Elk County Forum

I have received a couple of concerns about these boards that are on the forum.
2 have complained about the politics board
5 have complained about the religious board
11 have complained about the "games" on the misc board.

My answers each time have been .."If you do  not like something on that particular board.. don't open that thread.
Just like TV. if you don't like a show.. don't watch it..but there are some that do like what goes on in that section..so we keep them up...until something is decided on.

But .......................................Kjell built this.. and we can take it apart.. or add to it.. or change it if that is what the majority wants.
But just like anything. You have to get your opinion out there and vote.
And I promise you that nothing anyone says will be taken personally.. and each vote will count and the majority rules.
This poll will run for 7 days.

Thanks...

I say leave it like it is. I visit several sites on the internet, and only look at what I am interested in. It might be possible to block certain threads? I don't know, but it might be an option.

Just leave all boards open and the users to not to read / open them if don't like what is being discussed.  There will be some people that complain about certain item just like any open discussions.

Let it be.  Nothing wrong with any good debate.

For pity sake ---- if something offends someone, then move on to something that doesn't offend --- Life is full of different opinoins, and if everyone had to think alike, it sure would be a boring ole world.

    Leave the boards as they are  --- I for one like different view points.

It's not advisable to mess with human or mother nature....or....tinker with perfection. The variety of the boards seems very well balanced to me. Like any picnic, party, or other gathering of Godlings there are going to be many conversations. Rather than demonize or deny those with different interests or those who speak that which you don't wish to endure, just move to the next table and get on with your good life. Live and let live?

 >:( let it be,let it be,let it be ...............................no one need's to be mad some people like certain thing's some people dont, if you dont like something obiously the righy thing would to NOT PAY ANY ATTENTION to it and LET IT BE

So who's forcing people to read all these boards?  ???

When I go to the library I don't read EVERY book there. (Jim thinks I try,  ;D  ;D  ;D)

I don't like some of the threads, or the tones on those threads, so I quit reading them.
We are NOT all alike - viva la difference!

:D

Ditto with Mom70x7!

Also, I respect Teresa and Kjell's right to handle the board as they see fit.  If the games are removed, I won't play them.  But I will still enjoy the forum.  I, for one, have always enjoyed Teresa's sharp witted and colorful posts.  Now don't read into this that I think she is sharp with her words.  It is her witt that I enjoy.  Colorful in print and humor.  I miss her when she is trying to behave.   ;D ;D

Sounds like we have bored boarders on our border.

Leave 'em be, I say.

  I agree with the rest of you.  I quit playing the games months ago, but to assume they should stop because I did is just
......oh, I "ll be nice and not finish the sentence. I love this Forum. 

Does it sound more like a family than ever?

Each one of us has a favorite site to go to or someone we like to read about and since we live in the USA, we can do what ever we want.

If you don't like a  category, you don't have to read it. Also for the ones who do like that special category...you go for it.

Wonder if the gripers don't have anything better to do.
God bless them and He will.......
Teresa and Kjell, you do what ever you want and I know it will be a "Good Thing"
Thanks for your time and patience with us.

Judy

I sure hope things stay the same:) I don't mean to offend I just like a good argument! That's how I learn new things!

Well we must argue so you can learn something new. ;) ;)

To argue is to speak with a closed mind.  To debate and discuss is to listen, review, remark, and learn.
I can see that there are some heated arguments on some of these boards/threads.  But there have also been some great discussions, too!  I, for one, have learned something on a lot of threads that I disagreed with.
The majority of the boards I don't even view (obits, history, wellness, and the games on Misc).  I have no interest, so I don't even take the time to look.  I usually ignore most of the posts on the politics section, too (except when I feel I can lend useful information to a discussion).
I do not think we should bash the people who are speaking their minds about the boards, though!  If they have legitimate complaints, and there are multiple people with the same complaint, then I would suggest that Teresa and Kjell figure out how to make the situation best for all.  Maybe it's a matter of putting clearer definitions of each board on the home page so people know what topics to post where.  Maybe Teresa should go back to "booting" threads to a different board when they don't fit on that particular one.  Also, read the signs... there is a little logo for "sticky" threads and "hot" topics.  And lastly; this is a COMMUNITY forum... "keep in touch with the community and old friends".  (Although I do have an opinion about that one... that it should be changed to "keep in touch with the community; chat with old friends, and make new ones"!)

Oh, one last thought... maybe an option is to create a new board just for Games?  Would that help keep the Misc category cleaner and easier to read/post?  I just know the Games section gets a lot of traffic.

Quote from: Tobina on June 06, 2008, 04:44:35 PM
And lastly; this is a COMMUNITY forum... "keep in touch with the community and old friends".  (Although I do have an opinion about that one... that it should be changed to "keep in touch with the community; chat with old friends, and make new ones"!)

Quote from: Tobina on June 06, 2008, 04:48:44 PM
Oh, one last thought... maybe an option is to create a new board just for Games?  Would that help keep the Misc category cleaner and easier to read/post?  I just know the Games section gets a lot of traffic.

Excellent idea and suggestion.. and one I will put to good use. 
Thanks Tobina.  :)
I have had several suggestions on how ..IF.. I could figure out a way to put some word or puzzle games up on the forum. I haven't had time to look into it actually.. but if it isn't a whole lot of programming  to gt it accomplished I will  see what I can do.

Tobina, I like that idea of "making new friends".  This forum does do that.  And I like your definition of argue and debate.  I think any argument or debate should be backed up with fact.  Not just opinion.  An opinion is just that and belongs to you and you shouldn't have to argue about it.  And why does anyone have to defend their opinion?  If you have stated your opinion, you shouldn't have to repeat it.  But that is just my opinion.  And I am not going to repeat it.

I don't think anything should be done to change the forum unless some of the categories are split and spread out.  I need the obituaries, the news (fires, tornadoes, etc.)  upcoming events, birthdays, new members:  the things that neighbors share with each other.   It is all part of my day.  And that is just my opinion.

Thanks for splitting the miscellaneous category and making a separate Games of the Mind category.  Those of us who enjoy those types of things sometimes get on at the same time and do alot of back and forth traffic on the site challenging others, so it will now not clog up the miscellaneous category.  We don't want to annoy anyone, and the few of us who are regulars welcome others to try the games out.  (it's a good idea to have a dictionary at hand too.........it's sometimes quite a challenge!) 

 ;D I say argue you say debate you say tomahto i say tomayto it's all the same to me ;)

I really enjoy the different points of view and I try not to take any comment as a personal affront.  Let freedom of speech abound on the forum.

i think every thing is good in the nieghborhood right know and hopefully now and for on

The great thing about the internet is its free flow of information, ideas,and commerce. While sometimes there is misinformation, crime, and offensive discourse I value the ability of the free flow of ideas. A free open environment is what educates us and brings us together in this great big diverse world. My vote is for no limits. Use your own brain and if you don't like it ,you are not required to view or participate in the conversation\activity. True democracy in my opinion. (Ok, I'm off my soap box now)

David

Perfectly stated.  I am in complete agreement!

Yeah, David!

Yes, yes, yes.  The only thing we need to be careful of is that this forum doesn't run amuck and end up like the Hays forum (I think it had to be shut down because of too much offensiveness).  I think that's why we still need Admin to manage things and de-flame when necessary.  Teresa and Kjell are doing a great job of keeping this forum community minded and "family fun for all"!

Not that it's my business, I guess, but did some of the suggestions help with the complaints you received?

You can please all the people some of the time, but it is impossible to please all the people all the time. I agree with Tobina, I am all for free speech; speech that is acceptable in polite company. The other can be found in any public bathroom, and has no place in a community based forum IMO.

Yes they did Tobina... Thanks for your 2 suggestions. I used one and the other is on the 'to do' list.  I went in to change the title of the new friends etc..but I can't program only a part of the title.. Kjell made it one section..so he will have to do it..( when he has time). Right now I don't ask him to do too much as he is buried under deadline contracts and work.. but when he has some time, I'll ask if he will change it.


Something I want to say here...
What no one knows is:    I get a lot of personal messages...concerning everything.  People's personality's..(good and bad)  things people have said that is disliked..and liked.  Topics that are not liked.. topics that are liked.. Topics and articles that people want me to put on and NOT say it is from them..(confidential integrity comes into play on my part in these areas ( hence the heat I take on some who think I am on the being negative bandwagon at times   ::) :P )  ..but that is okay cause I am a bit publically controversial on some issues anyway..so I don't mind)  ;) And I'm a tough old bird.. LOL

But anything that is said to me in e-mails and P'M's is VERY confidential.. I tell no one..that is why it is called pm's. (personal)
I even use the pm system to some of my friends whom I trust.. :)

I have gotten some feedback lately, since the polls..and I appreciate all of it..and I DO listen and take in account what you say.

What I will say publically is this.
"I wish everyone would feel like they could voice "most" of their opinions on the forum..but ..most feel that they can't without fear of making someone mad or stepping over the line etc etc.. so they tell me and sometimes in a-roundabout way..I get it on here."
Owning and moderating a forum with so many different personality's, backgrounds and lifestyles is challenging to say the least. If there isn't something a bit "controversial" or "conversation sparking" ..people get bored and don't come in. But if it's TOO controversial..then you make people mad.   Then.. you get 80% of the people that ONLY read.. and never contribute anything. (which is a double whammy on those of us that try to keep the forum exciting and interesting for ourselves AND everyone else..)
*can a person ever win?*  ;D

Example:
From the people....   I have so many positive good e-mails  sent to me praising the forum and the topics and how they LOVE to get on everyday and read all the things posted. How I make them laugh and yeeessss.. they want me to not to change on my..(as someone put it)  "in your face" postings..
(but I am going to back off some as most around here just can't deal with it too well   ;) )

I hear how they like Warph's style of writing..and how Frank and Waldo are so knowledgeable about issues and how much they wish Marcia would post more on all her wonderful things that she has. ( Marcia?? Where IS that book of yours?  :D)
And who is this Diane and she is so "nice" to everyone. ...and Is Roma Jean really a doctor? and do I know who sixdogsmom really is.. and have I ever met Ole'Granny. .and is Bonnie M my aunt..and questions about flo and pam...etc etc etc...comments about this person and that person... complaints and compliments..
There are those who get upset easily..and those who are happy go lucky..and those who are serious and those who are clowns and the list of people and posts and differences goes on and on and on. I am like Dear Abby.. LOL ..I hear it all. ;D   
Sometimes it  wears me out to tell you the truth. ..and other times I love the versatility's...and I always love the feedback and mail.. even though I can't share it with the forum .

Hopefully we will continue to have a good place to gather and shoot the breeze.

Thanks
Teresa

Teresa; it is great that you're getting so much feedback!  I know the PM's you get are personal, but sometimes it's nice to get some of the "good stuff" posted on here.  Wonder if we started a "Feedback" post if people would post on there for us all to read?  Maybe we'd have to make a "rule" of no replies to Feedback posts, so as not to step on someone's feedback and make them feel bad.
But that brings me to another question... maybe complaint... maybe just curiosity that kills the cat...
Why so many "Guest" users (that we jokingly call "lurkers")?  Why allow so many people to just watch what we write instead of making them identify themselves... even if it's anonymous?  Does anyone else feel "watched"?  I feel like it's almost like eavesdropping.  Not that I don't want them to know what I'm saying, but I at least want to know they're there.  Maybe I'm just paranoid... (What?  Did you hear that noise?  Did something move?)   :laugh:

A lot of those "guest" are members. They just don't log on.
I use the feature ..log on "forever"..and then I never have to log on.
I just bring up the web page and I am automatically logged on.

Guests are just that... Guests. Some of them are registered and some of them are not.

We are only in the 9th day of the month and here is the stats for these 9 days...

Monthly Summary     New Topics     New Posts     New Members     Most Online     Online Today   Page views
June 2008             44                1354                     1                    448           332                 56156


56,000 pages have been opened... and 1,300 new posts made.
Can you imagine how cool it would be if everyone  of the guests who "only read"..posted?
wow.. talk about information and content!  That would be just awesome!

(What? Did you say something? It wasn't you? Sounded like you. That "voice " ..  :o  there it goes again.)   

*in my ghost voice*   Guests.... unseen , unheard guests. Watching...waiting..... listening.  you can't see     them..but you know that they're there~~~~~~~~                                     
(http://www.cascity.com/howard/animations/97.gif) da da dada~~da da dada (twillight zone music)
You have just entered ....................................................The Elk County Forum Zone.



((Help..I need a life)
(http://www.cascity.com/howard/animations/122.gif)

There are absolutely zillions of people in this country who are reticent to voice an opinion on anything. They do not want to appear pushy, or don't want to take the heat for an unpopular opinion, or just want to appear to go along with the crowd. It is also one reason that this country has voter apathy, the old 'my opinion won't make a difference' cop out. Some are just downright lazy. And there are those who feel that any kind of debate is the same as an argument, and lest they are ready to declare war, don't think they should participate. Too bad that healthy debate is not a required subject in high school. These days unless you are peaceful, and go along without challenging an issue, it is expected you will reel out the old howitzer and blast away. I suspect there has been more thought given to several issues that affect this country by members of this forum, such as the election, the economy. energy, race relations, guncontrol, and of course spiritual thoughts. Many funny bones have been tickled, and imaginations sparked, all because of this forum. The somewhat anonymity of the forum allows some to express opinion they would not ordinarily express. In some cases this is good, in others not so good. But this is what makes the forum so different from the local coffee shop.

"and is Bonnie M my aunt"

That would be nice!   :)  :)  :)

In answer to your question Teresa, a person can only win if they are willing to play the game and I do believe you're a winner.  I love to play the game, win lose or draw. ;) ;)

Tomorrow is the last day for the poll on Boards on the Forum.  If you have something to say and haven't said it yet, hurry.  I have something more to say and surprise of surprises, it is not going to be critical.

This is what I like about the Forum.

Board by Board now:

General Announcements & Events:  This keeps me up on what is going to happen in the community.  Since I don't have the usual source of information, coffee at Toots, senior center or post office, I appreciate the postings of things to come.

Greetings, Birthdays and Anniversaries:  This includes greetings to new members, which I try to catch as soon as possible.  When I first joined, I was welcomed and it made me feel good, like they were glad to have me.  This is what I try to do for new members.  The only reason that I seem to be the welcoming committee is that my eyes see changes to the page (years of proofreading) very quickly.  Feel free to do the greeting if you catch it before I do.

Coffee Shop:  I am going to make this one short.  There is so much that could be said but I am just going to say, I like the visiting, the repartee, Ms. T's and Ta Ta's shots at one another.  I really appreciate the reports of fires that young Mr. Cookson does for us.  They are always well written, without incorrect words or mispelled words and that makes them easy to read.  I don't have to go back and try to figure out what he meant.  I have found some good friends here.

Video and slide shows:  We have had some really good shows here, especially the pictures of the fires and the video of Sgt. Mackey's funeral procession.

Good Old Days:  This is a wonderful board.  Much of the credit goes to Marcia Moore for her posts, but we have had contributions from others that are of real interest.  It has provided me with a more comprehensive understanding of early Elk County.

Genealogy:  This board can be of a real help to someone that is searching for their ancestors.  If the person being looked for is not on the board, a single question can get real answers in a hurry.  Several of our members have been helped in finding where there ancestors are buried and didn't even have to journey to Elk County to do it.

Obituaries:  This one is almost my favorite.  Several people are very good about posting death notices and obituaries.  Without this, I might not know a person is gone until I meet them in heaven.  Every day that my name isn't listed in it, is a good day for me.

Natural Health & Wellness:  Not of much interest for me, but good for those who are interested.

Recipes & Home Remedy's:  I enjoy reading other people's recipes, but I don't cook much anymore.  The home remedies are always interesting.

Recipes & Spiritual:  If you haven't checked this one out, do so.  Judy Harder does a good job of posting a Devotional for the Day, every day.

Political:  Probably my least favorite.

Poetry:  We have had fun with this, haven't we?

Favorite Quotes:  Very timely at times.

Misc:  Mostly jokes and who couldn't use a good one every day or even a bad one.

Games:  Not of much interest to me

FAQ - Using the Board:  I have to admit, I have never looked at this one.

Business Ads:  Could be useful if you want to advertise and it's free.

Classified Ads:  Very helpful if you are needing something or want to get rid of something.

And the best part is that if you have a question, someone has an answer.

Very well written, Wilma.  My interests lie mostly with yours, it looks like.  But, I think it's a great way to communicate with interesting people, and, in my way of thinking, we can never have too many friends, whether they are new, or not so new!

Thanks again, Teresa and Kjeil, for all of the work you do to keep the Forum up and running.

I thoroughly enjoy the forum. I think I get more local news here than anywhere else.

The Coffee Shop is my absolute favorite. It's like sitting around drinking coffee with you all at Toot's. (Minus the delicious hamburgers). I sometimes browse the Politics section, but just to see what's happening. It really doesn't interest me.

I think it may be helpful if we had a News category. Sometimes the fire reports, ambulance news, and weather get lost in the "hub-bub" in the Coffee Shop.

Quote from: Devyn-Leann on June 11, 2008, 06:31:11 AM
.

I think it may be helpful if we had a News category. Sometimes the fire reports, ambulance news, and weather get lost in the "hub-bub" in the Coffee Shop.

Devyn has a good idea here.

I agree, this would indeed be useful!

I have always found the forum to be a fun, friendly and fascinating place to visit. I don't post daily but I do check the boards for new messages just to see what topics are "hot"...and yes, I'm one of those "lurkers." There are times I like to add my two cents, but mostly I just enjoy keeping my finger on the community pulse.

The forum also provided an excellent topic for an anthropology paper. I could have easily written two or three times the number of pages and still not have shared half of the interesting conversations that take place here on a daily basis.

I feel fortunate to belong to a community that communicates on so many levels. The people who participate here -- whether as family, neighbors, or faraway friends -- are never slow to pay a compliment, offer a condolence or share an interesting tidbit. All ages are represented, as are all incomes and educational levels. Each person's individual viewpoint adds to the rich texture of conversation, and it's a pleasure to belong to this group. I've been active in several online chat rooms in the past, and this is by far one of the finest.

Quote from: indygal on June 11, 2008, 04:21:42 PM
I have always found the forum to be a fun, friendly and fascinating place to visit. I don't post daily but I do check the boards for new messages just to see what topics are "hot"...and yes, I'm one of those "lurkers." There are times I like to add my two cents, but mostly I just enjoy keeping my finger on the community pulse.

The forum also provided an excellent topic for an anthropology paper. I could have easily written two or three times the number of pages and still not have shared half of the interesting conversations that take place here on a daily basis.

I feel fortunate to belong to a community that communicates on so many levels. The people who participate here -- whether as family, neighbors, or faraway friends -- are never slow to pay a compliment, offer a condolence or share an interesting tidbit. All ages are represented, as are all incomes and educational levels. Each person's individual viewpoint adds to the rich texture of conversation, and it's a pleasure to belong to this group. I've been active in several online chat rooms in the past, and this is by far one of the finest.

I completely agree with you on everything you've said.  It has been a hoot to read everyone's thoughts...and the aspect of civil discussions, whether you agree with the other individual or not, is an exciting one.  You can tell that there are those who are not accustomed to being disagreed with (lol) but they are forced to have to slow down and listen when using this format.