Would it be possible for off topic threads to not be shown in the New Posts section at the top. I belong to anther board with an identical format and it was decided off topic threads would not shown there. I have read several posts and I did this at one point as well, that when you click on the new post section, you don't really know what forum its in. Its obvious most are comfortable having the Rants and Raves section and have turned this board into a general board instead of a support tool. For the newbies looking for support, I think it would be a great idea for them to see only the on topic things when they check out new posts and if they want to verture further, they can. Imagine the suprise on many newbies logging in and click on new posts only to see topics on abortion, boy love, religion, etc. Just a thought

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http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=34851

No one is suggesting what the debate is or is not except you.

My comments are very appropriate for this thread. When I was asked about advertising on LBT I suggested someone do just that and for a variety of reasons such as R&R. It IS one of the reasons this site is as busy as it is.

I'm always amused by the people who see the world in black and white and trust so few. Life is fun, it is an adventure. Being sooooo careful with each step you make means you never fall. If you never fall, you never learn how to pick yourself up and move on. People who fall usually have more life skills.

I think it is wise to see all parts of a person's personality. The good and the bad. We ALL have good and bad, that's how it works.

Coming from a habitual failure, i completely agree with you. failing is a good thing. not sure what your point is though. If it is over my trust of people who have shown repeatedly that they are not worthwhile being in my life, this has nothing to do with failing. it has to do with what their core personality is. and there is nothing that says I must accept everyone.

If the rants and raves section is such a prominent part of the website, is alex going to be opening up the advertising to abortion clinics, gun salesmen and porn sites? Those issues are talked about greatly in the rant and raves section. Wouldn't their advertisements be relevant throughout the site if the rant and raves section is such a huge and dominant part of the website?

In my opinion, the best way to appeal to all is to give all of them the option of changing whatever setting they choose.

And just say "screw you" to the people who are new, have not yet signed up, or do not understand the way to disregard one or two sections of the site? that would be a lot of people. are you sure that is how you want to come across to a group of people seeking out support?

Again, and this cannot be stressed enough, this is a lap band site. while off topic sections are important to any board, they should remain in the background. a majority of people come here for lap band talk. not off topic talk. if someone comes here and sees that the posts that are more important to people and being discussed more are off topic issues, they will not feel that they are going to get much support here.

I personally *know* one advertiser that does not agree with you. Care to speak with him?

How many newbies do you personally know that are offended by off topic chats? How many do you know that ran across this site and saw "Abortion" or "Falwell died" and it offended their senses so they decided not to check it out? Or, are you making assumptions?

As busy as this site is, I think the numbers of members, people posting/lurking, and advertisers has already demonstrated well that you are incorrect.

We talk about daily life in R&R. Religion, politics, current issues, pet peeves, and you know what? Bandsters experience these same issues in their day to day lives.

Funny how that works.

that still does not negate the fact that they are not the main topic for a lap band discussion board.

again, I am not stating that the forums be taken away. I am just stating that they should not infiltrate the rest of the main discussion of the site.

And just say "screw you" to the people who are new, have not yet signed up, or do not understand the way to disregard one or two sections of the site? that would be a lot of people. are you sure that is how you want to come across to a group of people seeking out support?

Well, hell, why don't we compromise? Like I suggested earlier, restrict access to RnR to those people who have registered. Once they've registered, it's their own responsibility to learn how to navigate the site and adjust their options. They are adults, for Pete's sake. They'll figure it out. And to be very honest, there are lots of lap-band support sites out there. If they find one they prefer more, they can go to it. Not every site has to appeal to every person. And before you ask, no, I'm not suggesting they leave if they don't like it. I am just saying that if they do decide to leave, they won't be left out in the cold.

I personally *know* one advertiser that does not agree with you. Care to speak with him?

How many newbies do you personally know that are offended by off topic chats? How many do you know that ran across this site and saw "Abortion" or "Falwell died" and it offended their senses so they decided not to check it out? Or, are you making assumptions?

As busy as this site is, I think the numbers of members, people posting/lurking, and advertisers has already demonstrated well that you are incorrect.

I have stated that, as a business person, i am relying on my business and advertising knowledge to know that this site would be more endearing to new advertisers if these changes were made. One exception does not break a rule.

As for people that are turned off by this site. For respect reasons i will not mention the name of the site, but the other band board I am a mod on is FULL of people that do not care for the way the rants and raves section has totally changed lbt. I do not have an exact number, but it is 100's of people who were either once members of here and have left, or who never bothered to sign up. I am not making assumptions on this. I hear about it CONSTANTLY. Its one of the reasons i came back here. To check out what they were all complaining about.

We cannot know the minds of everyone coming here. So the way to solve that is to break it down.

what is the main discussion topic of this site? Lap band support and information.

What are people searching for when they come here? Lap band support and discussion.

So what can we conclude is the main focus of the people who come to this site? Lap band support and discussion.

What should be in the top 5 and new posts to draw the majority in? Lap band support and discussion.

the other stuff would not be removed, but why not keep the focus on the one topic that we are all here for? the other stuff is extra. and therefore should not be mixed in with the main topic.

Whoa there, speak for yourself. You continue speaking for newbies and you have no right to do that. You speak as though you are stating facts here and you are stating your opinion, nothing more.

OH is exactly what you are describing in what YOU believe in your opinion is correct. That forum sucks. This one is great.

Well, hell, why don't we compromise? Like I suggested earlier, restrict access to RnR to those people who have registered. Once they've registered, it's their own responsibility to learn how to navigate the site and adjust their options. They are adults, for Pete's sake. They'll figure it out. And to be very honest, there are lots of lap-band support sites out there. If they find one they prefer more, they can go to it. Not every site has to appeal to every person. And before you ask, no, I'm not suggesting they leave if they don't like it. I am just saying that if they do decide to leave, they won't be left out in the cold.

As stated before, it is up to Alex as to how he wants to proceed. He make take great issue with this, he may not care. Its all his decision. I am sure he will read, like alexandra said, everything posted here and make up his own mind. We can only express our opinions to help him know the mind of his members. unfortunately it is impossible to know the minds of everyone, but at least he knows the opinions of a few loud mouths like us.

Whoa there, speak for yourself. You continue speaking for newbies and you have no right to do that. You speak as though you are stating facts here and you are stating your opinion, nothing more.

OH is exactly what you are describing in what YOU believe in your opinion is correct. That forum sucks. This one is great.

OH is like that because they need to put in limitations to make the advertisers happy. it proves my point really. and it is also one of the reasons i am sad to see advertisements here. I don't like how it is with all of the ads and limitations. but if that is the direction alex is going with this site, i am mearly putting forth what will make it a success.

If the rants and raves section is such a prominent part of the website, is alex going to be opening up the advertising to abortion clinics, gun salesmen and porn sites? Those issues are talked about greatly in the rant and raves section. Wouldn't their advertisements be relevant throughout the site if the rant and raves section is such a huge and dominant part of the website?

So what if he does? It's no skin off your nose. I find advertisements for lawyers wanting clients who are suing their docs offensive. But it's no skin off my nose and I don't worry about it.

If people don't like what they see on a successful, busy, informative site, that is their choice. If they want to block it, they can.

Have you considered blocking R&R from your views?

OH is like that because they need to put in limitations to make the advertisers happy. it proves my point really. and it is also one of the reasons i am sad to see advertisements here. I don't like how it is with all of the ads and limitations.

I think we agree there. OH has jumped the shark. They are about making money now, not supporting their members. All the more reason that this is a bad idea.

And just say "screw you" to the people who are new, have not yet signed up, or do not understand the way to disregard one or two sections of the site? that would be a lot of people. are you sure that is how you want to come across to a group of people seeking out support?

HAHA!!!! Now this is quite a stretch. Lauren suggests giving people options to view what they choose and you read "screw you" in that statement.

What's wrong with this picture? Is it you or is it everyone else?

that still does not negate the fact that they are not the main topic for a lap band discussion board.

again, I am not stating that the forums be taken away. I am just stating that they should not infiltrate the rest of the main discussion of the site.

Nobody has suggested that you claim the forums be taken away. We disagree with you. From what I see advertisers disagree with you. Due to all the posts at least those posting seem to disagree with you that they are chased away or given a "screw you" attitude.

OMG.....Mark and I are of the same mind. I knew if I stayed around here long enough it would come to this. LBT, you have corrupted me.

Or corrupted me.

WBB I think you are missing a lot of my posts somewhere. you seem to be focusing on just a few.

No, it would be no skin off my nose, but if he brings in advertisers for the issues that are here because of the issues in RnR i bet you a cool mil that he loses a lot of his members. because that is not what a majority of them are here for. it might be waht you are here for, but you have to look at the MAJORITY when in business.

The screw you statement is in regards to people who do not have the choice to block certain things. if you keep reading you see that lauren and i have discussed this issue to a possible comprimise, and now leave it in Alex's hands.

I keep bringing up the forums staying issue with you because you keep claiming that you like them being there. GREAT! I like them too. The discussion we are having is in regards to the titles being shown around the site outside of that particular forum page. Your point that you keep making has nothing to do with that issue, so i have to keep stating that your point has nothing to do with the discussion.

I do not wish to change my new post view for the RnR and off topic lounge. Because I do not use those. I go directly to the page for those forum sections. Or is it that you would prefer that I do not participate in those dicussions being posted in those sections?