To my mind there are too many bells and whistles here, the amount of forums and sub-forums plus all the activated features the server has as options versus the actual activity, is overkill.
Google this site and you'll see it described as a 'discussion forum' - but there's not much discussion going on - the site itself is actually more busy than the discussion within it. Not a jibe, just an observation.
Working for yourself is great, not only can you work half days, you can choose which 12 hours!
I completely disagree with you at there are to many 'bells and whistles'
The dedicated (free time) that Bob has put in, to get the Forum where it is now is outstanding. The 'sub forums' are a must, some member come on just to look for info on their departmental reunion/get together, so as the lay-out as it is now is perfect for them
The way the 'shout box' is set up is an easy way for members to look at it and then go straight to that post rather than searching/scrolling down, you have to remember John, that there are members on the Forum that are in their 70's and 80's and are not PC literate like others, so the easier it is for them the better
Having looked at other web sites/Forums, our Forum looks better my a long way and i would not want to see it change to a dull and dreary format
I agree with Lofty though not necessarily about the age aspect. I know some members, who try as they might find it difficult to navigate their way around the forum though do admit they tend to give up a little too easily. They do not fall into the category.....senior citizens. I like the shout box myself, it is a handy quick reference and I enjoy the odd quip that some (particularly Bob) put in from time to time.
As John says, there is little discussion going on but that reflects the membership participation and is not a reflection of what the Forum is all about, in my opinion.
Last edited by Gwyn Nicholas; 26-01-2012 at 13:36.
If I can help somebody as I pass along, my living will not be in vain.
you have to remember John, that there are members on the Forum that are in their 70's and 80's and are not PC literate like others, so the easier it is for them the better
That's one of many things I do remember - I'm no spring chicken either and am also two rungs down from a techno-phobe (I'm a techno-notice) but one thing I am good on is forums, I have over 7000 posts (each) on two, one of which uses this server - V-Bulletin - and utilises nothing like the amount of add-ons and has nothing like the amount of forums that this site does/has. It's not a problem for me personally, I know the place and my way around it, but to a newbie, especailly a plodder, it's bewildering IMHO.
I've just replied to a post to a member that didn't know how to embed a video, and I know that many more members, young or old, do not know how to insert links, images, use the quote facility .............. much much more, basic stuff to do with actually communicating, which is what a forum is about. I'm sure many cannot see the woods for the trees
Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS) is something that was always hammered in to MOI etc courses - apply it, it works, the forum is not simple ..... simple!
Working for yourself is great, not only can you work half days, you can choose which 12 hours!
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Originally Posted by Lofty-23
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