I've been noticing that comments have been wandering off topic quite a lot lately, meandering into pages and pages of random chat. Which is great that people are having fun, but I've also been getting complaints from people who think it's too much. I honestly have no idea what to do about the issue. I've been guilty of ignoring the site a bit lately because I've been so busy (got to get the book done by June 1, and that's my top priority). So any solution that requires time on my part isn't going to happen right now.
But I thought I'd raise the issue. Any idea how to address it? Better forum software would be one possibility (but not until the book is finished). Or maybe there is no problem. Thoughts? Comments?
We could either add in a chat area, though I wouldn't expect you to have to host something big like that.... or we could have one topic area to stick that stuff in on? I can try to tone it down a little too. Just a thought...
I think the one topic area is a good idea.
I've been guilty of it too, recently, and whilst I've been enjoying myself, I can understand the problems it'd cause.
NDTgirl
in Memphis, TN Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 08:51 AM
I know I am a newbie to the site (been watching it for the past year, but just now registered), but I don't see a problem with the chat. Yes, there are a few threads that seem to turn into name calling matches, but honestly, reading that stuff is what got me to register.
Maegan
in Tampa, FL - USA Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 08:53 AM
A chat seems better. It might be a lot more on the site, but I think that hundreds of pages of chit chat would be better off NOT being saved on the forums.
Meag, that's what I would prefer, but I'm concerned about potential cost to Alex hosting a chat area. I know nothing of these things....just wondering if the software costs, plus bandwidth costs.
I was looking at some chat ideas yesterday. I have always used Yahoo chat rooms, but the problem is that someone must alway be in the room to hold it open. I am also unsure if those at work would be able to access a chat room, would this be a problem for those of you who are working?
I will keep looking around and see what I can come up with, that is if it is OK with Alex.
NDTgirl
in Memphis, TN Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:05 AM
See, I hadnt thought of the storage issues. You could always look into maybe only allowing a thread to exist for a set amount of time, and then archiving it after that... I dunno.
Maegan
in Tampa, FL - USA Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:11 AM
Right, a lot of security software disables chat features. If it's on a website, it might be different. I don't really do that chit chatting back & forth...so *I* personally wouldn't be offended or hurt if I couldn't get into a chatroom hosted from MOH.
I just think the the amount of space being taken up by the chatter (I'm trying to say that as non-condescendingly as possible, honest!), would end up being more upkeep & space than a chatroom. A friend of mine hosts a mssg board w/ chat. He does it w/o the ads & things. So I can't see that the costs would be much more w/a chat. Unless Alex would actually have to purchase different software than what he's using now. Then again, it's my friend's job to set up webpages for a living. He might be setting his stuff up, on the clock.
He uses vBulletin, I think. It's nice.
LaMa
in Europe Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:17 AM
Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa....
A true chatroom, or a perpetual thread called "daily chit-chat area", would be ideas. Maybe the latter is better. you could clear-up the old part of the thread periodically.
I do chat a lot actually, on MSN. Never done untill the start of this year, and then i got really hooked....
Another option would be to start a MOH community mailing list, e.g. via Yahoogroups.
X Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:17 AM
Guilty of it right here, Alex...
I was thinking that I was doing it a little too often. I will attempt to stay on topic.
One thought... at least temporarily till Alex can come up with the best solution... <??>
Could it be possible to have an "off topic" thread started each day, then deleted by one of the mods the day after?
As a topic slides into chatter, the people involved could just try and move it into there. I know that that kinda works on a honor system type thing, but it is honestly the best I'm coming up with with the concerns about archiving useless posts.
I'm kind of thinking of short term solutions, as Alec said, he is really busy right now.
X Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:22 AM
Hell, everyone knows I'm guilty of alot of the name calling, finger pointing, insulting, thrashing, talking trash.....I gues at times I get bored and pic a fight....Speaking of that, where is Rod; I am bored with Hairy, and Evil Dream hasn't posted for a while. Paul doesn't come in lately when I am in here, you have been busy and stressed out. We need more Raul in here....Now, that guy is funny!!!!
Alex, sorry, not Alec....my aim was off. Damn that x and c are too close together.
X Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:25 AM
An off topic thread is a good Idea, but ofcoarse, I will need to be in control of it. Im sure no one will disagree.
X Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:26 AM
Ummmm.....That was a Joke....
NDTgirl
in Memphis, TN Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:28 AM
Im sorry, speaking of off topic, I have a question. I remember registering here back in November, I think I registered anyway. It was when the software was changed because you were getting too much spam postings. Well, I had commented on the Ted Jesus Christ God post under aimeemarie. I just did a members list and saw that I had registered under aimeemarie, (How many people do you know with the first name Aimee and middle name Marie, and use it together in a post?), so I tried to log on as that member, but it said wrong password. So I emailed myself (the member aimeemarie) and had a copy sent to my yahoo account. But the email is someone else. They stole my member id!
Sorry, I am just a bit upset that someone stole my name. But I think the idea of doind an Off Topic thread sounds good.
Maegan
in Tampa, FL - USA Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:30 AM
...I'm not laughing.
Would anyone like for me to do a little clean-up in current wildly off-topic threads? I'd be GLAD.
X Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:32 AM
They were in here only 2 times....Jan. 17th and 18th.
X Member
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 | 09:33 AM
Sure.....do it meagan....I know your itch'n to..Go have a little of deserved fun.
