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Message |
    
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 4650
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 10:52 am: | 
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I tried to give the new board a chance, but I like this old version SO much better.
If "Coca-Cola" was able to admit that "new Coke" was a mistake, maybe the Ross Brothers can do the same with "new MOL".  |
Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 450
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 11:05 am: |
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Oh, wow! This is where everybody went! Jersey Boy and I were establishing a life raft over on WOOL. Woo Hoo!! I'm in 
I have to agree with Nohero's thoughts above. I think there's a definite divide between those who are more technically inclined/more experienced in online communication and find the new format to be a cool toy to play with, and those for whom the software is a means to an end. Much as I like a lot of the functionality available in the new package, I would hate to see large chunks of this community disappear. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 12646
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 1:05 pm: |
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Bob's Probs with the new board
1. Having to sign in to see what threads haven't been posted to since my last visit.
2. All times being shown as hours, minutes, seconds ago instead of regular clock time.
3. Problems with attaching links. This is so much easier on the old board.
4. Having to check both the recent discussions and the sections to make sure you don't miss anything.
Bring back the old board. As Mergele says, for the techies the new board may be fun. For the rest of us it is confusing. I visit maybe five or six message boards fairly regularly. The new board is the most confusing.
ps: I do like the spell check 
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Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 4837
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 2:16 pm: |
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1. is it that hard to sign in, and you have the option to set a cookie so that you log in automagically
2. I liked the time stamp too, but I've adapted and can easily figure out what time it was 5 hours ago.
3. there are a lot of options, I think once it's on the new servers and everything is up and running it will be just as easy, especially if you choose to make your post in the right code.
4. Give me a break, it's really not that hard to get the hang of, I have generally been viewing everything under Discussions, and have found that I've been reading more posts from sections I don't normally look at much.
5. When you first started coming to MOL I'm sure you had to learn how to do things, what's the difference, life goes on, things change, go somewhere else if you can't hang.
6. Spellcheck is a plus, but I already had it available in Safari, and Firefox. Not to mention that spelling isn't really that hard.
7. Keep the new board, it's not just for techies, people just have to get used to things (and maybe actually learn something in the process),
8. The layout of the new forum is not confusing (at least it wasn't until Jamie put the drop down box for the different sections, yuck!),from what I've seen most people got the hang of it rather quickly, so sorry you didn't, get over it.
9.I like Discus too, but I like Vanilla more. Of course a totally different software package could be used. I really like Phorum,, it's completely customizable, and it's free.
Of course the fact that it can look however you want it means there are still some ugly forums out there that use Phorum, but here is a good example of a site using Phorum, MacResource (I suggest clicking on the Tips & Deals section, but for those of you that miss the political section, you may just enjoy the one here, they do get a little wacky sometimes though).
phpBB is good too, it's open source, and has a lot of features available that I'm sure MOL users would like, hears a site I like that uses phpBB, AppleSwitcher
10. If it was up to me as what to choose I would probably choose Phorum, then phpBB, then Vanilla, and then Discus. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 12648
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 2:44 pm: |
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Monster, I sign in on three different machines. I tried the "remember me" option and got locked out. Had to contact Jamie to get things partially straigtened out.
I had been involved with message boards before coming to MOL, back in 1999 btw, so it wasn't strange.
As a non-techie, I really don't have much desire to have to choose the "right code". This isn't a techie board. It is a local information and politics board.
The spell check was a joke. Most of the long time posters here know that I am dylexsic (which I probably didn't spell correctly) and am too lazy to cut and paste my posts from Word. Unfortunately, two of the machines I post from aren't mine and don't have Firefox or Safari.
In the end those of us who aren't alleged IS pros will either adjust to the new board or fade away. As of yesterday I think that many (most?) of the posters, including regulars, hadn't re-registered or depending on their email system were unable to do so.
I don't know computers, but I know enough about business to know that Jamie sells ads based on the traffic here. Reduced traffic means fewer ads and lower prices.
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Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 1859
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 2:58 pm: |
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Hello, thanks to SOrising for the wormhole/link. I guess I can't whisper to her.
But I CAN do this to everyone else.
I was adjusting to the New Board, but clearly many, many were not, and that was clear from the who's online banner.
Let's not forget, it's the people that make the board, not the program. Dave and Jamie, do what you need to to keep PEOPLE using the board.
Maybe you should take a poll.
J.B. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 15659
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 3:57 pm: |
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All the points raised here are good.
But I just got to thinking (I know, that's dangerous)...
I wonder if a lot of the resistance to Vanilla is because of the color scheme. I'm serious. I don't care much, but it has a lot of effect on some people. Maybe we need more contrast.
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Scully
Citizen
Username: Scully
Post Number: 1065
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 9:15 pm: |
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Yes Tom!!! The colors are less readable. A few posters IRL (John Caffrey for one) have brought that up with me too.
The stark black on white is not comfortable, and this light black on grey is a strain to read.
New or old board, can't we have an eye friendly black on beige (or light yellow) for the regular posting and put the harsher color combinations on the whispers (which aren't used as often)?
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Scully
Citizen
Username: Scully
Post Number: 1066
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 9:25 pm: |
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Otherwise I'm growing to like the new board. Love the spell check and love how the thread brings me right to where I've last been. |
buzzsaw
Citizen
Username: Buzzsaw
Post Number: 5803
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 9:26 pm: |
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At this point I am ready for the MOL pigeon
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buzzsaw
Citizen
Username: Buzzsaw
Post Number: 5804
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 9:28 pm: |
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And Dave, I have always said you should have spent your money on different fonts and color - NOT magic beans.
Bring back the old board......with contrast and color! |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 15660
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 10:01 pm: |
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I bet all of these packages can be color-configured. If color is the issue, then it's not a question of which software to use.
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bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 980
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 10:23 pm: |
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I'm partial to vBulletin, but it's one I help administer so I am definitely biased.
I think Dave and Jamie should do what they think is best for their creation (which is incredibly unique in the online community*). I know I'll stick around since I do sort of live here.
* The only other I know of is Section 7, a Grateful Dead message board which started out on Compuserve in 1993-ish (I was a tri-sysop of the board and chat room) and has morphed into a yahoo group/listserve. It's a nice place - feel free to check it out if you are so inclined: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Section7/. |
jamie
Citizen
Username: Jamie
Post Number: 610
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 12:28 am: |
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Hey all - first time I saw this thread.
I'm still on the edge between the two message boards.
The good thing about the new one is the ability to customize it. With the old one - we're stuck with the limitations of the script. With the new one - we might be able to tweak it enough so that it has the look and feel of the old board with more optimal conditions on the backend - which will help when it comes to searching.
We'll be able to get a better idea once we get the new server in working order, which we hope will be very soon. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 12649
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 8:39 am: |
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PUSH, SHOVE, TIMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OR "Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall........"
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Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 15661
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 10:01 am: |
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I'm a system administrator and a former programmer. Many others here are, too. Let us know if you'd like help. It could be that another set of eyes could help, even if just to look at the system and make a projection about what is possible and how much work it would take to get discuss or Vanilla to the way we'd like it.
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Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 4838
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 10:27 am: |
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I still say Phorum, you can make it look however you want, and basically customize it to do whatever you want. |
jamie
Citizen
Username: Jamie
Post Number: 611
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 10:39 am: |
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Do you have a good example of a Phorum forum? I looked at the examples they had and wasn't crazy about it at all. How's the admin area for it? |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 4654
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 11:05 am: |
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Some other message boards that I participate in use vBulletin or phpbb. I still like both of these or the "old MOL" better than the "new MOL". |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 12651
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 11:20 am: |
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I get the impression a good part of reason for moving to the new software was the search function. Nohero, a fellow non-IS peodwaaionL type, points out that Google does an excellent job of searching MOL and at lightening speed. I have a strong suspicion that very few program specific programs can do as good a job.
Is there anyway to have a link to the advanced Google search function on Mol on a "search this site only" basis? I think I have seen this on a number of websites btw, although I admit I haven't really looked into this. |
Nohero
Supporter
Username: Nohero
Post Number: 5843
Registered: 10-1999
| | Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 10:31 am: |
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Quote:Nohero, a fellow non-IS peodwaaionL type
You finally stumped me, Bobbest K - I have no idea what that means!  |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 15662
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 10:37 am: |
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bobk, thank you for echoing what I've been saying for a long time.
Quote:Update: 9/22 at 3am - Backup of old message board didn't work due to the file size > 2 gigs.
We will either install our old message board script and implement the archives at another time or use the new message board script.
In the meantime - try our chatroom.
Ooh, I can't wait to see what the decision is!
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Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 452
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 10:46 am: |
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Antsy. Antsy. Antsy. |
jamie
Citizen
Username: Jamie
Post Number: 612
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 10:49 am: |
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http://www.maplewoodonline.com/forum
This is still a possible in between solution. It's better than nothing in the meantime.
Jamie |
Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 453
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 10:59 am: |
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Jamie, to the point that others have raised - will this incarnation continue to be active (posting enabled, etc.)? Our beloved community has been torn asunder and we're living in parallel universes...
ok, so I'm a little bit melodramatic this morning. this has been traumatic! |
