GWC FAQ - Need contributors!

[Solai]

All,

The GWC Crüe needs your help in pulling together a, "GWC FAQ." This should be a "getting started" document with an introduction that explains what GWC (podcast, us, and the community) is(/are) and then a listing of all the ways one can participate -- forum, frak parties, meetups, chapters, after-frak party, calling in to the podcast, etc. We can also add Q&A for some of the more common questions

The final product will appear both in the forum but also on the main www.galacticwatercooler.com (http://www.galacticwatercooler.com) page.

Simply write a section using the following structure

Subject
This is the first sentence.

Feel free to start a new section or add to/rewrite another section. I will compile the master document as we progress.

Thank you!

[Pike]

Who's the target audience?

[Uchiha Daisuke]

Who's the target audience?

Since we transitioned into the age of Geek a few years ago it is important that we make things easy for our Jock brothers and sisters to participate in the wonderful culture that has been hidden from them by the man. :p




What about the FAQ's that have already been worked up? Is there a first draft?

[Solai]

Who's the target audience?

Target audience is someone who finds us on the internet. Imagine we have 30 seconds to capture their interest...how do we describe who we are and what we do.


What about the FAQ's that have already been worked up? Is there a first draft?

The existing FAQ in the forum is pretty specific to community nuance (what is an OG, what is an Alpaca e.g.) so it wouldn't serve as an introduction to the community.

[Chuck]

The existing FAQ in the forum is pretty specific to community nuance (what is an OG, what is an Alpaca e.g.) so it wouldn't serve as an introduction to the community.

Actually it is sort of an introduction to the community. When you're contributing content for this, you're speaking to nascent GWCers -- other cool people like yourselves who've stumbled on the site and/or podcast and don't know anything about what GWC is.

What would you tell them to help them learn that the water's fine and it's OK to jump right in? We're looking for a "How to get involved in this great community" primer.

[Phil]

If you have some suggested topics/questions we could each claim one, post the answers and then edit in a semi-wiki system...

[THX1966]

All,

The GWC Crüe needs your help in pulling together a, "GWC FAQ." This should be a "getting started" document with an introduction that explains what GWC (podcast, us, and the community) is(/are) and then a listing of all the ways one can participate -- forum, frak parties, meetups, chapters, after-frak party, calling in to the podcast, etc. We can also add Q&A for some of the more common questions

The final product will appear both in the forum but also on the main www.galacticwatercooler.com (http://www.galacticwatercooler.com) page.

Simply write a section using the following structure

Subject
This is the first sentence.

Feel free to start a new section or add to/rewrite another section. I will compile the master document as we progress.

Thank you!


Do you want the submissions posted here or sent somewhere else?

[Solai]

Do you want the submissions posted here or sent somewhere else?

Go ahead and post here.


If you have some suggested topics/questions we could each claim one, post the answers and then edit in a semi-wiki system...

Great, how about this to start:

Overview
Who we are, what we do
What is the blog?
What is the forum?
What is the podcast?
What is a frak party?
How do I get involved?

[GalaxyRanger]

Imagine we have 30 seconds to capture their interest...how do we describe who we are and what we do.

Easy. You just come up with the picture of a beaver wearing pants and holding a cookie. He's in a German-brand convertible that has New Jersey license plates reading "IKYWIM". In the background: a huge gutter.

On the serious side of things: I'll leave writing the FAQs to the native speakers but my two cents: I'd advertise with slogan from the podcast: "The friendliest people in Scifi" - because it's just really true. I recently spent some time on another forum for other purposes and I quit after two weeks or so because ... well, let's just say there wasn't much love going around.

[THX1966]

I thought I would make a start and see where it goes...

first draft..

Getting started and finding your way around the Galactic Watercooler.

For those of you here for the first time, it is a good idea to click on the forum button at the top of this page. You will find myriad topics to browse through; Some are very current, regarding TV and Movies that are playing now as well as topics on Classic Sci-fi.
You will even find a book of the month club (sci-fi and fantasy of course) as well as many “off-topic” posts like a “questions only” topic where you have to post in the form of a question. So what ever your interest, click on the forum button and discover the friendliest forum on the inter-web.

P.S. BTW- there is a pretty good podcast associated with this website as well.

feel free to comment... i am not overly sensitive.:)

[Chuck]

Great stuff, THX! That made me think of something we should include re: the forum -- the five threads you should visit immediately upon joining.



The (Un)official Introduction Thread: Introduce yourself and let everyone know you're here. You'll see hundreds of friendly greetings; yours is next!
The GWC Dog Tag Gallery: Want to fix that naked, barren signature? Check out the dog tags most GWCers display in the sigs, give some thot to what your nickname/call-sign should be, then PM Solai to get your tag.
Life is teh suck today because (a.ka. the official B tch & Moan thread): You'll note that GWCers are some of the most positive, enjoyable people you'll find on a forum anywhere. Why? Because we post all the b*tching and m*aning here! There's one rule, though: For every post you make in this thread you must also post at least once in the...
Cool craaaaap you've acquired/done lately: This counterbalance to the b*itch and m*an thread is the home to happy thots. Visit whenever you need a pick-me-up -- or to share your own happy news.
Meetups: Want to meet some of the friendliest people in sci-fi/fantasy/comics in person? Check out this forum where everyone posts meetup opportunities. Don't see one near you? Post and start your own!

[THX1966]

Chuck, that sounds like a pretty good one on its own.
but I will take a swing at it... (even blind pigs find truffles. :) )

[THX1966]

Ok. here is Draft 2.....

Getting started and finding your way around the Galactic Watercooler.

For those of you here for the first time, it is a good idea to click on the forum button at the top of this page. You will find myriad topics to browse through; Some are very current, regarding TV and Movies that are playing now as well as topics on Classic Sci-fi.
You will even find a book of the month club (sci-fi and fantasy of course) as well as many “off-topic” posts like a “questions only” topic where you have to post in the form of a question.

To get started, in the forums, check out The (Un)official Introduction Thread: you can find it by clicking on the “off topic\Other” thread, and its ‘stuck’ at the top so you can find it easily. Introduce yourself and let everyone know you're here. You'll see hundreds of friendly greetings; yours is next! This is a great place to get your first post out of the way, to break the seal. That will qualify you as Alpaca. (alpaca is anyone on the forums with less than 1,000 posts) and start you on your way toward O.G. status.(O.G. is anyone with 1,000 posts or more.)

You will find as you look at posts here that a lot of people have rather elaborate signatures. (That place below the posts, where they express themselves.) A number of these have BSG inspired DOG-TAGS in them, you to could have your own, just go to The GWC Dog Tag Gallery: Check out the dog tags most GWCers display in their signatures, give some thoought to what your nickname/call-sign should be, then PM Solai to get your tag. (PM is ‘Private Message” , you can send messages to other forum members from the “user CP” or user control panel, on the tool bar.)

We call ourselves the “friendliest forum on the net” and for good reason, and because we have learned to have an outlet for both the negative stuff life throws at us, as well as, a place to crow about the good stuff that happens to us. This keeps the other topics, well, ON TOPIC. If you have a bad day or something negative to talk about, head on over to the “Life is teh suck today because (a.ka. the official B tch & Moan thread)”: There's one rule, though: For every post you make in this thread you must also post at least once in the “Cool craaaaap you've acquired/done lately”: This counterbalance to the b*itch and m*an thread is the home to happy thoughts. Visit whenever you need a pick-me-up -- or to share your own happy news. (ok, its more of a guide line then a RULE)

Everyone here shares at least one thing in common! Most times we have a ton more than that. After you ‘talk’ to people online for awhile, you do start to wonder what they are really like. So.. One word… Meetups! This is where anyone from the forum gets together with anyone else in the forum to do something fun (or just have a cup a coffee.) Sometimes, Chuck, Audra or Sean (did I mention they do a pretty good podcast.) may show up. Don't see one near you? Post and start your own!
So what ever your interest, click on the forum button and discover the friendliest forum on the webs.
P.S. BTW- there really is a pretty good podcast associated with this website as well.

[Solai]

THX, here is my feedback:


http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l239/bat__1/commentary/applause.gif

Sure there are some small nips and tucks that we can do, but you nailed it.

[THX1966]

THX, here is my feedback:


http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l239/bat__1/commentary/applause.gif

Sure there are some small nips and tucks that we can do, but you nailed it.

thanks. go ahead and Nip and tuck away.

[Glimfeather]

Target audience is someone who finds us on the internet. Imagine we have 30 seconds to capture their interest...how do we describe who we are and what we do.

We just tell them we don't wear pants.

[GalaxyRanger]

We just tell them we don't wear pants.

GWC - proud of bare legs since 2007

http://collectingtokens.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/no_pants.jpg

[CylonMATRIX]

... well, let's just say there wasn't much love going around.

I love you, man! XXX

PS I'm not a homophobe! :cool:

PPS Just some important pointers you should include in the FAQ :
- Who Barb is, and why we say 'sorry' to her?
- Who the frak is Larry?

[Audra]

You guys rock!! I agree that the the "friendliest people in Sci-fi" is a big deal for newcomers. So many folks come here and the first thing they say is "be gentle! It's my first time here," or something like that. I like to tell friends and new people that you can express yourself here and that there's a general respect for one another that we all try to maintain.

[THX1966]

You guys rock!! I agree that the the "friendliest people in Sci-fi" is a big deal for newcomers. So many folks come here and the first thing they say is "be gentle! It's my first time here," or something like that. I like to tell friends and new people that you can express yourself here and that there's a general respect for one another that we all try to maintain.


Thanks Audra. When I came to this forum, Having never been to the forums before, I came because I was so mad about 'all along the watchtower' being used in BSG that i was ready to dump the show. and posted a rant to that effect. Solai, and others did not jump on me, but rather talked me through it, and I stayed with the show and the forum....So yeah, I agree, the "friendliest people in Sci-fi" is important to me to....

[Pike]

Thanks Audra. When I came to this forum, Having never been to the forums before, I came because I was so mad about 'all along the watchtower' being used in BSG that i was ready to dump the show. and posted a rant to that effect. Solai, and others did not jump on me, but rather talked me through it, and I stayed with the show and the forum....So yeah, I agree, the "friendliest people in Sci-fi" is important to me to....

There's a few people (some of them now OGs) that have related that same story. Makes me proud.

[THX1966]

I thought this thread need a bump. so here is a shot at another topic..

Who we are, what we do.

Who we are. We are a bunch of lay-a-bouts and rebels, outside of continents and beyond country’s, with a single purpose, to be entertained. We are young and old, female and male (mostly), from different parts of the world, and we have one thing in common. We are interested. We are interested in Television shows, movies, comics, novels and music. We are interested in each other. We like to talk to each other on just about any topic, and we will listen, when life is not treating you as it should. We are Teachers and Students, writers and readers, philosophers and skeptics.
We are here whenever you want to read or say something. We are here when you need to ask or answer something. We are here… and so are you…. And you are welcome here. That’s who we are.




What we do. We gather around our computers, mp3 players, and Televisions, watching good shows, listening to podcasts, reading the forum posts and writing about whatever is of interest to us today. Some of us have even gone so far as to have Twitter accounts (you can see some of these in users info underneath their Avitar in the forums.)
We discuss everything. Mostly the website and forum are geared to and around Science fiction, but even though that is what brought most of us here it is the idea’s and the people here that keep us coming back.
We sometimes (ok always) have forum based discussions while watching a show or a movie (we call ‘em Frak parties) in sort of a play by play / mystery science theater kind of way.
We also let everyone know when we stumble on something we think is cool, because chances are, a lot of other people here will think its cool to.( that’s how I found “The Guild” what you don’t know the guild http://www.watchtheguild.com/… see you learned something cool already.) and thats what we do.

end
let me know what you think

[Solai]

I thought this thread need a bump. so here is a shot at another topic..

Who we are, what we do.

Who we are. We are a bunch of lay-a-bouts and rebels, outside of continents and beyond country’s, with a single purpose, to be entertained. We are young and old, female and male (mostly), from different parts of the world, and we have one thing in common. We are interested. We are interested in Television shows, movies, comics, novels and music. We are interested in each other. We like to talk to each other on just about any topic, and we will listen, when life is not treating you as it should. We are Teachers and Students, writers and readers, philosophers and skeptics.
We are here whenever you want to read or say something. We are here when you need to ask or answer something. We are here… and so are you…. And you are welcome here. That’s who we are.

What we do. We gather around our computers, mp3 players, and Televisions, watching good shows, listening to podcasts, reading the forum posts and writing about whatever is of interest to us today. Some of us have even gone so far as to have Twitter accounts (you can see some of these in users info underneath their Avitar in the forums.)
We discuss everything. Mostly the website and forum are geared to and around Science fiction, but even though that is what brought most of us here it is the idea’s and the people here that keep us coming back.
We sometimes (ok always) have forum based discussions while watching a show or a movie (we call ‘em Frak parties) in sort of a play by play / mystery science theater kind of way.
We also let everyone know when we stumble on something we think is cool, because chances are, a lot of other people here will think its cool to.( that’s how I found “The Guild” what you don’t know the guild http://www.watchtheguild.com/… see you learned something cool already.) and thats what we do.

end
let me know what you think

THX1966, FA work. Here is my edit. I didn't change much at all. Shuffled some things around, expanded on what you wrote and consolidated some like ideas. Let me know what you think.

Who we are
When we say we are the friendliest place in sci-fi, we mean it. We are a bunch of lay-a-bouts and rebels, outside of continents and beyond countries, young and old, female and male, teachers and students, writers and readers, philosophers and skeptics, and we have one thing in common: We are interested. We are interested in television shows, movies, comics, novels and music. We are interested in each other. We like to talk to each other on just about any topic, we will listen and give informed feedback, and at the end of the day we like to think of this place as a clubhouse for a group of friends.

You are welcome here. Everyone is.

What we do.
We discuss everything. Although the genesis of the forum and podcast were rooted in Battlestar Galactica, we have grown into a community that discusses everything from, Fire Breathing Chickens in Japan (http://forum.galacticwatercooler.com/showthread.php?t=7915) to the latest Joss Whedon production. Science fiction is what may have brought us here, it is the community that keep us coming back.

Take for example Frak parties. Almost every night you can find a group of people watching the latest new show, a classic movie or something interesting together. Think of it like having access to the smartest and funniest people you know commenting on what you are watching while you are watching it. It is Mystery Science Theater 3000 meets your college film class.

We also share with everyone when we stumble onto something we think is cool, because chances are, a lot of other people here will think its cool to. The Guild (http://www.watchtheguild.com), BBC's Life on Mars (http://www.bbc.co.uk/lifeonmars/), Clear Skies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As8cmHb-aKU) or Henry V (http://forum.galacticwatercooler.com/showthread.php?t=2208) are just a few examples of things discovered and shared in the community. We also create new content, including songs, funny photoshopped images and perhaps most notably in honor of our 100th podcast:

8mZ8C9InLVU

The best way to understand is to post and join. Welcome!

[THX1966]

Yeah. I like it.

I will just mention..

We are here whenever you want to read or say something. We are here when you need to ask or answer something. We are here… and so are you…. And you are welcome here. That’s who we are.

I liked the way this built to the new readers inclusion. and for some reason I just really liked the way that sentence came together to describe quickly all the take-away's of this online community.

that said, your edit does not offend me at all. thanks.

I will take a swing at some of the other topics as time permits. I am a little surprised at how little action this thread has gotten considering how many new bloggers we have, people can obviously write well. oh well.

[Solai]

Yeah. I like it.

I will just mention..


I liked the way this built to the new readers inclusion. and for some reason I just really liked the way that sentence came together to describe quickly all the take-away's of this online community.

that said, your edit does not offend me at all. thanks.

I will take a swing at some of the other topics as time permits. I am a little surprised at how little action this thread has gotten considering how many new bloggers we have, people can obviously write well. oh well.

THX,

There is no right or wrong here. If you really like that sentence feel free to add it back. Mine was simply one editorial pass. I am sure as others add sections and do overall edits things will continue to change.

I have a feeling that as you have stepped up so strongly that others may feel that you are the owner of this and are respectfully leaving it to you. I recommend taking a break and allowing others to step in prior to adding another section.

Sound good? People, time to step up. Make your contribution!

[THX1966]

THX,

There is no right or wrong here. If you really like that sentence feel free to add it back. Mine was simply one editorial pass. I am sure as others add sections and do overall edits things will continue to change.

I have a feeling that as you have stepped up so strongly that others may feel that you are the owner of this and are respectfully leaving it to you. I recommend taking a break and allowing others to step in prior to adding another section.

Sound good? People, time to step up. Make your contribution!

No Worries Solai.

I will wait another month before writing anything else.

Hive mind works best...:)

as a reminder to others.. here are just a few topics that got us started, feel free to pick any you want.

1. Overview
2. Who we are, what we do
3. What is the blog?
4. What is the forum?
5. What is the podcast?
6. What is a frak party?
7. How do I get involved?

or one of your own perhaps.

[frakkintalos]

6. What is a frak party?

I'll work on this and post later.

[GalaxyRanger]

So many folks come here and the first thing they say is "be gentle! It's my first time"

Hah. Don't I wish...

[ThotFullGuy]

Easy. You just come up with the picture of a beaver wearing pants and holding a cookie. He's in a German-brand convertible that has New Jersey license plates reading "IKYWIM". In the background: a huge gutter.


I'm only just reading this now. ROTFLMsBO.
You are the Iconic GWC symbol, my friend. Isn't amazing that there's a group of people (us) to which that makes perfect sense?:D

[Topgun]

What is the Blog?

The Blog serves as the main page of the Galactic Watercooler website, and is accessed at www.GalacticWatercooler.com. On it, you'll find updates on what the GWC Crue are watching for their upcoming podcasts, and much, much more.

Initially, blogs were the sole submissions of the GWC Crue, our hosts Chuck, Sean, and Audra. Together, they've racked up hundreds and hundreds of entries, on every subject imaginable. Many, of course, have a Sci Fi, fantasy, comics or gaming slant, some do not. All reflect items or opinions that the Crue have found interesting and want to share with the community. Reader comments are always welcome and encouraged! It's just one of the ways the GWC Hivemind works to pass around cool knowledge and news.

How can I blog?

Recently, the GWC Crue opened up the blog page to the community members, allowing GWCers to submit their own entries for publication! After contacting Sean for an account and password, as well as a comprehensive list of guidelines, do's and don'ts, you're good to go. Your stories are checked out by the Crue or Moderators, edited, and before you can say Millenium Falcon you might find your work up there on the blog page!

First-timers, do not fear! It's fun, rewarding, and the editors are friendly and helpful. In fact, they might very possibly be "the friendliest editors in Sci-Fi."

[ThotFullGuy]

THX1966, FA work. Here is my edit. I didn't change much at all. Shuffled some things around, expanded on what you wrote and consolidated some like ideas. Let me know what you think.

Who we are
When we say we are the friendliest place in sci-fi, we mean it. We are a bunch of lay-a-bouts and rebels, outside of continents and beyond countries, young and old, female and male, teachers and students, writers and readers, philosophers and skeptics, and we have one thing in common: We are interested. We are interested in television shows, movies, comics, novels and music. We are interested in each other. We like to talk to each other on just about any topic, we will listen and give informed feedback, and at the end of the day we like to think of this place as a clubhouse for a group of friends.

You are welcome here. Everyone is.

What we do.
We discuss everything. Although the genesis of the forum and podcast were rooted in Battlestar Galactica, we have grown into a community that discusses everything from, Fire Breathing Chickens in Japan (http://forum.galacticwatercooler.com/showthread.php?t=7915) to the latest Joss Whedon production. Science fiction is what may have brought us here, it is the community that keep us coming back.

Take for example Frak parties. Almost every night you can find a group of people watching the latest new show, a classic movie or something interesting together. Think of it like having access to the smartest and funniest people you know commenting on what you are watching while you are watching it. It is Mystery Science Theater 3000 meets your college film class.

We also share with everyone when we stumble onto something we think is cool, because chances are, a lot of other people here will think its cool to. The Guild (http://www.watchtheguild.com), BBC's Life on Mars (http://www.bbc.co.uk/lifeonmars/), Clear Skies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As8cmHb-aKU) or Henry V (http://forum.galacticwatercooler.com/showthread.php?t=2208) are just a few examples of things discovered and shared in the community. We also create new content, including songs, funny photoshopped images and perhaps most notably in honor of our 100th podcast:

8mZ8C9InLVU

The best way to understand is to post and join. Welcome!

Finally gotten around to reading this thread.
I'll just add my two cents that I think THX's "Who Are We/ What do we do" post w/Solai's edit is right on target. I think it will make people comfortable to jump in --and it's good that you left out any "insider" references that might alienate newcomers.

I'll try to get of my SorryBarb soon and contribute something.

[ThotFullGuy]

The Blog serves as the main page of the Galactic Watercooler website, and is accessed at www.GalacticWatercooler.com. On it, you'll find updates on what the GWC Crue are watching for their upcoming podcasts, and much, much more.

Initially, blogs were the sole submissions of the GWC Crue, our hosts Chuck, Sean, and Audra. Together, they've racked up hundreds and hundreds of entries, on every subject imaginable. Many, of course, have a Sci Fi, fantasy, or gaming slant, some do not. All reflect items or opinions that the Crue have found interesting and want to share with the community. Reader comments are always welcome and encouraged! It's just one of the ways the GWC Hivemind works to pass around cool knowledge and news.

Recently, the GWC Crue opened up the blog page to the community members, allowing GWCers to submit their own entries for publication! After contacting Sean for an account and password, as well as a comprehensive list of guidelines, do's and don'ts, you're good to go. Your stories are checked out by the Crue or Moderators, edited, and before you can say Millenium Falcon you might find your work up there on the blog page!

First-timers, do not fear! It's fun, rewarding, and the editors are friendly and helpful. In fact, they might very possibly be "the friendliest editors in Sci-Fi."

Well done!
Just one suggestion (to take or leave): Might be a good idea to not use the phrase "GWC Hivemind" in the FAQ. That's kind of an inside reference, and even to some outsiders may be totally into sci fi, fantasy and what not and still not know what the term "Hivemind" means.

One the other hand, we could make a "What is the GWC Hivemind" FAQ entry to explain it.

[THX1966]

The Blog serves as the main page of the Galactic Watercooler website, and is accessed at www.GalacticWatercooler.com. On it, you'll find updates on what the GWC Crue are watching for their upcoming podcasts, and much, much more.

Initially, blogs were the sole submissions of the GWC Crue, our hosts Chuck, Sean, and Audra. Together, they've racked up hundreds and hundreds of entries, on every subject imaginable. Many, of course, have a Sci Fi, fantasy, or gaming slant, some do not. All reflect items or opinions that the Crue have found interesting and want to share with the community. Reader comments are always welcome and encouraged! It's just one of the ways the GWC Hivemind works to pass around cool knowledge and news.

Recently, the GWC Crue opened up the blog page to the community members, allowing GWCers to submit their own entries for publication! After contacting Sean for an account and password, as well as a comprehensive list of guidelines, do's and don'ts, you're good to go. Your stories are checked out by the Crue or Moderators, edited, and before you can say Millenium Falcon you might find your work up there on the blog page!

First-timers, do not fear! It's fun, rewarding, and the editors are friendly and helpful. In fact, they might very possibly be "the friendliest editors in Sci-Fi."

@Topgun - I like it. good stuff.


Well done!
Just one suggestion (to take or leave): Might be a good idea to not use the phrase "GWC Hivemind" in the FAQ. That's kind of an inside reference, and even to some outsiders may be totally into sci fi, fantasy and what not and still not know what the term "Hivemind" means.

One the other hand, we could make a "What is the GWC Hivemind" FAQ entry to explain it.

If we were to add a Glossary of GWC community terms and definitions and could hot link things like "hivemind" to it, I think it would be OK.

[frakkintalos]

What is a frak party?

Don't let the name fool you. Originally organized by Zack Exley, frakparty.com allowed fans to get together and enjoy the season three opener for the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica in a nationwide internet party. As a shout-out to Zack, GWC adopted the name.

Since then, frak parties have expanded from the realms of BSG to include many genres of television and film. Several frak parties are hosted weekly including Trek Tuesdays and Whedon Wednesdays. Every Friday night, the feature presentation relates to the current podcast arc.

What do you do at a frak party?

As custom dictates, frak parties start at :15 past the hour they are scheduled, unless of course it is a live broadcast. Watching TV and posting on a forum can be quite a daunting task. As a common practice leave the thread open and use the refresh button on your internet browser. The most fun you'll find at a frak party is the witty banter between participants. Any good experience is better shared.

If you happen to miss a frak party, they are archived. You can watch the content on your own. Follow along the thread and post your own comments.

[Solai]

All,

Thank you to everyone who has contributed. We will be posting v1 of the FAQ on the main page in the next few days. Here is the current edit, please continue to edit here and make your own sections for inclusion!:

Who we are
When we say we are the friendliest place in sci-fi, we mean it. We are a bunch of lay-a-bouts and rebels, outside of continents and beyond countries, young and old, female and male, teachers and students, writers and readers, philosophers and skeptics, and we have one thing in common: We are interested. We are interested in television shows, movies, comics, novels and music. We are interested in each other. We like to talk to each other on just about any topic, we will listen and give informed feedback, and at the end of the day we like to think of this place as a clubhouse for a group of friends.

You are welcome here. Everyone is.

What we do.
We discuss everything. Although the genesis of the forum and podcast were rooted in Battlestar Galactica, we have grown into a community that discusses everything from, Fire Breathing Chickens in Japan (http://forum.galacticwatercooler.com/showthread.php?t=7915) to the latest Joss Whedon production. Science fiction is what may have brought us here, it is the community that keep us coming back.

Take for example Frak parties. Almost every night you can find a group of people watching the latest new show, a classic movie or something interesting together. Think of it like having access to the smartest and funniest people you know commenting on what you are watching while you are watching it. It is Mystery Science Theater 3000 meets your college film class.

We also share with everyone when we stumble onto something we think is cool, because chances are, a lot of other people here will think its cool to. The Guild (http://www.watchtheguild.com/), BBC's Life on Mars (http://www.bbc.co.uk/lifeonmars/), Clear Skies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As8cmHb-aKU) or Henry V (http://forum.galacticwatercooler.com/showthread.php?t=2208) are just a few examples of things discovered and shared in the community. We also create new content, including songs, funny photoshopped images and perhaps most notably in honor of our 100th podcast:

What is a frak party?

Don't let the name fool you. Originally organized by Zack Exley, frakparty.com allowed fans to get together and enjoy the season three opener for the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica in a nationwide internet party. As a shout-out to Zack, GWC adopted the name.

Since then, frak parties have expanded from the realms of BSG to include many genres of television and film. Several frak parties are hosted weekly including Trek Tuesdays and Whedon Wednesdays. Every Friday night, the feature presentation relates to the current podcast arc.

What do you do at a frak party?

As custom dictates, frak parties start at :15 past the hour they are scheduled, unless of course it is a live broadcast. Watching TV and posting on a forum can be quite a daunting task. As a common practice leave the thread open and use the refresh button on your internet browser. The most fun you'll find at a frak party is the witty banter between participants. Any good experience is better shared.

If you happen to miss a frak party, they are archived. You can watch the content on your own. Follow along the thread and post your own comments.
What is the Blog?

The Blog serves as the main page of the Galactic Watercooler website, and is accessed at www.GalacticWatercooler.com (http://www.galacticwatercooler.com/). On it, you'll find updates on what the GWC Crue are watching for their upcoming podcasts, and much, much more.

Initially, blogs were the sole submissions of the GWC Crue, our hosts Chuck, Sean, and Audra. Together, they've racked up hundreds and hundreds of entries, on every subject imaginable. Many, of course, have a Sci Fi, fantasy, comics or gaming slant, some do not. All reflect items or opinions that the Crue have found interesting and want to share with the community. Reader comments are always welcome and encouraged! It's just one of the ways the GWC Hivemind works to pass around cool knowledge and news.

How can I blog?

Recently, the GWC Crue opened up the blog page to the community members, allowing GWCers to submit their own entries for publication! After contacting Sean for an account and password, as well as a comprehensive list of guidelines, do's and don'ts, you're good to go. Your stories are checked out by the Crue or Moderators, edited, and before you can say Millenium Falcon you might find your work up there on the blog page!

First-timers, do not fear! It's fun, rewarding, and the editors are friendly and helpful. In fact, they might very possibly be "the friendliest editors in Sci-Fi."

Special Thanks to FAQ contributors
Thanks to frakkintalos, Topgun, THX1966

[Pike]

Actually, that sounds pretty good as it is.

[Solai]

Actually, that sounds pretty good as it is.

I agree. I think there is room for a few enhancements like, "The first five threads you should check out" as an example, but right now it will do find by itself.