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.