SS,
You've raised some excellent points, some of which I think I can attend to fairly quickly, and others that, for whatever reason, may be best left for further mulling.
Sheetshooter wrote:I'd actually be curious learn your thoughts on consolidating and deleting a few of the vast number of Fora.
In theory, it seems to be an easy task; from a practical POV (and taking into account the actualy useage of the section) this is not quite as simple as it first seems.
In line with the new site name I find that some of the headings and sub-heading may perhaps be a little divisive and alienating to some. And even many of the Nikon fans may now be D70 owners but closet D2x wannabes.
Ok, good point. Point these out to me and we'll get them fixed up.
In News there is still a reference to it being the D70 website.
General Discussion still courts our say on issues related to the D70
Tips and Tricks likewise
Ok, those should be easy.
Merchandise still makes reference only to D70 and could possiby be merged with Trader Opinions and For Sale into a general retailing forum and perhaps all offers of equipoment for sale should be posted only in that forum. Bargains could also fit into here at a pinch although the need for qualification to post may prove an obstacle to that.
These all serve different purposes. THe For Sale section was formed to give items that members were selling differentiation from the items in the bargains section which were, by and large, new items that we sell to qualified members.
Note that the qualification aspect is also deliberately applied to the For Sale section, but not so the Merchandise or Trader Opinions sections both of which are for more general usage.
Underlying all of this is our desire to actually
restrict people using the Bargains section in order to protect Birddog'd resources - there are some here who, without being aware, are unfairly abusing his generosity, and we'll shortly be announcing a few minor changes in this regard.
Important Links disregards all but D70
If we're talking about actual postings, then the cure is that people with links to non-D70 sites need to post those links; that, of course, is beyond my control.
Shooting and Meeting Ideas could be merged with Events perhaps.
Worthy of consideration.
Absolute Beginner Questions still makes reference to D70Users.
I'll throw this one in with the first group.
English Language may be somewhat superfluous to requirements.
Not for the pedants (who enjoy playing with the English language) amongst us.
Canon Corral seems somewhat irrelevant in the absence of Corrals for other breeds - promotes a very Us & Them attitude I feel.
The problem I see is that there are not enough of the other breeds here (on the one hand) but not (yet) enough Canon users to allow them to ask their speciific questions within, say, the general area. I'm not averse to that happening, and I take your point that there's potential for a "them" and "us" mentatlity; what say the Canon users?
Food & Drink seems somewhat irrelevant in the sheme of things and appears to be quite ubnder-utilised.
While it is certainly under utilised, many here view it as a vital part of the community.
The Business of Photography is a goodie.
Humour could be merged into a bigger Forum dealing with Food & Drink and Music & Audio into a broader 'lifestyle' forum.
Interesting concept ....
Computers, IT & The Web is an obvious relevance.
Film & Non-Digital possibly has a valid space in the scheme of things.
Nerd Corner is obviously missing the point because a heap of nerds post elsewhere.
Not only, but also ...
I have never really looked into the Archives sections.
It's really dead stuff that I felt I should move. Why? Buggerred if I really know!
Doubtless I shall be deemed by some to be presumptious in suggesting this list and order back on medication but in fact my observations are voiced with an eye to greater facility and enjoyment and more facile administration all around.
Cheers,
And taken in the spirit in which I believe you have offerred them.
I value all input, and sometimes even act upon it, although oft times less swiftky than many would like.
Therer are certainly some worthwhile suggestions here; time to mull.