We have mulled over having our own forum but I have pretty much nixed the idea as every new user will ask the same questions and old users will get tired of answering them so most of these issues can be taken care of with a FAQ page. And we don’t need people like the Cheese coming in and calling everyone idiots.
However, I have been thinking that there might be a benefit to a forum of experienced users, restricting access to those who have been on their PC’s for more than a year and are well past the adaption phase, to bounce ideas off each other on how to best use the cranks for specific needs or goals.
Would any of you think that such a restriction would make such a forum a valuable addition to the PC web site and a valuable addition to the PC experience, and something you would value and possibly or probably use? Perhaps we could make it available to non-users or new users to read but not post. I would hope it would allow the exchange of ideas and experiences without having to put up with the BS frequently seen here and at other open forums.
Frank, I have seen a few forums work this way. One is the computrainer forum which is now moderated by CT. The only issue with this type of site is you have to go look at it.
The other type is just another YahooGroup when you control membership. I know in the seriousmagic forum I am in, the only folks who can get into the main site are people that have purchased the product. Most folks do not bash a product they have purchased.
I still like the yahoogroup stuff since they send me daily digests, and I can read what I want.
I will look into that Yahoo thing as that should make it simpler. Didn’t know you could restrict access there. I am really looking to making it useful to the serious users. Those who are only interested in the “should I buy” question aren’t going to believe anything moderated by us anyhow.
If you already have a Powercrank forum, why not ask this question there? This seems like a weak attempt to drum up interest in your forum. I think your whole powercrank experiment has run it’s course. Just about everyone who is desperate enough to shell out $1000.00 for you cranks has already done so.
You get the award for the crankiest post of the day. I don’t read Frank’s post to indicate there is an existing forum and AFAIK there isn’t one.
AFAIK there isn’t one either, although I think some think this site counts as te official PC forum. I think we all have the moldy old cheese and his supporters to thank for that.
Rats, better let those depending upon me know that the experiment has run its course and there won’t be another dime coming in. woe is me.
Frank, access control on Yahoogroups is easy since the moderator has to accept any person who is a member, and can remove them with one key stroke. I do it all the time with my Yahoogroup. :o)
I think we all have the moldy old cheese and his supporters to thank for that.