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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Hi Everyone,
I'm not sure how long I'll leave this thought posted, but it's time this was said. I'm not sure what I did to make myself so "unavailable" because it certainly was never intended, but for SEVERAL YEARS I have heard rumors that some folks have suggestions and comments for this site, but they simply REFUSE to tell me what they are.
I keep hearing from Alpep that "hey, heads up that so-n-so has an issue or suggestion or whatever and I told them to contact you." I say "hey cool" Now insert sound of cyber-crickets because I hear NOTHING.
Now, I see members of this supposed "FAMILY" over on the Takamine board discussing that the front page of the OvationFanClub is down. They even post a workaround on the Takamine forum so they can continue to post and read the OvationFanClub forum. But no one, not even those that POSTED ON THESE OVATION FORUMS AFTER THE WORKAROUND bothered to tell me about it????
So let me get this straight. It's easier to post a thread and have a discussion on another forum about an issue here, than it is to type an email to mileskb@aol.com or even just webmaster@ovationfanclub.com ? Or God forbid... pick up the phone.... I do not understand. Am I such an terrible person?
It's easier even appearently to dump on Alpep when he's at a social event about suggestions and such than it is to contact me, the person that could actually do something? Some family I created here.
Sure, there are some things that I may not be able to do anything about, or maybe even not want to do anything about. But there is NO issue that I can not at least address.
One thing is an ABSOLUTE TRUTH. I cannot resolve ANY issue that I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT.
But back on track... exactly how do you think I felt seeing an actual site problem with the OvationFanClub, posted on ANOTHER SITE, and even a WORKAROUND posted on the OTHER SITE, and yet, after nearly THREE DAYS... NOT ONE PERSON had the decency to let me know there was a problem.
Have a lovely day. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Speaking only for myself, Miles, I just assumed you knew and there was some work being done on the front page. I didn't know anything about a workaround and hadn't visited the Tak site. I just clicked on the next line in my history and got there. I'm sure we'll barrage you with emails the next time. I would have liked to find out what I could do with my time if I couldn't get on the site for 3 days. |
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Posts: 2241
Location: Simpsonville, SC | Sorry Miles! I go directly to the General Posting Section and wasn't having a problem. For a brief time I couldn't go backwards after posting something, but that only lasted for a few minutes (just figured it was a temporary glitch).
We will contact you directly from now on, please accept our apologies! |
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Location: Jet City | Ditto to what Mark said Miles. I figured I'd just be the 12 billionth person to send you a note on it, so I didn't bother. The thought did cross my mind several times.
As for the work around, I just posted the link I always use.
Next time I'll turn off my brain and just send a note directly or call.
Damon |
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Location: big island | my sincerest apologies, miles. someone posted that the problems were known by the admin and that it was being worked on. also there are periodic episodes of server down time so i figured it was par for the course. then when i saw a few pm alerts in my email i realized others were not having the same issues logging on. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I have seen a report, nor experienced a "server down time" of other than a few moments (other than what I may have posted as an alert) in over two years. Just FYI.
Not saying there may not have been one, or even several... but again.. If I don't know about it, I can't do much about it. |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Other then the infrequent slowdown, I have not experienced a problem with the site. |
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Location: big island | i wonder why bookmarked links that have worked all along all of a sudden no longer function?
and perhaps the server down time is more of a local "island" glitch. i dunno. |
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Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I am not as technically savvy as many members, so I'm never convinced that it isn't only my problem, or the result of something I've done to my computers. The OFC site runs so seamlessly without issues that I always look at my own systems first, and often discover something that I've screwed up. I have a team of experts on my staff and they are always doing various upgrades to our systems which, on occasion, impact my connectivity capability. I am sorry for presuming that our administrators already knew about the issue on Sunday, and I'm sorry for posting something to this effect. My bad. I am usually the last to know when there are real site issues, and even if I am made aware, I don't really understand what it means or even how to report them. Nevertheless, I'll make a better effort at it in the future. |
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Location: Jet City | It was the non-forum parts of the main OFC site that were down. If you logged directly into any parts of the actual forum all was good, if you tried to go to the OFC main page or member galleries or whatever, that stuff was inaccessible. The error read that the server was busy. |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | I apologize also....I have the "WELCOME" page bookmarked in my browser,when it comes up,I simply click on the "OvationFanClub"(Get Plugged In) logo at the top of the page to take me to the "daily" post.
When the "WELCOME" page wouldn't come up.....(I panicked :eek: )then after I calmed down,I Googled "Ovation Fan Club" and clicked on the "Forum" link and whew, it opened on the index page.....Where the 1st thing I saw was a post by you(In Announcements) that said "Topic: Site Layout Update"
When I opened it ,it said that you were making some minor changes to the layout of the site...that had to do with the menu and such.
After reading that,I tried clicking on "Member Access" "Reference" "Merchandise" etc with no luck....SO....I said to myself: "Well,everything is beening taken care of by Miles, I'll just wait to see the "new" changes"......Then.....I went and read the daily posts! ;)
I thought you had a handle on it....everything was under control....and all would be cool....by Monday.....
I never realized you knew nothing about the problem.....next time we'll know to let you know!
{edit} - I just went back to the "Topic: Site Layout Update" post and noticed the date of the post was July 15, 2007 09:08 AM :eek: ........Oops!
...in my best Maxwell Smart voice: "Sorry 'bout that Chief!" |
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Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Sorry, I'm "Sgt. Schultz" on this one. I'm kinda with several of The Membership; I probably had messed up somewhere. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I assumed it was localized since most of the issues were affecting us in the western states. This seemed to be borne out by the fact that when the tried and true "www.ovationfanclub.com" link did work for me, I could see that tons of posts had been made without any comments that the system was having trouble.
Since the message that would come up indicated that the trouble was due "to the server being busy", I figured that it was a temporary issue so why bother to report something that would probably be fixed by the time it was reported.
The workaround was merely a quick and dirty way to get my OFC fix that appeared to be a working link that I could use.
Hope that explains some of the thought process. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | If I have a problem in the future Miles I'll come right to you. As it was, I didn't have a problem. I know sometimes it gets slow but there are 6000+ members. Over there it's a smaller base and a little different as well. I like that and have said so. I also like it here and continue to post here.
Frankly I've always found you to be very reachable. |
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Location: Brisbane Australia | Fair comment Miles
It goes to show what happens when we make assumptions. |
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Location: SoCal | Miles, like the Begger, I come straight in to the bulletin board. Never had any idea there was a problem. Besides, you know I'd just call you directly with any issue, big or small.
As for this "family" you created, keep in mind that as disfunctional as it can be at times, it's a hell of a lot more functional than most families out there.
Can you tell I like it here? |
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Location: Simpsonville, SC | short of disappearing for awhile....yes! |
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Location: Vernon CT | I found the "forum" slow for a short while but nothing that doesn't happen on occasions on any Website. I really didn't know there was a problem here. |
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Posts: 843
Location: CA | I plead ignorance of all things 'webpage', with a minor in human nature:
* Everybody always thought the prettiest girls got asked out, so nobody asked
* Everybody thought the webmaster got told, so nobody told |
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Posts: 498
| I thought it was my computer, and have just been coming in through my history... didn't even think it was just the front page...
had I known I would have let you know... I know how bad we freak out when our sites or pages get screwed up...
Glenn |
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Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | What's a Taka Mine? Italian roundback?
Miles s'all good. |
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Posts: 270
Location: Yorkshire, England | Miles, there were a couple of occasions over here in the UK when I was unable to log on - all the error message stated was that the site was experiencing a `high volume of traffic' - Didn't think it was anything other than that. |
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Location: NJ | Guys
I give up.
You KNOW who you are. I am constantly getting complaints about the website. You KNOW this.
This is your opportunity. If you have an issue a crtique a criticism suggestion or even some praise PLEASE e mail it to miles.
Otherwise the next time I am at a gathering and I get a bunch of stuff about this not being changed or that not being accessible or I hate the photo gallery (which Miles KNOWS I hate) or somtething else I just don't want to hear it.
In other words all those who told have said to me I have contacted Miles or he never gets back to me or what ever excuse, Let's use this opportunity to E MAIL him make your concerns public and see what can happen to benefit us all.
otherwise put a fork in it. |
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Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Sorry this upset you Miles! :(
I appreciate all the work y'all did to create this place.
As for me, I have "Today's Active Topics" bookmarked, so I come straight here.
Every-so-often I have trouble getting to the Gallery or Posting due to "Large Volume of Traffic"...
I just blamed Comcast, or assumed that it was a busy night.
I wouldn't want either of you guys to think that I (we) don't appreciate your work and vision.
Love You Folks, "Don't Worry Be Happy!" :D |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Miles,
The Front Page wasn't working.
This url will get you there:
http://www.ovationfanclub.com/cgi-bin/ubb/non-cgi/ultimatebb.php?ub... |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Miles, I'd like to second OMA and others' comments. We all appreciate the work you have done.
I didn't contact because (a) my broadband often refuses to let me log onto a particular website but allows another and (b) if there was a problem with the OFC I assumed someone else would have pointed it out and, like others, didn't want to be the 2,034th person pointing out a problem that was being addressed.
Kudos on the great website. One issue, when you change your username, the previous photo gallery ID doesn't change with it and you no longer have user privileges. Is this fixable? |
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Location: East Tennessee | Like several of the other members I come straight in to the bulletin board. I don't have any problems. If the site is occasionally slow I usually feel it's my internet connection,(Sloooow Dial up :( ).
Miles both you and Al do an awful lot to keep this site up and running not to mention keeping us in line when it is needed. |
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Location: SoCal | You know Miles, if you really want to feel hurt, insulted and a bit frustrated on a regular basis, I'll send up my teenagers to spend the summer with you.... |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | - One issue, when you change your username, the previous photo gallery ID doesn't change with it and you no longer have user privileges. Is this fixable?
Good point. Not exactly fixable, but if someone tells me, I can go in and change it manually to match. I must admit I recall someone recently asking to do this and it slipped off my to do list. If it was you, please send me and email and I'll go ahead and get on it. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | First...
THANK YOU and APOLOGY ACCEPTED
I do appreciate, in this case anyway, that folks didn't want to be the zillionth person to state the obvious. On the other hand, if the problem persists for more than a day, it's a good chance I don't know about it. Gimme a little credit... in this case, had I known anything I would have made a post... but then again... If I would have known about it, it would have only lasted a couple hours and this would have been a non-issue.
"Server Busy" is a step above "page not found" in the scheme of things. Essentially a catch all. Think about it.. If the server was really "too busy" it just wouldn't respond. It wouldn't call yet another page and process an error, usually. I have seen this myself once in awhile. Usually come back in 5 minutes and it's gone. It's not something that can really be dealt with unless it persists and is actually caused by a problem.
I always report it when it happens, but usually it's cleared by time I'm talking to a warm body.
I am more concerned about Alpep's post. I realize I may be opening a can of worms, but Al's friendship is pretty important to me. If people are using annoyances of a web site to "make conversation" I think you can do better. If you have a legit, or even a perceived beef with me, or a suggestion, or even want to offer to assist, I'm all ears.
But I want to make something clear that you may not be aware of. And the people I'm talking about know who they are. When someone sais, "Miles doesn't respond" Alpep knows exactly how ludakrisp that is. He also knows I still have email from 1999 on my PC. I didn't make a career of customer support, retire, and now backing working again deploying a service request system because "I don't get back to people". Now, having said that, communication is a two way street. If you send a message, and maybe it doesn't get answered, you might consider you didn't send it where you thought. I used to get emails all the time to the @ovationfanclub.com that had all sorts of things as the address. Unfortunately due to spam attacks, those are all filtered now, but rest assured, if it's sent to webmaster@, I'm getting it.
So I mention this 2-way street. I have been known to inadvertently drop the ball. I'm human, really I am. I deal with 100's of emails each day from several sites, my business etc etc.. Sometimes I'll get an email, I'll answer it, and completely forget I answered it. Well I'm just being honest. It has happened. Rather than telling Alpep about it, you might want to contact me again. I'm certainly not going to complain about it, especially if the alternative is pouncing on Al at some social event.
Anyway.. thanks for the input and thanks for reading. |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | I just thought it was a problem w/the website or it was being updated...I tried every so often and got the same error...so, I gave up and actually found other interesting things to do with my time for several days (like play my guitars)...wow, what a concept...
I trusted that it would be fixed and since I have no way of contacting anyone except from the site, I just let it go.
Wasn't an end of the world thing; I found time to do other stuff; and so no worries...glad it’s fixed and thanks very much Miles!
Miles and Al do a great job: (Miles, If you think being an administrator is a tough job, try being a minister and dealing with some of the stuff I deal with 24/7/365): No wonder I have white hair.....lol |
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Location: Budd Lake, NJ | I just thought the problem was somehow related to my own inherent form of being "technologically-challenged."
I did discover one thing, though--I suffered from acute "board withdrawal," not being able to sign in. All y'all probably didn't miss me, but I did miss you......
--Karen |
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Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Miles - there's always some kind of an issue - whether it's my service provider (comcast), my computer, my router, my switch, my wireless network, the website or whatever - I just learn to deal with it and move on. I'm got used to calling comcast and them telling me to reboot everything in site - so I just don't call anymore - I handle it myself.
The one suggestion I did make to you, you implemented almost immediately (putting the Hop To at the top of the page as well) - so I'm a happy camper as far as this forum goes.
Thanks for caring so much - it's what makes this a great place to begin with. |
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Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Jewel's Mom:
I suffered from acute "board withdrawal," not being able to sign in. All y'all probably didn't miss me, but I did miss you...... Amen Karen! I spent a couple of days at Dizzy World with the family and had beaucoup issues with Mickey's non-wireless network.
I suffered 'OFC withdrawal'. Sigh, now all is well... except the itch for an '08C (Al, check your email!). |
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April 2004
Posts: 795
Location: Texas | This is the best guitar forum on the net, period.
Miles; you and Al do a great job and we all thank you.
Ovation and Adamas guitars are loved by all of us and we found this place here that you founded so we can share our joys and experiences. That is very special. We are here every day and like brothers we compare notes, this is an important part of our life.
The Ovation Company has great people but they only do so much and there is nothing we can do about that, but that is why the OFC is so valuable to us.
Relax brother, we love this place very much and thanks again for doing a great job.
;) :cool: :) |
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Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | ditto ... what serge said. |
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Location: closely held secret | Miles, I always let you know if I see something, unfortunately this time I happened to be working on a DNS issue at work and didn't even consider the site was the problem.
Al, I don't remember bending your ear about the site at Fernandina but if I did I sincerely apologize!! |
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Posts: 2793
Location: Atlanta, GA. | There was a problem accessing the home page for 3 days???
Jeez... maybe I DO have a life after all! :D |
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Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | Miles,
You ascribe too much intelligence to me at least. I don't understand computers, don't want to understand computers and don't want to figure out what those assanine error messages mean. Telling me it's busy is like "not tonight dear, I have a headache." I don't care if she really has a headache, I get the message.
Second, Al and I have never had a conversation about anything other than guitars and Polish sausage and he knows way more than me in both areas. If we talked about anything else, I wasn't paying attention.
Sarcasm aside, most of us are very happy here. Otherwise we wouldn't spend all our time here. Any bitching was probably in jest. It's one of at least my favorite things to do.
Now I have to figure out how to explain to my wife that I'd rather meet Tim in Charlotte Saturday than have dinner with her. You think you have communication problems. |
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Location: big island | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
...Now I have to figure out how to explain to my wife that I'd rather meet Tim in Charlotte Saturday... but his name is "tim in tidewater". |
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Location: NJ | ok
let me refresh some memories
"can we change the front page it is the ugliest color known to man" which I always remind people miles is color blind.
" I have my camera set on the lowest setting and I still can't load a picture on the picture gallery without resizing it 10 times" (hmmm maybe this was my complaint but I remember some amens from the halleluia chorus.
" I gave donated money and never got my trinket"
"Can't we change the name of the matt smith section"
"What ever happened to the tune I sent miles for the CD"
" I sent pictures from the tour and they never got put up in a photo gallery"
"how come all the ofc stuff I want to order is never in stock"
"can't we get some new stuff in the ofc store"
"why do we have to have google ads?"
"how much money do they make?"
"can we update the scroll on the bottom of the page"
should I continue?
or did I just dream this stuff?????? |
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Posts: 70
Location: Hong Kong | Originally posted by Beggin:
Sorry Miles! I go directly to the General Posting Section and wasn't having a problem. For a brief time I couldn't go backwards after posting something, but that only lasted for a few minutes (just figured it was a temporary glitch).
We will contact you directly from now on, please accept our apologies! Me2... I have my bookmark goes directly to the General Posting section & were not aware of the problem.... :confused:
Would definitely inform the support team if I encounter any problem like last time with the search function in the achives... |
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Posts: 15680
Location: SoCal | I'm always pretty damned certain that if the board is slow or having problems, it's my wife's doing -- that she called Miles or Al and told them I was spending too much time on the board, so shut it down for awhile so I can get some work done.
This board has been around for about 6 1/2 years. I can't tell you how excited I was to find it and realize that I wasn't alone with my excitment for Ovations and Adamii. It's a home to me. In the immortal words of that great philospher Vincent Barbarino, "This is my world, and these, these are my people"! 'Nuff said...... |
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Location: Central Oregon | What OMA said Miles. My link takes me straight to general posting. I've never been to the Tak site & had no idea there was a problem. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Wow, AL that is some list and I actually think I am innocent for once ;) ....but I do need to give you a call anyway to discuss a certain piece of audio gear and we can chat for a bit. |
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | I started a thread about this, so I\'m not guilty. :p
NOW I understand WTF ProfBB was talking about. :rolleyes:
I thought that starting a thread about a forum glitch (or a suggestion) was a more effective way of reporting it, so that the guru DOESN'T get a brazillion emails.
Was I wrong? Seeing there were only 3 replies, I guess I was! I just assumed that the moderators read ALL of the posts, like me. :(
And Miles has ALWAYS replied to my emails. All 3 of them. So does Al. (He'll never wear out his keyboard, but he replies.) |
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Location: Vermont USA | This place is Awesome.
Thanks Pauly |
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Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by alpep:
"can we update the scroll on the bottom of the page" Ok, that one might have been me.
But Al, please know that I was mentioning it in jest, because it was inviting people to a Factory Tour 2 years past (which I thought was pretty funny).
Besides, I very rarely go to the welcome page, but straight to the getdaily page. |
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Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Here's a thought.
We'll get John Waite's (I ain't missing you at all)sister to be the complaint person. She can handle all of them and sort it out. She's real good at it and very nice on the phone or computer. Her name is Helen.
So you got a complaint? Go to Helen Waite.
Would this help you out Al? |
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Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | I'm here every day, love everything, and never knew about any of this. It may be the first time in my life that I'm not to blame for something!
John <>{ |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Originally posted by bauerhillboy:
It may be the first time in my life that I'm not to blame for something!
Now we all know that aint true. I think we found the varmit, where's my hangin' rope? :D |
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Posts: 6996
Location: Jet City | Originally posted by Mauvais Beal:
So you got a complaint? Go to Helen Waite.
:D |
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Posts: 109
Location: Alabama | I love this place, its the BEST TAYLOR FORUM EVER. I also go past the opening page and only once have been unable to get on the site. I have learned so much here and been really entertained, what more could you want besides a 47RI, ofc 12 fret, FD 14, 2080, shiny bowl, UK II, lanaki's talent, several peoples view out the back door, etc... Thanks Miles, Al and everyone... |
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Location: SoCal | A confused but satisfied user..... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by Mauvais Beal:
So you got a complaint? Go to Helen Waite.
I was wondering WTF you were going with the John Waite thing. That's too damn funny! |
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Location: Alabama | I am less confused today. It has only been 3 years and I just updated my signature line. Next I will master the sarcastic emoticon. ;) |
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Location: NJ | Okay, . . . .
A while ago, the Board was “down/slow” for a bit, and I speculated that it was due to the hellacious weather in the Midwest.
Miles later confirmed that as being “the case”.
When it reared it’s ugly head again a couple of days ago, I chaulked-it-up to a continuation of the same thing.
After a couple hours of non-access, I got bored & went over to the TakBoard (sorry, Dave).
There I found Randy’s thread re:OFC.
In that thread, I found Damon’s post with a hyperlink.
Being a BearOfLittleBrain, I assumed that it was taking me where I wanted t’go, by means of circumventing whatever
geographical/technical “problem spot” that was the initial hinderance (i.e. accessing it via the PNW as opposed to the NE).
Basically, I don’t go about reporting “outages” anymore, because I’m afraid I’m gonna’ be yet ANOTHER of the 187 e-mails
cramming into Al/Miles’ InBoxes with “. . What’sUp with the Board?? . . .” I usually figure that if it’s been down for an hour or two,
either/both are aware of it, and it’s being addressed . . .
As far as “Issues/Complaints” might go, I’ve already “voiced” them here over the years:
The “Look” – Yeah, I guess it’s kind of “simplistic” and could “look” better . . . but that ain’t gonna’ make it WORK better/faster . . .
The “Gallery” - Sorry, but the Gallery function just plain sucks. The machinations that you have to go through t’get a picture “up”
have more times than not caused me t’just “not” bother . . .
The “Layout” – The “General Posting” section is like the “junk drawer” under the kitchen counter. It’s getting to where you really
have to “search” to find what you’re looking for. On other boards, I’ve seen it broken down into more finite “sections” (Gear. Artists,
Playing, For Sale, Off-Topic, etc.) that tend t’make more sense. If somebody has the urge to go “off-topic” on an Adamas thread,
they can just post a little “link” that’ll go off to a thread on the OffTopic section, and not interrupt the continuity of the original Adamas
thread. Personally, I couldn’t give LESS of a sh!t about this, but there ARE those who Piss&Moan when yet ANOTHER thread about
shims veers “Off-Topic”.
“Profiles” – Should be expanded & be made more “informative”.
If you have a family, and feel compelled to have to LIST it as one of your primary “Interests”, maybe you don’t “deserve” a family . . .
The Profile section should be expanded to allow Members to list (there) such things as what models they own (instead of having
them ALL listed across the bottom of EVERY post they make), what amps they use, what STRINGS they use, effects, CAPOS,
picks, polishes, cleaning products, etc. It would make a LOT more information accessible to a LOT more people.
If it were “searchable”, someone could type in “G7 Capo”, and they’d get a whole list of other people who own them . . .
“Religion/Politics” – That slippery slope.
I heartily agree that it really doesn’t belong here, but there does seem to be a degree of a Double-Standard.
A while ago, I had an innocuous “number” in my signature. Granted, it DID have a somewhat political “overtone”, but never ONCE
did I make it known, NOR did I EVER offer any such info when asked and completely avoided the meaning. It wasn’t until someone
ELSE felt that it was necessary to bring it to the attention of the Board, causing yet OTHERS to “whine” to Al, who twisted my arm to “pull” it.
Yet, there are others who CONSISTENTLY post religious emblems, chapter/verse, Latin slogans of religious connotations & such with
no reprisal whatsoever. It can be said that there are OTHER places for Political Expressions. The same can be said for Religious ones.
“Membership”
What’s so “momentous” about someone making 20 posts?? “Membership” should have it “Privileges”.
A “Member” should be someone who’s willing to become a part of the “Community” (i.e. List where they’re “from”, provide some basic Contact
Information - like an e-mail address) so that other “Members” know who they’re dealing with, instead of an anonymous “screen name” . . .
If someone wants to come aBoard, sign-up anonymously, lurk, ask questions & such . . . fine. . . .they can remain “Junior Members”.
I pay something like $125 for my annual subscription to Sirius satellite radio, and I don’t spend a TENTH of the time there as I do here.
I would GLADLY pay that (if not more) for an Annual Membership here (providing that said membership entitled me to a better “Web Gallery”
or perhaps access to an FTP site that allowed me to share large original audio files with other “Members”.
Wanna’ be a “Member”?? Make some kind of “commitment”.
It wouldn’t make the Board “exclusionary”, as Junior Members STILL have access to the Board and its main functions.
You Asked For It. You Got It.
That being said, I can honestly state (without hesitation) that You Guys have created the absolute BEST “Community” I’ve EVER encountered
(well, . . . except maybe for “Witko” . . .) |
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Location: south east Michigan | That's our Cliff!!
If it's not a concise 4 word responce it's a powerful mini-manifesto!
Well said! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Cliff,
Well thought out, well said, and (by me) well read!
I don't typically think about these things that much because someone else always does it better.
Bravo! |
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Location: closely held secret | Whiner... |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Thanks Cliff.
Thanks for taking the time. Some good suggestions, some good idea's and some good observations.
I'll address a few of these now in case others have similar questions/ideas/issues.
- The “Look” – could “look” better . . . but that ain’t gonna make it WORK better/faster .
Agreed. The first makeover done awhile back to the current form was a test of things to come. I monitor the traffic closely and want to insure any change doesn't negatively affect the 135,000 hits from over 5000 users from 80+ countries each month along with the roughly 100 new members each month. Having said that, I have also asked numerous times over the years for anyone with a layout idea to just send me a photoshop mockup of it, and I'll see what I can do. I have never received one ever, so I put it on the "not that big a deal" stack, but I do agree and understand the sentiment on this one. I'd love to do something like www.Vision-Riders.com here, but I think that's the other extreme and probably wouldn't go over here. I could be wrong.
- The “Gallery” - Sorry, but the Gallery function just plain sucks
Totally Agree, written over 5 years ago. Figured everyone would be using any number of the gazilion free picture hosts out there by now and I could trash it. I'll look into this as it was never designed to really be used as much as it is. However, you and Al are the only two that have EVER complained about it, and THAT is the point of this exercise.
“Profiles” – Should be expanded & be made more “informative”.
Hmmm. My initial reaction is that's what links to mySpace and Facebook are for, but I'll look into this. Good idea
The “Layout," “Religion/Politics,” “Membership,”
I lumped these together because the only way to address the issues mentioned under these headings is "time". Al and I do not have enough of it.
I know there has been the appearance of "double standard" on topics. Lack of time is the reason. As far as I'm concerned, if you are not talking about Ovation guitars, or at least guitars, or something loosely related to guitars, it doesn't belong here at all. Do we have time to police the 1000's of post each month. No. I'm guessing probably too much slips by. I used to read AND post. Then I only had time to read, but I usually caught up on everything. Now, if you skip a day, the "new posts" are over 3 pages deep. Al and I have conversations.. "Did you see the post by so-n-so..." "you mean this one...." "no,, I didn't see that, I meant this one..." It's crazy, but for the most part crazy good. It's nice to see it (site site and activity) still growing after all these years.... but it's a blessing and a curse as Mauvis Beal pointed out.
As far as "off-topic" forums.. that's a can of worms. Been there, done that and have the legal bills to prove it. I'm just being honest here. If there is an objectionable post here, we have an easy out to get rid of it without too much argument. "Is it about Ovation guitars?" Once you create an "off-topic" area, then not only does there need to be a line of what's acceptable and what isn't, but you have to have the time to invest to address it. We don't. Getting people to post in the right area, filtering down the content to real content... all take time.
As far as "member benefits". Al and I will talk about this again, but essentially we decided from DAY ONE that would NOT happen here. There are a lot of reasons ranging from the perceived ability to "buy an agenda" to the fact that Al is a Dealer and a "membership" would have ramifications with regard to his agreements as a dealer.
Bottom line, it's a level playing field... rather.. we attempt to maintain a level playing field. Of course, things have changed since we started this place, and it's maybe time to review a few things. Not saying they'll change, but it's certainly worth looking into.
For me, the most important negative aspect of a "membership" is that with user "Privileges" comes hosts "responsibilities." That changes this from a hobby to a job, and I can't afford me.
Cliff, again. THANK YOU!!!. You've given us some real things to look at. |
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Location: NJ | Mr. Whiner, to you . . . |
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Location: closely held secret | :D |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I just realized after posting the previous response is that maybe it will help some to realize that different people think about things differently. I know that sounds cliche, but it's deeper than that. Bottom line... Don't make assumptions. Just because you do or don't like something, or in the case that started this whole thing, just because you see or don't see something... don't expect that others see the same thing and that it means the same thing to them. |
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Location: closely held secret | Seriously, that was a great post, Cliff. I had to look twice to make sure it was from you.
Miles & Al, I've said it before and I'll say it again - you guys have done something really special here. I don't even want to think about how much time you both spend on admin and moderating, and you do it for less than nothing, for the reward of keeping this community going. Kudos to both of you.
I've had some of the same thoughts about the board as Cliff, and possibly for the same reasons as he I haven't mentioned them. Those things aren't what make a board unique. We've all been on boards with lots of software functionality but no social functionality.
This is a discussion board about Ovation guitars that has become more of a community (some might even say family) than most boards, it does that just fine, and any 'upgrades' wouldn't make the discussions more lively or informative... or just plain laugh out loud funny. It would probably just make it more expensive to maintain, both in money and time.
I think you're doing just fine. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Miles, would it be possible to upgrade to 7.3 ?
Seems to have some nice features.
Thanks,
Dave |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Dave,
Any upgrade will be to another product I use.
This product is actually no longer supported, they have moved to UBB Threads. I use another product that I can pretty much do whatever I want with on several other sites, but the migration path from an indexed file based system to a SQL Server or Access (or mySQL) or whatever.. is a nightmare. I don't want to loose everything that's here and I don't want to have to maintain TWO platforms. As you can probably tell from my answer, I'm looking into this aggressively. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Cool. Thanks for the quick reply. |
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Location: NJ | SuckUp. |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
As far as I'm concerned, if you are not talking about Ovation guitars, or at least guitars, or something loosely related to guitars, it doesn't belong here at all. Miles - I guess it's all in how you define loosely. Ovation guitars may be the basis for the initial connection here, but it goes so far beyond that as most members will probably attest to. If the conversations were limited to just Ovation guitars, then it just wouldn't be the same. Hell... the best answer I received on my car stereo installation issue was here... not the Dodge forum or anywhere else. Whatever the case may be... it works - it's got it's issues like every other family - but it works.
Edit: For some reason, this comparison just popped into my head. This place is like the Voyager satelite from the 1st Star Trek movie. It's evolved way beyond its original purpose...but in a good way. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | It's the best there is, and I'm including the Tak site too since many of the "core" people are the same.
Frankly I like the way discussions drift all over the place, really keeps it interesting.
I think there is a double standard on the religious side. Not being at all religious(except for the religion of music) it is a bit obnoxious to always be looking at a phish or some reference that is giving some chapter or verse in the bible that I could care less about, or the Blessings and all that bla-bla. I'm sure that if a similar lo-key reference was made to the devil or a political statement of similar weight that there would be all kinds of hell to pay. I'm not advocating any change, I'm just saying that there is a double standard, so no big deal, we should just recognize it and deal with it, and make sure it doesn't get too far out of line.
And yes, there is another side to this and that's the Christian Music side, and this is very large, and Ovation is very popular there. No problem. Discussions of praise music, playing at churches etc, no problem, it's just a different kind of gig. An outdoor stadium, a church, a bar, a picnic, a funeral home, a wedding, all different kinds of gigs that people here play and have real "work related" questions that others here can help with. Of course these should be discussed, that's part of why this is such a good community (to use Cliff's term) |
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Location: south east Michigan | An FAQ section and perhaps an updated "new member orientation" page might help move the lurkers into becoming posters.
maybe it will help some to realize that different people think about things differently Indeed. I'm amazed how, for the most part, this board just keeps chugging along. The OFC has a vastly different "feel" to it than any other board I have spent time on.
About OT stuff.... Somewhere around 3000 posts I wrote my own little "State Of The OFC" thesis that expressed my opinion about OT. Now I'm at almost 6000 posts. With this new vantage point my opinion about OT has changed. |
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Location: closely held secret | Mr. Suckup to you... |
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Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by CrimsonLake:
For some reason, this comparison just popped into my head. This place is like the Voyager satelite from the 1st Star Trek movie. It's evolved way beyond its original purpose...but in a good way. ...except that Voyager was destroying everything and everyone in it's path... |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Slipkid:
Indeed. I'm amazed how, for the most part, this board just keeps chugging along. The OFC has a vastly different "feel" to it than any other board I have spent time on. Indeed, for the most part, people keep their clothes on here and stay married to the same person..... |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I have to agree about the "double standard" but it's not intentional and the difference is also a perception.
Like you (Bill) and many others, when I see the topics or the tag lines, I just don't click. I don't have time, I don't care, but sometimes we have to step in and do step in.
Ponder this is what happens.... The main difference between dealing with religious topics and political topics is that more often then not, people can have opposite political views and agree to disagree, and even change sides depending on the specifcs. More often than not, religion doesn't provide that option. In some cases the mere acknowledgement that there might be another religion puts ones own beliefs in jeopardy.
So we SEE the action toward someone like Cliff, where in the case of religion, in several cased the people are long gone.. maybe they lurk, but I doubt it.
The result, is that while Cliff removes a date, but is still here grumbling about it a year later (valid grumble too), the religious person we contacted is either long gone, or still sending us emails trying to convert us.
As is well known, Praise Music Musicians are a SIGNIFICANT portion of Ovations bottom line. It's the perfect instrument, and the environment is unique. As expected they provide a significant portion of the information here as well.
I wish many of those with strong religous beliefs would be as respectful and tolerant of others as they have been of you. And that's all I want to say on that. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Since you guys are getting all warm and fuzzy, you don't have to PM me when you decide that you like lawyers, or even that maybe lawyers aren't so bad ... you can just come out with those feelings in public.
No hugs, though. I'm too old school for that, especially from sweaty guys with contour bowls.
Was this Cliff's first Manifesto? |
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Location: NJ | ". . Since you guys are getting all warm and fuzzy, you don't have to PM me when you decide that you like lawyers, or even that maybe lawyers aren't so bad . ."
aw, c'mon . . let's not get f@ckin' reDICulous, here! . . .
No Manifesto (I leave that t'Brad).
Just Observations . . |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
you don't have to PM me when you decide that you like lawyers, or even that maybe lawyers aren't so bad ... Do you REALLY think you EVER need to worry about that happening?? |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
you don't have to PM me when you decide that you like lawyers, or even that maybe lawyers aren't so bad ... Do you REALLY think you EVER need to worry about that happening?? |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
you don't have to PM me when you decide that you like lawyers, or even that maybe lawyers aren't so bad ... Do you REALLY think you EVER need to worry about that happening?? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I suppose THAT WAS worth repeating :D |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
you don't have to PM me when you decide that you like lawyers, or even that maybe lawyers aren't so bad ... Do you REALLY think you EVER need to worry about that happening?? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Miles, the board is really slow and it's causing double and triple posts! :p |
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Location: SoCal | Ok. As long as we're airing complaints, I've really only got a couple. But I'll start out by saying that even with a couple of complaints, this place runs better than about 95% of the rest of my life.
The only part of the program that Miles uses that I don't like is the photo gallery. I'll go into somebody's gallery who has a lot of pics (like Phil's), and it's slow to load and seems to break up and bounce around the screen (I don't know how to describe it). I always just thought it was my computer, probably not having enough memory. But it's frustrating when you wanna look at pics from a gathering and really can't smoothly do it.
Oddly enough, while even peaceful gently me has come down on people for going too strongly OT (mostly on politics), by and large this is a pretty good self policing group. I don't have any real problems. As to religion, there's always a balancing act. I'm a pretty strong Christian, but I don't come here for the religiosity of the board. In that, I agree with Clifford and Beal.
I don't really wanna complain about the board. I don't think there's anything to complain about. Maybe it could be better, but even as it stands today, it's still lightyears beyond what was available to us prior to 2002. Ovation was going to put something like this together about 10 years ago and it fizzled. I'm thrilled to death that this board is here. Thanks Al & Miles and thanks to everybody else who contributed over the years.
And Clifford and Beal, Jesus loves you. Well, most likely love is too strong a word. Maybe "occassionally tolerates and doesn't give in to the desire to strike you dead with a lightening bolt" would be a better phrase........ |
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Location: closely held secret |  |
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Location: Parrish, FL | "occassionally tolerates and doesn't give in to the desire to strike you dead with a lightening bolt" He's just that kind of guy! ;)
Blues |
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Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Originally posted by Moody;
Indeed, for the most part, people keep their clothes on here Speak for yourself, Clothie...
The community and operations here are fine just as they are....occasional fart bubble and all. In fact the boring welcome page is a good intro for nubes who wander in, kinda lowers expectations and chases of phlash-addict geeks. |
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Location: Las Vegas, NV | Guys, if someone is trying to "convert" you, don't be all mad. That just means they love you! Love the sinner, hate the sin...
I obviously haven't been on this board as long as most of you, but I've seen other message boards, so I can compare. I like the "simplicity" of this board. It really does give it the feel of community, rather than a Q&A forum. And the people that post here are great (even the lawyers). |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Originally posted by stephent28:
Miles, the board is really slow and it's causing double and triple posts! :p LOL!!!!! I needed that... thanks.. |
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Location: Yucaipa, California | ...wha? Did I miss something? I always thought this site was just fine....Cliff being erudite?...hmmm gotta put the hat back on. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Speaking from a technically challenged perspective, there isn't much I think needs to be changed or that I would want changed. Even the photo gallery. It has taken me two years (or has it been three?) to understand it sufficiently to get this far. Change it up and I'm back to ground zero. With respect to the hot off-topic areas, I'm not sure it is a real problem for me personally. If it is of no interest to me, then I just move on to another post. It is surprising how much energy some folks put into saying that they're not interested. On the other hand, we have many very clever and funny members, and just seeing their creative wit and the good spirited banter they share among friends is enjoyable. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
you don't have to PM me when you decide that you like lawyers, or even that maybe lawyers aren't so bad ... Do you REALLY think you EVER need to worry about that happening?? |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | Originally posted by The Wabbit Formerly Known As Waskel:
Originally posted by CrimsonLake:
For some reason, this comparison just popped into my head. This place is like the Voyager satelite from the 1st Star Trek movie. It's evolved way beyond its original purpose...but in a good way. ...except that Voyager was destroying everything and everyone in it's path...
Although we HAVE attempted to "tickle" the AGF from time to time. |
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Location: south east Michigan | Folks might have different ideas of what an off-topic section might be. I would not be a free for all. If I'm not mistaken the OT section on the Tak board is subject to the same rules. Be nice... no politics... no religion. The only difference seems to be "music content not required". My guess is that it take alot more manpower to monitor it than is now expended.
I've waffled on if it would be a good idea or not. Always end up thinking it's not needed. I think we have given ourselves enough leeway on the main board. |
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Location: Budd Lake, NJ | Would I change the board in any way? No.
I don't know enough about computer stuff to suggest anything reasonably intelligent; I know a smidgen about guitar playing (and guitar owning) compared to some of you; and I'm exponentially out-numbered in the ratio of male-folk to female-folk, so I expect that things will be vastly different from a "Laura Ashley"-type site. ;)
Be that as it may, this is the only site I visit consistently--because of what we've all made it. The intangible thing that makes Ovation guitars unique unto themselves has found its way here, and I'm just content to be a part of it.
--Karen |
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Location: Jet City | Miles, I'll save my forum complaints for next week at the NW Gathering. I plan on telling Al all about them while you're just out of earshot. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by Jewel's Mom:
Lam. 3:21-24
--Karen The abbreviation for Llama still has 2 L's :rolleyes: ! |
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Location: NJ | ". . it's slow to load and seems to break up and bounce around the screen . ."
Lose the Commodore. |
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Here are my suggestions.
The layout:
Investigate phpBB3. It's got a lot of preformatted 'styles' available, and I believe you're able to import existing bulletin boards without losing anything. I haven't tried this, as I started my forum from scratch.
If you do nothing else, tone down the blue.
Moderation:
Time to enlist some help. I posted about the recent login problem and it slipped past you both. Miles and Al, you know the people on this board that have similar ideals to you and can be trusted. Enlist their help, make them a moderator with limited access. Moderators can be assigned with many different levels of access in phpBB3. My suggestion as a good starting point would be Brad (Slipkid)
Site specific problems.
Create a separate page for reporting problems and link to it on all other pages and program it to send you an email when someone posts. That way we can all see if a problem has already been reported so...
a) we won't assume that someone else hasn't reported it and
b) you don't get a brazillion emails about the same thing.
Gallery
Everyone use their own gallery, or someone suggest a common free one, and link to it in your sig line or profile. There are a brazillion options out there.
Cliff's sig line / profile suggestion.
+1
Off Topic
Leave everything as is is. It's pretty well self-policed and makes this place what it is. I've referred to it previously as a cyber-pub, and I think the analogy is perfect.
Insomniac Pop Quiz
Kill it off, PLEASE.
GUITARWANNABEE
SOMEONE BREAK IN TO HIS COMPUTER ROOM AND DISABLE HIS CAPS LOCK KEY. Sorry GWB, but it's driving me nuts. Everyone else, if I'm the only one, please tell me and I'll pull my head in.
Just my $0.02 |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by muzza:
Here are my suggestions.
Insomniac Pop Quiz
Kill it off, PLEASE.
GUITARWANNABEE
SOMEONE BREAK IN TO HIS COMPUTER ROOM AND DISABLE HIS CAPS LOCK KEY. Sorry GWB, but it's driving me nuts. Everyone else, if I'm the only one, please tell me and I'll pull my head in.
Ditto
and double double ditto! The all caps is the most consistently annoying thing I have seen in years! |
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Stephen, you and Schroeder are the ONLY other members who've passed comment on this so far. Thanks for your backup, mate. 
PS. Sorry about using the caps lock on 'only'. :( |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by cliff:
Lose the Commodore. But, but, it's the 128 not the 64!  |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Thanks Muzza..
The layout:
Investigate phpBB3.
Already have one picked out, but thanks.
If you do nothing else, tone down the blue.
The only Blue I see is some bold type here and there, very subtle on my monitors. Al likes to say I'm colorblind. I'm not, just the typical red/green thing. Anyway, let me know where it is.
Moderation:
Time to enlist some help. I posted about the recent login problem and it slipped past you both. Miles and Al, you know the people on this board that have similar ideals to you and can be trusted. Enlist their help, make them a moderator with limited access. Moderators can be assigned with many different levels of access in phpBB3. My suggestion as a good starting point would be Brad (Slipkid)
I'll discuss the moderator idea with Al. As for the "login" problem... really.. you POSTED it... and wonder why we didn't see it.. really?.
Site specific problems.
Create a separate page for reporting problems and link to it on all other pages
Excellent idea. Talked this one over with Al a few weeks ago actually. It will happen. Doesn't do much good when the site is down tho, and there doesn't really seem to be any other issues, but if it's useful at least once.. that's good enough for me. We actually thought that more folks might make suggestions if they seems anonymous too.
Gallery
Everyone use their own gallery, or someone suggest a common free one, and link to it in your sig line or profile. There are a brazillion options out there.
Agree, but there is a good Gallery I use elsewhere, actually part of the BB I use and will probably employ here.
Cliff's sig line / profile suggestion.
+1
Agree, but like the Gallery... I'd rather people just use mySPace or something more appropriate. The newer software will have a better handle on this.
Off Topic
Leave everything as is is. It's pretty well self-policed and makes this place what it is. I've referred to it previously as a cyber-pub, and I think the analogy is perfect.
Agree for different reasons but still agree
Insomniac Pop Quiz
Kill it off, PLEASE.
People seem to like it...
GUITARWANNABEE
SOMEONE BREAK IN TO HIS COMPUTER ROOM AND DISABLE HIS CAPS LOCK KEY. Sorry GWB, but it's driving me nuts. Everyone else, if I'm the only one, please tell me and I'll pull my head in.
Agree, it may seem silly, but it's just rude. |
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
As for the "login" problem... really.. you POSTED it... and wonder why we didn't see it.. really?. That's a bit harsh Miles. You're upset that nobody let you know? I tried to let you know. The only page that wasn't loading was the welcome page. If YOU couldn't log on then YOU would have known there was a problem, making this whole thread irrelevant. Anyone who comes straight here, bypassing the intro page wouldn't have even known there was a problem.
You said yourself that you don't read every post. THATS how you missed it. Geez, someone tries to help they get the piss taken out of them. :rolleyes: |
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
The only Blue I see is some bold type here and there, very subtle on my monitors. ........ Anyway, let me know where it is. ALL of the royal blue bold writing. Basically, everything on the page that's bold Royal blue kind of clashes with the whole shades of grey look of the site. I just find it visually uncomfortable. Once again, just my $0.02 |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | If possible please impliment a "Posts Since My Last Visit" button. Maybe it's already here and I just can't find it. Thanks, Dave |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Sorry, my creative juices are starting to flow ...
Self serving request, but there is a lot of cross-traffic between the OFC and the Tak forum. How about adding the Tak forum to the "Links" page? OFC is already added to the links page over there. The history of these brands, their founders, distributors and fans are somewhat intertwined via Kaman.
I don't know, just a thought.
Dave |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Originally posted by muzza:
Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
As for the "login" problem... really.. you POSTED it... and wonder why we didn't see it.. really?. That's a bit harsh Miles. You're upset that nobody let you know? I tried to let you know. The only page that wasn't loading was the welcome page. If YOU couldn't log on then YOU would have known there was a problem, making this whole thread irrelevant. Anyone who comes straight here, bypassing the intro page wouldn't have even known there was a problem.
You said yourself that you don't read every post. THATS how you missed it. Geez, someone tries to help they get the piss taken out of them. :rolleyes:
Got a problem/complaint/suggestion.. EMAIL it. not POST... EMAIL.. webmaster@ovationfanclub.com mileskb@aol.com. etc etc.. tell me you haven't read that a 1000 times.
Didn't mean to be harsh, kindofa friendly ribbing.
Like when you call Comcast to say you don't have access to the Internet and they suggest you download the latest patch from their web page. That kind of irony.
Ok... back to reality. It's not just here. It's a mentality that permeates the IT/IS customer support world. Give someone the EXACT information to address their issue, and they will do EVERYTHING they can think of ACCEPT that one thing. I deal with it all day, all night and have for over 20 years.
So yes.. when I see someone say they POSTED something hoping an ADMIN will see it. I think it's funny, cause it just is. The several people I already emailed and called telling about it thought it was funny too. Only exceeded in funny by ME having a quadruple post on the previous page.
I think I'm gonna join Al. I give up. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Gallerinski
- "Posts Since My Last Visit"
Not in this software. It doesn't keep track of when you log in.
- Link to TAK..
That's doable. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Two birds, one rock.
I adjusted the color getting rid of most of the Blue, the rollovers are still blue as this IS an Ovation Forum afterall.
The value added is that there is a little clearer difference between threads you've read and threads you haven't.
Also added a link to the TAK forum in the links section. |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | Gallerinski, probably not worth the trouble, but here's what I use as a "Posts Since My Last Visit" workaround...
Under "My Profile", there's an " Update New Post Indicators " link.. so after I'm done surfing around the forums, I'll hit that link. Which turns all the lightbulbs next to the forum topics white. Then the next time I visit, any topics with recent posts have yellow lightbulbs. I've copied that link onto my Bookmark Bar, so it's easy for me to hit it any time and I've just gotten into the habit of doing that at the tail end of my visits here.
The only "bug" about it is, for some reason, I have to hit it twice for it to really clear all the new post indicators. Miles, perhaps that's something you can look into?
Oh, and I don't mind the blue that's being referred to. but fyi, it's the unvisited links color. i.e.
body bgcolor="#F7F7F7" text="#000002" link="#0000FF" vlink="#666699" alink = "#333366" Otherwise, no complaints from me. Thank you very much! Oh, and I missed out on the whole dead-front-page kerfluffle as my bookmark drops straight into the forums. |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | oops, we stepped on each other. I'd actually recommend a color other than black for the unvisited links.. too hard to tell what's a link and what isn't.
For example, in my reply above, is the bold part of my quote a link? Ooops, no it isn't. but it looks just like the Sunny Ledges link in your sig unless you mouse-over it. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Thanks DVD, if it was only that simple. There is little to no html available to edit. It's all compiled perl. There are configuration files.
This was a nice first forum software and I saw it was a mistake within the first year. By time I found the other solution I use (MegaBBS) it was two years in. But I have several installs of MegaBBS some running off Access, some of MS SQL.. It's all good.
Now getting from here to there... :) |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | yep I see what you mean.. I'm going back to the blue till I have some time to work out a scheme. There are some things that don't fall into the scheme and are "calculated" by the software. Like the rollover is NOT an option. Go figure.. but then again.. we are talking 5 year old software. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Here's a history lesson..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Bulletin_Board |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | Miles, Here is one of my favorite links for web-page friendly color noodling. As you click on colors, it shows them together on the page so you can get a feel for how they would look. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Yep, that's the one to use. |
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Miles, have you looked at phpBB3 yet? |
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Location: SoCal | What I see from phpBB3 is a forum without a gallery; Miles had mentioned MegaBBS where they show a gallery. Price is right, from $0 to $35.
My wife's website (HistoricalNeedleArts.com) is through GoDaddy with an elementary forum and gallery. Very interested in the discussion between the two (or others) as an alternative to the GoDaddy forum we currently have linked. |
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | I just think the other options outweigh the need for a gallery. It's very easy to maintain and there are a lot of options for limited moderators.
And the avatars can be fun. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | What language are these guys speaking now? |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Originally posted by Mauvais Beal:
What language are these guys speaking now? It's all geek to me. |
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Location: closely held secret | GeekSpeak |
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Location: closely held secret | Miles, does PD9 offer any migration services?
I wonder if a conversion from Threads to MegaBBS would be easier, I notice UBB has migration scripts from Version 6 to Threads available. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | There are no migration tools that will work. I'll have to write them. This is getting off-topic.
If there are not more issue or suggestions worth ruining Alpeps vacations year after year over because you haven't told me about them... although he repeatedly told you to tell me about them...... Speak now for forever hold your.... whatever you gots to hold. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | I view mostly from my "NMCI-lowest bidder-Ross Perot" Government Network so when something doesn't connect I don't blame it the website.
At home I have a precariously balanced Vista OS that would have me replace and update everything.
It must be time for a Mac PowerBook...
... oh yeah, Cliff did the Bridesmaid and someone needs to tell the Usher his "barn door" isn't latched. |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | Just when you were getting us geeks all hot and bothered! :rolleyes: |
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Location: south east Michigan | If we're wrapping this up I'd just like to say that it's nice to see you posting Miles. This seems like the most posting you've done in a while. Maybe you're just to busy being the life guard to enjoy the pool. Come on in... the water is fine!! |
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Location: NJ | . . just don't mind the "floaters" down at Witko's end . .. |
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Location: closely held secret | ...it's a Baby Ruth! |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Thanks Brad,
It's not so much like a got busy or busier either... It's just simple math. I have about an hour a day to dedicate to the Ovation Fan Club. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but it's always been around that on average not counting any development or issues etc.. just the day to day. I've always had that amount of time and still have that approx one hour per day..
But.......
- When we started, that time was enough to read new posts, reply, catch up on OFC related emails and PM's. About once a week, on a slow day I would do maintenance chores.
- 2 years in... It was enough time to read new posts, reply, catch up on OFC related emails and turned off my PM's and schedule about once a month to do maintenance chores in the middle of the night.
- 3 years in... It was enough time to read new posts, catch up on OFC related emails and do the once a month maintenance chores.
- 4 years until now... I can read SOME of the new daily posts, and catch up on OFC related emails. I monitor/analyze the traffic so I know when the best time to do the monthly maintenance is.
So nothing has really changed on my part. I don't work any harded, or any more. I still invest about an hour a day on average, although some days not at all. But an hour a day isn't even enough time to read the new posts of one day anymore.
Not complaining. Just letting folks know. |
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Location: SoCal | Wow. I don't have an hour a day to dedicate to anything, including sleep.... |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | As the final note of this thread I will address the list posted by Alpep. It's not "his" list per-se, it's a list of SOME of what he has been hearing for years, and suprisingly STILL HEARS ABOUT!!! Although each time he tells the folks CONTACT MILES and each time I wait, and I hear nothing from no one. To my knowledge, the people that pester Al at events, and on the phone about stuff HE HAS NO CONTROL OVER and REPEATEDLY TELL THOSE PEOPLE to call me, HAVE YET TO DO SO, and HAVE NOT POSTED HERE EITHER!!!
"can we change the front page it is the ugliest color known to man" which I always remind people miles is color blind."
I'm not colorblind, although I joke about it too, just deficient in Red/Green which is funny cause that's one of my favorite shows. Anyway... this is also from several years ago I assume as the front page is essentially black and white and has been for some time. The original odd color was a nod to the colors used at the Ovation site. That's where it came from., but it's been long gone.
" I have my camera set on the lowest setting and I still can't load a picture on the picture gallery without resizing it 10 times" (hmmm maybe this was my complaint but I remember some amens from the halleluia chorus.
I am looking at better gallery software, but there are tons of free places to host pictures that are much easier to use.
" I gave donated money and never got my trinket"
This is SEVERAL YEARS ago, and ALL orders were filled. then. If you didn't get what you were supposed to, and didn't contact me...I'm pretty sure it's a bit late to file an insurance claim too at this point. I really don't know what to tell ya.
"Can't we change the name of the matt smith section"
Easy Peazy. Send an EMAIL to either ME or Matt with whatever you would like to change it to
"What ever happened to the tune I sent miles for the CD"
Mr. Witco took over the CD project....umm.. we're almost up to Vol. 3. now. If you sent a submission, it's with it's paperwork in a vault with any other music I have. If you sent me your only copy, I'll retrieve it.... lets see.... first step.... SEND ME AN EMAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!
" I sent pictures from the tour and they never got put up in a photo gallery"
Just never had the time to sift through the 1000's of pictures I got from everyone and still get. That's why the "Gatherings" section is in place.
"how come all the ofc stuff I want to order is never in stock"
Again... I've been using eBay for the OFC store for YEARS!!! How can something be "out of stock??" It's either listed or it doesn't exist.
"can't we get some new stuff in the ofc store"
Sorry but there just isn't enough interest to make it financially viable. I am planning on new shirts this year depending on how they go over at the Pacific Northwest Gathering. If you want something specific in the store... you can..... hmmm what's that phrase...... everydbody now... in unison CONTACT MILES!!!!!
"why do we have to have google ads?"
I don't turn away free money.
"how much money do they make?"
It varies, but usually enough to pay for the hosting service and maybe a beer.
"can we update the scroll on the bottom of the page"
Hmmm ready chorus..... ready on the left... ready on the right.... 1 - 2 - 3 CONTACT MILES!!!!!! - sounds of cheers -
One additional. On the google ads. I have also heard grumblings of "inappropriate" ads being displayed or way off topic ads.
Guess what drives those ads folks. YOU DO!!! It's based on the CONTENT of this site and the SITES YOU NORMALLY SEARCH.
Anywho... THANK YOU to all that participated.
Obviuosly (at least I hope) this was NOT about the post on the Tak forum, but more about... Hey... we have a problem... Lets bug Al, Lets post about it, Lets post about it on another forum... ANYTHING but doing what has been literally PREACHED by AL and I for over 5 years...
CONTACT MILES!!!!! oh... that's me.. :) |
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Hurt, Insulted and a bit Frustrated......