[DeVore]

interesting.

If you even look at this thread (which is what, 15 posts from the 9000 odd members we have) you'll see differing views on whats actually wrong and vey few (if any?) suggestions as to how to fix it (if there *is* actually a problem).

I'm not saying theres not a problem but all users go through a period when the "newness" of boards wears off and they make it part of their internet lives (or wander away as I'm sure happens too).

I've been thinking about the stability of a system in such high growth (we've gone from 100 users to 9000 in 4 years, much of that in the last 2) and how to manage it going forward.
Should we even *go* forwards? Stop taking new users?
Only allow mates of current users to join?

One thing I've noticed (and this is no reflection on anyone posting here, btw) is that people on boards are quick to spot problems but a lot slower to offer constructive workable solutions...

DeV.

[Johnny_the_fox]

Originally posted by DeVore

Only allow mates of current users to join?

You could apply for a user account..... and the user would have to have a reference from a member???

[Puck]

I know it's a bit of a touchy subject but a small anual subscription fee would keep a whole lot of muppets out of the place.

They wouldn't like to pay no matter how small the sum if they just want to arse around and piss people off, so even if it was, say, a tenner a year that might work. I'm broke all the time but I know I could fork out €10 for my favourite website.

It would also keep a lot of people out that come here for the sole reason of advertising for free.

Plus I still can't get my head around the fact that the admins do all this work for free!!

[Clintons Cat]

ok my two cents

firstly if people pay for the service boards is going to get a fair number of subscribers who will sign up,get offended and then demand a refund and/or removal of moderators.Given the ammount of whinning that goes on on the admin board every time someones post is deleted/edited or someone gets offended whilst the service is free,then imagine what it would be like when people are paying for the privallege
i have no problem with boards being a self financing opperation i just feel subscription is the wrong path to go down.

secondly its a cliche but the more effort people put into their posts the more enjoyment they will receive.Not enough funny/sad/intelligent/informative/spammy threads for your liking?
then go and create some.two of "my" favorite threads that i started received very little traffic or comment but that doesnt detract from the personal satisfaction i derived from composing them.

[Puck]

I see your point and I think it is a very good one. This has been discussed in the past and that was one of the major hurdles.

Fortunately I don't think there actually is anything wrong with Boards.ie atm. There's the usual heap of muppets and morons sure but they've almost always been an infestation here. It's really just a problem with people's behaviour and attitude towards the boards and other members. Perhaps the Boards Awards may help in showing people what sort of behaviour gets you noticed for being a respected, valuable contributer to the community or a "can of piss".

PS: is it just me CC or is your God of Kittens a mouse??

[Clintons Cat]

Fortunately I don't think there actually is anything wrong with Boards.ie atm. There's the usual heap of muppets and morons sure but they've almost always been an infestation here. It's really just a problem with people's behaviour and attitude towards the boards and other members.

agreed.

PS: is it just me CC or is your God of Kittens a mouse??

that is a good question,that been the subject of heated kitten theological debate and the occasional holy war for niegh on 14 centuries when the original God of Kittens revealed himself to the Holy Prophet Tiddles.
At the time the God of Kittens Commanded Tiddles never to reveal his true identity or try to capture his likeness in material form.
Unfortunately Tiddles being in nature and essence a cat totally disobeyed his owner/creator and tried to sculpt the likeness he had seen in clay.
Given the lack of opposable thumbs the results were to be honest a little disappointing,however the god of kittens is a vengeful god,all old testament and smiting his opponents mightily with rolled up newspapers.And cast out tiddles into the wilderness.

ps lack of sleep=satirical spam

[Venom]

I've been thinking about the stability of a system in such high growth (we've gone from 100 users to 9000 in 4 years, much of that in the last 2)

Quality over quanity works out better all the time mate.

[Jaden]

Basic Problem: Muppets invading boards, spam, off topic posts.

Solution: More talking about rocket launchers, less about sad, touchy feeley notions about "Why nobody likes me" or "Where can I get my PS2 chipped for 30 cents.".

DM3 CA Damage Mod - All your worries will fade away.

[Giblet]

Originally posted by The Corinthian

Ironically, in much the same way this thread should be on the Admin board.

It's a discussion. Dumbass

[WhiteWashMan]

the problem if it became a fee paying obard, then it means Dev can make me be nice to people like pornapster.

and thats never gonna happen daddio!


my problems with boards?

lets see....

too many people with no humour.
that cant be helped.

too many muppets.
again, its a ratio thing.

too many cry babies.
ok, personal issues aside (theirs, not the board) i cant help it if people get offended at jokes about kittens or whatever

too much spam.
jesus, someone brings up something deemed off topic and things go mayhem, someone moans on admin and dev feels he has to get involved.

the mnain problem with boards.ie is that too many people here are too goddam PC.
i mean anyone who puts forward a view that is not in with the run of the mill sheep like mentailty, and immediately youre a spammer, a troll, or should be banned and burned at the stake.

my solution.
i think its up to the mods to be more aware.
its not good enough that someone goes straight to dev.
thats just rubbish.
if someone gives someone a bollocking on the boards, then let us all see it. if youre stupid enough to write it, then goddam it, you should be made to pay by letting us laugh at you.
these boards were originally designed for people who were into a small community gaming scene who all know each other. the crap flung at each other would make half the people who read these boards faint. it used to be very funny. bring back damo v hobbes i say!
however i digress.
the mods are there to look after a board.
if a board gets spammed, then delete it. its not a big deal.
hell, every one of us spams at one point or another. you gonna cry out for us all to be banned.
hell, ive lost count of the amount of people that want me banned, but i dont give a toss for two reasons.
1) im actually a damn good mod on my own boards
and
2) i actually from time to time add something constructive to a topic.

but just becuase its a boards, doesnt mean i have to.
im not obliged to give my heartfelt opinion on every topic.
if i want to take the píss out of poor johny with the broken heart who ithink deserved it, i will. and anyone who says im harsh can go away. its my opinion.
too many soft mods who should just do their job (and no, im not singling out anyone for you paranoid out there) and too many people who feel that boards is their private property and who demand x,y and z.
i treat boards.ie like my playground. i come here to have fun. but never make the mistake that you own the place. get a grip, its a virtual world. if we all met in the pub it would be pints all around, and no-one gives a toss if you said that and he said the other and she wasnt interested in anything either of you said.

so, just skip all the above and read this.
devore, youre too involved, sit back and let the people who are suppose to be patrolling patrol.
that will stop the stupid whinging.


hmm, i wonder if i have made any sense at all?

[Rabies]

Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
let the people who are suppose to be patrolling patrol.
that will stop the stupid whinging.

hmm, i wonder if i have made any sense at all?

wow,
i'm amazed, you made perfect sense.

i would have to agree with you on all the points made.

let the mods stand up more on the boards they mod. too many users go to the admin board and start looking for backup from the admins. why can't the person take it up with the mod in question and try to sort it out there and then. there should be no need to involve the admins unless things get out of hand...

some people just need to lighten up a bit.

[seamus]

To add to what WWM said, maybe a little 'freshers pack' should be added to the welcome email. Specifically written in big bold letters:

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A PROBLEM WITH CONDUCT ON A BOARD, TAKE IT UP WITH THE BOARD MODERATOR FIRST. ALL REQUESTS FOR ADMIN INTERVENTION WILL BE IGNORED/DELETED IF THE MODERATOR HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED FIRST.

Sorry for the caps, but you gotta make an impact. There'd be no point in putting it in the 'Terms and Conditions' yokie, cos we know no-one reads that anyway.

Or a small little paragraph detailing 'What to do if I have a problem' and each level of support.

[DeVore]

Personally I dont think theres anything wrong except that we are feeling the strain of volume of posts and boards.
Hence the work I've been doing on the personalisation of boards.ie

The suggestion of paying for access to boards is not a flier for many different reasons. Not the least of which is our commitment to keeping it free and community based. So payment would be opt in at best and more likely will be supported by quarterly drinking binges.

DeV.

[WhiteWashMan]

ahh, speak of an ass, and its sure to pass

(hope this isnt trolling)

[Karl Hungus]

You know what boards really needs?
More pop-ups.
That'd shut people up.