why is there no I'm a newbe sitcky in the forum or safety sticky

[dsli_jon]

Problem with forced reading is you'll turn away 99% of curious potentially new members.

Gents - where did I say 'forced reading'? All I'd proposed is 'non-optional awareness'.. Just like with all the scores of people that ignore 'Curve Ahead 15MPH' or 'Click it or Ticket', or 'Don't Drink and Drive', etc, etc.. No, we will not ever 'stop all the idiots', but again.. (and I'll break it into smaller bites this time..

..Kecked's idea is a good-one, because at least, then, by virtue of having-had to 'pass thru that portal', they are now a) Aware there ARE 'regs' / safety-considerations, that are 'important enough' to be (at least attempted..) force-fed, and...

b) Aware that there *is* a resource, right here in PL, that is a really-good 'step-stool', for safety-awareness... And, many of those 'best-practices' / principles, and measureable-science 'consequences', transcend any differences 'tween Countries 'Regs' / lack thereof..

...they are still *Free* to ignore everything / everyone and be International Pro Douchehats all they want.. However, they will at least have been warned...


Imo, 'Freedom' is best-enjoyed when mediated by communal-responsability, all illuminated by education and awareness.. I posit that history validates this equation rather-well.
j

[The_Doctor]

A list of DACs and Software and hardware would be SUPER helpful. I had to talk around and ask for a few days before I got enough options to choose

Seconded. Along with some detail about hardware and OS requirements for each. This idea has come up before (less than 4 months ago), and no business resulted. This data should be easy to find on source websites but it isn't, which is why the subject of lists of software details for comparison keeps coming up.

About safety, just some obvious warnings, with images, like in the Laser FAQ, should work. They don't have to be serious either, there are a few joke images like 'Peer pressure in the laser lab' (and 'Do not stare into laser with remaining eye') that work just as well, if not better. Some up-front reminders that laser classes (as in 2, 3R, 3B, 4) have not changed their risk just because we're all familiar with stronger lasers these days... That's what people will notice most if they pay any attention to the stickers on their new lasers.

[TechJunkie]

Gents - where did I say 'forced reading'? All I'd proposed is 'non-optional awareness'.. Just like with all the scores of people that ignore 'Curve Ahead 15MPH' or 'Click it or Ticket', or 'Don't Drink and Drive', etc, etc.. No, we will not ever 'stop all the idiots', but again.. (and I'll break it into smaller bites this time..

..Kecked's idea is a good-one, because at least, then, by virtue of having-had to 'pass thru that portal', they are now a) Aware there ARE 'regs' / safety-considerations, that are 'important enough' to be (at least attempted..) force-fed, and...

b) Aware that there *is* a resource, right here in PL, that is a really-good 'step-stool', for safety-awareness... And, many of those 'best-practices' / principles, and measureable-science 'consequences', transcend any differences 'tween Countries 'Regs' / lack thereof..

...they are still *Free* to ignore everything / everyone and be International Pro Douchehats all they want.. However, they will at least have been warned...


Imo, 'Freedom' is best-enjoyed when mediated by communal-responsability, all illuminated by education and awareness.. I posit that history validates this equation rather-well.
j

Over on the other forum we practiced a more personal pro active warning system, and it works really well. Like whenever a new person asked about a high power laser they are bombarded by members telling them the importance of goggles, and links are usually provided to good sources of goggles, and safety rules. Some members will even have these rules, and links to get goggles in their signature. I had a link to Sam's FAQ in mine. You dont see that much here, which I found strange when I first joined. I figured I would get lectured about variances, and regulations, but no one has ever said anything to me. And I dont think I've read a single unsolicited goggle recommendation.

[Galvonaut]

A list of DACs and Software and hardware would be SUPER helpful. I had to talk around and ask for a few days before I got enough options to choose

I am presently writing a pros and cons list comparing Beyond and FB3 with LSX and EtherDream in an attempt to make the best decision for starting business. I already own LSX, Quickshow, FB3 and 2 Easylase DACs and have only had a brief play with Beyond, so making a full comparison is difficult at the moment.

I'll share my findings.

Keith

[kecked]

I am not advocating forcing anything. All I'd like to do is have a message to new members when the sign up that says hey look at this sticky and that stick to get you going. Once you have had a read on the faqs come on in and join the fun. They can ignore reading it all if they want but at least they know its there and have links to look. Then as people do read them we can add to them as people ask questions. Sooner or later they will need updated. It would not hurt to have some communities of practice here that comprise a group of volunteers that review the faqs once a year at lems or in a conference call. ILDA might even want to join in and offer some documents. This way we grow pros here. If we got half of this done it would be a worth while venture. Maybe we can wrestle some stuff from mixed gas and casey stack like a powerpoint. I'd be happy to have it narrated. I have an lso that works for me but all the stuff I have is for research lasers. I volunteer to start this effort. Who will join?

oh yea....when was the last time this was even attempted? I think this has not been done since the black book of l Michael which I have as the last copy ever sold. There is room for a book in the market. Look on amazon there is nothing in reference to laser art.

[Eidetic]

The attitude that "bombardment" of new readers at LPF by the safety nannies and trolls like the above is what sets the arrogantly negative tone of the place. I say leave the unnecessary pushing of goggles to them.

[TechJunkie]

15 char.....

[colouredmirrorball]

Before we go off-topic again, I'd like to say that I think a notification on first login could be a great way to encourage new members to read about laser safety. Something like "Hi and welcome to PL, a forum dedicated to laser projectors. Please be informed that lasers are dangerous. We encourage you to read these wiki articles/stickied threads on how to handle them in a safe and legal way."

Most people will ignore it, but might remember this kind of information exists in a centralised manner, should they ever need advice on safety.

[norty303]

a forum dedicated to laser projectors.

Is it.....................?

[lasersbee]

Is it.....................?

I always thought so...

Having some safety guidelines and links to associated info is not a bad idea.
It shows that the Forum is a responsible place. Whether any new member
actually reads it is of course their choice..

It's akin to the warnings on any number of products that no-one seems to
read until they are needed.


Jerry