Time To Re-Design The Entire Forum?

[Star-Shadow]

At present, the Zone Forum consists of twenty-four sub-forums, all of which appear in sequence on the main page. I've recently re-designed everything on paper, and now wish to share the results of this earth-shattering endeavor.

Here's-a what I been thinkin' ...

Establish six new forums on the main page. All the others will go inside them, along with a handful of new ones. Behold, o ye Zoners ...

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The Zone Database
Welcome To The Forum
Important Info: Please Read

(these forums will retain their current function)

The General Store
The File Cabinet
(combining both the "File Manager" and "Fetching Files" forums into one area)
The Forum Quorum
(inquiries about the zone message board)
Your Place In Space
(combining the current "Regarding Domains" and "Regarding Renewals" forums)
The Zig-Zag Room
(stuff which doesn't fit elsewhere)

The Family Room
The Chit-Chat Lounge
(small-talk with friendly people)
The Church Altar
(for prayer requests)
The Art Room
(books, movies, and music)
The Sports Page
(the wide world of sports)
Gamers Galore
(videogame enthusiasts)
Bake A Cake
(you say it's your birthday?)

Technical Arts
Computer Land
(combining both the current "Puteron Zone" and "PC For Beginners" forums)
Cyberspace Survival
(life on the web)
Code Breakers
(html and scripting needs)
Xtreme Energy
(everything about the xtreme server)
Tip of The Iceberg
(Iceman's tips and tweaks)
The Website Wagon
(submit your pages for review)

Webber World
The Black Box
The New Box

(for the current msn and msn2 "Issues & Answers" forums)

The Black Hole
Writer's Camp
(submit samples of your written handiwork)
Sir Gags-A-Lot
(jokes, funnies, humor)
The Steam Vent
(gripe and complain about the world)
The Casual Corner
(where guys and gals can flirt)
Zone Classified
(buy - sell - whatever)

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(I'm writing this on an e-mail page, and if I got all that parsing correct on the first attempt, I'll be freakin' amazed!)

Consider all this the forum equivalent of using folders and sub-directories in a website account. This re-design would present but a mere six forums on the main forum page, while allowing for the addition of even more boards, and yet with everything neatly arranged into one tidy little package.

Feedback is invited.

PS -- I'll be damned ... I got the parsing picture perfect from the git-go! I also now have a headache.

[Star-Shadow]

(The following is a copy of something for Kari, I left over in the "Cyberspace Survival" forum, regarding my suggestion of "Home Page Depot" in the original entry of this particular thread)

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Kari:

That Gnubee fellow banned me from his newsgroup long before I even arrived at The Zone, and I've never looked back ever since. Let the record show that my suggestion of "Home Page Depot" was nothing more than sheer coincidence. Sorry about that. Dang, sure is the perfect name though! Now I gotta go edit my other post, over in the Members Forum ... just as soon as I think of a replacement. Dang, and double dang!

[Star-Shadow]

I hereby propose that The Website Wagon" be used as a replacement name for my earlier suggested Home Page Depot ... belatedly discovered to be in use elsewhere.

[Aubade]

I have a few comments now. I may have more later.

Instead of "The Zig-Zag Room" (stuff which doesn't fit elsewhere), I'd like to submit "THE UNKNOWN ZONE" for (stuff which doesn't fit elsewhere).

I like the idea of a "Writers' Camp" I go through ages of dry spells, but every now-and-then I get a bee in my bonnet and waste quite a bit of ink.

At "The Home Page DePot" or whatever is chosen (submit your pages for review). I'd change the (submit . . review) to (Zone Members Pages)

Hey! How about "PAGES ON PARADE"

Also! Just below "PAGES ON PARADE" add "SIGS ON PARADE"

[Aubade]

I also like ZONE UNKNOWN for things that don't seem to have a particular place to be posted.

In the family room, how about a MOAN ZONE. Everyone who complains is not requesting prayer. It would also give a specific place to post any kind of gripes.

Gee! I'm not sure, am I just getting silly or are these happy, fun-loving suggestions for an interesting forum :rotfl:

[Aubade]

Sorry, Star-Shadow, I missed The Steam Vent. I have no problem with that name. I'm glad you gave a place to vent.

[Star-Shadow]

aubade --

All the names I gave are merely suggestions, of course. I took a notepad up to my tree house this afternoon, and came up with that stuff on the fly. Still, some of them sound pretty cool, though I may be rather biased.

I'm particularly fond of the "flirt room" idea (which I called The Casual Corner). However, I estimate the odds of anyone hanging out there at about 12,000-to-1 ... against. Ah, for the good old days! What in blazes ever happened to Trukslav, anyway?? Pay no heed ... I'm just thinking out loud.

The former crop of Zone posters has diminished by ninety-eight percent. People either don't post anymore, period ... or else they went looking for "greener grass" in other parts of cyberspace. I've spent years trying to get people to talk here once in a while. That task was hopeless. Now, instead I envision a board with an entirely new generation of participants.

If a tiny group of only three people were to post an item or two of conversation-inducing type material a couple of times each week, and -- now this part is important -- then actually respond to what each other was saying, a steady flow of conservation would result to animate this mostly static environment. Even if that failed to bring folks out into the village square, it would still serve the purpose of demonstrating that life exists.

A new coat of paint can do wonders for a home's overall appearance. It's still the same structure, at the same location ... and yet, it somehow seems different. Tis a great way to change the atmosphere, the vibes, the feel. That is essentially what I propose with a newly re-designed forum. A new coat of paint ... a fresh appearance ... and a tiny handful of dedicated posters, who can begin doing their work.

[Aubade]

Star-Shadow, it looks as if you and I are the only interested parties in this, but I also think a new, fresh look would be inviting. The present format is terribly hard for me to maneuver.* Several times, I have found comments to which I wanted to respond . . . only later. Later never came because I was unable to find the comments without an all-out search. I'd prefer to see as few, but meaningful, subject headings as possible. I'd also like to see the Little Black Box and The New Box posts placed in the same general area as the computers, even if Kari responded to one and Larry to the other. To separate us by entire divisions, in itself, makes several communities out of the single one Zone community.

*Not too long ago, I invited a LBB user -- with much experience -- here to read a post and she was unable to find the post.

[Star-Shadow]

aubade said:

Star-Shadow, it looks as if you and I are the only interested parties in this ...

star replies:

Actually, having two interested parties is a very good thing ... because up until now, I've stood completely alone in wanting to revitalize our once-thriving forum. Other people will occasionally say that they'd like to see more activity here. Just a few weeks ago, you and I both responded to a thread begun by someone who stated a desire to find something new on the board now and then. People come here looking for stuff, then leave ... without making the effort to offer material of their own.

It takes two people for a conversation. Folks will post an item from somewhere, yet rarely does anyone ever respond, other than with a perfunctory thank you and a smiling happy face icon. Four hundred-plus registered members, yet we can't get a real conversation underway between any three of them ... bah, humbug! And some of those persons spend ten hours a day working on their accounts, so it's not as though they lack the time.

What's lacking is the desire ...

... in all but a VERY few <_<

[xlectric]

Perhaps it's simply a matter of familiararity, but I like the forum the way it is. Adding topics as needed is okay though.

Later, Art.

[irishgodfather]

Originally posted by xlectric@Apr 13 2006, 02:02 PM
Perhaps it's simply a matter of familiararity, but I like the forum the way it is. Adding topics as needed is okay though.

Later, Art.
I'm with you Art.
If it ain't broke don't mess with it.

[Star-Shadow]

art said:

Perhaps it's simply a matter of familiararity, but I like the forum the way it is. Adding topics as needed is okay though.

star replies:

Art, the forum has been a ghost town for ages, so far as community activities and social interactions are concerned. So I'm not sure which part of the present situation it is that you like. Furthermore, so far as my suggested new layout goes, much of the old stuff is still present. It has simply been rearranged into a less intimidating package.

Was that "intimidating" I just said? Yep. Through the years, I have privately tried persuading more Zone-Webbers to post stuff here. Yet a surprising number of them have said they're just not comfortable with this kind of forum ... meaning these "invision" type boards. They're drastically different from the standard msn-specific place. Too many areas ... too much clutter ... at least in some folks' opinion.

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irish said:

I'm with you Art.
If it ain't broke don't mess with it.

star replies:

Bill, where's that great adventurer's spirit, to seek out new life, new lands, and new people? I wouldn't go so far as to say that our forum is "broken" per se, yet I do believe it has contracted an "illness" which I shall call ... uh, chronic neglect-situs ... the symptoms of which are evidenced by the fact that nobody talks here anymore, and hasn't done so for ages.

To put my claim in the proper perspective, we must understand exactly what it is I mean with that "talking" term.

example:

posting a link to a newly discovered website is NOT an example of communication. Neither is responding with a courteous "Thank you!"

counter-example:

Kari's recent question on who's been watching what movies lately WAS an attempt at generating a dialogue.

example:

asking a question about the file manager does NOT fall into the small-talk category.

counter-example:

sharing a story with everyone about the weekend camping trip WOULD constitute an attempt at conservation.

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Anyway, both you guys, thanks for the feedback. Personally, I love change ... for when water lies still in a motionless pond, things can often grow stagnant.

[GEST]

I'm with Art and Bill. If new topics are NEEDED for game players, flirters, or anyone else, by all means add them, but certainly not for my benefit. I come here three or four times every day, punch up the new posts button, select what interests me, comment if needed, leave, and I'm a happy camper. :thumbsup:

[Kari]

Well.. I can pretty much guarantee that a full-blown restructuring of the forum is not going to happen.

If you're interested in a reading a post later, you can email it to yourself.. then as long as the thread hasn't been moved or deleted (which I seldom do), you will be able to view it again simply by clicking on the link.

The forum is daunting and confusing to those who are used to Webtv newsgroups, but it is not by any means difficult to utilize. All you have to do is scroll through the topics and pick the one that best suits your question or comments.. Heck, there's even a "General Questions" section for those who don't know where else to post .. or for posts that don't fall into one of the categories specified.

As for separating the computer people from the webbie people .. that was done only because most webbie people will not go into a computer forum.. there's nothing in it for them. Computer people cannot access Webtv newsgroups, and do not experience the same issues.. therefore, they are unlikely to read the Webtv-related topics.. that's why they're listed out on the main page, so people can easily find their board.

We can probably condense the PC for Beginners and the Puteron Zone .. and the HTML Help and Script Zone can also be combined into a single more-inclusive topic.

I sincerely doubt that completely re-doing the forum will increase the number of posts. People are busy, and they don't come to the forum unless there's a problem. The "community spirit" has gone from a lot of places, not just the Zone.

Star Shadow .. you have a tendency to offend people who post. So, there are people who won't post here because you post here. I'm not trying to be cruel or offensive, but that's the way it is. The same thing happened with our friend, Majorhead... people said they wouldn't post here as long as he was posting here.

Since he passed away, the activity in the forum has dropped considerably. Often you critized the way that he and a few others posted "nonsense".. and yet you're saying that "communication" is dead here. What qualifies as "communication"? Bill and Majorhead trading barbs certainly was communication. GEST and Majorhead joking around was communication. You only need two people for communication .. and the forum has always had that.

Yes.. I would like to see more non-problem-related activity here.. but I'm not losing sleep over it. I would love to see more helpful hints, more information about webbie issues, more places to get information about computers, sig contests, etc... but to me, revamping the forum will not accomplish that.

We can accomplish that by simply making the forum as inviting as possible. Which is why I do not allow insults ..

To be honest, I don't want a venting area ... I get enough "venting" in real life.. and personally I'd rather not read it in this forum. If you're reporting a Zone-related problem or issue, that's one thing .. I've never been one for commisserating... so I'm not sure that's a topic that will be in this forum.

This forum is to be a positive, SAFE, place for Zone/Xtreme members to come when they have questions. I did my time in troll-infested newsgroups, and will not allow this forum to turn into something like that. Spirited discussion is one thing, but personal insults are something else.. and something that will be dealt with if found.

Aubade.. I don't know if you know it or not, but you can choose the look of the forum. I have uploaded several "skins" from which you can choose. Just go into the "My Controls" section, and click on the "skins and languages" link in the left sidebar.

I have emailed this topic to myself, so that I can look over any suggestions posted, in addition to my thoughts for the board. However, I wanted to throw in some comments in the meantime, so that you would know I've seen the thread.

[Aubade]

If it ain't broke don't mess with it.

It's broke, Godfather. I'm sad to disagree, but it is broke.

[irishgodfather]

Originally posted by Aubade@Apr 13 2006, 07:20 PM
If it ain't broke don't mess with it.

It's broke, Godfather. I'm sad to disagree, but it is broke.
I think it's more a lack of interest.
I have no Idea how many are still left on webtv but either they've learned all there is about webtv or there aren't that many. I see very few webtv questions here and it's the same in most other groups that both webtv and computer users can get to.
As for computer users there are many computer help groups. Most have a great many posts a day and are very helpful.
Kari no slam at you but not being able to discuss varied topics doesn't help keep peoples interest.
It's natural to have differences of opinions. It's very important to remember people have widely different life styles and opinions. We should all respect their right to voice them.

[Kari]

Originally posted by irishgodfather@Apr 13 2006, 07:19 PM
Kari no slam at you but not being able to discuss varied topics doesn't help keep peoples interest.
It's natural to have differences of opinions. It's very important to remember people have widely different life styles and opinions. We should all respect their right to voice them.
No slam taken, Bill.. I do not begrudge anyone's opinions, nor do I disagree that they should be allowed to express them.. and I expect the same in return.

The only topic that is "forbidden" as far as I know is politics.. and that's only because there is seldom a real discussion.. only arguments.

When it comes to opinions on politics, those who disagree will never change each other's opinions. Therefore, I do not see these as "discussions".. they inevitably deteriorate into personal insults, condescension, bruised egos, and hurt feelings. It's not paranoia on my part, it has happened here.

Perhaps I'm naive in expecting everyone to be polite and respectful to each other. I know that's not the way things are in the "real world", but it's the way things are, or are supposed to be, in a family... and as far as I'm concerned that's what we are.. a family.

[Kari]

Originally posted by Aubade@Apr 13 2006, 06:20 PM
If it ain't broke don't mess with it.

It's broke, Godfather. I'm sad to disagree, but it is broke.
I sincerely disagree, Aubade.. the forum isn't broken... it just needs a little TLC.

[steelartist]

My vote, I vote with the old farts, it's fine the way it is. But Kari, it's your show, do as you please. Maybe add topic if it is changed, (Where I'm I?)

[Star-Shadow]

kari said:

Star Shadow .. you have a tendency to offend people who post. So, there are people who won't post here because you post here. I'm not trying to be cruel or offensive, but that's the way it is. The same thing happened with our friend, Majorhead... people said they wouldn't post here as long as he was posting here.

star replies:

Me, offend people? Surely you jest! :D

Actually, I'm well aware of the fact -- after all, I'm intelligent, articulate, artistic, good-looking, and a card-carrying Republican member of the Bill O'Reilly Fan Club, who shrugs off the very notion of modesty as a primitive, antiquated concept. That's a combination which naturally "endears" me to a sizeable percentage of the world's population. Mr Trump may be "The Donald" ... yet I, however, am "The Daniel" ... in fact, henceforth, I shall forevermore refer to myself strictly in the third-person.

Anyway, with that being said, I'm honestly surprised to hear that there are people who have stated they won't use the board so long as I am present, as you say was also true with Major. That is purely foolish. All any such person needs to do is simply avoid reading the material posted by the offending party. And if they were to use the forum's "Ignore" feature, even the chance of an accidental exposure is completely eliminated. For somebody to avoid the entire forum simply because John Doe posts stuff there, is giving John Doe way too much power over one's emotional state.

kari also said:

Since he passed away, the activity in the forum has dropped considerably. Often you critized the way that he and a few others posted "nonsense".. and yet you're saying that "communication" is dead here. What qualifies as "communication"? Bill and Majorhead trading barbs certainly was communication. GEST and Majorhead joking around was communication. You only need two people for communication .. and the forum has always had that.

to which star replies:

Allow me to clarify that old matter. I did not "criticize" the never-ending string of material exchanged between Bill, Randall, and whoever, in and of its own self. I simply suggested that the sheer bulk of what was being offered -- sometimes several dozen items in a week -- might have been better suited with the creation of a new forum devoted purely to humor.

I accept your definition of what makes for communication. Yet as is also the case with beauty, perhaps it is equally true that such things are determined in the mind of each beholder. For me, there has been little "communication" here for a good long while. If other folks have a different perception, be that as it may. I do not care for the color "red" myself. Yet many people find it a lovely hue. That is the way of things.

I wish to emphasize that I am in no way dissatisfied with The Zone. I'm only frustrated that our once-thriving community has become so lethargic of late. Once every five or six months I go through this "We should do something!" phase, followed by a bunch of ideas regarding hypothetical panaceas. Also, as I stated in my reply to Irish, I do not share Aubade's assertion that anything is "broken" here. I merely say that things are slooooooow, and they've been this way for ages. I'm sure most people would agree.

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Hmmmmm, well lookie here ... a lengthy thread of "real" communication has developed ... even by my definition of the term. I always suspected it was still possible! It's wonderful to see so many folks coming out of the woodwork for this one. I especially enjoyed hearing from Gest. Next month, maybe we should discuss a thorough re-design of the entire file manager. Hey, whatever it takes to get us talking, right?

[irishgodfather]

Originally posted by Kari+Apr 13 2006, 10:36 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Kari @ Apr 13 2006, 10:36 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-irishgodfather@Apr 13 2006, 07:19 PM
Kari no slam at you but not being able to discuss varied topics doesn't help keep peoples interest.
It's natural to have differences of opinions. It's very important to remember people have widely different life styles and opinions. We should all respect their right to voice them.
No slam taken, Bill.. I do not begrudge anyone's opinions, nor do I disagree that they should be allowed to express them.. and I expect the same in return.

The only topic that is "forbidden" as far as I know is politics.. and that's only because there is seldom a real discussion.. only arguments.

When it comes to opinions on politics, those who disagree will never change each other's opinions. Therefore, I do not see these as "discussions".. they inevitably deteriorate into personal insults, condescension, bruised egos, and hurt feelings. It's not paranoia on my part, it has happened here.

Perhaps I'm naive in expecting everyone to be polite and respectful to each other. I know that's not the way things are in the "real world", but it's the way things are, or are supposed to be, in a family... and as far as I'm concerned that's what we are.. a family. [/b][/quote]
That' what I mean Kari banning politics I consider wrong.
If your going to ban politics then religion should be banned too.
Both can be very controversial.
There are many religions in this world and very few see eye to eye.
No offense to any religion meant.

[xlectric]

Star-Shadow,

As has already been stated, any layout that is not the same as a WebTV Newsgroup will be intimidating to anyone coming to this type of forum for the first time. My point is that I am familiar with the forum the way it is (topic titles and the order that they are arranged, for example).

Your ideas and suggestions are cool, but as far as I'm concerned not really necessary. Just like anything else, people just need to give themselves time to get used to a new venue (when coming here for the first time).

LOL @ "old farts" ... I'm guilty.

Later, Art.

[Kari]

Originally posted by irishgodfather@Apr 14 2006, 09:17 AM
That's what I mean Kari banning politics I consider wrong.
If your going to ban politics then religion should be banned too.
Both can be very controversial.
There are many religions in this world and very few see eye to eye.
No offense to any religion meant.
Well .. as I said when I 'banned' political discussions, there are plenty of other forums in which to discuss political issues. The only reason I posted the new rule was because people could not discuss issues without personal insults. So far we haven't had those problems with religious discussion.

Someone once posted that we're adults, and shouldn't be treated like children. I understand that they did not agree with my decision... and actually I could not agree more with their statement. When people behave like adults, they're treated as such. But, when they behave like children, they get a time out .. or a spanking. That's my job as Zone Mama..

[Star-Shadow]

art --

Shoot, I knew it was never gonna happen in the first place. Yet at least it got folks together for a change. Twas a fairly cool design though, eh? Thanks for that acknowledgement.

Oh, by the way, on other matters ...

The thing is, a lot of Webbers who are newbies to the board just aren't interested in these newfangled contraptions. Some newbies will get used to it ... others have no interest in trying. Anyway, that's just an after-the-fact comment. Time for other topics now.

kari --

I wholeheartedly agree with your "political discussion" assessment. Bill may think it's wrong to ban the subject, yet you are entirely correct when saying that it leads to all-out battle. When liberals go to a liberal group, or when conservatives visit with their fellow conservatives, then real discussion will likely occur. Yet put them both in the same room, and verbal warfare will invariably result.

Of course, for those who enjoy that sort of thing -- wink, wink -- hey, no problem! But all I'm saying here and now is that I understand your stance on this particular issue.

[irishgodfather]

Originally posted by Kari+Apr 14 2006, 03:21 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Kari @ Apr 14 2006, 03:21 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-irishgodfather@Apr 14 2006, 09:17 AM
That's what I mean Kari banning politics I consider wrong.
If your going to ban politics then religion should be banned too.
Both can be very controversial.
There are many religions in this world and very few see eye to eye.
No offense to any religion meant.
Well .. as I said when I 'banned' political discussions, there are plenty of other forums in which to discuss political issues. The only reason I posted the new rule was because people could not discuss issues without personal insults. So far we haven't had those problems with religious discussion.

Someone once posted that we're adults, and shouldn't be treated like children. I understand that they did not agree with my decision... and actually I could not agree more with their statement. When people behave like adults, they're treated as such. But, when they behave like children, they get a time out .. or a spanking. That's my job as Zone Mama.. [/b][/quote]
As you are so fond of saying Kari (In the real world).
Well this is the real world with plenty of issues to kick around.
Why not create a password controlled section for politics and religion.
People would have to ask permission to post there.
Now if they act up they can be baned form that section. Not baned from the whole board. I see many groups doing that.
Discussing politics and religion is fine. It can get heated but as long as it doesn't degenerate to name calling it should be fine.
I bet the posts in all sections will go up if you do.
After all even I can act like an adult if forced to.

[Kari]

Originally posted by irishgodfather@Apr 14 2006, 03:50 PM
As you are so fond of saying Kari (In the real world).
Well this is the real world with plenty of issues to kick around.
Why not create a password controlled section for politics and religion.
People would have to ask permission to post there.
Now if they act up they can be baned form that section. Not baned from the whole board. I see many groups doing that.
Discussing politics and religion is fine. It can get heated but as long as it doesn't degenerate to name calling it should be fine.
I bet the posts in all sections will go up if you do.
After all even I can act like an adult if forced to.
The point is that I don't necessarily want this forum to be like the "real world". I'm not very fond of the real world, and don't like to be out in it long.

All I want is for this forum to be a safe haven for Zone/Xtreme members to come and post their questions, concerns, birthdays, anniversaries, births, deaths, marriages, divorces.. Yes, politics is a part of the real world too.. but frankly, I'm so disgusted with politics that I don't want to listen to it, read about it, discuss it, or see it... What's wrong with just wanting this forum to be helpful, supportive, and fun? Politics doesn't fall into any of those categories.

As far as other post counts going up .. I'm not interested in quantity .. All I care about is that people know this forum exists for them. Whether or not they use it is their choice.. I'm not going to perform magic (or is that "magick") tricks or offer pony rides to get people to come to the forum. It's not my nature...

Heck, if I wanted to up the numbers, I'd just start an RPG board or a soap opera spoilers board.. they get lots of traffic, and they don't insult each other.

... hmmmmm.... :idea:

[Star-Shadow]

kari --

I completely agree. Politics has no place at all on this forum. I may have thought otherwise at one time, but that was then and this is now. And what the heck is an RPG board??

[irishgodfather]

Originally posted by Kari+Apr 14 2006, 05:22 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Kari @ Apr 14 2006, 05:22 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-irishgodfather@Apr 14 2006, 03:50 PM
As you are so fond of saying Kari (In the real world).
Well this is the real world with plenty of issues to kick around.
Why not create a password controlled section for politics and religion.
People would have to ask permission to post there.
Now if they act up they can be baned form that section. Not baned from the whole board. I see many groups doing that.
Discussing politics and religion is fine. It can get heated but as long as it doesn't degenerate to name calling it should be fine.
I bet the posts in all sections will go up if you do.
After all even I can act like an adult if forced to.
The point is that I don't necessarily want this forum to be like the "real world". I'm not very fond of the real world, and don't like to be out in it long.

All I want is for this forum to be a safe haven for Zone/Xtreme members to come and post their questions, concerns, birthdays, anniversaries, births, deaths, marriages, divorces.. Yes, politics is a part of the real world too.. but frankly, I'm so disgusted with politics that I don't want to listen to it, read about it, discuss it, or see it... What's wrong with just wanting this forum to be helpful, supportive, and fun? Politics doesn't fall into any of those categories.

As far as other post counts going up .. I'm not interested in quantity .. All I care about is that people know this forum exists for them. Whether or not they use it is their choice.. I'm not going to perform magic (or is that "magick") tricks or offer pony rides to get people to come to the forum. It's not my nature...

Heck, if I wanted to up the numbers, I'd just start an RPG board or a soap opera spoilers board.. they get lots of traffic, and they don't insult each other.

... hmmmmm.... :idea: [/b][/quote]
Barb says she's in if you do start one.
I just wish more people would post for help. They can't know it all like I do.

:rotfl: :rotfl:

[Aubade]

Wow! Such input. An observation or two...

Star-Shadow, you're tough as nails and extremely resilient to have such a soft approach to descriptive writing.

Godfather, you have a way of growing on a person.

Kari, I'll just remind you that God is perfect and He gives men a free choice to make as many mistakes and learn from them as a man wants. Freedom of choice in all things, including discussing politics. :D

[KajunBoy]

If religion is banned here, then I'm out of here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not that anyone cares!! That's what satan wants, now does he!!

Mitch

[Kari]

Originally posted by Star-Shadow@Apr 14 2006, 05:11 PM
And what the heck is an RPG board??
RPG stands for Roll Playing Games .. and I wouldn't know what one was either except our daughter is big into a couple of them. She and a couple of her friends post on a Harry Potter board.

You basically pick a character to portray, and create a story. I haven't participated in any of them myself, but they seem to be extremely popular.

[Kari]

Originally posted by Aubade@Apr 14 2006, 07:07 PM
Kari, I'll just remind you that God is perfect and He gives men a free choice to make as many mistakes and learn from them as a man wants. Freedom of choice in all things, including discussing politics. :D
You're right, Aubade .. God is perfect, and He has given us free will. I, on the other hand, am not perfect (actually, none of us is).. and I exercise my free will with what I allow and don't allow in this forum. :)

You're free to discuss politics.. just not in this forum.

[steve]

Hi folks,
I've been reading this thread, at first because there was nothing else new, and later to see if there was anything new.

Rejoice ye, one and all, for now comes among you yet another observer:

Ahem!

Post count doesn't mean a thing. There's no quota to be met, and it seems unlikely that Z-mama's going to close the forums due to a paucity of pertinent posts.

Re-naming everything doesn't mean a thing. I recently saw some brand of nacho chips or other with a big yellow blaze on the front of the bagSame Great Flavor! Great New Look!Oh good. I always buy for the wrapping.

The thing is, a lot of Webbers who are newbies to the board just aren't interested in these newfangled contraptions. Some newbies will get used to it ... others have no interest in trying.

As far as the forum being a "new-fangled contraption", that's nothing but patronizing nonsense. It's a forum. Anybody that wants to use it can learn how. When Ruthie and I got our WebTV, back before the turn of the century ("Gee, Gramps, did you have indoor plumbing back then?"), it was new to us, we started from scratch, with no Contraption Operator experience at all. Now the LBB seems old-fangled and quaint. The point is, however, this place is what there is.

When we joined the Zone, all we had was the LBB, but we somehow managed to grope our way to the Zone Forums, after the old NG self-destructed, and managed to make our squeaks and grunts understood.

After the above attack of loghorrea, maybe I should end by saying that I'm with Kari on this issue. It really doesn't matter who's with who, who's threatening to leave, who's trying to break the single-post word-count record, what Stan wants us to do, this forum belongs to the owner(s). They get to define Freedom Of Speech, Freedom Of Topic, and Kari even gets to (in her ever-understated, gentle way) tell us to hush up. (I was sort of hoping for pony rides, though.)

Harrumph!

Steve

[irishgodfather]

Originally posted by KajunBoy@Apr 14 2006, 08:10 PM
If religion is banned here, then I'm out of here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not that anyone cares!! That's what satan wants, now does he!!

Mitch
Mitch that was just a comparison. I don't want any subject banned.
But if you ban one controversial subject you should ban all.
Remember not every one feels the same about things.
I'm not a religious person but I believe in your right to believe as you wish.

[Star-Shadow]

aubade said:

Wow! Such input. An observation or two...

Star-Shadow, you're tough as nails and extremely resilient to have such a soft approach to descriptive writing.

star replies:

Thank you! :)

kajun boy said:

If religion is banned here, then I'm out of here!

star replies:

Fear not, Mitch. No one has suggested banning the topic of religion. Even Kari has said it's okay.

steve said:

Post count doesn't mean a thing.

star replies:

That's one opinion. Many, many group owners themselves will shut down a group if and when board traffic drops below a certain point.

steve said:

As far as the forum being a "new-fangled contraption", that's nothing but patronizing nonsense.

star replies:

That's another opinion ... yours. You've read enough of my material to darn well know that I typically write with a mixture of metaphor, simile, and humor. The point being, you've offered that quote completely out of context.

Regardless of how "old" something may be, it's a new experience when someone encounters such for the very first time. As you yourself have often alluded, a large percentage of Webber World consists of technically unsophisticated people. I have been directly told by more than a few folks that they just don't "get" this kind of forum, and they're not interested in trying.

True, no one has used the words "newfangled contraption" when talking with me ... that was my term. Yet considering the attitude they often display, it's an entirely applicable phrase.

steve said:

... maybe I should end by saying that I'm with Kari on this issue.

star replies:

What a surprise! Yes, I'm sure all the reasons you gave are quite legitimate. Yet there's also another "unspoken" factor fully at play with this issue. Wanna know what this may be? It's the fact that Star-Shadow made the suggestion.

You're one of a small handful of remaining, more-or-less "active" posters who will automatically oppose any idea whatsoever should the suggestion come by me. Without attempting to invoke politics, and I've no idea of your ideology, it reminds me of the liberal response to anything and everything Bill O'Reilly ever says on any imaginable subject.

He can promote an idea which should be wholly transcendent of left-vs-right debate -- such as his current drive to have "Jessica's Law" placed on the books in all fifty states -- yet his enemies immediately reject even so much as an ongoing dialogue, simply because of who it was from whence the idea originated. Irish is also in that same camp ... if it comes from Star, then it must be challenged ... period, end of story.

I say this with no trace of animosity. I long ago chose to remove all power "cyberspace people" once had to influence my emotional state. As a newbie, I gave it to them ... until I learned to take it away. Therefore, this recognition doesn't bother me. Twas simply given as a statement of fact. I've come to quite clearly know certain perennial naysayers.

steve said:

... this forum belongs to the owner(s). They get to define Freedom Of Speech, Freedom Of Topic ...

star replies:

They've granted us other freedoms as well, such as the ability to suggest ideas involving both this forum and our accounts. A notion was proposed for everyone's consideration. A lively debate ensued. If you were the owner of a rental property, would you be upset simply because a tenet asked if they could paint the house, or do some yardwork?

steve said:

... what Stan wants us to do ...

So Stick, tell me ... who is this Stan???

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

kari --

Oh, heck ... I should have known about that RPG thing. There's an entire genre of "role-playing games" within the videogame mainstream. I've even played some myself. Sheesh, I sure missed that one!

[allniter]

I think Kari had the answer why people are'nt posting as much anymore, they are busy with "life". For example, when I 1st got my lbb in the 90's I was online 15 hrs at a time and posting in ngs everywhere!! In the past 2-3 yrs "life" has cut my online time to a few hrs on weeknds, then I go to my fav ngs and catch up, usually tho it's too late to reply. My "family" at alt.discuss.quitsmokingsupport helped me stop smoking in 2001andI became very close to them but I seldom find time to visit them :(
Kari also said there is a lack of community sprit online and in real life and I think that is also a factor in the decline of postings. I've noticed many forums have declining post numbers. I've not had any problems figuring out the zone forum but then I only have 20-some postings, (can you say lurker :lol: :rotfl: )
Star Shadows does have valid points also, so I'll just lurk...errr I mean sit back and see what happens.~~~Mike

[Aubade]

Isn't it interesting that even the thought of change has contributed to a somewhat vigorous participation. For those who may not have been following as closely in recent days, lack of participation is what started this whole dialogue in the first place. Back to suggestions, Kari, GEST recently posted a picture. A week or two ago, I posted a picture taken in my yard. As I recall, both were posted in the Chit-Chat section. Remember, I suggested "Pages on Parade" and "Sigs on Parade" for the Arts section? I'd like to add "Pics on Parade" for the Art section also. :idea:

Last night I worried fiercely about a post that I made; that it might not be understood the way I intended it. Today it has disappeared. I think the Angels have been at work here. :angel:

Regarding the discussion on religion. In my opinion, the only time that discussing religion is a problem is when there are no knowledgeable people to confront the issues, or worse, when nobody cares enough to try to correct or condemn insulting ideas. Somewhere, I stumbled across a picture of the crucifixion that the poster thought was funny. There was no conversation. I was more insulted that no one countered than I was that it was posted. The only reason I didn't counter was that it was an old post and I didn't want to bring it to the top again. I changed my mind later and was unable to find it, again.

A nagging thought -- as a result of some of the posts in this thread is -- "Do some people only answer or pay attention to the posts of the "Old Farts"? That's not very inclusive and may border on being prejudiced. :confused:

I appreciate the fact that, indeed, I do have the ear of some of you and will try very hard to return the compliment. :)

[Star-Shadow]

mike --

Hey, look, a new kid in town! Howdy, partner! Welcome to the forum. I try to do that with all newcomers, ... not just those who say, -- "You know, this Star Shadow guy has some valid points!" -- though I will be sure to now add ya on my annual Christmas mailing list! :D

Do feel free to stop by whenever possible.

[steve]

Hi again,
I would have posted earlier, but I was over at Porter Hospital waiting for the on-call Nose and Throat guy. He said I had the worst case of Coffee-Out-The-Nose he'd ever seen.

Coffee Snort #1
Star-Shadow,Without attempting to invoke politicsproceeds to invoke politics:it reminds me of the liberal response to anything and everything Bill O'Reilly ever says on any imaginable subject.

Coffee Snort #2 ... if it comes from Star, then it must be challenged ... period, end of story.
Wow! I only disagree with you when I disagree with you. To say people disagree just because it's you, is to assume that there is no legitimate basis for disagreement. Content is what matters. Decent, clean-shaven, car-washing Republicans can disagree with you, Star, not just pointy-eared Stan worshippers.

Coffee Snort #3...an idea which should be wholly transcendent of left-vs-right debate...
Can you say "begging the question"?

Hey, Aubade!
This is partly to let you know that the "Old Farts" aren't ignoring you. People participate in a thread (or don't) for many reasons. I'm not enough of a Techie or Coding Genius to answer any but the most basic questions in those areas. I consider my Religion to be a private matter and debate/discussion about it to be even less productive than political debate. However, if you ask about why a Hubby might say what he said, I might jump right in, since I've got a fair amount of experience in the Hubby Game.

As far as "Old Farts" being prejudiced against (I love this) "New Farts", I can't believe that for a minute. I'm not sure how to recognize a "New Fart", anyway. People who like these forums, like Star-Shadow, Irish, GEST, and others enjoy helping anybody they can. People around here aren't much for posting "I don't know". Sometimes someone will post a link to a better source of knowledge.

One last thing: "Change" is not synonymous with "Improvement". A new bag doesn't make the nacho chips taste any better. :lol: Oooh! Instant Aphorism! :lol:

Have fun, all

Steve

[Star-Shadow]

steve --

Acknowledged.

aubade --

Actually, this whole thread developed as a result of your post over in the "Cyberspace Survival" forum. That was where I got the idea for making a post in this forum. To rehash ...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

star:

"Oh, Kari ... I have an idea for a new forum, or two. Care to hear about them?"

kari:

"Sure, Daniel, go right ahead!"

Then I return later that day, having re-designed the entire forum from top to bottom. Poor Kari! I hadn't planned on a total re-design. It just sort of ended up that way!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And you're right, it is very ironic ... a thread which essentially claimed that nobody ever talks here anymore, got everyone from the newest newbies to the oldest old-timers spiritedly engaged. Truth be told, I haven't had this much fun with a thread in quite a long while. Thanks for that initial suggestion, which sparked my little "idea" :)

[Aubade]

Just an aside, Kari and Godfather have been discussingIn the real world

There is a quote in the garden at Bok Sanctuary writen by John BurroughsI come here to find myself.
It is so easy to get lost in the world.

If you took the little side trip off into Papa Red's pages, you might have read about Spook Hill. Both Spook Hill and Bok Sanctuary are in Lake Wales, Florida.

I noticed the quote at Bok Sanctuary and kept it I come here to find myself.
It is so easy to get lost in the world. because that's the way I feel about my pages. I can always disappear into them and spend hours building and rearranging. Also, maybe that's the way people feel about their forums. Maybe, it is just so easy to get lost in the world, that it is nice to know just where you are.

[ozzgod]

Originally posted by Kari@Apr 14 2006, 01:22 PM
I'm not going to perform magic (or is that "magick") tricks or offer pony rides to get people to come to the forum. It's not my nature...


pony rides woulda been cool... :thumbsup:

[allniter]

Originally posted by steve@Apr 15 2006, 01:23 PM
Hi again,
I would have posted earlier, but I was over at Porter Hospital waiting for the on-call Nose and Throat guy. He said I had the worst case of Coffee-Out-The-Nose he'd ever seen.

Coffee Snort #1
Star-Shadow,Without attempting to invoke politicsproceeds to invoke politics:it reminds me of the liberal response to anything and everything Bill O'Reilly ever says on any imaginable subject.

Coffee Snort #2 ... if it comes from Star, then it must be challenged ... period, end of story.
Wow! I only disagree with you when I disagree with you. To say people disagree just because it's you, is to assume that there is no legitimate basis for disagreement. Content is what matters. Decent, clean-shaven, car-washing Republicans can disagree with you, Star, not just pointy-eared Stan worshippers.

Coffee Snort #3...an idea which should be wholly transcendent of left-vs-right debate...
Can you say "begging the question"?

Hey, Aubade!
This is partly to let you know that the "Old Farts" aren't ignoring you. People participate in a thread (or don't) for many reasons. I'm not enough of a Techie or Coding Genius to answer any but the most basic questions in those areas. I consider my Religion to be a private matter and debate/discussion about it to be even less productive than political debate. However, if you ask about why a Hubby might say what he said, I might jump right in, since I've got a fair amount of experience in the Hubby Game.

As far as "Old Farts" being prejudiced against (I love this) "New Farts", I can't believe that for a minute. I'm not sure how to recognize a "New Fart", anyway. People who like these forums, like Star-Shadow, Irish, GEST, and others enjoy helping anybody they can. People around here aren't much for posting "I don't know". Sometimes someone will post a link to a better source of knowledge.

One last thing: "Change" is not synonymous with "Improvement". A new bag doesn't make the nacho chips taste any better. :lol: Oooh! Instant Aphorism! :lol:

Have fun, all

Steve
mike --

Hey, look, a new kid in town! Howdy, partner! Welcome to the forum. I try to do that with all newcomers, ... not just those who say, -- "You know, this Star Shadow guy has some valid points!" -- though I will be sure to now add ya on my annual Christmas mailing list!

Do feel free to stop by whenever possible.
Thanks Star Shadow
I've been a zoner for awhile, I'm just the quiet type and don't post often. I've always loved the zone and zoners and always receive a prompt answer to any questions/problems I've posted here (my main reason for posting <_< :P ;) ). Sometimes I've been unsure of which forum to post in so maybe some condensation of the forums is neeeded (another "brownie point" for me SS :lol: ) altho it seems even if I've posted in a wrong forum I stilll get the answer I need.
I really like the idea of a photo forum, I've had my ugly mug in the members area for quite awhile (I think it'd there, mebbe I better go check <_< ). SS, I hope your Christmas list is like my Grannys, ie homemade cookies and a $20bill :lol:

[Star-Shadow]

aubade --

I can certainly relate to that business.

My personal home-site, Cybernetic Seashores, is a so-so effort when viewed on computers. Folks can get the general message, but much of the flavor, atmosphere, and vibes are overlooked, due to my heavy usage of LBB-specific coding. Yet when viewed on the Black Box -- and if I may be allowed the exceedingly rare opportunity of "blowing my own horn" on this singular occasion -- the Seashore freakin' rock and rolls with the very best sites found anywhere in Webber World.

I'm speaking purely of creative content. It doesn't do anything actually useful. What it does do, though, is offer a completely unique, rather entertaining experience. It's a "just for fun" kind of website ... and by "fun" I do not mean something devoted to humor, per se. Tis my baby ... my online calling card ... the cyberspace embodiment of my heart, mind, and soul. Every image, every sound file, each word of every last sentence, has been chosen and-or placed with all the concern of a parent when considering names for a newborn infant.

I am constantly making tweaks and adjustments. I regularly alter whole sections at a time. Much of this is done behind the scenes, meaning it involves stuff never perceived by any visitor. I've spent days on the latest re-design of my entire folder system. As you say you've done with your place, I too, have spent countless hours surfing the pages of my own site ... thinking of what can be changed where ... wait, this last word of that sentence should be pushed down with a line break ... and over there, I should alter the page transition.

In all honesty, though, it'd been rather static for quite awhile now. That's because I've been working on several new projects, simultaneously, for what seems like ages. My energy and effort is focused elsewhere. Nope, don't bother asking me ... this is all top secret stuff. And at least one of sites WILL do something useful, for a change, while still being highly entertaining. I also dare say they'll be unique ... and in the case of my largest project, completely without any precedent, so far as the Webber community is concerned.

[irishgodfather]

Originally posted by Star-Shadow@Apr 14 2006, 08:21 AM
kari said:

Star Shadow .. you have a tendency to offend people who post. So, there are people who won't post here because you post here. I'm not trying to be cruel or offensive, but that's the way it is. The same thing happened with our friend, Majorhead... people said they wouldn't post here as long as he was posting here.

star replies:

Me, offend people? Surely you jest! :D

Actually, I'm well aware of the fact -- after all, I'm intelligent, articulate, artistic, good-looking, and a card-carrying Republican member of the Bill O'Reilly Fan Club, who shrugs off the very notion of modesty as a primitive, antiquated concept. That's a combination which naturally "endears" me to a sizeable percentage of the world's population. Mr Trump may be "The Donald" ... yet I, however, am "The Daniel" ... in fact, henceforth, I shall forevermore refer to myself strictly in the third-person.

Anyway, with that being said, I'm honestly surprised to hear that there are people who have stated they won't use the board so long as I am present, as you say was also true with Major. That is purely foolish. All any such person needs to do is simply avoid reading the material posted by the offending party. And if they were to use the forum's "Ignore" feature, even the chance of an accidental exposure is completely eliminated. For somebody to avoid the entire forum simply because John Doe posts stuff there, is giving John Doe way too much power over one's emotional state.

kari also said:

Since he passed away, the activity in the forum has dropped considerably. Often you critized the way that he and a few others posted "nonsense".. and yet you're saying that "communication" is dead here. What qualifies as "communication"? Bill and Majorhead trading barbs certainly was communication. GEST and Majorhead joking around was communication. You only need two people for communication .. and the forum has always had that.

to which star replies:

Allow me to clarify that old matter. I did not "criticize" the never-ending string of material exchanged between Bill, Randall, and whoever, in and of its own self. I simply suggested that the sheer bulk of what was being offered -- sometimes several dozen items in a week -- might have been better suited with the creation of a new forum devoted purely to humor.

I accept your definition of what makes for communication. Yet as is also the case with beauty, perhaps it is equally true that such things are determined in the mind of each beholder. For me, there has been little "communication" here for a good long while. If other folks have a different perception, be that as it may. I do not care for the color "red" myself. Yet many people find it a lovely hue. That is the way of things.

I wish to emphasize that I am in no way dissatisfied with The Zone. I'm only frustrated that our once-thriving community has become so lethargic of late. Once every five or six months I go through this "We should do something!" phase, followed by a bunch of ideas regarding hypothetical panaceas. Also, as I stated in my reply to Irish, I do not share Aubade's assertion that anything is "broken" here. I merely say that things are slooooooow, and they've been this way for ages. I'm sure most people would agree.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Hmmmmm, well lookie here ... a lengthy thread of "real" communication has developed ... even by my definition of the term. I always suspected it was still possible! It's wonderful to see so many folks coming out of the woodwork for this one. I especially enjoyed hearing from Gest. Next month, maybe we should discuss a thorough re-design of the entire file manager. Hey, whatever it takes to get us talking, right?
Allow me to clarify that old matter. I did not "criticize" the never-ending string of material exchanged between Bill, Randall, and whoever, in and of its own self. I simply suggested that the sheer bulk of what was being offered -- sometimes several dozen items in a week -- might have been better suited with the creation of a new forum devoted purely to humor.


That was done to keep some kind of posting going in here.
Hell at one time we were thinking of erecting a headstone in here.
It serves no purpose to have a forum and not use it.
Joking around never hurt anyone.

[Star-Shadow]

bill --

In hindsight, I believe that I MAY have been wrong where my earlier assessment of that situation was concerned ... and I MAY have been equally wrong to publicly challenge other people for their personal posting propensities. Maybe. Perhaps. Just possibly.

[irishgodfather]

Originally posted by Star-Shadow@Apr 17 2006, 03:22 PM
bill --

In hindsight, I believe that I MAY have been wrong where my earlier assessment of that situation was concerned ... and I MAY have been equally wrong to publicly challenge other people for their personal posting propensities. Maybe. Perhaps. Just possibly.
Could be.
No real harm done Danny.
Forget it.

[Star-Shadow]

Thanks, Bill. Sounds like good advice.

[irishgodfather]

Originally posted by Star-Shadow@Apr 17 2006, 04:22 PM
Thanks, Bill. Sounds like good advice.
You know Danny I think we both have a common goal here.

[Star-Shadow]

bill said:

You know Danny I think we both have a common goal here.

star replies:

Can you elaborate on the subject?

[Aubade]

Star replies Can you elaborate on the subject?
:rotfl:
I love it when you guys get down to the nitty gritty.

[Star-Shadow]

aubade said:

I love it when you guys get down to the nitty gritty.

star replies:

Can you elaborate on the subject?

[irishgodfather]

Originally posted by Star-Shadow@Apr 17 2006, 07:19 PM
bill said:

You know Danny I think we both have a common goal here.

star replies:

Can you elaborate on the subject?
Just getting people to use the forum more.

[Star-Shadow]

bill --

That's what I thought. AGREED! :thumbsup:

[allniter]

ok, time 4 a group hug??? :P :zgroup:

[Star-Shadow]

allniter --

Seems that way about now, huh? :D

[Star-Shadow]

Well, it appears as though this thread has run its course, so let's summarize everything presented in these nearly five-dozen replies ...

Though my marvelous forum re-design was hailed as being both visionary and wonderful {actually, Art said it was sort of cool ... but I inferred the rest from that remark}, Kari responded with a "No way, José!" regarding re-doing all twenty-four sub-forums. She did, however, say she'd consider combining a few of the already existing ones, such as the two 'puter groups, the two Webber boards, etc.

At last count, Aubade had suggested several entirely new forums {which Zone Mama said she'd consider as well}, such as where new web pages could be posted for review, and another one for sharing images, and, oh heck ... I forget, but there may have been some more as well. Perhaps she will read this, and then summarize her own previous suggestions.

In other areas, with this very thread, the forum has demonstrated that it does indeed have a number of potential posters on hand ... certainly more that what may have been believed prior to the development of this long-@$$ offering. Now, if we can just keep a few of them on more or less long-term active status, all should be fine and well. So far, so good.

Meanwhile, Bill and Star set aside their past snake and mongoose routine, seemingly almost on the verge of establishing an actual cordial relationship ... thus tickling Aubade like a giddy schoolgirl, whilst prompting Allniter to suggest that everyone have an old fashioned group hug.

On the other hand, Steve and Star briefly shouted across a wide chasm, until realizing that they would rather simply admire the view. Throughout everything, Larry continued his long absence from the board. And the person responsible for those "12,000 post view" shenanigans continued doing ... uh, whatever it is he or she thinks that he or she is doing.

That concludes this summary analysis.

[Aubade]

STARPerhaps she will read this, and then summarize her own previous suggestions.

The suggestions that I consider important on a creative level are places to share:
1. Our new pages and the newly discovered pages of members (Pages on Parade)
2. Photos (Photos on Parade)
3. Sigs and our personally-created gifs & jpgs (Sigs on Parade)

Star didn't put in his summary that he had suggested a place to share our poetry or short writings. I like that idea too. (Writings on Parade)

I also mentioned something to the fact that whether we use a LBB, TNB or a computer, we are one community and it would be nice to keep us as closely knit together as possible while satisfying the needs of all users.

As an aside, my RoadRunner hiccuped and I've lost the links to my unread posts. I enjoy reading all the posts when I have time, but I may not be able to find the latest ones. :angry:

[Kari]

Thanks for the feedback on revamping the forum. I will be working on it .. hopefully this weekend. This has just been an extremely busy week, actually week and a half, since it started before the Easter holiday.

It's supposed to be a rainy weekend, so nothing better to do than work. :( I can't complain too much though .. we're in desperate need of rain here.

Thanks everyone!