Has the forum had its day? [Archive]

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Bob Bacon

26-08-2015, 10:00

I am retiring (redundancy) from my job with the RFEA on 30th Oct 2015! This means I will be able to devote a lot more time to the forum, which I believe is much needed.

The Forum has long been regarded as the heart of the Royal Welch Fusilier’s community, a place where users come looking for answers and get those answers from other peers who share the same interest. However, when we first emerged, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Google+ were just a twinkle in the eye. Some of the benefits we offer are no longer as necessary, especially the social aspects; with modern social platforms you can choose who you make friends with. Secondly, much of what happened in the forum has now shifted to social media. It may not be what we intended but when we created an official Facebook page and Twitter feed many members migrated and now use those platforms as the place to find answers or bring up issues.

This does beg the question has the forum had its day or do we need to rethink?

The first problem is that many people have stated that they find it difficult to register, log in and/or find information. Having looked at the number of forums and sub forums we have I can see why.

The second problem is that those new to the forum (known as newbies) often don't know the rules either written by us or the unwritten (almost secret) rules created by the long-standing members of the community. Newbies often post questions without first looking to see if the question has been asked before. Rarely is a question new in a forum, so not searching first can immediately put the 'newbie' at odds with the self-appointed 'guardians' of the forum.

The third problem is that people have different expectations from the forum and that can create issues. Some just want to come into the forum, find the answer and then get back on with their life. Conversely there are some who spend hours in here, in fact so much time it makes one wonder if they actually have a life to go back to!

The benefits of the Forum – It offers a number of benefits to the community using it. It is free, accessible to everyone, has the potential to create a massive resource of answers, which can be found easily via powerful search tools. A by-product is that we have created a community and helped build friendships. But the forum is more than social gatherings, for many it has proved an invaluable problem solving resource, but as already pointed out it often takes a lot of work to find those diamonds in the dirt as one trawls through the misinformation, opinions and diatribe.

Technology and social media has evolved and we must do they same if we are to stay relevant and prove useful for future generations. Suggestions on how to revamp and modernise the forum would be greatly received.

5haron

26-08-2015, 11:09

Firstly - congrats on your retirement and good luck :D

This is a poser. We have some of the same issues on CG.com but without the social media extensions. Visits aren't much less but activity is. People have started CG fb and twitter feeds but unfortunately, these are not appointed admins so that makes it harder to control.
I think a lot of people, especially infrequent media and pc users find it much more difficult to manoeuvre in fora and that often leads to visits of a "necessary" nature - answering questions, looking for people etc. People are also wont to embrace the "quick fix", also a phenomenon of the age we live in, or being overwhelmed by the amount of info on here. There's a lot and it might discourage people from participating.
I'm also guilty of using the fb pages as opposed to visiting the forum. Mostly because fb is always on my phone and I don't need to search for the link or site.
Wish I had answers, Bob.I do know that when the forum was buzzing with activity, it was a very social place to be. Always someone in the chat-rooms and always someone online, even in the wee hours (AU, CA, USA, NZ). Like you said, you;d have to have a lot of time and not much of a life to be constantly available. I know my availability decreased when I started a new 40 hour job.
Perhaps a silly question but how difficult would it be and is there funding for an app?
A "how to improve" questionnaire /poll?
Anyways, if you need actual digital help - give us a yell.

Paul Davies 701

26-08-2015, 11:14

dutchman

26-08-2015, 12:46

personally I don't use facebook so the forum is great for me but if the majority wish to end it who am i to argue as I put no time into it i.e. running it and before I finish congrats to bob on retiring and also on a great job on the forum

sixties

26-08-2015, 13:22

Please no more talk of quitting, as long as i am alive i will always use this site. I dont use facebook much as it is my wives. plus who are the real friends when you want them certainly not the social media.much
I & other people i know & speak to, know you & the team will do what you think is best.

sixties

26-08-2015, 13:24

A Questionnaire/poll, Yes.

sixties

26-08-2015, 13:25

You said what i wanted to say Paul in my reply.

welchboy

26-08-2015, 16:20

Well I am a relative newbie compared to other members. So here is my 5 penny worth. The site is very good, regulated and provides a wide range of topics, and news which is usually only relevant to the if I may use the phrase, RWF Family. I have been helped in my research which would have provide much more difficult had I used other sites. The site is not difficult to navigate if one takes ones time looking at all the options of the site. I do not use face book or twitter. I do look forward to using this site for a long time to come, and a thank you for those people who had the vision to set it up and keep it running.

Gwyn Nicholas

26-08-2015, 16:51

Congratulations on your retirement Bob.

it is true that Facebook in particular, has become the meeting place for many people now in various groups with RWF links. I often see questions arise in these groups such as the whereabouts of an individual and I have tried to direct the posers to this site. There are those who's simply find the site to difficult to navigate, ( whether from lack of computer confidence or can't be bothered to try, is debatable) so dont bother.

From a personal view, I found that discussions on various subjects became fewer, a part of the forum that I particularly enjoyed. That is not down to the Forum but rather those who no longer take part for whatever reason. That said, I still enjoy visiting the site, reading the posts, flicking through the photo gallery etc and would be sad to see the site disappear. Facebook and the rest may be the easy choice for today but it does not have the quality and class of this Forum.

ivor43

26-08-2015, 17:07

hi all.
i have been a member of this forum for about 8 years.and i do not and will not use the facebook page or twitter. i believe ''social media '' is not a suitable format for this type of forum being Military. also being as it is a members only group. Social Media is an unregulated gossip media which is getting to self important for it's own good. i believe it should be severely curtailed.

ivor

Jerry B

26-08-2015, 18:40

I came here as an amateur historian of the RWF and collector of its artifacts and have been helped so much that I could not find elsewhere. For me it would be a real shame to see the forum go down so I hope that it will long continue. I try in my own small way to help whenever I can and will continue to do so as long as I can.

thanks to all who have made this such a helpful and friendly place so unlike many other sites I visit on the web.

BennytheBall

26-08-2015, 18:51

Congratulations on your retirement Bob,
as for the forum I agree with a vast amount of older members, I too am not on facebook, anymore and would hate to see such a wonderful regimental family forum as this, to be discontinued, You, Al and Sharon have built up what I believe a fantastic forum and I for one would hate to see you and the team's hard work fall along the wayside. Please keep up the good work and I know you and the team will strive for the future.

(just to reminder us all that on 5th Sept 15 the Colours of the Royal Welch Fusiliers will finally be put in their resting place in Wrexham, if the Royal Welch Forum is put to bed will that be the final nail in the coffin of the RWF Brand?)

steve bird

26-08-2015, 20:01

bob congrats on your retirement and enjoy everyday I have been a member here for a few years I don't think you will find any better forum anywhere
I do use fb and it's okay for tittle tackle but that's it myself I love coming on here read what is being researched the regt experts are second to none no need to change a thing keep up your good work

jcj

26-08-2015, 20:12

Bob
Firstly may I congratulate you on your retirement and hope you fully enjoy it. As most of your regular members will know my Army allegiance lies with the 24th SWB and later with the RRW but I have a good number of RWF friends from my time at RMA Sandhurst, the Welsh Depot and the TA. I am a member of face book and also the RRW veteran’s site. Although it pains me to say it this site is far superior to the RRW site and I enjoy the varied posts and quizzes which are both informative and good fun. From my corner it would be a huge loss if the site was to close.

Bob Bacon

27-08-2015, 08:18

Hi Bob

I think the Forum is a vital part of the RWF/RW family. I know there are a lot of members who don't use Facebook or Twitter that rely on the Forum for the information it provides and to keep up with old friends. Perhaps you could make it more user friendly and not so busy by refreshing/revamping and discarding any of those inactive sub-forums or even consolidate them into just a few significant and more commonly used sub-forums. Perhaps make the vital information such as Branch contact details easier to find etc. Obviously these are just suggestions but all-in-all i definitely think there is a need

Thank you to everyone that has made a comment. It is great to know there is so much support out there for the forum.

I feel that we need to review the number of inactive/low volume forums and sub-forums. At the moment, we have too many categories, forums and sub-forums that are not being used or are very poorly supported. Then we need to redevelop the content and structure in order to make it easier for people to find the information they need.

The historical sections, including the research section, the Vault and the Article pages will remain as they are. They are, undoubtedly, the most popular and most used forums here.

ap1

27-08-2015, 08:39

Some excellent responses. Bob, picking up on Sharon's comment, is there an app for mobile devices?

Bob Bacon

27-08-2015, 08:50

Some excellent responses. Bob, picking up on Sharon's comment, is there an app for mobile devices?

Al, mobile devices should be able to display the forum correctly without the need for an app. If people have trouble viewing it they need to select a style from the Style Box at the bottom left of the forum

<form action="http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/forum.php" method="get" id="footer_select" class="footer_select" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; float: left; color: rgb(62, 62, 62); font-family: Tahoma, Calibri, Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><select name="styleid" style="font-family: Tahoma, Calibri, Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; border-color: rgb(107, 145, 171); padding: 4px; outline: 0px; border-radius: 3px; background: none rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <optgroup label="Quick Style Chooser" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;"><option class="hidden" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; display: none !important;"></option></optgroup> <optgroup label=" Standard Styles" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">  <option value="30" class="" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">-- vB4 Default Style</option>  <option value="63" class="" selected="selected" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">-- RoyalWelch</option>  <option value="64" class="" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">-- RoyalWelch-Fixed</option>  <option value="66" class="" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">-- Royalwelchcolumn</option>  </optgroup> <optgroup label=" Mobile Styles" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">  <option value="53" class="" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">-- Default Mobile Style</option>  </optgroup> </select>

</form>

5haron

27-08-2015, 10:10

Bob Bacon

27-08-2015, 13:09

I honestly can't see a style box via my phone. ah hang on, it went auto to default mobile style, even then it's a long scroll :D
An app would be more of a tool for alerts and info, less info but targeting specifics -in turn, directly bringing you to the forum for a more in-depth browse. Increasing in this way the participation of the social media users.

Unfortunately, we do not have an app that does that, but I will do some research.

What you can do is subscribe to a thread that interests you and set it so you are notified of any new replies

ap1

27-08-2015, 14:49

Bob Bacon

27-08-2015, 16:02

Some stuff here, much of which is beyond me.

vbulletin apps (https://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=v.bulletin+apps&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=4xTfVdS4HMiq8wfVtbuwCg#q=vbulletin+apps)

There is only one real app that works with this version of vBulletin and that is vBulletin 5 Connect Mobile Suite, which provides multiple ways to optimise the site for mobile visitors. The cost of this is $199

Baconwallah

27-08-2015, 18:46

I distinctly remember that a recent upgrade to vBulletin 5 was not an unqualified success.

John.

Joe Cartwright

27-08-2015, 19:31

I agree with Paul.

Bob Bacon

27-08-2015, 21:55

I distinctly remember that a recent upgrade to vBulletin 5 was not an unqualified success.

John.

John,

It wasn't vBulletin 5 that we installed. We updated from version 4.2.2 to 4.2.3. The problem was 4.2.3 required PHP version 5.4.0 or higher. Our account was originally on a PHP 5.3 server. They migrated the domain to another server that was php5.4. I believe that this is responsible for the incompatibilities we encountered, hence us being moved back to the original server.

The vBulletin Mobile Suite is compatible with our current version

Baconwallah

27-08-2015, 22:20

My confused mind at work, Bob. Regrets.

John

Jerry B

27-08-2015, 22:29

John,

It wasn't vBulletin 5 that we installed. We updated from version 4.2.2 to 4.2.3. The problem was 4.2.3 required PHP version 5.4.0 or higher. Our account was originally on php5.3 server. They migrate the domain to another server that was php5.4. I believe that this is responsible for the incompatibilities we encountered, hence us being moved back to the php5.3 server.

The vBulletin Mobile Suite is compatible with our current version

What, my head spins, I struggle to juggle whether to use chrome or firefox or mozzila!

Hats off to those who run the site.

John Turner

28-08-2015, 23:17

To answer the question honestly (IMHO) yes, it has had its day.

A forum isn't a just website, a forum is people, without them it actually is just a website, but forums evolve depending on the structure of the website, the level and type of moderation, its privacy or lack of and much more. This one has evolved in to a place to come for Regimental/military history

All the banter has gone and that's what I, for one, mainly want - not quizzes, arcade games and genealogy, there's plenty of sites that specialise in those things. I log on most days and most days all I do is mark forums as read.

F book may have something to do with it but the advantage a discussion forum has over a social network site is that you can see at a glance what's been going on over a long period of time and click on anything. On F Book it's just one big long reel you'd have to scroll down and down and down on if you wanted to catch up.

So I'm thinking either work on the forum's strengths - history/genealogy etc with all the rest under a couple of sub forums, or somehow encourage people back and new people in that will actually talk to each other on a frequent basis like they used to.

And make it viewable logged out - there's always the option of having members only sub forums.

Keith Jones 989

29-08-2015, 03:09

ap1

29-08-2015, 08:17

To answer the question honestly (IMHO) yes, it has had its day.

Thanks John, very valid points from one of our long-term members. Marmite views are always good :-) Your comments, when stripped away, offer up some good reasons why the forum has changed, as technology has caught up with the masses. I take your point about the historical stuff, but for me, it's one of the sites strengths. Going back to 1999, that's the main reason I got involved, as I noticed RWF related questions on a very rudimentary RWF Forum page not being answered. This was prior to myself and Bob linking up(later with Sharon).

Clearly we are not interacting as we used to on here, FB now seeming to be the preferred option. But I must admit, when I see some of the quality of discussions on various FB groups, I say a silent prayer! Thankfully, from my standpoint, we as the RWF Forum have managed to keep out of that. We have a decent following on FB and Twitter, and are probably still seen as a place where you will get correct information, rather than a rumour mill, or a place to slag off someone who put you on extras 30yrs ago!

I think ease of accessability is the key, and Bob is looking closely at that aspect. As Sharon indicated, the FB app makes it so easy to read and respond to activity on that format, something like that might be attractive on here. Bob's also looking at other access options and streamlining the log-in process. Your comment about public viewing of threads has real merit, although I would still caution throwing the doors open to the great unwashed. One of our strengths is our ability to manage our own dirty laundry and remove problems quickly, without fuss. We must remain a disciplined site and in this day and age, with everyone having some form of internet tool, unfettered public access might be self-destructive. Perhaps the ability to read some threads, but only respond via membership. But it is a minefield.

I don't think we've had our day, but I do think we need to change how we function and how we look to new members. We are a small niche site, that's friendly and informative. We just need a way of improving the members online experience and make their interactions with each other easy.

johnnye63

29-08-2015, 09:36

John Turner

29-08-2015, 22:40

Your comment about public viewing of threads has real merit, although I would still caution throwing the doors open to the great unwashed. One of our strengths is our ability to manage our own dirty laundry and remove problems quickly, without fuss. We must remain a disciplined site and in this day and age, with everyone having some form of internet tool, unfettered public access might be self-destructive. Perhaps the ability to read some threads, but only respond via membership. But it is a minefield.

Yes, ability to read but not respond unless registered, and like I said, there is the option of a members only sub forum and I believe that can be set up so that it cannot be seen at all unless registered.

I believe that having the whole forum private creates curiosity - people register just to see what it's all about; a lot, maybe the vast majority (?) never post when ...

1. They find out it's not for them after all or ....

2. Their curiosity has been satisfied.

Those two instances would be removed from the equation if it could be read publicly.

If it could be read publicly then surely the vast majority would be joining to respond to something they had read or would be inspired to start a topic of their own .... hopefully not to play virtual football or arcade games - those things could go under the members only bit to avoid that happening. Who wants members that join to play games and take quizzes! (Have you met the wife? - Mahjong and pyramid solitaire champ for some time, currently card-counting in Vegas and it's all YOUR fault!)

There are things wrong with the mechanics too - apart from all the unnecessary sub forums and bells and whistles. E.g. - I can't insert an image in a post from the toolbar in the reply box. It tells me I've exceeded my quota - I can only assume I have some large files in the "Gallery" because I have not included many photos within posts. I've been in to my albums and deleted stuff but I still can't make it happen. That gallery is also a bit bewildering - why not have a flickr/photobucket/imgur ... whatever - gallery away from the forum? (I'm not asking for this to be sorted, it's just something that hasn't happened on other forums, including V bulletin hosted ones where I do include photos in posts, regularly)

I see the shoutbox is back and as per before, no-one's shouting - and now I'm also getting Private Messages when someone quotes me - thing is they're not from anyone, they're from the forum and all they do is take up my PM allowance.

Etc!

.

ap1

30-08-2015, 11:00

Funny and informative, cheers John. Some useful thoughts for us to digest. On the public viewings, I would still argue caution, but if technically possible, it might be suitable in less contentious areas of the site. Certainly the WW1/WW2 and Research areas would benefit, possibly the General area as well, it would definitely require careful selection. I'm cautious, because we've been on the receiving end of some quite nasty stuff, generated by some of discussions appearing on google seaches years ago, when we were less strict about access.

The other points, some I agree with. We need to be less clunky, and the gallery is one such area, I did some housekeeping on it a few years ago, but it was sticking plaster stuff. Plenty to think about and hopefully help generate some more ideas.

Thanks

Bob Bacon

02-09-2015, 21:48

I see the shoutbox is back and as per before, no-one's shouting - and now I'm also getting Private Messages when someone quotes me - thing is they're not from anyone, they're from the forum and all they do is take up my PM allowance.
Etc!

I'm not ignoring your comments, John but I have had other forum matters to sort out. I will be working through your observations over the next few days.

The first thing I want to post is that you will no longer receive a Private Message when someone quotes you.

Bob Bacon

08-09-2015, 18:25

There are things wrong with the mechanics too - apart from all the unnecessary sub forums and bells and whistles. E.g. - I can't insert an image in a post from the toolbar in the reply box. It tells me I've exceeded my quota - I can only assume I have some large files in the "Gallery" because I have not included many photos within posts. I've been in to my albums and deleted stuff but I still can't make it happen. That gallery is also a bit bewildering - why not have a flickr/photobucket/imgur ... whatever - gallery away from the forum? (I'm not asking for this to be sorted, it's just something that hasn't happened on other forums, including V bulletin hosted ones where I do include photos in posts, regularly).

I see the shoutbox is back and as per before, no-one's shouting - and now I'm also getting Private Messages when someone quotes me - thing is they're not from anyone, they're from the forum and all they do is take up my PM allowance.

Photos you have uploaded to the Gallery have no effect on a user's total attachment usage. The attachment space is something I will review once I have the Gallery sorted out and functioning properly. In the interim, I have increased the attachment space available to you. Would you please do a test post with an attachment to confirm it is working and that you no longer get that message?

I reintroduced the Shout box to try and encourage more 'live' dialogue - unfortunately, this hasn't happened. Of course, it can be used in many other ways - as a chat room for members, for staff to discuss issues in real-time, as a live-update feed of new posts and threads.

I have doubled the PM allowance from 100 to 200

John Turner

08-09-2015, 22:12

I still got a PM when you quoted my post and I'd already deleted a lot of attachments, I think I only had 13 but they were large files. Here's an attachment anyway.

http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=4077&stc=1

Bob Bacon

08-09-2015, 22:43

Thanks for that, John. I am surprised you are still getting a PM when someone quotes your post, but I will take another look at that

Bob Bacon

08-09-2015, 22:51

John Turner

09-09-2015, 23:39

Yes, there it is! ^^^^^^ :-)

But no, I didn't receive a PM.

John Turner

18-09-2015, 23:51

I started this topic (http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/showthread.php?21265-Memory-lane)the other day, one reply.

We don't talk to each other any more.

I met the son of John Goad the other day and as a result, spoke to the man himself today - a few years ago that would have done a few pages here, no point in starting the topic any more.

Now getting RWF forum newsletter emails - this is at the bottom ...

"Did you know you can change how often you receive these newsletters with one click?
If you click here (http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/newsletter.php?do=frequency&action=reduce&hash=ad7c5a73becc3bd19e873d2518510658&userid=45&newsletterid=1), you will receive these newsletters less frequently.
Click here to unsubscribe (http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/newsletter.php?do=unsubscribe&hash=ad7c5a73becc3bd19e873d2518510658&userid=45&newsletterid=1)"

I don't need it as I check in regularly (for now) but the links don't work to change/unsubscribe.

Bob Bacon

19-09-2015, 08:07

I'll look into that for you

ivor43

19-09-2015, 09:04

morning all from a sunny and hot Malta.
I think there have been several good points raised in this thread re the forum. which will be up to the Management to assess and incorporate if thought necessary. This is the way a site such as this moves forward.
But , John, your belief that the Forum has ''had it's day'' does not seem to be supported by those of us who have commented. It would appear that, like me. a number of people Do Not think that it would be appropriate to open the Forum to the mindless rabble that is controlled by ''Social Media frenzy'' who think that they have the power to influence anybody through the stupidity of the Press, or the folks who do not have 'The authority to speak on a subject, but do so as the Press guarantees them anonymity', which is wrong. I wonder how many of these ''Anonymous speakers'' would face prosecution under the 'Official secrets Act ' if their names were known.
I think the feeling is that if Bob and his team can implement some of the suggestions made, then the Forum will be better, But it certainly has not ''had it's day ''. let us leave it in the Good Hands of the Management Team and see how things progress.

ivor

Bricoates

19-09-2015, 13:02

I wholly agree with you Ivor, this is a Forum for the Royal Welch and registered Members, and not a Gossip Forum where you can send details of who’s ran off with the Man next door or what colour knickers are on Mrs Jones’s clothes line, I don’t do Face book, I check my local Football team on twitter and that’s about all I can manage, Yes we are missing some members who in the past have been regular contributors to the Forum, it the sign of the times, We are getting older and unfortunately Comrades pass on, like the British Legion and Comrades association’s, not to be replaced by the younger generation, The RWF Forum gives us dates of events, meetings, parades unveilings, birthdays and sadly deaths of fellow comrades, although sad, its nice to be able to share the grief and sympathise with bereaved Family and in some cases pay our respect at the graveside, We have quizzes, photo gallery, games, soap box, etc, etc and to top it all we have a knowledgeable team of experts who can tell you about the Regiments past and much more, and all this for Free, for all you who have gone over to Face book and Twitter it only a few clicks to the Forum, please support the site if only for a few minutes a week, A few years ago, on the Forum I replied to a post with, “The Royal Welch Fusiliers Forum is the next best thing to being in the Regiment” it still is today.
Thanks to Bob, Sharon, Al, and the rest of the team, long may it continue
Brian

steve wright

19-09-2015, 16:22

As Bricoates has stated I enjoy the forum for what is it - everything Royal Welch. Past/Present/Future, it's all here. Those that manage/oversee the forum are doing an excellent job and long may it continue for many more years to come.

Bob Bacon

19-09-2015, 18:31

I
Now getting RWF forum newsletter emails - this is at the bottom ...

"Did you know you can change how often you receive these newsletters with one click?
If you click here (http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/newsletter.php?do=frequency&action=reduce&hash=ad7c5a73becc3bd19e873d2518510658&userid=45&newsletterid=1), you will receive these newsletters less frequently.
Click here to unsubscribe (http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/newsletter.php?do=unsubscribe&hash=ad7c5a73becc3bd19e873d2518510658&userid=45&newsletterid=1)"

I don't need it as I check in regularly (for now) but the links don't work to change/unsubscribe.

John, when you clicked on the Click here to unsubscribe, were you taken to the Forum Home Page? Royal Welch Forum (http://rwf-forum.co.uk/)

If you were, the link is working as intended. Users are silently unsubscribed and redirected to the home page - it is working correctly.

John Turner

25-09-2015, 23:03

No, I got an error message but I've just changed ISPs and now I'm taken to the activity stream. What I expect to see is a message confirming I've been successfully unsubscribed.

John Turner

25-09-2015, 23:14

But , John, your belief that the Forum has ''had it's day'' does not seem to be supported by those of us who have commented That is because those that share my opinion have voted with their feet - it's just that I've stuck around to state my opinion rather than just leaving.

It would appear that, like me. a number of people Do Not think that it would be appropriate to open the Forum to the mindless rabble that is controlled by ''Social Media frenzy'' who think that they have the power to influence anybody through the stupidity of the Press, or the folks who do not have 'The authority to speak on a subject, but do so as the Press guarantees them anonymity', which is wrong. I wonder how many of these ''Anonymous speakers'' would face prosecution under the 'Official secrets Act ' if their names were known

You're not understanding what I said - I'm on about making it public to read only - not reply, you'd have to register to post and admin could choose to have a sub forum - or several - that could not be seen unless registered.

John Turner

25-09-2015, 23:56

Yes we are missing some members who in the past have been regular contributors to the Forum, it the sign of the times

It's a sign of the forum having had its day for those members, you don't need to ask them the question, they've gone, their collective answer to the question is "Yes"! But that is as in how it was first set up; it has evolved in to something else now, and you can maybe put that down to facebook etc but I'm a member of quite a few other forums that have their own FB equivalents and spin-offs with little or no ill effects.

ivor43

26-09-2015, 09:08

morning.
Thanks John. but i am aware of what you are saying. But this is a forum for people who have a common thread in their lives. The RWF. and although it Officially no longer exists it will live on until the last member passes on. It is , if you like, a Private members club. with invited guests only. this is fine, i also believe it is how it should remain.However, a case may be made for certain sections to be made available, on a read only basis, to the public provided it did not contain any sensitive info, eg members names etc. But Not using Facebook or any other ''Social Media'' as a basis. The security of these sites can not be guaranteed, and as you know if you use them regularly, the number and type of Scams are on the increase. and i for one would not want the Forum to be subject to this type of stuff.
However. i understand that there is a F/B link to the Forum and you also have the RWF Pals F/B page. so why do we need the Forum to change. old members may have dropped off but there are many new members joining.
In an age where we can only'' like or share' stuff we are Not Allowed to have an Opinion for that would mean that we are still capable of Independent Thinking so are a threat to the good of the press, which obviously must be believed. Oh, i do not read Newspapers or watch TV so i probably should be arrested for not being a good Citizen.
As i said previously. Can we leave the Forum in the Capable hands of the Management Team.

ivor

dutchman

26-09-2015, 12:00

brian just a quick one what colour "were the knickers" on the line , im doing a survey honest

Bricoates

26-09-2015, 12:59

brian just a quick one what colour "were the knickers" on the line , im doing a survey honest

Sorry, dont do facebook, ask John

John Turner

28-09-2015, 22:53

....................However, a case may be made for certain sections to be made available, on a read only basis, to the public provided it did not contain any sensitive info, eg members names etc. But Not using Facebook or any other ''Social Media'' as a basis. The security of these sites can not be guaranteed, and as you know if you use them regularly, the number and type of Scams are on the increase. and i for one would not want the Forum to be subject to this type of stuff.

How on earth could making the forum (or whatever part/parts of it) viewable to the world - subject it to the same sort of stuff and who's suggesting F Book etc should be used as a basis for anything?

Can we leave the Forum in the Capable hands of the Management Team

The management asked for opinion.

nick sigallias

12-11-2015, 12:50

ive logged on and my head is already hurting lol.

8672acsmrush

16-11-2015, 11:05

Having been a former "owner" of a computer help forum I know only too well the time and effort that can be involved in running a forum and trying to ensure it's success both with funding and stopping it from stagnating.
I am perfectly happy with what I have found here both with management and content - long may it continue.

rikoshea

22-11-2015, 21:01

Bob Bacon

23-11-2015, 16:33

I for one is guilty of not coming on this site as much as I used to, with the introduction of Facebook. However I am going to make a conscious attempt to come back on this site. It maybe a good idea to make an official Facebook page. One other thing what happened to the Drums forum page.

Rik, we already have our own Facebook page and the Drums Social page was closed because no one was posting in it. If you want to start a thread in regard to your Reunion, please use the Reunion forum or access the Drums Social Group - http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/group.php?groupid=8

Heap90

13-12-2015, 12:46

Hi everyone, I have not been online for quite a few months (either here or elsewhere on the web) & at first i thought "What am i going to do now?" I will miss it terribly etc etc. TBH at first i had withdrawal symptoms but found that yes, i can live without the Interweb! Now i am back online one of the fist sites i saved on my laptop was this one & what do i see? Only a thread about the supposed demise of the site! I have read this thread & the suggestions are inciteful, informative & as usual not without the RWF banter/fun. Peoples lives move on & not everyone can find the time in busy lives to visit here as often as they would like. As for improvements.... I consider myself ok as regards computers but do find the site not too easy to navigate. I offer no solutions/answers as to why membership logins have decreased other than people have a myriad of choices online & seem to click from 1 site to another in seconds.
Not really a helpful reply on my behalf, but i really do hope this site does not end. Many thanks to Bob, Al & Sharon for your sterling efforts over the years.

steve bird

14-12-2015, 10:41

morning all and once again my answer to the question is NO, the forum has not had it's day :no: but if our admin were to go through the member list not an easy task I know, and delete anyone who has not logged into this site for 6 months. now I am not very good with computers and stuff but I do find this site easy to visit easy to brouse through and if I have any problems I ask for help which I receive to finish any task I want to complete so again let's hope you decide to keep this site going as it is thank you all :yes::applause: