Ideas to improve the board...Input needed

gooligan


Joined: 30/01/2007
Posts: 1591

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 17:35

So Izzet is trying to build a community on here and improve things and make the board more successful.

Is coming up with more and more draconian rules going to achieve this?



I pointed out to him last night that he already had a successful board before he started with the rules and moderators and that it is the posters who make the board successful,not rules and regulations and why doesn't he ask the members what improvements they recommend for the board and he asked me to start a thread and he would monitor it and take it from there.



My ten bob's worth for starters,



1. An edit facility.



2.Amend rule 4.Moderators are essential but should be fair and held accountable for their actions.



Any more?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 17:46

An edit facility is a good idea - but not essential in my opinion. Yes people make spelling mistakes but hey there are not many instances now where another poster will pick up on it and make a 'snide' remark. In fact there were 4 or 5 posts this morning that contained spelling mistakes and no one said anything.



If you are referring to the editing of a post you have made and perhaps you now want to retract, then it's a good idea to either think twice before you post or ask one of the moderators to remove it. I've done that many times for members.



As for making moderators accountable, that really is a difficult one due to the fact that Rule 4 states "Forum admins have the final word. If you have a problem or a complaint, email Izzet off board. Do not post it on the board.Forum admins do not need to explain their actions. Do not complain about this" continued.........

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 17:50

....My advice would be to speak to Izzet if you really have a problem with one of us. I'll certainly accept crticism if it's justified. We're not infallible by any means, just trying to do our best in a job that we have been asked to do.



Hope that helps.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11280

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 17:57

My wish list:

=> Only posts that have something to do with Cyprus (RoC or TRNC) or expats in Cyprus (RoC or TRNC).

=> A strict(er) implementation of the rule: Don't discuss decisions of Admins.

=> A separate section for so called jokes and other so called funny posts.

=> A separate "Animals" section.

=> A separate "Sports" section.

=> Permission to upload Avatars as the board members wish: photographs and graphics.

=> A section for "Banned members": who, why, how long.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 17:57

Can I just add that moderating on this forum is a pleasure. There are so many nice people on here that it makes up for the saddo's that continually snipe at everything. I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the other moderators and would like to thank those of you that continually post not only useful and informative information but the jokes and the banter.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:02

Hans I actually think it works well having all the sections/threads intermingling.



You could have seperate section for Sports or Animals but invariably threads change as they develop and sometimes end up in a discussion that is completely different to the original topic and more informative.



As for Banned members I'm sure it can be arranged that when a certain member is banned it is posted on the forum for all to see. there's no harm in that as far as I can see.

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:12

I think all threads should be mingled, as they already are...makes for more fun reading...i love stumbling onto a joke..makes my day it does!!



DD

gooligan


Joined: 30/01/2007
Posts: 1591

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:14

Bill,I did say amend rule 4.If someone closes or deletes a thread then please explain why instead of the automated response.I'm only asking for a bit of clarity.

millzer


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 978

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:16

Ability to upload/add photos to your posts would be good.



An edit facility, as Gooligan said



Although I see where Dutch is coming from with his seperate subject sections, I would prefer to see the subjects as they are now (as they come), If the board was 'catagorized' in the future then I would only like to see this if there was also a 'view active topics' facility (like on PHBB boards) because whilst some people like to be selective and only read the 'how long is a piece of string' section, others like to see all available subjects under one board so they can be selective according to the thread title.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:17

Forgive me in advance if I put noses out of joint. My web mastering days are well behind me and will stay there, along with my customer support skills I am sorry to say, I am out of the game and happy for being here. However, this may or may not help - at the least it will give you things to think about.

Look upon the forum as you would a newspaper! When you pick up a newspaper you are looking for "News" or you are after and advert - nothing else. When you login to the forum you are either after news about various things, eating, clothing, houses, vehicles etc, etc. In its current state and I am in no way complaining, the forum presents you with a lucky bag approach. You open the page and dip in, in the hopes you will find what you want - more often than not you do not find it but you find something else just as interesting and forget what it was you were after in the first place - magic, that's good for everyone.



More to follow.......

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:18

So, to suggestions:

1. Get rid of the cloud and make a list that becomes the opening page after login – allow the people to chose what they want to read instead of hitting them in the face with the whole newspaper.

2. Have a “For Sale” section that shows a list of what is for sale, i.e. Vehicles, House hold goods, Houses, etc.

3. Have a “Wanted” section exactly the same. Anyone who wants to sell something will always check the “Wanted” as well and that lets them do the work.

4. Have a “Help” section sub divided into categories such as – Residency, Doctors, Car Tax, etc.





The list is not endless and a poll of what people want to see most is useful to keep the forum on track for the administrators. Make sure the administrator has the right to remove any post made under a wrong section – no houses for sale in the “Latest News” section. Hope it helps or at least bangs a few grey cells together.



Mick

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:19

Part two – From bitter experience I know that the “Magic Cloud” that holds all the relevant tags to take you to what you are looking for never has worked for the majority. Most people see it as an advert and skip past it whilst others hop from tag to tag and never quite find what they want. The tried and tested good old “List” lets people go straight to what they want and not bumble around in the hopes they will find it one day. The “Search” facility is vital to any board or forum, but it must be very powerful to be successful and most are not able to cope with more than one language!

The “Biggy” is the For Sale section on any forum, the majority of people are looking for a bargain or wanting to sell an item and even if they are not – everyone has a quick scan to see what is for sale!

One more bit and I am done for the day – promise.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:20

See what happens when two people post at the same time? My part two became part three but that is life and life is supposed to be fun. Take care out there.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:24

Mick, as usual good post.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:26

Rob, message 8 - I've taken this on board for the future. Thanks.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11280

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 18:36

RE msg 8, gooligan: (...) Bill,I did say amend rule 4.If someone closes or deletes a thread then please explain why instead of the automated response.I'm only asking for a bit of clarity. (...)

=> The Admin's limited choice of automated responses: agree with gooligan. And it's very easy to implement on this web site - after all Izzet can do it already.

dougskud



Joined: 04/04/2008
Posts: 356

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 19:02

Good afternoon all



Having just finished a period of suspension from posting it seems to me all this fuss is hot air being blown by people with little or no interest in the real world and indeed generally accepted standards of communication.



In my own case I was suspended for being a little abrubt with a poster who clearly had lossed the plot . I was advised that my suspension was as a result of contravening the rules and I was advised to "watch my language " in future. My language centred on my description of said Poster and was made up of two words the first being A the second being made up from the following letters NTEUTR. there were no F's no C's no B's in fact no bad language at all.



As an earlier poster mentioned the success or otherwise of this Forum will be decided by the quality of postings not by "Traffic Wardens" who have lossed touch with the real world.

regards to all



Doug

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 19:08

Doug

But who monitors the quality of posters, we all know the people who post just to stir things up, who have to be rude and offensive, who monitors them ? Perhaps if posters were reminded early on in the membership of what the rules are much of the unpleasantness could be avoided.

dougskud



Joined: 04/04/2008
Posts: 356

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 19:17

Hi Hattikins,



I accept the point you make but it's a bit like the judicial system in the UK. Being too liberal only encourages the biggots etc.

So the solution is easy let common sense prevail if someone has been extremely rude/nasty/offensive etc the bulk of the fair minded people using this forum would accept a rule of "one strike and out for ever"



Extremists would cease to have a voice on this Forum. Problem solved!!



regards

Doug

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 19:33

This board has been a great suck ses, izzet, if i ever bump into you, i will buy you a beer, such a young man aswell, well done.. take this advice from me, DO NOT FIX SOMETHING THAT ISN'T BROKEN.. Its fine the way it is.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 21:27

Make this a sticky - more opinions needed.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 21:34

message 20

I never thought I would agree with you but most of the time Cyprus44 is wonderful the way it is.

If something or someone annoys you don't answer to it. Simple.

Don't try to fix something that is not broken.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 21:51

Do not allow posts after midnight! Wait until 07:00! Only allow 60 minutes of viewing/posting in any 24 hour period, per member!



Seriously, I think that the balance of the current mods is as good as it can be.



I would like to see more "arguments" be allowed to continue. They are great to read.



I personally want to see a lot less posts which are of no interest/relevance reduced.



If possible, I would like to see some catagories. This will enable interesting posts to remain on the front page for longer. Sometimes a post moves off the first page, if it has no responses within a few hours.



Thanks.

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 21:56

Apologies, when I stated...



"I personally want to see a lot less posts which are of no interest/relevance reduced."



I meant to say...



I personally want to see a lot less posts which are of no interest/relevance to the majority, reduced.



Meaning, the post is AIMED at only one, or very few recipients, which is of no interest to anyone else.



Thanks

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:18

I tend to agree with 20 and 22 but would like to see the limit on number of characters removed or at least substantially increased. Having to split posts is rediculous and frustrating and makes threads difficult to read.

I would also request that where a mod has removed a post that a message is left in its place (even just post removed by mod) as again it is difficult to follow a thread where posts have been removed and posters have referred to msg x (for example).

Personally I don't like having to wade through categories so the current layout works for me although I do like the for sale section being separate.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:38

I agree with message 25.

ismet

keith


Joined: 03/04/2007
Posts: 272

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:43

I aGREE WITH MES 25 BUT WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A PHOTO SECTION

KEITH

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:52

I think that the guy who took the time, and still does, to open and operate the board should decide how it runs. If anyone disagrees with his management style, let them build one themselves.

The only problem, apart from no edit facility, that I have is the time it takes to scroll down the long threads. I'd like to see 30 post pages. Not complaining though, will "endeavour to persevere" apologies to Chief Dan George for pinching his words.



Tony

exnavalperson


Joined: 22/07/2009
Posts: 224

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:53

I would like to see picture avatars, They are banned purely on Izzets PERSONAL preference

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 23:58

Fine as it is.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 00:03

I like it just the way it is.

eager


Joined: 23/02/2007
Posts: 1272

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 01:38

Less power for narrow minded and biased moderators.