Forum Analysis - Izzet is looking for feedback too

batterboy58



Joined: 20/04/2008
Posts: 442

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:11

Been working on this for days, results now in



Informative posts relative to Cyprus = 7.64%

Other Shit = 92.36%



What a shame. This forum used to be so good.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:16

batterboy

Although I do not disagree with your findings and I do think it is sad that the majority of postings have nothing to do with the TRNC, there is but one question I would like to ask (and If I don't then someone else will), how did you arrive at your figures?

AJ

Taz666


Joined: 21/12/2008
Posts: 180

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:17

Read 'Now this will get me Done' and chill out, if we all relax the other shit percentage will go down, could go down as far as 90%

augusta



Joined: 10/06/2008
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:17

Are you sure you have your %'s right? I am getting a lot of very good information about northern Cyprus and I don't believe I am only reading 7% of the postings.

jay76


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 532

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:18

i thought this was the best forum to be on for trnc info, if not can anybody advise other wise.

augusta



Joined: 10/06/2008
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:19

that is a very good point jav76...if there is a better forum then I would also like to know about it!

batterboy58



Joined: 20/04/2008
Posts: 442

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:20

It could be with highly sophisticated text and language recognition software, analysing material collected by computer bots.



Or maybe its just a pretty good guess.

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:23

Batterboy 58,



At the time of posting there are 71 people reading this board. Why?



Most members enjoy serious and informative posts, but there are not enough subjects of interest around all the time.



Perhaps you and any other complainants should post more interesting and informative posts, that we can all respond to.



I personally did not enjoy your bad language



wyn

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:24

batterboy

Now which of the two answers will I go for?

I guess answer no.2 but I would suggest the deletion of the words 'pretty good'

But I know how you feel.

Take care

AJ

Taz666


Joined: 21/12/2008
Posts: 180

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:25

Sorry wyn I'll change mine to poo, slip of the finger so to speak

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:30

Taz 666,



Thank you. We have all been there!



wyn

Taz666


Joined: 21/12/2008
Posts: 180

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:34

yes wyn went but come back now

Tiggy


Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 1994

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:37

It is only a small few that have the crap factor up in the 90%



And the best bit about it are the one's that have caused it all will be the ones sitting back and denying it to themselves.



Such a pity this has happened....Makes me laugh when adults are frightened to give their children computers to use. !!!



Adults indeed.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 00:03

To be truthful this forum is in danger of becoming a general chat forum. Sometimes you can read the first 6 or so threads and there is no mention of Cyprus. Must be disappointing for those new to the forum that expected some good advice, information and history of the island.

arrry



Joined: 19/08/2008
Posts: 1235

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 00:06

To be truthful this forum is in danger of becoming a general chat forum. Sometimes you can read the first 6 or so threads and there is no mention of Cyprus. Must be disappointing for those new to the forum that expected some good advice, information and history of the island.



Bradus , maybe that is where the forum Wants to go

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 00:10

Bradus,



Your analysis is correct, but is it not just the way the board evolved with a rapidly increasing membership.



In my opinion it is still the most helpful and informative board for matters TRNC available.



If the moderators can just cut out the backbiting and personal insults, imho all will be well.



Good luck,



wyn

batterboy58



Joined: 20/04/2008
Posts: 442

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 00:24

Bradus



That is exactly what prompted me to start this thread.

Unfortunately in doing so it is just one more thread that has nothing to do with Cyprus,

batterboy58



Joined: 20/04/2008
Posts: 442

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 00:27

Just checked, and of the top ten threads right now, 6 have nothing to do with Cyprus and are mostly pointless.

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 00:44

Sue,



I do not have the facts but....I would guess that the number of serious posts about The TRNC still exceeds similar postings say 12 months ago. It is just with the increased membership so there has been a pro rata increase in postings.



It is still the best loved and respected board for information on The TRNC. People requiring information still get serious responses to their enquiries. Anything of importance to members seems to be posted by a member as soon as the information is available.



Light hearted banter has also help this boards popularity.



Let us not forget that it is the size of membership that brings in the advertising revenue.



wyn

brandy sour


Joined: 09/04/2008
Posts: 310

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 01:20

I agree early on today i had to ask Moderators to close down 2 Discussion topics with in a hour because they where talking about stuff that was nothing to do with NC just emails and other stuff that is got nothing do with forum.It was like washing your dirty linen in public.

Izzet



Joined: 01/12/2006
Posts: 920

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 01:52

I actually want to keep this forum as much about North Cyprus as possible.



Batterboy58's findings, although seem a bit pessimistic, it is true that a year ago, most of the threads were about Cyprus.



I really would like to keep this forum very informative rather than general chat topics.



So, if you have good ideas, I'd love to hear them.

Please either email me directly or post here.



Thanks,

Izzet

belladonna


Joined: 27/09/2008
Posts: 2

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 01:58

Bradus,



I think you have hit the nail on the head. Cyprus44 was renowned for good advice and information (with a bit of friendly banter). Members went out of there way to help each other. Cyber bullies left the forum alone, they didn't have an opening, it was informative it was boring for them. Then trivial chat threads started appearing which were nonsensical to anyone not in the know, but it gave the cyber bullies an opening, and have they invaded, be it multiple identities, or groups.



I wish I could finish by offering a solution but I cannot when the forum registration is as insecure as it is.



I will continue to use the forum to search for information as I have for the past two years, which I have found very helpful.



Bradus well done in your moderation on this site.



Bella

batterboy58



Joined: 20/04/2008
Posts: 442

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 02:15

Izzet

My findings were to be fair an exaggerated guess in order to make a point, which I am pleased to hear that you agree with.

Although I have no solution to the recent chaos on the board, I wish you well in any endeavor to re-establish predominantly informative topics rather than the general chat.

It would be nice if there was an even balance between the two and absolutely no abusiveness at all.

We can but hope.

As some people have said this is still the most informative forum for North Cyprus, but is has been better and could be again.



Regards John

dixie normus


Joined: 22/02/2008
Posts: 820

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 02:37

This forum ts about the blood that flows through its veins, although we all have opinions, method of expresion will aways create difference of opinion and with that comes aggravation and aggression. Stand back, view the opinion of others as food for thought, to enlighten, and to benifit those who wish to start a new life in a land that is in its tender years. Without the vision of a heart, a life and country has no soul.



D.N

PS am sure some inteligent bastard should of said that!!!

mickey rourke


Joined: 27/08/2008
Posts: 157

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 03:05

Izzet

May I make a reccommendation that you ask for a correct e-mail address and send an activation e-mail to all members of the forum, before they can begin posting, my bet is that you will lose half the members immediately and you will then have better control of the board as you will have contact for people

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 05:01

If people stopped the moaning, picking on each other, goofing off and just stuck to answering questions it would be higher percentage of useful info.

I think the whole "moderator" postings must have taken a good 25% of all posts .

Also because we don't have the facility to break up postings in to sections everything has to be posted on one continuous page.

Debate,

For Sale,

Jokes,

News ..etc you get my drift.

This site does need a little updating and in need of certain features, the most needed is the ability to EDIT or delete your posting.

Take a look at the Happy Clappy board for a good example.

It is very difficult to try and find a follow up of your last posting without having to search page by page.

Do we even have a search engine?

Maybe I have my settings wrong and its just me.

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 05:08

Seriously , don't you agree that we do need to have sections for topics.

Izzet, with all due respect this is just a huge continuous mish mash of everything.

ALL other sites have separate pages for topics..

Is there anything that can be done??? or is this the format we are stuck in and if changing means losing everything, then it cant be changed.

We just have to learn to stick to topics and not go crazy and not take postings off topic.

maybe thats when the Mods. can jump in and say its off topic.



just a humble opinion.

Izzet



Joined: 01/12/2006
Posts: 920

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 05:56

Turbo, we actually had 4 different categories around April 2008. They were:



1. General Chat

2. Property Related

3. For Sale and Announcements

4. Old Style Viewing



But a majority of members said the old style is much better and they now have to click twice to actually get into the threads. Most of the members said we should revert back so we did.



Should we reconsider this?



To be honest, I kind of like it the way it is now. Every forum has categories and Cyprus44 is just different



Btw, yes we do a have a search functionality powered by Google. The search box is actually at the top of every page. I don't understand how some of us miss it! It's quite powerful, and does not show up most of the useless threads



Izzet

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 07:56

Izzet,



I have already had my say, but one point that hasnt been mentioned.



Who is going to ask all these interesting points about North Cyprus? Is anyone currently precluded, that has an interesting question about North Cyprus? No!



The banter and the "infill" is a secondary matter, but is it not this that drove the membership up? Should we not be analysing the threads that have the highest number of posts? I have not been on what is affectionatley known as Nigels board, but from what I hear from past Cyprus44 members, it is the relaxed and relatively unmoderated manner in which the site is conducted that makes it so popular.



What caused this site its problems was one member who made personal and offensive comments, and used his ascerbic wit to try to put down members who held differing views.

Despite requests from members his offensive material went unmoderated. Others then

mostly less intelligent, jumped on the bandwagon, often mimicking his insults.

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 08:08

What followed then was the worst of human nature. Jump in and kick someone when they are

under attack. Well, we all saw where that went!



Can it be put right? Well a lot of damage has been done, but this site retains a lot of good faith

in its membership. Using a host of moderators ( however well meaning) to act as dictators is not the answer. That will just drive the membership away.



To split the board as previously tried, may well be the answer at this point in time.



Examples of good behavoir may be helpful. I am sure that most members would agree that Bradus and Simbas style of moderation, is the most effective. No 1 Doyen must have the most popular and effective style of posting. (In picking these examples I wish no disrespect to other members)



A prerequisite must be to stop ALL personal insults and backbiting. This is not acceptable to anyone that it is aimed at, and they will retaliate.



I fear that there is one more point that imho need to be made,

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 08:14

and it was made by Arrry. The membership have spoken. They do like chit chat and the banter. It should always be secondary to serious debate but otherwise you just get banal postings of little or no interest to the majority.



Izzet Look on the bright side. You still have an easier job than Barach Obahama. I personally fear we will have more than enough of a serious nature to debate over the coming few months.



I wish you and Cyprus 44 membership a Happy 2009 and lots of goodluck. Goodwill has always been there from this member.



wynyardman

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 08:40

Am I the only one who finds all the "arguments" etc, much more interesting than "Good meal at G....'s, (Local Bistro near Golden Lady)?



Have I started off another argument?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 08:52

RE msg 29, wynyardman : (...) affectionatley known as Nigels board, but from what I hear from past Cyprus44 members, it is the relaxed and relatively unmoderated manner in which the site is conducted that makes it so popular. (...)



===> This seems to be a thread where the contributors like to give figures and facts. OK. Nigel's board at this moment (after some six weeks) has 157 members. No judgement, but I think we should not exaggerate its popularity. And although this 44-board doesn't have the quality of the TRNC Villa Owners board* (imo!) the quality is far better than "the friendly board".



* To judge yourself, you'll find the Villa Owners board here: http://trncvillaowners.phpbb3now.com

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 08:58

RE msg 32, pinkchilli : (...) Am I the only one who finds all the "arguments" etc, much more interesting than "Good meal at G....'s, (Local Bistro near Golden Lady)? (...)



===> No, you're not! I for one can do without most of the "chit chat" and the "How are you, thank you, I'm fine and how are you's" and other one-liners in reply to other unnecessary one-liners.

littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 09:30

wyn says



" What caused this site its problems was one member who made personal and offensive comments, and used his ascerbic wit to try to put down members who held differing views."



AND DESPITE REQUESTS IT WENT UNCHECKED.



And this is why I set up " the friendly forum "



Hans say 157 members , now 159 with Posts per day: 44.39



I do not mind if the mebership grows or not I have nothing to gain from it.



But if the members can help eash other, share information and exchange points of view without having to recieve threats, offensive emails and personal abuse then I am a happy chappie.



44 has it's place I used to so enjoy it back in 2006 but things change and times move on.



I truly hope izzet and his team can bring it back on here.



Happy new year and good luck all .

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 09:40

Dutch, after you're done with speaking to yourself, you will also find that the boards that you are talking about have mixed in with the "hellos and how are you's" some useful info too. but not many of th attacks that you get on here or other sites .

I like it for the fact that I can post freely without having to read and then re-read my post again in case people like you happen to find grammatical errors that they feel they have to "expose"



You will find also that most of the members here are also or were members of one or the other or all the boards.

Some people just like to have a say in "everything" useful or not.

If you find that having a"chit chat" is not to your liking, you know what you can do, just get into those wooden clogs and walk away.

Variety, the spice of life.



Here is a joke: the spice of life..





Whats better than Roses on a piano?

Tulips on an organ.... (it has to be read out loud with an American accent toolips).

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 10:03

RE msg 36, Turbo : (...) Dutch, after you're done with speaking to yourself etc (...)



===> What's the use of making it personal again, Turbo? I agreed with "pinkchilli" and gave an opinion - and you choose me (as usual) for one of your 'jokes', this time about clogs. Ha ha. Very funny. And a useful contribution in a serious thread (I thought).

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 10:11

DC. I just had to respond to you regarding your comment about another board which was quite unnecessary.

"How are you, thank you, I'm fine and how are you's" and other one-liners in reply to other unnecessary one-liners."

Was there any need for that?

As for the other line about : "you choose me (as usual) for one of your 'jokes'"



I don't recall ever having made a reference on this board to you or about you. so back on topic please.

"Feedback"

batterboy58



Joined: 20/04/2008
Posts: 442

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 10:22

Turbo



A quick and easy way to search for your previous postings.

Click on your own name which appears at the bottom of the list when you first log in.

At the bottom of your profile page will appear your recent messages which you can click on and go directly to the thread you are looking for.



Hope this helps

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 10:27

batterboy58

Thats the only way I know how to. As for other postings that I have not posted in, I just have to scan each topic till I find it.

Thanks anyway.

dozza67


Joined: 11/07/2008
Posts: 607

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 10:29

This is a good forum. There are just a few numpties who always want to spoil things with their silly replies to questions that are asked. Their idiocy just makes me sit here shaking my head at them, it's so hard to believe what they have written. What makes it worse is that most of the people on this site are grown up (I think?) yet they continue to post stupid remarks to perfectly ordinary questions. You know who you are but I know you will be angry at what I've posted and have a hissy fit. Sad.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 10:39

Have to agree with dozza67 on this one. There are a few people on here that just want to ruin the forum. Consistent snide remarks to posts that start of interesting and then just go into freefall. These sad people have obviously nothing else to do than to cause trouble. Oh don't worry they are grown up in the physical sense - but mentally they are quite immature.

Everyone likes a joke and a bit of friendly banter causes no harm at all. However the consistent 'put-downs' and offensive responses by some of these people are beyond comprehension.

How do you stop it? Thats the $64million dollar question.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 10:59

RE msg 42, No1Doyen : (...) How do you stop it? (...)



===> 1: Name "them/him or her". 2: Vote "them/him or her" off the board (100 votes?) with a yellow card for two weeks "no postings". Second yellow card means etc. Fun and it may help...

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 11:02

Yes Dutch. I've said this before - two warnings and you're banned. The 100 vote scenario probably would'nt work as these people multiple post.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 11:12

RE msg 44, No1Doyen : (...) The 100 vote scenario probably would'nt work as these people multiple post. (...)



===> That is a matter for the webmaster (Izzet). I think he can check IP adresses any time (find out if members have more than one subscription to this board from the same IP address). NB: there are ways to hide your IP address and/or use a fake etc, but (I think) not many boardmembers will know how to do it. Nothing on the Internet is watertight, but some measures do help.



I'm almost sure moderator AndyP could give Izzet some advice on this matter - if needed.

JamesB


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 11:58

Informative posts relative to Cyprus = 7.64%



Other Shit = 92.36%



I think its now closer to 94%

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 12:12

jamesB. Obviously your comment pushed it up that extra percent.

Chessman


Joined: 13/05/2008
Posts: 486

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 12:19

If the posts on here were restricted to Cyprus information only, then there would be little activity on this board. If the stats. are correct, then that indicates the type of board that is required i.e general chat in addition to information.



I am not quite sure why the word sh*t is used alongside 'other'. Yes, some of the threads do fall into that category and shouldn't be allowed but, imo, most don't.



I cannot see an issue with having both. With moderation, of course!

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 12:24

Geoff, certainly agree with you on that one.

JamesB


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:06

Bill, Actually I thought it was informative.

Cypfan


Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 104

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:15

A forum is only as good as its leadership, as that inspires the membership.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:31

Message 50. There you go then James. The percentages are going down at last.

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 14:13

message 35 how do i get on to the friendly forum.

Dave

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 14:21

davedee...msg54....I believe it involves a bizarre initiation ceremony involving Efes and a length of hose !

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 14:26

Put me down for that then!

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 14:28

Haha...sorry dave,I don't have the actual link to Nige's forum but I'm sure someone on here can direct you.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 14:35

i think the forum has become childish, heavy handed moderators, stupid bickering and the usual back stabbing.

i am in danger of going off to play with fire again on the not so nice forum.

(or so some people think)

the funy thing is that its more friendly than here, and less moderated!

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 14:46

If a tree fell in a forest...and there was no-one around to hear it....would it be blamed on the moderators ?

littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 14:59

Davedee has email

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 15:24

cronos

i think its a case of too many cooks.

some who moderate here are not so moderate on other forums.lol.

others turn a blind eye when it suits them.

i think izzet needs to get some ground rules with them, that could solve some of the problems.

i am fed up with starting to read a post and the post has been closed.

its just a waste of my valuable time.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 21:44

I know what you mean fire starter. I return from work to find everyone up in arms about threads or posts that have been deleted and am left wondering why? who? was it offensive? even on odd occasions what the subject matter was. (i am very nosey)

The other side of the coin though is that if you leave posts so that everyone has the opportunity to read them, people then complain about being offended, bullied, embarrased or ridiculed. It truely is a no win situation.

As already said the only thing we moderators can do is explain why we have removed/edited them and put our name to the amended post. This action does not satisfy everyone as you still get a mixed response......some saying well done and others complaining about the deleted posts. But you do at least get feedback from the forum users which helps us to reflect on our decisions and learn from them.

Lets not spoil todays friendly atmosphere....enough has been said about moderation and it seems to fuel negative remarks.

Bradus

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 22:05

I have become a member on Niges board,and very civilalised it is too,.The one thing about it is if you stray off the accepted protocol you are spoken to by nige who gives you a warning,none of this "you have had your post deleted " with no name attached or reason.If you get moderated on Nigels board you know who has done and why...