Should the AHA Keep TechTalk?

[homebrewgamecock]

I read both TT and the forum.  While I don't post much over here, I do skim through and read what I want.  The biggest problem with any forum is sometimes people just want to argue, show their a$$ and generally act like an idiot.  TT just provides information.  I see the need for both if it's feasible by the AHA. 

I will still renew my membership to the AHA even if TT disappears.  While I do enjoy TT and Zymurgy, the AHA provides benefits way beyond these two things IMO.  Sure, some of the benefits are not easily noticed by me, but I know the AHA is working for homebrewers.  Whether it is legislation to get homebrewing legalized in some states or other law making decisions, I feel the AHA provides me a pretty big benefit. 

[majorvices]

Naw - The BN is like the Wild West and I'm a more civilized guy than that. 

[jdurose]

This is my first post to the forum, although I have been searching through it for a while now.  I would like to vote to keep both TT and the forum.  I think they are both valuable tools.

I'd have to say that there are some nice features I really like about this forum, and I can see myself using it to look up specific information.  However, I am definitely more of a lurker than a participator when it comes to TT or forums.

What I really dislike about the forum (and all forums and comment sections in general) is the anonymity which often leads to a joking and sarcastic tone that just disagrees with me.  Sarcasm simply doesn't portray well through text even with the use of emoticons.

Excluding the current thread on the closing of TT, it just feels like folks are more respectful in their replies on TT and I prefer that.

[majorvices]

Welcome and thanks for your thoughts! You will notice that about 95% of the "sarcasm" and "joking" goes on between people who have gotten to know each other over months and even years (here and elsewhere). This doesn't generally happen to people who are simply in asking questions or posting revelations. There's absolutely no reason to feel threatened coming over and posting in this forum.

[bluesman]

Welcome to the forum jdurose.

The AHA forum as well as TT provide exclusive and cutting edge knowledge and information on homebrewing as a craft.  I read TT emails as often as I can and find them to be very helpful.  The forum is a dynamic entity that enables one to search, read and learn from the huge amount of information that the forum has generated in less than only one year.

I think if given a chance you'll find the AHA forum to be your "go to" resource for your homebrewing needs.  There are users that frequent here on a daily basis as well as some that interact less frequently and others anywhere inbetween.  Most come here to learn and inquire while some like to help others.  I find that some of our members here have a keen sense of humor which I find to be a benefit because not only is it funny but it lightens the mood as well.

Hope to see you back soon.

[freddy2]

I just joined the forum, so I know nothing about TT. Not even sure how to get there. However, there's a lot of knowledge here, and the pub seems fun as well, just not a lot of participation right now.

[richara]

I've searched but can not find out how to subscribe to TT. I'd guess that's something that comes with the membership card I've never gotten? (no vote from me)

I let my AHA membership lapse a while back, and when I rejoined I also had a difficult time trying to get signed up for TechTalk.  I ended up just sending an email to ahamoderator@brewersassociation.org and was on the list the next day.  I recommend signing up now, so you can see how great TT is/was before it gets canceled.

[piratebrewer]

I was in favor of keeping TT but after spending a little time with the forum and learning how to use it I think I like this better.  It seems to be easy to use and well organized.  The users here also seem to be friendly which is not always the case with other forums when people are not identified.  I just need to figure out how to search on key words and I'll be set.

[hokerer]

I just need to figure out how to search on key words and I'll be set.

Look at the top of each page.  There's a line "Home  Help Search..."  Just click on search and you've got a wealth of options.

[bluesman]

I was in favor of keeping TT but after spending a little time with the forum and learning how to use it I think I like this better.  It seems to be easy to use and well organized.  The users here also seem to be friendly which is not always the case with other forums when people are not identified.  I just need to figure out how to search on key words and I'll be set.

Welcome to tha AHA Forum.

I'm glad you like it here.  I think you'll be surprised at the wealth of info and knowledgable folks that frequent here on a regular basis.  I look forward to sharing shop talk with you.

[piratebrewer]

Thanks for the tips.  I have had a few questions nagging at me (no big priority) and I've found most of what I was looking for already. 

[denny]

I was in favor of keeping TT but after spending a little time with the forum and learning how to use it I think I like this better.  It seems to be easy to use and well organized.  The users here also seem to be friendly which is not always the case with other forums when people are not identified.  I just need to figure out how to search on key words and I'll be set.

I'd just like to say welcome and that your comments just made my day!

[charlie]

I've been getting Tech Talk since I rejoined AHA in '08, but frankly don't get a lot from it. The brewing forum provided better info in a more timely fashion.

When Gary sent the e-mail about discontinuing Tech Talk I responded on the list approving the decision, and got a raft of e-mails critical of my parentage and motives. Going over the previously ignored Tech Talk issues I was frankly amazed to read that people were bitter about it, and considering quitting the org, as though Tech Talk was the AHA!

I suppose that AHA could seem remote and aloof to some, merely a magazine and a yearly money grab, but AHA was there for me in the '80s before Tech Talk came along, and they were there for me in March of this year when Gary put the case for Louisiana's HB 1484 which regularized the status of homebrew in Louisiana.

When the smoke cleared we had won the day (Praise the Lord!), and it was Gary and the AHA legal team that did it as much as anyone. So the AHA is not a faceless, nameless money grab to me, and I'm proud to be a part of it (but I wish I could get my old number back!).

Charlie (#15052)

[hopaddicted]

Based on what I've read about TT and my experience here, it seems like TT still has a piece at the table. I have seen lots of topics go unanswered, so TT provides another outlet for the information. Though other sites may be available, if you do not regularly spend time on them you do not have a feel for knowledge levels of people responding to you.

[ragnorok]

Tech Talk should stay for a couple of reasons.  First it is an easy to use system compared to the mess that all forums are.  This may be well organized to some people, but not to everyone.  Second, as soon as they take thier eyes off of what gets posted we will be hip deep in ads for either porn, penis enlargement, get-rich-quick schemes or all of the above.