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

To participate in a poll, click the link:

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

I guess my question is how exactly this hurts to make things more neutral. and I am not using my own business model for my business example. I am using every successful business's model. make yourself more neutral, you draw more customers and you make more money. pigeon hole yourself and you cut out entire markets. it is a simple business practice.

I joined LBT during the Dark Time. Threads were being locked; people were being banned. If that didn't make a newbie turn tail and run, nothing will.

I once long ago posted in the off topic area at another website about a hotly debated topic in the news, and in the presidential elections. I was new to the board, and didn't realize how young (teens) everyone was, and how politically aligned. There were only two people who agreed with me, and everyone else resorted to directly insulting anyone who didn't agree with them. It was really ridiculous, and reading through other off topic posts gave me a clear idea about the general nature of the site, average age of the users, level of education, etc. I left, didn't post again, and chose to find another community that would "fit" me better. And I did, and it was great!

Just saying, that as someone new to a board, I read through the off topic areas to see how the site is managed, how people interact. It helps you to know whether or not that community is one you would like to be a part of.

Amen Evilah and I just have one question. If the management of the board REALLY wanted to hear how the majority feels, why was the poll rushed to close? There are multiple other polls still open, after months... but this one was barely open what? 2 days? 3 days? I found it quite interesting that the vocal ones got their vote in, but perhaps those who don't spend hours and hours a day here never even got a chance. I'm just saying..

I still think a 'hide' button for a specific thread is much preferable to having to hide a complete forum. FunnyDuddies, I certainly appreciate your speaking out and Neal, I still think you're exactly right. Everyone isn't so computer literate or doesn't have so many hours to sit figuring message boards out. Some folks really do come here strictly seeking information regarding a serious life decision and for those of us who've been here our entire banded life, the tone has definitely changed. I have often felt like an enemy of the current voice of this board and so have many others who never said a single mean thing to anyone. Over the past few months, a thought has come to mind rather often and that is this: I used to come here for therapy and support. Now, I often feel that I need therapy for even continuing to come here at all. Irregardless of how others may feel about me and my views, that says alot about the current state of this board. I find it very sad.

Amen Evilah and I just have one question. If the management of the board REALLY wanted to hear how the majority feels, why was the poll rushed to close? There are multiple other polls still open, after months... but this one was barely open what? 2 days? 3 days? I found it quite interesting that the vocal ones got their vote in, but perhaps those who don't spend hours and hours a day here never even got a chance. I'm just saying..

Leatha, the only reason I wanted to close the poll is that it seemed TO ME that the owner had made a decision. There were only a couple of people continuing the conversation, and there didn't seem any point in continuing the voting. There have been lots of closed polls in the past, too, that have outlived their relevancy.

I still think a 'hide' button for a specific thread is much preferable to having to hide a complete forum. FunnyDuddies, I certainly appreciate your speaking out and Neal, I still think you're exactly right. Everyone isn't so computer literate or doesn't have so many hours to sit figuring message boards out. Some folks really do come here strictly seeking information regarding a serious life decision and for those of us who've been here our entire banded life, the tone has definitely changed. I have often felt like an enemy of the current voice of this board and so have many others who never said a single mean thing to anyone. Over the past few months, a thought has come to mind rather often and that is this: I used to come here for therapy and support. Now, I often feel that I need therapy for even continuing to come here at all. Irregardless of how others may feel about me and my views, that says alot about the current state of this board. I find it very sad.

A "hide" button for specific threads would be harder to use, I think, than the solution that has been enacted. And again, speaking PERSONALLY (not as a moderator), I have really enjoyed the increased activity in the R&R section over the last several months. My "am I crazy for staying here" moment came during the "dark time" that Carlene referred to. This current atmosphere is a balm to my soul compared to that.

The "tone" of the board changes from time to time, as we all know, and it's a function of the personalities involved, not of any management decisions. This is like an ongoing cocktail party of adults, not a supervised discussion. Stick around, and it will change again. 'Tis the nature of the message-board beast. :biggrin1:

I didn't see Alex make a decision, unless it was something that was done behind the scenes, and we were not alerted to it. Not that we need to be, but when a public poll is shut down with no reason it draws questions. As to what we have seen Alex do, he has only come to the thread and stated that he is bringing on the ads to support the site, and that he does not wish to take donations from the members. This is not in regards to the poll or the questions being asked here.

Leatha, the only reason I wanted to close the poll is that it seemed TO ME that the owner had made a decision. There were only a couple of people continuing the conversation, and there didn't seem any point in continuing the voting. There have been lots of closed polls in the past, too, that have outlived their relevancy.

:biggrin1:

The conversation is irrelevant. Many people vote on the polls without feeling the need to enter into the volley of conversation. The poll was shut down before any significant amount of people were allowed the chance to put their votes in.

The conversation is irrelevant. Many people vote on the polls without feeling the need to enter into the volley of conversation. The poll was shut down before any significant amount of people were allowed the chance to put their votes in.

I also thought it strange that the poll was shut down so quickly.

Can it be reopened?

OK, I've reopened the poll. Let the voting resume!!

I didn't see Alex make a decision, unless it was something that was done behind the scenes, and we were not alerted to it. Not that we need to be, but when a public poll is shut down with no reason it draws questions. As to what we have seen Alex do, he has only come to the thread and stated that he is bringing on the ads to support the site, and that he does not wish to take donations from the members. This is not in regards to the poll or the questions being asked here.

The decision that Alex made, in direct response to the discussion on this thread, was to add a feature that allows registered members to mask selected sections out of their New Posts view. That seems like a wonderful feature that gives readers control over what they personally will see.

Thanks for reopening the poll Alexandra!

Ok, am I the only person here that finds it amusing that the people doing all the complaining here are the exact same people who left during "the dark time" and started their own board. We haven't seem them do hardly any posting in months, and all of a sudden they are here complaining about our rants and raves section???!! Maybe they would be happier if we started a section about "cheese". Yes, that is sarcastic and they will know what I am talking about.

This board is perfect as it is. I don't see that enough people have posted complaints about the top five to warrant a change to the way things are. It is easier to have people go in and change their options one time than to have those of us who like the board and the top five as it is to have to search every time we come to the board. And, as others have said, the top five is at the bottom. If they scroll all the way to the bottom, see all the forums, threads and posts that are directly related to the lapband along the way and then seen RNR topics in the top five and decide to leave the site because they think that is all this board is about, they aren't very astute, are they?

Ok, am I the only person here that finds it amusing that the people doing all the complaining here are the exact same people who left during "the dark time" and started their own board. We haven't seem them do hardly any posting in months, and all of a sudden they are here complaining about our rants and raves section???!! Maybe they would be happier if we started a section about "cheese". Yes, that is sarcastic and they will know what I am talking about.

This board is perfect as it is. I don't see that enough people have posted complaints about the top five to warrant a change to the way things are. It is easier to have people go in and change their options one time than to have those of us who like the board and the top five as it is to have to search every time we come to the board. And, as others have said, the top five is at the bottom. If they scroll all the way to the bottom, see all the forums, threads and posts that are directly related to the lapband along the way and then seen RNR topics in the top five and decide to leave the site because they think that is all this board is about, they aren't very astute, are they?

Hate to burst your bubble Susan, but I started this thread and wasn't around during that time, or if I was, had no clue about it. I have posted semi-regularly although not as much as I used to because of the tone of the boards. Thats why I suggested the change. Your entitled to your opinion just as I am to mine.

To be quite honest, I never even seen the Top 5 until someone recently mentioned it. I generally click on New Posts because I want to see what is updated since I last read. If you have 5 people posting on a political 'debate' thread 40 times a day, they are most likely going to be the one's that float to the top of new posts most often. If I venture in there and try to join in the conversation and get ambushed by the controlling faction and I see that there is no way my point of view will ever be accepted, but basically met with insults and condescension every time I try to participate, I may no longer want to see the THREAD any longer. I may, however, enjoy seeing another thread in the same forum because it has a kinder, gentler subject. So, I click on 'hide this thread' and remove it from my sight so that I no longer see it unless and until I choose to seek it out and post on it again.

Same goes for other threads. Maybe some group has made it clear they don't want others posting on their regional board because Texans just don't understand specific issues for those who live in Guatemala. If I 'hide' this thread, my list becomes shorter to sift through.

I really don't see this as an awful option. Either you use it or you don't. For anyone who may be seeking particular attention or hoping to gather support for a specific subject, I could see how they might stomp their feet that others might not see their posts. Otherwise, I just don't understand why it would hurt to allow the option for those who would like to customize their view.

Susan... I never left! Been here all along! :clap2:

Leatha, have you ever seen a "hide this thread" option on a VBulletin board? We don't even know if it's technically possible. Alex, is it?

You already have the basic function in the Subscriptions list.