Feet don't matter, unless the fish have them...
Feet don't matter, unless the fish have them...
I'm sorry, I guess I missed that recap.
I didn't mean 'friends' like that, Abhoth. But in the sense that you know some people a little. I come here as to a store, exchange money for goods (except it's all free here :D) and go back home.
Anyway, about 'what we used to experience'. I'm not a very senior member or a regular, but I do remember that the community was more generous with replies in earlier times. The came faster and in greater quantities. That's obviously a plus.
"with midnight oil burning by the powers that be."
......What?
Linda, I don't see why we would need a forum for sharepoint. How many people/organizations out there use it, and of those that do, how many go looking for support on a tech forum such as this? Besides, there are many products similar to Sharepoint from other companies, and probably more widely used. MS is number one in operating systems, but not in all the products they sell. So why wouldn't we also then have a forum for IBMs' portal? Thats a very popular product amongst organizations who use portals. I (am speaking only for myself) don't think thats the way VDr would want to go, but thats just my opinion. As for Server 2003, I agree, as well as SBS.
Another popular subject amongst the young ones (me included) is a games forum. We had one popular thread a while ago, and I enjoyed it, as well as many others. It was titled "Your Favorite PC Games and Why". It got 111 replies and over 2000 views. Something similar would be a good idea IMO. It could be a reviews/opinions/support forum.
Also, if JM could spare some storage space, why not have some popular programs available for download which are often suggested here, such as Spybot, HijackThis etc.? I know they can be found lots of places on the net, but it gives a more professional touch to the forums.
They're burning the midnight oil working on the new forum software, should be happening within the next 24 hours or so.....
And what you mention NanakiXIII about past 'experiences' here ... it has been noticed and is much the reason this thread was started.
I would imagine there are many that use this forum in a similar manner, and that's fine. No matter how people use this forum it needs to be a place they come back to... even if it's only a couple of three times a year. A few negative experiences and that bookmark gets deleted...!
Oh, right, I see.
And yes, I guess my posts haven't contributed much to this thread so far.
Funny thing is, I don't have VirtualDr bookmarked. I know it by heart, even though I don't come here that often. But yes, you're right.
Every contribution is indeed a contribution... no worries. It's good to hear your opinion as someone who uses the forums infrequently... And whether you come here often or not the sentiments are appreciated.
[edit] now that you've visited this thread, found out a few things here and there, maybe you'll be around a bit more often! Who knows!!! [/edit]
Don't be thinking that. You posted and yes ! that counted.Quote:
Originally posted by NanakiXIII
Oh, right, I see.
And yes, I guess my posts haven't contributed much to this thread so far.
NanakiXIII,
Let me just say as the starter of this thread (and nothing more), that any and all member opinions are welcome and desired (my only proviso is that things be kept civil and contructive). I do not care if people read prior posts, repeat previously stated ideas/thoughts/suggestions/etc. I want members to say what "they" have to say, period.
Thanks. Alright.
One more thought before I go and try to convince myself that night is for sleep. Something that the regulars or plainly people who give help could do is, continuing from what I said before, reply quicker. It's obviously a nice plus for someone who asks a question if he receives a notification e-mail that someone replied to his post within the hour.
For this, obviously, they need to be online. I often see the 'Users browsing this forum:' ....I don't know what to call it....pretty empty. Of course people have other things to do, but I'm guessing it would help.
Usil,
In regard to your comments to Linda... I'll of course let Linda speak for herself and make her own cases. But my main read on what she is getting at is simply the suggestion that perhaps we might consider, and benefit, from incorporating things in to the site, attracting in members, maybe even going so far as to shift the orientation slightly more towards the more hard core IT people, their interests, their needs. In looking at it we should not necessarily focus on specific details (like Sharpoint), but examine it more generally for its merits and how the members at large may feel it fits in to their needs and wants. Generically speaking the strategy and suggestions are legitimate. this being said, I've voiced my concerns (as have others).
On "games"... Something that has occurred to me as a possibility for an additional forum. I'm not a gamer and such forum is not of interest to me, but... Here's my thoughts on such a thing. A forum devoted to games would no doubt be of interest to a segment (perhaps a large one) of our existing members. In addition it has the definate potential to attract in new members. Fine. However, my guess is (and it is not necessarily a show stopper or a "real" problem) that you would find people just going in to (using, hanging out in) that forum and not circulating elsewhere at vdr. So if we are looking for new members that would participate on a broader scale here that might not happen.
As for providing software downloads... Might not be a bad idea. If not directly perhaps indirectly, but in an orgainized fashion.
As for providing software downloads... Might not be a bad idea. If not directly perhaps indirectly, but in an orgainized fashion.
Is there a possibility of liability involved there?
I believe there is and who would keeping track of all those downloads to make sure they are the latest.
Point to ponder.
I doubt there's any possibility of that happening.
But if you read the last 16 or so post of that thread it turned into a flame fest and Smurfy shut it down stating that is exactly why we don't have a games forum.Quote:
Originally posted by usil
Another popular subject amongst the young ones (me included) is a games forum. We had one popular thread a while ago, and I enjoyed it, as well as many others. It was titled "Your Favorite PC Games and Why". It got 111 replies and over 2000 views. Something similar would be a good idea IMO. It could be a reviews/opinions/support forum.
NanakiXIII don't feel you have not contributed much.
You represent the silent majority, those who lurk or post infrequently.
Yet you have chosen to stand tall and speak where 10s or 100s of others have chosen to remain silent.
And for that we are grateful.
You hit right on what relates to a main issue/problem/concern I feel VDR has been confronted with, and is one of the ones that precipitated me starting this thread (and has been mentioned). You are right, the people online here at any time is low, and way down from times gone by. And this is going to have an impact both initial response time to questions as well as overall problem resolution turnaround time. People, people with answers and participating (posting) need to be here. We have suffered and have problems in this area without question. Thankfully the initially response time as well as the overall turnaround for resolution may not have gotten to a downright dreadful state. And the fact that it hasn't I think may be masking some of our problems from some new/newbie type users. Why? Because I think a relatively small (to small) number of members have been filling the void, taking up the slack. I am NOT saying/implying that these people are or have been carrying the weight of vdr on their shoulders, or that other members aren't contrbuting/helping. I am simply saying that (I feel/observe) we are in a situation where there is a lower number and not a sufficient number of members online throughout the day and our participation level has dropped such that we are not in the best of position, not in a desirable/healthy position. A few changes and things could go all to heck (for the newer, the more "question askers") real quick. And I think this needs addressing.Quote:
Originally posted by NanakiXIII
Thanks. Alright.
One more thought before I go and try to convince myself that night is for sleep. Something that the regulars or plainly people who give help could do is, continuing from what I said before, reply quicker. It's obviously a nice plus for someone who asks a question if he receives a notification e-mail that someone replied to his post within the hour.
For this, obviously, they need to be online. I often see the 'Users browsing this forum:' ....I don't know what to call it....pretty empty. Of course people have other things to do, but I'm guessing it would help.
OK, but can you elaborate as to why not JPNYC (just so we know)?Quote:
I doubt there's any possibility of that happening.
Downloading and storing software would use a lot of bandwidth, and the last thing we;d want to do is slow down the forum.
Generally the appropriate disclaimer can handle the liability issue. And as for keeping track... Indirect links would enable us not to be required to maintain locally the latest stuff. We'd just be pointing to whatever the latest stuff was (if this is what ya meant).Quote:
Is there a possibility of liability involved there?
I believe there is and who would keeping track of all those downloads to make sure they are the latest.
Thanks. And if that would be the case, I agreed.Quote:
the last thing we'd want to do is slow down the forum
Yes I observed at about 3.00pm yesterday afternoon Sydney Australia time that there were only 5 members on board including myself.
So it would have been 2.00am GMT and I guess late evening in the US.
Maybe everyone was just asleep / busy ??
Usil, a games forum is an excellent idea. I'm an old duffer (65 years old), but I still like to play the games. When I want learn about new ones I have to go to another site.
We've got to do that.
We discussed adding new forums in our Moderators forum a while back, and a Games forum was a popular idea amongst most of us. Once the forum upgrade is over and done with then I'm sure we'll be looking at the forums, both existing ones and new ones, again.
I'd like to hear some suggestions from members for ideas for new forums, and ways in which we might change the existing ones for the better. Are there any that we should lose altogether?
Hum... off the top of my head and looking at the forum index... couple of things come to mind.
1) Proper menu/navigation system (pet peeve) ... from the virtualdr.com home page.
2) There are several forums that take you away from VDr, IT Management and Programming ... should be in another major heading. Or not there at all... you click on those and hey where I go?
3) All the OS's could be combined into an Operating Systems major heading...
4) Menu should reflect those major headings, yeah, back on that again!
[edit] oh yeah, Games... torn on that one. Tough one to moderate. But could bring in some traffic for sure, and gamers are always looking to optimize their systems. [/edit]
Yeah all the windows OS should be under one grouping. I agree with that.
Yeah, if you want the 'nix & mac OS's in their own little cubby that's cool... meant to mention that.Quote:
Originally posted by JPNYC
Yeah all the windows OS should be under one grouping. I agree with that.
Also regarding DLs of doctoring software, which we can't do that, we may be able to link to them here, if they permit us.
And I would disagree with that. While there might be a case here that activity under several of the OSes is low and therefore individual forums for all that we cover might not be entirely justified, combining everything together I would think would be confusing and cause a cluttering (if you will) of threads. At the very least I would say you need to at least need to maintain a line between findiment OS technologies. In other words, keep a division between Linux, MAC, NT based MS OSes, non-NT based MS OSes. Mac could probably go outright.Quote:
Yeah all the windows OS should be under one grouping
I meant under 1 category. We know have them split up. The blue category strips, I mean. They could all be under "Window Operating systems", and then a forum for each under that.
Excellent SS. Then this is timely. Since the upgrade happens tomorrow, the work for that is not something the mods or members are involved in, and member input is really neeeded in regard to new or reorganized forums it means now's as good a time as any to start some of the dialog.Quote:
Once the forum upgrade is over and done with then I'm sure we'll be looking at the forums, both existing ones and new ones, again.
Sorry JPNYC. Now I get what ya mean.
Why are you throwing my OS in it's own cubby ?? LOL.Quote:
Originally posted by Abhoth
Yeah, if you want the 'nix & mac OS's in their own little cubby that's cool... meant to mention that.
P.S the giant ad at the top of the page has disappered is the upgrade starting ??
Well it makes sense if we're gonna group all the windows OS, then all the unix based ones should be in another group. Where does that leave DOS?
Dos and that goes under windows, just like it is.
Not counting those mentioned already...
General Chat - Talk about anything.
Jokes - Blondes, Irish, Married...altogether.
Feedback - obviously, this has been great.
Business applications - Maybe what Linda wants will be infused here in one category.
Software - self explanatory.
Hardware - self explanatory.
Tutorials - self explanatory.
Virus, Spyware, Adware Q&A - or something similar.
HijackThis Logs and Analysis - a definite must.
Introductions - self explanatory.
Photo Editing, Web Design, etc... - a nice addition.
Internet, Email, other online issues - self explanatory.
Browsers (Opera, Firefox, IE, etc...) - a nice addition.
Tips and Tricks - How-to stuff.
Word, Excel, etc... - self explanatory.
Those are at the top of my head thus far. Any thoughts?
DrMDJ wrote:
"Because I think a relatively small (to small) number of members have been filling the void, taking up the slack. I am NOT saying/implying that these people are or have been carrying the weight of vdr on their shoulders, or that other members aren't contrbuting/helping. I am simply saying that (I feel/observe) we are in a situation where there is a lower number and not a sufficient number of members online throughout the day and our participation level has dropped such that we are not in the best of position, not in a desirable/healthy position. A few changes and things could go all to heck (for the newer, the more "question askers") real quick. And I think this needs addressing."
I think that it also needs to be remembered that those helping with the issues involving "HiJack This" logs requires a great deal more time than just posting a post for 90% of the other member issue questions.
I don't know if the number of VDR members helping members has declined or not. Let's say that the number of members helping members is the same but if the time to help with HiJack This logs requires 300 - 400% more time than most problems, then this reduces the amount of time available to help other members.
Anyway, I just wanted to point out the fact that to stay even, VDR may need to increase the number of members helping members.
Has VDR thought about having an annual recognition event, where the members with outstanding records of helping other members. Obviously, it would be up to VDR and the mods to determine the criteria.
When you can't afford to pay people for their valuable contributions, but you still want to recognize and motivate all of its members, then find a way to recognize members and their contributions. This lets them know that their efforts are appreciated and they will continue to provide their valuable services to VDR and its members.
It also encourages members, who haven't been a VDR supporting member to become one.
Just a thought.
Cheers,
Linda
Well, I could bury it at the bottom of the OS's... yes, hide the 'Nix! ;-) Nah, the 'Nix & Mac needs it's own cubby, that way it shows up out front ...... see, it's right there to see! Plus, the 'Nix & Mac folks would be very upset being 'grouped' with the Win OS's! We must be sensitive to these things... think of the chaos.Quote:
Originally posted by Nix
Why are you throwing my OS in it's own cubby ?? LOL.
I think that Lindas idea of awards/recognization of outstanding members is a nice idea. Its nice to feel appreciated, and may encourage others to contribute more. On the other hand, there would be people who would get upset at not being on the "list" and it may have the exact opposite effect ie drive them away.
I personally though, would be for this idea.
I guess we're on our way to something new, come what may.
Let me just say this: I hope you won't tilt a lot of these forums toward IT professionals too hard. This is something I will never be, have no desire to be . . . just play around and have fun and obsess over keeping our computers running well so we all can continue to have fun here at our house.
I've learned a lot and thank God for the more experienced/IT pros here, they provide the strong support we all need (and that's why we come here). But if it gets to be all about business, well, I just have no interest whatsoever.
I may try wild experiments with more advanced programs to see what they can do (and challenge myself to dig out a nasty Trojan from all over a hard disk no matter how many places it may have hidden itself -- ta da!! I got it. And no matter how many instructions I may have to follow). But I can't even imagine doing this for a living -- trying to keep a department together, a project on track, etc. etc. Phew. I don't know how you all stand that atmosphere. Zowie.
No I'm a free spirit, it's best. That's why I have a Bubbles avatar and call myself a Flower Child instead of a Senior Member.
So I certainly hope you will not subdivide all of this up. Try to keep beginners, lurkers, and hobbyists comfortable whilst you discuss among yourselves (maybe on a Mods forum, maybe in an IT sort of forum) the more advanced issues.
As for topics, don't forget Networking. But perhaps that could be subdivided into Home Networking and Business Networking. They seem to be two different animals.
And as my parting shot . . .
Nice tie, Abhoth!!
Cheers
Wendy
:p :D
A while back there was a suggestion of making VDr compatible with RSS and we were told that in the current version its not possible. With the upgrade, I think RSS should be made available.
What is RSS? I mean, how is it used?