WANTED - Feedback about the forums [Oct 2003] - FineScale Modeler - Essential magazine for scale model builders, model kit reviews, how-to scale modeling, and scale modeling products

David Voss

Member since
December 2002
From: Waukesha, WI

WANTED - Feedback about the forums [Oct 2003]

Posted by David Voss on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 4:24 PM

Well it has been 313 days since we first launched the forums. Smile [:)]

During that time, the FSM Community has grown considerably, surpassing many expectations. In 10 months, we have grown to 23,250 members and 67,954 posts. Since August, we have been averaging 358 posts/day. Numbers aside, what has made this a great community (and fun to work for) is the people. The friendliness, respect, encouragement, willingness to help each other and the sharing of ideas has become the trademark of this community. On behalf of all of us here -- Thank you!

I would like to announce that in the very near future, we are planning to apply some forum modifications, which have been in the works for some time. Most of it is behind the scenes stuff (performance related), changes to the registration process, layout tweaks, profile changes, etc. -- a lot of minor changes.

However, I have a couple of days before that happens, so... Wink [;)]

I would like to ask everyone for feedback regarding the forums. Think about what you like about the forums and what you do not like. Are there features you would like to see added, removed or improved upon? Are there features that require further explanation or are just downright confusing? How about ease of use - do you feel it is easy to use and navigate around the forums or do you find it difficult? Are there enough categories/forums or would you like to see more or even less?

Whatever feedback or suggestions you have, good or bad, please share them with us. There is still some time before the update occurs.

You can post your comments here, contact me directly (click on the email icon), or email them to webmaster@finescale.com with the words "Forum Feedback: ATTN Online" in the subject line.

We will review all of your comments but please understand we may not be able to respond to all of them.

Thanks in advance!

David Voss Senior Web Developer Kalmbach Publishing Co. Join me on the FSM Map

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 4:35 PM

I think the forum is great. I havent had any problems with posting, sign up, or reading or browsing. Actually, you guys have me addicted now. I check the forums everyday along with my email. I just cant get enough :) I know there are a few categories that Ive read on here that people want, cant remember them though, except for the "Future" , which seems to be a repetitive question.
Keep up the good work fellas, tim

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 4:54 PM

I'm with Tim on this one. The site is great...The Forums are great. I signed up roughly 2 weeks ago and I too check it everyday. At least a few times a day! I probably wont be able to spend as much time here when I go back from my vacation. I have had no trouble posting,registering or signing in. The layout is easy to use...Posts are easy to read and reply to. I really like the quick reply feature. I think over all everythings good. Keep up the good work!
Thanks,
Chris

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 6:08 PM

Only things I'd like to see are:
- some sort of indicator to show whether or not you've posted in a topic or not (seen it on other forums and it's a very nice little feature)
- a way to search and only bring back the 'post' rather than then entire thread. (I believe the current search only brings back the thread.)
- free donuts

Murray

Reply
Edit

Woody

Member since
December 2002
From: Third rock from the sun.

Posted by Woody on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 7:08 PM

Let me start by saying I can't get enough of FSM's forums! I feel a real sense of community here and have gained more than a few friends. There are only three changes I would make. A chat room, traders forum(I know , I know), and a vacuform/resin forum would be perfection! I've been here almost from day one and I can't believe what a wonderful place this has become. The future, I can't wait... Wink [;)]

" I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." --John Paul Jones

Reply

therriman

Member since
January 2003
From: Central MI

Posted by therriman on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 7:12 PM

I'll second Murray's suggestion of adding a symbol (even if it's just a "p") to remind you which threads you have posted in.

Tim H. "If your alone and you meet a Zero, run like hell. Your outnumbered" Capt Joe Foss, Guadalcanal 1942 Real Trucks have 18 wheels. Anything less is just a Toy! I am in shape. Hey, Round is a shape! Reality is a concept not yet proven.

Reply

leemitcheltree

Member since
January 2003
From: Washington State

Posted by leemitcheltree on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 8:33 PM

David,
Murray has a good idea - the indicator (which would obviously be user specific) to show if you've posted on a topic.
I'd also like to see a resin/moldmaking forum would be nice -
I also must say I'm almost sorry FSM has started up this forum................I seem to spend more time here than I do making models.....................
Cheers
LeeTree

Cheers, LeeTree
Remember, Safety Fast!!!

Reply

David Voss

Member since
December 2002
From: Waukesha, WI

Posted by David Voss on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 9:47 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Murray Kish
- some sort of indicator to show whether or not you've posted in a topic or not (seen it on other forums and it's a very nice little feature)

This is a good suggestion. I know there are times I would like to know whether or not I've participated in the thread or not. If I had and it was back on top (or new) then I would want to read it again. I have to admit I have never seen anything like this (or possibly never noticed). If you have an example of a forum where this is done, I would appreciate it.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Murray Kish
- a way to search and only bring back the 'post' rather than then entire thread. (I believe the current search only brings back the thread.)

Another good suggestion. I've seen examples of this before and have this noted as something I would like to try sometime.

. . .

Chat Room - A couple of options were reviewed and we had it narrowed down to one which was really nice. For awhile it looked like we were going to get this going and then things cooled down. As it stands, there are a couple of critical projects we are working on through the end of the year which means chat is on hold for now.

. . .

Vacuform/Resin/Moldmaking Forum - The question that will come up is do you feel there is enough interest/discussion to support this type of forum? We can always try it and if the activity isn't there, we can always move the posts out and remove it.

. . .

Trading/Wanted Forum - This is probably one of the most requested items for this site. Currently we don't have any plans for creating a trading/wanted type of forums. At some point this will most likely come back up for discussion, so you never know. In the meantime, if you're looking to trade, there have been a couple of members with websites dedicated and/or facilitating such services.

. . .

Free Donuts - Speaking of donuts....I think the Krispy Kremes down the road is open 24 hours. Cool [8D]

David Voss Senior Web Developer Kalmbach Publishing Co. Join me on the FSM Map

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 10:32 PM

You've got mail...

www.aircraftresourcecenter.com and www.automotiveforums.com both have these features.

Murray

Reply
Edit

shermanfreak

Member since
January 2003

Posted by shermanfreak on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 10:35 PM

As always I have nothing but praise for the way the forums are Dave. Super job to you and the other staff of FSM that made this possible and keep it running. Credit also must go to the membership here. What a great bunch of modellers !!!! The sense of community is very strong on this site and that's a credit to the guys and gals that do the posting. Keep it up !!!

On the technical side of things .... I would like to see the folder tree that appears at the top of each thread to be replicated at the bottom of the thread. I think it would be a great additional navigation tool.

Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert

Reply

David Voss

Member since
December 2002
From: Waukesha, WI

Posted by David Voss on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 11:10 PM

Murray, thanks for the links. I'm somewhat familiar with the Invision boards and I'll take another look at it to see what I can do. You'll notice in the update it'll look more like an Invision board format, but there's still some work to do. The good thing about being a programmer, I get to do a bit of digital "kit-bashing" too. Smile [:)]

Robert, thank you. I definitely agree, this is a great group of modellers. It's a pleasure working with the members of this site.

About that folder tree, this had been suggested quite some time ago and it's in the upgrade. The only thing is that it's not quite the same as the folder tree at the top. It's more flat. Here's an example of what it looks like. Let me know if that will work.

A couple of other suggestions from the past which have been included were longer topic titles and folders not changing color if the last post in the thread was made by yourself.

David Voss Senior Web Developer Kalmbach Publishing Co. Join me on the FSM Map

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 12:16 AM

Absolutely a great site! The only thing I have noticed is that sometimes I will try to post and it doesn't get included in the thread(?). but that could be the ancient computers that I have to use in the barracks lobby! (Yes, I need my own computer!!!) - Calvin

Reply
Edit

djmodels1999

Member since
December 2002
From: United Kingdom / Belgium

Posted by djmodels1999 on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 1:46 AM

Like Murray said, I'd like to see some sort of .. something telling me I've contributed to a particular Forum. It's not always easy to keep up with the traffic and the rate of posting!

My next remark would be about the number of Forums. I think we have a decent amount of forums already; personnaly I would re-combine the painting, airbrushing and tool forums with the techniques one, and the helicos' with the aircrafts', but that's my personnal view. My point is that the more Forum we have, the greater the chance to miss something important, and the less 'cohesion' we have between the members.

Finaly, I'd like the chat option installed one day if possible.

I think that's really all from me. In any case, thank you for providing us with this great opportunity.

Domi

Reply

Ray Marotta

Member since
December 2002
From: Lyons Colorado, USA

Posted by Ray Marotta on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 8:22 AM

I think the forum is about as near to perfection as can be. I agree with all the above
posts, too. Personally, I can't think of anything that would make it better but, that's
just me. I'm happy so, I'll leave it to you guys. There is definitely a great sense of community here. Even the occasional spat is quickly brought under control and everyone behaves as ladies and gentlemen. This forum is my favorite place on the web.
Ray

]

Reply

wibhi2

Member since
March 2003
From: Brooklyn

Posted by wibhi2 on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 8:42 AM

I love this site. It's easy to navigate, fairly easy to find what you need and has a great group of people who peruse the messages.

My only suggestion, maybe a user gallery to post pics - subdivided pretty much the way
the modelling forums are and comments allowable. In some ways it's better than posting pics in the forums - I also understand that it would almost triple your bandwidth.

3d modelling is an option a true mental excercise in frusrtation

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 10:52 AM

I, too, have made this forum part of my daily internet ritual. I check back at least twice a day. The forum is already great, but the suggested enhancements are also right on target!

Many thanks to you at FSM for creating this new home for modelers and also thanks to the modelers themselves for joining this global family.

-Mark

Reply
Edit

Lufbery

Member since
December 2002
From: Harrisburg, PA

Posted by Lufbery on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 11:01 AM

Thanks for the opportunity to offer feedback.

I've already suggested this and received an affirmative answer: it would be great if links would change color after clicking on them.

The other thing that would be nice is to have a way of seeing just the threads I've posted to. I'd like to be able to do this without going to my profile.

Regards,

-Drew

-Drew

Build what you like; like what you build.

Reply

shermanfreak

Member since
January 2003

Posted by shermanfreak on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 11:10 AM

David - just looked at the link to the "Bead & Button" Site ... please don't tell anyone I was there though ..... the set-up at the bottom of the thread looks great, more than sufficient for what I had suggested.

Thanks

Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert

Reply

J-Hulk

Member since
February 2003
From: Tochigi, Japan

Posted by J-Hulk on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 11:30 AM

David, I think the forums are great! Very easy to use, very easy on the eyes, and very reliable.
Not to mention very informative and very fun!
My only suggestion would to be to take it offline at least three days a week so I can get some modeling done!! Wink [;)]

The only glitches I ever experience with the site have their origins in my computer, I believe. I remember when I first got this thing, the FSM site was the ONLY site I couldn't access! Some tweaking of server settings solved that.

About the chat, what do you mean, "cooled down?" The test group not using it? I personally popped in every time I logged on the the site, but there was never anybody there, which can be solely attributed to the fact that I'm on the other side of the planet from everybody else in the test group! I'm sure that'd be a very busy place were it to be opened to all.

Anyway, looking forward to seeing what changes are in store for us!

~Brian

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 11:34 AM

Well I haven't been here very long but will chime in anyway. The forums are great. Easy to use. And a lot of knowledgeable people to help out us less informed modelers.

One suggestion for another forum, or maybe you can put it in with "tools", is "Photography". Where people can get info/opinions on the best cameras, lighting, backdrops, whatever, for photographing their models.

Just a thought.

James Smile [:)]

Reply
Edit

erush

Member since
May 2003
From: USA, GA

Posted by erush on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 11:34 AM

Dave, I am quite happy with the layout of the forum as it is as far as navigation etc. As a couple others mentioned, I would like to have an indicator to which threads I've posted to. I forget sometimes Blush [:I]

. It would be useful and easier to track a thread down especially after it's moved off the first page, or if I've slept since then. Also the tree at the bottom as Robert mentioned would be nice too and I think you've already got that ready to go.

Again, y'all are doing a great job, especially in trying to make the forum what we want of it!!

Eric

Hi, I'm Eric and I'm a Modelholic too. I think I have PE poisioning.

"Friendly fire...isn't"

Reply

David Voss

Member since
December 2002
From: Waukesha, WI

Posted by David Voss on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 1:57 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by shermanfreak

David - just looked at the link to the "Bead & Button" Site ... please don't tell anyone I was there though

LOL!! Okay, I won't. But what if others are reading this? Wink [;)]

I guess I could have sent you over to our Astronomy.com forums instead. Smile [:)]

David Voss Senior Web Developer Kalmbach Publishing Co. Join me on the FSM Map

Reply

shermanfreak

Member since
January 2003

Posted by shermanfreak on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 2:33 PM

QUOTE: But what if others are reading this?

Oops

Now why didn't I think of that !!!!

Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert

Reply

RAF120

Member since
March 2003
From: Exit 7a NJ Turnpike

Posted by RAF120 on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 8:07 PM

QUOTE: My next remark would be about the number of Forums. I think we have a decent amount of forums already; personnaly I would re-combine the painting, airbrushing and tool forums with the techniques one, and the helicos' with the aircrafts', but that's my personnal view. My point is that the more Forum we have, the greater the chance to miss something important, and the less 'cohesion' we have between the members.

I'm with DJ on this one. I also like the idea the folded tree at the bottom of the page and some kind of indicator to let me know where I've posted.
This is the only forum I visit so I really have nothing to compare it to, but it doesn't stop me from visiting every chance I get.

Keep up the good work.

Trevor Where am I going and why am I in this handbasket?

Reply

RAF120

Member since
March 2003
From: Exit 7a NJ Turnpike

Posted by RAF120 on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 9:00 PM

I just though of something. I would like to see a clock with the current time where you are so that when I look at the time that I or someone else posted I don't have to do math

Trevor Where am I going and why am I in this handbasket?

Reply

South Aussie

Member since
August 2003
From: South Australia

Posted by South Aussie on Thursday, October 23, 2003 3:37 AM

I've only been a member of the Community since Aug this year and have found the forums to be excellent. To me it has been a good tool and information base to see what is happening in the rest of the modelling world, I like to think of it as a world wide modelling club.

I also like the idea of the folded tree at the bottom of the page and some type of indication to let me know the threads I have posted to.

Wayne I enjoy getting older, especially when I consider the alternative.

Reply

djmodels1999

Member since
December 2002
From: United Kingdom / Belgium

Posted by djmodels1999 on Thursday, October 23, 2003 4:20 AM

Hey Robert, when can we see pics of that Sherman necklace you're beading together??? LOL

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 23, 2003 4:59 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by dvoss

Chat Room - A couple of options were reviewed and we had it narrowed down to one which was really nice. For awhile it looked like we were going to get this going and then things cooled down. As it stands, there are a couple of critical projects we are working on through the end of the year which means chat is on hold for now.

Ok wheres the lighter fluid,firewood, and matches????

Let's relight the Fire!!!

Seriously though Chat would be nice...I guess we can wait. After all better latter than never!
Chris

Reply
Edit

shermanfreak

Member since
January 2003

Posted by shermanfreak on Thursday, October 23, 2003 12:01 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by djmodels1999

Hey Robert, when can we see pics of that Sherman necklace you're beading together??? LOL

Darn ... how did this leak out ..... no pics will be available until I've finished weathering it. Tongue [:P]

Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert

Reply

lizardqing

Member since
July 2003
From: Dahlonega, Georgia

Posted by lizardqing on Thursday, October 23, 2003 6:22 PM

Dave, I think this is a great site y'all have put together, sure has helped me come along alot. As far as improvements, of all the forums I have ever used, this is the bst as far as lay out and looks. I agree also about something to mark places I have posted, other than that keep up the good work and maybe I can get away from here to get some building done.

Chris The Scale Firehouse The Lizard's Workshop