sangiro 26 #1 November 1, 2002 Heya all, As you probably noticed by now I've made some changes to the forums. I've not removed any forums or changed the rules for any existing ones, I've added some new ones and restructured the categories. The Talk Back forum is going ballistic and from here it runs a risk of not only becoming a victim of itself but also doing collateral damage. Not doing anything was not really an option. This community is not the same size or beast as it was when I created the original set of forums. In principle I don't mind a forum that's moving as fast as a chat room, (it's a good problem to have!) but I think I need to throw a life-line to those people who actually want to talk about skydiving! Good information were getting lost in Talk Back. Shortly people will start to leave because the forum structure does not support their need to find skydiving related information quickly and easily. I don't believe in "death by a thousand cuts" and has therefor chosen not to introduce change in small drips and drabs but to make substantial structural changes with the eye on the future. We have to set ourselves up for a community that will continue to grow and where the needs will continue to evolve. Although people are almost always averse to it in the beginning, change is constant and good. If we fail to recognize growing needs then an respond to them I am certain that our inaction will destroy everything we're trying to create here. I've put in quite a bit of thinking into the new forums and structure and consulted with a lot of people. There is a method to this madness. Look around, I think you'll find it useful. I urge you to carefully read my Welcome post to each forum before you post there. It should give you some ideas as to the nature and character that I have in mind for each forum. All the new forums are topical, this is the only forum where you can talk about whatever you want. Quote New Forums are: Introductions and Greets New to skydiving? Or maybe just new to these forums? Well, by all means start off here with a quick hello to introduce yourself. Women Only A place for women to share their experiences, ask female-related questions and get empowered in a comfortable environment. All are free to post or read, but keep in mind that there can be sensitive topics here, enter with maturity in mind. Highly moderated. Non Jumpers Interested in skydiving? If you haven't made a jump yet but have questions or want to learn more before you try it, ask your questions here. General Skydiving Discussions Have a skydiving related question? Get a skydiving related answer here. If your post is related to another topical forum, please post there. If it's not related to skydiving, please post in Talk Back. Events & Gatherings For the announcement, organization and planning of major skydiving Events & Gatherings. Tell us the where, when, why and how here. When its done come back and tell us how it went! Places to Jump Do you have questions about DZs or places to jump anywhere in the world? Want to hear from someone who've already been to a DZ you plan to visit. Looking for opinions on DZs in a specific area for a first or up-jump? Ask here. Skydiving History & Trivia Who did what, when and where? Post and read about the trend-setters, old-schoolers, and even the new young guns. If you have questions about skydiving history or traditions, ask here. The BASE Zone If you plan to try your hand at BASE jumping make sure you know what you're getting into. BASE jumping is extremely dangerous and you should clearly understand the risks before you think about it, whether you're a skydiver or not! There are likely to be a few more changes in the near future. I welcome feedback and suggestions. Have fun! Safe swoops Sangiro Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ernokaikkonen 0 #2 November 1, 2002 > I welcome feedback and suggestions. Have fun! Ok here goes: I think that the "Events & Gatherings" and "Places to Jump" are pretty much related. You know, somebody thinking about "where can I jump when I go to Elbonia?" and then when he'd go to the combined forum, he'd see the post promoting "The Elbonian Freefly festival". And even combined, I don't think the number of posts would be too high. What do you think? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrad 0 #3 November 1, 2002 After the shock, I now think that this is a good idea and it should make it alot easier to get what ones looking for, be it advice on linked exits or boobies! Nice work.When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sangiro 26 #4 November 1, 2002 Quote be it advice on linked exits or boobies Yes, the only problem remaining would be where to ask about doing a linked exit holding on to someone's boobies... Safe swoops Sangiro Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sangiro 26 #5 November 1, 2002 They are related but if you read both welcome messages you'll see that their purposes are different. . I'm going to run them like this for now.Safe swoops Sangiro Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quatorze 1 #6 November 1, 2002 HH, when did we get the welcome newest memebers message at the bottom of the forum menu screen? I like the idea, but I am kind of concerned over how brain dead that I am for missing it I'm not afriad of dying, I'm afraid of never really living- Erin Engle Doc1.doc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sangiro 26 #7 November 1, 2002 Yes... you have a problem! It's been there for the past few months! Safe swoops Sangiro Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quatorze 1 #8 November 1, 2002 Just as I feared, I really am a Moron, oh the humanity I'm not afriad of dying, I'm afraid of never really living- Erin Engle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ernokaikkonen 0 #9 November 1, 2002 >Yes... you have a problem! It's been there for the past few months! And a nice feature too; I've noticed at least two of my friends who had signed up because of that feature, and a number of not-so-well-known acquaintances as well... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sangiro 26 #10 November 1, 2002 If you haven't seen it it means there are a lot of other people in the same boat. I'll consider moving it to the top.Safe swoops Sangiro Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ernokaikkonen 0 #11 November 1, 2002 I personally don't think it's a first priority feature. There's a lot of info in the forum screen and it can't be all at the top. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quatorze 1 #12 November 1, 2002 Ok Erno, no more saying something that I have to agree with, but yeah Boss man, that was just me showing exactly how unobservant I am and hoping that it wasn't as bad as it really was I'm not afriad of dying, I'm afraid of never really living- Erin Engle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #13 November 1, 2002 Rather than post knee jerk reactions, instant gripes, recommendations, suggestions etc, can I suggest we all give it a couple of weeks to find out what we really truly don't like, what would be a nice to have, and what would be a killer improvement. Its all to easy to jump up and shout on first impressions, lets live with it a while and see what happens.-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #14 November 1, 2002 Speaking of knee jerk reactions, instant gripes, etc, AHHHHHH MAKE IT GO AWAY!!! I opened dropzone.com this morning, clicked on forums, and then I got all confused! I can't handle the change!!! HEEEELLLLP! Ok, maybe its just a little early for me. I might do better in the afternoon when I'm 3/4ths awake instead of 1/10th awake. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ernokaikkonen 0 #15 November 1, 2002 Take it easy Dave, Talkback is still here and hasn't changed.. If you get a sudden panic attack at some of the new forums, you can always come back here to catch your breath...Boobies! Beer! Sheep! Feel better yet? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottbre 0 #16 November 1, 2002 Is a women only forum really necessary? I can't see any benefit in having this at all. It's not like guys can't still go in and post. If it is going to actually stay there, then there needs to be a men only forum too. What about gay/straight, continent specific, and specific race forums too... "Your mother's full of stupidjuice!" My Art Project Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #17 November 1, 2002 QuoteIs a women only forum really necessary? That's like saying "Is the Talk Back Forum really necessary?" I mean, do we need tons of people mindlessly post whoring? My guess is that since there's very few women in the sport, the female forum just gives an oppportunity to bond with other skychickies. There are issues that women would experience in skydiving that men wouldn't. Do you really want me to post what type of bra is the best for opening shock in talk back without "posting pictures"? And men don't understand what it's like to be hated for no good reason by all the whuffo wives on the dz. And now, we can finally talk about where the cheapest Midol is available! My vote is Wal-Mart!There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottbre 0 #18 November 1, 2002 QuoteThat's like saying "Is the Talk Back Forum really necessary?" Ok, well if we are going to overpopulate the forums with "fluff" forums, then it only seems appropriate that we have forums dedicated to Boobies, Jokes, Haikus, and Post-whoring. My understanding of the Talk Back forum was that it is the catch-all, for anything that isn't specifically related to aspects of skydiving. My guess is that now that HH has the bandwidth, he is just playing with his toy more, instead of just using it efficiently. Sort of like how computer programmers can be overly sloppy with their code, because todays computers have so much more processing power than they would need to run well-written programs. "Your mother's full of stupidjuice!" My Art Project Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #19 November 1, 2002 I for one like the changes. Especially adding the BASE forum. It'd be nice to get some of the Blinc people hanging over here and sharing information as well. Keep up the good work HH! - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ernokaikkonen 0 #20 November 1, 2002 As long as it's the _nice_ BLinc-people like Tom A... There are a few individuals there I'd rather not see here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluefingers 0 #21 November 1, 2002 Forum changes are just fine. I don't know what all the fuss is about. If you don't like the idea of a particular forum, then it's simple. Just don't go there. Talkback is still here, the other forums just make it a little easier to find information. Kerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottbre 0 #22 November 1, 2002 I'm not trying to make a "fuss." It Sangiro's site and he can do what he likes with it. I'm just voicing my opinion that some of the recently added forums are overkill and unnecessary. I don't live and die by these forums, so I don't really care what is done to them, was just commenting... "Your mother's full of stupidjuice!" My Art Project Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #23 November 1, 2002 Quote Quote be it advice on linked exits or boobies Yes, the only problem remaining would be where to ask about doing a linked exit holding on to someone's boobies... Find me at the bar. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gemini 0 #24 November 1, 2002 When the new opening screen pop up, I didn't even realize there was a change until I found myself in the "Welcome" forum! After going back to the main forum screen and getting my dazed and confused look for a few minutes, I saw what was going on. I hate getting old...changes really through ya! Blue skies, Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildblue 7 #25 November 1, 2002 Quote Ok, well if we are going to overpopulate the forums with "fluff" forums.... I do think one or two of the newly created forums will not get used much, if at all, and will be done away with. I *don't* think the women's forum will be one of those. I'm guessing that will actually do well. A haven from the pig-men And we do have one already dedicated to Boobies, Jokes, Haikus, and Post-whoring, it's called "Talk Back" ... which is the problem, good conversations get lost/buried because a few people like to hear themselves talk about nothing. It does/has been getting annoying, trying to wade through post-whoring and hijacked threads looking for something interesting to read.it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites