is there a FAQ on this forum? (Anchorage, Haines: relocation, work)

[rotorhead]

I haven't been on this forum very long, but I'm noticing a certain amount of inertia on threads that post repetetive questions. New users aren't familiar with the search functions and ask the same exact question that was just hashed over again a week ago. The result....a few tepid bits of advice on "the usual" questions and a lot of activity on the more interesting but less common subjects. Is there a place for a Frequently Asked Questions area on this forum? If so, some potential contenders...

"I'm thinking of relocating to the Anchorage area, tell me everything there is to know about moving to Anchorage"

"How do you deal with the wintertime/weather/darkness up there?"

"I'm moving to Alaska, should I sell everything or haul it all up"

and of course..."Whats the deal with the guy who's breath smells like badger sh1t? OK...just kidding on the last one

Still and all, people might get a bit more useful info on a regular basis if the repetitive questions got hashed over once every so often and added to and updated, instead of just asked every week and sorta half-@ss answered since everyones tired of the subjects. Just a thought...

and NO! I'm NOT volunteering to keep track of the FAQ, too busy getting ready for the move up to Haines... can't wait!

[Metlakatla]

The fireweed is just now beginning to bloom in Haines, RH, so make it on up here soon

I so agree with you. But I don't see any FAQ here.

Perhaps a couple of sticky threads are in order here. One should explain about the permanent fund, since that certainly seems to be a popular question among those considering relocation here. Funny how that is.

Another could address the subject of available Wal Marts et al, given the confusion of some posters who apparently received erroneous information before moving up here and are discouraged and disheartened by the lack of the above mentioned niceties.

Wherever you run to, there you are....

and I'll take fields of apline flowers and views of Denali and free wild salmon etc. etc. over Wal*Mart any day of the week.


It certainly ain't Kansas and Toto will more than likely be carried away in the claws of a bald eagle. Shame, that.

[markablue]

This idea has been discussed in a few places all over the forums. A sticky thread is a good solution, I think. You're welcome to PM me with links to worthy information (now and in the future) and I will copy these posts into one thread.

[scoobagirl]

here's another sticky post topic:

Driving the AlCan Highway


just my 2 cents worth!

[rotorhead]

Good ideas all, why not hold an informal vote on which thread topics would be best to start with?

[Metlakatla]

Personally I'm not very comfortable with the idea of info on the permanent fund being a sticky....though perhaps it could server to quell some misconceptions. I've been around Alaska long enough to remember the stampede after the first year of the dividend...you only had to be here six months back then to get it....but I really feel that if the PFD plays a part in someone's decision to move here, they should rethink their priorities.

Driving the Al-Can is a great idea for a sticky though.

Maybe something with a heavy dose of realism, with some stats on just how many people who make the big move actually end up staying---and how many actually end up as sourdoughs---sour on Alaska and no dough to leave. People really do get stuck here.

So many people romanticize the place and make it into their fantasy eden which nothing can ever live up to....

Maybe a sticky about what it actually takes to live and thrive here would be helpful.

Oh, and a sticky concerning stats on male/female ratios in the various communities. There seem to be a lot of women with misconceptions about that issue. Those that come up for that reason usually hot foot it right to Anchorage and the ratio there is not in their favor at all.

[Metlakatla]

Oh...checked out the fireweed today on my way to work, Rotor. It's on.

[Metlakatla]

It's almost halfway up the stalk now, RH

I think what would really help here would be a sub-forum about Anchorage. A lot of people seem to mistake the entire state for Anchorage.

It is a whole different experience living in other parts of the state...Anchorage is a piece of cake. I think people could become misinformed by reading about how easy it is to live in Anchorage and think that the rest of the state is that way, or that Anchorage is an easy drive from anywhere. Of course reading comprehension comes into play as well, but...

[rotorhead]

Hey you guys, get out there and stop those fireweed blossoms NOW! I'm not ready for winter yet, it's not fair!

As far as a seperate sub-forum for just Anchorage, it'd probably fly. They split some other states up that way, with the biggest city in one and all the rest lumped together.

[Metlakatla]

I'll get right on that fireweed thing, RH.

I'm ready for winter.