How to Use BiggerPockets; We Need Your Help!

Question

Hey everyone . . . after conversations with several members, I think it is about time to get some kind of "How To" guide together for our members.   BiggerPockets has grown by leaps and bounds, and perhaps we need to explain how it all works for everyone.

That said, I'm interested in your help!

I've been curious what kind of format you think that should take.
- Should we make a comprehensive written guide for each feature?
- Should we make videos showing how to use different features?
- Are there other ideas you'd recommend?

Additionally, I wonder if any of our members would be interested in helping in such an undertaking?

I look forward to your thoughts and ideas, and perhaps help, in getting this to the next level.

Regards, 
Josh

Joshua D. · Answer

We just launched the new BiggerPockets Help system.

Enjoy!

Joshua D. · Answer

Thanks Fran.  BTW - it would be great if you uploaded a profile image so we can better follow you as you participate on the site.

The link can be found in the DASHBOARD under EDIT PROFILE.

Fran Fagen · Answer

sorry, got all messages on here.

anyway, I think a FAQ section would be great.  BP is great, and you're always coming up with new ideas, which is good. thanks for all you do

Joshua D. · Answer

We're almost finished building a site FAQ application, which will hopefully fulfill the needs of everyone. Give us a few days and we'll have something for you.

Thanks for the assistance.

After its up and running, it would be great to hear more of your thoughts.

Corey Demuth · Answer

step by step guides with images tend to work best. it really depends on what level of computer literacy your main target audience has (on here it's quite varied)

Shana Gray · Answer

maybe both/option?

a place to start with site tour would be good. might be an idea to emphasize please read the rules as they are different from many other sites and the internet is changing. it is a shock to most creative types, the rules sites come with these days (no kidding), esp for those who have been on the net since the beginning and seen drastic swings and changes in regards to rules and etiquette. one minute everyone is stealing mp3s and not paying artists, and now you can't post anywhere twice or you get deleted (many sites now). very difficult to navigate.

Jim Wineinger · Answer

Possibly just one simple change. In that no one will be allowed to post to any section on the fourm until they have clicked on the sticky (rules) for that section.

This would serve as a reminder that not all sections follow the same posting rules.

As far as the other options available maybe a simple FAQ section for each option will work. You have some of that in place now but just where to put that FAQ option for each section may be a different story. Maybe as a dropdown menu for each option along the "toolbar" that goes along the top of each page?

Mark N.A · Answer

I dislike videos;  too slow.

With the written word I can skim along quickly 'till I see what I need and then slow down, re-read as needed, or even print out a hard-copy.

Melissa Webb · Answer

Although difficult to put together and sometimes cheesey, I think that videos showing how to use the different features would be good.  That way, people who are visually oriented will learn faster.  I have faith that the BP team will put together someting great, no matter what the decision.  I'm not that computer savvy, but if I can help out at all, I sure will.