racketboy.com

Ivo wrote:I think some stickies and "rebooting" the regular threads once a month or something like that would improve the problem.

Ivo.

Hmm... I like this idea. Maybe not monthly, but by a certain post count.
Racket recently did this with the how much is this topic.

As for the searches never working - I never use the search function of the forums (phpbb search sucks) but I have never had a problem using the google custom search in the top right corner.

I think massive threads like that don't bother me because I have been here long enough that I don't even notice that it was ever different. Sometimes these threads happen by accident. I didn't think that anyone who wants to talk about movies HAD to post in that thread. Maybe I missed that. That post just started growing because everyone got into it. Honestly, if there weren't a thread about movies like that I probably would not post any information on movies I have seen because I do not feel like they are important enough to bother everyone about, but maybe interesting to those who keep up with that thread. In the case of the Olympics or the Toyota thread, I do kind of see how it would be pointless if someone posted a thread about Toyota recalls and a conversation got started and someone else started another one. Not annoying for me, but for the second poster who might be missing out on some interesting conversation on something he is interested in. I think suggesting for that person's benefit is good, being an ass and sounding like a tyrannical, know it all, nerd about it is bad.

I am ranting because I am watching this tsunami news and typing at the same time. I am surprised no one has started a dedicated tsunami thread yet

Alpinex2 wrote:I'm glad someone has brought this up because it's been really turning me off to this fourm lately. I've noticed a few users are really bad at acting like there mods (lost within).

Don't forget Breetai

...

[Moderation team]

aaron wrote:hey, turds, do everyone a favor and stop calling people out by name. it's rude and you look like a dipshit. i have "issues" with the way certain people act on this forum also but this thread is meant to be productive, not a laugh-it-up shit-dragging. so, please, kindly stfu.

Nothing like saying someones being rude by being rude right back.

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=18837&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=40
Fifth page, 1st post. I agree with the guy talking about how newcomers are easily scared of because of a mistake, low post count, etc. It's been getting pretty harsh throughout these past few months.

Several thoughts about this issue:

1. We have talked several times over the past year about re-structuring the forums at some point, and I think Racket still plans to do so as part of a larger (and long past due) site overhaul. As part of this, there could probably be some kind of sticky post for each sub-forum with common topics listed.

2. Threads like "last movie," "last book," "latest find," and "last game" don't really require needing to read the previous large history of posts in order to "catch up" as this isn't the point of the thread, so I think they are fine and should stay as is.

3. It certainly makes sense to combine threads on similar/same topics when they keep appearing on the first/second/third page of a forum. Otherwise, the forums become hard to navigate and lots of good content gets pushed down in favor of too many threads discussing one hot news story or something. I can't think of too many instances of new threads being merged with very old threads. Feel free to correct me with examples if I'm wrong.

4. I haven't noticed any one or two individuals (or more) acting like a jack-ass or a mini-mod or something. This includes lost_within, who was mentioned above. This criticism is really not fair. Sure, there are some non-mod folks who help call attention to problems, there are some who use the "report" button more than others, and there are some who try to suggest (almost always politely) that the thread should be moved or that the poster should go elsewhere. These folks help the site work well since us mods can't catch everything all the time. You'd be surprised how ridiculous this place might look after a day with no modding!

Finally, aaron, with all due respect, I think a thread like this does more to cause a rift amongst members than any of the activity you pointed out. This community has a track record of getting along great, and we've always been pretty good at retaining new members (many of whom become quite active!). Just think about the great contributions of new members in this past year alone!

I think the issue I have is when people are too lazy to do a search and want to be spoon-fed the answer. I'm a believer of the adage "Give a man fish, he'll eat for a day; Teach a man to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime".

It's ok to do a search and start a new thread asking for clarification or further help. I like people who attempt to solve a problem themselves.

This is not just a problem in internet forums. This happens at school, work, society, etc.

I don't know if it's practical to do but it would be cool to have a new signup read some rules/FAQ before posting the first 5 times. One of the rules would be "Have you done a forum search"?

Okay keep a sense of humor but shouldn't this post initially have been a reply to the recent Forums Rules post?

I don't see any issues with this forum at all, people here are friendly. When people ask questions, if you find the particular one asked annoying, don't reply to it; if you know the answer and want to help out, give it (that tends to get rid of the "please search" comments rather).