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General => General Discussion for Everybody => Topic started by: Chip on January 18, 2016, 07:49:53 AM

Title: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Chip on January 18, 2016, 07:49:53 AM
as you know, we have many members and still average around a minimum of 80 unique visitors a day but i was hoping that we could encourage more visitors.

in your opinion, what can we do to make the forum more attractive ?
or perhaps, what annoys you about this forum ?

or perhaps, has the demise of Opiophile and/or the advent of more communications & apps changed the landscape forever ?
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: EMC on January 18, 2016, 08:38:30 AM
I know I'm not super active so I don't expect my opinion to be worth as much as some other members here. But I don notice a lot of in-fighting and bickering among members that can really turn me off. I really don't have any suggestions on how to reduce that though.

And to a lesser extent, some members post with a writing style which is almost illegible to me. I'm no grammar nazi, and I'm confident I make a ton of spelling and grammatical mistakes myself. But sometimes I feel like Canterbury Tales is easier to read than some of the posts on here.

Alas, I have only complaints. Sorry I'm not more constructive.

Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Chip on January 18, 2016, 08:50:46 AM
I know I'm not super active so I don't expect my opinion to be worth as much as some other members here. But I don notice a lot of in-fighting and bickering among members that can really turn me off. I really don't have any suggestions on how to reduce that though.

And to a lesser extent, some members post with a writing style which is almost illegible to me. I'm no grammar nazi, and I'm confident I make a ton of spelling and grammatical mistakes myself. But sometimes I feel like Canterbury Tales is easier to read than some of the posts on here.

Alas, I have only complaints. Sorry I'm not more constructive.

that's perfectly ok ... in-fighting is both ugly and a buzz-kill, for real.

You are probably typical of the majority that drop in once in a while to see what's up and then get back to real life ... which is a damned good thing, mind you. Healthy, if you will ...

thanks, brother.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Guts on January 18, 2016, 08:51:38 AM
My only small gripe is you can't read posts the same way as opiophile's what's new feature. I guess the "all" link is supposed to be like that but it shows a little paragraph for each topic making it difficult to use. In All Unread, topics disappear after you read them. Anyway to fix that?
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Chip on January 18, 2016, 08:55:00 AM
My only small gripe is you can't read posts the same way as opiophile's what's new feature. I guess the "all" link is supposed to be like that but it shows a little paragraph for each topic making it difficult to use. In All Unread, topics disappear after you read them. Anyway to fix that?

sorry, not that i know of but once read, i thought that was a handy feature.

for vB(Opio) "What's New" compatability, i use the d&u portal/home page - it shows you the latest posts and topics (Recent Posts/Topics) under the list of new members - use that once you've caught up with what you want with the "All Unread"
you can also choose from: New Posts, New Replies, All Unread etc.

in fact, you have more views than Ophile permitted ... maybe too many, eh ?

there's an exception in my "less is more" mantra, right there
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Z on January 18, 2016, 11:40:27 AM
The "new posts" option on the far left shows up like opiophile used to.  That's how I tend to browse.


I've been trying to add a bit more content the last few days.  Hoping that it might draw some discussion out of people.  My thought is that there has been so much conflict here lately.  We have dealt with questions about moderation, about race, about sex, and honestly they can be very alienating things.  I worried when it all started that it would drive people away, and I am worried now that it has.


I feel bad for the part that I played in arguing in front of everyone.  I'm sorry for that guys.  I felt like I was being tossed to the wolves and blamed for doing things on someone's behalf, and felt that people should know everything.  I just had trouble sitting there and not responding.  I hope that it doesn't reflect too badly on the staff and the forum here as a whole, because my failures are mine alone.


If people still have issues or problems I hope they will bring them up and talk about them. 
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Junkette on January 19, 2016, 12:18:35 PM
We need to make this place more like a TRAP HOUSE!

desperate girls willing to give blowjobs for 5 bucks or a hit on the pipe, the threat of police walking in at any second and shaking us all down,

STRIPPERS WOULD HELP!

JK! We could make a thread were its like, what you would say to your dealer if you could say anything to him (lol).

I'm going to make a promise to stop lurking so much. I've been in a bit of a depression since winter hit. Lame
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: DeadCat on January 19, 2016, 12:50:18 PM
I'd encourage more outreach to old Opiophile members. I know this has been done but continued efforts wouldn't hurt.

Maybe it's the old coot in me starting to show but I'd change the design and layout a bit to make it simpler, more streamlined so thateverything is clear, easily found and self evident. There seems to be a bit of duplication of functions which can confuse users. Why is there an MP3 palyer and "Premiumbeat?"

My suggestions aren't complaints. The qustion was asked about making things more "fun" and "exiting" and those things came to mind.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: nick on January 19, 2016, 06:19:16 PM
Post better material.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Chip on January 19, 2016, 07:40:39 PM
I'd encourage more outreach to old Opiophile members. I know this has been done but continued efforts wouldn't hurt.

Maybe it's the old coot in me starting to show but I'd change the design and layout a bit to make it simpler, more streamlined so thateverything is clear, easily found and self evident. There seems to be a bit of duplication of functions which can confuse users. Why is there an MP3 palyer and "Premiumbeat?"

My suggestions aren't complaints. The qustion was asked about making things more "fun" and "exiting" and those things came to mind.

I won't be changing the format as it's taken a year to get to this point but i admin that i got a bit carried away when I started.

what isn't obvious are all the mods to the system.

nick is right, we need more quality content ... I will keep adding more news items.

a complex forum may seem confusing at first however, there should be enough features and functions to express yourself well.

we also have good communications tools.

... and new members keep trickling in.

another Opiophile mailout may be another option.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Chip on January 19, 2016, 08:40:33 PM
The "new posts" option on the far left shows up like opiophile used to.  That's how I tend to browse.

@Z also go for New Replies - they are threads that you are already engaged with.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Fentfiend420 on January 19, 2016, 08:46:50 PM
I need to start talking more...

I think the forum is shaping up great!

All I can suggest is to make a app maybe...
Or a more mobile friendly set up.

This is something NEW.
I don't compare it to the phile.

Keep up the good work guys!!
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: dysmorphic on January 19, 2016, 09:24:28 PM
We need schwagg! Shirts, hats, stickers and the like. More then that, we need like a motto or mascot Oreo etching that sets us apart. I mean honestly, drugs and users......is missing something.

Open contest for designs for shirts, stickers, motto etc...

I know lame...I'm fucking syper high so....
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: neighbor on January 19, 2016, 11:08:31 PM
Post better material.

ay.

 since this board is a mix between an old community and its own community thats still growing,
a lot of the old heads probably feel like they are repeating themselves when they talk about the past: stories, things theyve been through, anything at all really. as long as theyve posted it in sometime in the past.

I thnk a lot of people feel like theyd be rehashing old things but maybe thats
more important than we realize, to bring up old subjects that we had fun with.

reading about what others have experienced was probably the major reason I was hooked to begin with.
and it was always either extremely interesting, very funny, gritty as hell, or a usually a combination of all 3.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Narkotikon on January 20, 2016, 02:39:16 AM
If the format isn't going to be changed, maybe a change in color scheme? Cosmetic and something minor compared to massively streamlining things. Maybe some darker colors? Or different skins so members could choose? This could be the default.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Illadelph215 on January 20, 2016, 03:13:17 AM
Mobil Friendly Apps would be awesome, someone else mentioned it, @Fentfiend420 I believe. I know it might be a bold request as I don't know much about IT/computer programs , I'm sure cost and time would come into play. But I think it will catch on and make the site better in the long run. It's convient using a smartphone at times but difficult and frustrating to navigate with the current format on them.

Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Chip on January 20, 2016, 03:22:03 AM
If the format isn't going to be changed, maybe a change in color scheme? Cosmetic and something minor compared to massively streamlining things. Maybe some darker colors? Or different skins so members could choose? This could be the default.

i elected for a single non-changeable Theme to allow all the mods to the system to install easily.

that means skins and Ophile like goodies are out.

i am avoiding Tapatalk due to problems with it.

sorry but no cosmetic changes or mobile compatability - i use Chrome on Android and it works well for me but that's not good for you, i guess.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Narkotikon on January 20, 2016, 04:41:06 AM
i elected for a single non-changeable Theme to allow all the mods to the system to install easily.

that means skins and Ophile like goodies are out.

i am avoiding Tapatalk due to problems with it.

sorry but no cosmetic changes or mobile compatability - i use Chrome on Android and it works well for me but that's not good for you, i guess.

That makes sense concerning the skins / change in colors.

I use Safari and I don't have a problem using the site. I just turn it sideways to use a wider, landscaped view. Then I zoom in to read and click better. Works good enough.

I think it was the people above and below me (FentFiend and Illadelph) who wanted a mobile version.

I've never used Tapatalk. What kinda problems?
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Chip on January 20, 2016, 05:23:30 AM
I will look into it for you.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: DeadCat on January 20, 2016, 06:46:13 AM
This isn't really an admin or structural issue but I think that whenever outside articles and websites are quoted the poster should write an intruductory paragraph giving accreditation and why it is of interest to members here. Then, there should be a clear line of demarcation so anything cut and pasted is clearly indicated and readers don't just start reading what they think is a post from another memebr to find they are reading a news clipping taht they may not hae much interest in reading.

Getting people to do this can be a PITA but if staff does it and we remind members who are just cutting and pasting it will eventually become the standard.

The idea is that while it is good in itself to share relevant outsie information we also want to use these articles or links to spark more discussion. Commenting about the article and asking for feedback will do this more than simply posting cut and pastes.

Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Sand and Water on January 20, 2016, 09:33:10 AM
ay.

 since this board is a mix between an old community and its own community thats still growing,
a lot of the old heads probably feel like they are repeating themselves when they talk about the past: stories, things theyve been through, anything at all really. as long as theyve posted it in sometime in the past.

I thnk a lot of people feel like theyd be rehashing old things but maybe thats
more important than we realize, to bring up old subjects that we had fun with.

reading about what others have experienced was probably the major reason I was hooked to begin with.
and it was always either extremely interesting, very funny, gritty as hell, or a usually a combination of all 3.

I second this^^. Way back late summer or early fall I think, someone started a thread on this. Like favorite topics.  The stories & popular threads from the phile are part of a lot of us. I think they're really valuable, whether for info (chops taper coatings to mind) or general like the "prison/jail stories".

I've forgotten a lot of the details, yet still remember many, so I hope some of them get shared here too :)
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: thetalkingasshole on January 20, 2016, 12:02:33 PM
Maybe start a thing kinda like "casual friday"
Except its called titty tuesday

Very interesting and exciting
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Illadelph215 on January 20, 2016, 01:06:21 PM
Maybe start a thing kinda like "casual friday"
Except its called titty tuesday

Very interesting and exciting
second this! Except I'm afraid with the guy to gal ratio on here titty Tuesday will turn into tally wacker Tuesday real quick.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Z on January 20, 2016, 01:22:30 PM
This isn't really an admin or structural issue but I think that whenever outside articles and websites are quoted the poster should write an intruductory paragraph giving accreditation and why it is of interest to members here. Then, there should be a clear line of demarcation so anything cut and pasted is clearly indicated and readers don't just start reading what they think is a post from another memebr to find they are reading a news clipping taht they may not hae much interest in reading.

Getting people to do this can be a PITA but if staff does it and we remind members who are just cutting and pasting it will eventually become the standard.

The idea is that while it is good in itself to share relevant outsie information we also want to use these articles or links to spark more discussion. Commenting about the article and asking for feedback will do this more than simply posting cut and pastes.


SMF has a forum that is full of help on how to use the forum.  Here is the link: http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php (http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php)
There is also a wiki that is called an online manual.  It is easier to follow then the forum, and topics are well organized.  This is the wiki: http://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/Main_Page (http://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/Main_Page)


As for requiring a paragraph to post an article, I will just disagree with that.  I post a lot of articles, and I certainly do have an opinion on them.  At the same time I prefer to let other people start a discussion so that it doesn't seem like my opinion should be the basis of the thread.  I prefer to leave the initial discussion to others and then join in later.  I don't see why I need to post an opinion in order to share an interesting article.  I identify it clearly with titles, author's name, and a link to the article.  If you don't find it interesting then just don't read it.  I'm sorry, but I don't see the issue.


If you want to post articles in that manner then you can do it that way, but I prefer to use the method I use, and have used for a while. 


Edit:
second this! Except I'm afraid with the guy to gal ratio on here titty Tuesday will turn into tally wacker Tuesday real quick.



Men have tits too!  Free your tits men!!
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Illadelph215 on January 20, 2016, 02:25:36 PM


Edit: quote by Z-
"Men have tits too!  Free your tits men!!"

 lol hey if any of these nice dames on here want to do titty's for titty's then il glady bare my hairy tatted pecks and join that party!
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: dysmorphic on December 22, 2016, 07:59:04 AM
Boobs, you can't go wrong with boobs.....
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Chip on December 22, 2016, 01:03:55 PM
as far as changes go to the actual forum software, I now deem it stable so expect very little changes.

yes, i know that it doesn't dazzle you with cool graphics and wild themes but it's for a reason - RELIABILITY and easily to UPGRADE.

it's still built by, run and for users/junkies ... we are aiming for maximum availability and to to free for all !

i hope you guys are happy with it because if you hunt around, it may not have everything that vB (Opiophile's) had but it's still powerful, got it's own goodies and is fast.

my current focus is making the underlying O/S as hack-proof and attack-proof as possible - i want you guys to feel like your personal data is locked up nice and tight - and so far, we have not be proven wrong.

socially, we are still attracting interesting members so that's our greatest asset, apart from the core member base who dedicate their time and insights to the cause.
Title: Re: Making the Forum More Exciting and Interesting
Post by: Z on December 23, 2016, 02:37:07 AM
Good bump.  I am very interested to read any ideas people have for improving the forum.  What do you guys want to see here that isn't already here, or maybe it's already here and you want to see more of it.

Everyone's opinions are valid!old or new, active or not, lurker or post whore.  Maybe even Riddick if he had something interesting to say. Like that would ever happen.
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