![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fallsfall on February 12, 2004, at 9:08:23
Dr. Bob has done a great job getting Babble to where it is today. But Babble keeps growing, and Dr. Bob has a bit more to do than he can manage. I think that some of us posters would be willing to help, and Dr. Bob has asked us to give him suggestions on how we would assist him.
We need to brainstorm what ways we could help.
I'll start the brainstorming session. The rules of this brainstorming session are:
--All ideas are welcome.
--The ideas do NOT have to be practical.
--The ideas should not be "evaluated" until we have finished making a list, that means we don't discuss the ideas now, we will have time for that later.
--Some of the ideas will be terrible - but some of the terrible ideas might spark an idea in someone else's head that is really good, so make the terrible suggestions, too.
--I'm hoping that Dr. Bob will add to this list since he knows what kind of things are done for Babble (and which things he wishes he didn't have to do).
--You (personally) do not need to be qualified to do the things you suggest.After we have a list and determine which things on the list will be helpful, then we'll start seeing if there are people who can fill the individual roles. Remember, Dr. Bob may decide that he doesn't want a particular kind of help, or we may decide that we can't provide a particular kind of help - but for now, let's get all of the ideas on the table.
So - please add to this list!
BRAINSTORMING IDEAS
*Civility monitoring
*Programming enhancements
*System Admin stuff (like archiving? backups)
*Investigation on how other boards work
*Small committees to work out detail of new feature
*Discussion group for policy/strategy decisions
*Management (coordination, getting people what they need, finding people to do all the pieces)
*Getting coffee for Dr. Bob
*Writing (intro for newbies, FAQ, How To, also the Tips section, removing outdated information)
*Taking new pictures of Dr. Bob
*Statistics
*
Posted by Slinky on February 12, 2004, at 9:15:20
In reply to Dr. Bob wants some help, posted by fallsfall on February 12, 2004, at 9:08:23
> *Getting coffee for Dr. BobCan I do that ?
I haven't had the opertunity to wear my skimpy maid outfit yet.
Posted by Phil on February 12, 2004, at 9:26:11
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob wants some help, posted by Slinky on February 12, 2004, at 9:15:20
Woohoo! Slinky, you are just what the doctor ordered. I love your sense of humor.
Posted by Phil on February 12, 2004, at 9:33:39
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob wants some help » Slinky, posted by Phil on February 12, 2004, at 9:26:11
BTW, how old a man are you? *wink
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 12, 2004, at 10:19:32
In reply to Re: Slinky, posted by Phil on February 12, 2004, at 9:33:39
I like the idea of programming enhancements. Here are a few:
Perhaps offering buttons to go to different sections of Babble.
Easy search mechanism to search through the different boards for topic or content or user.
Maybe a list of who is on-line via a Babble-login. This would facilitate chats and such.
Who knows.... how 'bout getting Dr. Bob an internet-read coffee maker. Then we could all get him coffee whenever we wanted. With pages that could show pictures, we could all upload our sexy-maid outfits.
Dee.
Posted by Slinky on February 12, 2004, at 10:31:16
In reply to Re: Slinky, posted by Phil on February 12, 2004, at 9:33:39
Hey Phil...that's the first lenghy laugh I've had for a while.
I must go and get a shave now and wash the sheeps garter.
Posted by fallsfall on February 12, 2004, at 10:43:08
In reply to Re: Slinky » Phil, posted by Slinky on February 12, 2004, at 10:31:16
Also arranging guest speaker for PsychoBabble Open
Posted by shar on February 12, 2004, at 19:28:29
In reply to Dr. Bob wants some help, posted by fallsfall on February 12, 2004, at 9:08:23
My brainstorm: make the test required at registration (if it still exists) open book.
S
> Dr. Bob has done a great job getting Babble to where it is today. But Babble keeps growing, and Dr. Bob has a bit more to do than he can manage. I think that some of us posters would be willing to help, and Dr. Bob has asked us to give him suggestions on how we would assist him.
>
> We need to brainstorm what ways we could help.
>
> I'll start the brainstorming session. The rules of this brainstorming session are:
> --All ideas are welcome.
> --The ideas do NOT have to be practical.
> --The ideas should not be "evaluated" until we have finished making a list, that means we don't discuss the ideas now, we will have time for that later.
> --Some of the ideas will be terrible - but some of the terrible ideas might spark an idea in someone else's head that is really good, so make the terrible suggestions, too.
> --I'm hoping that Dr. Bob will add to this list since he knows what kind of things are done for Babble (and which things he wishes he didn't have to do).
> --You (personally) do not need to be qualified to do the things you suggest.
>
> After we have a list and determine which things on the list will be helpful, then we'll start seeing if there are people who can fill the individual roles. Remember, Dr. Bob may decide that he doesn't want a particular kind of help, or we may decide that we can't provide a particular kind of help - but for now, let's get all of the ideas on the table.
>
> So - please add to this list!
>
> BRAINSTORMING IDEAS
>
> *Civility monitoring
> *Programming enhancements
> *System Admin stuff (like archiving? backups)
> *Investigation on how other boards work
> *Small committees to work out detail of new feature
> *Discussion group for policy/strategy decisions
> *Management (coordination, getting people what they need, finding people to do all the pieces)
> *Getting coffee for Dr. Bob
> *Writing (intro for newbies, FAQ, How To, also the Tips section, removing outdated information)
> *Taking new pictures of Dr. Bob
> *Statistics
> *
Posted by justyourlaugh on February 13, 2004, at 7:21:56
In reply to here's my BS (that's brainstorm!), posted by shar on February 12, 2004, at 19:28:29
how about some sort of test to prove that we wont get too emotional... prove that we dont need to be in a supportive community..
prove that we are not mentally ill..
s
jk i think?
Posted by fallsfall on February 14, 2004, at 21:49:25
In reply to Dr. Bob wants some help, posted by fallsfall on February 12, 2004, at 9:08:23
Well, we do have some suggestions for ways that posters can help out here at Babble. Please look through this list and see if there is anything that interests you (we have seen some interest in the one for getting Dr. Bob coffee, but maybe he drinks 20 cups a day, so we may still need more help with that one.).
I know that I would like to help with some things, but my mental state is such that I don't know from one day to the next if I'll be able to actually accomplish something. My guess is that many of you are in the same position. I'm sure that Dr. Bob would understand that and not expect immediate turnaround from us on things. I guess I'm trying to say that if you WANT to help, then let's see if we can arrange some way so that you CAN help.
Here's the list so far:
BRAINSTORMING IDEAS
*Civility monitoring
*Programming enhancements
***Buttons to go to different sections of Babble.
***Easy search mechanism( topic or content or user)
***Who is on-line via a Babble-login.
*** Pages that could show pictures, for our sexy-maid outfits.
*System Admin stuff (like archiving? backups)
*Investigation on how other boards work
*Small committees to work out detail of new feature
*Discussion group for policy/strategy decisions
*Management (coordination, getting people what they need, finding people to do all the pieces)
*Getting coffee for Dr. Bob
*Writing (intro for newbies, FAQ, How To, also the Tips section, removing outdated information)
*Taking new pictures of Dr. Bob
*Statistics
*Modify Entrance exam
*Guest speakersThere is a lot of variety here, folks. Some "civility" work, some computer work, some writing work, some management work, some coffee work. Maybe a little bit for everyone!
We can either made our offers online here, or email them to Dr. Bob directly.
I'll start:
Dr. Bob,
I have a number of skills that might be helpful and I am willing to give some time to Babble (but I can't guarantee how much because I'm not stable enough for guarantees...). I would like to give you maybe 3 or 4 hours a week (but we'll have to see how that goes). I'll tell you what skills I have - could you think about what you need help with the most? My goal would be to make Babble a more stable place and increase communication between you and the posters.
1. My profession is fixing bugs in software. This also generalizes to adding enhancements. I have experience working with other people's code (since, naturally, I don't add any bugs in myself...). I'm good at what I do because I don't give up when it gets hard. So, I could help with programming or other technical computer tasks.
2. I have management experience. I could help by organizing discussions around particular issues - with a goal of coming to a conclusion and a plan. I could help by soliciting information about poster's expertise so that when a particular need came up we would know who might be able to help. I could make a list of potential tasks available to posters, and collect feedback on what people think is most important.
3. I could work on a committee to define a new feature.
4. I prefer not to do civility monitoring.
5. I can write, but would prefer to do # 1, 2 or 3.
6. I don't drink coffee, so usually the coffee I make is not very good - I'll leave that task to others.
So, Dr. Bob, What would you like help with?
Fallsfall
Posted by Karen_kay on February 14, 2004, at 22:28:08
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob wants some help, posted by fallsfall on February 14, 2004, at 21:49:25
I'm willing to help in any way you deem me fit. However, I must warn you, I can barely reboot my computer, so I am hardely able to do any type of computer work. Is there anything relevant to creative writing? I didn't see that on the list... I could help brainstorm new ideas, however I don't like to cause trouble or finger point. I don't feel that's helpful. What exactly do you mean by civility monitoring? If you mean reading posts and emailing Bob ones that are uncivil, I could try that.... Is that what you're suggesting? Huh? What am I talking about? I could help with coffee, but I'm inclinded to drink it all myself and not share. But, I'm all against the skimpy maid outfit. If you're going to do something, do it right! An apron is all that's needed to serve coffee. And that's only because it's a hot beverage!
So, wait a minute... Is this even what Bob wants? I thought he only wanted suggestions and discussions. That was my impression. But, I'm often wrong.
Posted by fallsfall on February 17, 2004, at 7:31:37
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob wants some help » fallsfall, posted by Karen_kay on February 14, 2004, at 22:28:08
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 17, 2004, at 11:43:13
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob wants some help » fallsfall, posted by Karen_kay on February 14, 2004, at 22:28:08
> 1. My profession is fixing bugs in software... So, I could help with programming or other technical computer tasks.
Well, two things come to mind. First would be just helping out people here who have trouble with the site. And I guess related to that would be coming up with ways to make the site easier to use.
Second, it was a summer project of mine last year to move from flat files to a MySQL database... Do you have any experience with MySQL? And Perl? There are packages out there that could be a starting point...
> 2. I have management experience. I could help by organizing discussions around particular issues - with a goal of coming to a conclusion and a plan.
>
> FallsfallThat would be great, too. Discussions here aren't always very organized... Maybe just jump in when something gets going and try to keep us moving forward?
--
> Is there anything relevant to creative writing? I didn't see that on the list...
Hmm, well, there's the FAQ, I don't know if you'd be interested in revising or adding to that...
Or, it would be a bigger project, and maybe not something for one poster, but along the lines of a couple of Phil's recent posts, what about an introduction to PB from the poster perspective? Orientation, advice, etc.?
Hey, maybe you could do some of the writing and Falls could oversee the project?
> What exactly do you mean by civility monitoring? If you mean reading posts and emailing Bob ones that are uncivil, I could try that.... Is that what you're suggesting?
>
> Karen_kayThat does help, but it can take me some time to get to email, so even better is for someone to step in as a deputy administrator right then:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#deputies
Like Dinah's been doing...
Thanks for these offers, I really appreciate it. But do feel free to change your mind, I don't want this to be a burden for anyone.
Bob
Posted by Karen_kay on February 17, 2004, at 12:08:40
In reply to Re: possible ways to help, posted by Dr. Bob on February 17, 2004, at 11:43:13
Ahhh shucks Dr. Bob, it's no burden. :) And if it became one, I'd say so.
I'll look into your suggestions. You can count on it.
Are you in Falls, or should I say Boss???
Posted by slinky on February 17, 2004, at 19:20:35
In reply to Re: possible ways to help » Dr. Bob, posted by Karen_kay on February 17, 2004, at 12:08:40
> Are you in Falls, or should I say Boss???BEWARE!
The above message contains an hypnotic thingy
I'm working on an antidote
Be very careful aka~Bob my darlin'
Karen K is a friskin' all pdocs cyber pants.
Posted by fallsfall on February 17, 2004, at 21:33:23
In reply to Re: possible ways to help » Dr. Bob, posted by Karen_kay on February 17, 2004, at 12:08:40
If you are talking to me, then "falls" will get you farther.
Sure, I'll help.
I'm a little crabby and a little groggy, so let's talk about it tomorrow.
Posted by fallsfall on February 19, 2004, at 21:00:38
In reply to Re: possible ways to help, posted by Dr. Bob on February 17, 2004, at 11:43:13
> > 1. My profession is fixing bugs in software... So, I could help with programming or other technical computer tasks.
>
> Well, two things come to mind. First would be just helping out people here who have trouble with the site. And I guess related to that would be coming up with ways to make the site easier to use.I can try to do this. Deirdrehbrt had a nice list of enhancement suggestions http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040112/msgs/312417.html. I vote for enhanced searching.
>
> Second, it was a summer project of mine last year to move from flat files to a MySQL database... Do you have any experience with MySQL? And Perl? There are packages out there that could be a starting point...I had a little bit of Database experience in the late 80s and early 2000s (but none in the '90s...). I've never used MySQL, but I don't see that as a problem - I do know how to RTFM. I have a Perl book upstairs (and have heard enough things about it that I am interested in learning it). How far did you get with this project? What do you want to accomplish? I would do better if you suggested tasks (dreaming things up is a bit beyond my brain capacity these days). Do you have a particular package in mind?
>
> > 2. I have management experience. I could help by organizing discussions around particular issues - with a goal of coming to a conclusion and a plan.
> >
> > Fallsfall
>
> That would be great, too. Discussions here aren't always very organized... Maybe just jump in when something gets going and try to keep us moving forward?OK. Look for this on this board soon!
>
> --
>
> > Is there anything relevant to creative writing? I didn't see that on the list...
>
> Hmm, well, there's the FAQ, I don't know if you'd be interested in revising or adding to that...
>
> Or, it would be a bigger project, and maybe not something for one poster, but along the lines of a couple of Phil's recent posts, what about an introduction to PB from the poster perspective? Orientation, advice, etc.?
>
> Hey, maybe you could do some of the writing and Falls could oversee the project?Surely.
>
> > What exactly do you mean by civility monitoring? If you mean reading posts and emailing Bob ones that are uncivil, I could try that.... Is that what you're suggesting?
> >
> > Karen_kay
>
> That does help, but it can take me some time to get to email, so even better is for someone to step in as a deputy administrator right then:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#deputies
>
> Like Dinah's been doing...
>
> Thanks for these offers, I really appreciate it. But do feel free to change your mind, I don't want this to be a burden for anyone.
>
> Bob
Posted by fallsfall on February 22, 2004, at 9:29:24
In reply to Re: possible ways to help, posted by Dr. Bob on February 17, 2004, at 11:43:13
My previous post might have made you nervous about my software capabilities. I wrote code for 8 years in addition to my 7 years in management. In Bug fixing, you often get thrown into a piece of code that is in a language you don't know and interfacing to a system (i.e. Database) you don't know. My job was to learn those things while I was finding the bug. So the Perl/MySQL part really won't be a problem for me (I can give you references if you want to check me out technically...).
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 22, 2004, at 16:02:14
In reply to Re: possible ways to help » Dr. Bob, posted by fallsfall on February 19, 2004, at 21:00:38
> > coming up with ways to make the site easier to use.
>
> I can try to do this. Deirdrehbrt had a nice list of enhancement suggestions
>
> > Perhaps offering buttons to go to different sections of Babble.
> > Easy search mechanism to search through the different boards for topic or content or user.
> > Maybe a list of who is on-line via a Babble-login. This would facilitate chats and such.
>
> I vote for enhanced searching.Google isn't perfect, but it can do a lot. For example, you can already search for posts about parents by you in PSB with "parents poster:fallsfall inurl:social"...
And as far as buttons, there's already a list you can keep in a little window off to the side:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/list.html
There's already a way to log in and log off, too, but it's for cookies and doesn't keep track of who's logged in or anything. Plus people have to log themselves off, it's not automatic...
> > it was a summer project of mine last year to move from flat files to a MySQL database... There are packages out there that could be a starting point...
>
> How far did you get with this project? What do you want to accomplish? I would do better if you suggested tasks (dreaming things up is a bit beyond my brain capacity these days). Do you have a particular package in mind?Well, I thought it might speed things up and maybe save some space, but I don't know, and then there would be a database to maintain...
It would also make it easier to add features like indexes for arbitrary periods (rather than only the fixed archive intervals) or single pages with all the posts in particular threads. But I guess that could be done with the data in its current form, too...
Hmm, maybe the first step should be moving to dynamic index pages, they're actually still HTML...
But anyway, the database task would be designing the database more than doing any programming, specifying the tables, the fields, etc. If there's an existing package, for example, from:
http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Software/Internet/Servers/Message_Boardsthat could be adapted to be able to work like things do now, that would be great. I'm trying to avoid PHP so as to only have to deal with one new thing at a time...
> > > I have management experience. I could help by organizing discussions around particular issues - with a goal of coming to a conclusion and a plan.
> >
> > Maybe just jump in when something gets going and try to keep us moving forward?
>
> OK. Look for this on this board soon!Great!
> > it would be a bigger project, and maybe not something for one poster, but along the lines of a couple of Phil's recent posts, what about an introduction to PB from the poster perspective? Orientation, advice, etc.?
> >
> > Hey, maybe ... Falls could oversee the project?
>
> Surely.Also great, thanks for whatever you can do! :-)
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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