Should we change forum software?

[hilary]

It's come to my attention of late that the software I bought to run this forum is not so great. To see what I mean - and what features we're missing - just look at this (http://www.phpbb.com/phpBB/).

Post polls, send private messages, much easier to post and manage email notification, see new posts at a glance, etc, etc, etc. It's also free.

The snag is that changing over - assuming I could set up the new software successfully, never guaranteed with me! - would mean losing all the existing messages and user profiles. I could keep the old message pages online as an archive, but we'd all have to re-register. So far, no-one's invented a way to transfer from Discus to phpbb.

(I've found one person who's working on it. He'd charge money, though!)

So - what do you think? Is it worth the disruption to get all the new features? Which features that we're missing here would you really appreciate having?

(And are there any Perl/php programmers lurking out there?)

[mick]

Hilary,

Well, I'm happy with Clarity as it is.

I struggle with computers but I find Clarity quite easy to understand now that I've got the hang. I like the fact that it's straightforward to post messages on Clarity.

"Post polls, send private messages, much easier to post and manage email notification, see new posts at a glance, etc, etc, etc. It's also free."

None of these features add anything for me.

Just my thoughts,

Mick
http://www.north-node.com/

[dharma]

Just taking a brief moment from the Canada Day/US Independence Day (semi)week-long celebration to share my opinion (just in case ya'll decide to make changes before I get the chance to butter my roasted corn and to add my two-cents worth.) http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/i_ching_discussion/clipart/happy.gif

I'm with Mick on this one. More is not necessarily better. If Clarity has "less" compared to what others are offering then I have to say that I really appreciate it's simplicity rather than what it doesn't have. But that's just me, of course.

Clarity's present format is straightforward, comprehensible, and uncluttered. Too many options and choices tend to complicate matters unnecessarily. I'm of the school of thought that says, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". However, I will accept the changes and learn some more new tricks http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif if the majority decide to make the switch.

...Curious...what hexagram reflects my response? Anyone...?

Now back to lounging and enjoying the fireworks!

Dharma

[remo]

Hilary, I think that the system you're using at the moment is, in its simplicity, perfectly in tune with your site.

I've seen and used many web-based bulletin boards but frankly I don't think that all their feature would add much to our communication.

If you had to handle hundreds or thousands messages a day, a change would be "technically" necessary but for now I don't mind to have to scroll down to reach the newest messages (a well-known user interface design principle says that the newest should be at the top!).

Anyway, I will accept any change; the "clarity" of a message could never be obscured by the envelope!

Just my 2 (euro)cents.

Remo

[candid]

Hi Hilary,

I've held off on posting my thoughts on your question, waiting to see what others think. So far, I tend to agree with them.

The one element that I still think would be fun is, a small chat program with no PMs, used for scheduled topical chats. It would need a simple way of booting someone rude and unwelcome plus the provision for a leader or monitor, to keep the discussion focused. I don't see this as crucial to the future success of Clarity, but I do think scheduled community events would draw more folks out of the shadows and get them participating more. I'd welcome that.

~Candid

[remo]

To add chat functionality on Clarity, Hilary could select one of the many free Java chat applet/servlet on the web.

Otherwise, we could use some free service (like chat.yahoo.com for instance or even IRC channels) but I would prefer a "local" solution.

Remo

[hilary]

This is sounding interesting, thank you. It's a relief to know that other people - at least those who are still posting... - aren't as exasperated by Discus as I am.

I'll move chat up my list of priorities. It's not something I know much about, but this new web host does have a php chat room I can install more-or-less automatically. So bear with me, I will get round to it, I promise! (Maybe after I've finished the redesign, though.)

Remo, if you have hidden talents for this kind of thing, do drop me an email!

[willow]

Hi all, I don't see a need to change either.

It's easy for me to find things and keep up here. "Last Day" "Last Week" are usually all I need, and the search feature is fine.

In addition to the simplicity, there is a beauty to the screens. The visual format makes the postings look like little letters (and see how we often address and sign them!). This site is by far the most pleasant I know to read from the screen.

And to me, especially because of the nature of the topics, and the fact that this is a "slow" site, I think the value of the existing messages and profiles is very important.

People consult at times of crisis, when they perceive or wish to perceive a crossroads.

Think about those guest books that are left in cabins on hiking trails or at the tops of mountains, or in old bed-and-breakfasts or rental houses at the shore. Sometimes the entries go back for decades.

To me, that's a big part of the value here - to see the marks that were left by others, others who may never pass this way again, but in what they asked and said, and heard and saw while they were here, they shared something special about themselves, and let me know a little more about this world, and about me.

One final thing - there are two features you lack here that, by their absence contribute to the focus and "clarity" of the discussion. One is the fact that subsequent posters can *not* add their own topic header here (posts are shown by username and first line of the post). The second is that threads cannot split off - all responses continue in order, and you can't make a separate response to an earlier post.

These two things combine to give the feeling that the conversation is taking place in a circle, with respect. There is a feeling of care, dignity, respect and inclusion - like we're passing around a "talking stick" - when each time one of us speaks, we begin with our chosen names and speak within the same arc of conversation that everyone else is in.

And like a good "talking stick" conversation, when you're done, and you put it back in the center, neither you, nor anyone else knows just who will lean forward and pick it up next. I think sitting quietly with "the conversation so far" (both on and offline) is really facilitated by the interface here, and isn't that a big part of wisdom?

(puts virtual stick back down...)

Willow

[candid]

Well said, Willow. I relate on all levels and points you've elegantly stated.

When I speak of a small chat program, I'm referring to its specific use for topical events, not as a free-for-all chat room. Each of us here (seen and unseen) have a particular gift or area of knowledge, a specialty. I understand the tendency toward debate in such a forum, however, when conducted in the spirit of Clarity, it could provide the same meaningful continuity, but at a conversational pace. I'm in no way implying that it replace this current format.

Subjects could include: (off top of head)
1) Yoga, breathing and posture.
2) What causes synchronicity?
3) Applying ancient principles to modern living.
4) Mind healing.

We could even spend a session per hexagram and discuss its practical and far reaching meanings, change lines included.

Like others here, I ain't goin no where. I like it here as it is. I'm thinking more along the lines of increasing the site's vitality so as to stimulate profit for the company which owns and pays for the site. Vitality draws more energy, more energy creates greater enthusiasm, which creates more participation, some of which funnels into the coffers.

Its no doubt that Clarity is a labor of love for Hilary. That shows in every word she speaks and by the very fact that there even is a Clarity. But, there are responsibilities which entrepreneurs have. One, is turning a profit.

To this, allow me to add: (paraphrased)
The well is cleaned, but not enough drink from it.
This is my heart's sorrow,
for more might draw from it.
If the king were clear-minded,
good fortune might be enjoyed in common.

An able oracle-medium (Yi-Clarity) is available. Its like a purified well whose water is drinkable. But full use is not made of it. This is the sorrow of those who know Yi (and Hilary). One wishes that her councilors might consider it; this would be good fortune for all concerned.

~Candid