[Dan]

With regard to the Scottish links, I'll be honest and when I joined (about 2 years ago?) I did think "ooh, perhaps I can't join because I'm in England?" but as time passed I realised that smallholding meant we all had lots in common and geography had little bearing on anything. I've made some gorgeous friends through TAS - some who I know I'll never meet in 'real life' but without whom my facebook page and TAS coffee mornings would never be the same (you know who you all are    )

Thank you for this, it means a lot. We started the TAS site in 2003, and only opened the forum some years later in 2007 after some people who were commenting on the blog asked if we could set one up.

Looking at the first 30 members to register only one (Claire) was personally known to Rosemary or I at the time, and most of the others are from outside Scotland.

There's an inevitable gravity towards Scottish participation given that's where live and socialise, and sometimes that might come across as a clique, especially on the social boards, but there's never been a deliberate bias and I hate the thought that anyone has been put off because of it (being English myself!).

[SallyintNorth]

Well, I think it's maybe helpful to newbies if they can see that certain people get lots of thanks - it probably (though not definitely) means they know their stuff.  Although one very soon picks up who makes useful contributions.

I do like the idea of a usefulness rating on individual posts to help bring the cream to the top.  Somehow I think it won't quite work out like that but it may still be a good experiment to do.  Sometimes the best ideas come out of thinking around less good ones.  (Oh, I'm getting an Edward de Bono flashback.)

I am glad that [boo] is gone.  I would hate ever to think any of us would want to boo a person.  (And I am sure that no-one has ever or could ever want to boo Karen!)  

Maybe sometimes, for instance at those times when tempers get a bit heated and/or postings a bit personal, one might want to indicate that a particular post is less than helpful.  But it's so subjective I guess that is itself unhelpful.  I do agree with Sandy's point that we don't want a forum in which some people are too scared to make - or be thought to have made - any critical or provocative comment.  So on balance yes, my vote is for all carrot no stick - let's try it anyway!

And Dan - thanks for being the kind of Forum Administrator who does listen and is prepared to make changes even when you don't really agree with them.  Karma to you!  

[SallyintNorth]

Err... and now it's not called Karma, does this topic need renaming?   

[Dan]

I do like the idea of a usefulness rating on individual posts to help bring the cream to the top.  Somehow I think it won't quite work out like that but it may still be a good experiment to do.  Sometimes the best ideas come out of thinking around less good ones.  (Oh, I'm getting an Edward de Bono flashback.)

We'll definitely look at that later in the year. There is a new version of the forum software coming this month that has been in development for 3 years and has lots of extra features. Once it's out I'll be working on joining it up to the new website, then we'll have a sound platform to build lots more community stuff. Can't say much more yet, but we'll be looking for testers this summer.

Maybe sometimes, for instance at those times when tempers get a bit heated and/or postings a bit personal, one might want to indicate that a particular post is less than helpful.  But it's so subjective I guess that is itself unhelpful.

It is helpful for moderation purposes to see if a complaint is someone possibly being over-sensitive, or if there is a general feeling that someone has stepped out of line, and the negative karma thing was supposed to provide that. But this is not a democracy, so I can always exercise absolute power if necessary.   

And Dan - thanks for being the kind of Forum Administrator who does listen and is prepared to make changes even when you don't really agree with them.  Karma to you!  

You're welcome! I'm only here to keep the spammers at bay and play with tech, so everyone's happy. 

[Dan]

Err... and now it's not called Karma, does this topic need renaming?   

Good point, done.

[Beewyched]

Hiya Dan 

Can you please explain this star thing - I think I'm being a bit of a 

Just noticed that I am a"Senior" with a star - only, Happyhippy's been around for ages & only has one (star) too & there are "newbies" with 2 stars - I'm confused

[doganjo]

OK, here's my take on all of that.  I don't give a hoot who boos, hisses, thanks, or kisses me on here!   If I want to give my opinion I will, if i believe I can add something useful to the thread, otherwise I won't post.

And as for stars, I have loads of dog show rosettes with stars on them already so not really bothered whetehr I ahve them on here or not.

Dan, you do a superb job, I know how difficult it can be as I am a mod on our Club forum that my son admins.  And I also know there's a lot more to it than keeping spammers controlled!   So Thank you!

[Beewyched]

Sorry Annie - was just asking 

[OhLaLa]

Thanks for the info.

I visit this site as it's good to be able to ask a question and get a few answers which have been learnt from experience. I like to help others if I can, with what info I have gleaned over the years, so am pleased to pass on my bit of knowledge too.

I appreciate posts can come across not quite as intended, but think the site is run fairly well - no mean task when dealing with the general public and t'internet.

 

[HappyHippy]

I agree that Dan's a fantastic forum mod (and I don't know him personally - yet !) I wouldn't want to be in your position Dan 

And thank you everyone who's been nice to me  But stop now, cos my head is growing 
Karen 

[doganjo]

Sorry Annie - was just asking 

Oops - wasn't aimed at you!    Didn't read your post first as it came in at the same time as I was typing.  I don't know what the stars are for either!

[Beewyched]

Sorry Annie - was just asking 

Oops - wasn't aimed at you!    Didn't read your post first as it came in at the same time as I was typing.  I don't know what the stars are for either!

That's ok then Annie 

[McRennet]

Well, if everyone else is chipping in then I may as well join in too and give a relative newcomers point of view.

Stars: I haven't a clue what they are for and am not much bothered either. Ignorance is bliss...
Thanking: Nice idea but again I feel that you learn pretty quickly where the comprehensive advice comes from. Not only that, and call me old-fashioned, but I quite like that people WRITE a response of thanks, it feels so much more personal than just clicking on a link. I think the intention is great, but I also didn't think it was broken in the first place.
Geography/Scotland: Hey ho, so it's based in Scotland, good for them I say! It has to be based somewhere! I also don't believe that the locality of the 'hub' does alienate anyone. This is possibly the most friendly and accepting forum I have ever seen. And the fact that there are regular posts coming on from France and even australia is testament to an effective set up. 
'Clique-ness': The fact that there are some obvious friendships on some of the threads only makes me hopeful that they might want to take me under their wing one day too. Having conversations with like-minded folk really is so reassuring, wonderful and is even sometimes the difference between life and death for some of our animals.

I for one am so very chuffed that we have this form. Long may it continue!

Even if it does get a face lift later this month 

Right, rant over. Time for bed.
 Sweet dreams smallholders, accidental or intentional.

McR X

[doganjo]

I for one am so very chuffed that we have this form. Long may it continue!

Right, rant over. Time for bed.
 Sweet dreams smallholders, accidental or intentional.

McR X

Well said, McR - me off to beddy byes too. See ye's aw the morra! 

[ballingall]

I'm really shocked to think that people might be put off from joining or posting because they think the "hub" is in Scotland. Yes a lot of members are Scottish- but not everyone! I have been using forums since 2002, and I have to say this is one of the best and friendliest forum's I have ever come across. I have seen the Karma/Thanks thing before, and to be honest on that forum it didn't work because people abused it and thought it was funny to do that- but I know that wouldn't happen here.


Beth