More Fora

[Claverhouse]

Many here have perceived the lack of enough fora for helpful categorisation and have recently suggested some for music and book reviews. But whilst not unsympathetic to these requests I'd suggest a priority of three others:

1/ In Flamethrower --- ( itself not the happiest title that could have been selected for those that have seen pictures from the world wars... ) --- there should be a Complaints Forum 'If you've got a complaint, we want to hear about it !'. Apart from including future concerns ( as distinct from suggestions which go in the Suggestion Box already ) or attacks on trolls and members, all the present threads on trolls or banning etc. and attacks could be swept in there to tidy up the boards.

2/ In Life, the Universe & Everything... there should be a forum wherein to put all those polls/questions that relate solely to personal statistics, preferences etc. of members. Eg, hair-colour, height, sightedness, jewelry, diet. At present they are in various places, and they don't exactly relate to intpness or the rest of the world, but only --- validly --- to information on the people here.

3/ I'd like a Question Forum, where anyone could ask general questions regarding anything which other members might be able to answer or at least help. I can think of a couple regarding life in the USA ( Not unfavourable, just questions), but I've no idea where to post them where they might be seen by people who may know.




Claverhouse :ph34r:

[mgb]

Maybe it is time for a bit of a re-vamp of the whole forums page?

I like the complaints idea.

The second idea seems to be a sociology page. Which seems to take a big chunk out of the Psychology section. Maybe re-vamp that part to represent the Human Arts ideals.

[melancholeric]

And then we need one more forum for "We need one more forum for...." suggestions.

[Utopmk]

How about.. less forums, and more sub forums?

http://www.christianguitar.org/forums/

[mgb]

I am a little torn on the sub categories. I am not sure we have enough topics for sub-categories, but at the same time, they will allow more topics to be added effectively.

From an aesthetics point, I wonder if it can be made a little more pleasing to they eye.

[Utopmk]

From an aesthetics point, I wonder if it can be made a little more pleasing to they eye.

I wonder if anyone knows how to make attractive vbulletin style-sheets..anyone? And what about a new forum logo?

[SheepDog]

How about more interesting posts?

[jimkopelli]

Claver's suggestion seems to be fine without modification.
I second.

Wait... in that cgr thing... did anyone read the second post category description? "Posts in this area will not count toward the user's post total." If someone feels like implementing that, now we know it's possible under vB... and boo might be happy finally...

[mgb]

After looking over the christianguitar forum, ours isn't that big. I think there is still room on the forum to add more fora without destroying the integrity of the site or making it abnormally long.

They have 31 main forums with way over a hundred sub-forums. They also have 83,000 members with 800 on (probably at any given time).

We have 19 forums so far and 608 members.

I think adding a few forums won't kill us, but that as the site grows, we should conisder the sub fora idea.

[Edmond Zedo]

I'm sure I could do a very good forum index and categorization, but again, wtf do I know. I'm just a genius designer.

[Utopmk]

I'm sure I could do a very good forum index and categorization, but again, wtf do I know. I'm just a genius designer.

What's stopping you from pming fc?

[Edmond Zedo]

What's stopping you from pming fc?
Regarding what? This? (From memory): "Any mods wishing to become admins can pm me."

[file cabinet]

What's stopping you from pming fc?

just so people know.. the administration has become more decentralized. as noted by this there have been new admins added:
http://forums.intpcentral.com/showgroups.php?
I am not a leader, but together with the other admins/mods things/issues are being discussed. so.. in short, ppl can PM me but I will just relay whatever the message is to the other admins/mods(depending on what it is).

[mgb]

just so people know.. the administration has become more decentralized. as noted by this there have been new admins added:
http://forums.intpcentral.com/showgroups.php?
I am not a leader, but together with the other admins/mods things/issues are being discussed. so.. in short, ppl can PM me but I will just relay whatever the message is to the other admins/mods(depending on what it is).

So hopefully we can ask... as an admin, what do you think of the ideas?

[Edmond Zedo]

In any case, I offered my services previously, the offer stands, and any authority figger can PM me or simply "make it so" if they are (most justifiably) interested enough. And FYI, I'm more of a designer than a programmer by experience.

[file cabinet]

So hopefully we can ask... as an admin, what do you think of the ideas?

mmmm. I'm not sure.

[SheepDog]

Wait... in that cgr thing... did anyone read the second post category description? "Posts in this area will not count toward the user's post total." If someone feels like implementing that, now we know it's possible under vB... and boo might be happy finally...
I was going to suggest that the forum no longer display post count for individuals. I think it would have an interesting effect on the type and number of posts here.

[mgb]

How about more interesting posts?

How about stop bitching and do something about it instead of flaming all the current posters?

[Avengardh]

I wonder if anyone knows how to make attractive vbulletin style-sheets..anyone? And what about a new forum logo?
:smooch:

[Edmond Zedo]

*working on logo, presently*

[Claverhouse]

Do we have to wait, until there's a dedicated forum, to know what those questions are?

(Edit : it would appear we do.)
Patience. [ Looks annoyed: I've been busy. ]

I'll post one tomorrow here. It's now 2am & I've got to word it.

Not that it's the least bit interesting. Just info.



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[Avengardh]

just so people know.. the administration has become more decentralized. as noted by this there have been new admins added:
http://forums.intpcentral.com/showgroups.php?
I am not a leader, but together with the other admins/mods things/issues are being discussed. so.. in short, ppl can PM me but I will just relay whatever the message is to the other admins/mods(depending on what it is).
So what you are saying is that the mods became admins?

And that you are accepting new mods?

Sorry, just got confused.

[mgb]

So what you are saying is that the mods became admins?

And that you are accepting new mods?

Sorry, just got confused.

I wouldn't worry it's very confusing. I think Vagabond is the only Mod, now the rest of them are mod/admins.

[Swift]

And what about a new forum logo? How about T-shirts with an INTP Central logo? :)

[Edmond Zedo]

How about T-shirts with an INTP Central logo? :)
I'm sure you'll want one!

[Claverhouse]

Apart from including future concerns ( as distinct from suggestions which go in the Suggestion Box already ) or attacks on trolls and members, all the present threads on trolls or banning etc. and attacks could be swept in there to tidy up the boards.

Apparently, Alexander's solution to cutting the Gordian Knot was deemed preferable...



Claverhouse :ph34r:

Claverhouse, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:


Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.

And so, a long farewell to all our posts...

"For the love of God, Montresor!"



Claverhouse :ph34r:


And I did see the monkey pic...

[booyalab]

And I did see the monkey pic...

me too, I knew it was him because it was banksy
(the man likes banksy)

[int]

I thought posts that went into the Playground didn't count before...that must've changed during the upgrade to vBull.


And Claverhouse, can you you elaborate on the "Complaints Forum" idea? I thought the Rants & Raves section was the place to post general...uhh...rants & raves that we have about life. Additionally, the Suggestion Box is for complaints about the forum...although I see that's not clear on the forum-listing page.

[Claverhouse]

I thought posts that went into the Playground didn't count before...that must've changed during the upgrade to vBull. From memory, they always did.



And Claverhouse, can you you elaborate on the "Complaints Forum" idea? I thought the Rants & Raves section was the place to post general...uhh...rants & raves that we have about life. Additionally, the Suggestion Box is for complaints about the forum...although I see that's not clear on the forum-listing page. Gee whiz. I have the vague impression that others on this thread got the point. The Rants & Raves is for stuff about life and it's myriad annoyances; Suggestion Box is for helpful suggestions and questions regarding the running of the Forum and it's technical bits; the Complaints Forum would be where criticism of the Forum, it's admins, it's trolls and it's members ( should there be any ) could find a home, and these issues addressed. Anything with the word 'BAN' in it could go there.

As it was, not only was the ball dropped over the Nameless One [ hint: a stiletto swiftly applied is less distressing than a mob with torches ]; but the method applied as regards all the threads discussing the matter was the least satisfactory possible. To attempt from memory to recollect what CC or Mike said is not only distressing to those of us with bad memories, but the entire deletion smacks of retrospective censorship.

Any better way of joining the Right Deviationists with the Left Fractionalists can scarcely be imagined...





Quote:
Originally Posted by Avengardh
So what you are saying is that the mods became admins?

And that you are accepting new mods?

Sorry, just got confused.


I wouldn't worry it's very confusing. I think Vagabond is the only Mod, now the rest of them are mod/admins. Nah, it's fascinating. A shift like this gave kremlinologists months of pleasurable speculation as to the shifts of power and what each change portended for the future.



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[mgb]

I actually don't mind the "censorship" part of removing forums. I think the mods should do it when stuff like that comes up. There is no sense in trying to "discuss" that stuff.

Although I do agree with the complaints forum. Not for banning discussions but hopefully to open things up on the site. Air grievences, that sort of thing.

[int]

From memory, they always did.


...the Complaints Forum would be where criticism of the Forum, it's admins, it's trolls and it's members ( should there be any ) could find a home, and these issues addressed. Anything with the word 'BAN' in it could go there.



Claverhouse :ph34r:


Hmm...I got the impression that's what the Suggestion Box was for. Positive or negative, it's a suggestion - it should go there. ... by my reasoning, at least. :mellow:

Those types of issues are also alluded to in the rules (emphasis mine):



4.) No Causing a "State of Unrest."

A State of Unrest shall be considered:

-A thread made with the intent of causing disorder and unrest throughout the forum. Orderly discussion of 'forum politics' (which we hate) is fine.
-A post made to a thread of another topic about forum politics, meant to cause digression into forum politics, this is also classified as a troll - and if it contains personal attacks on forum administrators and/or users, a flame.
-One thread on one problem at a time, in the appropriate place. A single thread called "Mods SuX0r5", with the issue of the day, in the Suggestion Box is fine. A second thread in the Entertainment section (or anywhere else) isn't. These unnecessary threads will be closed.
-If you have a problem with a mod or admin, let the other mods and admins know. Private Messages are great.


Understandably, allusions aren't always clear.

[mgb]

Hmm...I got the impression that's what the Suggestion Box was for. Positive or negative, it's a suggestion - it should go there. ... by my reasoning, at least. :mellow:

Those types of issues are also alluded to in the rules (emphasis mine):



Understandably, allusions aren't always clear.

I wonder if there couldn't be some benefit to complaints.

For example, before my time, booyalab started a thread entitled "about Of Souls" as a reaction to some PMs and her playing ...Of Souls. Under the new rules I suppose that would be a threat to the unrest of the forum, but I tend to think the ability to do that may cause less unrest in the long run.

There should be some room to trash mods/admins and even other members before the rules kick in and address some concerns in public. It may be of benefit to the group as a whole to see what is going on and have input one way or the other. If we use the about Of Souls thread again, someone might have been able to say to booyalab, hey you are wrong, just chill out, or defend booyalab and tell the other people to chill out. I think when PMs start flying around the rest of the people can sense that something is up and may feel left out and retreat or attack, because they don't have all the facts.

In the case of Edwin, people could have said, Edwin, we hear you but I think you are wrong. I am not sure he would have agreed or not, but at least it's out there before the rules kick in and Edwin and all the other members can see what the consensus is before he gets banned (or whatever).

The complaints department might just be there to allow some freedom to complain a bit, hopefully without animosity building and biting everyone in the ass later.

[int]

I wonder if there couldn't be some benefit to complaints.



Agreed. That's what the Suggestion Box is for. What I'm asking for is an explanation as to why we need a whole new forum for it. I still think one thread, about the current issue at hand, in the Suggestion Box will suffice. :mellow:


-If you have a problem with a mod or admin, let the other mods and admins know. Private Messages are great.

While PMs are probably the preferred method (they are for me, and I don't get (m)any), there is no specific rule stating you can't start a thread. <edit: I edited the announcement for clarity there>

But,


The past is the past and it's over. The new rules will only take effect after they are posted.


That was applied universally, up to the point of the rules announcement - with the one exception (the situation was just out of hand). :mellow:


From memory, they always did.


Claverhouse :ph34r:

I found a thread where NGene had mentioned it before, but it wasn't implemented due to technical impossibilities - that's probably what I was remembering. :) Anyways, we can do that now. <edit: and it has been done>

[mgb]

I think the suggestion box should be for the more constructive aspects of the site, like, let's add this new forum on books, or you guys should try this. The complaints forum would be more flamethrowerish and would keep those type of posts in their place.

[Utopmk]

There should be some room to trash mods/admins and even other members before the rules kick in and address some concerns in public.

This has already happened...long before you joined.. "Johnny's War Thread." I remember nailing one member's balls to a cross or a board in microscopic, almost transparent text. I doubt anyone noticed it, though. I wonder if that thread is still around, and hidden somewhere.

Anyway, while giving some a rush, it was not productive at all. I think we older members learned our lesson from that one. There is no need to trash anyone here, ever. (unless they are begging for it)

[mgb]

This has already happened...long before you joined.. "Johnny's War Thread." I remember nailing one member's balls to a cross or a board in microscopic, almost transparent text. I doubt anyone noticed it, though. I wonder if that thread is still around, and hidden somewhere.

Anyway, while giving some a rush, it was not productive at all. I think we older members learned our lesson from that one. There is no need to trash anyone here, ever. (unless they are begging for it)

Maybe trash was too strong a word. Just have the opportunity to raise some issues. Like a "Is Zedo like this with everyone?" thread, things like that.

[Utopmk]

Maybe trash was too strong a word. Just have the opportunity to raise some issues. Like a "Is Zedo like this with everyone?" thread, things like that.

What about a category that requires a special (free) subscription. With this subscription, you might be granted the right to flame/trash users, but only if they join in and post in that category. It would be hidden from the people who didn't want the real forum polluted. It could be strike worthy to even speak of such a forum on the real board. Ahhh, it could be the forum's way of saying: "Take it outside!" Then again, the new rules are pretty damned reasonable, and seem to be working well. :)

[nobarcode]

Right... (damn those...) I've "reported" posts to mods before. Most of all the complaints, criticisms, arguements, & flames of recent could have been delt with through PM's. That's far more efficient. If you want to call someone an asshole, PM them and tell 'em.

[int]

Maybe trash was too strong a word. Just have the opportunity to raise some issues. Like a "Is Zedo like this with everyone?" thread, things like that.

Why don't you ask him?

I'm sure he'd get a kick out of it. :)

[mgb]

Why don't you ask him?

I'm sure he'd get a kick out of it. :)

I kind of feel bad, picking on him on his birthday, whoops.