Too many forums?

[ohno]

Is it just me or do others feel that there are too many forums on this website?. Too spread out? :)
I dont get a chance to trawl through half of them:rolleyes:

[craigb]

Yeah, actually I agree with you.

I think the reason for it though is that Neil (bless him :) ) has just tried to accomodate members requests over the years for specific interest forums.

If I were God I'd cull quite a few of them. :D :D :D

[Zed]

i reckon its good - you can ignore the stuff you dont like - or just view new posts!!

cheers

[ozwinner]

Just do New Posts (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/search.php?do=getnew), as at the top of the page.

Al :)

[Dan]

I usually enter through a "getnew" search so I don't have look through individual forums. With the number of threads getting posted here though, I don't think it's a bad idea to have a bit of segregation, should make it easier to find info on a specific topic.

[bitingmidge]

It's not that there are too many forums, just too many people posting to them!

In many ways they are a victim of their own success, which is both good and sad (rather than bad).

There was a time when we could come back once a week, and be appalled that we had almost two hundred threads to read. Now that happens in an hour! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Maybe we need one more new forum just to come back to now and then for old time's sake!!

P
:D :D :D

[dazzler]

I just close down the freakier ones with that elipsie arrow thing so I only see the ones I like.

I mean, dont go near those freaky boat builders, and dont
get me started on those weirdo whittlers:rolleyes:

:D

[outback]

I find I'm scanning the forum more, reading less, and replying even lesser. Great for Neil, I think :confused: but I agree this place is a victim of its own success.

[Wongo]

You need more time to get used to it. That’s all.:cool:

One more thing. Whenever you see a thread contains the word "Friday", don't open it. I repeat do not open it. :D

[Stuart]

I also check who posted the last thread so see if I'll bother ;)

[bennylaird]

New posts is the way to go, read what interests you ignore the others, we all get different satisfaction and have a great group of moderators who sacrifice their lives for us.

Use it how you need to but do share when you can

[bennylaird]

I also check who posted the last thread so see if I'll bother ;)

lol if it's BennyLaird ?:D :D

[bennylaird]

You need more time to get used to it. That’s all.:cool:

One more thing. Whenever you see a thread contains the word "Friday", don't open it. I repeat do not open it. :D


and step away from the computer:D :D :D

[Stuart]

Don't think it is too many people posting, just too many subjects that you want to talk about!!

[craigb]

It really depends on how you use the forum.

For instance, I don't do "display new posts" because then I'd have to scan a whole lot of stuff I'm not interested in.

The way I do it is to go to the forum home page and cherry pick those forums I'm intrested in. Within those, I pick the threads I want to read.

Maybe I miss some info but I figure that that's the price I pay for not having to scan stuff that I have no interest in.

If I were God, there'd be no more than 12 eparate forums.

Aren't you lucky that you have Neil instead. :D

[Lignum]

One more thing. Whenever you see a thread contains the word "Friday", don't open it. I repeat do not open it. :D

Their is no doubt the quality of Fridays in general (im talkin woodwork) has dropped dramaticly since the Friday threads started. I know i can just ignore it, but everyone is preocupied with crap and forgets about wood for the day. I just give Fridays a miss now:cool:

[Wongo]

Relax Lignum relax. Promise me OK. Relax.:cool:

:D

[bennylaird]

it's a release for those who get sick of work, it's not to compete, we all love our woodwork and it's great that we can have some fun as well. We just ask to have the channel to do so.

[craigb]

Of course,another option is that you could just PM each other.

Just a thought.

Honestly guys, the Friday drivel really isn't that entertaining.

[bennylaird]

but dont look then. easily solved

everone has their likes and dislikes, so Kah sera sera

[Gumby]

I don't mind them having their friday threads. As has been said, we can join or leave it. I tend towards the latter.

However, it's a bit tiresome when they start two days early. :rolleyes:

;)

[bennylaird]

but you can just ignore us so whats the problem?

I ignore threads that bore me

[bennylaird]

if we start to clog the forum and cause probs then say so and we stop, we are just grateful to take some boredom out of what is usually a hard working day.

[Gumby]

but you can just ignore us so whats the problem?

I ignore threads that bore me


I do Benny and have no probs with you guys foolin' about.

I think it's a fun thing having a Friday thread but will burn out if it's over done. Posting 'Is it friday yet' on Wednesday or Thursday is going to do that. If you have a Friday thread, have some rules too. NO POST UNTIL FRIDAY - Makes it work better.

But then again, it's not my call.

[bennylaird]

if we are under stress at work, and I guess thats why we seek some relief, what does it matter what day it is? If it interferes with bandwidth and costs for the moderators etc then we will gladly stop.

[craigb]

we are just grateful to take some boredom out of what is usually a hard working day.

Come on Benny, be honest, you don't do a stroke on a Friday.

(and neither do I :o )

[Gumby]

if we are under stress at work, and I guess thats why we seek some relief, what does it matter what day it is? If it interferes with bandwidth and costs for the moderators etc then we will gladly stop.

I think regardless of bandwidth, you have to realise that the mods have to read eveything. The more you post, the more they have to read. At some point, one of them got tired of it and stopped it.

I fool around here as much as anybdy but I do try to avoid posting just for the sake of it - well usually anyway. :D

(Geez my internet is slow tonight - i feel like I'm on bloody dial up)

[bennylaird]

today I completed a fulll training package for the Harpoon weapon system on the Anzacs with quick answers to forum threads, actually managed more as if It had been straight work I would have been bored silly and never finished.

[Gumby]

today I completed a fulll training package for the Harpoon weapon system on the Anzacs

I didn't know we were into whaling :D

[bennylaird]

I think regadless of bandwidth, you have to realise that the mods have to read eveything. The more you post, the more they have to read. At some point, one of them got tired of it and stopped it.

I fool around here as much as anybdy but I do try to avoid posting just for the sake of it - well usually anyway. :D



we can push the limit, and when we do we cut back, if their is anything over the top someone will tell a moderator so there is not the need to read everything.

I have moderated sites before, you do you best and you you find them to be self moderating to a certain extent and step in when you have to. APart form a month or so ago when have we caused any real problems?

[Gumby]

APart form a month or so ago when have we caused any real problems?

I didn't say you had. And in fact I said I was happy you guys had your friday thread. How the mods see it is another question and one you'd have to ask them.

[keith53]

It's not that there are too many forums, just too many people posting to them!

In many ways they are a victim of their own success, which is both good and sad (rather than bad).

There was a time when we could come back once a week, and be appalled that we had almost two hundred threads to read. Now that happens in an hour! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Maybe we need one more new forum just to come back to now and then for old time's sake!!

P
:D :D :D

AAhhhh, you old softie.:D

[bennylaird]

:D And what happens if we wish you a happy birthday?:D :p

[Gumby]

AAhhhh, you old softie.:D

That's what Mrs Midge calls him too :D :D


:D And what happens if we wish you a happy birthday?:D :p

The red cometh :)

[bennylaird]

I didn't know we were into whaling :D Believe me, this harpoon would well and truly stuff a whale
:D :D :D

[NewLou]

For me things have definately got way outta hand. I was just thinking the other day how long it takes to scroll down from the top of the forum to the bottom.

I really do think we need to support the mods n purpose of the forum by sticking to the spirit of each forum section. and condensing things a bit so that its not sssssssssooooooooo huge.

There was a time when i used to go through each section now its just a few n the 'new posts' section that i check out. PM the Friday thread or join a social club forum................what ever floats your boat.

Soon it will be to much of an ask for moderators to do the outstanding job they do and ensure that this is a pleasant place to hang out!!!!

I for one hope sanity prevails

REgards Lou

[craigb]

Isn't it funny how a newcomer's observation that there may be too many forums on this site has morphed into a defence or otherwise of the Friday bollocks.

What does this say about us??

[bennylaird]

What is the difference between PM's and a thread clearly labelled? Dont bleeding look if you dont want to be in it.

[bennylaird]

Isn't it funny how a newcomer's observation that there may be too many forums on this site has morphed into a defence or otherwise of the Friday bollocks.

What does this say about us??


Check out any other forum, the same thing is happening human nature, some just like to chat about whatever

[bennylaird]

Can I suggest a poll as to the continuation of the friday thread, if it comes out that we are a burdon, then so be it, I'll puss off and not bother anyone.

[bennylaird]

You know guys, I have issues with certain posts, I will sometimes comment. But freedom to express oneself is our right. If the issue is this great forum should stay focussed on woodwork so be it.

If I am an issue then I'll bugger off.

[Lignum]

What is the difference between PM's and a thread clearly labelled? Dont bleeding look if you dont want to be in it.

Ever since the Friday stuff started is it just coincidence that Fridays are now the worst day of the week with the Forum for wood related topics? or is it my imagination.

[craigb]

If I am an issue then I'll bugger off.

No. You aren't.

Don't go anywhere.

Stick around. (just take valid criticism on board}

TTFN

[bennylaird]

why does it have to be a competition thing? Isn't there room for both?

Relder, Ruffly, Wongo, Cliff, etc etc sorry guys fo not listing us all, dont we all contribute where we can to meaningfull woodwork threads? Maybe we get distracted but id=f we see where we can comment with help of commendation dont't we do that as well.

[bennylaird]

No. You aren't.

Don't go anywhere.

Stick around. (just take valid criticism on board}

TTFN

I do when I know it is valid, ie dromadary digits etc, that was over the top. But quoting Black Adder, Monty python, etc

what does it hurt?:confused:

[Ashore]

I dont contribute to the friday thread as I am retired I do however read it and enjoy the humor
If you don't like the friday thread or those preceeding it the Don't Read Them

You political correct types who want to close the Friday thread will then want the jokes thread closed and so it goes . If you don't like it don't open it
Bottom line complain to Neil its his forum and as he lets the Friday Thread continue he obivously doesn't have a problem with it and nor do I

[bennylaird]

ditto

[Stuart]

From my point of view, I don't care one way or the other about the Friday thread - looked interesting to start with- a look at people's real life, but since then, well I don't know what is in it - have ignored it the last few weeks.

On moderating: it isn't too bad, so long as you (and we) remember we are no different to the rest of you, with opinions, biases, buttons that it isn't wise to push etc. I don't read every thread- I do look at all the titles of new threads (####ing spammers), and also to see if anything catches my eye. Also, if a thread is being posted to a lot, just to see what is interesting (except for the friday thread ;) ). As some above said, a lot if the bb is self moderating - you guys will jump on an opinion you don't agree to, and if something goes too far, the moderators' email boxes get a sudden surge, so we know where the bushfire is :D

As to the number of categories - minimise the topic areas you are not interested in - no scrolling problem then. Problem solved.

"Bring me...................... a shrubbery"



About time the ANZACs got a loadout of Harpoons. Some Tomahawks wouldn't go astray either.
http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/%7Estuart.lees/occipital/Pages/Photograph/Navy/images/Sea%20Sparrow.jpg

[ernknot]

We should have a "Drivell and Whingers" thread, that would reduce the number of threads.

[Grunt]

I don't know about Fridays, but I never could get the hang of Thursdays.

[Doughboy]

Personally I dont think there are too many forums I just beleive there are too many cruddy forums. ........... of which I am glad to say this one does not come under that banner.

I have the occasional epifany (sp?), go do a search and usually find out what I need to know within a few minutes. So to all the folks who regularly add to this forum I salute you.

Pete

[dazzler]

I don't know about Fridays, but I never could get the hang of Thursdays.

Hey Grunt

What about adding some detail to your eagle there.

Like some bandages and a steering wheel embedded in the noggin and some white powder in the nostrals. :D

Much more lifelike:p

[ohno]

if we start to clog the forum and cause probs then say so and we stop, we are just grateful to take some boredom out of what is usually a hard working day.

Hey.. What about a clog forum:D

[craigb]

We should have a "Drivell and Whingers" thread, that would reduce the number of threads.

Yeah. Maybe we could have the non-contributers thread too. :rolleyes:

It'd be pretty short though.

[journeyman Mick]

Yeah. Maybe we could have the non-contributers thread too. :rolleyes:

It'd be pretty short though.

Good idea, the only people allowed to contribute would be those that don't. Anybody contributing would be banned from the thread.:confused: :D

Mick

[Andy Mac]

I don't think there are too many forums, although a couple are rarely used. Its up to members to select their area of interest and filter posts that way, or do as I usually do, and just look at New Posts. It gets to be a bit of a problem when I've been away for a couple of days, but if there are too many I go back to the main page and select those forums of interest. Especially if I've been following a particular thread like a WIP. The multiude of forums is really handy to sift through posts when searching, by isolating that topic.
As for the Friday thing, that day does get a tad slow now, and although I tune into it ocassionally, a whole lot of nothing gets said!:p Good luck to them, no reason to stop it, just stop looking!!


Cheers, have a good day!:) (I've got Rufflyrustic coming out with Coedecoe -from NZ- for a visit this afternoon. Better go and clean up the shed!!:D)

[Gumby]

Good idea, the only people allowed to contribute would be those that don't. Anybody contributing would be banned from the thread.:confused: :D

Mick

Just like the Purple Circle thread ;)

[thetassiebfg]

Too Many Forums.... No Way

I reckon that with all that choice we are spoiled rotten...

Sure there is a lot of stuff that doesn't interest everyone but IMHO the fact is that with the quantity of specialised forums you don't have to wade through something titled "General Woodwork" and the hundred posts in it to find the two or three threads that you are actually interested in..

I use the new posts function do a visual scan of the thread and where it is located then have a look if it piques my interest.

I also agree with a lot of the others if there is something objectionable (using forum guidelines as a rule) then feel free to jump up and down about it if not shrug your shoulders feel momentarily sorry the people writing it are not up to your obviously impeccable standards then get on with life.(Don't know if this applies to the Friday Thread Though:rolleyes: )

I like the fact that this forum gives people the freedom to express who they are without having to go through the process of PCing everything. It treats us like Adults and isn't afraid of people having different opinions and expressing them . It concerns itself that those who do differ at least have some respect for their antagonist in the way their arguments are delivered.

my 2c worth anyway

Andrew

[Cliff Rogers]

I'm not dead yet. :p

[craigb]

I'm not dead yet. :p

Glad to hear it. :D

[slipery]

Too many forums? <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:p></O:p>
A good indication of whether there are too many forums (topics) is to look at the number of posts under each topic. Looking at our forum and you will see all topics are well posted to, indicating that perhaps we need more if anything. Topics are a great way of filtering out what you are not interested in. Compare it to your Sunday newspaper lots of sections in that as well. I am still new hear and still have lots of woodworking information to read before I get to the comics and sporting pages not to mention travel and ....culture (friday posters):eek: . But in the meantime I can keep abreast of things by looking at new posts and occasionally marking all posts read under quick links.<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
I count about 68 or so topics, that might seem like a lot to those only interested in say "Hi Fi equipment". If you have a look at this <st1:country-region><ST1:place>US</ST1:place></st1:country-region> forum<O:p></O:p>
for metalworkers http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/index.php (http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/index.php) they have about 150 topics and quite a few are rarely used. I would say that forum has too many topics. I hadn’t checked it for 2 days but when I just did a moment ago I got about 2 pages of "New Posts". How does that compare to this forum? A bit on the low side.<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Because this is such a successful forum, as can be gauged by the number of posts a day, we need many topics to allow us to sort out what may be interesting. I would say that the number of topics is about right but wouldn’t be surprised to see more added in the future simply to assist the moderators and divide their workload.<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Bravo Zulu to Neil and his team. (well done)<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shape id=_x0000_i1026 style=" 12pt; 12pt" alt="0" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image002.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id=_x0000_i1027 style=" 12pt; 12pt" alt="0" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image002.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id=_x0000_i1028 style=" 12pt; 12pt" alt="0" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image002.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>:D :D :D <O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Mal<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>

[Gumby]

I thnk we need another forum entitled 'Posts cut and pasted from MS Word'

:D

[Grunt]

Like some bandages and a steering wheel embedded in the noggin and some white powder in the nostrals. :D

In their theme song they say "We're Flying High".

Now you know why.

[slipery]

I kneeded a spell chequer
Mal

[Gumby]

I kneeded a spell chequer
Mal

It's not working :D :D :D

[Gra]

Guys, We dont have to many forums here, any less and as was stated above, you would be wading through a whole heap of posts of no interest to you to get to the ones that were. The new posts option is great, Use it every time I get on. It is the easiest way of filtering what is new and that I wish to read. For example if it is in the boat section I will ignore it as boats dont interest me.

<rant>
As for the friday thread, keep it, it has lowered the amount of drivel posted into the normal threads as it gives the drivel somewhere to congregate (Yes I am one of the drivel that congregates there). Have you noticed since the friday threads started not a single game of ping pong has broken out in a normal thread, even the number of thread hijacks have lowered. Keep the fridays threads or we will end up turning into one of those american sites that delete anything not remotely woodwork related, do we really want that.
</rant>

Last of all a big thank you to neil, , Al and the other Mods for all of the work they do, if it wasnt for them this forum wouldnt be as good as it is
</grovel>

[RufflyRustic]

I have greatly appreciated being allowed some light relief on Friday. It has indeed reduced the drivel in other posts/threads, from my humble perspective.

If, however, the Mods deem it to end or change the rules, then so be it.



I think the number of forums are great. I look around the other forums and end up coming back here very quickly. Why? Because I can find exactly what I need in a very short space of time compared to some of the other forums around. Horses for Courses.

Cheers
Wendy

[Terry B]

I am fairly new to this board but have been contributing to newsgroups for over 10 years. It seems to be a pleasant bunch of people and I have found the Friday thread to be light hearted fun that I can contribute to in my breaks at work. I would probalby not have communicated with most of the posters if it did not exist as I usually only look at the woodturning boards and the jokes.
I don't see the problem with the number of boards. I don't use the new post list much and just open on the boards I wan't to look at. I don't see the problem with large amounts of posts. Just don't look at them.
I only know about this thread because of a pm by bennylaird.
I don't see any need to change the structure of the board or of the Friday posts. If you don't want to look at all the posts then just don't. It is not compulsary to read every post.
Best wishes to all.

[journeyman Mick]

................It is not compulsary to read every post...........


:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: I've been getting really stressed lately, seeing all the new posts everyday, wondering how on earth I'll find the time to read them all and do all the other not quite as important stuff (make a living, eat, sleep etc). I just won't know what to do with my time now.:p

Mick

[craigb]

Onya Mick :D

[ozwinner]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: I've been getting really stressed lately, seeing all the new posts everyday, wondering how on earth I'll find the time to read them all and do all the other not quite as important stuff (make a living, eat, sleep etc). I just won't know what to do with my time now.:p

Mick


Put the forums first ya selfish prick....:D

Al :p

[Cliff Rogers]

.....Have you noticed since the friday threads started not a single game of ping pong has broken out in a normal thread, even the number of thread hijacks have lowered. Keep the fridays threads or we will end up turning into one of those american sites that delete anything not remotely woodwork related, do we really want that......</GROVEL>

More likely due to the new batch of mods, some of them have NO sense of humour at all. :rolleyes: (Not all of them, just some.)
6 months ago you could make a joke in a regular thread, now it doesn't last 10 minutes before somebody deletes it. :p

[silentC]

A couple of years ago, we had the quiz thread. Al was responsible for starting that. It was all day every day for quite awhile. I don't remember anyone complaining about it. The RITFOTU thread was a lot more popular awhile ago than it is now. Certain people made a few snide remarks about it, but it didn't cause any problems that I'm aware of.

Three or four weeks ago, we had the blowout over the first Friday thread. People complained about having to scroll through all the drivel. I still can't understand why, when it is only one thread, people have to scroll through anything, unless they are actually going in to the thread and reading the posts.

When my son and daughter are sitting at the table, sometimes he starts saying things to wind her up. Calls her a butthead or starts copying what she says. You know what I tell her? Ignore him. When you respond, it raises a question that needs to be answered. It becomes a matter of principle - do I stop doing it just because it annoys someone? Do they have the right to tell me to stop? Ignore it, and 9 times out of 10 it will go away.

The only decision the mods have to make is whether to allow the silliness at all. You can't have it both ways. Either let it go on, or delete it like the other forums do. The former creates more whingers, the latter creates more work. Glad I don't have to decide.

[Wood Butcher]

More likely due to the new batch of mods, some of them have NO sense of humour at all. :rolleyes: (Not all of them, just some.)
6 months ago you could make a joke in a regular thread, now it doesn't last 10 minutes before somebody deletes it. :p

A joke is fine - a picture of a semi naked women passed out on a park bench is not!

[Wood Butcher]

Basically as Neil has stated before this is not a democracy. We moderate to a set of guidelines that have been given to us mods by the admins. Sometimes we may not agree with them but it is not our place to argue because ultimately none of us pay the bills to keep this place around.

[silentC]

A joke is fine - a picture of a semi naked women passed out on a park bench is not!
But she wasn't even sunny side up! :rolleyes:

[Gra]

a picture of a semi naked women passed out on a park bench is not!


Those need to be sent to the mods directly:D:D:D

[bennylaird]

No comment from burnt fingered Benny:D :D :D

[Cliff Rogers]

A joke is fine - a picture of a semi naked women passed out on a park bench is not!
What I posted was a link to an attachement to a thread from last year. :cool:
It is still there. :rolleyes:
The thread was about the same subject.

Several people thought it was funny & nobody has complained about it to date.
The picture has been viewed 255 times.

Funny thing is that some photos of Timber & Woodwork that I posted that same day have only been viewed between 19 & 50 times.

I think the blond benchtop may have been more popular. ;) :p

If you are wondering what my point is/was or have forgotten what the question was;:rolleyes:
I think that moderation has become stricter in the last 6 months.

PS. If you missed the pic & want to see it, it is available in Open Slather here.
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=37993

[RETIRED]

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=17392

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=34204

[Cliff Rogers]

Nope, wasn't either of them. ;) :p

[ss_11000]

i had a bit of a laugh at the first of 's links.

its hard to imagine Al leaving the board.

cheers