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Calibre is an amazing program! I have learned so much being here and am grateful for all the patience others have shown.
May I suggest separating the forums into the “out of the box users” (with troubleshooting, guides and a thread for questions) and then a “customization” area for those who choose to explore or more advanced users. I think this would help the new users by keeping them in the simplified area until they make the choice to move into customization. Why? Although you can customize the program, not everyone should try (e.g. someone who needs their son to install a program for them or who have issues with technical terms).
Having all the content and subforums mixed together implies (this is too harsh of word) everyone should be able to “do it” and these features should be available to all. The opposite is true – there is a risk when you start to play . Only those who are willing to take the risk, spend the time and effort to learn should be stepping into this arena. Also, separating out the more advanced technical lingo will make the program seem less complex to beginners and the thread will be easier for them to follow.
What I am suggesting would be more similar to the main forums page….perhaps something like this……………….
Calibre – Start Here
New to Calibre? Start Here?
Videos
Adding Custom Columns - just a sticky no questions (I think this is really easy and could be in this area, is there anything else?)
Metadata and File Structure
Trouble shooting solutions (common problems e.g. data is locked, with solutions)
Devices
Conversion
Customization – these require some programing and experience
Catalogs
Plugins – stable easy to use plugins
Experimental – for advances users only (When an Items becomes “main Streamed” it would move to the “Start Here” or “Customization” Section)
Library Management & Online Storage
Creating Plugins
Recipes
Show us your Calibre – a new forum with screen shots for customization
I am a novice who actually uses the search. I have never managed a forum so I do not know if this is possible but may I suggest having the following required when you post ……..
1. Having a place to fill in your OS
2. Current version of Calibre – if the version is not current a box comes up advising you to upgrade
3. Device
In May 2010 I had some help when my database was corrupted. Dwanthny, Starson17 and chaley all helped me create batch files to save all books and metadata. If that would be of use I would be happy to write up a guide for others for the database repair and back up choices.
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