It's a 'no' vote for me I'm afraid.

 

Nick

I think what is needed is more moderation to get rid of the idiots instead concentrating of moving posts to different forums by this i mean moving blatent topics i.e "what tyres.....etc etc" to relevent forums and not worry about moving topics that are pretty much of a general issue

An example of this is the Moles birthday thread, why could'nt this of stayed in the general forum after all the general forum is the main forum that everyone reads however how many forums are created

Scott

 

Yes I think better moderation in general would work if done well. However at the moment people post things like insurance questions in general because it seems no one bothers reading the other forums that often so it takes ages to get a reply and you dont get as much input.

Perhaps we could introduce a killfile system whereby a user can tag individial posters and in the future the forum doesnt show that posters threads to that particular member.

 

As has been suggested before this is a very tricky situation and a perfect solution is nigh on impossible I would guess.

Personally I don't think a 'Gold' forum would completely eradicte all the cr*p.

I think the best solution would be something along the lines of Neil's suggestion - have a cr*p or argumentative section. Threads that are getting in to that grey area between discussion and argument/abuse and also 'pointless' posts could be put here.

I can see that this would generate more problems with moderation and I think an increase in moderation level would be needed (and is needed NOW IMHO). It would also generate problems with people complaining that thier posts shouldn't be in the Cr*p (more apt title needed probably ) forum but this approach would:

a) be better than people complaining that their thread has been deleted and

b) get rid of some of the utter garbage which seems to have infested General of late.

Admittedly, I haven't given this a lot of thought but these are my initial feelings on the matter.

Regards
Rikki

[Edited by Rikki 95WRX - 3/3/2002 4:05:57 PM]

 

The trouble with getting rid of the c*ap(Imathickar$e), is they will just come back under another name (Imanotsothickar$e)????

 

I agree with most of what Theo says.

All I can add is that a charge to post anything would be a good idea. It would keep a lot of the prats out. I for one would be happy to pay.

David

 

Simon

Anychance of a "Platinum" Section as well..... Gold is so Common!!!

Simon I can understand that there are problems with your BBS at the moment.... A lot of stress and hard work must go into it. I would like it to continue as a free BBS. For everyone benefit. It is not just a money thing. I have had so much information and help from "Scoobynet members"Sure I have had a laugh when a thread has been humorous...But part of the BBS must contain our feelings and character.. I believe that "Warnings" could be given.3 and you are Off the net. I also believe that it is down to all of us to help you and your team.

It is your BBS and we should respect this(as I believe most do).
Whatever you do dont split this BBS, it wont work.

A "Simon supporter" but a "Scoobynet Lover"

Luke

[Edited by Luke - 3/3/2002 4:43:19 PM]

 

Well the EVO bbs recently introduced an "I hate...." Forum. []

There is a lot less arguing in the General Forum now........

 

I'm against a subscription, even though I would happily pay it.

I'm not sure it would solve anything, and would surely introduce a load of other difficulties, as has been mentioned.

Also, I believe it would ultimately kill ScoobyNet, maybe sooner rather than later.

What is the point here? If it is to reduce the number of idiot posts, then more/firmer moderators would do it. Job done.

If it is to raise money to run ScoobyNet so that Simon can get on with running his business, then that is an entirely different issue. And knowing how much hard work Simon puts into this site, I have every sympathy for this cause. I just don't think a subscription is the answer.

Best regards,

Richard.

 

sorry Si, but I'm on the knife edge as it is and wouldnt be able to afford it. I know its only a fiver but it does add up and I just cant stretch to that.
No from me I'm afraid
astrapauper.

 

I'm siding on the free Scoobynet side. However, better moderation is needed. How about a tighter joining up process which would ensure that some one would be put off signing up just to cause offence or stir it up. If you had to wait a day or so before getting a password or something similar?

Just my 2p.

steve

 

Keep it free.
More Moderators ( I volunteer)
Tighter joining rules. As said before 24hrs before you get a password. Valid Email, Contact Phone number & Home Address. Any false info and there history....
I am sure anyone lagit would not mind this.

Thats my 2 pence worth.

All the best
Pete

[Edited by PeterUK300 - 3/3/2002 5:45:31 PM]

 

How could I EVER possibly join a section with GOLD in its name?!!

I believe it should stay free, charging will drive the number of hits down considerably and affect the Advertising revenue negatively - then would be the need to make it £10 a month - driving down hits - then £20 a month ........ you see the circle?

You could argue that it would get rid of the unwanted - I could be considered unwanted by some!! - but the unclean also read the Adverts and may respond to them - the businesses dont care one bit in whose wallet the £300 for a back box has been!!

I think it would be the death of Scoobynet

Pete

[Edited by pslewis - 3/3/2002 6:02:23 PM]

 

Pete, I reckon that you are more than welcome in most people's eyes, it's just your Semi-annual 'Crusades against the Establishment' that can get a bit tiresome

I wouldn't change you even if I could, you old monkey!

Cheers,

Nick

 

Shucks Nick .................... see me blushing??

Thats the nicest thing anyone has said to me!!

PS. I LOVE your Gold Wheels!!
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NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**** this is Simons thread - lets not change tack - would I pay? Nah!

Pete

 

Well, I wouldn't pay and would probably stop using the site if the two tier charging started... I Don't tend to pay for websites no matter how good, and whilist I enjoy scoobynet, there plenty of other free places that dont use a two tier system.

I like the idea of having to wait 24hours etc for the password, and understand that there are lot of repeat questions being asked, but a lot could be avoided if people used search (when it works ).

Scoobynet is a business and a balancing act between hits/ad revenue and running costs. Whilist the forum has grown hugely since I first came here the technical forums are still good and there are other 'exclusive' BBS's if I was worried...

- Jon

 

A terrible idea, IMO. I wholeheartedly agree with Marks sentiments. What really pisses me off is I made the same comments a few weeks ago and was branded backstabing, opinionated, ungratefull and a misguided fool. But let's not go off on a tangent.

If Scoobynet introduces a subscription, will it continue to host advertisers banners? What extra value would we benefit from by paying £5 ?

I certainly would never pay any money to use Scoobynet, as great as it is, there are a host of other like minded, similar BBSs where I can quench my thirsts for cyberblood. I use them already, more than I do Scoobynet in fact, but that's only because of the brain-free morons that have populated this once mature forum.

I agree with Theo too, more rigorous moderating is required to keep the muppets in their respective forums.

Cem

 

Although I would pay if it was introduced I believe scoobynet should be free to all or pay for all. Don't like the idea of a two tier system.

Perhaps a junk section is required for all the stupid threads. I think the muppet section has moved away from just a place were all the not wanted threads can be put.

Lee

 

Count me in if you wish to go down that route.

Darren

 

D'ont agree with a two tier system.

 

How do you spell that rasberry noise you make when you dont agree with something?!

I think that making a paying section will split the BBS too much.So what if you get things on here that can be rude or offensive?No-one is forced to read the whole thread,you normally get the gist of it in the first few lines.

I also dissagree because I am quite selfish and dont want to lose some of the people on here who are capable of giving good advice,because I know if I was paying a subscription for a different part I would spend more time there than here.

I am probably repeating other comments,but this is the way I see it.

Keep scoobynet as a whole accessable by all.

Steve

 

I agree that charging for Scoobynet would be the beginning of the end. Don't do it!

I also agree that stricter moderation is required, and to that end, I believe that people should stop getting on the backs of meoderators when they DO exercise their judgement and lock/remove/delete threads.

 

I would pay for scoobynet, but not £5 a month. Thats a bit steep since it is also being funded by adverts. Maybe if the price was more in line with a magazine subscription, £30 per annum? And the whole thing would have to be included, not just a special 'members' area.

I agree that theres a lot of turds floating to the surface recently, and antagonistic posts wasting server space. An across the board annual subscription would elimenate this I think.

The only alternative is to give moderators the power to ban instantly. Of course people could re register if they had another email address.

 

My 2p.
Scoobynet is a tremendous resource, and I have learned a lot about my car, saved a few bob and unfortunately spend sheadloads as a result.

I would gladly pay for this resource, by £60pa is too steep and besides I totally agree with Theo and others that it would be devisive and be the beginning of the end.

There are a few things that can be done to cut down the dross:
The 24hr password is a good one'
Much stiffer moderation. Keep threads in their rightful forums, delete abusive threads/postings where OTT.
withdraw rights of abusers - even though they could re-emerege with a new name, it still removes some of the notoriety they seek.

If we HAVE to introduce a payment, the best idea is that you can view free, but have to register & pay a small annual subscription to post. However, any fee will mean we lose some folks who had a valued contribution to make. Don't do it IMHO.

 

Elitism isn't a good thing, unless you are one of the elite! You will end up with a subscription area that will turn out like the 22B BBS (anyone been there lately?).

Sorry, not a good idea. It isn't the money, it is the concept of splitting up one of the best one-marque BBS's around.

Ken

 

Dear Ken G.

My BBS is not elitist. It is visciously moderated, by unpaid moderators.

It primairily deals with technical stuff, and has a search facility that is activated.

The search facility is well regarded, since we are not pretending to re-invent the wheel, we are happy to let search continue otherwise you get the same questions posted. Current time period for reposting the same question would otherwise be apparently 10-12 days

 

So Anders, you are suggesting that search on here doesn't work because it would benefit the advertisers ?

You could not be further from the truth I'm afraid.

Or wait, maybe I'm in the complot, as search was disabled on my suggestion (after spending 5 days & writing custom software to find out where the BBS hickups came from)... of course, that was after writing the previous search engine for Scoobynet.

I sometimes can't believe the way minds work. Shocking.

Theo

 

Thinking somewhat sensibly (perhaps) we should keep an eye on what happens to the mlr board in the foreseeable future.

They had several issues where litigous (cant spell sorry) posts made the owners of the board receive quite a few solicitors letters.
As a result the MLR took the decision to become subscription only.
Where only those that pay to join the mlr have the ability to post, and those that dont can only read threads.

I think we should have a look and see what this does for there similar (all be it smaller) group.

I've already seen two upshots of this, the foreign posters have deserted to two new forums which have been set up, as raising cheques to post was an expensive business (apparently) and mlr was unable to accept credit cards.Also joining the mlr for foreign users seemed a little ott as they get none of the other benefits.

Also casual posters and lurkers also deserted to some extent to the two new boards as they did not wish to pay the joining fee just to post.

MLR has been members only posting since Friday, since then ive had two emails asking me to move to the two new lancer boards that have come up as a result. If anything, my initial though is that it seems to have dilluted the mlr between the three boards, but i think it will make interesting viewing.

[Edited by ptholt - 3/3/2002 10:48:46 PM]

 

Si,

Just read this whole thread top 2 bottom and sorry but as far as I can see it would be the begining of the end for Scoobynet

Have got to admit straight up that in the event of Scoobynet becoming a subscription based forum I for one would not as a matter of principle be prepared to pay a subscription.
Don`t get me wrong here, it`s not that the forum isn`t worth it but as has been pointed out.

1/ It would split the community into those that have and those that have not`s. Which is in anyones book unfair.

2/ A read only till subscribed could equally cause problems, for
example if someone posts a question that someone has the answer to why should they have to pay to answer (help someone else out)?

3/ Once a subscription is paid the user then becomes a client and as such there are all sorts of obligations to be honoured.

If the problem is with idiotic posts why not add an "ignore" button
alongside the "add to my vip list" button? Problem solved, no?
Or has been suggested a forum for "mud slinging" and "daily trash".

IMHO the moderators on here do a Sterling job, ok there is the occasional 1 that got away. Is there a standard code of practice or guidline proceedure for the moderators to follow? IE are they duty bound to check their forum once a day etc?
Yes it`s understandable that most folks do this for free, however just because it`s done free doesn`t mean there shouldn`t be a standard. Not digging at anyone here BTW, but if the workload is to much perhaps it is time to get some more hands on board.

As always I`m sure u`ll make the right choices Si

Pete

 

Hmm, whilst I would be willing to pay, I'm not sure it would be beneficial to scoobynet in the long run. There is a problem at present, with loads of brainless cr@p being posted, but it's mainly produced by one or two 'repeat offenders', for want of a better way of putting it. Surely much stricter moderation is the key, that way the moronic 'Subaru enthusiast baiting' threads could be removed before they wind everyone up?
This site has been invaluable to me since I bought my scoob, and it would be a shame for it to be spoilt by a few mindless, adolescent idiots.
Leigh