[compost_tea] Thought for input: Forum style instead of yahoo groups.

From: Mike Bosko <mjbosko_at_jmtsystems.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2004 18:03:24 -0800

I would like to see this list move away from yahoo groups (too restrictive,
difficult to maintain, and hard to follow). There are a lot of forum
software out there that makes reading more interactive, you choose which
thread you want to read. So, with that too, there is overhead effort of
downloading a ton of messages that you are not interested in reading anyway.
Also, with everyone continuously changing the subject of messages pertaining
to a thread, its very hard to follow a conversation - this doesn't occur in
a forum type board.

Its simply a web site that maintains each thread. And the moderators can
make certain messages 'stick' to the top of the board - such as Chris'
documents and posts that sum a lot of the conversations up. Also, events
can be posted (stuck) to the top of the list so everyone can read and find
it later, easily.

Forum software is typically free, or may have a monthly or one-time fee, you
just need a place to host it. The ICTC could host it on their web space,
and where only members are allowed in the group. Membership is something
everyone on the list should do anyway and this would help cover the ICTC
costs. Not to mention, enforcing names to those left nameless on this list
now. Moderation is also handled on the forums. You can lock specific
users out once they get out of hand... Etc etc etc.

Another benefit, there are methods for manufacturers to purchase
advertisement if they wish - their banner ad will be displayed on the forum
pages. If you are interested, you click on the banner - if not, you ignore
it. The manufacturers can pay the ICTC to host their banner on the page -
hey, more money for the ICTC to use for everyone's benefit.

I would be more than willing to help the ICTC set this up, or work with them
to get started (free); or I may be interested in just hosting it myself on
my own web space. Its pretty easy, and that is where most of these
yahoo-type groups are headed.

An example of such forums are here:
http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/index.php
http://www.wildlanders.com/wildlanders/aaaasp/snitzforum/default.asp?CAT_ID=
50

More easily moderated, more easily maintained, more easily read and all
threads stay in one neat and tidy location.

Mike




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Received on Wed Mar 24 2004 - 00:16:29 EST

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