You want to save the DJ forum?

[Phrozen]

I see all these people upset about the current state of these forums, but I see little being done to change things. I'd like to offer a few ideas and I hope others will use this thread to either provide their own ideas or to show their support for the proposed changes.

1. Don't let new members post for their first month. These people have no business offering advice at this point and they are unlikely to have a question that hasn't be covered before. If they are serious about improving themselves then they can wait a month.

2. Do away with showing post counts. Quantity of posts means **** all; total time spent absorbing and practicing the ideas here means everything. Newbies may be easily miss guided by other AFCs with high post counts, and they may easily dismiss veterans who lurk.

 

[Phrozen]

I guess this belongs in the suggestions forum, but I feel like it needs the attention of the general forum.

 

[Jvesti]

I think we should have a

"Rookie forum"

that was it clears up the clutter in here and be taken care of by those who like to help rookies.

And more intermediate or advanced discussion can take place in here.

 

[Eternal]

Moved to Suggestions and Feedback.

 

[Phrozen]

Thanks crazy, I realize it belonged there after I posted. I hope you can seriously consider these suggestions, because it definitely helps on another forum I visit. New members are forced to wait for the privilege to participate.

I think it could work here as it would significantly cut down on the repetetive AFC questions. First timers would be forced to search the archives or the bible for their answers. Once that first month is up they would be likely to know the basics. This cuts down on the frustration and clutter for the old timers and makes them more likely to stick around.

 

[Eternal]

Originally posted by Phrozen
Thanks crazy, I realize it belonged there after I posted. I hope you can seriously consider these suggestions, because it definitely helps on another forum I visit. New members are forced to wait for the privilege to participate.

I think it could work here as it would significantly cut down on the repetetive AFC questions. First timers would be forced to search the archives or the bible for their answers. Once that first month is up they would be likely to know the basics. This cuts down on the frustration and clutter for the old timers and makes them more likely to stick around.

The idea has been considered before, but I (and some of the other mods I know) aren't sure how Allen can/will implement it. I think a lot of people make suggestions without realizing that there is a lot of work to do to keep the forums running as they are. That, plus Allen sort of has to work around the VBulliten software he uses.

 

[Phrozen]

Ok, I understand that it is a lot of work to run a large forum these days and that the software often needs a lot of customization. I've just seen the wait period work wonderfully for getting new members up to speed and I wanted to make sure it had been considered around here.

What do you guys think about post counts?

 

[Eternal]

Originally posted by Phrozen
Ok, I understand that it is a lot of work to run a large forum these days and that the software often needs a lot of customization. I've just seen the wait period work wonderfully for getting new members up to speed and I wanted to make sure it had been considered around here.

What do you guys think about post counts?

Kind of a toss-up. If you see a poster who only has 10 or so posts trying to give some advice, you have the right to have doubts. But, you shouldn't just toss it aside and yell out "newbie who knows nothing" because of that.

I say, keep the post counts, but try and get people to lighten up.

 

[tactic]

Crazykid, you're on the ball and so correct there. Some people believe in some kind of high-numbers-for-DJs that they think if a member posting a tip has over 500 posts, its like it must mean its a good tip then. I find that rather offensive than nothing but a good compliment to make them feel good.

 

[Eternal]

Originally posted by tactic
Crazykid, you're on the ball and so correct there. Some people believe in some kind of high-numbers-for-DJs that they think if a member posting a tip has over 500 posts, its like it must mean its a good tip then. I find that rather offensive than nothing but a good compliment to make them feel good.

There are a lot of people on here with thousands of posts who I wouldn't want a newbie to listen to. Then there are also some posters who have 500 or less posts who know thier game. Pimpologist being one of the older examples. The guy had at most 150 posts, but he knew it all. I'd rather newbies take a month to sit back and read posts by everyone and even search about certain people to see if they mainly reply with "bump" or "I agree" to boost thier post counts.

 

[MrBond007]

Heres how it can be done (I know Vb):

-Create a new rank for newcomers
-Add a counter variable set to zero at start (and set to 31 for current members).
-Add a +1 to the counter after each day the member visited.The +1 variable needs to be trigerred by the date and check if the person came on that date already to make sure the counter isnt abused by refreshing the website.

Example:
-Subscription on day 1
-Day 1`s date is set into a variable and the counter gets +0
-A fork condition to know if date x is already in the variable has to be made to make sure redundant+1(or +0 for the first day) wont be calculated.
-Days 2 date is set into variable and counter variable gets +1
"repeat and rinse with a loop"
-Have a fork condition to check wether or not counter (>=31)


-When counter reaches 31 the person gains the new rank and can now post.



It works like the ranks name trigerred by post counts but now its done with the date.Im sure Allen can get it to work.Id do it if he sent me the files but I doubt he or anyone else for that matter would trust me.

 

[Eternal]

How would it make sure that the person can't post until the counter hits 31 and what about users that have posted already that haven't been here 30 days?

 

[MrBond007]

Its all about fork conditions:

First question`s answer:

If x >=31
then
rank = newrank

(thats not the correct way to type it but its the simplest way to explain it)

Second one:

We might change it for the following.Lets say we begin this new system on June 25:

When someone with the rank of newcomers (referred as rank):

If "registrationdate" is June25 or before (might be done with month x day y of year w kind of algorithm)
Then rank= newrank
Else
If x >=31
then
rank = newrank


In that case there is no need for another "Else rank=rank" because they begin with this variable and the setting of the system wont allow someone of this rank to post.

 

[Eternal]

Originally posted by MrBond007
Its all about fork conditions:

First question`s answer:

If x >=31
then
rank = newrank

(thats not the correct way to type it but its the simplest way to explain it)

Second one:

We might change it for the following.Lets say we begin this new system on June 25:

When someone with the rank of newcomers (referred as rank):

If "registrationdate" is June25 or before (might be done with month x day y of year w kind of algorithm)
Then rank= newrank
Else
If x >=31
then
rank = newrank


In that case there is no need for another "Else rank=rank" because they begin with this variable and the setting of the system wont allow someone of this rank to post.

Ah. Hopefully this will keep newbies from posting useless crap...Or keep them from posting useless crap for 30 days.

 

[MrBond007]

Still I doubt Allen will pull it off though. It might require some hours of work to make sure everything is running fine.

For example, he must make the checking and counter updating at log-in. Also, he must make the save date checking server sided to avoid cookie problems.

 

[diablo]

I'm in total agreeance with both suggestions - post count is something that some people are trying deperately to raise (theirs), and it really has no relevance to the quality of the reply. Removing it altogether will eliminate people spamming the forum just to see their count rise. Also, the 30 day rule is great - a DVD burning forum I'm a member of (burning copies of discs you already legally own, of course ) requires this, and since the time it started - about 6 months ago - the noobish questions has been reduced by about 80%... the people take it upon themselves to look up the answers instead of taking the easy option and asking someone else to do it for them...

Bond, it seems like you know what you're talking about - perhaps you could lend a hand and get with the admin to see if he needs any assistance in implementing the suggestions that have been made.

 

[MrBond007]

Originally posted by [T]he ishop

Bond, it seems like you know what you're talking about - perhaps you could lend a hand and get with the admin to see if he needs any assistance in implementing the suggestions that have been made.

Well, I sure could do it but im more of a problem analyst than a programmor. Still it woudnt be much of a big deal.The main problem is that I would require total access to the SQL database as well as some vbulletin files (like the admin files, board system files and the user files).

The first is related to the posting ranks and permissions, the second is related at how it will be implemented into a visual way for them to modify it and store the data and the user file is how the information is handled/sent to/by the user.

FOr example, you have the option to post a subject title because the parameters for it are writen into your user file, when you send it, the system administrate it and its stored somewhere in the SQL database.

I doubt they would take the risk of a stranger tampering with the files.

 

[Capi Crimini]

Ummmm.... What about testing them on the DJ bible instead of making them wait?

I already found a way to implement the test.

There's a free program that allows you to do multiple choice, true false, short answers and essays.

You could do questions in mult choice and true false over the bible and DJing stuff. It sends the quiz to who ever and it tells them the answers and percentage. If the Newb got it right then The reciever changes there account to a posting one.

I've posted this twice now and put up a sample test but no one cared. I mean I remember a few months back everyone wanted this and no one did it. I found a simple way and now no one cares



HERE IS A SAMPLE THE ANSWERS ARE E-MAILED TO MY ACCOUNT

The questions are lame. You guys would have to come up wiht and agree on the questions and answers.

I;m going to PM this to crazy kid.

Thought I think He doesn't pay attention

 

[diablo]

Capi, it's very noobish to attempt to hijack another thread with your own... you've already created a thread regarding this idea of yours - keep comments regarding it in that one, and don't put them in a thread filled with useful suggestions.

That being said, Bond, I can't see how they would let you into the site - perhaps you could type up a generic set of values or whatnot and email them over to him?

 

[Capi Crimini]

Bishop. I started that fourm AFTER Posting the above.

I was bitter because everyone supported it a little while ago. It's a lot better in my opinion to test someone then to diable them for a month. Plus some people come over from other boards to post info here. or join here who already have a good foundation.

Doing thats more of a mass genocide of newbs.

There have been good posts by people with posts of ~10, though rarer.

PLus some people like to create a new

http://sosuave.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35571&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

Like I said. A while abck everyone thought it was a good idea.I wasn't being bitter.


As for Bond. Maybe you could guide Allen through it step by step, or maybe there's a way Allen could back up the site before they let you on. and then change the PW after you left. That way they'd be insured against you messing up and screwing around.

Most fourms I've been at the fourm records everyhitng the mod does. So he might be able to check what exactly you did and see what you messed with.

hope it helps