|
Post by mgamark on Aug 29, 2007 14:27:14 GMT
I am heavily involved in running another forum (but I'm not IT competent other than as a vaguely competent user of the end product), and we're going through a similar debate, although ours is because we may have to move servers, rather than because of a desire to have more knobs, switches and whistles to play with, but this has of course raised the question of whether we want other facilities.
The biggest issue, of course, is funding. We don't have regalia, and our current income comes from individual donations when needed - that may need to go onto a more formal footing and there is already a lot of effort involved in running and managing the site and associated activities, generally given by people in their own time. The more you want to do, the more funds it takes, and the more effort needs to be put into raising those funds. Most of the membership just wants to use the site as a resource to find out information and co-ordinate visits/meetings. Generally, we have found that there is little that is "exclusive" to warrant a members only area with a subscription fee. And don't understimate the value of the information that lies in previous threads - if you lose that, then all of those useful tips and that knowledge about the cars potentially goes too. Also, don't understimate the pulling power of this site as a free resource that is firmly connected to the MGCC. So from a simple user's perspective, do remember the old adage "if it ain't broke don't fix it!".....
MGA Mark
|
|
|
Post by James Curgenven on Aug 29, 2007 14:38:09 GMT
Just as a technical note...
When was the last time anyone tried searching the forums using the search function? Oh yes, I forgot, it's so damn awkward to get anything from it, probably never!
|
|
|
Post by mgtfnut on Aug 29, 2007 15:10:49 GMT
Just as a technical note... When was the last time anyone tried searching the forums using the search function? Oh yes, I forgot, it's so damn awkward to get anything from it, probably never! So what Just ask the question, and you might be surprised with a more up to date answer
|
|
|
Post by James Curgenven on Aug 29, 2007 15:12:53 GMT
Just as a technical note... When was the last time anyone tried searching the forums using the search function? Oh yes, I forgot, it's so damn awkward to get anything from it, probably never! So what Just ask the question, and you might be surprised with a more up to date answer So you're saying there's no point in keeping this old forum at all should we move then? As anyone will just ask from scratch anyway?
|
|
|
Post by John Ponting on Aug 29, 2007 16:00:01 GMT
James, you go on mg-rover.org as well (or did) - you know that search is almost never used. It got so bad that pete set up his Central site and still they don't search. How many times can people post "what tyres" or "what pressures" ?
Specific answer to your question james - NO I can't see a lot of point in keeping this forums back posts PERSONALLY SPEAKING. To me this is a club notice board and it's out of date once an event has finished.
|
|
|
Post by mgamark on Aug 29, 2007 16:20:31 GMT
Just as a technical note... When was the last time anyone tried searching the forums using the search function? Oh yes, I forgot, it's so damn awkward to get anything from it, probably never! I just used it this afternoon and found what I needed I needed Stan Smith's details - knowing they somewhere in the General, Technical or East Anglia Boards, I checked those, typed in Stan Smith, reset the period to 365 days and the number of threads to 50, and bingo, there it was...... Even when you type Stan Smith in with all the forums checked it still comes up.... MGA Mark
|
|
|
Post by Steve White on Aug 29, 2007 18:04:50 GMT
Have to admit I use the search function quite a bit and have never had a problem with it. Certainly much better then some forums, the MG BBS search for example which can be a real pain to find what you want.
|
|
Des Turley
Be nice, i'm new!
I might be slow- but I get there :-)
Posts: 16
|
Post by Des Turley on Sept 1, 2007 8:38:08 GMT
The problem with asking for "opinions" is that there are so many of them it results in more confusion than clarity. The old saying " Doctors differ and patients die " springs to mind. As Im fairly new Im not very clear on who runs what and how they actually got to those positions but I presume they were elected to the posts and are there because we trust them to look after our affairs for our benefit. That being the case, I for one am happy to leave all "managerial" matters to the managers. Make whatever decisions you feel are in the best interests of the members, admin et al. So, if moving things around is thought to be best, just give us a brief explanation of what is happening, why and what we have to do to keep up. Should it transpire later that the moves were to the detriment of the register then I presume those responsible would be removed by votes at a later date and decisions reversed. As I have no idea about IT or the running of such a forum,I have confidence in the admin and am happy to go with their decisions without the need for a "referendum". Keep up the good work and thank you, I appreciate it. Des Turley
|
|
patrick
Got the board sussed!
Posts: 68
|
Post by patrick on Sept 3, 2007 8:53:09 GMT
I think that your approach is just a little too sanguine. Any club is the property of the members and they have the right and perhaps an obligation to ensure it is run in their best interests.
We have before us a very vague proposal from one officer of the Club who neither appears to be on the Committee nor even enjoys any support from that Committee for his proposals. For me this is a complete show stopper. If the Committee does not back these proposals then surely the first task of the proposer is the get that backing before seeking support from the membership. My impression is that there is may be an attempt to railroad the Committee. If this is the case, it is a disgrace.
Another concern is that we are proposing to replace a “free” service with one that will impose a drain on the Register’s limited financial resources. Now I have been running IT projects for even longer than John Ponting as I am even older than he is! My early days involved programming in IBM 360 Assembler. One of my first projects was converting an accounting system for Pounds Shillings and Pence in decimal! One thing I have learned over all these years is that the initial estimates on costs are ALWAYS understated. We have been given no idea of the likely costs and I am worry that this could just turn into a financial black hole. When you consider the limited financial resources open to the register a very small financial problem could rapidly turn into a destructive Black hole that would suck the Register into oblivion (or perhaps another dimension!).
Finally, if this proposal goes ahead and fails then please recognise that it will risk the death of this Forum and its associated activities. No amount of resignations will then help restore the situation.
The more this proposal is discussed here the less thought out it appears, the more ephemeral the benefits and the larger the drawbacks. The “benefits” seem only to accrue to the “moderators”. Since the largest and longest running MG Forum appears to operate very successfully without any moderators, making life easier for this very minor role seems a pointless waste of time and precious resources. Lets concentrate on activities around enjoying our cars. We appear to have, in the current forum, a well proven and totally adequate means of discussing and planning such things.
As so many others have said “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
|
|
|
Post by James Curgenven on Sept 3, 2007 9:38:41 GMT
This has got far out of hand from the simple question this was intended to gauge interest from.
Which was - "Would people be willing to register on a new forum should one be created to replace this"
This was not intended to be a debate about the costs and technical implications involved, it was a simple two option question.
If everyone had outright showed that they had no intention of wanting to then it would not even have been moved onto a feasibility study which it currently is in due to most people (through their votes and comments) seeming to be in favour.
Should the results of the study come back as showing it to be more trouble than it's worth then you'll be happy to know that nothing else will be done and we'll stay in ProBoards hands.
I was asked by the Chairman to put the question to the members, if you feel that insults you Patrick then I apologise.
|
|
|
Post by John Ponting on Sept 3, 2007 11:34:15 GMT
James Please allow me 1 slightly off topic reply to Patrick:
Does my 1401 experience predate 360 Assembler?
Thanks James
Back on topic again.
|
|
patrick
Got the board sussed!
Posts: 68
|
Post by patrick on Sept 4, 2007 15:13:33 GMT
John,
Well I started on digital computers in 1967. However the oldest computer I worked on was an analogue Fire Control computer manufactured by the Ford Motor Company of Detroit (as it said on the label) build in 1944. Measured about 6x5x4 foot and was a superb piece of engineering. It controlled two twin 4.5” turrets via a 295 radar. Much more fun working on a computer that control the output of high explosive shells than payslips or email….
|
|
boypete
Learning the ropes
Allways learning
Posts: 40
|
Post by boypete on Sept 4, 2007 20:23:45 GMT
Bu**er........just found a good reson for changing...........can't edit errors in posts!!
|
|
|
Post by mgtfnut on Sept 4, 2007 20:36:41 GMT
This has got far out of hand from the simple question this was intended to gauge interest from. Which was - "Would people be willing to register on a new forum should one be created to replace this" With all due respect, this is not really a good question. If a new forum is going to be created (why?), then of course all those interested, or bothered, would have to re-register if we wanted to keep in touch. My question is why bother at all? Weed out the "ghost" members, or whatever etc and keep us as we are. Unless there is a dire need to change, don't bother asking questions of us "members", just do it. You'll have a 1001 different answers We'll soon let you know if it works - somehow.
|
|
|
Post by daved on Sept 7, 2007 12:28:29 GMT
Sorry to hark back the bit of this debate that was around data retention but I have just now receveid guidance from a DPA lawyer. He states -
The Data Protection Act binds the MG Car Club in respect to the way in which it processes the personal information relating to its membership. However, as the Club is non profit making, it is exempt from having to officially notify the Information Commissioner’s Office that it is holding and processing its members’ personal information. This exemption applies provided that the personal information relates to past, existing or prospective members or any person in regular contact with the Club and should only be a name, address or some other identifier and concern eligibility for membership. Normally, a body that is holding and in control of a person’s information needs to notify the ICO of what it is doing and pay an annual fee.
To meet the requirements of the Act, the Club should make sure that it has the consent of each member to process and disclose their personal information. Once a membership has terminated, that (past) members information - electronic and hard copy - should be destroyed and no copies kept.
This position is unlikely to differ if the server is located outside the UK.
This post is not intended to foster debate but just by way of information to those who will make the decision and in resepct of information held on the Register relating to our cars:-*
Cheers
Dave
|
|