."
},
{
"answer_id": 73,
"author": "Tony Hansen",
"author_id": 265,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/265",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "The problem with the questions you raised are (except for the camera one) that they are all about dealing with the materials that are used with 3D-printing and not about the mechanics of printing. But when I started 3D-printing, that's certainly where a large part of my questions lay. It's because the materials are DIFFERENT than ones we're used to dealing with, and if it weren't for 3D-printing, I wouldn't have been working with them then. It's BECAUSE I was 3D-printing that the questions arose. There are certainly similarities between the materials used for 3D-printing and other materials we might run into, but there are also vast differences. For example, ABS is the same plastic that we know from Lages. But how does working with the plastic that's been 3D-printed differ from working with a Lage? I would consider any question about that area to be valid. You mention drilling plastic, but then got the answer wrong. It is NOT like drilling wood; the way you drill plastic should be different from how you deal with wood, such as the speeds used and the use of hand drills. There are even special plastic bits that you can buy that make it easier to drill plastic. Good questions might be: for PLA, ABS and other 3dpg plastics, when is it appropriate to use such bits and when can you get away with using high speed drill bits like you would use for wood? Are higher drill speeds better than lower speeds for some 3D-printed plastics and not others, or vice versa?\n\nIn summary, I feel that questions about a technique or material that is being used in the 3D-printing process, or dealing with the materials afterward, should be valid because 3D-printing changes how the techniques are done or the materials are dealt with."
}
] | 2016/01/12 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/21",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26/"
] |
28 | This has inspired some discussion and I may be just splitting hairs, but I've always been confused by this strategy. The specific example I'm referring to is here: <https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/a/29/60>
In many cases on SE, I see people post "Answers" that basically say "Don't do what you're doing. Instead you can get to your goal by doing this." While it is often helpful, this form of answer is the bane of my existence as a user of SE sites.
There are often cases when I am googling a difficult problem because I cannot do "alternative a" as suggested by the answerer. Then, I get to an SE question that asked about exactly the situation I am having. An answer of "Don't do that, do this instead" is upvoted, accepted, and the only answer. Thus, I am unable to solve my problem using SE. In other words, the Answer didn't apply to the question, and so SE led me down the wrong path.
Am I doing something wrong here? Is this an expected/accepted pattern? Or is this something I should go the route of downvoting? Or like the poster of the above answer suggests, flagging? | [
{
"answer_id": 40,
"author": "Zizouz212",
"author_id": 138,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/138",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "If it tries to answer the question, it's still an answer... \n\nBut it doesn't mean it's always a good one.\n\nGenerally, in these cases, you would be able to flag such an answer as Very Low Quality, especially if they would fit better in the comment space. The reason why you can't here however, is because the answer has a positive score.\n\nSo what can we do?\n\nYou can't really stop people from writing answers. If you want them to improve, leave a comment, and ask them to elaborate. Otherwise, downvote and move on."
},
{
"answer_id": 42,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "Sometimes, \"don't try to do what you're trying to do\" is the only valid answer, see e.g. [XY problem](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/66377/what-is-the-xy-problem)."
},
{
"answer_id": 45,
"author": "2D Printing Grace Note",
"author_id": 2,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/2",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "The ultimate goal of any answer should be to **solve the problem that the asker is facing**. Sometimes that involves not going to what they directly wrote, because sometimes that's not the most effective way to go about it. For much the same as there are people who can't use alternatives, there are people who didn't *think* about the alternative options in the first place. It's very easy when some askers run into a problem, to tunnel-vision that \"I must solve it this way\" and then someone provides a very enlightening view by working outside the box the asker had situated inside. \n\nThat said, this is also part of the very nature as to why these sites permit more than one answer to a question. It is to allow different routes to solve the same problem. Some will be the direct route that is asked, others will take shortcuts as they see fit.\n\nIt remains though that naturally, sometimes an alternative, be it a particular one or just in general, is not permissible. When this is the case, that kind of a restriction is *part of the problem*. As such if the asker can't work with a given alternative, and if the only answers they're getting is that alternative, it's to them to modify their question to exclude that alternative as an option. Or if it is a known quantity to begin with, a pre-emptitive exclusion present in the question when asked is very appropriate. On the other side, if a reader happens upon a question and cannot utilize the alternatives that exist there, then they are welcome to recreate the question in a fashion which excludes the alternatives since their situation cannot cater to it.\n\nSans such an explicit exclusion, if the asker can work with the alternative, or if they still receive other answers that do not employ that alternative, there's no foul going on as a result. It's fine to dislike something being provided as an alternative, but it's by no means something we're going to discourage on a level to the point of flagging. Downvotes, those are yours to give as you see fit to things that you believe are not helpful - I could say something like \"It's probably more appropriate to downvote if a particular alternative is actively unhelpful to you, as opposed to a post which you stumble across in random browsing which just *happens* to be an alternative\", but at the same vein, you could still deem it unhelpful and the vote is yours to cast. Just be open to the fact that if the alternative *does* work for other people, it's going to remain acceptable on the site."
}
] | 2016/01/13 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/28",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/60/"
] |
30 | **A big shout out to all of us for a successful graduation into private beta.
Let's make it a success now, and make sure we graduate into a full-fledged site.
So, this is one post which every user of a private beta site should read and act accordingly.**
This is a reproduction of a moderator's (Riwhurz) [post on meta.hermeneutics.SE](https://hermeneutics.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/49); I believe it is very much applicable to this community as well. Riwhurz wrote a post encouraging voting. I think this is a big issue because rep is the basis of our "economy", encourages (good) user activity, sorts out our content and makes the site look active. In particular **Question Votes** make the site look more active.
>
> I cannot state this strongly enough. Voting is *absolutely critical* to the formation of a healthy SE site. And this is never more true than in Private and early Public beta.
>
>
> ### Vote on Questions
>
>
> Voting allows the community to determine what topics are allowed and what are not. Voting shows what constitutes a well-formed question and what is unacceptable for this community.
>
>
> If you need help formulating better questions, the blog post [Asking Better Questions](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/10/asking-better-questions/) might help you out. (Admittedly, it's geared towards the Stackoverflow crowd, but the philosophies there will help). Also, [How to Ask](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/how-to-ask) directly from StackOverflow is an excellent resource.
>
>
> Finally, I want to reiterate that **Voting on questions is free!** It doesn't cost you any reputation to to vote a question down. (Compared to answers:)
>
>
> ### Vote on Answers
>
>
> Voting on answers allows a dramatic increase in reputation. Like questions, it shows that you believe and support the answer provided. Also, vote answers up that you think are well worded and support the answer given.
>
>
> *You don't have to agree with an answer to vote it up!*
>
>
> To show that this is true, they've even created a [badge for voting up competing answers (called "Sportsmanship")](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/help/badges/63/sportsmanship).
>
>
> If you think an answer is *useful*, vote it up. If you think an answer is *not useful*, vote it down. Either way, **vote**!
>
>
> If you need help on writing answers, the meta post [How do I write a good answer to a question?](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/7656/how-do-i-write-a-good-answer-to-a-question) will help you out.
>
>
> ### Final thoughts
>
>
> If people do not vote, there won't be enough reputation on this site for it to be promoted. Reputation is very important to a StackExchange site as it creates the groups of people capable of maintaining the site.
>
>
> To show how critical it is, Jejf Etpiod posted a blog article regarding this topic: [Vote Early, Vote Often](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/10/vote-early-vote-often/)
>
>
> ### Encourage others to vote!
>
>
> Quoting RobertCartaino from chat:
>
>
>
> >
> > Vote, vote, vote. Encourage others to vote, vote, vote. On good content, leave signposts ("If you like this, please vote it up. It's important for the community!")-- in both meta and the main site. Maybe a few meta posts informing the users of the important of that type of participation. You are empowered a lot more than you know.
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
Don't upvote bad content (edit/suggest how to fix it instead) but make sure you remember to vote, especially for questions; if you learned something from an answer on a question, the question's probably worth an upvote too so others can find the good information.
[] | [
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"answer_id": 48,
"author": "HDE 226868",
"author_id": 61,
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"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "**Yes!**\n\nAbsolutely. We need to reward good answers, and raise rep levels so suers can get moderation privileges when they rise to the normal public beta levels.\n\nHowever, I think we should also downvote poor questions and answers. I haven't yet done so, partly because I've focused on rewarding the good posts. But downvoting is important, too.\n\nWhat happened to me yesterday:\n\n1. I posted an answer (my first) to a question.\n2. It was downvoted.\n3. A user who may/may not have been the downvoter pointed out something I was wrong about.\n4. There was a discussion in comments.\n5. I deleted my answer.\n6. I edited it.\n7. There was continued dialogue with the user and another. I improved my answer even further.\n8. Downvote was removed.\n\nI'm grateful to the downvoter, and to the comments. We need to establish what posts are good and bad in the site, and my original answer was not good. It was wrong in several points - and since the question was about [safety](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/safety \"show questions tagged 'safety'\"), it was even more important for it to be correct. The feedback helped me to fix my answer, but if I had not done so, the downvote would have ensured that better answers went to the top.\n\nWe should definitely upvote. But downvoting is good, too. Downvoters don't have to comment - that's never the case - but comments certainly help. They helped me."
},
{
"answer_id": 309,
"author": "0scar",
"author_id": 5740,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/5740",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "For graduation, ***voting is the key*** to get a growing community that wants to come back to post questions and answers! \n\nAccording to SE.3D Printing user stats at [Area 51](https://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/82438/3d-printing) we need more questions and a solid group of users to assist in moderating the site. \n\nThe amount of questions are hard to control, but could be increased by the avid users by posting questions and answer those themselves (e.g. about problems you encountered while gaining experience in 3D printing, this is perfectly legal and documents the gained experience to be shared with others). Another aspect is the solid group of users. According to the stats page:\n\n> \n> We recommend: \n> \n> \n> * 150 users with 200+ rep (currently 130 users with 200+ rep)\n> * 10 users with 2,000+ rep (currently 10 users with 2,000+ rep)\n> * 5 users with 3,000+ rep (currently 7 users with 3,000+ rep)\n> \n> \n> \n\nQuote taken at July 31, 2018\n\nThis implies we are short on 200+ rep users (20 people). This can be influenced by voting! There are so many questions unaccepted and a few do not have an answer, so there is a lot of reputation points to be awarded.\n\nPlease vote, not only answers, but also on questions. Please do also downvote to keep the quality high, but leave a comment why you downvote, when this answer/question is then modified to address your concerns please revisit to review your vote again."
},
{
"answer_id": 310,
"author": "Greenonline",
"author_id": 4762,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "There are other considerations, as have already been noted on [What does it take to get out of Beta stage?](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/264/what-does-it-take-to-get-out-of-beta-stage)\n\nOn fully graduated sites, we need:\n\n* ***users with > 10k*** who can access the moderation tools and;\n* ***users > 3k*** who can vote fully (close votes for example).\n\n---\n\nFor a full list of reputation against privileges on a *fully graduated site*, take a look at the [Raspberry Pi privileges page](https://raspberrypi.stackexchange.com/help/privileges):\n\n> \n> [![Graduated privileges](https://i.stack.imgur.com/HkSHk.png \"Graduated privileges\")](https://i.stack.imgur.com/HkSHk.png \"Graduated privileges\")\n> \n> \n> \n\nAs can be seen, the reputation differs greatly from the reputation required *when the site is in beta*, see [our privileges](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/help/privileges).\n\n> \n> [![Beta Privileges](https://i.stack.imgur.com/aNWMB.png \"Beta Privileges\")](https://i.stack.imgur.com/aNWMB.png \"Beta Privileges\")\n> \n> \n> \n\n---\n\nSee [this answer](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/1354/graduation-of-this-community#answer-1355) to the question [“Graduation” of this Community](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/1354/graduation-of-this-community) for SE.Robotics.Meta, in particular this *very poignant* paragraph:\n\n> \n> Also, consider this, we don't have a single 10k user right now. If we were to graduate today, the only people who would have access to moderator tools would be ♦ moderators. The problems are even worse further down the reputation scale, we only have 6 users with 3k or more reputation, who aren't already ♦ moderators, so only these 6 people would be able to cast ordinary close votes.\n> \n> \n> \n\nOur case is very similar. We have (click [here](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users?tab=Reputation&filter=all)):\n\n* One user who is *near* 10k, and that is, without wishing to name and shame (;-D) [Tom](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users/26/tom-van-der-zanden)\n* 6 users over 3k"
}
] | 2016/01/13 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/30",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/163/"
] |
32 | This site may attract questions such as
* Is it legal to sell 3D printed objects from a model repository?
* Are 3D printed guns legal in my jurisdiction?
* If my custom-built printer sets my house on fire, does the insurance cover it?
Are such questions allowed on this site, or should they be redirected to a site dealing more commonly with laws? | [
{
"answer_id": 33,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "Yes, such questions should be on-topic. There can be partial overlap in sites' scopes, and unique legal issues involving 3D printing can be addressed here. Users of this site are more likely to have specific expertise than users on a site that deals with laws more generally."
},
{
"answer_id": 34,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "No, such questions should not be allowed. This site deals only with the practical issues of 3D printing. Questions about legal issues should be redirected to sites dealing specifically with those, since users of this site do not have the expertise to address legal issues. A 3D printing expert does not make a legal expert."
},
{
"answer_id": 35,
"author": "Dawny33",
"author_id": 163,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/163",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would go with **NO,** as that should be dealt by law experts from the [Law SE](https://law.stackexchange.com/), instead of 3D printing engineers and enthusiasts in this site.\n\nDealing with such questions in this site, would lead to the following problems, like wrong and unreliable advice.\n\nSo, such questions should be migrated to the Law site, IMO."
},
{
"answer_id": 47,
"author": "HDE 226868",
"author_id": 61,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/61",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "**Yes - in some cases.**\n\nFirst, overlap between sites is fine. *It doesn't matter if a question is on topic somewhere else*; that's no reason to eliminate it from a different site's scope. There were some issues when HSM sprang up, because Mathematics, Physics, and other sites allowed history-related questions. I participated in several meta discussions on these sites. While Physics eventually decided to not allow history questions, Mathematics and other sites continued to allow them. So we should not make our decision based on Law.\n\nI do agree that, so far, the [legal](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/legal \"show questions tagged 'legal'\") questions have not been great. But in the future, they could be. I wrote in [a comment](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/103/is-it-legal-to-make-a-weapon-with-a-3d-printer#comment123_1030)\n\n> \n> I agree with @TomvanderZanden; a good case could be made for keeping this here. Laws and regulations can be a huge influence on an industry; the allowance or ban of certain products of said industry would seem to be relevant here. Remember, questions can be on-topic on multiple sites.\n> \n> \n> \n\nRegulatory measures can be extraordinarily important in a industry. If we had a site about making socks, should questions about whether or not is is legal to make socks with material X in the United States be off topic? I would argue no; this could be an important part of sock-making.\n\nWe have the same situation here. Some [legal](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/legal \"show questions tagged 'legal'\") questions can be important; I would argue that questions regarding which materials and devices are legal should be ones we aim for. The legality of Filament A could be really important to a project.\n\nThat's not to say that all [legal](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/legal \"show questions tagged 'legal'\") questions are fine. As has been said, some of the ones we've had so far haven't been great, and I would advocate sending them to Law. But I strongly disagree that just because of the examples we've seen we should not allow [legal](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/legal \"show questions tagged 'legal'\") questions. There are good ones out there; we haven't seen their full extent yet."
},
{
"answer_id": 55,
"author": "Chase Cromwell",
"author_id": 107,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/107",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would say that **they are on topic** because it seems more reasonable to look for questions about the legality of 3D printing on a 3D printing site than a law site."
}
] | 2016/01/13 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/32",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26/"
] |
37 | What would be a good tag to use for doing business/making profit with a 3D printer? | [
{
"answer_id": 39,
"author": "Zizouz212",
"author_id": 138,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/138",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I'd suggest two different tags:\n\n* [monetization]: For selling, or profiting from printing, or from printing machines\n* [financing] (or [costs]): For calculating the cost of materials and machines, including operational expenses."
},
{
"answer_id": 44,
"author": "S -",
"author_id": 30,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/30",
"pm_score": -1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would propose something as [business] or [commercial-use] as opposed to [personal-use] to differentiate between these posibilites."
}
] | 2016/01/13 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/37",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/43/"
] |
49 | I believe this question is asked on every private Beta... what should be the name of our chatroom? | [
{
"answer_id": 52,
"author": "HDE 226868",
"author_id": 61,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/61",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "**The Hotbed.**\n\nColloquially, \"hotbed\" generally refers to a center of activity. Here, it will have a double meaning (referencing the hot bed of a 3D printer."
},
{
"answer_id": 57,
"author": "Zizouz212",
"author_id": 138,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/138",
"pm_score": -1,
"selected": false,
"text": "Filibusters!\n============\n\nI've heard that from somewhere. It's a play on the word \"filament\"\n\nOh, Just as a heads up, I can think of the weirdest names..."
},
{
"answer_id": 63,
"author": "kenorb",
"author_id": 20,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/20",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "### The Things\n\nNot to confused with Thingiverse."
},
{
"answer_id": 64,
"author": "kenorb",
"author_id": 20,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/20",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "### 4D!\n\nSince printers are printing in 3D for now, it's better to think in advance:)"
},
{
"answer_id": 65,
"author": "kenorb",
"author_id": 20,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/20",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "### The Box\n\nSince everything happens in the box."
},
{
"answer_id": 66,
"author": "the third dimension",
"author_id": 10,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/10",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "sliced text\n-----------\n\nSlicing a 3d model is a necessary step for almost all 3D printing techniques, so that it can be printed layer by layer that eventually make up the 3D object.\n\nIn chat, people write text line by line which will eventually make up an entire conversation."
}
] | 2016/01/13 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/49",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/65/"
] |
59 | We currently have quite a few tags about filament:
* [filament](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/filament "show questions tagged 'filament'")
* [plastic-filament](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/plastic-filament "show questions tagged 'plastic-filament'")
* [thermoplastic-filament](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/thermoplastic-filament "show questions tagged 'thermoplastic-filament'")
* etc.
I feel like we need to clean these up and make clear what we'll use each tag for.
Thoughts? | [
{
"answer_id": 61,
"author": "Eric Johnson",
"author_id": 43,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/43",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I see a form of hierarchy that could be used.\n\nDepending on the question a higher level tag could be used or a more specific one for specific problems (or both tags even).\n\n* Filament\n\t+ Plastic Filament\n\t\t- ABS\n\t\t- PLA\n\t+ Water Soluble\n\t\t- PVA\n\t+ Flexible\n\t\t- NinjaFlex and similar\n\t\t- TPU\n\t+ Conductive\n\t+ Metalic\n* Resin\n* Powder\n* Full Color\n\nFeel free to edit to add more types"
},
{
"answer_id": 62,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "All filament used in 3D printing is thermoplastic filament, so plastic-filament and thermoplastic-filament are redundant."
},
{
"answer_id": 320,
"author": "Trish",
"author_id": 8884,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/8884",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I bump this and propose the radical method:\n\nWe only need ONE [filament](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/filament \"show questions tagged 'filament'\") tag and then any tags for specific material (e.g.[pla](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/pla \"show questions tagged 'pla'\") [abs](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/abs \"show questions tagged 'abs'\") [petg](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/petg \"show questions tagged 'petg'\") [pva](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/pva \"show questions tagged 'pva'\") [tpu](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/tpu \"show questions tagged 'tpu'\") [pc](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/pc \"show questions tagged 'pc'\")) groups that have specific properties (e.g. [flexible-filament](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/flexible-filament \"show questions tagged 'flexible-filament'\") [conductive-filament](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/conductive-filament \"show questions tagged 'conductive-filament'\"))\n\n* The difference between [thermoplastic-filament](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/thermoplastic-filament \"show questions tagged 'thermoplastic-filament'\") and [plastic-filament](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/plastic-filament \"show questions tagged 'plastic-filament'\") in use is nonexistant and both are pretty much identical to filament in the current use - it is rather random which one gets used, in many cases more than one is used.\n* There is no filament that can be used in 3D printing that is not a thermoplastic, as the method to re-shape the filament via heat demands a thermoplastic.\n* While there are clearly more plastics than thermoplastics, non thermoplastic plastics are not useable for 3D printing unless you would design a whole printer to use for example an UV-curing resin delivered to the workpiece via a needle - which makes this a non-FDM printer."
}
] | 2016/01/15 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/59",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/61/"
] |
69 | The questions so far are pretty strongly geared towards hobbyist/consumer FFF machines. That's not necessarily bad, since that's where most legit questions will come from. (Not much reason to ask questions about a plug-and-play industrial machine.) But it's a pretty important scope distinction. So far, askers are not really providing enough technology/make/model info to tell what kind of equipment they're running. An experienced expert can tell by context what the intention is, but that's not really scalable.
Sub-questions:
1. Will other AM technologies like SLA/DLP be included? If so, a pretty
rigorous clarification and tagging effort will be required to
separate out these other technologies.
2. Are industrial machines in scope? | [
{
"answer_id": 70,
"author": "Ryan Carlyle",
"author_id": 298,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/298",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "On the question/answer trajectory we're currently following, the group would be best titled \"Consumer/Hobbyist FFF 3D Printing\" and not just a generic \"3D Printing\" group. I think some pretty aggressive moderation / self-policing will be required to make people add the necessary tags to clarify this. \n\nEdit: to be clear, I'm not saying we should only include hobbyist FDM printers, I'm saying we need to require clear labeling if we intend to serve more than one type of users."
},
{
"answer_id": 71,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I think all additive manufacturing techniques should be in scope. Given their popularity with consumers, most questions will naturally be regarding FDM printers. I don't see why that should rule out other techniques though: SLA machines are becoming increasingly accessible, and I think there's a $5000 SLS machine on the horizon.\n\nI don't see any reason to rule out industrial machines either. With the current user base those questions might go unanswered but there's no reason this site couldn't attract industry experts when it goes public.\n\nI do agree that questions should specify the make/model of 3D printer the question relates to if it's not obvious from the context."
},
{
"answer_id": 72,
"author": "Robert Cartaino",
"author_id": 1,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "In technology, today's big iron is tomorrows desktop toys. I don't see any purpose in creating an explicit moratorium against bigger industrial applications in this space. \n\n\"The questions so far…\" are only a limited sampling from a *closed* private beta running about two weeks. I don't know how comprehensive this site will become, but let's be careful about starting in on a rule set anticipating problems that may never occur in actual practice. \n\nSee: **[Erring towards keeping these questions and let their longer track record decide if they belong](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/a/68/1).**"
}
] | 2016/01/20 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/69",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/298/"
] |
74 | We have only had activity on 3 questions in the past 2 days. It is recommended that we get 10 new questions per day. This is far below these goals.
What can we do to get more questions? | [
{
"answer_id": 75,
"author": "Zizouz212",
"author_id": 138,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/138",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I wouldn't worry too much about it. \n\nWe're still currently in the private beta stage, and we'll be in this spot for another 9 days. After nearly two weeks of private beta, it's perfectly natural for activity to slow down. \n\nSo what should you do?\n----------------------\n\nDon't lose out. Make sure that you keep your commitment to this strong. Keep active on meta, working through the queues and discussing site issues. \n\nQuantity is not everything. Whatever you do, never sacrifice quality in these critical stages. Don't ask questions simply for the sake of asking: if you do, you're bailing out on the site. Continue answering questions with quality. If you start seeding the site with lower-quality questions, you'll destroy the site. I've seen this happen. You've got a reputation so far, make sure to keep it, or even improve it."
},
{
"answer_id": 78,
"author": "TextGeek",
"author_id": 40,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/40",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Sending out additional private-beta invites could help, too (without, of course, going overboard)."
},
{
"answer_id": 228,
"author": "markshancock",
"author_id": 6417,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/6417",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "I agree with Etok. This is something we need to improve on if we want the site to be viable and [Graduate from Beta](https://stackoverflow.blog/2010/10/21/when-will-my-site-graduate/). Our Beta stats on [Area51](http://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/82438?phase=beta) need improvement.\n\nWe are doing great on answering questions (94%) - GREAT JOB!!!\nWe have the quality answers and users, now we need quantity to meet our Beta Goals.\n\n**6,000 members is REALLY LOW.**\n\nForbes that [\"More than 278,000 desktop 3D printers (under $5,000) were sold worldwide...\"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2016/04/25/wohlers-report-2016-3d-printer-industry-surpassed-5-1-billion/#1886464619a0) in 2016. I am SURE that the majority of the owners are looking for answers. In the past year since beta started, the 3D printing market has exploded (nearly 300K users); but, we have only added 50% do our user base (2K users). WHY?\n\n**1.5 questions a day is (IMHO) DISMAL**.\n\nI am a member of a Facebook Group for just the Tronxy X1/X3.\nIt has 1,500 members (1/4 of what we have) and gets at least 10 questions/day.\n\n**So, what can we do?**\n\nHere is the [same question](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/252762/what-can-be-done-to-promote-beta-sites) on Stack Exchange Meta and here are some SO Blog Posts on [Community Promotion Ads](https://stackoverflow.blog/2011/05/31/community-promotion-ads/) and [A Recipe to Promote your Site](https://stackoverflow.blog/2010/08/23/a-recipe-to-promote-your-site/)\n\n**So, Who is With Me?** \n\n**Who wants this site THE SOURCE for 3D Printing questions and answers?**"
}
] | 2016/01/24 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/74",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/43/"
] |
76 | When 3D Printing moves into public beta, you're going to want to get the word out. And fast! One of the best ways to advertise ourselves across the entire Stack Exchange network is through community ads.
### So what are these "Community Ads?"
Graduated sites allow the community to advertise relevant products or services within the site, using a system where the community chooses what to advertise. You can find these posts on per-site metas. Hint: these posts have the [community-ads](/questions/tagged/community-ads "show questions tagged 'community-ads'") tag!
### Cool! What should the ad be like?
There's a few requirements for these ads. Most notably,
* They must be 300px wide by 250px tall, or double for "retina" displays
* There's a limit on file size of 150 kB.
* The image must be hosted on i.stack.imgur (the Stack Exchange image hosting service).
* Ads must be GIF or PNG (no animated GIFs).
### What else should I know?
To facilitate easy posting to other sites, make sure that the embedded image is of the following format:
```
[![Tagline to show on mouseover][1]][2]
[1]: http://image-url
[2]: http://clickthrough-url
```
You can also include a message as a part of your answer with your own thoughts: why you chose some of the elements, and what sites the ads could potentially be posted to. Don't forget to critique each other as well!
**Happy Designing!** | [
{
"answer_id": 126,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "I'll try my hand at it and try to get the ball rolling.\n\n[](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/)"
},
{
"answer_id": 128,
"author": "Tormod Haugene",
"author_id": 115,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/115",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "How about something like:\n\n[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/UUGWg.jpg)\n\nThe post-it design is optional, naturally."
},
{
"answer_id": 153,
"author": "darth pixel",
"author_id": 1211,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1211",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "I admire Tormod idea.\n\nHere is my version of his picture.\n\n[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/hNsZV.png)\n[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/bRg5J.png)"
},
{
"answer_id": 154,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "As mentioned, here's one related to the [**Occupy Thingiverse**](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:30808) movement. It's simple, but it has a bit of history within the 3D printing community.\n\n[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/9vUg7.png)"
},
{
"answer_id": 190,
"author": "darth pixel",
"author_id": 1211,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1211",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "here is another trial of logo (kinda evolution to make it more technic and even more simple)\n\n[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/8fI5T.png)\n\nand favico\n[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/ePnPJ.png)"
},
{
"answer_id": 207,
"author": "StarWind0",
"author_id": 2146,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/2146",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/4uUlD.jpg)\n\nUsing this guy to post on the facebook groups. As an admin of 3d printing hobbyists I usually see posts get 2-3k views. So We might get as high as 5k+ views. But it seems to be fairly random with Facebooks meddling with what content to show first."
},
{
"answer_id": 247,
"author": "darth pixel",
"author_id": 1211,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1211",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "here is another proposition\nit's as \"native\" as possible i think :)\n\n[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/zbU4j.png)\n\nit's jut a draft so all those curves will be tuned\n\nbut i wanted to show the idea"
}
] | 2016/01/24 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/76",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/138/"
] |
77 | Questions like:
>
> *x* 3d printer is good?
>
>
>
or
>
> if it is my first printer, which model would you recommend
>
>
>
or
>
> What printer model to buy?
>
>
>
are on-topic?
I think if you ask
>
> **I can not do *x* with my 3d printer, what printer to do *x*?**
>
>
>
Can be on-topic | [
{
"answer_id": 86,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "I don't think any of these types of questions should be on-topic. They're all heavily opinion-based. I think even the last one (\"What 3D printer can do X?\") isn't a good question, because possibly very many printers might be able to do it, and then the answers quickly devolve into subjective recommendations.\n\nIt would be better to ask something among the lines of \"I want to do X with printer Y, is it possible?\" - but even that might turn into a subjective discussion quickly."
},
{
"answer_id": 90,
"author": "kenorb",
"author_id": 20,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/20",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "In general product recommendation on SE sites is off-topic since they're opinion based and can easily end up with a long discussion.\n\nHowever there is special site dedicated for that: [Hardware Recommendations SE](https://hardwarerecs.stackexchange.com/) (tag: [3d-printer](https://hardwarerecs.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/3d-printer)), so it's actually on-topic there. And similar for software, check for [Software Recommendations](https://softwarerecs.stackexchange.com/).\n\nTo read more about product recommendations on SE sites, please check:\n\n* FAQ: [How do I ask a question that may require recommending a product?](https://meta.stackexchange.com/q/162123/191655)\n* [Is answering with a product recommendation considered spam, or something to flag?](https://meta.stackexchange.com/q/259189/191655)\n* [Why are “shopping list” questions bad?](https://meta.stackexchange.com/q/158809/191655)\n* [Is “useful” Spam allowed?](https://meta.stackexchange.com/q/108745/191655)"
},
{
"answer_id": 109,
"author": "Mark Booth",
"author_id": 63,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/63",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "These are shopping questions, plain and simple. They are such obvious [broken windows](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory) that it is important that they are closed as quickly as possible.\n\nOn *Robotics* I have the following [canned response](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/a/177/37) for shopping questions, and I would highly recommend adapting it for 3dprinting:\n\n`Welcome to *robotics* XXX, but I'm afraid that *[shopping questions](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/11/qa-is-hard-lets-go-shopping/)* really aren't a good fit for a stack exchange site. We prefer *[practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face](https://robotics.stackexchange.com/help/dont-ask)*. Take a look at [ask] and [about] for more information on how stack exchange works, and the [*Robotics* question checklist](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/q/1302/37) for details of how to write a good question.`\n\nThis renders as:\n\n> \n> Welcome to *robotics* XXX, but I'm afraid that *[shopping questions](http://blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/11/qa-is-hard-lets-go-shopping/)* really aren't a good fit for a stack exchange site. We prefer *[practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face](https://robotics.stackexchange.com/help/dont-ask)*. Take a look at [How to Ask](https://robotics.stackexchange.com/questions/how-to-ask), [tour](https://robotics.stackexchange.com/about) and the [*Robotics* question checklist](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/q/1302/37) for more information on how stack exchange works.\n> \n> \n> \n\nI then close the question as \"Primarily Opinion Based\". These questions are almost never edited to adhere to community guidelines, but at least I have done my best to welcome people to the community and minimise the risk that they will leave and never come back."
}
] | 2016/01/27 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/77",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/126/"
] |
79 | As you may or may not know, this is the third iteration of a proposal site that covers 3D Printing. The first 2 made it to the beta phase, but did not graduate from the beta successfully:
* [Digital Fabrication](http://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/41850/digital-fabrication)
* [Personal Manufacturing](http://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/22246/personal-manufacturing)
Would it be acceptable to extract `good`/`relevant` questions out of these beta site question dumps and post them in the 3D Printing site? | [
{
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"text": "If someone has a question from one of those older sites, they should go ahead and ask it. But a wholesale importing of content from elsewhere is not really a desirable way to build this site. \n\nThere is a lot of ownership and careful curation that goes with vetting the content of this site. Questions imported from elsewhere would always have that air of odd, forgotten legacy content back-dated and *anonymous* with no owners or real-time vetting at all. If someone posts another answer or asks for some followup to one of these questions, no one will receive the notification. Essentially, we would be loading this site up with a lot of questions asked and answered a long time ago without imparting any of the benefits of reputation, ownership, or experience into the community that is supposed to take care of it.\n\nThat's why we don't do it."
},
{
"answer_id": 85,
"author": "Mark Booth",
"author_id": 63,
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"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "Although I was sad to see the [Digital Fabrication](http://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/41850/digital-fabrication) beta close, I think there would be little to be gained by trying to import it's questions. The scope was different, and it was a very different group of comitters - only 1.8% of [Digital Fabrication](http://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/41850/digital-fabrication) committers also committed to *3D Printing* for instance."
}
] | 2016/01/28 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/79",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/150/"
] |
83 | I feel like questions along the lines of, "my printer is crashing for no obvious reason, what should I do?" may be too broad and open-ended for this format. It's better handled by a forum where people can have running discussions to rule out a series of tests. What do you guys think? | [
{
"answer_id": 84,
"author": "Robert Cartaino",
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"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "For common problems that get asked a lot, I wouldn't just close these as *too broad.* A better solution is to create a **canonical post** like this:\n\n[**How do I troubleshoot when I have no clue where to start?**](https://superuser.com/a/260078/697)\n\nThese attract a *lot* of users. \n\nThe goal is to create a step-by-step trouble-shooting guide to explain what lights, nozzles, and sneedles to look when you're kwigger isn't going *zong.*\n\nAnd don't just answer with a hyperlink to some other discussion group somewhere. Do everything you can to really overkill it. Write a detailed, step-by-step, ultra-clear guide, so when zillions of people with this problem go searching, you stand a good chance of the best possible answer on the web. \n\nThis is one of those opportunities to attract some great new users who will add value for years to come."
},
{
"answer_id": 87,
"author": "Mark Booth",
"author_id": 63,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/63",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "In addition to [Robert Cartaino♦](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/a/84/63)'s suggestion, I think that there is value in this class of question.\n\nOver on *Robotics* we find that troubleshooting questions can often lead to interesting and often more generalised answers, and can lead to further, more specific questions. These types of questions also tend to be the kind which are difficult to answer through a google search, as not knowing what to search for is a big part of the problem.\n\nSadly this kind of question is often a new users first question, poorly written and difficult to answer in it's original form, so we tend to close these as *Unclear what you are asking* and clarify that with the [following comment](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/a/177/37):\n\n`Welcome to *robotics* XXX, but I'm afraid that it is not clear what you are asking. We prefer *[practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face](http://robotics.stackexchange.com/help/dont-ask)*, so it is a good idea to include details of what what you would like to achieve, what you have tried, what you expected to see and what you actually saw. Take a look at [ask] and [about] for more information on how stack exchange works. If you edit your question to make it more clear, flag it for moderator attention and we can reopen it for you.`\n\nThe point of leaving this unrendered is so that you can easily copy the raw text to paste into a comment.\n\nNote that Comments render slightly differently to answers, for instance `[chat]` renders as [3D Printing Chat](http://chat.stackexchange.com/) in a comment but as [chat] in a question or answer."
}
] | 2016/01/29 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/83",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/298/"
] |
91 | [Methods for smoothing 3D objects](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/413/methods-for-smoothing-3d-objects)
So... maybe one day it becomes community wiki. I think that we need this type of questions, so we can provide more detailed answers to methods and practices. | [
{
"answer_id": 93,
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"selected": false,
"text": "*\"is still too broad?\"* is answered by your own question, *\"we can provide more detailed answers\"*. \n\nThe problem essentially is that this Q&A format isn't suited to very long treatises on this type of subject. It's far better to ask a specific question such as *\"How do I smooth this ABS print to eliminate all signs that it was 3D printed?\"* and receive several good answers, than to have a one-stop-wiki question that attempts (and usually does very poorly) at holding all the answers to all the possible smoothing questions.\n\nSo I'd recommend we leave this question closed and let people start more specific questions as they run into actual problems."
},
{
"answer_id": 94,
"author": "Kevin Morse",
"author_id": 66,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/66",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "In my opinion the edits to this question made it even more broad to the point that the answers no longer reflect the current question and the current question isn't even useful or answerable.\n\nThe original question, while not very well worded, at least had a specific focus: \"How do you smooth 3D prints without sanding or chemicals?\" Both answers were detailed and specific to that particular question. I don't think that was too broad of a question.\n\nIn it's current form this question is basically unanswerable without writing about a dozen different techniques."
}
] | 2016/02/03 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/91",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/334/"
] |
111 | I've been seeing feedback from people in other 3DP communities that they think this stack exchange site is driving away new users by holding newbie questions to an excessively high standard for quality. On one hand, we all know SE works best with clear and logical questions that lead to clear and logical answers. But the majority of people seeking help with 3d printers don't seem to have enough of a technical foundation to know how to ask good questions. There's a large potential userbase (perhaps MOST potential users) that will need handholding for their first few questions.
How do you guys want to handle this? | [
{
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"text": "I think you highlighted one of the more important points, in that \"*SE works best with clear and logical questions that lead to clear and logical answers*\". From what I've noticed (and I just went back through my own voting history), there have been a number of \"primarily opinion based\" and \"too broad\" questions. I believe it's important to maintain quality questions/answers especially in this early stage of release. Please regard [this other meta post](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/6/what-should-our-documentation-contain?rq=1) asking what the guidelines are for proper 3D Printing community questions.\n\nI, for one, feel that I learned the most SE etiquette by reading a large number of questions on SO as opposed to the SE documentation. It seems that a few of the questions we've gotten lately have been from completely new users to the Stack Exchange network. I don't like scaring people away from the site, so it is best to try and coach these new users.\n\nI retract the following suggestion as I agree with [Mark Booth's answer](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/111/closing-locking-too-many-questions/112#114) given his explanation.\n\n~~I would suggest an informal guideline for closing questions:~~\n\n* First, notify the OP to the condition of their question. Perhaps even suggest a means to fix the errant condition(s).\n* If, after at least 24 hours of the comment, the OP has not either responded reasonably (within SE etiquette) nor updated the question, then begin the process of closing.\n\nI'll leave this open to the community for amendments below:"
},
{
"answer_id": 113,
"author": "Tormod Haugene",
"author_id": 115,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/115",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I have to agree with the both of you; the best kind of question are those that are clear and logical, and thus can be answered as such. \n\nOn a site such as SO, these are the kind of questions that ends up \"staying\", getting a high view counts and the great answers. There are, however, also a large amount of *new* questions on SO that never meet those standards, but rather face the same kind of problems that we see here.\n\nI believe the issue for most new users - here and on SO - is that *in order to ask a good question, you more or less already need to know the answer*, or at least the format of the answer. And with 3D printing being such a novel technology for most users, they simply do not have the required experience to ask the \"correct\" question at their first attempt.\n\nPerhaps our job should lean more towards *helping users to find out what they really should be asking about*, rather than simply voting down or closing the question right away because it does not uphold our desired standard. As for how to accomplish that, I think the points mentioned by @tbm0115 could be a good starting point."
},
{
"answer_id": 114,
"author": "Mark Booth",
"author_id": 63,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/63",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "The important thing is to make sure that people understand that a closure is **not permanent**, which is why questions are given the \"[on hold]\" suffix rather than \"[closed]\".\n\nOn Robotics, one of my [Copy-pastable comment text for common problems with questions?](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/a/177/37) is:\n\n> \n> ### Questions by new users for closed for other reasons\n> \n> \n> `Welcome to *robotics* XXX, but I'm afraid that questions like this really aren't a good fit for a stack exchange site. We prefer *[practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face](http://robotics.stackexchange.com/help/dont-ask)*. Take a look at [ask] and [about] for more information on how stack exchange works. Also, the [*Robotics* question checklist](https://robotics.meta.stackexchange.com/q/1302/37) has good advice on how to write a good question. If you edit your question to fit our community guidelines we can reopen it for you.`\n> \n> \n> \n\nClosure is intended to **temporarily** stop people answering questions which can't be easily answered in their present form, **while the question is being improved**. As such, I disagree with [tbm0115's suggestion](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/a/112/63) that we should artificially delay closing a question (at this stage in the sites life there aren't enough people closing questions as it is) and suggest that we always close a poor question as soon as possible, but give people the information they need to fix the problem.\n\nInstead, I offer the following suggestion:\n\n* If you want to vote to close a question without writing a comment to say why, with suggestions as to how to fix the problem, think about how this looks to a new user and how they might feel about the *rejection*.\n\nIf people assume there is nothing they can do about their question being closed, and this drives them away, then we should do all we can to correct that misunderstanding, encourage them to learn how Stack Exchange works and ask better questions.\n\nFinally, don't forget the importance of [broken windows theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory).\n\nThe quicker poor questions are closed, the higher the good:bad question ratio is, the more likely new users will see examples of good questions, and the less likely that they will base their own question on a poor example of a question. This is why good questions are the most important thing on a new site. They draw in experts to answer them and they set a good example for how new questions should be framed.\n\nSo, close early, close often, and comment with the information needed to get the question re-opened."
}
] | 2016/03/17 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/111",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/298/"
] |
116 | I just noticed that there is a large amount of tag wiki excerpts edits in the review queue, all of which are of the form:
>
> X is for questions about X
>
>
>
A tag wiki excerpt should define what a term means *to our community* specifically and give *usage advice*. In particular, Stack Exchange offers the following default reason for rejecting an excerpt:
>
> Tag excerpts amounting to, "[tag] is for questions about [tag]" are pointless and usually rejected. Excerpts should describe why and when a tag would be used.
>
>
>
See the [help center](https://cs.stackexchange.com/help/tag-excerpts) for more details on what a tag excerpt should be.
While obviously well-intended, I believe such tag wiki excerpts should not be suggested (and/or approved). This post is to serve as a gentle reminder of that. | [
{
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"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "For reference, I would like to propose a copy-paste solution for tags.\n\n**Usage Guidance**\n\n`For questions regarding {insert list of applicable topics} of {Tag Name}.`\n\n**Details**\n\n```\n{Tag name, unabbreviated}: {Definition}\n\nExamples:\n - What is {blah blah blah}?\n - Where can I find {blah blah blah}?\n - Why does {blah blah blah}?\n - How do I {blah blah blah}?\n\n```"
},
{
"answer_id": 121,
"author": "Zizouz212",
"author_id": 138,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/138",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "Tag excerpts should at least try and give a concise definition as to the subject, and provided any usage guidance *if necessary.*\n\nTherefore, you need to make sure to address a set of key points:\n\n* Is the tag name ambiguous? Will an amateur be able to understand the subject without having to research it? For example, what on earth is [abs](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/abs \"show questions tagged 'abs'\")?\n* Can the word have multiple meanings? If yes, you need to be specific as to which meaning you want. For example, [health](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/health \"show questions tagged 'health'\") vs [safety](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/safety \"show questions tagged 'safety'\")\n* Are their cases when the tag should not be used?\n* Likewise, are their cases when the tag should be used?\n* Is the existing excerpt empty? Something is usually better than nothing.\n\nIn general, excerpts should provide at least some guidance, even if it may appear to be ridiculously basic. Therefore, interpretation of the rejection reason is critical:\n\n> \n> Tag excerpts amounting to, \"[tag] is for questions about [tag]\" are pointless and usually rejected. Excerpts should describe why and when a tag would be used.\n> \n> \n> \n\nThat's like saying, *[abs]: For questions about [abs] filaments.* That should probably be rejected.\n\nThis is better: *[abs]: For questions about [abs] filaments - filaments that are used with blah blah printers, and are not toxic for use.*\n\nOr even better: *[abs]: For questions about [abs] filaments - filaments that are used with blah blah printers, and are not toxic for use. Not to be confused with [pla] filaments. Do not use this tag if your question does not concern this filament specifically.*\n\nObviously, I have no idea if abs is even a thing. Anyways, I hope this helps :)"
}
] | 2016/03/26 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/116",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26/"
] |
118 | I see there was already a meta question regarding this but it was back during the private beta. The site is now in the public beta and still not very healthy with only 2.1 questions per day and a very low 219 visits per day compared to the recommended 1,500...
I'm not sure what happens once the beta ends but only 14 days remain and from what I've seen the numbers have not improved much at all since I've been a member here. I've thought about going to other areas and "advertising" the site but most places where one could attract members (reprap.org, various subreddits, groups on Facebook) are areas I feel we may be in competition with and it would not put the site in good standing if we were to do so.
I don't really know what the value here is over other forums other than the site being owned by a neutral party. The forums at reprap.org would probably be the closest thing to this site seeing as how they have no real ties to any one printer/design/company and moderation is quite lax as in you can post nearly anything 3D printing related and not encounter any trouble. The problem I believe is the site is trying to compete with other forums, one of which has been "the" forum pretty much since printing began and the main domain holds the majority of the information about home 3D printing.
I guess being new here I don't really understand the value in the site over the others or if there really is any other than being just another bank of information.
Currently, there hasn't been a new question in 2 days... | [
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"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "For reference, I would like to propose a copy-paste solution for tags.\n\n**Usage Guidance**\n\n`For questions regarding {insert list of applicable topics} of {Tag Name}.`\n\n**Details**\n\n```\n{Tag name, unabbreviated}: {Definition}\n\nExamples:\n - What is {blah blah blah}?\n - Where can I find {blah blah blah}?\n - Why does {blah blah blah}?\n - How do I {blah blah blah}?\n\n```"
},
{
"answer_id": 121,
"author": "Zizouz212",
"author_id": 138,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/138",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "Tag excerpts should at least try and give a concise definition as to the subject, and provided any usage guidance *if necessary.*\n\nTherefore, you need to make sure to address a set of key points:\n\n* Is the tag name ambiguous? Will an amateur be able to understand the subject without having to research it? For example, what on earth is [abs](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/abs \"show questions tagged 'abs'\")?\n* Can the word have multiple meanings? If yes, you need to be specific as to which meaning you want. For example, [health](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/health \"show questions tagged 'health'\") vs [safety](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/safety \"show questions tagged 'safety'\")\n* Are their cases when the tag should not be used?\n* Likewise, are their cases when the tag should be used?\n* Is the existing excerpt empty? Something is usually better than nothing.\n\nIn general, excerpts should provide at least some guidance, even if it may appear to be ridiculously basic. Therefore, interpretation of the rejection reason is critical:\n\n> \n> Tag excerpts amounting to, \"[tag] is for questions about [tag]\" are pointless and usually rejected. Excerpts should describe why and when a tag would be used.\n> \n> \n> \n\nThat's like saying, *[abs]: For questions about [abs] filaments.* That should probably be rejected.\n\nThis is better: *[abs]: For questions about [abs] filaments - filaments that are used with blah blah printers, and are not toxic for use.*\n\nOr even better: *[abs]: For questions about [abs] filaments - filaments that are used with blah blah printers, and are not toxic for use. Not to be confused with [pla] filaments. Do not use this tag if your question does not concern this filament specifically.*\n\nObviously, I have no idea if abs is even a thing. Anyways, I hope this helps :)"
}
] | 2016/03/29 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/118",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/233/"
] |
123 | [A recent question](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/973/which-properties-of-real-organs-do-3d-printed-organs-have) regarding bio-printing has been put on hold and I'd like to discuss the validity of the question here in the 3D Printing community.
I personally feel that the question fits within the scope of the community as it specifically requests details on the process of 3D printing.
**Valid Questions:**
>
> Also can someone explain how human cells can be printed?
>
>
> Would this involve some kind of cell-plastic filament?
>
>
>
**Borderline Question:**
>
> How would the cells survive, etc. Where would you get these cells from and how would you be able to go from using a 3D printer to layer these cells together to then forming an organ out of that?
>
>
>
I don't see how this can be much different than:
>
> Also can someone explain how *{stainless steel}* can be printed?
>
>
> Would this involve some kind of *{granular steel}*?
>
>
>
For the borderline question:
>
> How would the *{stainless steel bond}*, etc. [How] would you get these {granules of stainless steel} from and how would you be able to go from using a 3D printer to layer these *{granules}* together to then forming *{a solid part}*?
>
>
> | [
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"text": "It seems like a great subject to incorporate, since bioprinting is 1) pretty neat and 2) an important application for 3D printing in general... but I sort of suspect none of our active users have the necessary expertise at the moment. It's a highly specialized field. We don't want the question to sit for an extended period with (at best) 1-2 mediocre answers, do we? That seems to be what happens to this sort of question at the site's current activity level."
},
{
"answer_id": 125,
"author": "Tormod Haugene",
"author_id": 115,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/115",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I think 3D bio printing - just like any kind of 3d printing - certainly should fall within the scope of this site. One could argue that such questions are hard to answer, and most likely outside the knowledge of most users, but I still think *good* bio questions should be encouraged. \n\nAs for the linked question specifically, I think it is way too broad, asking not one, but perhaps five completely fine questions at the same time. Individually, I believe those questions would be answerable to the right person."
}
] | 2016/04/12 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/123",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98/"
] |
134 | The amount of posts being voted to closed is getting ridiculous. The last two posts have been printing related, one looking for information and the other a design question for 3D printing yet both have been voted to be closed.
Yes, I have read the other Meta post about how closing is not permanent ([Closing/locking too many questions?](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/111/closing-locking-too-many-questions)) but this site does not have much to offer right now and I can tell you if I was new here I wouldn't stick around and edit the post time after time to get an answer when I'm sure most people here can answer the question. The site is now running at 1.2 questions per day and I don't see that going up at all if the criteria isn't changed for how people are voting. If that's how everyone wants the site run then that's fine but I'm sure you'll be alone here. | [
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"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I absolutely agree. I believe we all want this site to maintain high quality, but right now almost no questions fall within our desired scope and form.\n\nI think we either need to:\n\n* Change the acceptable scope of questions to be asked\n* Change how we welcome new users\n\nRight now most new users do not ask questions \"the SE way\", which quickly leads to down-votes and closing votes. For new users this is a direct slap in the face.\n\nWhat we rather should do is to *encourage* new users to improve their question, and if they do, give them the highly desired up-votes to make them come back for more. \n\nI think the reputation system on SE sites is a great motivator for writing good questions and answers. And if we want this site to grow, we need to let our fellow users grow with it."
},
{
"answer_id": 137,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "We've discussed this issue before [here in Meta](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/111/closing-locking-too-many-questions), but I think that part of the issue (and I'm guilty of it) is that regular users expect a certain amount of effort or back story from questions. To me, it seems that most [closed](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/search?q=closed%3Ayes) grey-area questions seem to be related to materials. So, questions that may be considered *too broad* as a general materials question may be a viable question for a newbie to the 3D printing world. A new comer may not be familiar with various material types (ie. PLA[filament], ABS[filament], Stainless Steel[powder], Bronze[powder], etc.).\n\nFocusing on material questions may be a good start to the concern. While it may be technically *too broad* asking materials questions, in reality, most questions (in FDM/FFF realm) are going to be either about PLA or ABS (maybe Nylon) unless there is a specified purpose for the object. So, if a user specifies (or hints) the preferred printing method (FDM/FFF, SLA, etc.) then I think we should let people use their better judgment in answering the question.\n\nWould it be appropriate to consider re-opening closed questions with the before mentioned criteria?"
},
{
"answer_id": 263,
"author": "Greenonline",
"author_id": 4762,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "One thing that I have noticed, especially after having been away for nearly a year, is how the mood of the site has changed, ever so slightly. It is just that recently there seem to be a bit more of the \"Did you google first, before asking here\" type comments (accompanied by a vote to close), in particular to newbie questions, or at least questions from those new to SE, but maybe not so new at 3D printing. I don't remember these types of comments so much prior to a year or so ago.\n\nWhile I agree that people need to do research, or at least demonstrate that they have done a bit, if people are coming here and asking an honest question (which is not a lazy homework related - and let's face it, there are not many, if any, 3D printer related homework questions) and that question is from someone genuinely interested in 3D printer with a tangible problem, then try to answer it, or at least provide a helpful comment.\n\nSeeing as we are not-quite-desperate-for-users but have an issue with user retention, then we should really not be throwing google in their face - no matter how frustrating a question may seem, or how obvious the answer appears to an old hand. Do we really want them running off to Reddit, or Quora, or Ask (Jeeves) or (god forbid) Yahoo answers, or some other place? Or is it better that we get them to stay here?\n\nBelieve me when I say that I know how irritating it can get, I have been there myself. I ended up not spending much time on SE.Arduino, for that same reason - in the end most of the questions started to seem nonsensical, repetitive and idiotic... because I had seen the same topics asked over and over again. I realised that I had to take a deep breath and step back a little - just because I knew the answer and had helped too many people before with the same issue, it didn't mean that someone new would not come along tomorrow and ask the same thing. \n\nYes, they should have checked google first, and yes, they should have seen the duplicate question had already been asked. However, maybe they didn't have the luxury of time to spend hours googling, or maybe they had not used the right search terms, or maybe English isn't their mother tongue, or whatever. However, it didn't mean that they needed to be made to feel daft. \n\nAfter all, if someone asks a question here, it probably isn't because they want to wind us up and make us angry - why would they do that? And it can't be judged as lazy, because, let's face it, it takes longer to formulate and ask a question on SE than it does to search for something on Google.\n\nA couple of friends of mine, independently of eachother, sent me this image which, while it made me laugh, also (rather sadly) sums up the \"Why are you asking me that?\" mentality that StackExchange is perceived as having by the wider techy internet community - this is *not* a good reputation to have..!\n\n[![Working at SE](https://i.stack.imgur.com/La323.png \"Working at SE\")](https://i.stack.imgur.com/La323.png \"Working at SE\")\n\nSo, all I am trying to say is, when you see a question asked by someone with a rep of 1, be nice and try to encourage them to stay, rather than scaring them off as soon as they set foot through the door. Don't forget it is probably their first question here and are quite nervous as to how they will be perceived (as one generally is when approaching a new group of people and having to ask something)."
},
{
"answer_id": 373,
"author": "Mark Harrison",
"author_id": 6851,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/6851",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I've been active on SO since it was in beta, and have participated in numerous SE sites when they were in beta.\n\nIt's my impression that there is much more enthusiasm for close votes here than in other sites which launched out of beta. I know that seems to discourage me from participating more, and may discourage others likewise.\n\nWhereas for programming and electronics my first goto is always stack, I'm finding that other sites are having better answers and a \"nicer\" approach to my n00bism in 3d printing.\n\nJust IMHO and FWIW!"
}
] | 2016/05/03 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/134",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/233/"
] |
138 | There has been a lot of questions and confusion about what is acceptable here on 3D Printing SE. Let's go ahead and discuss what types of questions should be acceptable on the site.
We're going to do this based on votes. I'll leave it up to debate in the comments below, but we'll emulate Area51 question requirements. Here are the guidelines:
* **10 positive votes**, passes.
* **One answer per topic**. The focus is voting on topics, and votes pertain to the validity of the topic.
* Similar topics that can be merged should explicitly mention the deprecated topic.
* Appropriately passed topics should have closed questions re-opened (as appropriate). | [
{
"answer_id": 136,
"author": "Tormod Haugene",
"author_id": 115,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/115",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I absolutely agree. I believe we all want this site to maintain high quality, but right now almost no questions fall within our desired scope and form.\n\nI think we either need to:\n\n* Change the acceptable scope of questions to be asked\n* Change how we welcome new users\n\nRight now most new users do not ask questions \"the SE way\", which quickly leads to down-votes and closing votes. For new users this is a direct slap in the face.\n\nWhat we rather should do is to *encourage* new users to improve their question, and if they do, give them the highly desired up-votes to make them come back for more. \n\nI think the reputation system on SE sites is a great motivator for writing good questions and answers. And if we want this site to grow, we need to let our fellow users grow with it."
},
{
"answer_id": 137,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "We've discussed this issue before [here in Meta](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/111/closing-locking-too-many-questions), but I think that part of the issue (and I'm guilty of it) is that regular users expect a certain amount of effort or back story from questions. To me, it seems that most [closed](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/search?q=closed%3Ayes) grey-area questions seem to be related to materials. So, questions that may be considered *too broad* as a general materials question may be a viable question for a newbie to the 3D printing world. A new comer may not be familiar with various material types (ie. PLA[filament], ABS[filament], Stainless Steel[powder], Bronze[powder], etc.).\n\nFocusing on material questions may be a good start to the concern. While it may be technically *too broad* asking materials questions, in reality, most questions (in FDM/FFF realm) are going to be either about PLA or ABS (maybe Nylon) unless there is a specified purpose for the object. So, if a user specifies (or hints) the preferred printing method (FDM/FFF, SLA, etc.) then I think we should let people use their better judgment in answering the question.\n\nWould it be appropriate to consider re-opening closed questions with the before mentioned criteria?"
},
{
"answer_id": 263,
"author": "Greenonline",
"author_id": 4762,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "One thing that I have noticed, especially after having been away for nearly a year, is how the mood of the site has changed, ever so slightly. It is just that recently there seem to be a bit more of the \"Did you google first, before asking here\" type comments (accompanied by a vote to close), in particular to newbie questions, or at least questions from those new to SE, but maybe not so new at 3D printing. I don't remember these types of comments so much prior to a year or so ago.\n\nWhile I agree that people need to do research, or at least demonstrate that they have done a bit, if people are coming here and asking an honest question (which is not a lazy homework related - and let's face it, there are not many, if any, 3D printer related homework questions) and that question is from someone genuinely interested in 3D printer with a tangible problem, then try to answer it, or at least provide a helpful comment.\n\nSeeing as we are not-quite-desperate-for-users but have an issue with user retention, then we should really not be throwing google in their face - no matter how frustrating a question may seem, or how obvious the answer appears to an old hand. Do we really want them running off to Reddit, or Quora, or Ask (Jeeves) or (god forbid) Yahoo answers, or some other place? Or is it better that we get them to stay here?\n\nBelieve me when I say that I know how irritating it can get, I have been there myself. I ended up not spending much time on SE.Arduino, for that same reason - in the end most of the questions started to seem nonsensical, repetitive and idiotic... because I had seen the same topics asked over and over again. I realised that I had to take a deep breath and step back a little - just because I knew the answer and had helped too many people before with the same issue, it didn't mean that someone new would not come along tomorrow and ask the same thing. \n\nYes, they should have checked google first, and yes, they should have seen the duplicate question had already been asked. However, maybe they didn't have the luxury of time to spend hours googling, or maybe they had not used the right search terms, or maybe English isn't their mother tongue, or whatever. However, it didn't mean that they needed to be made to feel daft. \n\nAfter all, if someone asks a question here, it probably isn't because they want to wind us up and make us angry - why would they do that? And it can't be judged as lazy, because, let's face it, it takes longer to formulate and ask a question on SE than it does to search for something on Google.\n\nA couple of friends of mine, independently of eachother, sent me this image which, while it made me laugh, also (rather sadly) sums up the \"Why are you asking me that?\" mentality that StackExchange is perceived as having by the wider techy internet community - this is *not* a good reputation to have..!\n\n[![Working at SE](https://i.stack.imgur.com/La323.png \"Working at SE\")](https://i.stack.imgur.com/La323.png \"Working at SE\")\n\nSo, all I am trying to say is, when you see a question asked by someone with a rep of 1, be nice and try to encourage them to stay, rather than scaring them off as soon as they set foot through the door. Don't forget it is probably their first question here and are quite nervous as to how they will be perceived (as one generally is when approaching a new group of people and having to ask something)."
},
{
"answer_id": 373,
"author": "Mark Harrison",
"author_id": 6851,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/6851",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I've been active on SO since it was in beta, and have participated in numerous SE sites when they were in beta.\n\nIt's my impression that there is much more enthusiasm for close votes here than in other sites which launched out of beta. I know that seems to discourage me from participating more, and may discourage others likewise.\n\nWhereas for programming and electronics my first goto is always stack, I'm finding that other sites are having better answers and a \"nicer\" approach to my n00bism in 3d printing.\n\nJust IMHO and FWIW!"
}
] | 2016/05/03 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/138",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98/"
] |
141 | Context: I have absolutely no knowledge of 3D printing other than you need a computer, a printer, some software, and a design. That is literally the extent of my knowledge on 3D printing.
However, I have an idea of something I'd like to have 3D printed. While the idea has a fairly reasonably defined shape in mind, it doesn't exist in any digital or paper format and has some specifics that still need to be filled out (such as accurate dimensions and a few design details).
I need to bridge the chasm of knowledge between my current design and limited knowledge to a fleshed-out design file with chosen materials and other specifics. A good chunk of my problem is that I don't even know *what* I should know. While I realize that this site is still fairly new and things are being nailed down, how do I ask the proper question(s) to fill in my knowledge gaps that will be on-topic for the site? Is there even a path forward for these kinds of questions on the site? | [
{
"answer_id": 142,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "~~There is a [new question on Meta](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/138/what-is-our-scope) that should help define what is okay on this site.~~\n\nHowever, your question is important to address here.\n\nUltimately, you shouldn't be afraid to go ahead and ask the question. If the question does not meet the conditions of the present site, the general public will be sure to let you know and (hopefully) help direct you in at least asking a more direct question.\n\nIf you post a question that is closed, it would acceptable to post a question here on Meta that specifically asks how to make your question fit within the scope of the site.\n\nI would suggest providing as much information as you have and feel free to ask the more general questions about 3D printing. Most people in the community will ask specific questions to try and help you. Some may even be able to fill in the blanks of what you're asking and provide you with very helpful answers."
},
{
"answer_id": 144,
"author": "Tormod Haugene",
"author_id": 115,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/115",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I think your situation fits for many new users on this site, and saying that \"easy\" or \"semi-defined\" questions are discouraged would probably turn you - and many others - away from the site.\n\nRather, I believe it is the community's job to help you find a proper scope for your question. As long as you follow it up, edit and improve your questions according to feedback (as we all should), I'm pretty sure even the \"easiest\" question will turn out good.\n\nIn other words: ask anyway and stay open to (or even better, request) feedback to help define your question better."
}
] | 2016/05/03 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/141",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1656/"
] |
147 | We have [a recent question](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/1117/alternative-3d-molding-techniques-at-home) that brings up the question of "*Should we support general hobbyist questions?*"
Currently, there doesn't appear to be a viable site within the SE network. The question at hand seems to be a mix between 3D Printing and DIY. If we allow this question, it could allow people to ask questions like the following:
* CNC Mills
* Routers
* Lasers
* etc. | [
{
"answer_id": 142,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "~~There is a [new question on Meta](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/138/what-is-our-scope) that should help define what is okay on this site.~~\n\nHowever, your question is important to address here.\n\nUltimately, you shouldn't be afraid to go ahead and ask the question. If the question does not meet the conditions of the present site, the general public will be sure to let you know and (hopefully) help direct you in at least asking a more direct question.\n\nIf you post a question that is closed, it would acceptable to post a question here on Meta that specifically asks how to make your question fit within the scope of the site.\n\nI would suggest providing as much information as you have and feel free to ask the more general questions about 3D printing. Most people in the community will ask specific questions to try and help you. Some may even be able to fill in the blanks of what you're asking and provide you with very helpful answers."
},
{
"answer_id": 144,
"author": "Tormod Haugene",
"author_id": 115,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/115",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I think your situation fits for many new users on this site, and saying that \"easy\" or \"semi-defined\" questions are discouraged would probably turn you - and many others - away from the site.\n\nRather, I believe it is the community's job to help you find a proper scope for your question. As long as you follow it up, edit and improve your questions according to feedback (as we all should), I'm pretty sure even the \"easiest\" question will turn out good.\n\nIn other words: ask anyway and stay open to (or even better, request) feedback to help define your question better."
}
] | 2016/05/06 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/147",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98/"
] |
151 | Are there any official naming conventions for tag names on Stack Exchange? And if not, how should tags be named?
From what I understand, one typically adds a *dash* (-) where you normally would leave a *space*, but how about tags that derive from words that are *[CamelCased](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/150/tag-for-mattercontrol-app)*, or somehow *[Prefixed](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/postproduction)*?
Examples (which also shows some inconsistencies):
```
Topic | Existing tag | Alternative tag?
----------------------------------------------------------
MatterControl | matter-control | mattercontrol
MakerBot | makerbot | maker-bot
Post-production | postproduction | post-production
Post-processing | post-processing | postprocessing
Multi-material | multi-material | multimaterial
```
Which of the above tag alternatives should we go for? | [
{
"answer_id": 152,
"author": "darth pixel",
"author_id": 1211,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1211",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would say we could use synonyms to stay with clear tag namespace.In this case we apply following pattern (especially for proper name (product name)):\n\n```\nTopic | Existing tag | Synonym?\n---------------+-----------------+--------------\nMatterControl | mattercontrol | matter-control\n\n```\n\nI think dash could be used to separate kinda branch for example:\n\n```\napp-cura, app-mattercontrol, app-meshmixer << these could be also synonyms\n3d-printer, 3d-models, 3d-design\n\n```\n\nof course we already have tags like\n\n```\nfeature-request, switching-power-supply\n\n```\n\nbut they are descriptive and would be unreadable written as one word, one may say these describe actions"
},
{
"answer_id": 155,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "Looking at other SE sites, the most common approach seems to make everything lowercase (including names and trademarks) and using hyphens whenever there would be a space or hyphen in normal usage.\n\nAs such:\n\n* MatterControl becomes mattercontrol\n* Makerbot becomes makerbot\n* Post-production becomes post-production\n* Post-processing becomes post-processing\n* Multi-material becomes multi-material"
},
{
"answer_id": 269,
"author": "Greenonline",
"author_id": 4762,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Based on the answers already posted, I am changing [postproduction](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/postproduction \"show questions tagged 'postproduction'\") to [post-production](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/post-production \"show questions tagged 'post-production'\"), I have only just seen this and it immediately looked odd.\n\nAlso, what is the difference between [post-production](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/post-production \"show questions tagged 'post-production'\") and [post-processing](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/post-processing \"show questions tagged 'post-processing'\"), or are they synonyms? [post-production](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/post-production \"show questions tagged 'post-production'\") has no description whatsoever. See [What is the difference between post-production and post-processing?](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/270/what-is-the-difference-between-post-production-and-post-processing)"
}
] | 2016/05/10 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/151",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/115/"
] |
156 | I'd like to discuss the case ['How to enlarge a Sketchup Model'](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/1144/how-to-enlarge-a-sketchup-model) question and my answer of course.
I do agree with Robert Cehlouba when he said:
'*The folks here will work hard to curate this collection of knowledge(...)*'
It's true that SE forums are so valuable also because there are hard working moderators and editors - no doubt.
I also agree with this (but with some objections):
'*(...) when someone finally finds this site through search, the last thing we want to do is send them elsewhere to find that information*'
Being strict, according to this part, linking is not allowed... which is not true isn't it?. I didn't link poor websites or other forums or any information from "somewhere" / "elsewhere". I did link "the sources", pages which are the real sources of the knowledg in the case of asked question. And because these sources are quite big and stable, it's high prpbablility that there were available for long time (till the question and answer will have any meaning) and they will be the most accurate and up to date as possible.
So the question is, should I rewrite such sources just because answer based on links is not allowed or maybe it's better to be not such strict.
Please consider and express what you think about such situations.
ps: I admit my answer could be comment insted of answer and if there will be such will of mods I'll rewrite it as comment as I wanted to help this user (and I think he upvoted which means he gathered the knowledge he asked for). | [
{
"answer_id": 152,
"author": "darth pixel",
"author_id": 1211,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1211",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would say we could use synonyms to stay with clear tag namespace.In this case we apply following pattern (especially for proper name (product name)):\n\n```\nTopic | Existing tag | Synonym?\n---------------+-----------------+--------------\nMatterControl | mattercontrol | matter-control\n\n```\n\nI think dash could be used to separate kinda branch for example:\n\n```\napp-cura, app-mattercontrol, app-meshmixer << these could be also synonyms\n3d-printer, 3d-models, 3d-design\n\n```\n\nof course we already have tags like\n\n```\nfeature-request, switching-power-supply\n\n```\n\nbut they are descriptive and would be unreadable written as one word, one may say these describe actions"
},
{
"answer_id": 155,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "Looking at other SE sites, the most common approach seems to make everything lowercase (including names and trademarks) and using hyphens whenever there would be a space or hyphen in normal usage.\n\nAs such:\n\n* MatterControl becomes mattercontrol\n* Makerbot becomes makerbot\n* Post-production becomes post-production\n* Post-processing becomes post-processing\n* Multi-material becomes multi-material"
},
{
"answer_id": 269,
"author": "Greenonline",
"author_id": 4762,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Based on the answers already posted, I am changing [postproduction](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/postproduction \"show questions tagged 'postproduction'\") to [post-production](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/post-production \"show questions tagged 'post-production'\"), I have only just seen this and it immediately looked odd.\n\nAlso, what is the difference between [post-production](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/post-production \"show questions tagged 'post-production'\") and [post-processing](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/post-processing \"show questions tagged 'post-processing'\"), or are they synonyms? [post-production](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/post-production \"show questions tagged 'post-production'\") has no description whatsoever. See [What is the difference between post-production and post-processing?](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/270/what-is-the-difference-between-post-production-and-post-processing)"
}
] | 2016/05/13 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/156",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/1211/"
] |
159 | It's pretty manageable right now due to the low question rate, but I think maybe ~3% of all questions this site will get, forever, will be "what's the best printer" or "what printer should I buy" type questions. They're mostly coming from people who don't know enough about 3DP to articulate their requirements, so they're difficult to help and very unfocused. Is there a better way to handle this than locking them as they come up? | [
{
"answer_id": 160,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I think the site tries to prevent this as best as possible, short of having a bot prevent the post.\n\n* There is the [Don't Ask](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/help/dont-ask) page and the [On-Topic](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/help/on-topic) (which we have control over its content).\n* The suggested/related questions that appear when asking a question. Ideally users at least regard its existence before posting the question.\n* There appears to be a pop-up that does try to warn the user that their question is \"subjective\". I tested it really quick, see the image below[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/uRJdC.png)\n* All else fails, that's what moderators are for. Moderators should utilize the tools available to them. So even if these types of questions pile up, there are means of quickly identifying. A simple feature, available to everyone, is advanced searches. I try to use searches like [this](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/search?q=title%3A%223d%20printer%22%20is%3Aquestion) to quickly identify large groups of questions that may need attention.\n\t+ It might be nice to have more options over whether keywords can be contained or not, \"asker\" reputation, \"answerer\" reputation, etc."
},
{
"answer_id": 161,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "A good option would be to have several reference questions, such as \"What to look for when comparing printers?\" or \"How to select a 3D printer?\" to which we could redirect these users."
},
{
"answer_id": 163,
"author": "Zizouz212",
"author_id": 138,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/138",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "You've got a few options:\n\n1.\n==\n\nOften, what we do is you have a canonical \"catch-all\" question.\n\nSince the shopping questions seem to have been deemed off-topic, this is probably your best bet. What you need to do is to guide users to select a printer themselves, but by asking them a set of criteria. Therefore, you would need an answer that addresses the following questions (but in no way limited to the following):\n\n* What filament do I choose?\n* What's my budget?\n* What size do I need?\n\n... etc.\n\nWith such a post, you guide users to what they want, and then in the end, you can recommend a few printers.\n\nAlso, this question has to be locked using what's known as a wiki-lock. This way, the community can edit the question to update it, and it prevents spam and other nonsensical answers.\n\n2.\n==\n\nYou close them as off-topic.\n\nSince this seems to be a persistent problem, it would be helpful to add a custom close reason (hey mods! That's for you!). Something along the lines of this would be good:\n\n> \n> Questions asking for the recommendation of a printer or other 3D printing-related resource are off-topic because they tend to attract opinion-based questions, low-quality answers, and spam. For more information, see [Why are recommendations off-topic and where can I ask?](link to a meta post)\n> \n> \n> \n\nYou get the community to get support for the close reason, and a moderator implements it to allow questions to be closed. Bingo!\n\nHowever, you're going to need a meta post explaining why they are off-topic as well as other information. That's good etiquette: you don't leave users stranded and you continue to guide them to where they can ask a question.\n\n3.\n==\n\nYou do 1. first.\n\nThen, you allow such \"shopping\" questions to be on-topic, as long as they follow the specific criteria and answer all the questions that you have outlined in the meta post. Otherwise, you close it.\n\nNumerous sites do this. On Open Source, we allow questions that ask for the recommendation of an open source license. We have a meta post on what you need to include, as well as a dedicated close reason in case something is not of quality. It works very well.\n\nThe only downside, is that it can take a bit of time and work to get right."
},
{
"answer_id": 203,
"author": "StarWind0",
"author_id": 2146,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/2146",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I face this question very very frequently. On 3d printing and 3d printing hobbyists facebook group we can see this daily. \n\nThe ideas of giving people a catch all set of questions is nice.. That is exactly what I did 6 months ago. I put it in the group rules and did everything I could to get people to read it. To date 0 people, even after directly being told to, have used my list of questions.\n\nIn my opinion we need to educate the user, nicely. Also we need to remove the question with flagging. Hopefully without offending the person and thus scaring them away from the community.. Maybe just flag as duplicate, etc. Unfortunately this will one of those situations where we cannot perfectly solve."
}
] | 2016/06/02 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/159",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/298/"
] |
177 | [This question](https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/244366/how-do-i-tell-if-my-thermistors-are-10k-or-100k) was migrated to electronics.SE. To me the migration makes no sense:
* The question deals with a problem that is relevant to the users of this site
* This site can provide a more specialized answer than electronics.SE can provide: you don't just need to know whether it's a 10k or 100k thermistor, but also figure out the correct thermistor table in your firmware. electronics.SE does not have knowledge of 3D printer firmware, which is the issue underlying this question.
Obviously there's some overlap between Arduino/Electronics/3D printing, but what determines whether a question should be migrated? | [
{
"answer_id": 178,
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"text": "The question was migrated because the specific question of \"*How do I tell if my Thermistors are 10k or 100k?*\" is going to be best answered by users of Electrical Engineering SE. This also provides the SE network with more appropriate traffic based on the question at hand.\n\nHowever, if the question of \"*How can I change the thermistors settings in Marlin firmware?*\" were to arise, then the question would be best suited here on 3D Printing. It might help both SE sites by providing links to each other's relevant questions for future users to reference.\n\nIf the question was something like \"*How can I wire a hotend?*\", this would be more appropriate here on 3D Printing SE as users in Electrical Engineering SE may not know as much about the topic compared to users in 3D Printing. This may be a poor example, but the idea is that there is strict correlation between *hotends* and 3D printing, whereas identifying thermistors is not a specific topic to just 3D printing.\n\n**Update**\n\nAfter reading a few posts on SE meta, [this one](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/10249/what-is-migration-and-how-does-it-work) leads me to agree with you that this particular question may not have needed to be migrated. However, it exposes an important question of how we want to proceed with questions like this in the future? How far down the rabbit hole do we want to allow this site to go in this topic? I'd recommend others pitch in recommendations in answers here on what would be the appropriate topic in this case that can be applied to our [On-Topic](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/help/on-topic) page so that it may be amended."
},
{
"answer_id": 296,
"author": "Sean Houlihane",
"author_id": 4927,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4927",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I don't think the question should be migrated. For EE.SE, the question is just stupidly obvious. Even a fairly inexperienced lab tech. would know how to go about answering that question. It really isn't an electronic engineering question at all.\n\nHere, the answer (assuming the question is actually the question that the user needed to ask) would be 'buy the cheapest meter you can find', or 'buy both, you might not make much use of a cheap meter anyway'. Context makes a big difference."
}
] | 2016/07/05 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/177",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26/"
] |
179 | I originally posted this on Meta StackExchange to judge whether my thoughts fit within SE and have been redirected back to our Meta.
We've received a few questions along the lines of purchasing references since we've opened in Beta. While I personally don't think direct questions about "*What is the best 3D printer to buy?*" are appropriate questions, I'm curious about a potential middle ground.
Should we consider including tags such as [printer-review](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/printer-review "show questions tagged 'printer-review'"), [buyer-review](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/buyer-review "show questions tagged 'buyer-review'"), or [printer-reference](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/printer-reference "show questions tagged 'printer-reference'")? The idea being that certain questions would inherit one of these tags (or something similar) to help facilitate traffic to specific questions. These questions would pose ideally be (in the OP's eyes) useful in making a purchase decision.
Case in point:
[This question](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/801/cons-to-uv-printing), outlining some of the potential relative cons to UV printing compared to FDM/FFF printing, could prove useful to someone looking into purchasing a new UV printer.
This idea can be combined with those proposed [here](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/159/is-there-any-way-to-prevent-endless-best-first-printer-posts), such as @TomvanderZanden's suggestion to create a series of controlled "best" questions.
**Amendment**
I might also suggest that if we, as a community, decide to use such a system have moderators lock these questions to avoid any sort of spam (unnecessary answers). These questions should also be set to ***community wiki*** to ensure that any bias is dealt with as a community. | [
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"text": "I've seen a few questions in the past week or so of people asking questions that would fit under the printer-review or buyer review tags you've suggested. However I don't think they are quite within the scope of the main site. \n\nSpecific questions regarding the benefits of one style of printer over another would be well suited to the site simply because they're less opinion based than than what a 'review' tag would tend to suggest. \n\nThe question you've posted as a reference, I would say is well suited to the SE since it's asking specific and quantifiable questions with potentially correct or incorrect answers. I think any question posed that could fit under a tag of \"printer-review\" would tend to be more opinion based regardless of how the question is phrased. I'm probably the worst out there for posting answers that are a mix of fact and opinion already, no need to encourage me to be more opinionated!"
},
{
"answer_id": 235,
"author": "markshancock",
"author_id": 6417,
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"text": "I like the idea of incorporating product reviews into the 3dprinting StackExchange\n----------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n**Why?**\n\n1. It fits the Q&A model of Stack Exchange\n2. Product pre-purchase questions are probably the number 1 question every new user wants to ask and needs to know ([as Rxac noted](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/159/is-there-any-way-to-prevent-endless-best-first-printer-posts)). We should attempt to find a way to help provide that answer.\n3. It provides a bridge to further questions. Once they purchase a printer, they will have questions.\n4. Since it is the number 1 question for new users, what a great way to draw them to the site. When they search, they should find this site has the answer.\n5. It gives us a way to point people on forums here. I often see links to reviews on forums. Why can't those point here? Once they are here, hopefully we will stay and contribute.\n6. It would provide a great source of new content. The number of new products and new users are growing at an exponential rate.\n7. If we do it right, it will help users and help move us forward on our Beta Goals.\n\n**Challenges** \n\n1. We need to make sure the reviews are well done and are StackExchange style answers. What I mean by that is that where they will likely have some opinion-based content, the primary content should be based primarily on objective qualities. Maybe some sort of a \"Style Guide\", limitations on who can post, and peer review would help mitigate that. I am not that familiar with how to manage that on a StackExchange.\n2. Maybe this is a repeat of #1 - UNIFORMITY.\n3. Making sure the reviews doesn't become product advertisement / self promotions."
}
] | 2016/07/07 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/179",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98/"
] |
182 | Following this [issue](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/2617/decent-cnc-control-software-for-osx) I would like to propose to allow general CNC related questions here as well. 3D Printers are CNC machines, they only add instead of subtract. 3D printers use G-Code, just like CNC milling machines.
3D Printing alone makes for a very narrow community if it excludes subtractive manufacturing questions. For example, there is no python.stackexchange.com or javascript.stackexchange.com, all of that goes into one network: stackoverflow.com. That's just the same level of division.
Navel-gazing has never done anyone good :) | [
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"text": "As has been discussed previously [here](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/147/hobbyist-machine-questions-on-topic), the relevance of CNC questions on this site depend on the questions closeness to 3D printing. So, for instance, if the software you are asking about is the same as a 3D printer would use, I would agree that it can be asked here. However, if the software is dedicated to CNC machines and unusable for 3D printers, it does not belong here at the time being.\n\nIf the software you are looking for indeed works for both 3D printers and CNC machines, then perhaps you could specify this in your question to make it more relevant to this site?"
},
{
"answer_id": 184,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
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"text": "There are tens of SE sites that deal with programming in some way, shape or form. SO is obviously the most general one of these, but there are many more specialized ones (CodeReview,TeX,Programmers,Drupal/Wordpress/Joomla/Server Fault/Ubuntu/...). If this site had been \"Makers StackExchange\" or \"Digital Fabrication\" then your question might have been appropriate (this site being a more general one), but \"3D printing\" should be seen as a more specialized one (but if you think there is a need for a specific Makers SE or a CNC SE, then you could consider going to Area51).\n\nThis site is called \"3D printing\" and CNC milling is definitely not 3D printing. I think it does very much make sense to limit 3D printing to \"additive fabrication\". This is not a particularly narrow scope, since there are many types of 3D printer, and not all of them use G-code. Powder printers (binder jetting) and DLP printers are driven with raster images, for instance.\n\nIf the scope were extended to cover your question (which is about 2D milling, not even 3D milling, while we're at it) then I wonder if that meant that questions like \"How many flutes do I need on my 8mm ball-nose left-hand bit when cutting unobtainium with my feedrate at the speed of sound?\" would also be in scope. When I hear \"3D printing SE\" I would definitely not expect *that*.\n\nI would add that your question might have been closed on a hypothetical \"CNC SE\" as well for a variety of reasons:\n\n* Opinion based/list question\n* Very little own effort\n* Too broad (need to be more specific)"
}
] | 2016/08/11 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/182",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/3813/"
] |
189 | I noticed that the most popular tag (82 questions tagged) is [3d-printer](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/3d-printer), and that we also have a [3d-printing](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/3d-printing) tag (23 questions). These seem extremely redundant to me, given that they *should* apply to any question that is on-topic and thus serve no practical purpose. These tags are simply too broad.
The usage guidance for 3d-printer is quite board ("Questions about a specific brand, model, or type of 3D printer.") and 3d-printing does not even have one.
I would suggest to get rid of these tags. For comparison, [Stack Exchange](https://stackoverflow.com/tags) does not have a programming tag either. However, they do have various tags that end in "-programming", such as "functional-programming", "linear-programming", etc... Our equivalents would be fdm(-printing), sla(-printing),... | [
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"selected": true,
"text": "This tag has been removed from the system and made intrinsic. \n\n[Please cleanup the questions that now have no tags...](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/untagged)"
},
{
"answer_id": 335,
"author": "Greenonline",
"author_id": 4762,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762",
"pm_score": 1,
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"text": "The fact that there is a synonym appears to be the reason that both tags are still hanging around, in the [list of synonyms](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/tags/synonyms):\n\n> \n> [![Synonyms](https://i.stack.imgur.com/RpBnK.png \"Synonyms\")](https://i.stack.imgur.com/RpBnK.png \"Synonyms\")\n> \n> \n> \n\nand on the tag page\n\n> \n> [![3d-printer tag](https://i.stack.imgur.com/oxuXK.png \"3d-printer tag\")](https://i.stack.imgur.com/oxuXK.png \"3d-printer tag\")\n> \n> \n> \n\nI have deleted the synonym and hopefully that will clear things up once and for all."
}
] | 2016/11/15 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/189",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26/"
] |
196 | In past few months, there are a devastatingly few number of users that cast up votes, and many of users aren't coming back to site, and existing users don't have so much reputation, because no one is voting up great questions / answers.
So... let me start like this..
[THIS IS REALLY DEVASTATING](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users?tab=Voters&filter=all)
We all need to vote up users and try to answer their questions, so we can get more users answering / asking questions. Main reason I'm writing this post is because this is great site, but we need new regular users that are going to vote and ask questions. I think it all came down to 20-30 active users, and rest of users aren't so active.
I'm relatively new to site. I've decided to use it because it helped me a lot, and I'm doing my best to answer the questions. My main concern is also that my answers also don't get any vote up.
So... I'll let it all out. I think that main concern that we need to focus on is motivation.
WE NEED TO MOTIVATE OTHERS TO VOTE. And we all can do that if we vote other users up.
That's from my perspective. Even one vote up motivates you to go further.
I think that I explained what I mean. :) It's all in VOTE UP! | [
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"text": "I completely agree! I just posted [my own reminder](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/197/3d-printing-se-beta-status), focusing more on efforts to get us out of Beta.\n\nI'm sorry you can feel discouraged sometimes, I think a lot of users around the Stack Exchange network can feel that way at times.\n\nI think people sometimes forget that an up-vote to an answer isn't necessarily that it was helpful to you, specifically. But, rather that **the answer is a good *quality* answer** and **will be *useful* to others** as well!"
},
{
"answer_id": 199,
"author": "Greenonline",
"author_id": 4762,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "Strangely enough, I was thinking (prior to reading this post) that this particular SE site was quite good w.r.t. the voting, when compared to some other sites. Most of my questions/answers have received votes, whereas on other (nameless) sites, I have posted a number of questions/answers and not received [m]any votes at all. However, this must be my (inaccurate) perception, as the stats shows that the voting is not at the desired levels.\n\nWhile it is important to votes and vote often, it is worth remembering that we shouldn't just vote willy-nilly. I have noticed that some beta sites, especially in the early days, tend to get rather frenzied (or, if you will, overly enthusiastic) voting, which one does not necessarily see in the more established sites, where the voting has settled down and only the (oft mentioned) *awesome* answers are voted for. This overly enthusiastic voting can *sometimes* end up giving random votes to questions that are not particularly researched, or answers that are not fully accurate, which maybe do not deserve any votes at all.\n\nI am not sure why this (comparatively) frenzied voting occurs, or why it dies down, nor am I sure what (which?) level of voting is appropriate - although it is obvious that poorly researched questions and inaccurate answers should not be voted up. \n\nRegardless, I would agree that voting *does* act as an incentive to contribute to the site, as well as the idea that voting for a good question, or accurate answer, even if that question/answer does not apply directly to you, because it will help other users. Indeed the latter is the entire premise of Stack Exchange."
},
{
"answer_id": 201,
"author": "StarWind0",
"author_id": 2146,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/2146",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Hmm yeah we might have a minor problem. I know most of my rep is disportionately from question acceptance and unusually low for +1s. I wonder if it has to do with any active member being able to be on the top 50 list their first month, thus people maybe hoarding their upvotes trying to be number one?"
},
{
"answer_id": 206,
"author": "Josip Ivic",
"author_id": 334,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/334",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "So, I'm the first who got [**Electorate**](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/help/badges/44/electorate) badge. Go guys and fetch that badge. You can only get that badge by voting. This is a very young SE site, and there's need for users that vote, because voting is encouraging others to post and to discuss.\n\nCheers once again and remember to vote up!"
}
] | 2016/12/05 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/196",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/334/"
] |
197 | I'd like to talk about site building a little bit. We have now been in public Beta for almost a year now and I feel that we've learned a lot about what audience we have here on Stack Exchange. However, we've got a little ways to go before we can make it out of Beta.
The Stats
=========
* *Questions per day* is **2.1**/10; 21% of the way there
* Our *answer rate* is still good with **96%**
* We need to work on our votes
+ We have **56**/150 users with *200+ reputation*
+ We have **4**/10 users with *2,000+ reputation*
+ We have **3**/5 users with *3,000+ reputation*
* Our *answers per question* ratio is **2.0**/2.5. which is good, but could be better
* We currently hold an average of **753** *visits per day* out of a recommended 1,500 per day.
All of these stats are live and always available on [our Area51 site](http://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/82438/3d-printing).
Let's increase our Visits!
--------------------------
Ultimately, the kink in the chain is that we do not have enough visitors. The more visitors we accrue, the easier it may become to reach some of these smaller goals such as ***questions per day*** and ***user reputation***. Remember that the home page for 3D Printing has sharing links to social media sites.
There are a growing number of 3D printing sites such as Thingiverse, 3D Hubs, MakeXYZ, Shapeways, etc. All of these sites have avid users and I'm sure many of them have questions on a regular basis and are more than happy to share their knowledge with other Makers/Professionals.
Let's increase our Votes!
-------------------------
The more people we have visiting the site, the more **opportunity** we have have gaining more reputation.
As Josip Ivic states in a recent [Meta post](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/196/remember-to-vote), asking/answering questions becomes a chore if people don't feel that they're efforts are appreciated or good enough. Often times there is legitimate research going into answering certain questions, so there can be real work going into providing people with quality answers.
The same goes for asking questions. If you've been in the same predicament or appreciate a well written question, give the question an up-vote.
Meta Activity
-------------
I think it is also important for everyone to occasionally review the latest here on Meta. It's a great tool for people to express how they feel the site could be better! | [
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"text": "Well we need to attract more members! Personally I know a lot of people that can help us attract more. Myself I run a facebook group with 6k members called 3d printing hobbyists. That said I am also friends with the admins of the other and larger groups. \n\nIf I had some good promo material I could probably get folks like 3d printing nerd to mention the SO group in his highly visible channel."
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"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "**Are we at the limit on how big we can grow if we are only talking about \"3D printers\"**\n\n1. The 3D printing market is growing; but, it is still a pretty small niche compared to broader subjects like Programming, Engineering, Cooking, etc.\n2. 3D printers are really pretty simple compared to the other topics I mentioned above. There aren't going to be as many questions.\n3. There is a wide diversity of printers and most commercial (non RepRap) printers are supported by the individual manufacturer's forums.\n\nThat said, 753 visits/day (which is less than the number of people in the launch) and 2.1 questions/day are both pretty pathetic. I think pretty much every 3D Printing forum, Facebook group, and YouTube channel WAY exceeds those numbers.\n\n**Only being able to ask and answer questions may also be a BIG limitation to our growth**\n\n3D Printing is part of the general Maker Culture and Makers want to not just ask; but, they want to show off and talk about what they make. That is a lot of what I see on the other venues and that may be why we aren't getting as much traction here.\n\n**We need to find a way to channel the nubies and students here**\n\nI know nubies can be annoying; but, they ask more questions. Lots of questions on StackOverflow come from students and nubies.\n\n---\n\n**So, what can we do?**\n\n1. Broaden our scope from just \"3D Printing\". The original Beta description is \"tools and applications of 3D printing\" which is a bit wider. Maybe we should try to get more CAD, scanning, and maybe even CNC questions.\n2. I wonder if Stack Exchange would be interested in getting a booth at our local Maker Faires. They seem to be willing to partner money with effort and a booth is pretty cheap if we can muster the manpower.\n3. Could we do a [community-ad](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/237281/community-ads-faq). It looks like they may be [taking requests](https://meta.serverfault.com/questions/9028/community-promotion-ads-2017/9040) now.\n4. Maybe we could partner with someone to do a \"Print-a-thon\" or printing contest. They could post the results and push the questions to us.\n5. Find a way to connect to schools that have printing and/or CAD classes or after-school activities.\n6. Connect into other student activities that use 3D printing whether it be art or things like Robotics Competitions."
}
] | 2016/12/05 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/197",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98/"
] |
213 | I'll start off on a good note and congratulate everyone in the community for continually supporting each other. We have maintained a great answer rate here on 3D Printing SE with a answer rate of 96%. I believe this rate has been maintained since day one and it's hard to keep up, especially with fluctuations in user activity.
However, I would like to at least address an issue I've seen trending. Most of the issue comes from old posts and new, unfamiliar users to the SE network. Anyways, there is an abnormally high number of unaccepted answers.
Specifically, on 01/28/2017 9am Pacific US, there are **658 questions** ***with answers***, ***258*** of which have **no answer accepted**. This is an ***answer acceptance rate of about 40%***.
Updated to 11/16/2018 10am CET, there are **1682 questions** ***with answers*** (of a total of 1788 questions), ***706*** of which have **no answer accepted**. This is an ***answer acceptance rate of about 42%***, although improved, it is still very low!
---
Now, I've done this in the past with little payout, but perhaps if we have more eyes on it moving forward. I have gone through the list of questions [here](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/search?q=hasaccepted%3Ano+answers%3A1) and commented on the question to ask the OP if any of the answers helped solve their situation. Something like this (see also meta posting [Do we have Standardised Comments?](/questions/303/do-we-have-standardised-comments)):
>
> Hello @[UserName], I noticed your question has been up for a while now. Have any of the answers below been able to solve your question? If so, would you mind accepting the appropriate answer. If not, what is missing so that we may help you further? Also, if you have figured it out on your own, you can always answer and accept your own solution. Thank you.
>
>
>
This should hopefully ping the user. Also, going through these questions may bring up questions that may need moderator attention/intervention.
Hopefully we can tackle this issue and get some other users more reputation in the process. | [
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"selected": false,
"text": "Hands up, guilty as charged. In my defence sometimes using the answer as given raises even more questions. In mitigation, from the knowledge gained (from helpful folk or simply own stupidity), I now contribute to others starting out. Will try harder.\n\nP.S. Is there anywhere in the forum with a cure for life interrupting printing? Wife, dog, children, grandchildren all eat into my learning time....sigh."
},
{
"answer_id": 375,
"author": "Trish",
"author_id": 8884,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/8884",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I have the feeling that a lot of the questions with non-accepted answers are users that came in for one or two questions and then left for good without ever accepting an answer. They might even have forgotten about this place.\n\nFor the note: we have (according to [Area 51](https://area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/lookup/3dprinting.stackexchange.com)) 11,291 users that have joined (probably including spammers). Of these only 168 have gained 200 or more Rep, which is a quota of 1.488%. So only about 1.5% of the userbase has shown more than a glancing activity. 200 points equivalent to 40 votes on questions or 20 on answers, so it is a point showing at least some dedication to the stack."
}
] | 2017/01/28 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/213",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98/"
] |
219 | I know that here at SE I cant ask recommendation of products and so. I have a printer that I wanna buy and I want to know if it's good. Where should I post this question in order to get some smart people to take a look? | [
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"text": "Great question! 3DPrinting SE attracts a lot of new Stack Exchange network users, which unfortunately can come with questions that don't always meet the Q&A style for the network that this site tries to uphold.\n\nQuestions like this are probably best asked in the [Chat](http://chat.stackexchange.com/rooms/34216/the-hotbed-3d-printing) room. Currently, it's not very active, but hopefully if we have a few people interested in these more \"off-topic\" questions the activity will pick up. Pings are going to be a very useful tool if we're going to try and utilize the chat window more. Pinging some of the highly active users may help get quality answers to those off-topic questions."
},
{
"answer_id": 234,
"author": "markshancock",
"author_id": 6417,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/6417",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "Some of your question could be acceptable. What you want to avoid is \"questions which are too broad, unclear, incomplete or primarily opinion-based\". That still leaves lots of other acceptable questions to ask like what printers have a specific feature or whether a specific printer has a specific feature. Note the word \"specific\".\n\nThere is also a [Hardware Recommendations](https://hardwarerecs.stackexchange.com/) SE Beta that may work for you."
}
] | 2017/03/19 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/219",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/6352/"
] |
222 | This question may require migration to Meta.SE, as it could be a site-wide "bug", but I thought that I would test the waters here, to see if there is an obvious explanation.
I noticed that a question of mine had been modified, on April 16, by "Song Khmer" in the [unanswered questions list](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/unanswered), when sorted by votes1:
>
> [](https://i.stack.imgur.com/nY7mi.png)
>
>
>
However, when checking the [revision history](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/posts/3015/revisions), the April 16 edit, by *Song Khmer*, is not shown. The last modification was the "https everywhere" edit, three days prior:
>
> [](https://i.stack.imgur.com/p5B9M.png)
>
>
>
I've not noticed the behaviour before. What is going on? Is it a bug, or something really obvious that I can't see?
Was it a rejected edit? If the latter, then should it really be shown in the Unanswered question list? Shouldn't the modifications listed in the Unanswered questions list, actually only be accepted modifications/edits?
---
1 The unanswered list, and the sorting, are irrelevant to the actual issue. | [
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"selected": false,
"text": "The Stack Exchange network is undergoing a transition to HTTPS for its sites, including 3D Printing SE.\n\nThis edit (from Community, it looks like), was probably scripted from SE Staff in attempt to fix content on Questions and Answers. Ultimately, I don't think this is worth migrating the SE Meta."
},
{
"answer_id": 227,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": true,
"text": "Regarding the \"invisible modification\", there is technically a modification made multiple times by the user **Song Khmer** (now destroyed). This user was posting nonsense to your question by copying text from your question and posting it as an answer.\n\nThe reason you probably did not see this in the revision history is:\n\n1) it wasn't a direct edit to your question\n\n2) I believe only moderators can see deleted posts.\n\n[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/2VAiLs.png) [click here for full view](https://i.stack.imgur.com/2VAiL.png) of deleted posts\n\nI'm pretty sure that anytime someone posts an answer or edits your question, the post raises the modified flag. In this case, when the user was posting answers it would properly flag the post. But, the flag remained even after the answers were deleted (there were 3 answers)."
}
] | 2017/05/10 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/222",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762/"
] |
226 | I have just edited a new post, [Help understanding bridge settings](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/4153/help-understanding-bridge-settings), so that the video would be "inlined" and playable in the post itself1.
However, the video does not show up, and only the raw link (`https://youtu.be/HaeCBru3mOI`) is displayed:
>
> [](https://i.stack.imgur.com/f7jmC.png)
>
>
>
This is the markup:
>
> [](https://i.stack.imgur.com/ukkfG.png)
>
>
>
I have used the *same* markup method, for inlining the video clip as this post, [Is ATC communication subject to FCC profanity regulations?](https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/34121/is-atc-communication-subject-to-fcc-profanity-regulations), on SE.Aviation:
>
> [](https://i.stack.imgur.com/kgTCg.png)
>
>
>
and there the video clip is inlined:
>
> [](https://i.stack.imgur.com/LrHrI.png)
>
>
>
---
### TL;DR
Is video inlining disabled on SE.3D Printing, or is it because we are still beta?
If it can be enabled , then should/could it be enabled?
I personally think it would be useful to enable it, and save a few mouse clicks (and RSI) having to open the video in another tab/window etc. What do other people think?
---
1 See [Allow embedded HTML5 YouTube video](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/121209/allow-embedded-html5-youtube-video?rq=1) | [
{
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"selected": true,
"text": "Per answer to [What are the limitations in Beta](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/296832/what-are-the-limitations-in-beta)\n\n\"Inline videos is a feature that is off by default on all sites and only turned on if the community thinks it's necessary to improve the quality of a good portion of their question base.\""
},
{
"answer_id": 313,
"author": "Sean Houlihane",
"author_id": 4927,
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"pm_score": 2,
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"text": "Yes, I think on this site it would be useful - but we need to be fairly aggressive about closing questions that don't have a fully readable 'text' question. The video must only be for clarification, not as a replacement for writing a question."
},
{
"answer_id": 400,
"author": "Greenonline",
"author_id": 4762,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "A note of caution, [this post](https://stackoverflow.com/c/moderators/questions/257#answer-261) on the Stack Moderators site, Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2's post, [How do you request embedded video for your site?](https://stackoverflow.com/c/moderators/questions/257) - As mods can only follow these links I've included the content below:\n\n> \n> I don't know how exactly to request it, but I do want to point at one\n> pretty big downside.\n> \n> \n> **The player is pretty darn big.** Plus, my experience is that it has a tendency to eat CPU cycles for breakfast.\n> \n> \n> I looked at the numbers [about a year ago over on Space Exploration\n> Meta](https://space.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/883/are-there-ways-to-make-posts-with-images-better-for-low-connect-speed-users-doe/885#comment3547_885).\n> What I found was:\n> \n> \n> \n> > \n> > Loading <https://space.stackexchange.com/q/21891/415> without using the browser cache downloads 7642 KB for me just now. Of that,\n> > `www.youtube.com` is responsible for 3182 KB and `i.stack.imgur.com`\n> > another 2729 KB. Excluding just the embedded images and the\n> > video-related downloads leaves about 1.7 MB to be downloaded. That's\n> > still a sizable chunk of data for what basically amounts to a few\n> > pages of text, but not quite as extreme as 7.6 MB.\n> > \n> > \n> > \n> \n> \n> So one video embed adds about 3 MB download for everyone viewing the\n> post, regardless of whether or not they are in any way interested in\n> the video. (I think the video itself is downloaded on demand, so if\n> someone actually watches the video, that adds even more data, but at\n> that point at least they have some interest in it.) In situations\n> where connections are metered by the megabyte, this can add up\n> quickly, and is something that should be kept in mind before turning\n> on this feature. Not everyone is on a fast,\n> no-extra-charge-per-megabyte connection.\n> \n> \n> (Yes, I'm big on keeping text as mostly text. I'm old-fashioned in\n> that regard.)\n> \n> \n> \n\nAlso [this post](https://stackoverflow.com/c/moderators/questions/257#answer-260):\n\n> \n> \n> > \n> > Are there any downsides to having embedded video (performance or otherwise)?\n> > \n> > \n> > \n> \n> \n> Yep, [performance could be an issue](https://meta.stackexchange.com/a/279637/295232). Also, malicious users could post links to videos with ... questionable ... content (though this could be alleviated by requiring some reputation to post embedded videos, just as some sites do with pictures).\n> \n> \n>"
}
] | 2017/05/29 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/226",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762/"
] |
230 | We have, now, assertained that *inlined videos* (for want of a better description) are currently turned off (disabled) for SE 3D Printing, but can be turned on at any time, and there is no need to wait for the site to exit Beta, see [Is the "inlining videos" capability turned off on this site?](https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/226/is-the-inlining-videos-capability-turned-off-on-this-site)
The question now is, should we enable it?
I have seen a few (2?) cases where the OP has linked to a video in order to succinctly describe their issue. As Ecnerwal points out in [their answer](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/4153/help-understanding-bridge-settings#answer-4157) to [Help understanding bridge settings](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/4153/help-understanding-bridge-settings), watching videos, and in particular having to click on a link to watch them, can be somewhat onerous. Having the video inlined, *might* make it less so.
BTW, I don't know what [backend or UX] disadvantages there would be to switching it on, although there are these [cautionary tales](http://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/226/is-the-inlining-videos-capability-turned-off-on-this-site#answer-400). | [
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"pm_score": 3,
"selected": true,
"text": "Per answer to [What are the limitations in Beta](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/296832/what-are-the-limitations-in-beta)\n\n\"Inline videos is a feature that is off by default on all sites and only turned on if the community thinks it's necessary to improve the quality of a good portion of their question base.\""
},
{
"answer_id": 313,
"author": "Sean Houlihane",
"author_id": 4927,
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"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Yes, I think on this site it would be useful - but we need to be fairly aggressive about closing questions that don't have a fully readable 'text' question. The video must only be for clarification, not as a replacement for writing a question."
},
{
"answer_id": 400,
"author": "Greenonline",
"author_id": 4762,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "A note of caution, [this post](https://stackoverflow.com/c/moderators/questions/257#answer-261) on the Stack Moderators site, Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2's post, [How do you request embedded video for your site?](https://stackoverflow.com/c/moderators/questions/257) - As mods can only follow these links I've included the content below:\n\n> \n> I don't know how exactly to request it, but I do want to point at one\n> pretty big downside.\n> \n> \n> **The player is pretty darn big.** Plus, my experience is that it has a tendency to eat CPU cycles for breakfast.\n> \n> \n> I looked at the numbers [about a year ago over on Space Exploration\n> Meta](https://space.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/883/are-there-ways-to-make-posts-with-images-better-for-low-connect-speed-users-doe/885#comment3547_885).\n> What I found was:\n> \n> \n> \n> > \n> > Loading <https://space.stackexchange.com/q/21891/415> without using the browser cache downloads 7642 KB for me just now. Of that,\n> > `www.youtube.com` is responsible for 3182 KB and `i.stack.imgur.com`\n> > another 2729 KB. Excluding just the embedded images and the\n> > video-related downloads leaves about 1.7 MB to be downloaded. That's\n> > still a sizable chunk of data for what basically amounts to a few\n> > pages of text, but not quite as extreme as 7.6 MB.\n> > \n> > \n> > \n> \n> \n> So one video embed adds about 3 MB download for everyone viewing the\n> post, regardless of whether or not they are in any way interested in\n> the video. (I think the video itself is downloaded on demand, so if\n> someone actually watches the video, that adds even more data, but at\n> that point at least they have some interest in it.) In situations\n> where connections are metered by the megabyte, this can add up\n> quickly, and is something that should be kept in mind before turning\n> on this feature. Not everyone is on a fast,\n> no-extra-charge-per-megabyte connection.\n> \n> \n> (Yes, I'm big on keeping text as mostly text. I'm old-fashioned in\n> that regard.)\n> \n> \n> \n\nAlso [this post](https://stackoverflow.com/c/moderators/questions/257#answer-260):\n\n> \n> \n> > \n> > Are there any downsides to having embedded video (performance or otherwise)?\n> > \n> > \n> > \n> \n> \n> Yep, [performance could be an issue](https://meta.stackexchange.com/a/279637/295232). Also, malicious users could post links to videos with ... questionable ... content (though this could be alleviated by requiring some reputation to post embedded videos, just as some sites do with pictures).\n> \n> \n>"
}
] | 2017/06/06 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/230",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762/"
] |
236 | Do we want to add a BLOG to this site?
Blogs are another way of communicating things that don't fit the Q&A model.
Here is a good description of [what a Blog is and how you can start one](https://stackoverflow.blog/2011/06/23/blog-overflow/).
This post on the SuperUser Blog asking for [help with their Blog](http://blog.superuser.com/2012/02/09/are-you-interested-in-writing-for-our-blog/) is helpful too. | [
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"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "+1 - As it seems a good idea. Not sure what would go in it though - do you have any concrete examples of blog ideas? \n\nI already have a (messy) [blog](https://gr33nonline.wordpress.com/), and I am not sure if I could also write a blog on here too. I wonder what the score is regarding duplicating personal blogs on to SE blogs? \n\n---\n\n### Content\n\nAn SE 3D print blog could be a good idea for ***Build Logs***, for example, maybe. Or maybe a page that links to other people's superlative build logs, [David Crocker's blogs](https://miscsolutions.wordpress.com/) come to mind.\n\nIs the blog (unlike the SE Q&A site) allowed to contain ***links to cheap items/suppliers***? Apparently, reviews are allowed, from [Blog Overflow](https://stackoverflow.blog/2011/06/23/blog-overflow/):\n\n> \n> **Review a product**. Reviews don’t fit the Q&A nature of the sites, but these rules don’t apply on the blog! Between a review written by a random person on the internet and a review written by a user on the site who consistently gets a lot of upvotes, which review would you trust more?\n> \n> \n> \n\nThis closed question would have fitted into a blog nicely: [What Is 3D Printing?](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/4279/what-is-3d-printing)\n\n---\n\n### Concerns\n\nSo, yes, I think it would be worth starting one up and seeing how it goes... although I would be a little concerned about the regularity of posts: \n\n> \n> **Plan a schedule**. Given the results of steps #2 and #3, think about a rough idea of a schedule for the blog. Will there be one post a week, posted Mondays? Will there be posts on Tuesdays and posts on Fridays? You don’t need to be pushing out posts daily, but you should post at least once a week.\n> \n> \n> \n\n*and*\n\n> \n> **Pick a posting schedule and stick to it**. It is easier to simply keep up from the get go than catch up if you fall behind. Have a couple draft posts stashed away for a rainy day, ready to go that can be published if there is a lull.\n> \n> \n> \n\nAlso, who would coordinate it? Are you putting yourself forward?\n\n> \n> **Have someone holding the reins**. This person doesn’t need to be the one writing all the posts, just someone that helps coordinate who is writing what and when it is getting posted.\n> \n> \n> \n\n---\n\nHowever, it *is* a bit of a misfortune that Blog Overflow has a rather unfortunately acronym (as well as sounding like *Bog* Overflow)."
},
{
"answer_id": 238,
"author": "Tom van der Zanden",
"author_id": 26,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "The description of blogs you've cited is 6 years old. Unfortunately, [blogs have since been discontinued](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/291741/we-will-no-longer-be-hosting-blog-overflow).\n\nIt is no longer possible to start a new blog."
}
] | 2017/06/22 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/236",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/6417/"
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246 | Should we add a tag for 'laser' for those of us who are attaching laser cutters/burners to 3D printers to turn them into 3D CNC. Or is this drifting too far off topic from "3d printing"? | [
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"answer_id": 254,
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"text": "A good question. I'm currently using insights I obtained from mucking about with a 3D printer with Arduino Mega 2560 and RAMPS 1.4 to dive into retrofitting an elderly CNC router (but, as a router, still, not as a printer) with a new control system (presently thinking and have on order Arduino Uno R3 and Arduino CNC shield R3, we'll see how implementation goes on those) and was wondering if I could ask questions here that would overlap, or not, as I don't think there's a CNC/subtractive community similar to this 3DP/additive one in the ecosystem yet.\n\nI actually started out thinking I could just use the same controller setup (there's plenty of stepper driver slots available, and going \"dual-purpose\" cut and print is potentially interesting) but it seems the official GRBL fork is not 2560 compatible, though there is a fork to try and make it so - it seemed more of a sure bet to stick with the \"official\" fork and the common hardware.\n\nLikewise I've seen a bit of chatter about making Marlin switch-hit CNC/3DP, but I get the impression it's not all there yet, and I'm more interested in immediately usable based on current/past efforts than trying to develop new functionality my dang self."
},
{
"answer_id": 282,
"author": "Greenonline",
"author_id": 4762,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/4762",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "The tag [laser](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/laser \"show questions tagged 'laser'\") has been created. Would you like to provide usage guidance and edit the tag summary and body?\n\nSo far I have found one question which is laser related, [Laser Engraver with Smoothie, RAMPS 1.4 or AWC708C?](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/6214/laser-engraver-with-smoothie-ramps-1-4-or-awc708c). Seeing as you posted this question, did you have any other questions in mind that required that tag? If so, would you mind tagging them as such?"
}
] | 2017/08/25 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/246",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/776/"
] |
249 | [This post](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/a/4642/233) has been up for 4-5 days now. I flagged it originally when it was first posted and that flag aged away, I have now flagged it again and it's still here. We have one [user](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users/1263/szymon-b%C4%99czkowski) that shares part of the posters name but I am unsure if they are connected in any way or if that name references the linked user.
Do we need more moderators to handle this? What is the process for having these removed? | [
{
"answer_id": 250,
"author": "tbm0115",
"author_id": 98,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/98",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "The post has now been deleted and the user destroyed due to spam, so thank you for bringing this up.\n\nIt either must have come up after I cleaned out the inbox or I must have overlooked it.\n\nYes, we do need another moderator. I would have loved to be at a point by now that we could have had elections as part of a fully public SE site, but we've still got a few hurdles to overcome as a community.\n\nI'll double check what the options are for bringing on new moderators at this stage and post back to Meta."
},
{
"answer_id": 251,
"author": "Tormod Haugene",
"author_id": 115,
"author_profile": "https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/115",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "Seeing as I'm 20 days late to this question, you probably understand that I'm not very active at the moment myself. (At least, I'm inactive for longer periods of time.) With Rxac gone for almost a year now, that often leaves @tbm0115 as the only moderator on this site.\n\nIn other words, we could do with another moderator or a change of moderators (Rxac and perhaps me also).\n\nOn the plus side, we are getting more and more users, which makes the community handle a lot of cases by itself."
}
] | 2017/09/25 | [
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/249",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com",
"https://3dprinting.meta.stackexchange.com/users/233/"
] |
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