Concept/Idea threads are no longer banned. A concept thread is a thread where you have an idea for how to build something, but you want to flesh out that idea with other nerfers before you try to execute it. Here are some common threads that DON'T fall into this category which ARE allowed:
- You tried to build something, and you're stuck, or it didn't work. Post lots of photos and we'll do our best to help.
- You have a specific question about how to do something, and you already searched google and the forums for the answer.
- You found a new thing that is useful to nerfers (supplies, a tool, something that could be modified to shoot darts), but you haven't tried it yourself yet. As far as you know, no one on NH has heard of it before, and it's usefulness is instantly obvious.
Please follow these steps when posting a concept/idea thread:
0.) If at all possible, try your idea out before posting it. If you still think you need to talk through it first, move on to step 1.
1.) If you are new to NerfHaven, try following one of our guides first before you try to design your own homemade or try an untested modification. There are a ton of guides on this site and you can learn a lot by following in someone else's footsteps before starting from scratch on your own. Take a look at the pinned topics in the Homemades and Modifications forums.
2.) Have an idea. For example, if you are posting that you want to build a belt-fed homemade nerf gun, and you don't know where to begin, that's not an idea, that's a goal. Refer back to step 1, and start with something simple.
3.) Have the ability to follow through on your idea. If all you have is an idea, and no means to follow through with it, it isn't fair to expect someone else to do the work for you. If it's impossible for you to build your concept once you hash out the details, it might not be a plausible idea. You are allowed to collaborate with other people, but you should be ready to complete a large part of the work, or you should have already put in a lot of work (see step 4).
4.) Do as much research and development as you can. If your idea involves 3D printing, try to find out more about 3D printers, and their limitations. Make a model or CAD design for your idea, or build a prototype out of cardboard. Find a source for the parts you think you'll need. Use google and the NerfHaven search function to see if anyone else has done something similar in the past. The most important thing is to have put some thought and effort into your idea thread.
5.) Post your idea. Make sure you include all the information you found in step 4. We'll try to help you work through it as best we can.
Edit: Step 2.1 is that the idea should not be dangerous, or depend on dream logic or comic book physics to work. Added based on a firecracker powered nerf grenade thread I found while researching this guide.
Edit2: Just wanted to note, any thread that followed these guidelines would have been allowed in the past. The reason why idea threads were listed as banned in the New Members Guide was because most idea threads did not follow these steps.
Edited by Langley, 12 April 2016 - 07:03 PM.
