as a new brewer i have so many questions that are answered relatively simply by those with more experience, and i hate to post a new thread with every question. i think there should be some sort of system where one more experienced brewer offers his help and advice to a brewer just starting out, at least for the first few batches. God knows i could use lots of help. anyone interested in mentoring a beginner? maybe some sort of sub-forum like the recipe one? mods, any possible help in setting something like this up?
Really, the best way to do this would be a simple FAQ page of the more common questions, rather than setting up a separate sub-forum. Aside from that, you're welcome to PM some of the regulars here. I have helped people in the past this way, and I'm sure others would be more than happy to answer your questions, or point you in the right direction.
Find the closest club that fits your way of doing things. Get to know the highly rated BJCP judges for critical feedback - have them give feedback on your beers. Get to know the prolific brewers that win awards, see if you can brew with them. You will also make some of your best friends in a good club. Look here, use the pull down for your state. http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/community/clubs/find-a-homebrew-club/
I say don't be hesitant or embarrassed, and go ahead and start a single thread for all of your questions as they come up. It's only one thread with each of the questions added on as they arise, and it will give everyone a record of the issues that you've encountered what you've done so that better suggestions will be made, plus the documentation will help many other new homebrewers that read this forum. You may have to turn into a referee when multiple opinions create different answers to your questions, but these things get sorted out eventually. Edit: subsequent posts remind me that, since I encouraged you to start a new thread, I should also say that your questions should not be so basic that you could have gotten yourself some self-help by reading howtobrew.com (or its hard copy, newer version) or by looking at past threads in this forum for similar questions.
The obvious solution is to PM Jack Horzempa anytime you have a question. Be prepared to put glass marbles on your shopping list.
There is some sort of system where one more experienced brewer offers his help and advice to a brewer just starting out, at least for the first few batches. It's known as SEARCH. There are dozens of threads addressing issues confronted by noobrewers. Just b/c a thread is old doesn't mean you can't add questions.
I think that someone actually proposed that here 4 or 5 years ago. Just post your questions here, someone will answer them.
We don't all agree on exactly how to brew, but there is consensus on a lot of the basics. If you ask newbie questions, you will get responses from experienced brewers, with little whining and moaning. A lot questions get addressed frequently, so searching the forum for a topic can help, too. I too use glass marbles in my brewhouse, to weight down sacks of dry hops. I no longer use my pre-1981 copper pennies for the boil kettle, but am will to sell them to newbie brewers at a rate of 3 for $2.
Lot's of people ask newbie questions. Use the search feature - it's pretty good, but the results can be overwhelming sometimes because you'll find a lot from the same threads. But don't be afraid of asking anyway. Some guys here have been brewing since before I was born. I started two years ago and I'm sure have bored people with inanity. But everyone starts somewhere. I'll probably never be posting questions like HerrBurgess or VikeMan, but I'm not a super-sciencey/specific type of person. Though there have been a couple threads (pH and protein coagulation, for example) that go way beyond my practical interest, but I've followed closely because it's cool as hell.
I learned m ore on here than anything else. I have 2 "local" LHBS but one is fairly new. Great people, but not much knowledge. The other is an old guard guy who after 30 years or so still hasn't gone to all grain. His wines on the other hand are excellent. And my local homebrew club is an absolute joke. They don't have any club brews or anything other than getting together and getting drunk with no useful feedback at all. Trial and error (mostly error) and the few great guys on here that answer no matter how noob the question.
Local club + search function for most things, but yeah, if you have specific questions that you can't find answers for, just post them up!
I still hate faq pages and like the hands-on touch of answering a question for the 8th time this week. It would piss me off as a new brewer to get a bunch of links to other resources and generally be told, 'figure it out yourself.' I love to see some of the beginner questions and how many responses they get. It's never just one person chiming in. I agree that you should find a local club and ask to sit in a session or two. The price of admission is usually a 6er to share.
googling 'my question' + 'homebrew' usually sources me an overwhelming amount of info for any question I have.
thanks i guess that would be my best bet! also, i will definately look into a nearby homebrew club thanks to all those that answered!
Providing noobrewers with links to basic information is not so much an exercise in 'figgeritoutyoself' as it is about making an effort to 'educate yo'self' and then circling back with questions.
For what it's worth, mokeybeerbelly, I've found YouTube pretty helpful for things that I didn't really want to ask about - its nice to watch people do what you are asking about. Of course, there are different opinions and "preferences", so you will have to sort that out, as someone mentioned above; but I think the videos are a little more helpful than a thread....or maybe I'm just lazy and don't like reading Good luck - feel free to PM me and I'll help where I can!
