Quote: WizardManagement encourages posts on such topics to be placed in DT, for future reference.
I've tried to use DT but it is secondary to this board because the interesting discussions tend to be here more than over there. Something that gets a lot of comments over here just won't move as quickly over there.
I think management may need to do more than "encourage" posts that are outside the confines of what management would like the topics on here should be--if the desire is truly to make this Vegas/Gambling only, I'd recommend shutting down the Off-Topic area and have threads either be on topic or be on DT. Perhaps moving new threads that are not wanted here over there, ending their presence here with a terse "Thread Moved to DT due to it not meeting the requirements for this board" would help condition our behavior.
I guess I just don't see "us", the users, dong it voluntarily very quickly. It adds another board to look at and I just don't look at it that often.
Topics like "Decision 2012" would be candidates for two threads--one keeping tabs on the handicapping of the race here; one there on our thoughts on the politics of the matter. GLBT stuff? If it has to do with Vegas, here...otherwise, there. Same for every topic that tends to be about everything BUT Vegas and Gambling.
Just my two cents worth...it is your sandbox, Mr. Wizard!!
Quote: RonC
I think management may need to do more than "encourage" posts that are outside the confines of what management would like the topics on here should be...
I wholeheartedly agree. I was skeptical that DT would be used, but I gave it a fair chance. I found that it didn't really fill the intended role and that management was not going to pursue it. I have my own (possibly cynical) reasons for believing why this should be the case, but the reason isn't nearly as important as the reality of things.
I wish it had done what it was supposed to do, but I don't even visit it anymore to see what's going on. A failed experiment?
Quote: MonkeyMonkeyI wholeheartedly agree. I was skeptical that DT would be used, but I gave it a fair chance. I found that it didn't really fill the intended role and that management was not going to pursue it. I have my own (possibly cynical) reasons for believing why this should be the case, but the reason isn't nearly as important as the reality of things.
I wish it had done what it was supposed to do, but I don't even visit it anymore to see what's going on. A failed experiment?
Sort of same here. DT started fast but people started migrating back here. Sort of like when the boss says to quit smoking in the doorway, go to the far corner of the building. Then people keep taking half a step a day back, eventually they are in the doorway again.
Quote: RonCPerhaps moving new threads that are not wanted here over there, ending their presence here with a terse "Thread Moved to DT due to it not meeting the requirements for this board" would help condition our behavior.
This is probably the best idea. Moving all non-gambling, non-Vegas posts over to DT would probably facilitate its use.
Quote: Beethoven9thThis is probably the best idea. Moving all non-gambling, non-Vegas posts over to DT would probably facilitate its use.
I wouldn't be nearly as benevolent a dictator if I wanted the OT material moved to DT. I'd remove the areas that could be construed as off topic, then if anyone posted something OT anyway I'd delete it. Perhaps with a note saying put it at DT.
The problem is that gambling/Vegas/etc is what binds us together. If I just wanted political debate there are boards that I consider much better candidates. They have stricter rules (sources must be cited, etc.) and a larger, more diverse member base. And as we saw with the dice influence threads you can only talk about some subjects for so long before they induce nausea.
Quote: terapinedIf I start a thread, Its always Vegas or gambling related.
Except when it's about a thread about a thread that got locked because of an alleged racial comment.... or, about the NSA spying on us.
Quote: MonkeyMonkeyExcept when it's about a thread about a thread that got locked because of an alleged racial comment.... or, about the NSA spying on us.
Spying on me? Its all good :-) I forgot about those. Sorry. I stand corrected. You are absolutely right. Thanks. I am an offender now that you have brought it to my attention. Got to cut down on bong hits :-) How about this, most of the threads I have started have been Vegas or gambling related. Eagerly awaiting Monkeymonkey tearing apart my response :-)
Quote: terapinedIf I start a thread, Its always Vegas or gambling related. But I have to admit, its too much fun responding to these non vegas non gambling threads.
I can see Wiz wanting it to stay Vegas/Gambling because it is part of his portfolio that lends credibility as a gaming authority. Running such a board can get him clients and just adds to his brand. If, however it turns into a bunch of us geeks talking about whatever, including the occasional casino or vegas post then it turns into a costly hobby for him.
OTOH, the board is a victim of its own success. It attracted a decent following of people who can get you answers on things from guns to oil and gas rights to running a bar to yes, casinos. But casinos are not our lives. For the casino employees here, I am sure they deal with it enough at work they do not want to come home and post about the dice-control guy who won big on a daily basis.
So what is an answer? I will give one suggestion really quick as I should be getting work done.
Perhaps all new members would register at both sites on one form. Next, change the "top posters" section to "what's happening at DT" with the reverse on DT. This should be simple programming and gets rid of that section, which may scare new members off. Then a personal appeal by Wiz to the "Board Fathers" who have been here long or/and post often enough. He did this before on a free block-pool or something to the top-100. Maybe offer the normal nominal swag-logo prizes or donation-in-your-name he does for other things.
DT started fast but slowed as people came back here. It is a good idea but may need a little fine-tuning.
A lot of what you describe as "simple programming" is anything but simple. Closer to downright impossible since the two boards are maintained as two separate databases. Hell, there's even differences in the software!
On the other hand, it would be a simple thing for an admin to post a note that a thread belongs on the other board, then lock the thread. Simple, if the admins had a desire to do it.
Quote: DJTeddyBearAZ -
A lot of what you describe as "simple programming" is anything but simple. Closer to downright impossible since the two boards are maintained as two separate databases. Hell, there's even differences in the software!
On the other hand, it would be a simple thing for an admin to post a note that a thread belongs on the other board, then lock the thread. Simple, if the admins had a desire to do it.
It's not a question of desire, in my case, it's simply that I have never been asked to do such a thing. The last that this matter was discussed, my understanding was that we were encouraging OT discussion to go on DT, but that it was not a requirement.
Individually, I proclaimed that I would not start a Non-Gambling-Related thread over here, though I would continue to participate in the OT threads, were I interested in the discussion. I believe I have kept to that.
I don't know what The Wizard will decide to do, but my personal preference would be to have a hard and fast Rule one way or another absent any ambiguity or suggestion. If it were my sole decision, I would allow all present AND active OT threads to continue unfettered and all newly created OT threads on or after this date would be summarily deleted with a PM to the OP stating that the thread was deleted and why.
If not that, then simply allow OT posts here, but I believe it should all be one way or another.
Banning OT will not suddenly improve or increase the quantity or quality of Vegas and/or gambling related posts. It'll just become boring to the old hands who have heard it all before. I rather like the in depth discussions about life to break up the repetition of gaming talk
For now, it is still my preference that posts about the most controversial topics in the areas of politics, religion, and sexuality be placed in DT. The one about the Supreme Court decision on the DOMA is a perfect example. I'm still going to give it a chance to work on a voluntary basis. However, my next move may be to selectively block threads on the most touchy topics. It is not an option at this time to completely ban OT discussion here.
Finally, there is no way to move threads between the two as they are completely independent sites.
The "offending" forum posts are usually populated by the same 12 people or so with about a 3:1 ratio of GOP/Libertarian values to Dem/Liberal values.
I would support moving over to DT.
Hey, since DT is a non-Vegas site, you can solicit different advertisers?
So, basically, one extra recent thread list box on this site from DT, that could be turned off to not show in your settings for preferences.
If that is possible.
Quote: DJTeddyBearAZ -
A lot of what you describe as "simple programming" is anything but simple. Closer to downright impossible since the two boards are maintained as two separate databases. Hell, there's even differences in the software!
On the other hand, it would be a simple thing for an admin to post a note that a thread belongs on the other board, then lock the thread. Simple, if the admins had a desire to do it.
I don't see the major difficulty, just put in a few lines of code calling-up the recent posts from the other board. It is what we do when we post a photo here all the time.
I am sure it would be easily done with off-the-shelf bulletin board/forum software. Remember, the boards here are hand crafted, and some of the wilder functionality you'd see in other places just doesn't exist.
(Looking you need to write a script to go to the recent threads, as a non-logged in user, walk through the page to grab each topic title, format that info and display it... not hugely difficult, but not very efficient, and rely on self built from a person with a full time job and little incentive to tinker and add this feature, I'd imagine unless someone is paying or they see great benefit).
Maybe what I will do is look at which members tend to start the most OT threads on touchy subjects and specifically warn them to stop doing so.
Quote: WizardJB does the heavy lifting in terms of coding but I think he would say it would require a lot of new coding to list DT threads here. He already has a long list of projects that I consider to be more worthwhile.
Maybe what I will do is look at which members tend to start the most OT threads on touchy subjects and specifically warn them to stop doing so.
Just spitballing ideas on the code, not looking to load up JB. Fwiw if you get the critical mass at DT people will stay. I think that we just kind of migrated back.
Really ? I think a great part of the success of this site is both the gambling thread as well as the others. It is a mixture not found on less successful threads. I seriously doubt limiting threads to strictly gambling, vegas, etc will increase the numbers of those threads.
I mean think about the possibility of Hot Blonde Challenge being posted on DT instead. What a waste !
That way if you want to read or post to other categories you have to look at them directly.
- Adult Discussions
- GLBT Corner
- Free Speech Zone
- Off-Topic
- Religion
- Advice
- Casual Corner
Quote: FaceAll the tools are in place to make this exactly what you want it to be. You can block posters, block entire threads, and have the complete power of self to ignore anything you want.
Good point, Face. As in other threads, you always make me examine my own positions more carefully. ;)
Perhaps adding small a 'Block' button next to each thread on the Recent Threads list might help? That way, blocking a thread is just one click away without even having to open it.
Quote: terapinedSpying on me? Its all good :-) I forgot about those. Sorry. I stand corrected. You are absolutely right. Thanks. I am an offender now that you have brought it to my attention. Got to cut down on bong hits :-) How about this, most of the threads I have started have been Vegas or gambling related. Eagerly awaiting Monkeymonkey tearing apart my response :-)
Time to get over yourself? Or is that not until 4:20?
Quote: Mission146If it were my sole decision ... all newly created OT threads on or after this date would be summarily deleted with a PM to the OP stating that the thread was deleted and why.
C'mon Mission, deputize me and we'll clean up this forum. :)
Quote: MonkeyMonkeyC'mon Mission, deputize me and we'll clean up this forum. :)
Looks like the " Barney Fife" virus is spreading !
Quote: BuzzardLooks like the " Barney Fife" virus is spreading !
Why do you want to help too?
Dampening down the display of the off topic stuff on this site is a halfway measure and bound to fail.
Blocking by title without having read the thread is unwise to do and unwise to encourage or facilitate.
Just make it simple. THIS is a GAMBLING site and DT is the KITCHEN SINK and DRUNK TANK site.
As violations persist... move the threads. After a few such moves people will get the hint. A thread about slot machines belongs here whereas a thread about those dirty disgusting Southpaws who press the little red button with their unmentionable hand, belongs on DT, no matter how much the poster wants to disguise it as being about gambling. (No, I hope no one actually posts such a thread , but you get the idea).
Quote: pacomartinOne possibility is just to exclude certain categories from the RECENT THREADS list.
That way if you want to read or post to other categories you have to look at them directly.
- Adult Discussions
- GLBT Corner
- Free Speech Zone
- Off-Topic
- Religion
- Advice
- Casual Corner
Thanks, not a bad idea. If I did this it would probably only be only religion, GLBT, adult, FSZ, and politics (which doesn't even exist). I had no problem with the HB Challenge, which somebody brought up, since that was gambling related.
The Wiz has stated the sponsor of this forum is
his major source of income. I'd be loathe to mess with
something thats working fine as it is, just because
a couple people want it changed. It ain't broke,
why fix it.. Thats why god invented the block feature.
Use it.
Quote: AZDuffmanSort of same here. DT started fast but people started migrating back here. Sort of like when the boss says to quit smoking in the doorway, go to the far corner of the building. Then people keep taking half a step a day back, eventually they are in the doorway again.
Sure, take a shot at smokers.
Quote: Sabretom2Sure, take a shot at smokers.
i dont get why ppl are mad about smoking i dont think it hurts u and if u like it u shoudl do it.
Quote: EvenBobThis forum works fine as it is, why mess with it.
The Wiz has stated the sponsor of this forum is
his major source of income. I'd be loathe to mess with
something thats working fine as it is, just because
a couple people want it changed. It ain't broke,
why fix it.. Thats why god invented the block feature.
Use it.
The purpose of this thread was to discuss the Wizard's desire to have more off-topic (non-gambling, non-Vegas type stuff) moved to his other forum created for just such things. Most of us looked there, saw no traction, and came back here doing the same thing we did before that forum was invented.
Evidently, it isn't working exactly how the Wizard thought it should after adding that forum...so we're tossing some ideas around to change/improve things and he can decide if he does anything with them or not. If he thought everything was "fine" he probably wouldn't have commented at all on the fact that a thread belongs on the other forum.
Quote: pacomartinOne possibility is just to exclude certain categories from the RECENT THREADS list.
That way if you want to read or post to other categories you have to look at them directly.
- Adult Discussions
- GLBT Corner
- Free Speech Zone
- Off-Topic
- Religion
- Advice
- Casual Corner
Or you could just not allow any further threads in those categories and bust threads started in other categories that belong in them...
Where when you come to the site you see all the current categories listed with option boxes next to them, Put a check mark in the option boxes, such as for Craps, BJ, Casino Reviews. So maybe that's all you ever want to read.
(And by the way, if you do that, Politics has been a popular off topic thread if you want to add a more specific new one that you don't have. )
If other subjects continually occur, you could consider expanding. Or conversely, eliminate or consolidate other areas that don't get much action.
*edit, don't mean to imply JB didn't get a whole lot right : )
How exactly would one define the point of DT?
"We can talk here!" could be cool in the 1980s. Internet has no need for or interest in yet another generic talk board.
DT's sole self-definition and raison d'etre is as an externalized general section for WoV. It's all secondary to WoV and always will be.
Am I interested in exchanging a word or two of small talk about recent events or weather with people on this board? Yeah. Interested enough to go to a whole separate board just for that? Not really. A lot of people, I suspect, feel the same way.
If the issue is that non-gambling threads take too much of the Recent Threads area, and random visitors don't feel like it's a gambling board, then there answer can be found in rearranging this board's layout, rather than taking an axe to split it. WoV isn't even a large board, it doesn't need fragmenting.
How exactly, not my decision, too many options to put forward another one. For one, there's a lot of fluff in the Forum Overview - New Members, Top Contributors, Views for threads.
My corollary: if you ask 100 users how to improve the forum, you'll wind up with 150 detailed plans, all mutually incompatible.
Quote: P90Merge the smaller sections in Off-Topic so they take up take less space, put them at the bottom.
.
I do think it would be easier to slowly tweak the board into some sort of format like that than having the board split into two boards. (but I also know the Wizard would hope the DT site would work as is)
EDIt
"easier" well "better" maybe. Don't know if it's easy.
Quote: MonkeyMonkeyC'mon Mission, deputize me and we'll clean up this forum. :)
LOL
I have no authority to do that!
Quote: Mission146LOL
I have no authority to do that!
That's ok I withdraw my offer to help I don't think I have what it takes.
Quote: NareedThere's a centuries old saying, going back to pre-Roman times, which states: Do not mess up the internet forum because a few users are complaining.
My corollary: if you ask 100 users how to improve the forum, you'll wind up with 150 detailed plans, all mutually incompatible.
This thread really had very little to do with users complaning when it was started and very much to do with "the boss" saying that the type of thread I pulled his comment from belonged somewhere else...and how to make that happen if he really wants it to happen. Nothing wrong with tossing a whole bunch of ideas out and letting the powers that be do whast they'd like...it isn't like we have to have a consensus of any kind, so 150 different plans are fine.
In my opinion, your gloating thread should have been dead on arrival not because of your gender, sexual orientation, stance on gay marriage, or your happiness at the results of the SCOTUS decision. Nope...it would have been dead because you made the only choice that did not fit your opinion an unsavory one. You are smart enough to know, but likely not person enough to admit, that there are people who oppose gay marriage that are overall in favor of the gay agenda yet opposed to gay marriage.
Quote: WizardFor now, it is still my preference that posts about the most controversial topics in the areas of politics, religion, and sexuality be placed in DT.
Look, if you don't want off topic and/or controversial posts and threads, say so. Stating your preference will do nothing to stop such posts.
Also, well, at the risk of incurring your wrath, there's not much point to DT. If I wanted to post something less than ten people will read, I'd post it to my cooking blog.
Or how's this:
Merge the baords, and set an option to ignore the non-gambling, non-Vegas areas. It's amazing how many people complaining about off-topic threads actually post in those threads.
I'm calling on that person to either accept PMs or stop sending them.
The childish little things this member does to bully people are pretty annoying!!
It's not large enough ... yet. And if we're going to grow, we need to look like a gambling forum.Quote: P90I... WoV isn't even a large board, it doesn't need fragmenting
Is it me or does anyone else think that these statements are contradictory?Quote: NareedLook, if you don't want off topic and/or controversial posts and threads, say so. Stating your preference will do nothing to stop such posts.
Quote: DJTeddyBearIs it me or does anyone else think that these statements are contradictory?
Classic!
Quote: DJTeddyBearIt's not large enough ... yet. And if we're going to grow, we need to look like a gambling forum.
Is it me or does anyone else think that these statements are contradictory?
+1. And it makes me wonder if the truce is over?