After reading some of the questions and responses I was courious how someone brand new to this hobby/sport gauges the responses to their questions here on RCU. in many cases I've seen questions posed that have generated many different solutions and was wondering as a beginner how you arrived at taking ones advice over anothers?

Good question. I have put "all of the above" into how I take someones advice. I have tried some of the suggestions. Used my "gut feeling" on some. I have been comming here for a year or so and I believe I have gotten a feel for some of the Moderators and such on RCU.

But you have to remember, it is still thier recommendation or opinion and doesn't mean it is the "gospel" when it comes to some of thier responses. It is things they have tried or discovered in thier many years of flying and just because it works for them doesn't mean it will definately work for you.

Well......that is my .02 cents worth.

kentt7007,

thanks for the advice I'll add that choice

Good poll!

I read hear mostly for tips and such, that I can ALWAYS use When I read posts, there are several people who make sense, and several who do not. I do not think that alot of post = knowledge, but sometimes, if the person has been posting for a while and their post makes sense, then I may give their opinion more clout.

just my thoughts.

This is an excellent question. The old saying goes: "If you can tell good advice from bad advice you don't need advice" holds true. When I worked in a hobby shop new folks would ask me a lot of questions and before giving any spacific answers I ALWAYS would tell them. " Get and instructor" in a club or not ......but get one. Do what he tells you to do and by the time you solo you will have soo many answers to your questions your head will swim! Rc universe is very helpfull to beginners but does not replace face to face conversations with a good instructor.

Different strokes for different folks. We all use different techniques. That's one of the beauties of RCU. You ask a question, and get many responses, you can then choose the one that suits you best.

The only problem I see are the "2 month experts". Those are the guys who are asking what a trainer is one day, and answering questions like an old pro the next.

This is what in part prompted my question?

A while back I noticed a post from a member asking how to measure the correct CG on his trainer then low and behold not 2 weeks latter this same individual was "educating" another member on the advantages and disadvantages of various planes

This is an excellent question. I have found that in most cases, experimentation by trial and error based upon others posts generally yields the best ultimate answer

For example. I did not have any knowledge of "glassing". After reading many posts on the subject, I had found that there were too many different products available. I then narrowed down the glassing method to two. One using Lacquer, the other using West's Products. I then experimented using both on the same plane, the Lacquer on the wing, the epoxy on the tail

The same experimental method will be applied to painting. Only this will be applied on two feathers. Now I know that each method has its pros and cons, but "I" now can chose which process will be my favorite to use.different aircraft (Automotive Paint vs Latex).

The bottom line is that the experienced builders on RCUnivers' site provided me with the basic knowledge that I have to learn from in order to not "re-invent the wheel".

Lew

I've asked several questions on here. Most were "how to" or technical questions. All were pretty much unanimous in the answers I got. A good thing about this forum is that as soon as somebody slips up and gives a wrong response, they are pounced upon by others. It is pretty much self policing. I think that is probably most everyone's experience, unless they are asking a question like "what brand of engine or radio is better?". I don't think any really bad advise goes unchallenged.

I have seen a few of the ones as stated where they ask and a week later are giving advice. The one that killed me was one who flat told someone my approach to doing something was wrong and that it shouldn't be done (but I and everyone I know have done it that way for almost 30 years) and then a week later, he was asking questions about what he should get for a first plane, and how to pick an engine and break it in. Basically, he ripped up my break in of a heli. Really ticked me off. What do you do though. I think the people reading it understood and did the right thing.

I didn't take the poll because they all cant fit into one catagory but when i ask a question i usually listen to everybodys advise but there are some up here i listen to more than others.
Cheers

This is very true. The same can be said about people who do have a lot of experience in many areas but think they know every thing there is to know about RC just because they're an old fart. I guess you could say "20 year know it alls". These folks are rather easy to spot when at the forum page you see their handle as the last poster of about 50% of the threads on a daily basis.

My choice is not on there, but what I do is I wait until the regulars answer my question, BUT I do not JUST take the opinion of the regulars. If other people are WAY in favor of a response, then I will do it.

And for some threads I just say, this is my opinion, go listen to the regulars if they contradict me.

Just wanted to address something minn said.. I give advice on some thing and I'm sorta new. Built three planes but can't fly yet. I only give advice on simpler things or on things that I know more about such as building or on things that have been decided as facts by the majority. I dont' see any reason why newer people can't give the answer to what trainer with the standard: LT40, Eagle 2, PT40 answer as well as other basic things like the difference between CA and Epoxy.

Now to answer the post. I weigh all the advice I get and make the choice to do what's logical for me. It's not a matter of someone preaching gospel and new people lapping it up. They weigh advice and make decisions just like in real life.

The only problem I can See with this statement is if they were acually wrong 50% of the time

Problem is most of this so called "20 year old know it alls name that tune in ONE note"
g'night Wings

Its like a fraternal thing in here. You must prove yourself worthy to the more superior ones .

I respectfully disagree with you. I'm not necesarily refering to you either.

g'nite Crashem

We are still still waiting...........

Not sure why you have a hair across your butt about the "20 year know it alls" Wings, but from what I've seen here, they're the ones who have most of the answers. Experience really does count for something, once you have some maybe you'll recognize that.

spokman,
I doubt that Mike was talking about someon elike you answering questions about kits or glue. I think he'd agree that as long as you know what you're talking about, we all welcome your input. (In spite of what Wings thinks. )

Smileys aren't working right now for some reason. ??
Dennis-

Edit: I typed them in.

DB,

All I can say is classic... and good flying!!!!!!!!!

You choose the same way you would at the field or FTF, but you have fewer clues to go with. You use your bull**** senses to evaluate what you read. Does what the guy says make sense? Do others agree? Has he explained it carefully, or wrote off a one-liner? Does it really answer the question you asked, or is he just showing off his knowledge? Personally, I take everything here with a grain of salt. If I get a great idea here (which I do a lot), I test it out myself, and if it works, I adopt it.

I chose all of the above, but here is the order that I usually take when I have a question. I have only been a member of RCU for a short time, but have been lurking since around November of last year.

When I have a question, this is the order of people I ask:

1. LHS manager. He has become a good friend since I started in the hobby in October 2003.
2. Club president. Not so much because he is the president, more that he is knowledgable and friendly. He takes phone calls at "strange" times, took time out from working on his latest build on a Saturday to break in a new engine for me. The only problem he has is he thinks that Super Tigre engines are the best!
3. Guys at the field that I have gotten to know and trust. You know after a short time at the field who to ask and who not to.
4. RCU.

When I ask a question on the forums here, I look at differing opinions, but usually go with the responses of a few. As I have lurked the forums for a few months, I have a good idea of who's opinions I "trust" over others. Like MinnFlyer, etc. Everyone has an opinion, but I am free to pick and choose the opinions based on my criteria. Not post count, mainly answers to others questions that make sense, agree with what I have learned, etc.

That is why you don't see a lot of questions from me on the forums here. Most of the advice I get is local. You cannot beat local advice, especially when you can keep going back with more questions and help when you need it.

I am not worthy....bow bow

The key is MOST of the answers. I know of people on here that act as if they have ALL the answers. You and Crashem should not get your hairs crossed either, I was not refering to either of you.

It is rather obvious that experienced is invaluable.

Unnecessary personal attack

Actually you're right. It was a bit over the top.

It's just that it seems recently most of your posts about people replying to the new guys have been pretty negative. The ones I've read anyway.

In any case, I apologize for that remark. You're experience was not in question.
Dennis-