Let me start by saying I’m not a developer, I’m an Administrator.
I want to create a database to act as a repository for questions and their answers from users. We are about to convert their mail files to the next design (our users will complain likely). We’ve selected 20 users to be in our pilot group for the conversion. Rather than have them email me questions on where to find something or how to do something, I want them to complete a form in a database for their query. This will save the document in the database and also email me notification (with a link) that there is a new submission. I can then go to the document, create the response and post it to the database and at the same time have it email the answer back to the person who asked it. I don’t want this to become a discussion database where all and sundry can add replies to questions posted. I’ve checked the Sandbox and also tried to look on openntf.com but I’ve had no luck. I can get our developer to modify the discussion database template, but if someone had something that already did this, that would be great. I want this database to eventually become a knowledgebase of sorts where users can go to look up “How To” rather than trying to get them to use Help that comes with their Notes client.
Thanks
Subject: Looking for an template for an FAQ type database
You really don’t need anything more complicated than a standard discussion template. The key would be in restricting who can create responses, and you can do that using the security tab of the response/response-to-resonse forms (“Who can create”). If you want a custom setup, though, this is one of those things that can be knocked together in a day (or, more probably, less) without running into the “omg the demo went live” syndrome. There’s nothing complicated about it – no complex lookups, decisions about whether to fold questions together would be done manually rather than by some enormous AI heuristic, et cetera. It’s sort of like a backwards blog – everyone can post, but only one user (or role) can leave comments – and, for the sake of everyone’s sanity, that same user can clean up the original posting as well if necessary.
Subject: RE: Looking for an template for an FAQ type database
Maybe even the personal journal template (which I like a lot for its simplicity) would do (almost unchanged), if it’s OK to have the answers in the same document as the original question.
Remember, that you can even display every database in Notes Help style (separate window with minimum menu entries and toolbars), should this be desirable.
Subject: Looking for an template for an FAQ type database
Pam, you have two outstanding responses to your post. I was going to suggest a Discussion DB, like Stan, but I wouldn’t have been as eloquent as he.
Subject: RE: Looking for an template for an FAQ type database
To be fair, I got here by following the tale of the tie…
Subject: RE: Looking for an template for an FAQ type database
JYR
Subject: RE: Looking for an template for an FAQ type database
Me too… but then… I heard the tale of the tie in person! I’ll get working on the discussion modifications Pam! Doesn’t look like it’s going to be a stellar May 2-4 anyway!
Subject: RE: Looking for an template for an FAQ type database
Thanks all for your responses. I’ve been off and hadn’t had an opportunity to see what was said. I will definitely give both suggestions a try.