Norwich Away (with very little mention of Norwich Away)

[Matt]

That's my whole point.

 

Your members are complaining that it's too quiet, and the admin are stating 'that's how we like it'.

Thats how I like it, nothing about we.

 

So far as I know, youre the only one that suggest to change things, unless im being blind and not seeing other peoples complaints. Like I said, we'll keep the thread open for suggestions. You gave a list of some things and we will look into it. We've voted on changes before, last time was about the colours and, if I remember rightly, the decision was to keep things the way they are. For as long as Ive been on this site, its not about being the busiest or most extravagent - its about being being relaxed have having a decent debate.

[Matt]

right, taken my lunch break at my desk to try and address somethings here, I'll put my opinions in bold:

 

Christmas time. Every other forum made an effort to brighten the place up, with backgrounds, lights, animations, and so on. What did we do here? Nothing. It would be a lot of work for a temporary period I would imagine, but give us a reminder around end of October and we will look into it

 

Forum colours. Not at all Everton related, and boring on the verge of suicide. Other forums are bright and cheery. Weve voted on the colours before, result was to keep it the same if I remember correctly. In my opinion its easy to read and not hard on the eyes

 

Smilies. We have the most boring smilies known to man. We did have more but I think a lot got lost in the update - @Mike, do we still have them backed up anywhere?

 

Links. The other forums allow members to share streams etc without problem. What do we do? We prohibit it. Yet links are still posted. We discourage it because of the potential legal ramifications. Theres a note in the rules of the site.

 

Forum history. Go to any other forum, and you can find posts with a quick browse. What do we do? We hide posts older than (x) and we have to be a Ninja assassin to find them again. Then we used to delete all the images to save space lol. Its quite easy to open the filters, but you do have to do it per forum it seems. Just hit the custom button when you go into the forum (in the blue bar near the top) and tick the Remember Filters flag. All the history of the site should be available then.

 

Home page. We don't have one. Why? www.toffeetalk.com isnt the homepage? Do you have an example of what you mean?

 

News articles. We don't have any. Ideas of how to incorporate them, or where to source them from?

 

Moderation. Getting better, but still inexperienced (imo). im not touching this....

 

Plugins. We don't use any. Why? Possibly down to the fact that the admins and mods may not know how to use them, or how to use code, or may not have the time. Examples of plugins that could be added?

 

User gimmicks. Nothing much to offer members by way of having a laugh here, such as rep, competitions etc. We've tried to keep some going but, like any forum, the members have to help keep them going. I'll try and keep up with the Caption Competition I started a while back but we have jokes threads and again, if people have ideas, float them!

 

Fantasy football. We don't allow none members to participate, and if somebody joins, they are investigated, and then removed. Why? Let anybody join them, and attract a bit of outsider interest. Ive not blocked anyone from the FF competition this time round, its been open to everyone who read the thread and looked up the login detais. Ive certainly not kicked anyone out of the competition that I can remember

 

Forum issues. Slow speed, paste issues, inconsistency with I.E. I.E is terrible but yeah, there are little bugs. Didnt think we had had problems with speed since the last upgrade. Let us know when it slows down and we can investigate (provided we have time at the right time, if you know what I mean)

 

Swearing. Mostly done on here in jest, but a few words should be censored out, and replaced with words such as cunt = "I am thick" etc in the admin panel. Like you say, swearing is usually in jest, or casual but we do take action against those who over step the mark. Never liked the word replacement thing (kinda the opposite of free speach!) but again, put it up for a vote and we'll see what happens

[Bill]

I'm one of the longest serving members of this forum, and with the exception of Louis, I was also the longest serving Admin.

 

Members dont actually know what goes on in the Admins room, where everything is discussed out of earshot of the members.

 

Several times I brought up the problem of the boring colour scheme, the need to completely overhaul the forum, introduce a home page, and asking the Mods to become more involved, i was repeated asking for thoughts and comments on these suggestions, several mods chose not to answer, and those who did were always in the negative. I could see the forum slowing down drawing less and less people in, I became so fed up with the lack of response that i asked for my account to be deleted.

 

I was initially talked out of it and carried on for a while longer, but nothing showed any signs of improving so after no response again to the problems, i quit as Admin.

I keep popping in now and again because for about ten years this forum was the best one around and i loved it, unfortunately it is falling slowly into a sorry state, and will soon be in need of some major repairs.

 

i spend some time now trying to make my own forum as good as it can be, and I'm slowly building up the membership numbers.

Edited February 15, 2013 by Bill

[Matt]

you got a new forum Bill, didnt realise

 

 

[Zoo]

I think the forum is good as it is, I don't see why everyone wants to change it.

[Bill]

you got a new forum Bill, didnt realise

 

 

 

Edited February 15, 2013 by Bill

[Fearthainn]

I have to say I quite like the forum as it is as well. I've only joined it a few months ago, but I actually decided to register precisely because it's quieter than other places. There are some interesting characters here and most posts are worth reading. I can see where Avin is coming from and I would welcome some of those ideas, but personally I don't really care that much as the content is enough to keep me entertained (this thread for instance ).

 

Anyway as this seems to have turned into some sort of... well I have no idea, but I'd be willing to run a prediction league if there's enough interest. Used to run an European prediction league in another forum and it was good fun.

Edited February 15, 2013 by Fearthainn

[Matt]

I have to say I quite like the forum as it is as well. I've only joined it a few months ago, but I actually decided to register precisely because it's quieter than other places. There are some interesting characters here and most posts are worth reading. I can see where Avin is coming from and I would welcome some of those ideas, but personally I don't really care that much as the content is enough to keep me entertained (this thread for instance ).

 

Anyway as this seems to have turned into some sort of... well I have no idea, but I'd be willing to run a prediction league if there's enough interest. Used to run an European prediction league in another forum and it was good fun.

we have a prediction league running mate, and a couple of FF leagues, so theres competitions for anyone to join in on...

[GoodisonRoad]

I understand why people want the place to be "busier" but I think the slower pace of the forum makes it unique. We know (for the most part) who you can have a laugh with and who is going to kick up a fuss because you used a smiley in the wrong way () and who you can ask about computer problems or the latest game that's out, things like that. I know you'd get about a million more responses if there was more people but I personally like the fact there isn't because I can't be arsed looking through 15 different posts to see how to fix something on my computer. Just my opinion but I completely understand where bill and Avin are coming from.

Edited February 15, 2013 by GoodisonRoad

[Romey 1878]

It seems that the regulars on TT are regulars precisely because it's a quiet forum. It's why I like it so much myself; I like that I don't have to wade through a load of posts after only being away from the site for a few hours and I like that I know in what way to interact with certain members and know that things won't be taken the wrong way because we know each others sense of humour or posting style etc.

 

We may only pick up 1 or 2 extra regulars every now and then but that's just the way TT is it seems.

 

Now if any members prefer the hustle and bustle of a busier forum then that's fine, go on a busier forum when that's what you're wanting. That's not me saying "if you don't like it, fuck off elsewhere". But when you want the more personal feel or whatever then use TT for that. What I mean is, use TT for what it is and use another forum when you want something busier or more colourful.

[Avinalaff]

So, we're not going to see any changes then ?

 

Ok, I don't have a problem with that. Your forum, your rules, though be aware it's only going to go down hill with that stance.

 

I've decided the best way to change things is to build my own Everton forum, and let everybody join so they can critisize it.

[MikeO]

Ultimately it's Louis's baby so his decision (this ain't no democracy ).

 

But my two cents....going to use the pub analogy (which I'm sure I've used before) because I think it's appropriate.

 

If I lived in a town with two pubs...

 

1. A small quiet local where a few regulars came in for a chat and a few beers.

 

2. A monster pub with karaoke/quiz nights and flashing lights which was always packed and lively.

 

I'd go to pub 1 because that's what I like in a pub.

 

More people would go to pub 2 because it's what they like.

 

Everyone's a winner.

 

I don't see why anyone would go into pub 1 and say, "You should be more like pub 2!"

 

Conversation,

"But we like it like this."

"You're wrong, pub 2 is better."

"But we like it like this"

"More people go to pub 2 though!"

"Very happy for them."

[Matt]

So, we're not going to see any changes then ?

 

Ok, I don't have a problem with that. Your forum, your rules, though be aware it's only going to go down hill with that stance.

 

I've decided the best way to change things is to build my own Everton forum, and let everybody join so they can critisize it.

he didnt say there wouldnt be any changes, its just that it seems the majority are happy with TT the way it is, and it wouldnt be reasonable to change the whole site to suit a handful of people, especially since all the changes being requested are available in other forums!

 

Mikes analogy of the pubs is spot on - having different places to socialise gives variety. You'll be welcome here in the quiet "old mans" pub anytime, but dont ask to change it into a Weatherspoons. Maybe have the first few drinks in GOT or the Blueroom then come here for a night cap to chill out. Best way to cover all your Everton needs

 

Did I take it too far now?!

 

Anyway, Avin, I responded to all your points in post 92. Suggestions are always welcome, ideas to improve are great - theres a whole section just for that. But just because theyre put forward doesnt mean they will be put in place.

 

As for it going downhill, for as long as Ive known TT its always been quiet. Mike, correct me if im wrong, but thats always been the way for over a decade, right?

[Avinalaff]

I think you've got the wrong end of the stick guys.

 

Nobody wants it to be like GOT. I believe they just want it to be slightly better than it is, and it's not hard to do to be fair.

 

As for majorities, I'm not sure you can judge opinion based upon this thread, and certainly it is about what might make the forum more enjoyable and attract a few more posters, as opposed to what the current members want.

 

It used to be 'a lot' busier than it is now, and another 50 members would do the forum the world of good. There are only so many conversations you can have with such a small group before you already know what the replies will be.

[Matt]

I think you've got the wrong end of the stick guys.

 

Nobody wants it to be like GOT. I believe they just want it to be slightly better than it is, and it's not hard to do to be fair.

 

As for majorities, I'm not sure you can judge opinion based upon this thread, and certainly it is about what might make the forum more enjoyable and attract a few more posters, as opposed to what the current members want.

 

It used to be 'a lot' busier than it is now, and another 50 members would do the forum the world of good. There are only so many conversations you can have with such a small group before you already know what the replies will be.

fair enough. stick more details in with your suggestions and we'll see what happens.

 

Off for beer!

[Fearthainn]

we have a prediction league running mate, and a couple of FF leagues, so theres competitions for anyone to join in on...

 

Haha my bad, I hadn't seen it. Will have a look.

[Zoo]

It seems that the regulars on TT are regulars precisely because it's a quiet forum. It's why I like it so much myself; I like that I don't have to wade through a load of posts after only being away from the site for a few hours and I like that I know in what way to interact with certain members and know that things won't be taken the wrong way because we know each others sense of humour or posting style etc.

 

That ^ (and the rest of Mark's post) is exactly why I am on ToffeeTalk, I also agree 100% with Mike's post. If you want a busy forum then leave this one and go onto a busy EFC forum, if you want a quiet one then stay on here and stop moaning. Everyone is a winner.

[Dalziel Kane]

This could have feasibly stayed as the match day thread, despite going off in a different direction here and there but what's done is done.

 

If you look at RAWK (sorry) , they usually have about 300 registered members at any one time and up to a thousand neutral observers, and while it's great for the site hosts, I just wouldn't like all those people involved, and it's simply too many cooks etc.

 

You can't tell how many are on TW, as there's no number count or anything, and GOT is usually busy in the hundreds, (not sure about NSNO, probably something between here and GOT I would estimate), but the point being, maybe it's better like that. We all know each other in that sense, and once again, may be difficult at times for everyone to get on, but I wouldn't change the way it is.

 

I'm no fucking brown-nose or sycophant, but Louis has put together what could be one of the very best Everton forum pages that the 'net has to offer. Maybe more people should be encouraged, but once again, we do have just about the right number of participation.

[Bill]

Wasting your time Avin, i pushed and pushed for changes, i finally got a yes we will do this, yes we will change that, and maybe change some of the other, but 12 months later nothing had been done, which is why i quit.

 

Since i left, the "speaking to the enemy" articles have fallen by the wayside, the mods wouldnt do it between us so i was asked to throw it out to the public, and if you go to the "We need help" thread you can see how long it lasted.

 

I used to look after the Games Arcade, but during an upgrade it was lost, never to be seen again.

Louis said he was waiting for the newest arcade to come out, that was about two years ago, in case you havent noticed we're still waiting

 

I updated the leagues for the Fantasy Football and the Tipping competitions every week, which kept people chatting about them and posting, now i cant remember the last time i saw a league.

 

I had a daily quiz on the go every couple of days untill the powers that be decided to hand it over to a guy who owned a site full of stats, it would bring us more traffic they said where is it now, Lucky that Zoo is keen cos that would have gone also.

 

What bugs me is the fact that the mods do not worry about it, and what surprises me most is the fact that the owner of the forum doesn't take part in any of the competitions on here, i've never known an owner do so little on his own site, and the mods are following his lead, just sit back do nothing and let the members keep the forum going.

Edited February 15, 2013 by Bill

[Avinalaff]

I only mention it to help Bill.

 

If folk want to visit an empty forum every day then that's their choice. I would hate to visit overly busy forums, but if a forum is run well, it can be busy, but also highly mature and interesting. I get a bit irritated by the digging up of old threads here instead of creating new discussion. Peoples minds change, and it's a bit weird quoting somebody and realising their post was 3 years old etc.

 

Forums either get busy or they don't, but a few upgrades to brighten the place up should be standard, busy or not, and the annoying thing is I would have even done it for them for free, but still they can't be bothered.

 

I think I'll not offer help, or indeed too much enthusiasm in a hurry again, as I can't say I don't get put off by the defensive attitude, not to mention the funny fact that some who say they like it like it is don't even realise what the alternatives are, such are those that eat grass, and refuse to try anything else, as grass tastes ok.

[Lowensda]

I've just sifted through this whole thread in one go....and i've concluded that the reason TT isn't as busy is...

 

Tenaciousj isn't as active anymore

 

You miss me guys. You know it.

[MikeO]

Bill/Avin .

 

Who'd have thought it?

[Avinalaff]

Bill/Avin .

 

Who'd have thought it?

 

Lol, it's not to help Bill, but to 'help.

 

I just happened to be responding to Bill. Besides, my intentions are good, but some folk rarely realise that.

 

As for you TJ, yes. You are to blame. You and the trouble causer who started this thread and then legged it.

[Zoo]

Wasting your time Avin, i pushed and pushed for changes, i finally got a yes we will do this, yes we will change that, and maybe change some of the other, but 12 months later nothing had been done, which is why i quit.

 

Since i left, the "speaking to the enemy" articles have fallen by the wayside, the mods wouldnt do it between us so i was asked to throw it out to the public, and if you go to the "We need help" thread you can see how long it lasted.

 

I used to look after the Games Arcade, but during an upgrade it was lost, never to be seen again.

Louis said he was waiting for the newest arcade to come out, that was about two years ago, in case you havent noticed we're still waiting

 

I updated the leagues for the Fantasy Football and the Tipping competitions every week, which kept people chatting about them and posting, now i cant remember the last time i saw a league.

 

I had a daily quiz on the go every couple of days untill the powers that be decided to hand it over to a guy who owned a site full of stats, it would bring us more traffic they said where is it now, Lucky that Zoo is keen cos that would have gone also.

 

I'd happily put a 'Speaking to the Enemy' in my match-day threads if thats what people wanted its just that I've never heard much cry for it so I've never bothered to log onto another forum and get it posted. I think most people are mainly interested in what Evertonians think, not the team we are facing.

 

The Games Arcade was taken out because nobody played it I imagine. People have Xbox's and PS3's in this day and age and I guess the arcade got really out-dated and under-used. I only realised it was gone a week ago so you can see how much I missed it.

 

I will agree with you on the Tipping sections though, that place is fucking dead. I signed up this season and quit early because there was 0% feedback, I disagree with all this bollocks about 'this forum is dying' and 'the mods do fuck all' but I do think that the Tipping could be more interactive.

[Avinalaff]

Can we have a swearword filter too please.

[Bill]

Mike ..... You know what it was like, you where the only one who ever came forward with any positive replies.

 

Zoo ...... We used to have knockout competitions with the arcade games, there was about 10 to 12 regular users every day.

 

The Competition updates (Fantasy footy and Tipping) can be seen every week on my forum.

 

Good on yer for keeping up with the Quiz, because that would have sunk into obscurity like the others.

[Zoo]

Can we have a swearword filter too please.

 

That would be the word new feature imaginable IMO. At least if the mods do bring it in have the option to turn it off because that would get right up on my tits.

[rubecula]

The only reason I would ever criticise a forum is that it is a forum that allowed me in as a member. So ToffeeTalk I say to you "Booo Hisssssss. What the hell was the idea of letting me in through the door"

 

Anyway, since I found my way in here I have got my slippers on and comfy chair set up, and yes, I am very comfortable thank you.

 

I have been on the staff of a few forums, so I know what the staff here must go through. I will never try to tell the staff what they should or shouldn't do. ( Louis you should lay on some cream cakes for matchdays you know.)

 

ToffeeTalk is what it is and the reason folks come here and stay is because they like it. If folks do not like it, they don't hang around. I see no problem with folks liking other forums, or even liking other forums more than here. But sometimes you need a place you are comfortable with. You always know what you are going to get here. (Probably rabies if Romey gets his teeth into your leg)

 

So for me (and this is my own feeling) LEAVE THE BLOODY PLACE ALONE. It does a good job, it is nice and we are a sort of family now. OK you want different go along to Bill's forum. It is a good one and there are a lot more colours. Go to GOT there are more 'nutters' for you to argue with. Just pop along to the Official Site if you need stricter controls and harder rules.

 

ToffeeTalk fills a niche, and does so very nicely. I will need to be forcibly removed from here if it remains as it is, we have good Admin and a site owner who keeps interference at a minimum. What else can you possibly want?

[Bill]

Well said Rubes, like me you have been on here a long time, and i will continue to visit, but that does not mean its beyond criticism.

[Avinalaff]

Why are folk so defensive?

 

Critisism that is constructive and offered with good intentions should be considered a little more than it has been. The forum colours here are a default style sheet, so it's not like anybody is having their work critisised.

 

Romey complained a few days ago about advertising words that are underlined. Did I not try to help? What you didn't see was the admin turning the option to have them on 'off'. Why? A simple tick in the 'Auto-Link Product Names' 'no' box is all it takes.

 

Nobody is critisising. Some of us are just trying to help our forum to help it'self. If it doesn't want to help it'self, we can't force it, but the truth is more likely that they probably don't have the time, or don't know how, other than Louis, who I don't think I've ever had a conversation with during my time on here.

 

The 'like it like it is' brigade need to be more open minded.