Private forum descriptions

pickarooney

Does anyone else get pissed off when they click on a link to a forum they've never heard of before and get presented with the generic 'sod off you pleb' access denied message?

Would it be possible that instead of this screen the user was pointed to a description of the forum and a list of its moderators so they could request access if the forum appealed to them?

I might be a nosy beggar but I see this all the time - links to forums with interesting names out about which I can't find anything.

IITYWYBMAD

Yes, and good idea!!

Ponster

pickarooney wrote: »

Does anyone else get pissed of when they click on a link to a forum they've never heard of before and get presented with the generic 'sod off you pleb' access denied message?

I have almost never seen a link to a private forum on Boards. What would be the point in linking to such a forum ?

The only times I see a link to a private forum is under the nick of the forums moderator. And if the name interests you then you already know who the forum moderator is

pickarooney

Ponster wrote: »

The only times I see a link to a private forum is under the nick of the forums moderator. And if the name interests you then you already know who the forum moderator is

That's where I usually see them (there are other instances such as links to Soccer, Sex and Sexuality... in posts) but I have no intention of PMing a mod to say 'what's that all about' every time I notice an interesting (or weird) sounding forum name.

It would be like having a golden pages with just the names and numbers of the companies and needing to ring them to know what they do.

Oryx

I suppose if you havent been asked, youre not welcome there anyway. I would understand many of those forums are invitation only. Sure, its irritating, but in all honesty youre probably only missing out on the quite narrow discussions of a niche group. Bore ya to tears most likely. Its only interesting because its secret.

And if its private it would kind of defeat the purpose to be told all about it, wouldnt it?

Ok, yeah. I asked, and didnt get in either. Sigh. But Im not bitter.

pickarooney

The US Masters is invitation only but I still know what goes on at it.

I don't see how the mod of a forum would invite people unless he/she knew they would be interested and how they would be interested if they didn't know what the forum was.

star-pants

I've clicked and wondered what some names are myself, but tbh, if I've not been invited to it, then I a) probably wouldn't have interest or b) aren't welcome.

As said, most of them are small niche groups for specifics, probably set up by a group of people who wanted their private forum for whatever reason, so if they want more people they'll pm/say it to people that they know/think might like it.

I got access to one once, without being asked did I want it, wasn't my kinda forum and I requested my access be taken back.

tl;dr meh, does it really matter?

_blank_

Some private forums wouldn't want a public description out there.

pickarooney

Ooh, la di dah, we're so secret and private you can't know anything about us :P

Super deadly secret multiball forums shouldn't show up under the mods' names then.

What's PFJ?

_blank_

pickarooney wrote: »

Ooh, la di dah, we're so secret and private you can't know anything about us :P

Nothing to do with that at all

pickarooney wrote: »

Super deadly secret multiball forums shouldn't show up under the mods' names then.

I agree with you, but it's probably a lot of techie work to make that happen, and the techie guys are more than likely snowed under with the recent issues, and other more pressing issues than this.

pickarooney wrote: »

What's PFJ?

A private forum.

Ross

Private forums are a little bit more diverse than things like golfer "members clubs" - a better analogy for the majority of them is a centrally located friend's house, or a café frequented by your mates.

Then there are some formal organizations with them, some very informal organizations with them... it's a melting pot, and realistically the software concept of a "private forum" is too black and white to adequately accomodate the needs of most people/groups who use them.

Social groups are actually a step in the right direction in my opinion, if a bit flakey right now.

yoshytoshy

Do private forums open the same way public ones do ? ,i.e same rules apply when looking for a new one.

Ponster

yoshytoshy wrote: »

Do private forums open the same way public ones do ? ,i.e same rules apply when looking for a new one.

I don't think so. I'd say that it's even easier to have a private then a public forum (which has to potentially attract a certain % of members and also be 'compatible' with the other forums on Boards).

Silverfish

It'd be a good idea, but should be opt in/opt out for whoever manages the forum.

E.g Urban Exploration is not by invite it's by request, and pretty open and obvious to what it's about.

Diagon Alley is not.

Earthhorse

pickarooney, you do not have permission to access this post. This could be due to one of several reasons:

1) You may be trying to read my post in a critical manner, like a teacher, or one of the many bosses I have had over the years.
For clarification, check my profile page.
2) You may be banned from reading this post if you disagreed with an element of the post's contents.
3) Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this post. Are you trying to edit my post, why would you do that, pickarooney, don't you know it's mine? :mad:
4) If you are trying to post my post, that's plagarism and the mod of Creative Writing should know better.

WindSock

I understand the whole 'Private Forum' thing (sort of) but I agree with Picka aswell. Surely there are some private forums that would benefit from new members every once in a while? Of course it is up to the community of the forum to decide, but surely there is no harm in a user asking what the forum is about and requesting access if they think they might be interested.

Earthhorse

WindSock wrote: »

I understand the whole 'Private Forum' thing (sort of) but I agree with Picka aswell. Surely there are some private forums that would benefit from new members every once in a while?

Private forums do do that! Though not all suggestions by members are accepted by the group.

WindSock wrote: »

Of course it is up to the community of the forum to decide, but surely there is no harm in a user asking what the forum is about and requesting access if they think they might be interested.

People can always ask. I'd probably be to shy too myself but the option is always there.

Ponster

WindSock wrote: »

Surely there are some private forums that would benefit from new members every once in a while?

Maybe, but the ones I've been in had a healthy flow of new members and have been a lot more active than other public forums.

If anyone is interested this was the outcome the last time we had this discussion....

Tallon

Why not have a private forum that contains a list of the private forums....

When people (like the OP) ask, they get directed there for vetting

That way you can moderate who will see the list and obviously not have boardsisgay666 signing up just to see the Private forums

stovelid

WindSock wrote: »

but surely there is no harm in a user asking what the forum is about and requesting access if they think they might be interested.

But then you are setting up people to be potentially rebuffed from private forums that they like the sound of but who (the existing forum) want to decide who they invite themselves.

star-pants

To be fair, if people set up a private forum it's that way for a reason.
How would you feel if you asked for access and were refused? You'd get people starting to complain about being rejected from X forum without a given reason.

If a private forum wants you, they'll ask you. If they want people to know they exist in the hopes of encouraging new members, I'm sure they'll come up with a way of showing it.

Dudess

While I understand the need for certain forums to be private/have limited access (e.g. Soccer, Dick-measuring... sorry, Sex & Sexuality), having private forums that are mere "hang-outs" is just elitist, exclusionary tripe which hardly helps dispel the notion that there is a clique culture on Boards. And I've been invited to two of these hangout forums - utterly nothing interesting about them whatsoever. What's the point? Seriously?

And having them as links under people's usernames totally looks like "Ha ha, you can't get in!!!" Can't they be removed from under usernames? They are "sekkrit" (or however that "wacky" word is spelt) after all. Des, if PFJ is on display for all to see, I don't see the harm in explaining what it stands for.

star-pants

I think it's either not very possible and or far too much work to figure out how to have them not under the Mods names.

Earthhorse

Dudess wrote: »

While I understand the need for certain forums to be private/have limited access (e.g. Soccer, Dick-measuring... sorry, Sex & Sexuality), having private forums that are mere "hang-outs" is just elitist...

How is it elitist?

exclusionary

Sure. But only for the people who aren't members.

Private forums are fine provided nobody is flaunting them in anyone else's face. A few links here and there under people's usernames are harmless enough.

Tallon

Earthhorse wrote: »

Private forums are fine provided nobody is flaunting them in anyone else's face. A few links here and there under people's usernames are harmless enough.

Agreed, I have (had) two in my signature purely to be able to find it since its not on the 'system'

Dudess

The idea that private circle-jerks (the hangout ones with no particular purpose) exist in the first place just doesn't sit well with me, that's all.

Some people put links to them in their sigs, which is shoving them in people's faces. Fair enough if links under the mod's name can't be disabled, but people should be told what they stand for if they ask, instead of being dismissed.

Earthhorse

Dudess wrote: »

The idea that private circle-jerks (the hangout ones with no particular purpose) exist in the first place just doesn't sit well with me, that's all.

Fair enough. But they're not far removed from Private Social Groups. The just have all the nice bells and whitles vBulletin provides.

Dudess wrote: »

Some people put links to them in their sigs, which is shoving them in people's faces. Fair enough if links under the mod's name can't be disabled, but people should be told what they stand for if they ask, instead of being dismissed.

Depends on the size of the sig in my opinion. But I imagine if people politely enquire they'll be told, in broad terms, what the forum is about.

Kiera

Dudess wrote: »

The idea that private circle-jerks (the hangout ones with no particular purpose) exist in the first place just doesn't sit well with me, that's all.

Some people put links to them in their sigs, which is shoving them in people's faces. Fair enough if links under the mod's name can't be disabled, but people should be told what they stand for if they ask, instead of being dismissed.

I asked for a private forum becuase of on thread circle jerking. Isnt it better to do it in private than on thread?

faceman

Private forums arent really my thing. Unless you know the people there is no one point in feeling left out that you arent "in". Plus as said above, its full of private circle-jerking. Which is fine, but best to have it off the public forums as it does nothing to attract newbs and gives a wrong impression of a forum.

Nerin

Private forum members that feel like giving an explanation could create a page on the biki

tbh

Dudess wrote: »

The idea that private circle-jerks

why the hell do people have such a hard time with a forum they can't see?
If you and your mates are sitting at a table in pub having a private conversation, and I strolled up, I'd probably not be welcome to join in. So does that mean that you guys are circle jerking?

If you want to join, send a pm to the mod. If you don't think you can take the potential rejection, then don't.

just live and let live ffs.

I say that as someone who isn't in a private forum btw.

Sparky

Nerin wrote: »

Private forum members that feel like giving an explanation could create a page on the biki

Indeed and the biki has some there already.


That said there is private forums that not I even know about cos I don't go looking.
Although it is nice to have a direction, most of the private forums whom have a group, or be it clique will generally vet members.
Other private forums are there and sekrit as its userbase have a feel of security on what is posted in there. Their boyfriend/girlfriend, employer etc wouldnt see the post.

Knowing all about private forums for the sake of knowing is near the same as asking your work colleague what's inside his/her payslip this month.
My advise though is if anyone has an interest in a private forum then try find the moderator and send a polite PM.

John Mason

if people from the private think you can add something to their forum, you will be asked.

whats the point in joining a private forum about reading glasses if you dont wear reading glasses ?

these forums are set up so people can talk openly and not worry about their posts being quoted all over the place

pickarooney

irishbird wrote: »

whats the point in joining a private forum about reading glasses if you dont wear reading glasses ?

You wouldn't join it, or even ask to join it, if you knew what it was about.

How about having the private forum links under mods' names in another colour then so we know to avoid cliquing on them?

Oryx

pickarooney wrote: »

avoid cliquing on them?

Intentional or not, funny misspelling.

Overheal

tbh wrote: »

why the hell do people have such a hard time with a forum they can't see?

Dudess had the nail on the head I think. It gets back to the long present taboo that there is a clique on boards made up of regular users and/or moderators which throws a Biased Wrench into the gearworks.

_blank_

pickarooney wrote: »

How about having the private forum links under mods' names in another colour then so we know to avoid cliquing on them?

I see what you did there.

In other news, one of the Private Forums which I moderate has recently been made public.

Smoking.

And Dudess, dispel a myth about cliques? Of course there are cliques, but that doesn't mean people are secretly plotting against others, or that there's some big conspiracy.

It just means that people have a place to post whatever the hell they want, according to the rules as laid out by the Private Forum.

Sometimes they are just places to shoot the shít away from others, y'know.

If that's not for you, then cool, but some people do want that, and the powers-that-be have graciously allowed them that space.

pickarooney

It's also just a teeny bit hypocritical for members of private forums to carry that A/C/T thing in their sigs, IMHO.

I followed a link Seamus posted on this or the other thread Ponster linked to and found a bunch of Easter Eggs. Deadly.

_blank_

Overheal wrote: »

Dudess had the nail on the head I think. It gets back to the long present taboo that there is a clique on boards made up of regular users and/or moderators which throws a Biased Wrench into the gearworks.

Here's a list of some private forums, some of which I have access to, some I don't.

Moderaters Forum
Admins Forum

Do you think they should be publically viewable?

_blank_

pickarooney wrote: »

It's also just a teeny bit hypocritical for members of private forums to carry that A/C/T thing in their sigs, IMHO.

The only way you'd know I was a member of any private forums is because I happen to Mod one.

You are also a member of a private forum, which I am a part of too, should we open that one up for everyone to see? Genuine question here.

The Private Forum which I am Mod of, has absolutely nothing to do with ACT.

tbh

Des wrote: »

And Dudess, dispel a myth about cliques? Of course there are cliques, but that doesn't mean people are secretly plotting against others, or that there's some big conspiracy.

It just means that people have a place to post whatever the hell they want, according to the rules as laid out by the Private Forum.

Sometimes they are just places to shoot the shít away from others, y'know.

If that's not for you, then cool, but some people do want that, and the powers-that-be have graciously allowed them that space.

this.

star-pants

pickarooney wrote: »

It's also just a teeny bit hypocritical for members of private forums to carry that A/C/T thing in their sigs, IMHO.

Why so?

Also - there are cliques in public forums too. So saying all private forums are promoting cliqueness is a crap argument.

They're created for whatever reason, they have who they want in it, why should they have to say to people what their forums for if they don't want to?

shellyboo

I tend to find that those private forums which are pretty much open membership and would be of interest to a wide variety of members - Lolo, Spell Czechs - are widely known about or at least easily found through sigs and the like.

Anything else isn't worth knowing about, by which I mean if you haven't heard of it through your normal posting or friends on boards then it's probably not something you'd be interested in anyway. No grand secrets or circle jerking or cliquishness. I'm a member of one or two myself and I guarantee you nobody would be remotely interested in half the shlte that gets posted in them - it's just banter between people who'd be a bit closer than your average boardsies.

I just don't see what the big deal is.

_blank_

Is Spell Czechs Private?

Never knew that

_blank_

Would anyone like access to Team Boardroom? It's a forum set up so myself and the assistant manager can talk about previous and upcoming matches, because we know that some of the opposition players read the public team forum, we like to keep our plans away from them.

Does that meet everyone's approval, or is it too clique-ish?

Overheal

Des wrote: »

Here's a list of some private forums, some of which I have access to, some I don't.

Moderaters Forum
Admins Forum

Do you think they should be publically viewable?

Integral Site functions versus say the Knights of Comeonbanus. Whom's very name almost seems to imply the clique of people that cant be banned :cool:

pickarooney

Des wrote: »

You are also a member of a private forum, which I am a part of too, should we open that one up for everyone to see? Genuine question here.

Are you asking me if we should make all private forums public? Because that's not what this thread is about at all.

I do think we should provide a brief description of each private forum which would display isntead of the Go Away page that currently shows up - which is what I said in my first post. I'm not fully sure what you're asking me to clarify.

I don't know what the ACT malarkey is really about, but if the T is for transparency where's the Transparency in having a link under your name which tells users to get lost if they click on it?

shellyboo

Des wrote: »

Is Spell Czechs Private?

Never knew that

Yeah, I'd to apply for access anyhow.

Overheal wrote: »

Integral Site functions versus say the Knights of Comeonbanus. Whom's very name almost seems to imply the clique of people that cant be banned :cool:

I'd say that's more than a tad tinfoil hattish, tbh. I don't see what's so wrong with a group of friends having a private forum where they can shoot the breeze. You can be damn sure that if a group of a few people were having clearly private and personal convos in an open forum they'd be smacked for taking over threads or going OT.

_blank_

Overheal wrote: »

Integral Site functions versus say the Knights of Comeonbanus. Whom's very name almost seems to imply the clique of people that cant be banned :cool:

That forum has been there since I joined Boards, I think. I always saw it as a somewhat humourous, or ironic, moniker.

I never let it bother me, why would it bother me? I didn't know the people posting there, so I couldn't really care less what they post.

More importantly, I think, they didn't want anyone other than themselves to see the posts.

tbh

Overheal wrote: »

Integral Site functions versus say the Knights of Comeonbanus. Whom's very name almost seems to imply the clique of people that cant be banned :cool:

have you ever applied to join that forum?

pickarooney

Des wrote: »

Would anyone like access to Team Boardroom? It's a forum set up so myself and the assistant manager can talk about previous and upcoming matches, because we know that some of the opposition players read the public team forum, we like to keep our plans away from them.

Does that meet everyone's approval, or is it too clique-ish?

I appreciate the fact that you told us what it is.