Posted by Dr. Bob on August 20, 2013, at 11:29:31
In reply to Re: Site makeover, posted by Moishe Pipik on August 19, 2013, at 10:44:50
> The out-of-date med and book info really shows how even basic maintenance of this site has been sorely neglected, not to mention the many other areas in need of help.
>
> Moishe PipikIt's true, I've neglected that. What specifically should I change about the med and book info?
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> This site could really benefit from a makeover. Its style dates back to the 90's. People like rich-text editors, able to add avatar, signature, general info and all the functionality a more modern forum can provide that's built on, for example, vBulletin.
> Existing users should be able to keep their post count in a new forum, this shouldn't be hard to achieve.
>
> /tensor> The site IS outdated looking, no doubt about that. But getting it redesigned takes money to have it done if you don't have knowledge on how to do so and time. I have the knowledge, but I also know the time it takes, and how much it costs to hire someone.
>
> Happyflower123Some people might prefer a more up-to-date interface. Others might prefer what they're used to.
I've been thinking, it doesn't need to be either-or. The same posts could be displayed different ways. People could choose the interface they prefer.
What newer interfaces do you like? Do any of you have experience maintaining any of them?
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> A few points I was thinking about the other night.
>
> 1. No PBC ever. Allow users to be "uncivil" to users whose behavior is erratic. This works surprisingly well on other forums.
> 2. Admins and moderators should censor and remove offensive or inappropriate posts or parts of posts as they see fit, without having to explain.
> 3. There should NEVER be a follow-up when a moderator delete or censor comments. Users simply adhere to the rules or GTFO.
> 4. No Admin board whatsoever.
> 5. Don't overcomplicate rules with banning systems only a mathematician could figure out. Banning is done by admins/moderators. Rules should be written in stone and NOT open for discussion.
>
> /tensor> Even though the rules are always "up for debate" history has shown it rarely ever ends positively, if anything, it seems likely to cause more riffs and hurt feelings overall. I am guessing more blocks have been issued on the administration board than any other. It makes one wonder if having the administration board available creates a platform for more conflict and uncivil-ness. It would certainly be the perfect design experiment for research on conflict and resolution. haha! Rules aren't decided by anyone other than Dr. Bob. It's his site, he can do as he wishes. Members should just accept that and save themselves a lot of time and grief over it and leave it be. Or leave. It's a simple choice, really. That being, I agree, administration should be closed or private for overall harmony of the site. I rarely have see any changes made or much of anything positive in my view. If you want to be in the clubhouse, you have to play by the owner's rules. Simple enough I believe.
>
> Happyflower123I know the culture at other forums is different. Maybe Babble has evolved to occupy a different niche in the online ecosystem.
In a way, Admin is the Politics of Babble. And in politics, feelings do sometimes get hurt.
Bob
a brilliant and reticent Web mastermind -- The New York Times
backpedals well -- PartlyCloudy
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:1049289
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20130702/msgs/1049358.html