The Place To Discuss New Features And Ideas For The Forum

[Heisenberg / HNB]

http://www.drugbuyersguide.com/index.php?/topic/2142-usa-vendor/#entry42185

This thread is a prime example of how people can see the subsections but not post.

 

[FrankieGirl]

And how they say "I'm not allowed to post there, so let me break the rules and post here"...

Hopefully this thread (as linked above) is now hidden...which I attempted to do, but being on mobile I'm not sure it worked! I'm still learning Mod tricks; not as good as my brothers in arms, Jewy & RH. I'll check it when I'm on desktop...

FG

 

[High Tide]

If it is true that anyone can view this section, then you are absolutely right, and the sooner that can be stopped, the better. Anyway, IMO, both positive rep points and a certain waiting period would work well together. Obviously it's not my call, but it seems to me that both would be relatively easy to do and to keep track of. 

BTW, when the F did these reputation things appear? Please tell me they were just added, otherwise I'm going senile before I hit 30.

Just to make things clear for me, by "reputation things" are you referring to the box beside the Up/Down icons or the score seen on ones profile? If my understanding is correct the one seen on the post is the cumulative score of likes and unlikes while the reputation score is only on a persons profile page. By cumulative score I mean 1 like and 1 unlike (Up/Down arrow) equals out to 0. I'm not sure how the score seen on profile pages are calculated. If it's somehow based on contribution to the site I've got to dig my way out of a hole, no pun intended. 

 

[Jewbacca]

Just to make things clear for me, by "reputation things" are you referring to the box beside the Up/Down icons or the score seen on ones profile? If my understanding is correct the one seen on the post is the cumulative score of likes and unlikes while the reputation score is only on a persons profile page. By cumulative score I mean 1 like and 1 unlike (Up/Down arrow) equals out to 0. I'm not sure how the score seen on profile pages are calculated. If it's somehow based on contribution to the site I've got to dig my way out of a hole, no pun intended. 

Yes, your are correct on all points. However, the cumulative score calculation is simple. It's the net, sum total of all likes and dislikes awarded on all of the members posts. It's no different than it was before, where the cumulative score on the member profile page was their "total likes" over all posts made. The only difference is that now there is the possibility of negative post feedback, which would obviously lower one's cumulative score. Previously, the only option was to award a like or to do nothing, so the cumulative score could only go up or stay static.

 

[Denise]

I don't know about this site's software, but my site's software allows me as Admin/Owner to view the amount of time people spend actually on the site, reading articles and comments.

I can also monitor what they are reading, number of comments, content of their posts, many things - such as whether they have attempted to access 'locked' areas or find back doors etc.  (Instant Ban on my site)

Rather than requiring a certain number of posts (which members are saying doesn't work) or vying for 'popularity points' - perhaps the amount of time a person is willing to devote to this site reading its rules, cautions, threads, and making acceptable posts should all be taken into account and used to judge when they have earned the right to access certain areas of dbg.  Important threads such as rules and cautions could be made mandatory also before access to other areas.

This would also cut down on repetitive questions and PM's to members because if someone spends the time reading rules and threads, they will be better informed members - as well as more knowledgeable about how to stay safe, make better posters, and learn the best way to find what they need/want.

Just a suggestion.

 

[GoldenBoy74]

Just to make things clear for me, by "reputation things" are you referring to the box beside the Up/Down icons or the score seen on ones profile? If my understanding is correct the one seen on the post is the cumulative score of likes and unlikes while the reputation score is only on a persons profile page. By cumulative score I mean 1 like and 1 unlike (Up/Down arrow) equals out to 0. I'm not sure how the score seen on profile pages are calculated. If it's somehow based on contribution to the site I've got to dig my way out of a hole, no pun intended. 

I meant the little colored things at the bottom right of every post. It's good to know they were just added Jewy, because I was beginning to worry about myself a bit.

 

[longwaydown]

I don't know about this site's software, but my site's software allows me as Admin/Owner to view the amount of time people spend actually on the site, reading articles and comments.

I can also monitor what they are reading, number of comments, content of their posts, many things - such as whether they have attempted to access 'locked' areas or find back doors etc.  (Instant Ban on my site)

Rather than requiring a certain number of posts (which members are saying doesn't work) or vying for 'popularity points' - perhaps the amount of time a person is willing to devote to this site reading its rules, cautions, threads, and making acceptable posts should all be taken into account and used to judge when they have earned the right to access certain areas of dbg.  Important threads such as rules and cautions could be made mandatory also before access to other areas.

This would also cut down on repetitive questions and PM's to members because if someone spends the time reading rules and threads, they will be better informed members - as well as more knowledgeable about how to stay safe, make better posters, and learn the best way to find what they need/want.

Just a suggestion.

I was wondering about something similar like that too Denise....Like posts that count as being actual quality posts.

Example- is there a way to only allow a certain amount of posts to count each day, so you can't accumulate them all at once? If a new person joins, say 5 is the max in 1 day. Kind of in a way forces them to stick around and read/contribute.

Also, not allow for a person to join and right away go make most all of their posts in welcome section or off topic threads and have every one of those posts count towards minimum # to gain access to restricted areas. Like they have to make an effort to post actual "quality" posts in active threads and topics... ?

 

[Denise]

I don't know what software this site uses (I use SMF on my site)  But my site and other sites I've seen can have an introductory page before main section of site.  This first page could have the rules, cautions and other critical threads that ALL members must read before progressing to the main site.

People would have to spend time on that page, read and post acknowledgement that they read the info.  Again, this would hopefully cut down on repetitive questions that annoy mods/members so often because some people don't spend time reading much of this when it's voluntary.  They want to take the easy way out and just ask everything.

Admin probably has ability to see how much time a member has spent on this site and know approximately how much time it takes usually to read the introductory info.  The member couldn't access rest of site until sufficient time spent learning how to be a productive member on dbg and appropriate behavior.

It would discourage some of the lazy or stupid people who show up and just want everything handed to them on a silver platter.

(Call them  "Educated Newbies" or "Dedicated Newbies"  LOL)

 

[Jewbacca]

All of these suggestions are very valid, and I'm the first person to say that quality content is of the upmost importance. That being said, while this software has the ability to track all of these elements, such as time on board, time reading posts, which threads and posts are read, etc, the time required to subjectively judge each and every member's body of work, post by post, would be an immensely time consuming task. There is simply no software platform available that has the ability to automate that level of analysis and related user settings, let alone purely subjective measures such as "post quality". While it all sounds wonderful in theory, such a system would require countless dozens of hours of administrative work, which simply isn't viable for a free board. I hoped that opening a dialogue regarding quality control and security enhancements would lead to improved content quality and a better user experience, but we seem to have only opened a Pandora's box of member factions. One that views the automated tools available as insufficient, and another that views them as cumbersome and inconvenient.

Don't misinterpret my comments as critical, as they are not, but I'm just not sure where to go from here, other than back to where we started before the enhancements. For those who find more rigid, subjective controls as the desired result, the truth is that while all this data is available, the ongoing management burden is just too daunting, which is why boards like Pharmacy Reviewer has opted to implement such rigid time on board, reputation point and post count requirements. The bottom line is that if member access requirements can't be automated within the software framework, they just aren't feasible.

For those interested, simply click on the software maker's link at the bottom right of the board's home page, and a free trial demo of the software is available that allows you to test the software'a various features and judge for yourself what is possible.

 

[longwaydown]

 don't know what software this site uses (I use SMF on my site)  But my site and other sites I've seen can have an introductory page before main section of site.  This first page could have the rules, cautions and other critical threads that ALL members must read before progressing to the main sit

Right- I think so too. And when I mentioned above, when a person joins- what about only allowing a certain amount of posts a day to actually count towards total posts to restricted areas. 

As maybe one method of forcing people to read and participate more.. like you mentioned above..?  

Not sure about software either, but it seems like if it could be something programmable- it could be one of many ways to address some of these issues..?

 

[longwaydown]

All of these suggestions are very valid, and I'm the first person to say that quality content is of the upmost importance. That being said, while this software has the ability to track all of these elements, such as time on board, time reading posts, which threads and posts are read, etc, the time required to subjectively judge each and every member's body of work, post by post, would be an immensely time consuming task. There is simply no software platform available that has the ability to automate that level of analysis and related user settings, let alone purely subjective measures such as "post quality". While it all sounds wonderful in theory, such a system would require countless dozens of hours of administrative work, which simply isn't viable for a free board. I hoped that opening a dialogue regarding quality control and security enhancements would lead to improved content quality and a better user experience, but we seem to have only opened a Pandora's box of member factions. One that views the automated tools available as insufficient, and another that views them as cumbersome and inconvenient.

Don't misinterpret my comments as critical, as they are not, but I'm just not sure where to go from here, other than back to where we started before the enhancements. For those who find more rigid, subjective controls as the desired result, the truth is that while all this data is available, the ongoing management burden is just too daunting, which is why boards like Pharmacy Reviewer has opted to implement such rigid time on board, reputation point and post count requirements. The bottom line is that if member access requirements can't be automated within the software framework, they just aren't feasible.

For those interested, simply click on the software maker's link at the bottom right of the board's home page, and a free trial demo of the software is available that allows you to test the software'a various features and judge for yourself what is possible.

That makes sense... What about the limiting daily post counts? Was thinking that as a simple way to help with this issue, that maybe could be more of an automated thing, requiring less management for mods or admin..? Just a thought /default_smile.png

EDIT: Not critical at all Jewy, I am glad to hear your feedback on it!  I liked what Denise was saying, but also wondered if there was simple ways to program some automated features like the post counts as above.. so less that has to be done behind the scenes..

 

[Denise]

Jewy,

I can relate to the severe time-consumption and limits on what you can do.  Last yr my site had almost 500,000 hits and I had very little help with it.  I ended up making it a 'read only' site for a while and have deleted most of prior members' comments because not enough reliable mods willing to devote time to prevent arguments from getting out of hand, people making inappropriate posts (damn trolls), and because of its political nature, people trying to hack/damage my site.   A lot of people hate me for what I say, my opinions and articles I post - so they make it their mission to attempt ruining my content/site.  It's a constant battle - but I kick their asses to the curb, block them from any access at all, "tweak" things for more security periodically.

My tolerance over past few years has shrunk a lot.  I can understand why mods here get frustrated at times, having been there/done that myself on my site and a couple of other sites. I used to warn people more, now I just boot them.  No time for idiots or trolls.

After 3 years monitoring my site pretty much solo AND creating the content, I am soooo burnt out. Lately,  I check it several times a day (around the clock) for troublemakers and am not contributing much new material,  letting it just sit for a bit - even then, constantly catch people trying to get past my barriers to backdoor me.  It's a headache, but after investing so much of myself I'm not gonna just let it go.   Really would love a break though.  Catching my breath.......so I can offend people again when I regain my energy  /default_ohmy.png   /default_biggrin.png

DBG is fortunate to have some fine, dedicated mods who are doing a great job IMHO.  I'm grateful to be a member and for the advice I've received here.  Security is always a critical issue requiring hardwork and too much time..  All sites have to 'tweak' their setup or make adjustments periodically.  I've learned that the hard way.

Admin/mods are doing an admirable job, particularly maintaining a site like this.

Keep up the good work - Know you are appreciated.

 

[Guest]

@Denise.......Is your site about the same content? OR if you dont mind me asking is it about Hiking or something? I am not trying to be a wise guy or anything but the criminal element will always want to try and circumvent the rules we have laid out regardless of how many roadblock's or attempts to stop the scammers etc. It will always be "a place to score quick" so the element can be a bit non rules based if you know what I am trying to say.

There are so many things we have discussed and just now have been making the smallest head way. We literally just got mods a few weeks ago!

Having said that we have looked at the time method as well as several other attempts to block speed posting/ access.

One thing is clear we can identify the speed posters and hard target the trash so when they finally do get in they are usually the ones to get banned.

 

[Guest]

Topic say it all.

 

[High Tide]

I feel like the recent changes have helped addressed most concerns with the one exception of how to prevent the general public from reading sensitive topics. I understand anyone should be able to read some parts of the forum before joining, like the blacklist and forum rules, etc.  How to divide the areas into "public" and "private" is the only remaining problem that I'm aware of. 

In the interest of helping protect members and vendors the areas that should be private has to be decided, along with a fair and easy to implement way to separate the two. From what I gather in my limited time on the forum, especially most recently, it seems the access to the Mexican section is still the major concern. And frankly it is probably in the interest of vendor security more than anything. 

You can only warn readers of the best way to avoid being scammed so many times before it comes down, as others have written so well, to a matter of evolution. Those who come here to learn and contribute should find it easy enough to learn how to best avoid being ripped off. Those members, or non-members, who just quickly try to find a source while throwing caution to the wind will always be able to find a way to separate themselves from their money. It's something we have all learned at one time or another. 

 

[Guest]

Agreed. Up until a few months ago the board had no security whatsoever. We are taking every idea and letting the Admin think about it. It is only going to get better! Keep the ideas coming. I figure if we have come this far in 2 weeks give it some time. Coming short of charging a monthly fee it will still be easy to bypass any security measures if you try hard enough.

 

[Denise]

No, R.H. - my site is mostly political in nature with some fun sections like jokes, medical info, music - like threads at bottom of dbg. I am very Non-PC and refuse to be oppressed or my free speech censored by anyone.

My 'crusade' began several years ago and I've helped organize protests etc. People who differ with my opinions re US and World politics have specifically targeted me for attacks because of my effectiveness (and my big mouth LOL). There has been attempted intimidation of me - posting my address/phone # on Google, then I received hang-ups and a certain car slowing in front of my house repeatedly for a while. I've had 2 computers destroyed before I became more tech savy and increased my protection, changed computer, IP, server, email, etc. Messages have been sent to my family, who fear for me, but I am not afraid of goons or terrorists.

A whistle took care of phone problem /default_biggrin.png Haven't seen car since I ridiculed them on multiple sites about a year ago. My neighbor watches out for my home - he's a good guy.

I publicly let them know - I am descended from Celtic warriors and raised in the Southern USA - you haven't scared this middle-aged disabled woman, you cowards, you have po'd me - then I became MORE active on MORE sites. More vocal in my criticism and incriminating facts. More involved in resistance. Ended up as moderator on several sites. For a while I was spending up to 14-16 hr/day on sites and very little sleep. That's why I'm burnt out. Why I must keep my physical problems under control - to continue fighting.

I understand very well the headaches of a mod & Admin.and appreciate everything the dbg mods/Admin are doing, volunteering their time for a sometimes messy job.

But I won't shut up or sit down. I won't quietly submit or conform. No matter what. They just better be glad I'm disabled and can't do as much as I'd like to do.

I don't discuss this here because it is not the appropriate place. DBG exists for a different purpose - but still is an avenue for freedom - so I salute DBG for allowing people to make their own choices in life about how they will live and what they do with their own bodies.

I have to stop now......or I will begin to rant and perhaps alienate dbg members. LOL /default_tongue.png

Don't talk about politics or religion at the dinner table or, as I've found, with friends & relatives - it often doesn't end well.

 

[Puzzler]

How about Video chat option in the Chat box? Could add some fun or major disgust.

Just a thought....

 

[Guest]

How about Video chat option in the Chat box? Could add some fun or major disgust.

Just a thought....

What??!!

That would go over well............ LOL

 

[Puzzler]

Hmmm.

http://messenger.yahoo.com/

http://www.skype.com/en/features/video-chat/

Sorry, couldn't resist

Yes, but incorporated into the boards software. Much like a live cam *bleep* site, but unpaid.

I, for one, have nothing to hide. And those who do,don't have to log into it.