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Post by Original Admin on Jun 12, 2006 6:45:59 GMT -5
This is in reply to the post started by Don and commented on a lot.
Ok - in here - if you would like a new section - and reckon that there will be people interested aswell - post the suggested name and a description for the section.
Also - if you read a suggestion in here - please can you comment on whether you think its viable or not - so I can get a feel for what people want and dont want to do etc.
Cheers Mark
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Rose
Cave Dweller
Member since November 2004
Posts: 875
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Post by Rose on Jun 12, 2006 11:30:14 GMT -5
I read Don's initial comments on his thread and agreed with him (didn't have time to read the whole thing so sorry if I'm repeating stuff here).
I think we have some great forums such as cabs and wire wrapping etc but I think the main thing is that is needed is for people to actually post their topics in the correct section, rather than just posting everything in the busiest section (members pics) - How about re naming members pic to tumbling pic . Then it will be clear that there is a section for tumbling, cab and wrapping and people can browse what they prefer and are more interested in.
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Post by xenaswolf on Jun 12, 2006 11:58:05 GMT -5
I think if you limit the members pics area to just tumbling, it will be a ghost town. It takes sooooo long to finish a batch, that if that is all that gets posted there, it will be a long wait.
Lets be real folks. There is only so much that can be said about tumbling before its all repeated. There are finite recipes, etc. If we keep this board just about tumbling it will get stale pretty quick.
As far as posting in the correct sections, well, folks make mistakes. Thats why we have staff to move topics to their correct forums.
If it ain't broke don't fix it. The board is fine as it is, IMHO.
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Post by stoner on Jun 12, 2006 12:18:53 GMT -5
Yes, as was already stated, I think the board is just fine the way it is. Xena's makes a really good point about the length of time it takes to get a batch through to polish, so a tumbling only section would be less visited than the cab or wire wrapping section. It's taken a while to catch hold, but the cab and wire wrapping sections are getting more attention these days. If anything, just rename the photos section, but to me, it's just nit-picking. Sorry Don, not saying you were nit-picking.
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Rose
Cave Dweller
Member since November 2004
Posts: 875
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Post by Rose on Jun 12, 2006 12:22:51 GMT -5
Speaking as someone that helps run a busy internet forum, I have to completely disagree. Sure people make mistakes which is fine but people should not expect one or two people to go around tidying up after everyone that is just very annoying for the people doing the job ! For example why doesn't ebay just have things for sale? they put thing in correct sections to make it easy for people to find what they are interested in.
Staff on a forum are there to keep the place civil and welcoming. All it takes is a second to think, which section does my post best fit underand save por Mark the job of moving loads of posts around all the time, or everything getting mixed up.
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Post by xenaswolf on Jun 12, 2006 13:14:28 GMT -5
Speaking as someone that helps run a busy internet forum, I have to completely disagree. Sure people make mistakes which is fine but people should not expect one or two people to go around tidying up after everyone that is just very annoying for the people doing the job ! For example why doesn't ebay just have things for sale? they put thing in correct sections to make it easy for people to find what they are interested in. Staff on a forum are there to keep the place civil and welcoming. All it takes is a second to think, which section does my post best fit underand save por Mark the job of moving loads of posts around all the time, or everything getting mixed up. I don't think anyone EXPECTS people to tidy up after them. I do think however that if the board gets to be too strict with what goes where, it will ruin some of the fun and interaction. Many people have offered to help Mark and Sands with keeping the board tidied up. I'm sure if it gets to be too much of a hassle that they will ask for help. Lots of times a post just doesn't fit anywhere...so it get placed wherever the poster thinks it will get the most response.
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Post by Cher on Jun 12, 2006 13:24:27 GMT -5
OK People before you go any further ...
I have my own forum, it's really not a big deal to move posts but Mark won't do it. He believes that to be policing instead of just moving things to the right spot. I think he's silly because lots of times there's questions that should be on the general forum that don't get moved answered.
Drives me nuts, I'd love to see them moving things to the right place. I don't think people would think it's "policing" I think they'd appreciate the fact that it was put in the right section.
One thing that causes this "posting in the wrong place" is tooooooooo many forums. People get confused. The best thing that could be done here is to rewrite the forum descriptions to better explain what they are for.
PS ... Lapidary Tips is a good example of a poorly used forum. It's supposed to be about tips you can use, tried and true things that work. Why do people continue to post questions there? A question isn't a tip ... it should be moved to the general forum where it gets answered.
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Duckbean
fully equipped rock polisher
Looking for rocks in all the wrong places
Member since February 2005
Posts: 1,072
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Post by Duckbean on Jun 12, 2006 14:17:53 GMT -5
I don't see any thing wrong with the board as is!Too many sections and it just becomes confusing !It's been a pretty relaxed place and I think that's part of the reason why people are willing to give it a try. Do we really need a general photo, a tumbling photo, a cabbing photo, a wire wrapping photo, and I think you get the idea. But I'm easy and will choose and pick the sections that I look at and that I don't so I guess it really doesn't matter to me!LOL I just love these intellectual discussions!
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rockhard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2006
Posts: 227
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Post by rockhard on Jun 12, 2006 14:18:10 GMT -5
I used to run a few forums too, and noticed immediately that each specific topic would always evolve into a group of related topics. Plant people, like rock people, tend to get interested in related plants and other things to do with them. You'd be hard pressed to find an Adenium list that doesn't talk a lot about Pachypodiums, or a Lithops list that doesn't chat a lot about other mesembryanthemums, etc. etc. etc. I tried once to divide all the topics out into separate forums. In botany, we have two camps- "lumpers" and "splitters". More like a Kinsey scale with most people somewhere toward the middle. The attitude range trickles down to us amateurs- I'm mostly on the lumper end. Right or wrong, it wouldn't take me long to melt down a hundred years of overcategorization in the Orchid world. I ended up keeping my forums down to a few, with a broader range accepted in each one. The conversations would sometimes be more about related topics than about the central theme, but there was no confusion about where to post, and the conversations were more natural- more like what you would really talk about, changing subjects here and there, in a real-life club. Search capabilities on individual forums and the internet as a whole are so much better than a few years ago, finding information in a mixed post is hardly a problem any more. Internet connections (average) are so much faster that looking over several pages of posts takes less time than reading one email not so long ago. People seem to be using the internet more as a conversational and social tool than as a strictly organized archive of information. The internet, and in general, the boards and forums, have evolved into a more organic form. Newer internet users would find the 'old' style of dividing and categorizing information archaic and dry- and probably go somewhere that seems more open and inviting to someone less familiar with finer points of distinction. If I went to a club meeting, which this seems most like, I would resent being told that I had to go into the kitchen to talk about cabbing, but if I had a question about rough materials or locations I'd need to leave and go to the laundry room. But if I wanted to share my experience with tumbling the same stuff I need to go to the bathroom. The photo album has to be divided into separate books, which I can only open in their assigned rooms. see what I mean? That said (and sorry, as usual, for my verbosity), I don't have any strong feeling about how this should be organized. Those were just my personal thoughts. Mark is asking for group opinion, and failing consensus, I think he should do what is most convenient for him. I'm sure we'll all do just fine and still find our ways around here, and new members will come, whether it's all reorganized or not (correction: it's lumpers and splitters, not dividers)
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rockhard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2006
Posts: 227
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Post by rockhard on Jun 12, 2006 14:22:08 GMT -5
Oh PS- I forgot to add, that no matter how clear directions and descriptions are, there will ALWAYS be people mucking it up. It's just reality on the internet, no use fighting it, like beating your head on a brick wall.
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Post by akansan on Jun 12, 2006 14:30:20 GMT -5
Okay, another previous board mod speaking - it's a pain in the butt to tidy up after people, even if you're just in charge of one forum. It also causes hurt feelings, even if done helpfully. Moving a post from one section to another makes the original poster feel a bit incompetent and embarassed - obviously, they were too "stupid" to realize which section the post should go in in the first place. A helpful note from another member to try the question in a different forum helps much more. I personally like the board the way it is, even if it can be a bit messy. I pick and choose which threads I want to read. Yes, better descriptions on the main forums might help, but I don't think it's going to solve anything really. To be honest, I'm not certain there's anything that needs to be solved. I guess I'm just a lumper also.
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Shelbeeray
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2006
Posts: 688
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Post by Shelbeeray on Jun 12, 2006 14:32:00 GMT -5
I think it works wonderfully just the way it is. I like being able to be exposed to so many different activities without having to go to a bunch of different areas. I like the different areas we have - a general discussion and a general photo section are wonderful. If people want to postin a specific forum they can. If not, well, that's their choice. I love the identification area and the wirewrapping. When I get a machine, I'm sure I'll love the cabbing area as well. But please keep the general discussion are - it's FUN! Changing the description slightly should fix it. I think Mark has done an awesome job and I think that if he gets into moving and policing topics this will end up being work and not a fun contribution to the group he started.
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Post by gemkoi on Jun 12, 2006 14:48:54 GMT -5
i like the board as is, as far as content or forums go. IT makes perfect sence were and what forums should be posted to depending on what you're doing. It you afraid someone will not see or hear what your talking about, i see folks double post all the time to remind others were and what else is being talked about, works for me.
The only susgestions i have, are the functionally of the baord. Which is not a main concern, but i will state it.
Now there are many members, and more often active daily threads new and replies. Someone like myself who doesnt have the time to look through them all, can feel daunted by so many, or just doesnt have the time, buts wants to. Yes i lost hours like many reading and responding to posts here, when i could be working. But thats my choice.
If there was a way like yahoo groups are set up, were one can recieve emails on threads, or a digest of the daily topics would be cool. That way folks can opt in and find more time to read through the posts, espically if they are still on a dial up service. clicking back and forth, espically when the server is busy lags even a high speed connection.
As i can scan read, but i hate having to find the posts i am interested in, or ones i may be able to help or inlighten another. Having a digest were all daily posts come in one email would be perfect for someone like me. As i would find more opt to respond to more posts.
Another idea would be an Rss or Xml feed for the baord. However i dont think probaords will do that even if the owner paid for ad free service. But it would be nice becasue i use feeds all the time and really like googles home page for feeds.
And it would be nice, if the board generated "hot topics" a table at the top for qwick linking to any hot topic in the baord, no matter what forum its from. That would be cool, but it would have to be limited to so many topics, and recycle them fast.
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Post by parfive on Jun 12, 2006 15:03:03 GMT -5
Rose - "the main thing that is needed is for people to actually post their topics in the correct section, rather than just posting everything in the busiest section"
Xena - "As far as posting in the correct sections, well, folks make mistakes."
Rose - "I have to completely disagree . . . All it takes is a second to think, which section does my post best fit under"
You're right, Rose. It's just laziness. Too much work, or too hard, to think for a second about the best place to post.
'Members Photographs' is fine the way it is - rock related: tumbles, rough, slabs, rock hounding trips, equipment.
How many times has someone posted "I can't answer your question" or "I don't know . . ." or "I don't have one of them . . . " WHY BOTHER? All you're doing is adding to the clutter and confusion.
Over in 'Life, the Universe . . ." there used to be a joke thread. Still is, buried by now. New jokes were just added at the end of the thread. Now every joke is a new thread . . . MORE CLUTTER.
Bottom line - there's thirteen different boards on RTH now. Seem like that should cover it.
Rich
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Post by krazydiamond on Jun 12, 2006 16:07:18 GMT -5
i liked it before all the new stuff was added with the exception of Life , the Universe and Everything. i think it's important to seperate Rocks and Everything Else.
i PURPOSELY put photos of cabs and such in members photos, whack me with a stick, OK? i know i should post them in the Cabs thread BUT I DON'T!!!! sue me.
KD
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Post by rockyraccoon on Jun 12, 2006 16:45:38 GMT -5
so how much is kd's wrongful posting ticket? kim
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Post by gemkoi on Jun 12, 2006 16:49:57 GMT -5
tickets should be one cab to Mark. And mark can gift it or use it for contesting or trading. Or it could be one cab for every member? lol comeon Kd, getta grinding beofre to many more people join the group. (:jk:)
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Post by LCARS on Jun 12, 2006 18:24:07 GMT -5
I won't debate about the different views on forum structure because it's a moot argument. It always ends up coming down to is that people have different views on things and the only way to ever resolve it is to agree to disagree. I will throw a few of my thoughts and observations into the slurry though... First, let me say that (IMHO), RTH is an awesome environment! I am hard pressed to significantly nay-say much of anything. Top rate people, good attitudes, good info/advice & minimal squabbling amoung members makes this an enjoyable forum. I most frequent the "General", "Member photos" & "Life..." threads but for what it's worth, i'm glad the other sections are there. I like having a section for photo intense posts. I can look forward to seeing cabs, saws, slabs, geodes, shops, projects & other rock related goodies posted with the story. Converseley, some folks who still have to tolerate low bandwidth connections may be frustrated by having large photos posted in other sections. I think that having a sticky "joke" thread in the "Life..." section would be a good idea to reduce the volume of new joke threads. I laugh at the good ones & cringe at the bad ones. I use the "back" button as often as necessary when something doesn't agree with me but I have yet to see something "truly" offensive to me get posted here but I am a fairly open minded & tolerant person. Another observation I have to make is that the more complicated a forum gets then the more confusing it is to use. Too many sections & subsections just gets frustrating so K.I.S.S. If a thread is set up to post lapidary tips, people will innevitably have questions when they read it. Maybe I'll want to get some lapidary tips & nobody has posted about my question yet so I'd post it in hopes that it it will be answered & I can get the advice I need. Maybe I read a procedure or some tips & I am wondering how to apply it to my situation etc. etc. I find that having fairly loose rules & fewer sections keeps everyone together and keeps ideas flowing with good exposure. If RTH experiences growing pains then it shouldn't be a big deal to make a few tweaks here & there to make it more manageable. I don't think Mark should have to "police" the board but there are some things only the moderator can do, everything in it's proper proportion in other words. Anyways, I guess what i'm trying to say is that RTH works pretty good for me the way it is & although I do not feel strongly about change, it is good to ponder & sometimes implement small changes over time as the need arises.
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rckhndk
starting to spend too much on rocks
My rockhound buddy
Member since November 2005
Posts: 208
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Post by rckhndk on Jun 12, 2006 19:03:43 GMT -5
RTH is a great board. I don't think we need to start making major changes. Maybe rewriting some of the forum descriptions makes sense. Otherwise I think the board mods do a great job. Kudos!
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raptor686
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since January 2006
Posts: 89
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Post by raptor686 on Jun 12, 2006 22:16:11 GMT -5
I havent been here as long as others, but I love the board as it is. Rarely, and I mean rarely, have I participated in a board that I like as much as this. I visit a couple times a day, and am disappointed when I dont see new picture posts in the Photo area. Photos are photos.. I dont care what of. So "whatever" it is.. I wanna see it. Post it Everyone agrees this is a great place to chat, learn and teach about Rock stuff. Change is sometimes needed, but too much change can ruin good things. Its Great now.... and working well. I do think new visitors that come here looking for Tumbling stuff should be able to find tumbling stuff. When I came here the very first time, I spent 3 hours straight, clicking every page of every catagory, looking for info on tumbling cabs and slabs. Found it, but man was it buried deeeep. Keeping up with current postings is a breeze. But the old stuff is hard to dig up. That complaint was only temporary though. If new folks just could be told that the Tumbling info is in here, go find it.. That would be enough IE. maybe a small tweek in Forum catagory names... keeping them the same forums, just described more.
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