Suggestion: Redesign the PMCA Forum

[Guest]

If I may be so bold: I suggest the PMCA forum should be redesigned into specific sections.

Why? Because I think that a lot of the "static" that's been floating around lately is a result of the forum layout, or lack thereof. There is only one "forum" for the PMCA, and posts about every conceivable PM subject are all located in that one forum. This is a sure-fire recipe for creating the kind of environment where respected members of the community quit posting, because there's too much static in the air, and not enough of the "good stuff." And it is a shame whenever we lose an experienced landlord over a thread that refuses to die.

Most of the best forums on the Internet are divided into subforums, each devoted to a specific subject. I think the PMCA forum would do well to follow this model. People who have a question / interest in the latest in PM housing would check the PM Housing Subforum. Those interested in different techniques of how to perform a nest-check would check the Nest Management Subforum, etc.

Following this line of thought, a Subforumed PMCA forum would look a little like this:

PMCA Forum:
* PM Housing Subforum (everything about housing, from standards to location)
* PM Nest Management (nest checks, etc.)
* PM War Room (dealing with nest site competitors, predators, etc.)
* PM Emergency Room (nest fall-outs, injuries, severe weather, anything threatening the colony that does not go in the War Room)
* PM Newbies Corner (everything a starting landlord needs to know, ask it here!)
* PM General (got a story to tell, wanna talk PMs?)
* Off Topic (if it isn't about PMs, it goes here)
* Rants (want to get something off your chest, and don't want to be constructive about it? post it here)

It's just an idea, but I think that if the PMCA forum were to be arranged something like what I described above, it would bring things back to a fairly peaceful state. If threads about shooting HOSP offend you...stay clear of the War Room. Heated arguments go in Rants, and stay there. It's as simple as that.

Again, just an idea, and this will be the only time I make a thread that is off the topic of PMs.

[oneidalaker]

Aggie, those are great suggestions!! And here I thought that you Aggies were all jocks. Sounds like you took a course or two on the academic side of the street (ha,ha).

[Al Denton]

That's a great idea ... I do a non-birding forum and sub-sectioning the forum really helps with the sentitive topics. If you want to rant about tree huggers or sparrows or whatever, then you have a place for just that purpose. Keep the rest of the forum clean. I'm willing to bet the PMCA would gladly help. Maybe it's time we ALL do our part to get the forum back. Forum monitors also help, but I'm not ready to suggest that yet.

[Sandy - NC]

I have been participating on the PMCA forum for over 10 years. I have seen many very knowledgeable martineers move on. I am one of them. I post very infrequently now. I think the biggest change needed is to get rid of these stupid handles. People get really become keyboard Rambos when not using their real names.
Also, the PMCA themselves should be more active on the Forum and answer some questions, instead of letting just members answer. Them participating more would stop some of the crap.
Right now, the Forum is out of control, but then again, I have seen it that way many times in the past 10 or so years, and so much of the real knowledge base leaves before it can settle down.

[Al Denton]

That's ashame so many have left Sandy...Why did so many leave?....Where did they go?... Is the grass really greener somewhere else? Al

[Sandy - NC]

Al, just read some of the posts from the last several days, and you will see why they and I left. They do still check in, but choose not to participate. Just like me, I have my sign in setup so know one knows when I am reading posts. We kept in touch via email or other means, etc. And, unfortunately, we won't be back. Sure, I will post occassionally, but I will never again post like I used to. I used to post 50-60 a day, but not any more. It just ain't happening here.

[Al Denton]

OK Sandy, Thanks...I've read some the last few days, but had to stop. I guess things won't ever be like they were here. I enjoyed reading your posts here, and all the others. I guess I'm a little on the hardheaded side and will try to stick it out here on the "forum" for as long as I can. Maybe I'll catch-up with you someday(maybe Manns Harbor) in the near future.

[Guest]

Sandy has hit the nail right on the head. This forum has degenerated in the last few months - the administrators seem to have their priorities mixed up.

Aggie, most of your suggestions are incorporated at other sites(personally I dislike their format) , there are a few other sites out there - just do a search with goggle.



Edited to remove illegal link

[Guest]

Al, just read some of the posts from the last several days, and you will see why they and I left. They do still check in, but choose not to participate. Just like me, I have my sign in setup so know one knows when I am reading posts. We kept in touch via email or other means, etc. And, unfortunately, we won't be back. Sure, I will post occassionally, but I will never again post like I used to. I used to post 50-60 a day, but not any more. It just ain't happening here.

Sandy,
Don't take this wrong, but if your unhappy coming here, why do you keep coming back? and can you post 50-60 times a day, but only have 115+ post? Like I said don't get mad/po'd, defensive. I don't understand why someone would keep coming back. Home Depot really "hacked" me off two years ago. Told them I would never step foot back in one of there stores again- personal or for work. Now Lowe's gets my business. If I'm not happy with someone/something, I don't use them.
Everyones upset about the post the last couple of days, but we have them every year that I've been on here. So, I choose which post to read/reply to. If its something silly or I have no interest in, I don't read it again. I don't get mad if someone says something I don't agree with, I may reply with what I believe, but I don't take anything personal... well unless you call me or come by my house!!! I think everyone needs to light up and get back to having FUN.

Jest curious

Chuckles

[Sandy - NC]

Chuckles, the 50-60 post a day goes back to 10 or so years ago, long before the PMCA took over the Forum. I was very active for many years. Actually, I visit to see what is going on and sometimes, get a laugh. And no, not po'd or whatever, as it was a good question. I may not post much anymore but I do stay informed. And, I don't recall saying I was unhappy coming here, I just choose not to participate like I used to.

[Guest]

My bad.... I assumed.
Chuck

[Guest]

Chuckles,
Your post just affirms what this web site has become these days.

[Guest]

Thanks Stan, but I was talking with Sandy. I think it was a legit question!
I thought she was unhappy, but could figure out whay she came here!
Now if you would, why did my question to her have anything to do with the way "things are with the forum these days"?

Chuck

[Sandy - NC]

Chuck, I am a "he"

[Guest]

Sorry Sandy!! I've just been informed by about half the members, its amazing how fast/many private messages can pop up.

Again, sorry.

Chuck

[Sandy - NC]

No problem, Chuck, its been happening all my life. It was an easy assumption for you to make. Have a great weekend.

[Guest]

Thanks!

Chuck

[Sigundo]

Aggie, thats a GREAT idea on paper, er, screen I guess, but sadly, I fear those "sections" are not immune to the flame. What I mean is, you'll find that the "rant" section will more often than not leak over into all the other ones, because lets face it, thats where everybody will be. Kind of a "if you type a flame, and nobody reads it, did it make a point?" sort of thing.

It would be a nice way to quickly find info though, so it would really be up to the person(s) managing the sight. Takes a lot more time to move discussions to the appropriate board and such. Would be nice though to get on and go to the area you wanted. For instance, I personally hate reading about other people's martin arrivals and growing colonies, until of course I get MY martins in, then I LOVE reading about them.. wonder why that is? Can't be a personality defect.. must be something else un-identifiable.

[Guest]

Aggie, thats a GREAT idea on paper, er, screen I guess, but sadly, I fear those "sections" are not immune to the flame. What I mean is, you'll find that the "rant" section will more often than not leak over into all the other ones, because lets face it, thats where everybody will be. Kind of a "if you type a flame, and nobody reads it, did it make a point?" sort of thing.

....

Good point, Sigundo. That's where the PMCA would have to step up and become more active in moderating the forum. A little moderating can go a long way.

And if the moderators can't keep a thread on topic and/or civil? That's when they move it to Rants. Or simply lock / delete the thread if it becomes really troublesome. I guess it's just me, but I think that having a Rants subforum is a good thing, as it lets people vent their frustrations there, and not in the rest of the forum. The Rants subforum should probably have a disclaimer that reads: "What Happens in Rants, Stays in Rants."

[John Miller]

[quote="Sandy - NC"] I think the biggest change needed is to get rid of these stupid handles. People get really become keyboard Rambos when not using their real names.
[/quote]


Yes. yes yes.

John Miller,
St. Louis, Mo