I would like to suggest integrating Discourse AI into this forum. While the forum already serves as a great knowledge base, valuable information is often scattered across various threads. Not all users are proficient in searching with the right keywords, which can make it difficult to find relevant answers.
By implementing Discourse AI, the chatbot could analyze existing discussions and provide instant, context-aware responses. This would benefit both new and existing members by:
Offering quick and accurate answers to common questions.
Reducing repetitive questions, leading to more meaningful discussions.
Improving overall engagement and knowledge accessibility.
This addition would make the forum more efficient and user-friendly.
Thanks for the suggestion. We will take it into consideration.
Personally I am a bit AI-skeptical especially regarding technical topics. But if the goal here is to provide better search, I would say it could make sense. But there would be many other aspects to consider (cost, privacy, etc.)
I don’t believe in AI so I’m against your solution. But some of your observations are correct.
As for the offering quick and accurate answers to common questions, I’m sure AI will be quick, but accurate? Given how some posts aren’t clear, I doubt AI will change anything.
As for reducing repetitive questions, I think that some users, including myself are ok with providing a link or a hint about how to search.
I don’t understand what you mean by improving overall engagement but as for the knowledge accessibility I agree that this one is not so great. What about a thematic index of the community guides like the ones Discourse uses to host its documentation?
How will the AI reduce repetitive questions? There are obviously users
who are not able to use the search tool: how will AI stop them posting?
Will users take advantage of the AI tools instead of posting? It seems
unlikely to me.
Given the quality of AI generated guides that I have seen, and the
quality of some of the advice offered in the forum, I am incredible
sceptical about this providing an improvement.
But as it will barely impact email users like me, I’ll go with the flow.
I never presume to speak for the Qubes team.
When I comment in the Forum I speak for myself.