Hello everyone. I've been reading quite a few posts recently regarding problems with posts i.e. NJC not being put in the headers etc. and wondered again about the possibility of a JMDL message board to resolve the problems. I did a little searching and found that one already exists here:
http://pub97.ezboard.com/bjmdlmessageboard What I see as the main features: Upside 1) No full email boxes 2) No risk of viruses or spam 3) Messages can be sent and read in real time (a real boon for those on digest or those in a non-US time-zone). 4) Messages can be posted on an Joni-Only or Non Joni board with few mistakes. The administrator can also easily transfer messages quickly. The frustration of Joni-Onlyites is virtually eliminated. No having to remember to type in NJC. 5) Message boards allow graphics, private messages, emails, profiles, moderator controls and other features. 6) Messages can be edited once posted. This would help avoid certain things being sent and then regretted. Also it helps the presentation of messages. 7) Subjects can be categorised more easily. i.e. important administrator messages can be highlighted etc. 8) Links to other messages can be utilised with urls, making cross reference easy. 9) The subscriber can alter the screens as he/she wishes to view individual messages or threads or only new messages. 10)Quicker and easier for people to use at work (and maybe no subpoena's) 11) Viewers can be 'membership' to post or 'guests' just to view. 12) Search functions Downside 1) The cost, although this is quite nominal. Ezboard for instance is $45.00 every six months after the initial six month period, easily found with the subscribers we have. 2) Ads. Eliminated with payment of the $45.00. 3) Pop-ups. Easily controlled with a good pop-up stopper. I know that some of the features are already covered on the smoe.org site but I think that the extra flexibility of Ezboard could be beneficial to all. One of the problems particular to UK listers is that because most of the posters are from the U.S. if you only have time to read the digest once a day the discussions have normally run their course or moved on to another topic by the time you get to them. At least on the Message Board you can post in real time as it were, and you feel as if you are actually part of the discussion. I know that regular posters from the U.K. like Colin, Azeem etc. cope but I notice that Colin tends to post a group of messages in response to previous subjects. I have spoken to Les about this and he has given us the green light to try out the message board on a trial basis running concurrently with the mailing list. I've posted a few messages in the General Discussions forum to get us started. Obviously the board will only work if people use it so please give it a try, have a look around and post a few messages. Ezboard has lots of interesting features and I am sure we can utilise them to full effect. Dedicated lurkers who do not want to post can view the messages as guests. Incidentally, just a personal thought. When you register it would be nice if you used your real name (I know most of you already do). This will give it a real sense of community and motivate poster integrity. As nice as it is to talk to Blazing Apostle or Spanky the Monkey or pyramus :) it's nicer to converse with real people. :) Cheers! ~Kevin __________________________________________________________________________ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just #6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just #13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
