The Beginning Fencer FAQ

[Allen Evans]

What about all the questions about italian grips, classical fencing, and other non-fencing things you can do with swords?

Inquatata can field those.

A

[Mitlov]

The problem with referring people out when they ask questions about classical fencing is that there's nowhere to really refer them to. SwordForum's classical subforum, classicalfencing.com, and Texas fencing's classical fencing subforum (the only three hits before fencing.net on a google search for "classical fencing forum") are all totally dead. Martialartsplanet.com has a "western martial arts" subforum that's got some stuff for people who are into HEMA/ARMA type stuff, for people who want to wear armor and learn to fight with longswords. But for your typical classical foilist, who wears dry versions of modern fencing equipment, and does something vaguely akin to modern foil but without flicks, there's not really any other online community out there I can find.

Also, something I'd like to note: both my current club and my previous club had a classical fencing instructor in addition to FIE instructors. I've always stayed firmly on the FIE side of things, but I know there are some people who play both sides of the fence. Not sure if there's anyone here who does, and would be interested in helping out with this, but it's a thought.

[jkormann]

Seconding Mitlov. There's not alot of really good resources for CF and other non-FIE fencers. Fencing is, well, fencing. FIE, CF, historical, etc. Being hoity with "FIE Only" doesn't help and could hinder. I'm not keen on the idea of having sub-forums for FIE, CF, whatever because then every specialized subgroup may ask for preferential treatment. And there is probably a reason the other message boards have gone 'dead'.

I wasn't asking for a re-org of the site. That would be silly. Just a way to have a person new to FdN find the basic information they want without having to post what's been asked multiple times before. Most people are comfortable with a search capability and I was commenting that the location of the one here isn't obvious.

[D'Art]

What about directing fencers specifically to posters who are likely to be patient in answering questions, and have enough information to help? There's a reason that, on the web, we have "Too long, did not read". Most people coming to the site have specific questions they want answers to. Providing them might take more work but...

...and yes, I'm willing to take my share of questions.

A

I know this is a good idea, but what's the best way to go about this? Wait for volunteers? Or does Craig approach the regulars? I have a feeling that Craig already knows the answer, and has people in mind he wants to help, but I figure this could be a good thing to discuss. For example, someone like PF or Mergs (just picking names here, no intent implied) would be good to ask armoury FAQs, but any refereeing questions? Similarly, would the likes of Jason feel confident about answering questions about epee or foil if the non-sabre experts are available at any particular time, but he was?

BTW, I'm also happy to help answer questions if there's no-one better available on any given day

[Mitlov]

By the way, in terms of how this would work, I think the easiest way would be to have a "beginning fencing" or "beginner's questions" forum either immediately above or immediately below the "fencing discussion" forum in the forum index. Beginners can post newbie questions there without fear of getting flamed, and whoever wants to help, and is around, can respond. Thus, there's no need for a designated list of helpers, and it doesn't matter if a particular person who generally helps is busy that week. Everyone who doesn't want to, can just stay out of the forum. I've seen similar setups work well on martialartsplanet.com:

http://www.martialartsplanet.com/for...splay.php?f=57

and fitocracy.com:

http://www.fitocracy.com/forum/10/

And the "what notebook should I buy" subforum of notebookreview.com is essentially a "new to notebooks" forum, where members of NBR who enjoy helping newbies and don't mind rehashing some of same material with people asking for help can do so, and the rest of NBR can just stay out:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/what...-should-i-buy/

[Allen Evans]

Similarly, would the likes of Jason feel confident about answering questions about epee or foil if the non-sabre experts are available at any particular time, but he was?

Sorry, I had to laugh at this. I doubt there would be any lack of confidence on Jason's part in answering a question on beginning foil or epee. :-)

[Montoya]

I wrote this FAQ about competitions for my club's web site. This could be modified to be less geographically specific if Craig wanted a version for F.net.

[bob46]

One more subject that might be a little controversial but is often asked: When should I swap coaches?

I think we should pool several opinions on it and present none of the opinions as the 100% right solution.

[Purple Fencer]

A link to the various 1st tournament prep packages would help as well...both Craig and I have ones that do the job (link to mine's in my sig block)

[Zilverzmurfen]

"A (parent's) guide to basic armoury - How to fix and maintain your (kid's) weapons."

[Inquartata]

Inquatata can field those.

A

Pfft. I am too mordant and snarky to suit the there-should-be-only-straight-answers-and-no-fun brigade.

Puns! Sarcasm! Latin! Oh, the horrors!

I am not giving those up to be anybody's Mr. Wizard.

[Mergs]

"A (parent's) guide to basic armoury - How to fix and maintain your (kid's) weapons."

I'm working on one - I need someone to help with illustrations (rather than photos) to finish it up.

Craig - I'll take the armory/techincal questions.

[D'Art]

Sorry, I had to laugh at this. I doubt there would be any lack of confidence on Jason's part in answering a question on beginning foil or epee. :-)

Meh, I think you know what I meant :P