Proposed Improvements to Military Forums

[Guest]

Having looked at this thread over the last few weeks, I am of the opinion that I would not pay the amount stated, not that I cannot afford it, but as a point of principle.

I myself run three websites, all are RAF based, two are freebies to me like this site paid for by advertisements, and one that I pay for. I do not charge anyone anything.

On this reply that I am typing right now the block advert above is 'amazon.co.uk' suggesting also a 'freebie' site, I appreciate first hand how much time these sites take to maintain but I have noticed certain sites have become 'for paid up members only' especially Service Related forums (PPRuNe appears to be the exception). For me the Web is a wonderful learning tool, if I want to find out anything about anything I use the search engines of GOOGLE or IXQuick, the information I want is there instantly and free.

Oh how I wish this information was available to me when I was a 16 year old, it is the fastest learning curve tool on this planet if anyone 'mouths off', spells something wrong or is perceived as being a threat I have the right, on my sites, of banning that Internet Provider (IP) from posting or amending the posts, as yet fortunately, I have not had to do either.

If a youngster has an input to make on these forums everyone has the choice to read it or ignore it, when I was sixteen I joined up in the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice up until then I was as 'green as grass', in very short order I became worldlywide, and from it found my own very fast learning curve.

I have much to say about some of the young wannabees today, but we were all nuisances once and when my Drill Instructor told me to jump 3' in the air, I thought to be on the safeside I would jump 3' 6"! The power the moderators have on this site is exactly the same, one strike and you are out. I have two Grandsons, 15 and 17 of age, one has learned the hard way, the other has chosen the easy solution, I feel that not all youngsters are tarred with the same brush and encouragement is what a some require, I hope that in my small way that I can help some of these become decent citizens of the future and eventually encourage those less fortunate than themselves......................

[PHIL]

I'm all for it, I have followed many posts in search of knowledge and wisdom, only to find out that the alleged poster was a cyberknob, and had the I.Q of a cheese sandwich

The big question is "When do the proposed changes take effect?"

Its because I leave on the 8th September to become a Artificer in the Royal Navy

I have nothing bad to say about this site, it's A1 and probably brimming with 20000 years of military experience (thats some retirement! )

PHIL

[always go commando]

I have the right, on my sites, of banning that Internet Provider (IP) from posting or amending the posts,

The problem with this is, were living in an age were younger people generally have a greater knowledge of the computer than the older generation. You can change your IP address with just a little bit of knowledge. But who's that sad?

[Bruce McDonald]

I was just thinking, but maybe instead of imposing a fee, you could give access only to those people who have a good track record of posts?

[Archie]

I was just thinking, but maybe instead of imposing a fee, you could give access only to those people who have a good track record of posts?

Cheers Bruce, that's me out for a start!

[Bruce McDonald]

Righto mate, I should have realised that there are many members who are dedicated and are the "real deal", but often have controversial or silly posts, thanks for pointing that out.

Cheers,
~Bruce~

[Archie]

Moi,

Contraversial, Silly!
I resemble that remark!

[Bruce McDonald]

Ahh Archie, your ooookay! Where would we be without you mate.

[Sisyphus]

I shall be walking through the "Ayes" lobby!

But El Prez, where are those 'interesting and intelligent' threads you were talking about??

Only one query - about how you decide who's in and who's out? Just ex Royals/svcfolk in? Whatabout the valuable contributions from some of the 'non-combatants?

Sorry, I'm sure you're on the case!!

[sp10122]

Would it really be too hard for the moderators to make sensible decisions about posts made by individuals and ear mark those they think are unsuitable?? I assume they view all that go on here and as such any obvious nobbers could be warned and then booted out......I realise there's some technical issues but again if someone starts posting bone messages...get rid of them, especially new users.

Spannerman's point about young people aspriring to join the military is a very valid one. I was lucky enough to be in a good cadet unit from a young age so had access to good information and advice. Many on here have an awful lot to pass on. Those who are taking the piss. Warn them. Get rid of them.

[Frank S.]

I am voting yes as well. I've recently grown tired of reading posts which are well below the average in content quality, questions or opinions poorly formulated and in excessive numbers.
Life's too damn short....

[ExCrabMate]

I've only been on here for a week butI have voted for the changes. I've seen other boards go to the dogs--the pongo one seems to be sliding that way.

[bishamten]

I suppose it depends on what you ( the moderators ) would like to achieve.

Your second largest discussion group is 'Joining the Royal Marines', which at the time of writing this, had 8998 posts on 837 topics.

Those figures beat hands down most other discussion groups. ( besides the RM miscellaneous and roughly the same as General discussions ).

This suggests that the majority of posts made are not made by Ex services or Serving personnel, but by people who want to ask questions, dig up information etc. Admitably some of these post are ill conceived and make little or no sense, and they maybe viewed as juvenile nonsense but just because someone has not served in HM forces, or asks a stupid question, or is ill informed on a certain subject does that mean that their opinion is less Important?

I understand that the forums need to be guarded for their Integrity, but to charge or select those who you wish to be in your forum, In my opinion
defeats the object of the forum in the first place.

If you want to turn militaryforums into a forum just for Ex-services, and those you consider good enough to be in the gang, then thats your Prerogative, and rightly so since you personally fund the site.

I just think that by charging or selecting, you are limiting the opinions that are shared over the forums, and therefore the the forums would not be as successful or Prolific.

I know there is a problem with walters and people who post obscenities, but if these users and their posts are dealt with swiftly then I think militaryforums can continue to be success without charging its members.

And in the spirit of an open forum, there is my humble opinion.

Kev

[Archie]

A well thought out peice there from the bish.

It would seem a solution lies with a compromise, (doesn't it always?) in two parts.

1. An open forum for one and all so freedom of speech can prevail and where the moderators can give the bums rush to anyone being offensive, as they do at the moment.

2. Add in a locked forum where for the want of a better phrase "Proven individuals" are welcome thus creating a nobber free zone. Think of like a pub with a "kids only welcome in the family room" situation.

As to who is in the club, I'd say a probationary period could weed out the nobbers and the walters, and the moderators would still retain the power of veto.

There's my twopennith.

[Mike]

And now my two penneth.......From the Academy of Fence Sitting...........! I was one of the 'Go for broke crowd, but having read all that has been said on this matter I have to agree that there are a lot here that are not service members/retired and that they DO have a place here. I also realise that there are the lads and lassies who want expert advice, and here they can get the best. BUT there are those who pretend, they think it cleaver to talk nonsense and If they were to try to join anything I would suggest that even the Junior leaders of the Salvation Army would reject them.
Further more we have also lost some good, inspiring and entertaining members because of a minority of these Prats who have either rubbed em up the wrong way or who's posts are of no consequence except to themselves. Now these people need to be weeded out.
Dare I suggest once again that a Profile, similar to the one that I put forward a few months ago, be introduced and the various entries be mandatory for acceptance for full membership, otherwise, with out entries, they be considered Guests.
End Sermon.
Aye

I think the attached URL proves my point ....Nuff said
viewtopic.php?p=55823#55823

It would appear that the Moderators got to the offensive post..... Shame really as It might have been drawn the attention of a few more sensible members of the site!