|
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
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 |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6996
Location: Jet City | Originally posted by Mauvais Beal:
So you got a complaint? Go to Helen Waite.
:D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2005
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... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15680
Location: SoCal | A confused but satisfied user..... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
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! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 109
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. ;) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
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” . . .) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
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! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
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! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Whiner... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7247
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. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Mr. Whiner, to you . . . |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7247
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. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
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. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | Miles, would it be possible to upgrade to 7.3 ?
Seems to have some nice features.
Thanks,
Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7247
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. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | Cool. Thanks for the quick reply. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | SuckUp. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145
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. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
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) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
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. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Mr. Suckup to you... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
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... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15680
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..... |
|
| |
Hurt, Insulted and a bit Frustrated......
Forums Archive -> The Vault: 2008
