it would be cool if we could post under individual counties instead of just one general forum
thanks
Camera always at the ready!!
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Treble ditto - I have enough problems now trying to catch up on older threads and some I miss completely. Not to mention the added factor of competition creeping in to whose seen what and where - This is from someone in Essex who needs her eyes re-tested, and can't even see poles all that clearly - my bird sightings isn't doing too well at the mo!!!
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Ditto once more
I think there are a lack of members to do something so complex at the moment.
Not to say that it could be done in future when the membership has increased once more.
Kezmo: I am like you and loose threads and not answer them by a mistake .....as well as all the answers for the comment on my profile to answer too.
Kathy and Dave
Unknown said: Treble ditto - I have enough problems now trying to catch up on older threads and some I miss completely. Not to mention the added factor of competition creeping in to whose seen what and where - This is from someone in Essex who needs her eyes re-tested, and can't even see poles all that clearly - my bird sightings isn't doing too well at the mo!!!
That would exclude those overseas, says she from Aussieland.
Some forums have down the side who is online in your town / city so I am guessing this is what you mean. All of this feeds into recent posts so can still be communal.
Some people do not disclose their area and like to remain discreet, it personally doesn't bother me as on other forums I don't just chat to people in my own area.
Maybe there could be 2 styles of forum all on the RSPB site, this one to stay the same and the other to keep up with the competition in order to retain users. People could then choose which style they prefer to use. Otherwise if it stays in the dark ages I can't see the site becoming successful with large quantites of users online at the same time. Actual posts from each style could merge in a recent posts page but in order to PM etc you would need to use the alternative style.
Hi Aquilareen
I am sure that you would not be excluded as with all countries away from the UK {smile}
On another one of my forums the whole forum is split into areas in the UK but the membership is so that there are many postings on all the areas. So there is a lot of activity going on including the fact that the Forum is operational with other members all night too.
The countries outside the UK are treated in the same manner {wink}
aquilareen said: That would exclude those overseas, says she from Aussieland.
All sounds too complicated to me. Best kept simple, as it is at present.
I love this forum as it is. For me, this is the best forum I have ever been involved with.
I fail to understand what splitting it into areas would achieve. We all get the same or similar birds in our gardens - this is very evident from some of the recent threads we have had. We all have the same bird related problems wherever we live, and it is brilliant chatting to people from different areas.
Is this forum in the dark ages? Is a new set up is required to "keep up with the competition in order to retain users". What competition? Are we losing users? I seem to remember we were discussing recently just how many new members were joining.
If there is a better NATIONAL (and indeed International) bird forum I would like a link for it.
I believe this forum is getting more successful by the day. There are server problems, but these will be sorted eventually, even if the RSPB has to splash out and find a larger server.
That's just my humble opinion
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
While I agree that private messaging may be an advantage, I can see why the RSPB would not want it here as there is no control over private messaging - they can't see what is being said between members and there is always the risk that a younger member might find themselves talking to an unsavory character where no one can step in, or someone could start sending abusive messages etc. It wouldn't be very good for the RSPB's publicity (or this community) if that was to happen. Other forums don't really have anything to lose, they don't have a reputation to keep as they aren't a charitable organisation that could face problems as a result of something like that happening. I would suspect that due to the RSPB's name, parents could be lulled into a false sense of security here, and right now it is a safe place for all ages to be, add private messaging and it takes that away because no one other than those sending and recieving messages knows their content.
It is a fine balance between protecting all members and giving members facilities they would like on a forum, but anything private is a risk, a small risk, but still a risk that could damage the RSPB's reputation.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Hi Sparrow
Well worded, Sparrow.
I am in agreement with you, and it is a great all round forum and everyone is good natured towards one another.
I, for one would hate to see it change in any way at all.
Yes, there are lots of new members joining each day, and the membership is healthy and happy - the way a forum should be.
Like you I am not too hindered by the odd Server problem and that will be updated as time goes on.
Like everything time improves the odd glitch, and we all need to be more patient with admin,
Susan H said: I love this forum as it is. For me, this is the best forum I have ever been involved with. I fail to understand what splitting it into areas would achieve. We all get the same or similar birds in our gardens - this is very evident from some of the recent threads we have had. We all have the same bird related problems wherever we live, and it is brilliant chatting to people from different areas. Is this forum in the dark ages? Is a new set up is required to "keep up with the competition in order to retain users". What competition? Are we losing users? I seem to remember we were discussing recently just how many new members were joining. If there is a better NATIONAL (and indeed International) bird forum I would like a link for it. I believe this forum is getting more successful by the day. There are server problems, but these will be sorted eventually, even if the RSPB has to splash out and find a larger server. That's just my humble opinion.
That's just my humble opinion.