I'll be honest, this is a odd board. Unlike most forums topics seem to close for no apparent reason. You're then unable to post on them. The software running this place seems remarkably basic, its like flashback to 1991.

Can anyone explain why posts just seem to lock - is it a manual thing or automatic after a certain time?

Posts usually close somewhere between 30 and 40 replies. This is done in part to conserve bandwidth (this is a fast moving, heavily trafficked board.) Sometimes when the mods are away from the board for a few hours posts might go above the average. There are exceptions to the above limits such as when someone has experienced the loss of a family member.

You are always free to start a continuation post whether or not you started the original thread. If you do that, it is nice to put a link to the original thread so that latecomers can catch up on the topic.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/2014 08:20AM by summer.

Cool, thanks for the heads up, that makes more sense. I was on a very heavy traffic sports forum for a long time as a mod, but the platform very pretty robust so threads ran into the thousands of replies running over 60 plus pages - graphics, video, etc.

Not that it's a big deal, but was there any specific reason why this software was chosen here.

It is also common for threads to get off the original topic. Starting a continuation actually brings it back on topic.

Threads are closed when they reach a certain count. Sometimes the fast-moving threads reach a higher count before they're closed. Anyone is welcome to start a "part 2" or "continued" thread to continue that topic; it's customary to refer to the original thread name in the subject plus the continuation wording so other posters can find it. It's helpful to add a link that refers to the original thread to make it easy for those who didn't see the original thread to follow the discussion.

The admins have their reasons for doing what they do. If memory serves, this is the only board that doesn't require people to create an account before they post, which helps nervous new posters who are afraid their posts might be discovered by the church. Those fears run deep, and it's a big deal to some who are taking their first steps in questioning. It also opens the door for some bad behavior that that the admins have to clean up.

You're welcome here, but if you prefer the look of other sites, why not post there instead? IMO, it's a bit rude to storm in kvetch about how the board looks and to announce how much you dislike the way things are done when you don't have a clue as to what has gone into those decisions.

Of course you're entitled to your opinion, but do you have similar manners when you go to a friend's house and don't like the design and decor of their home or the rules they have set up? It seems a bit narcissistic to announce your objections as if no one else had noticed the differences or the admins hadn't looked into other options and made a decision based on their objectives for the board. Do you really think that you're smarter and more observant than everybody else?

A lot of posters here come to appreciate the simplicity of the format. Some do not. Again, you can always move on to a board that meets your design and aesthetic needs.

On a side note, it's kind of amusing to read other boards where people b!tch about the layout here. If it bothers someone soooooo much that they are compelled to stomp around to other boards complaining about it, they could always get off their butts and start a board to their liking. No doubt, they'll have better luck pleasing all of the people all of the time. ;-)

Your board-name seems familiar, so if you've been here before, welcome back. If you're new, welcome to the board.

Surrender,

I don't see what you're getting riled about?

Most forums today use a PHP based software solutions that are very robust, produce great stats, handle huge volumes of posts etc. My question was 'why is this the way it is - assuming some form of reasoning which could range from the host isn't that ofay with alternate solutions down to cost of hosting all of which would be reasonable.

I don't see how you can conclude narcissism from such a question, or ask if I think I am smarter or more observant than everybody else - its actually a silly question and lends more to your reading of my post than to what the post actually contained.

Your comment on the board permitting people to post without any account is reasonable and is amongst the type of explanations I was looking for.

I have started boards in the past, but normally only within the realms of businesses I've built where I've used specialists to deploy the technology.

I registered a while ago but rarely post and have very little interaction with the board. My question stemmed from reading a good thread only to find that it had been closed which raised the question as to why, when it appeared not to have concluded. It is therefore reasonable to wonder if it was too sensitive, offensive, etc which might then preclude resurrecting it and in doing so causing more trouble.

This isn't a house, its a public forum. A comparison to a Mall like City Creek might be more valid. If I went in there and wanted to comment on the décor I'd assume I'd be within my rights to do so. I recognise that there is no reason to assume freedom of speech extends to forums, but it would be ironic if it didn't to this place in light of its scrutiny of moism.

"Most forums today use a PHP based software solutions"

This *is* a PHP based solution. It can do all the flashy avatar stuff - it's just shut off. On purpose!

Where to start....
I believe you are asking a sincere question not just being an ass :)

lilburne you are correct that we close threads. Given your own mod/admin background think of it this way, are 3 35 post threads easier to clean up than one 150 thread? Our threading is fantastic (And I will not give it up for pages of "quotes") And this place can MOVE. If it is a hot topic we can have 100 posts in a couple of hours on a thread. Dorothy is correct that this is an "open" board requiring no registration and our cookies go away when you log out/reboot. This also means that some of the software features have to be turned off. IF you decide to register you can change the view to something you may like better but again you do NOT have to register to post let alone read. There are a couple of other perks like the report button. The main point of this place is to be a SAFE place where people can come, know they are not alone and to ask questions and try on new hats. We do not advertise/make money. As you will see on the top of the board we do a fundraiser once in a while.

There are no DONATE DONATE DONATE DONATE buttons all over the place. We turn away money on a regular basis.
This also means we don't have, nor want, the money to run the band for things like vids and pics in posts, animations, avatars. Post a link.. Actually, we have turned all that off. Our current software can do all of those things and
more but we keep it turned off. Why? Because we want to be content driven and those things have abused in the past. Autopsy pics, roadside accidents, porn and things I am not even going to mention. We think content is what is important and I am always willing to pass email addys (to compensate for PM/who is reading what) or post pics (I just paid the bill for another year out of my own pocketetses my precious). Plus it runs slick on "new tech" like pads and phones.

People here get a bit tense when someone new comes in saying things like that because we get trolled with it often. Just mail me and I will help you.

**Edit - no, this is not a public place, it is Eric's house and he makes the rules. They have served the community well for.. 18? years.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/2014 12:43PM by Susan I/S.

Your tone is pretty self-important. Thanks for the offer of software atonement, but we don't need a savior just at the moment.

There were a number of reasons for picking this software. Ability to handle unregistered posters was a big one, and fast and minimal bandwidth usage is another. People downloading 60 page threads repeatedly chews up bandwidth at a fearsome rate, as do photos and videos. This is a very active board on a shoestring budget.

It is hardly perfect software. Fer instance, it's forbidden word feature seems buggy to me. Once a forbidden word has been flagged in a post, you can change the post to "have a nice day" and it still says there is a forbidden word. WTF.

But overall, the system has some very useful features from an admin perspective, and it meets our needs. This was discussed in detail back when the change to this particular system was made (4 years ago?) It was an informed choice.

Maybe the page should be updated with memory and processor consuming pictures and flash objects. And think of what we could do with advertising money! You know, more than just the boring words. I mean, who reads books that don't have pictures? We need to be entertained!

I'll chime in on this one. I REALLY appreciate this board and the fact that I CAN post anonymously without registering a username, etc.

Hey it works for me, for the mods, and so it seems, almost everyone else. It if ain't broke, don't fix it!

Thanks RfM for keeping me sane in this crazy world!

And thank Mods for all you do! You rock!

"The software running this place seems remarkably basic, its like flashback to 1991."

Eh...why is this relevant to your question?

Me too!

And there is no distracting crap over to the sides. Imagine, the full screen is dedicated to the material people are here to read!

The threads are closed at about 30 or so as the admins are totally volunteers and it's easier to handle this board with shorter threads. (They have a life outside the board!)

Many threads are continued.

The system they use is working. It's probably the old adage: if it ain't broke don't fix it.

This is a simple, clean board. Nothing messes up the plain black and white appearance. It's about words!

We don't know what goes on behind the scenes; the spammers, the pests, the people that haunt the board, change screen names, and who knows what else to try to annoy other people and sometimes shut the board down.

This board has been very consistent in it's basic format. A couple of things have changed but it's no big deal.

It's a fast board, lots of "attitudes" and a lot of raw emotion.

It doesn't suit everyone.

Welcome.

For any organization to function it must have rules and limits.

Granted some posts seem to close prematurely.
However the value of the site far outways any restrictions.

Moderators keep up the good work.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/2014 11:31AM by thedesertrat1.

Jerry,

My tone? Again, another post assuming something that was not actually included in an otherwise perfectly ordinary enquiry.

My original post asks two perfectly simple open and non offensive questions:

1. I notice threads keep closing, why is this?

2. This forum software is very basic, is there a reason for retaining this when considering what is currently available?

3. I used the term odd in the same way I could have used retro applied with no ill intent.


To this I've received comments about being narcissistic, exhibiting an extra-intellectual writing style, and offering a self important tone.

What I'm seeing here is apparent judgement on a post that was meant in a perfectly conversational style seeking comment on a subject of genuine inquiry.

Further, having funded websites and forums in the past and having access to a crap load of server capability there was a slight glimmer in the back of my mind about whether there might be something supportive here.

The genuine answers have addressed the opportunity to post without an account. Comments on cost and bandwidth (which I expected were probably drivers as I know it can be expensive).

I asked a couple of questions. Some of you seem to have taken offense at me asking. I now know the answers. I now know that when a thread locks something automated is taking place and it wasn't because it might be touching a subject where the mods have had to step in and close it. So we can re-open the discussion with a link. I now know that this forum uses this software because some of the functionality lends to anonymous posting, and there may be some cost preferential issues.

Why not end this here as to move beyond this seems utterly pointless if, assuming the worst and responding with personal attack is going to be the approach.

If everybody else thinks one thing (that your post has a self-important tone) and you don't, it is much more likely that they are correct and you are not.

Let me get you an example of how your post came off poor. You make the claim here that you asked about the forum software and whether there is a reason for this. The problem with this assertion is that you didn't ask a single thing about the software. Instead, you bitched about it seeming basic. That is very different than an honest question.

Look, it is okay to make this mistake. In this sort of medium it is sometimes hard to come off as conversational. Miscommunication happens all of the time and if you meant the post to be something different, then that is fine. Instead of justifying things and pretending like you were just asking simple questions, just apologize and clarify. Instead of focusing on how we might respond with personal attacks, focus on yourself and make it right.

Again, you obliquely refer to your vast experience in setting up other boards and your experience in technical fields.

No one here cares about that. This board is for recovering mormons, not techies.

As you say, end this, stop it, leave it, drop it, move along, these are not the 'droids you're looking for.

Sterling



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/2014 12:51PM by Susan I/S.

The question that you had about why posts close is a common one -- we answer it all the time. If you have any questions about the board software, you can email Susan I/S at ExMoLight@gmail.com.

This board does have its quirks as do all message boards, IMO. It meets the needs of many exmos and supporters but not all. There are other well-regarded exmo boards if this one does not suit. Some members here post on multiple boards.

This particular community has been around for more than a decade. Over the years board admins have developed a system that they can live with. Long time board members here can live with it as well. I used to moderate a board myself so I know that it is a *job* and often a demanding, unpleasant one. So my attitude is that if it works for admin, it works for me. If it didn't, I would vote with my feet.

If it seems like you've struck a nerve, that happens when new board members inquire about making changes to a long-running board. That happens on *any* board I've seen. To me, it's basic netiquette to try to fit into a long existing community rather than expecting the community to adapt to your needs.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/2014 11:53AM by summer.

The moderators are brilliant. Less really IS more sometimes.

Often in life a cheese sandwich is even better than caviar and champagne I have found. And when you're sick, when you're feeling down, you want a bowl of soup, not filet mignon and potatoes and pecan pie.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/2014 12:10PM by blueorchid.

S2,

I don't have a vast experience in setting up boards, I've funded a few companies which have used them in social marketing programmes. I've then sold those firms. It was mentioned as an absolute aside because it is that that made me aware that the existing software looks dated, hence me asking the question which came into my head 'I wonder why those threads are closing? I wonder if it is because the software has limitations? I'll ask the question so I don't end up resurrecting a thread that has been closed for some sort of violation.

Were it to have turned out that some retired pensioner ran this place and she responded with 'Good question, I'm simply a retired pensioner and this is the best I can manage, but we'd like to do more', then offline I'd probably have had a discussion about what they'd like to do, what that might cost, and can I help in any way.

I don't see any of this as unreasonable.

But to your point, I can see there are not the droids I'm looking for. Although I can only offer that my post was well intention and not meant as offensive, and that I am very community oriented, and were possible I do like to help. I'm really not feeling the vibe on this. I don't post very often, just the occasional burst like this weekend and that's really only because the KK and JD thing appeared in the media and I looked to see if it was covered on some of these sites.

But we agree, the answers have been given. I feel the attacks unnecessary, but what does it really matter in the bigger scheme of things.

It would be nice to have some kind of automated button in the closed thread that automatically creates a part 2 with proper title and cross links from the old and new.

We've beat the point about the software of the board to death. The horse is dead, dead, dead! :-)

If you can work with how this board works.....

Now, can we get on to the purpose of the board?
"lilburne" --
What is your concern about the LDS Church?
Is there anything you'd like to discuss about your experiences?

NOTE: any board questions about how it functions are to be taken up with Admin See the "notes" at the top of the board.

Now ..onto our regular programming.....:-)

> NOTE: any board questions about how it functions are to be
> taken up with Admin See the "notes" at the top of the board.

Interestingly, there is no mention of board functions/software in either Sticky Note. I *do* remember these mentioned in the OLD board software's Sticky Note.

In a hurry Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > NOTE: any board questions about how it functions
> are to be
> > taken up with Admin See the "notes" at the top
> of the board.
>
> Interestingly, there is no mention of board
> functions/software in either Sticky Note. I *do*
> remember these mentioned in the OLD board
> software's Sticky Note.


Oh shoot, I meant to be more specific... email admin Susan -- ExMoLight@gmail.com

I see the horse has been beaten into a pink mist.

Just doing my bit to grow the thread to the 30 post limit. It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. :)

Whatever the ingredients, this is the best stew in exmormondom. I have tried others, and I can't say that I appreciate their flavors.

donbagley Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Whatever the ingredients, this is the best stew in
> exmormondom. I have tried others, and I can't say
> that I appreciate their flavors.

Yup. That works!! I agree!

I like the board like it is and grateful for the time and effort Admin put in. 1000 thank you's.