From: Horse (horse@darkstar.uk.net)
Date: Wed Jun 16 2004 - 01:37:21 BST
Hi Folks
The subject of different discussion formats comes up from time to time but never really
gets resolved for one reason or another.
Personally I like the current format and don't have a problem of following threads as I
save all MD posts (around 23000 thus far). It also allows an amount of control in relation
to spam and virii (!) by use of configuration files which are relatively easy to structure.
Cases of spamming and viruses are virtually non-exstent.
Then there is minimal maintenance as the list server is well maintained and the
archiving of posts is pretty good. I don't have as much control over certain aspects as I
would like but it's a good compromise.
It's also run at low cost which means I don't need to pass on any financial burdens - as
there are very few.
Additionally, the way it's run at the moment means that it's ad free which, for my thinking
anyway, is a huge bonus. I detest bulletin boards and mailing lists with poxy adverts for
banks, bookies and other similar institutions. I'm not wild about the whole morality issue
of advertising products you don't wholeheartedly agree with. If you like something and
it's relevant then give it a plug for free. Otherwise leave it alone. Works for me!
Having said all that, I do understand that a 'bulletin board' style of forum could also be a
useful addition to MOQ discussions. I made some enquiries some time back but found
little of reasonable quality at affordable rates. I'm also loathe to get involved in the whole
tying in to a proprietary system with all the upgrade hassles that go with it. Been there,
done it, got the ulcers and raised blood pressure!
However, I would be prepared to get involved - at least initially - under certain
conditions:
1) The software to run the thing is open source
2) It's not ridiculously complex and bug ridden
3) There are no security issues involved
4) I can get some assistance from someone who is technically competent and willing to
commit time to the project.
I'm technically competent myself - I've been writing 'C' code for a living for several years
now, mostly low level stuff - but would probably need assistance in areas where I have
little or no experience.
If anyone is up for it then we can talk to see if it's feasible. How does that sound?
Let me know.
On 14 Jun 2004 at 21:21, Mark Steven Heyman wrote:
> Hi Horse and all,
>
> I kind of like getting the text via email, though I can see where
> having things formatted for browser might have some useful features,
> such as being able to easily navigate a specific thread.
The archives are pretty useful for this and normally have most posts available within a
day of posting. Occasional hiccups do occur but are mercifully infrequent.
> I think the main thing to keep in mind is that this forum is free, so
> we need to be mindful of the maintenance load for Horse, for example.
I like free. Free is good. I'd like to keep it that way if possible so that there are no
economic restraints for membership or exclusions due to costs. As long as it's humanly
possible I shall keep it free. Rich, poor or somewhere in between shouldn't be a barrier
to talking about Quality and the MoQ. But maybe it's because I'm just an old hippy in
heart and mind and still think that many of our ideals still have relevance.
>
> If we want things to get more convenient for us, we might want to
> consider paying a membership fee toward site maintenance. However, I
> definitely would NOT want this to mean that somebody would be
> excluded if they can't afford to pay.
Absolutely agree - about the non-exclusion that is. Paid membership stuff is such a
hassle and can cause problems and ill will which I can live without quite happily. There's
enough of this without adding to the pile. If things get desperate it's a possibility but for
the moment membership fees are unnecessary - but thanks for the thought anyway.
Much appreciated.
What is of greater use is a bit of member involvement and commitment. These are much
more valuable than cash and can achive far greater things - in my view anyway. I'm also
very easy to work with for the most part and rarely bite.
>
> I guess Horse needs to weigh in on this.
I just did ;^) Waddaya reckon?
>
> Best,
> Mark Steven Heyman (msh)
> IPC, and all that jazz..
>
>
> On 15 Jun 2004 at 4:21, Adam Watt wrote:
>
> Hello All,
>
> First , it's good to see you Vito, hope you the booklist I sent. If
> you have problems getting hold of any of them, give me a shout and
> I'll be glad to help out. Thanks also for the kind words :)
>
> Secondly, any input regarding this idea would be very welcome,
> especially from you Horse! (if I'm correct in thinking you operate
> this discussion list). And anyone else!.. surely I'm not alone in
> finding this format a little inconvenient?
>
> Look forward to any response.
>
> Thanks, and best wishes
>
> Adam
>
> On Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at 12:37 am, Exxon Valdez wrote:
>
> > Thatīs a terrific idea Adam!
> >
> > The Discogs forum interface is really nice! It has the pros of a
> > mailinglist: No fancy layout and stuff like disturbing signatures
> > etc. And it has the pros of an internet forum: itīs easier to use
> > and simpler to overview.
> >
> > I like the formal style of an email list though. But the benefits
> of
> > the forum style probably overweighs the losses.
> >
> > See you on Discogs and MoQ! :)
> >
> > Vito the wreck
> >
> >> From: Adam Watt <adamwatt@mac.com>
> >> Reply-To: moq_discuss@moq.org
> >> To: moq_discuss@moq.org
> >> Subject: MD Forum style..
> >> Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 15:51:50 +0100
> >>
> >> Hi all,
> >>
> >> Maybe this has come up before, if so I apologise. Basically, I
> just
> >> wondered why these discussion take place in the email based style
> >> that they do? It seems to me that it would be a lot easier if they
> >> were conducted in the more usual internet forum style. Like this,
> >> for instance (an example of a good plain layout, imo, not content!
> >> - also, members there don't suffer the ads..)
> >>
> >> http://www2.discogs.com/forums/board?forum_id=3&s=1
> >>
> >> Interested to hear you views on the pros and cons of this idea. I
> >> would certainly find it easier to follow the discussion that way I
> >> think..
> >>
> >> Thanks and best wishes,
> >>
> >> Adam
> >>
>
>
>
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