Some Changes Coming....

[MattBrady]

Hey folks –

As we’ve been hinting and outright saying for a while now, we will be making some changes to Newsarama in the coming weeks. Yes, we know, “change” is one of the things that is least liked around here, but we think most of you — especially those who’ve been around from the start — will agree that it’s time to move things forward, technology-wise. We hope these changes will greatly improve site functionality…thanks for your patience over the years!

For those who’ve been here awhile, you know the history of Newsarama has always been one of change and growth. With change is always some instant pay-offs and a few bumps in the road. We wanted to let you all know what lies ahead.

We’ll save discussion and previews about what the main page will look like for a little bit (it looks really, really good), and focus on what is happening with the message board system. We’ll be moving on from vBulletin. It served its purpose admirably for many years, but as Newsarama has grown so have our technical needs and vBulletin just doesn’t support the full experience we want to give you. In the coming weeks we will be moving over to a Pluck-based message board system. It’s the system used by our sister sites LiveScience, Space.com and Aviation.com. Now, I see those wheels spinning. Don’t worry, all your brilliant posts aren’t disappearing into some bottomless abyss. We’ll be archiving the current boards as read-only. You’ll be able to view them at: LOCKED forums at forums.newsarama.com. To be totally clear the existing topics and posts will not be moving to the new boards.

Unfortunately, we’ll be losing a few favorite features of vBulletin such as Private Messaging (we know, we know.) Hopefully, you’ll appreciate the great new features that Pluck brings to us, and we’re trying to get PMs back.

For most of you, the transition will be pretty smooth. The good news is that almost everyone will have their IDs moved over to the new system, so when the time comes, just log in like you normally do, no need to re-register. (You’ll have the same User Name and Password.) You will need to create new avatars and sig files. We know some of you are really fond of yours, but feel free to re-create or hey, see this as a challenge to be even cooler and wittier. Also your post count will be starting fresh.

A few of you will encounter registration issues, but don’t worry, we’re handling these issues ahead of time. We'll be contacting you directly in the coming days to work out the kinks, one-on-one.

Because your feedback and involvement are so important to us, we've set up this new vforum to handle all your questions. Along with our colleague doublehelix, we'll do our best to address them as quickly as possible. doublehelix will be here to help you throughout the transition.

On a final note, what made the current Newsarama community (particularly "Talk@") so active and vital, wasn't the technology (which was never impressive), or the forum structure (which still is fairly basic), it was all about you. It was your passion, initiative, and sense of community that built it from the ground up into what it is today.

So, while no change is perfect – this one included – we hope our long-time members most affected by the transition will also see this as an opportunity … an opportunity to not only affirm and re-establish what makes the Newsarama community so great, but to make it even better. Starting soon it will be a wide open field, i.e. more than ever, whatever you want it to be and make of it.

It's in all of our hands.

As always, thanks for the continued support,

Matt Brady
Mike Doran

[Terram]

What about the epic flame wars over Thor vs. Superman?
What about the the banal Talk@ megathreads with the hundreds of thousands of low-content posts? Are they going to roll over and die?
What about my postcount?!!?!

I'm scared!

[Timberoo]

We're all going to get Plucked?

[C20Percent]

Oh NO...not...CHANGE?

http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/South-Park-tv-b77.jpg

[Punchy]

Starting post-counts from the beginning seems to be a good idea, that way, everyone is a noob, and there'll be less baseless accusations of new posters being trolls.

[Shiro]

That's probably a bigger change than most people anticipated.

But, you're right, the vB technology doesn't handle a board of this size very well. I don't think it helps that the entire site traffic runs through forum posts and it's great to see the site moving forward to deal with this.

Locking off all the old threads is pretty major. I've been on boards where this has happened before and it can make the transition a little strange. Losing the 20+ thread and all those 200,000 odd posts will be sad, but I'm sure the guys can come up with some way to make it work. I'm adamant it's the biggest thread on the internet and was only ever going to get bigger.

Keeping sigs and avatars is great, losing post counts isn't ideal, but what can you do? :p

The technology is the important thing for the future of the community right now and I'm delighted to see positive steps being taken towards solving the previous problems. Cool.

[Poolman]

The sky is falling!!!
Run for the hills!!!

I hope this new system is far more stable than the one we are using now.

At least the 20+ thread will be remembered as the biggest forum on the Internet ever (that we know of :p ).

[doublehelix]

We're all going to get Plucked?

Ha! Nice one! :D

Hi everyone - doublehelix here. I'll be here to answer questions you may have and help you out with whatever I can. I'm leaving the office in about a half hour, so don't worry that I'm ignoring you - I will not do that. I'll be back in the office tomorrow morning to answer the many questions you probably will have. So don't worry! I am here to help. :cool:

-dh

[Omega Flyer]

Will there be more moderaters coming with the switch too?

And why doesn't Pluck have a PM system?

[doublehelix]

Will there be more moderaters coming with the switch too?

And why doesn't Pluck have a PM system?

No more mods than we have, though that could potentially change.

Why doesn't Pluck have a PM system? I wish I knew. Like Matt said, though, we are working on getting this crucial element going.

-dh

[toolverine]

Will there be more of what seem to be subforums that are paid for by publishers to promote their books?

[Kid Impulse]

Just wanted to say thanks for saying what's going to happen outright and explaining everything thoroughly

I look forward to see where we go from here

[doublehelix]

Will there be more of what seem to be subforums that are paid for by publishers to promote their books?

Can you give me a "for instance"?

[toolverine]

Can you give me a "for instance"?

Starship Trooper Online, Spider-Man: The Icon, and Atomika@Newsarama.

[Twigglet]

Reset post counts Im' ok with. It it resets my join date, I'm going to kill someone.

[Kent Horton]

Hey folks –

As we’ve been hinting and outright saying for a while now, we will be making some changes to Newsarama in the coming weeks. Yes, we know, “change” is one of the things that is least liked around here, but we think most of you — especially those who’ve been around from the start — will agree that it’s time to move things forward, technology-wise. We hope these changes will greatly improve site functionality…thanks for your patience over the years![Quote]
I feel old now - I've been here off & on since 2000. :o

[QUOTE=MattBrady]We’ll be moving on from vBulletin.

http://planetsmilies.net/party-smiley-17172.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

In the coming weeks we will be moving over to a Pluck-based message board system. It’s the system used by our sister sites LiveScience, Space.com and Aviation.com.
I have no idea what that means. I'm so MB code illiterate. :o

A few of you will encounter registration issues, but don’t worry, we’re handling these issues ahead of time. We'll be contacting you directly in the coming days to work out the kinks, one-on-one.
Damn you Tony Stark!!!!! :mad: ;)

Starting post-counts from the beginning seems to be a good idea, that way, everyone is a noob, and there'll be less baseless accusations of new posters being trolls.
90% of the time those accusations proved true. :p

[capjr]

Cool beans....I'll be around for this one...

I wonder if it'll cause a proposed Mass Exodus(which never happened) like The Sub-Forum Explosion of '05....


The memories....

[Twigglet]

First person to get 1,000 posts on the new site is a legend!

[Shiro]

Will HTML be allowed in posts on the new board?

[Kid Impulse]

Can you give me a "for instance"?
http://forums.comicbookresources.com/index.php

[Ken B.]

WIll there be a limit on signature size? Please? I don't need to see 4 or 5 1000 x 1000 boxes of some comic character with funny text.

Also, you keep a post count? I thought that was hip in 2003 or something? Or let me put it this way, people who pad their post counts with meaningless fluff was hip in 2003.

[Punchy]

Man, the avatars on those message boards look small, is that the standard, or can you keep them the same size as we have now?

[Shiro]

Man, the avatars on those message boards look small, is that the standard, or can you keep them the same size as we have now?
I'd imagine the admin options will allow the size to be set to whatever Matt wishes.

[Zain]

I'm scared......someone hold me :(

[Forbush Man]

Seems, fine, I'll just miss my post count. :(

But I won't be a troll! and we can talk about the good ol' days.

[Avenging Sun]

Great subforum title. :)

[Daring D]

I don't like change :)

[Tony Snark]

FASCISTS

YOU GUYS ARE THE IRON MAN OF COMIC BOOK MESSAGE BOARDS

NOT THE SUCCESSFUL MOVIE ONE, THE BLACK GOLIATH MURDERING ONE

[DreamKing]

I understand the post counts are going, but I wonder if our join dates will remain.

[spiderrob8]

No PMs?

How will I flirt?

[Eli Katz]

If this means fewer technical lapses -- especially those weird messages that tell you to wait 72 seconds between posts -- then I look forward to the change. I don't care about my post count, largely because it's not that high. I'm the Hillary Clinton of Rama posters: in the face of low numbers, I say scrap 'em.

[Eli Katz]

No PMs?

How will I flirt?

Openly and unapologetically perhaps.

[Alchemic_19]

No PMs?

How are we going to play master assassin?:(

And will the site still look the same...cause I like it. I don't want any bland looking message board or some bright colored crap fest.

[Lupek]

But...but...but...I've wasted...err...spent countless hours posting videos in my Rock and Roll Gas Station thread that only 3 other people have ever looked at. This is so wrong.

WEEP. WEEP. :( :(

You heartless bashtards!

[Wright Blan]

But...but...but...I've wasted...err...spent countless hours posting videos in my Rock and Roll Gas Station thread that only 3 other people have ever looked at. This is so wrong.

WEEP. WEEP. :( :(

You heartless bashtards!


Hey, I'm in the same boat, with even fewer people looking at the Soda Fountain. :rolleyes:

On the plus side, most of the older posts have broken links. So It'll save me time trying go back and fix them.

[Wright Blan]

For most of you, the transition will be pretty smooth. The good news is that almost everyone will have their IDs moved over to the new system, so when the time comes, just log in like you normally do, no need to re-register. (You’ll have the same User Name and Password.) You will need to create new avatars and sig files. We know some of you are really fond of yours, but feel free to re-create or hey, see this as a challenge to be even cooler and wittier. Also your post count will be starting fresh

Matt, you do realize you'll be turning post-whoring into a blood-sport, don't you?

[adamcasey]

I'm with The Decider.

[GuitarSmashley]

This saddens me since this is the system I met my wife on. All the old places close down and turn into strip joints and crack houses.

[GuitarSmashley]

why is this not a sticky on Talk@? Dirty pool.

[save_us 619]

This sholud be interesting a new era begins for us.well for some of us anyways,:) :D :cool:

[emmabe]

No PMs?

How will I flirt?

I'd hardly call those feeble attempts to talk with me flirting :rolleyes: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/medktulu/sarcastic-kneelsuckers.gif

[GHERU]

will links to the soon to be locked threads work?

[Shiro]

will links to the soon to be locked threads work?
I can't think of any reason why they wouldn't. From what it said, it seemed like this Forum would remain exactly as it is, just in read-only mode.

[Salieri]

Eh, alright. So long as UDCU remains, I can handle whatever changes are thrown at me.

[doublehelix]

Starship Trooper Online, Spider-Man: The Icon, and Atomika@Newsarama.

As of now, there is a forum planned for online comics.
-dh

[doublehelix]

Great subforum title. :)

Hey, you can thank Matt for that. :)

-dh

[doublehelix]

And will the site still look the same...cause I like it. I don't want any bland looking message board or some bright colored crap fest.

Well, the NYCC site is similar to the way Newsarama will look.

The message board will be pretty straightforward looking.

-dh

[cynic79]

Matt, you do realize you'll be turning post-whoring into a blood-sport, don't you?
Were you posting much back when we still had our post counts displayed below our avatars?

That was a bloodsport.

[Pontius]

Is this purely for technical reasons, to bring more stability? Is anything else to be gained by this transition?

[GHERU]

what about posters' "ignore lists"

[doublehelix]

what about posters' "ignore lists"

At this moment in time, there is no ignore list function.

-dh

[mjoln1r]

what about posters' "ignore lists"

Ignore lists are for sissies :p

[nietoperz]

First person to get 1,000 posts on the new site is a legend!


DaReek is already limbering up and raring to go! :D

[DAV!S]

At this moment in time, there is no ignore list function.

-dh

REPORTED doesn't sound as overly dramatic as REPORTED AND IGNORED :(

However, I look forward to this changes, as it means I'll have to finally get my arse in gear and change my stupid bloody avatar.

[Shonborn]

I welcome change and fresh starts.

[GHERU]

At this moment in time, there is no ignore list function.

-dh
uh oh

some posters are gonigh to have to see everybody's posts


hahahhahaha

[GHERU]

Ignore lists are for sissies :p
this is true

[num48champ]

As long as we still have avatars and sigs, I'll be happy.:)

[cynic79]

As long as we still have avatars and sigs, I'll be happy.:)
With the summer coming up, we'll just have to bug you to make us new ones. After all, you'll have plenty of time with school being out and all. ;)

[JL_Amato]

Sounds interesting.

I'm disappointed that we'll have to start over with some of the big threads.:(

I don't like the boards over on Space.com or Aviation.com. They seem really bland.

[Gladiator X]

Hopefully the new board is cool.

just two questions.......

#1. What is the size for avatars going to be?
I'd like to get to work on my new one and that would greatly help.:)

#2. Will our "join dates" remain the same or will they be reset to the day the new forum comes on line?
This isn't a big deal to me but I haven't seen this addressed yet.Thanks again.:)

[Gladiator X]

Sounds interesting.

I'm disappointed that we'll have to start over with some of the big threads.:(

I don't like the boards over on Space.com or Aviation.com. They seem really bland.


Yeah, they are kinda blah. hopefully ours will be cooler.

I did notice that they display post count thoughs. That should be fun again.:rolleyes:

[JL_Amato]

Yeah, they are kinda blah. hopefully ours will be cooler.

I did notice that they display post count thoughs. That should be fun again.:rolleyes:
Counting Thread FTW.

I wish we could carry some of the threads over. We'll have to remake the counting thread, Box-O-Comics, Cart-O-Comics, and a lot more.:(

That's a lot of work.

[Gladiator X]

Counting Thread FTW.

I wish we could carry some of the threads over. We'll have to remake the counting thread, Box-O-Comics, Cart-O-Comics, and a lot more.:(

That's a lot of work.

I hear that.

At least we'll have plenty to post about, I guess.:(

[num48champ]

With the summer coming up, we'll just have to bug you to make us new ones. After all, you'll have plenty of time with school being out and all. ;)
I'm working during the summer and taking a class at night, so I will have less time than I do now.;)

I do however, have vacation from May 16th - June 30th.;)

[TheScantronman]

Will the new board have chat functionality? 'Cuz that would be neat.

[Alchemic_19]

Will the new board have chat functionality? 'Cuz that would be neat.
I doubt it since they don't have the ignore feature.

Will banned users be allowed to come back?

[Pontius]

Will the new board have chat functionality? 'Cuz that would be neat.

No PMs or ignore, but it will have chat? I find that unlikely.

[JL_Amato]

Will the new board have chat functionality? 'Cuz that would be neat.
Looking at the boards for Aviation.com and Space.com it seems like it will be more or less the same just without PMs or the ignore feature.

[Alchemic_19]

Thers's no right to privacy in editbots utopia. :(

[#O.N.E]

When will this be happening?

[doublehelix]

Hopefully the new board is cool.

just two questions.......

#1. What is the size for avatars going to be?
I'd like to get to work on my new one and that would greatly help.:)

#2. Will our "join dates" remain the same or will they be reset to the day the new forum comes on line?
This isn't a big deal to me but I haven't seen this addressed yet.Thanks again.:)

I believe the join date will be the date of your first post on the new system... so, projected at sometime at the end of May. From what I understand, everyone will start out on equal footing. :)

I do know that one of the community members had an image that was automatically reduced to fit the dimensions. Not sure what they are, maybe 60x60? I'll have to ask.

[edit: yep, 60X60]

-dh

[JL_Amato]

No quick reply either?

Or is that something that can be added to our board specifically?

[doublehelix]

Will the new board have chat functionality? 'Cuz that would be neat.

Nope, no chat.

-dh

[doublehelix]

I doubt it since they don't have the ignore feature.

Will banned users be allowed to come back?

Unknown at this time.

-dh

[doublehelix]

No quick reply either?

Or is that something that can be added to our board specifically?

There is a message window at the bottom of each page in the forums, similar to the quick reply. So basically, yes.

-dh

[doublehelix]

Will HTML be allowed in posts on the new board?

Yes! There is an HTML editor function included in the posting/edit window.

-dh

[Gladiator X]

I believe the join date will be the date of your first post on the new system... so, projected at sometime at the end of May. From what I understand, everyone will start out on equal footing. :)

I do know that one of the community members had an image that was automatically reduced to fit the dimensions. Not sure what they are, maybe 60x60? I'll have to ask.

[edit: yep, 60X60]

-dh


Right on. Thanks, man.:cool:

[Pontius]

I don't mean to sound like a downer, honestly. But I'm very curious.

- All threads will be archived, which means we are starting from scratch.

- No PMs (for the moment, at least)

- No ignore lists.

- Post counts all go to zero.

- Join dates will all be the same, end of this May.

- Smaller avatars.


And, the new system will be affording us ... what exactly? I mean, I understand the idea of "moving forward" technologically. But this is a pretty HUGE step, and it hasn't exactly been made clear what we will be gaining.

Will we have at least the ability to Multi-Quote? (Which I believe vBulletin already has.)

I'm just sort of confused. It seems as though if one were to announce a brave new world, one would want to trumpet all the great new achievements of the new system. And I'm not seeing that, either in the OP, nor in the answers here.

I just would like to know what it is that we are gaining, given what we are giving up.

If it's purely a question of technological stability, then ok. But will there be enhancements from the user side?

And also, what does "The message board will be pretty straightforward looking." mean, exactly? Like the sites linked in the OP? Or like the 'Rama looks, more or less, now?

[amlah6]

Playing around on the Space forums a bit, there doesn't seem to be an option to create polls on new threads. Am I missing it or will that be gone too?

[Shiro]

I've tried to be fairly positive about this announcement. Mostly, due to my own experience in administrating community boards professionaly. I know that sometimes you have to make decisions for the betterment of the site that the community isn't going to be happy about.

I'm concerned about this change.

From what I can tell, Pluck are a corporation that offer 'social media' solutions to commercial websites, such as the Imaginova suite and websites that support products like magazines and newspapers. Check their list of clients here (http://www.pluck.com/customers/index.html). There's some pretty big corporations using this technology.

Most recently, that list of clients includes Imaginova, that seems to have enlisted Pluck to roll out community solutions across their suite of sites. A press release for this was released last month, check this here (http://www.imaginova.com/newsroom/release.php?id=080331).

My concern is two fold. This may or may not be true, but it feels like this might be something that Imaginova wants implemented, not something that Newsarama wants implemented. If that is the case then I'd be concerned that the site that we've all dedicated so much time to is not being directed in a way that best suits the people that use it.

Secondly, while Pluck appears to be a fairly big player in the social media market, they seem to be supplying solutions to sites with communities that I'd describe as casual. They are the kind of sites where people might comment once a week on a news story, or make a couple of posts to discuss the Oscars or whatever. I don't think this is the type of board that's been developed to support the kind of dedicated community that Talk@ has developed in to, with such a large, but close knit group of people interacting in a variety of interesting and often more personal ways. Thus, it seems, the lack of PMs and ignore lists and the inability to customise options to support larger avatars or more dynamic layouts. I can see that a Pluck SiteLife board would be perfect for Newsarama as a whole, with the comments and discussion of news items, etc. However, I don't think that this is the kind of board that was designed to support a community like Talk@.

So those are my concerns. I may have generalised in areas, but I just feel that this board isn't going to be a fit for the type of community that Talk@ is. I appreciate that there might be little that can be done to stop this, but I fear for the future of the community if the flexibility of ways in which we can interact with each other is stifled.

[Xeero]

Is there no way to keep my Two-Face and Spawn thread open and/or transfered to the new site? :( :(

No way at all??!?!? :( :( :(

[doublehelix]

I don't mean to sound like a downer, honestly. But I'm very curious.
I just would like to know what it is that we are gaining, given what we are giving up.
now?

One of the things you will be gaining is better stability in the software. This vBulletin board is a bit rickety, and the new system is much stronger. There is a better registration system, security wise, I think. I am the primary person that processes all registrations manually (and deletes the spammers by hand) in the current vBulletin system (it is time consuming), so having a stronger registration system will be a very nice change.

One of the coolest things I've seen is the new comic book reader. Instead of opening a new window to see an image in an article, it opens this reader. The images are nicer and bigger, and two page spreads aren't split into two images you have to piece together from two different windows. I just looked at it today and it's really nice.

The range of subject matter in articles will expand. More content will be provided. Including lots of video. Your ability to weigh in on news and features will take the form of article comments. You can also recommend and email articles. We are working with Yahoo! Buzz, so you can also Buzz stuff up.

As for the forums, I find that it sometimes takes almost forever to get a post up and sometimes I have to go back and refresh the page to check to see if my post has been added to the thread. Does that happen to anyone else? Well, this won't be a problem with the new forums.

Indeed, you will see your post count climb and be recorded under your avatar. It will also list your first post date and your last post date.

You can also create sig files with html - not anything really new, but I wanted to assure the person who asked that this is the reality.

Please tell me what you mean by "multi-quote"? If you mean the use of [ QUOTE ][ /QUOTE ] tags, then yes that is still a feature. That's about the only BBcode we are using - everything else is HTML.

When you copy and paste from some sources (like a news article), it keeps all the formatting, including some images, which is cool. Speaking of formatting, bold, ital, underline, and bullets are all staying. There will be options to color your text, too. Emoticons - you'll have more choices (16 in all, I think). You can also add emoticon images from elsewhere to your post, if you want a different one - just treat them like an image (yes, you can include images in your posts, as well as clickable links). Works great!

Pluck is also great at updating things about once a month, so improvements come regularly from the source. Improvements to the forums will come sometime this summer, which is cool. They are pretty aware of the shortcomings of the current forums and are definitely focusing on making things better for all their customers.

You'll also have me. I am doublehelix, Imaginova's Community Manager. I'm in the forums and rest of community all day long and am there to answer questions, help you to understand how to handle the changes, and am your voice here. I am in regular discussions with my colleagues about the community and how to make things better here. When we started out, the forums were a lot more bare-bones than now. A lot has changed since we started. I think that's a very good thing.

We also have a new way to moderate problematic users and comments. Anyone - whether you're reading an article or forum post - can "report abuse" on something they find, well, abusive. This administrative function gets better and more refined with each update Pluck sends us, too.

When I said the messageboards are "pretty straightforward looking", that means they are a bit monochromatic ("bland" I think someone said, heh). They will look very much like the space.com boards, for instance. However, I've made my colleagues aware that the users want something more interesting looking - the space.com people would like something a little different, too. I'll keep you updated on this element.

I wanted to respond to the comment regarding the forums being intended for a casual audience. Our space.com users are far from casual users and get into long, involved discussions on science, technology, and even politics (shocker, I know ;) ). They also came from a board similar to vBulletin. They've found ways to use the software to suit their needs. We all know it needs improving, though, and the good news is that Pluck is very aware of this.

Lastly, I'm going to check to see if I can post some screenshots of the new Newsarama. I can't promise anything (confidentiality issues, ya know), but will do my best to get something visual to you.

Keep the questions coming! I'll answer them to the best of my ability.

-dh

[doublehelix]

Is there no way to keep my Two-Face and Spawn thread open and/or transfered to the new site? :( :(

No way at all??!?!? :( :( :(

Sorry dude, I feel your pain.... but no threads are moving over. They will be archived, though, so they are not going into the great abyss. :)

-dh

[cncoyle]

Will there be more of what seem to be subforums that are paid for by publishers to promote their books?Will toolverine be as pissypants on the new system as he is on the current one?

One more question: Will this new system eat up as much of my spare (read: work) time as before?

[doublehelix]

Playing around on the Space forums a bit, there doesn't seem to be an option to create polls on new threads. Am I missing it or will that be gone too?

No polls. Next time I meet with the Pluckerinos, I'll ask if they are planning for polls in a future release.

-dh

[Pontius]

I'd like to thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I do really appreciate it.


Oh, and what I meant by Multi-Quote is that at a site like CBR or ComicBloc, next to the Quote button is a button that looks like a double quotation mark. If you click that, then you can click it in yet another post, and so on, until you finally hit Quote in the last post which you wish to quote.

It then adds all the quotes to your response, correctly attributed.

[doublehelix]

Will toolverine be as pissypants on the new system as he is on the current one?

One more question: Will this new system eat up as much of my spare (read: work) time as before?

No comment on question 1. :p

I bet it could eat up as much of your "spare" time as before. :cool:

-dh

[doublehelix]

I'd like to thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I do really appreciate it.


Oh, and what I meant by Multi-Quote is that at a site like CBR or ComicBloc, next to the Quote button is a button that looks like a double quotation mark. If you click that, then you can click it in yet another post, and so on, until you finally hit Quote in the last post which you wish to quote.

It then adds all the quotes to your response, correctly attributed.

Hey, you're welcome. That's what I'm here for!! :) :cool: :D

As cool as that multi-quote business sounds, it's not a feature in the Pluck forums. Sorry, man. I totally wish it was.

-dh
[originally from California, can you tell??? :D ]

[SaturnKnight]

No polls. Next time I meet with the Pluckerinos, I'll ask if they are planning for polls in a future release.

-dhThis is one of the best and most fun features of Talk@Newsarama. I respectfully ask that Pluck try to work this in if at all possible. Thanks.

[doublehelix]

This is one of the best and most fun features of Talk@Newsarama. I respectfully ask that Pluck try to work this in if at all possible. Thanks.

I agree - polls are rad. I wish we had 'em! I'll definitely ask about it.

One more easter egg, which you'll learn eventually anyway: doublehelix is a girl. Srsly.

:) :) :)
-dh

[SaturnKnight]

Hi, doublehelix. Very important point/question for you to address, if you'd be so kind?

One of the reasons that I (and I think others) so love Newsarama is that it isn't just like all the other comix website message boards. You can always go to the main Talk@ page and see threads on every topic imaginable. That diversity of topics and lively discussion has been key (IMHO) to what distinguishes Newsarama from someplace like CBR.

I don't want to see my favorite online community turn into a monolothic clone of CBR or other boards where diverse topics can't all mix together. It creates for many lively and engrossing conversations that bounce off each other and keep the community fresh and interesting.

Will the new Pluck boards keep the basic Talk@ Main Page format? Or are we going to segment everything into subforums (DC, Marvel, Image, etc)? :confused:

Thanks again.

[shifty]

Those boards are bland. No polls! What is Kolimar gonna do? A bigger complaint for me is there's no 'Go To Last Post' function. That's gonna get old real quick.

[emmabe]

I agree - polls are rad. I wish we had 'em! I'll definitely ask about it.

One more easter egg, which you'll learn eventually anyway: doublehelix is a girl. Srsly.

:) :) :)
-dh


DH -
Never admit you being female on here. None of the boys will believe you

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[doublehelix]

Those boards are bland. No polls! What is Kolimar gonna do? A bigger complaint for me is there's no 'Go To Last Post' function. That's gonna get old real quick.

Believe me, I've heard the complaint (and it's a valid one at that) that there is no "go to last post" (aka "go to first unread post") function about a hundred times. We've spoken to Pluck about it numerous times, so they're totally aware that this function is lacking.

-dh

[Doctor_Chronos]

I for one welcome this change. I've been trying to post this question for 20 minutes now.

Will the we be able to have an RSS feed for the front page news with this change?

[TheScantronman]

DH -
Never admit you being female on here. None of the boys will believe you

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:


Shut your piehole, spiderrob!:mad:

[doublehelix]

I for one welcome this change. I've been trying to post this question for 20 minutes now.

Will the we be able to have an RSS feed for the front page news with this change?

Yeah, I've been having posting issues, too.

There will be RSS feeds galore! :cool:

-dh

[Doctor_Chronos]

Yeah, I've been having posting issues, too.

There will be RSS feeds galore! :cool:

-dh

Great news! I'm an RSS feed junky :)

[nietoperz]

So, just to recap: no polls, no 'go to last post,' no ignore, no PMs, smaller avatars. I don't know, guys, I really don't.

http://img439.imageshack.us/img439/2209/deprimetriste294230fr.gif

[MichaelDoran]

Shiro,

As you guys all know, I don't speak up much around here but I do feel compelled to say a few words in response to your post, which I think is well thought out and your concerns perfectly legitimate.

To respond to your first concern - this was certainly a larger-corporate decision (the move to Pluck technology) that was made - absolutely - but it wasn't done over the protest of "Newsarama", which I guess would be defined as Matt Brady and I.

To be clear, we share the concerns your users have about some of the limited (for now) features. That certainly wasn't something that was glossed over or not considered. As Matt said in his message, this won't immediately be the perfect transition, there is going to be a few bumps and this happens to be one of them.

That said, and in all sincerity, I think Matt would agree with me in how impressed we are about how Imaginova concerns itself with our key, core audience. In meetings with the new site designers, the advertising department, the marketing department ... prettry much everyone down the line, they're always asking us how things (to the smallest detail) will be received by our core audience and always talking about (without prompting from Matt or I) respecting and pleasing them/you. It's actually pretty clear they all find working in entertainment and for hardcore fans very enjoyable.

But that's just addresses the intent, not the nuts and bolts of the change, and whether the new community will be ideal for the particular needs of Talk. As Matt said, Imaginova will be working with Pluck to try to restore some of these features (or get newer, better versions), but as we've thinking a lot about these changes the last month, I personally can't help but be reminded that "Talk" was never suppose to be "Talk".

I wish Matt and/or I coud claim credit for the vision of creating "Talk", but in fact it was at the time (after Fandom went kerplunk) just a fast and inexpensive means to post content - i.e. get a new Newsarama up and running asap (this was before Wordpress emerged, for sake of context). "Talk" just happened because we had the forum and "became" on its own... in the sense that Matt or I didn't really plan it - you all did.

Now I understand that doesn't change the fact from a purely technical standoint the current version of the Pluck solutions might not be as condusive as vB for the community "Talk" has become (although the end of regular site slow downs and crashes would be a benefit in its own class), but why I think of the origins of the community now is because I think what makes Talk what it actually is is very organic, and will adapt and evolve.

Listen, if it becomes less enjoyable or more work than leisure, than we understand that your participation could be affected. But we ARE going to continue working on restoring features, and adding ones we never had before. I think we're just suggesting people give it a genuine go when it launches - and tell us what's working, what isn't, and we'll do our best to work with you to make it better.

Thanks for listening. Good to be back talking with you all.

md

[cncoyle]

Nevermind.

[jayvee]

When you guys say "a forum for online comics," do you mean "webcomics" or stuff like Drivethroughcomics and Wowio?

[Gladiator X]

One more easter egg, which you'll learn eventually anyway: doublehelix is a girl. Srsly.

:) :) :)
-dh


Cool.Sorry for calling you "man" earlier,...uh...ma'am.:o

[Shiro]

Listen, if it becomes less enjoyable or more work than leisure, than we understand that your participation could be affected.

Thanks for that, I appreciate your comments and you've gone some way to reassuring me. I'm sure you can see how from mine and probably our perspective, the fact that our once quaint Newsarama is part of a bigger family of websites now is kind of daunting. We can appreciate the benefits, but there are also concerns about any negatives that come with that. I'm delighted to hear about their care for the community and it's good to have doublehelix posting around to help us get a measure of what Imaginova is all about.

I've highlighted that part of your post, because I think it's absolutley key to any online community. You don't come right out and say it, but you were basically talking about fun. Talk@ is a lot of fun for me and when I envisioned some of that fun being diminished, I got concerned. This part of your post shows me that you've got your eye on the ball in that respect. We're all in it for the fun and from that, I know that you are to, even if it takes a little while to get back to where we are now.

Thanks again.

[Pontius]

So here's the problem:

At the end user level, tons of functionality is lost. And yet, none is gained.

No PMs.
No Ignore.
No Polls.
No "First New Post".
None of our threads, some of which are over 100,000 replies, existing.
No Multi-Quote.

All post-counts reduced to zero.
All join-dates reduced to the same day or so.

Everyone is a n00b. With no features.


So, yes, will it be fantastic if the site loads regularly and quickly? Darn right.

But what are we giving up for this? Is there NO other way this could have been accomplished without losing all the functionality?

This is honestly going to be one of the LEAST FUNCTIONAL comics web-sites there is. And I don't think that no matter what, that's something any person involved in the 'Rama would want.

For all intents and purposes, it will be a brand new site, with a few threads, and extremely few functions.

Is this really what the plan is?

[cncoyle]

Honestly, is anybody really worried about this? Yeah, there's a change, but at least TPTB are discussing them with us instead of just instituting them without warning. I think that while there may be some speed bumps, everything is going to be just fine.

You've got my current address to send the Talk@ coffee mug to, right?

[nietoperz]

Not worried per se, Nate, but perhaps a little concerned. I kind of agree with Pontius' post just above yours. I know this board has been held together with spit and tape up to this point, but still... I don't know. I have a funny feeling that something's going to be lost in the transition.

[Kent Horton]

So, just to recap: no polls, no 'go to last post,' no ignore, no PMs, smaller avatars. I don't know, guys, I really don't.

http://img439.imageshack.us/img439/2209/deprimetriste294230fr.gif
The only one that bothers me is the no Ignore feature. I don't want to be subjected to Herald's rants again. :mad:

[Kent Horton]

So here's the problem:

At the end user level, tons of functionality is lost. And yet, none is gained.

None of our threads, some of which are over 100,000 replies, existing.

All post-counts reduced to zero.
All join-dates reduced to the same day or so.

Everyone is a n00b. With no features.

I still don't get how any of those are bad things.

[Pontius]

I still don't get how any of those are bad things.

Well, I've tried to post this already. Let's try again.


If you went to a site where there were a few scores of threads, you couldn't PM, you couldn't Ignore, you could "Go To First new Post," you couldn't make a poll, you couldn't do any number of things you can do at other sites, why would you stay?

My point is that you are stripping functionality, and not replacing it with anything.

From the end-user perspective, you are making the 'Rama into the DCMB, except with only new threads, and avatars and sigs.


I DO understand why TPTB are doing this, from a completely external pov. But from the pov of the user, really, where's the gain? Where's the benefit?

[doublehelix]

So here's the problem:
Everyone is a n00b. With no features.

It's not quite that simplistic.

You can write posts and engage in discussions. You can style your text, use emoticons, include clickable links and images.

You can continue to interact with your fellow community members. Comment on articles. Write commentary on just about anything. Talk will still be a forum.

Your threads will live on in the interwebz and still be able to be googled.

You can know that you have someone here to communicate your concerns to, and who is an advocate for your needs. Matt and Michael will still be part of Newsarama, too. They are not going anywhere.

You can also know that the software will always be improving and not remain static.

I think there is a lot of good to come! :cool:

-dh

[Kent Horton]

Well, I've tried to post this already. Let's try again.


If you went to a site where there were a few scores of threads, you couldn't PM, you couldn't Ignore, you could "Go To First new Post," you couldn't make a poll, you couldn't do any number of things you can do at other sites, why would you stay?

My point is that you are stripping functionality, and not replacing it with anything.

From the end-user perspective, you are making the 'Rama into the DCMB, except with only new threads, and avatars and sigs.


I DO understand why TPTB are doing this, from a completely external pov. But from the pov of the user, really, where's the gain? Where's the benefit?
None of that tells me why loss of old post counts, new join dates, and everyone starting on the same footing is in any way bad.

[doublehelix]

If you went to a site where there were a few scores of threads, you couldn't PM, you couldn't Ignore, you could "Go To First new Post," you couldn't make a poll, you couldn't do any number of things you can do at other sites, why would you stay?

Because of the people?

[JL_Amato]

Not worried per se, Nate, but perhaps a little concerned. I kind of agree with Pontius' post just above yours. I know this board has been held together with spit and tape up to this point, but still... I don't know. I have a funny feeling that something's going to be lost in the transition.
It's going to be an interesting transition to say the least.

Also, can I have my own subforum?:p

[Kent Horton]

If you went to a site where there were a few scores of threads, you couldn't PM, you couldn't Ignore, you could "Go To First new Post," you couldn't make a poll, you couldn't do any number of things you can do at other sites, why would you stay?
Also -

So basically it'll be pretty much like the Rama here back when the last site move occurred, and everything started over. The Rama totally died out after that - no one ever talked since all the old stuff was gone. ;) :p

[Pontius]

Because of the people?

Absolutely.

But, let's face it. A "bland" forum, with very few-if-any functions? And almost no long-term threads? There's actual competition for comics discussion.

None of that tells me why loss of old post counts, new join dates, and everyone starting on the same footing is in any way bad.

(see? This is where that Multi-Quote would have come in handy.)

Kent, come on. You don't see how stripping almost ALL functionality from the end-user effects the end-user?!

No PMs. No Ignore lists. No nothing? Are you kidding me?

[Kent Horton]

Absolutely.

But, let's face it. A "bland" forum, with very few-if-any functions? And almost no long-term threads? There's actual competition for comics discussion.



(see? This is where that Multi-Quote would have come in handy.)

Kent, come on. You don't see how stripping almost ALL functionality from the end-user effects the end-user?!

No PMs. No Ignore lists. No nothing? Are you kidding me?
I oughta call you Herald, cause you clearly aren't reading. :p

I didn't say one thing about PMs. I even said I'm not happy about the no Ignore function. What I said, TWICE now, is none of that tells me why loss of old post counts, new join dates, and everyone starting on the same footing is in any way bad.

Try to focus on what I actually asked this time, huh? ;) :D

[Gladiator X]

Starting over fresh doesn't bother me at all and I've been here for 5 years and have thousands of awesome posts.:rolleyes:

The big thing for me is the fact that our avatars will only be 60x60.:(

90x90 is small enough as it is and that's just gonna be a drag.

Oh well, maybe that will be one of teh things that will get changed fairly quick.;)

[Pontius]

I oughta call you Herald, cause you clearly aren't reading. :p

I didn't say one thing about PMs. I even said I'm not happy about the no Ignore function. What I said, TWICE now, is none of that tells me why loss of old post counts, new join dates, and everyone starting on the same footing is in any way bad.

Try to focus on what I actually asked this time, huh? ;) :D

No you ignored everything.

I get that.

And yes, post counts and join dates are purely sentimental things.

But it's when they are ADDED TO EVERYTHING ELSE! That's when it is an issue.

[Punchy]

Hmmm, the avatars won't really be a problem.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/Quinjet/scottpagain.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/Quinjet/scottpagain6060.jpg

Still looks hot.

And why is Pontius so annoyed, he's only been here for a few weeks, that's hardly long in enough to get stuck in a rut!

[Alchemic_19]

I'm ok with the idea of new post counts and losing the old threads(we can make them over if we want)

But....

No Polls
No PMs
No Ignore

I say we mutiny.

It time to start an uprising...:p

[SaturnKnight]

Sooooo....

I take it that doublehelix not answering my question means we're going to a CBR-style format? Without all the threads on 1 main Talk@page (plus subforums)? :confused:

If so? I'm gonna be majorly depressed... :( :( :( :( :(

[JL_Amato]

Sooooo....

I take it that doublehelix not answering my question means we're going to a CBR-style format? Without all the threads on 1 main Talk@page (plus subforums)? :confused:

If so? I'm gonna be majorly depressed... :( :( :( :( :(
God I hope not.

I hate the format of the CBR forums.

:(

We need to start a thread about who is going to remake each of the different important threads.

[beta-ray]

Shiro,

As you guys all know, I don't speak up much around here but I do feel compelled to say a few words in response to your post, which I think is well thought out and your concerns perfectly legitimate.

Nice to hear from you Mr. Doran, thanks.

To be clear, we share the concerns your users have about some of the limited (for now) features. That certainly wasn't something that was glossed over or not [QUOTE]considered. As Matt said in his message, this won't immediately be the perfect transition, there is going to be a few bumps and this happens to be one of them.

It may be just a perceptual thing... The changes are introduced as an improvement and a move into the future, but the actually seems more like stripping things down and starting more streamlined.



Now I understand that doesn't change the fact from a purely technical standoint the current version of the Pluck solutions might not be as condusive as vB for the community "Talk" has become (although the end of regular site slow downs and crashes would be a benefit in its own class), but why I think of the origins of the community now is because I think what makes Talk what it actually is is very organic, and will adapt and evolve.

I think so too, I hope so.

If it were branded as a "we are moving to a more stable solution but with less features" it may have been received better (probably not, we are a cowardly and superstitious lot)...

Listen, if it becomes less enjoyable or more work than leisure, than we understand that your participation could be affected. But we ARE going to continue working on restoring features, and adding ones we never had before. I think we're just suggesting people give it a genuine go when it launches - and tell us what's working, what isn't, and we'll do our best to work with you to make it better.

Thanks for listening. Good to be back talking with you all.

md

Thank you.

I welcome the stability. Though I will miss a few of the features (notably the poll and pm features). How much have you folks looked into VBulletin 3.6 or 3.7? I know there is no going back, but before all of this, I wonder if at least 3.6 (3.7 is much more recent) would have been more stable?

Thanks again.

[Kent Horton]

God I hope not.

I hate the format of the CBR forums.

:(

We need to start a thread about who is going to remake each of the different important threads.
No thread is more important than the 20-somethings, and we already have a committee working on it. :D

[JL_Amato]

No thread is more important than the 20-somethings, and we already have a committee working on it. :D
Well obviously Shiro should make that one.

[SaturnKnight]

God I hope not.

I hate the format of the CBR forums.

:(I totally agree. The format of the main Talk@ page now is what makes Newsarama so unique and appealing. A CBR-style board is way too static and dull. And too limiting.
We need to start a thread about who is going to remake each of the different important threads.I've been thinking the exact same thing all day long.

[Shiro]

Well obviously Shiro should make that one.
It'll probably be someone else actually.

I've not really been part of the 20+ set up since the turn of the year.

[Caramuru]

I just went to the Space.com message boards to take a look and caught some malware called JS_AGENT.AIIK. It took me to a weird-looking message board with a black and green color scheme when I clicked on their "message boards" link at the bottom of the main page. I can now access the real message board with no problem, but that was strange.

[doublehelix]

Sooooo....

I take it that doublehelix not answering my question means we're going to a CBR-style format? Without all the threads on 1 main Talk@page (plus subforums)? :confused:

If so? I'm gonna be majorly depressed... :( :( :( :( :(

Aw man, don't be sad. I was having a hell of a time trying to post today. I couldn't get some posts to post at all, darn it. The last post took me 30 minutes to get published. Not really sure what was up. Anyway... (posting from home right now)

I don't frequent CBR, to tell you the truth, so I'm not totally in the know on how their site works. Also, I haven't seen the new Newsarama site many times, either. However, there will definitely be a forum area, which includes Talk@, forums on DC and Marvel (as well as other publishers), a new forum on Manga and Anime, a place to write reviews, and about 5 other forums.

-dh

[doublehelix]

a weird-looking message board with a black and green color scheme when I clicked on their "message boards" link at the bottom of the main page. I can now access the real message board with no problem, but that was strange.

Hmm... that is weird about the malware. I'll forward this to the IT peeps. Thanks for letting us know.

Yeah, that link takes you to the old Uplink, which is read only (it's the old space.com board, well-loved by the former users there). I've got a report in about that link, so it should be fixed in the near future.

-dh

[JL_Amato]

I totally agree. The format of the main Talk@ page now is what makes Newsarama so unique and appealing. A CBR-style board is way too static and dull. And too limiting.
I've been thinking the exact same thing all day long.
Well make the thread about who is going to restart all the old threads on the new forum.

:p

[Ranadiel]

Aw man, don't be sad. I was having a hell of a time trying to post today. I couldn't get some posts to post at all, darn it. The last post took me 30 minutes to get published. Not really sure what was up. Anyway... (posting from home right now)

I don't frequent CBR, to tell you the truth, so I'm not totally in the know on how their site works. Also, I haven't seen the new Newsarama site many times, either. However, there will definitely be a forum area, which includes Talk@, forums on DC and Marvel (as well as other publishers), a new forum on Manga and Anime, a place to write reviews, and about 5 other forums.

-dh
Manga subform? Sweet, I was just thinking we needed one. :D

[Cat-Scratch]

At this moment in time, there is no ignore list function.

-dh

http://img116.exs.cx/img116/1231/z7shysterical.gif

Weiser Cain..............

http://img116.exs.cx/img116/1231/z7shysterical.gif

[Cat-Scratch]

Aw man, don't be sad. I was having a hell of a time trying to post today. I couldn't get some posts to post at all, darn it. The last post took me 30 minutes to get published. Not really sure what was up. Anyway... (posting from home right now)

I don't frequent CBR, to tell you the truth, so I'm not totally in the know on how their site works. Also, I haven't seen the new Newsarama site many times, either. However, there will definitely be a forum area, which includes Talk@, forums on DC and Marvel (as well as other publishers), a new forum on Manga and Anime, a place to write reviews, and about 5 other forums.

-dh


ABOUT TIME!!!! :D

What about sub forums based on popular titles/characters? Like say Spider-Man or the Legion of Super-Heroes?

[Wright Blan]

http://img116.exs.cx/img116/1231/z7shysterical.gif

Weiser Cain..............

http://img116.exs.cx/img116/1231/z7shysterical.gif

Forget Weiser Cain. What'll KyleV do when he can't ignore me? :D
(It isn't like he has me on ignore, yet still finds ways to b!+ch about me anyway. :rolleyes: )

[Cat-Scratch]

Forget Weiser Cain. What'll KyleV do when he can't ignore me? :D
(It isn't like he has me on ignore, yet still finds ways to b!+ch about me anyway. :rolleyes: )

But it's a shtick that Weiser and I have going................................

Um, he said he did have you on ignore. You didn't read the LoSH fan thread of late have you?

[GotReekstah?]

I'm not really happy. Not very mad either, though. I guess I'm pretty indifferent. I welcome the change, but quite honestly.. the no polls/PMs thing is going to be a problem for me. (seriously.. what kind of bizarre message board has no polls?)

doublehelix, or Matt.. when do these changes take effect?

[EyesBL7]

If I wanted to post on a forum with minimal features and few threads, Id post on my own board. ba-dum-bum

But seriously, why not insist on the newer features (polls are a new, exotic, far reaching feature? really?) to be installed to Pluck before making the transition? Why the rushed attitude?

[Caramuru]

I'm thinking that no private messages will overwhelm the forums with spam. Is it possible to have a subforum dedicated exclusively to the "community?'' It wouldn't be the same thing as Talk@, which would be a place for general topics (movies, music, news, etc), as opposed to a place for internet social interaction.

[emmabe]

Absolutely.

But, let's face it. A "bland" forum, with very few-if-any functions? And almost no long-term threads? There's actual competition for comics discussion.

Yes and if kissing lesbians were posted on those other sites the poster would be banned 30 seconds later. Political discussions would be verboten.

Plus where else can I have avatars like these:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2436395706_53b846e977_m.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2414271171_a3f5f6e6df_m.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2345928289_1d0ebdb6f7_m.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2169/2475171564_fd107799c5_m.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2313/2474361991_32914a3c00.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2474366113_ac70f9f0c2_m.jpg

Custom User Titles like:


Diving for Pearls
Beaver Inspector
I Like Pies
Resident Spelunker


Or a banner like this?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2345/2244743579_040ab63a32.jpg

And not be banned instantly?

NEWSARAMA.

And I, for one, welcome our overlords...

http://www.vdare.com/images/091706_ss_WelcomeOurNew.jpg

[Crump's Brother]

If Post Counts restart, why not just do away with them entirely? Seems odd to have a post count feature and not an IM or polls feature. I recognize them as very different features, but which would people prefer?

Either way, here we go.

[Cat-Scratch]

I'll miss the polls and the PMs have been useful at times, but I can live without both.

Sig banners being gone will be a little suckie as it'll be more work to find certain people's posts.

[Wright Blan]

But it's a shtick that Weiser and I have going................................

Um, he said he did have you on ignore. You didn't read the LoSH fan thread of late have you?

Yes. I did. I've known for a while he had me on ignore. That still hasn't stopped him from commenting on my posts.

[Cat-Scratch]

Yes. I did. I've known for a while he had me on ignore. That still hasn't stopped him from commenting on my posts.

I saw that.................................

[Wright Blan]

Hmmm, the avatars won't really be a problem.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/Quinjet/scottpagain.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/Quinjet/scottpagain6060.jpg

Still looks hot.

And why is Pontius so annoyed, he's only been here for a few weeks, that's hardly long in enough to get stuck in a rut!


It's too dang small! My Peyton Manningness must be shown in all it's glory.

[GotReekstah?]

It's too dang small!
That's what she said. To Punchy.

[Wright Blan]

You really wanna know what I think?

I think Pluck will be plucking each and every last hair on their heads out dealing with us. :D

[mrorangesoda]

Indeed, you will see your post count climb and be recorded under your avatar. It will also list your first post date and your last post date.

This feature was eliminated a while ago as post whores are annoying. Does the new site really need it?
+1

I'll miss my joined on date. I am glad that talk @ will hopefully not be fatal error-ing all the time.

I think polls are super essential. How else are we to tell whether Superman could beat Thor?
I would like an ignore list as well. Some folks are annoying.
Are sig banners really leaving? I didn't see that mentioned by any of the mods, but it became a topic of conversation? I'm confused:confused: .

Question: going from BB to html. will we still be able to post snarky images as responses to each other? I'm not clear on the technical difference.

[Weiser_Cain]

Actually I'd like bigger avatars.

[NedPepper]

Weird timing...my disinterest in comics and now Newsarama hitting the old reset again.....

I don't know what to think. But I've silently and vocally followed Newsarama for a long time now. I imagine I'll do it again.

I just hope the community isn't lost. It's what makes this place, to be honest. If that goes, Newsarama loses everything that is unique and special about it. It becomes CBR or Wizard. And I hate those websites.

[Wright Blan]

Actually I'd like bigger avatars.

I was doing some scouting over at the Space.com board. It has a huge box of white space on the left hand side, and these teeny weenie avatars. Whatta waste of space! (if you should pardon the expression. )

[Weiser_Cain]

Tiny avatars on a comic message board is a shame.

Is the ignore list going away? I see my name coming up a lot in this thread.

[RedmoonDeux]

The lack of polls will suck.

My biggest concern is that the new forums will not be blue.

There must be blue. It is Newsarama. Without blue, without Deux. I've said this a million times.

[Weiser_Cain]

You've never said that before in your life

[ghostly1]

So I go over to the sites mentioned to see what their forums looked like...

and find nothing. Just the header and the footer.

Then I check on my other computer and my suspicions are confirmed: you need javascript on to even get to the forums.

Sorry, but that is a dealbreaker. If I _have_ to have javascript on to surf something, I'm about 50 times less likely to do so. When you design a site like that requires it, you have fundamentally failed. I'm probably the only person who has this hangup, but I have it. When you add that to all the reduced functionality I'm reading about, it makes me say goodbye to the Rama. I'll still probably read for the news (assuming that doesn't require it), but I'll be leaving the forums behind for good if that's not corrected.

Not that anybody probably cares, I've never really been one of the big name posters and I'm sure most people don't even have a clue who I am. Good luck to all of you that stay... not sure when the change is supposed to take effect, but I'll stick around until then.

[GHERU]

I still don't get how any of those are bad things.
my real problem isn't post counts or join dates (een though that does bother me)
but the loss of long standing threads is a bad thing
the 20+ thread is the largest on going thread any one that I know of can find on the whole of the internets
a quarter of a million posts in one thread

that the rama is losing that, and other community threads is a bad thing imo

[GHERU]

No thread is more important than the 20-somethings, and we already have a committee working on it. :D
this is true
but I am still sad that we are losing that count

[Wright Blan]

The lack of polls will suck.

My biggest concern is that the new forums will not be blue.

There must be blue. It is Newsarama. Without blue, without Deux. I've said this a million times.


I was hoping for a nice frosted orange 'cause of something MattB said, but it turned out he was kidding. Dang. Would've raised his level of Peyton Manningness.

[JL_Amato]

How have you been able to get on and post?

Every time I try to open the forums it gives me some error message about the server.

I'm not as concerned about polls as I am about PMs. Where will this forum be without the weekly thread "So and so clean out your PMs".

:(

[Dalarsco2]

I'm all for enhanced stability, but PMs are fairly important. Sometimes you want to know something about, say, a sig quote, but you don't want to clutter the boards or derail a thread to ask. They also make things like the Master Assassin contest possible. And polls? The Moment/Cover/Comic of the week thing is one of the best parts of the board. If you have to sacrifice functions like that you stability then it isn't worth it. And sigs and nice sized avatars are fairly standard on boards. It sounds to me like it's one big downgrade. Pluck sounds like a piece of crap. Brady, dude, I think your noble intentions to increase stability by signing up with Imaginova have bit us all in the ass.

[Shiro]

Can you answer me this?

I've never known a message board system that doesn't allow the size of avatars to be defined by the boards administration. Do the Pluck boards offer no way for the avatars to be set to a max of 100x100? Is 60x60 just the default all the other boards use, but Matt and Michael could set it to something different if they want?

[emmabe]

my real problem isn't post counts or join dates (een though that does bother me)
but the loss of long standing threads is a bad thing
the 20+ thread is the largest on going thread any one that I know of can find on the whole of the internets
a quarter of a million posts in one thread

that the rama is losing that, and other community threads is a bad thing imo

We've been posting on average roughly 5,000 replies a month - if we pick up the pace we'll be back up there in no time :p.

[sinosleep]

I'll miss the polls and the PMs have been useful at times, but I can live without both.

Sig banners being gone will be a little suckie as it'll be more work to find certain people's posts.

I didn't see anything specifically mentioned about not having banners. Did I miss something?

As for the lost features the only ones I care about are the poll and pm features. As has been mentioned, both are pretty important. Whether you're trying to get something closer to actual DATA when you ask a question or if you just want some info on an avatar or sig or something without derailing the thread.

[Frag it]

I can't wait to see the rush to start the First Thread and the "This Redesign Sucks" Thread.

Maybe they will even be one and the same! :eek:

[TheScantronman]

I can't wait to see the rush to start the First Thread and the "This Redesign Sucks" Thread.

Maybe they will even be one and the same! :eek:


I plan on firing a lot of "Last Post" posts in the early going. :D

[cynic79]

I plan on firing a lot of "Last Post" posts in the early going. :D
I plan on doing that here, since we don't know exactly when the change is coming. Who knows when the all new, all different 'Rama is going to debut?

Last post.

[nietoperz]

I'm going to miss the Cover of the Week poll threads the most, I think.

[lancer_man]

Let me just reassure everyone that in the new Rama, theNameless will still prefer men.

[nietoperz]

Let me just reassure everyone that in the new Rama, theNameless will still prefer men.

It's good to know that there are some things we'll always be able to rely on!

[TerriG]

When it comes to the new boards, I'm honestly concerned with the apparent lack of functions we've come to appreciate on Talk@'s vBulletin system - they've made my stay enjoyable so far. I'm not stuck in a rut but sometimes simple things really do make a difference.

If there's one thing I would want most it'd be a PM system. It really is useful and it's been pretty important so far for me here, just getting to know people and even making some connections.

Either way, looking forward to future stability around here.

[cncoyle]

I agree about the lack of PMs being a huge disappointment. That means I'll just have to post my odd theories about stuff in a public forum, which will just induce laughter (directed at me), confusion and wasted forum space (which isn't unlike every other post of mine).

[SuperginraiX]

I'd like to see larger avatars (100x100) and smaller signatures ( 100x500 images and limited text). And pms.

Polls would also be nice. :)

[doublehelix]

doublehelix, or Matt.. when do these changes take effect?

Right now, late May.

-dh

[doublehelix]

ABOUT TIME!!!! :D

What about sub forums based on popular titles/characters? Like say Spider-Man or the Legion of Super-Heroes?

So far, not in the plans.

-dh

[doublehelix]

Is it possible to have a subforum dedicated exclusively to the "community?'' It wouldn't be the same thing as Talk@, which would be a place for general topics (movies, music, news, etc), as opposed to a place for internet social interaction.

Well, there are forums for Flim, TV, and movie reviews in the works.

The current community has a space called "Open Forum", where they talk about current events, music (a little bit) and politics. You could post in that forum as well, as your registration with Newsarama means you are registered and can participate in the Space, LiveScience, and Aviation forums.

Remember, we have asked Pluck to get a PM system going.

-dh

[doublehelix]

Can you answer me this?

I've never known a message board system that doesn't allow the size of avatars to be defined by the boards administration. Do the Pluck boards offer no way for the avatars to be set to a max of 100x100? Is 60x60 just the default all the other boards use, but Matt and Michael could set it to something different if they want?

Pluck avatars are 60x60 and will stay that way. If we made them bigger, they would break the login box in the upper right hand area of the page.

-dh

[Frag it]

I have a question, can we change our Usernames?

[doublehelix]

I didn't see anything specifically mentioned about not having banners. Did I miss something?

As for the lost features the only ones I care about are the poll and pm features. As has been mentioned, both are pretty important. Whether you're trying to get something closer to actual DATA when you ask a question or if you just want some info on an avatar or sig or something without derailing the thread.

OK, sigs are still part of the deal. You can create a sig file in your profile.

There is a kind of messaging system that is not totally private. You can send each other messages but they are still visible, kind of like the "Wall" in Facebook. You can limit who sees those messages, though - either "friends only" or everyone. Yes, this means you can "friend" people like a lot of other social networks do.

[doublehelix]

I have a question, can we change our Usernames?

No, as a general rule. However, of course there are always extenuating circumstances. But if you want to change your username for the heck of it, then nope. :cool:

-dh

[Frag it]

No, as a general rule. However, of course there are always extenuating circumstances. But if you want to change your username for the heck of it, then nope. :cool:

-dh

Well how about I just register from the start since it doesn't really matter?

[RedmoonDeux]

Well how about I just register from the start since it doesn't really matter?

I probably will, too. I hate my username.

[RedmoonDeux]

You've never said that before in your life

Exactly one million times.

[EyesBL7]

OK, sigs are still part of the deal. You can create a sig file in your profile.

There is a kind of messaging system that is not totally private. You can send each other messages but they are still visible, kind of like the "Wall" in Facebook. You can limit who sees those messages, though - either "friends only" or everyone. Yes, this means you can "friend" people like a lot of other social networks do.


This is the part thats extremely disappointing to me. I communicate (as I know others do) with a few different creators here exclusively through PM's. These are industry professionals I wouldn't have contact with otherwise as they don't normally post in the open forums on a regular basis. I think if you were to make one feature a priority it would be the addition of private messaging.

[EyesBL7]

Once again.....why the rush toward the new format? Why not wait for the Pluckheads to have all the important features ready to roll before the push into an awkward new state?

[jayvee]

When you guys say "a forum for online comics," do you mean "webcomics" or stuff like Drivethroughcomics and Wowio?
My question apparently got lost in the torrent of joke posts...

[amlah6]

Well, there are forums for Flim, TV, and movie reviews in the works.

The current community has a space called "Open Forum", where they talk about current events, music (a little bit) and politics. You could post in that forum as well, as your registration with Newsarama means you are registered and can participate in the Space, LiveScience, and Aviation forums.

Remember, we have asked Pluck to get a PM system going.

-dh

This post is kind of confusing. Will there still be a Talk@ forum?

[num48champ]

OK, sigs are still part of the deal. You can create a sig file in your profile.

There is a kind of messaging system that is not totally private. You can send each other messages but they are still visible, kind of like the "Wall" in Facebook. You can limit who sees those messages, though - either "friends only" or everyone. Yes, this means you can "friend" people like a lot of other social networks do.
Do the sigs have a set size? Or can we use whatever size we want within reason?

[doublehelix]

This post is kind of confusing. Will there still be a Talk@ forum?

Sorry - I thought I had explained this upthread a few pages. Indeed, Talk@ will remain.

-dh

[JL_Amato]

Sorry - I thought I had explained this upthread a few pages. Indeed, Talk@ will remain.

-dh
But there will be sub-forums for TV and film?

That's a lot of what's in Talk@ now.

[doublehelix]

Do the sigs have a set size? Or can we use whatever size we want within reason?

I believe they do have a size limit, but I know some people have had LARGE sigs on the Imaginova forums (though not as huge as here). Large sigs are kind of distracting, though, so we encourage you to not make them so fracking huge. :D

-dh

[doublehelix]

But there will be sub-forums for TV and film?

That's a lot of what's in Talk@ now.

Yes, there will be forums on TV and Film.

BTW, LOVE your avatar, JL_Amato.

-dh

[doublehelix]

Once again.....why the rush toward the new format? Why not wait for the Pluckheads to have all the important features ready to roll before the push into an awkward new state?

Pluck is not just about forums, though. The system allows you to comment on articles, recommend articles, and post in forums. It's the suite of tools that we are implementing, not just forums.

That being said, a lot of improvements have already happened with the Pluck forums, and we know more forum-centric improvements are coming as well.

-dh

[Zechs]

Aw frak.. so this is how the Cyborg Superman thread shall end.. *sniffle* :(

[TheScantronman]

When it comes to the new boards, I'm honestly concerned with the apparent lack of functions we've come to appreciate on Talk@'s vBulletin system - they've made my stay enjoyable so far. I'm not stuck in a rut but sometimes simple things really do make a difference.

If there's one thing I would want most it'd be a PM system. It really is useful and it's been pretty important so far for me here, just getting to know people and even making some connections.

Either way, looking forward to future stability around here.


You've never sent me a PM. :(

[nietoperz]

Yes, there will be forums on TV and Film.
-dh

Does there have to be? More subforums are not neccessarily a good thing!

[JL_Amato]

Does there have to be? More subforums are not neccessarily a good thing!
Agreed.

TV and Film forums seem a bit redundant if we're keeping Talk@.

[Weiser_Cain]

Yes, there will be forums on TV and Film.

BTW, LOVE your avatar, JL_Amato.

-dh
*points out you won't even be able to see what's in his avatar in the new, stingier forum*

[doublehelix]

*points out you won't even be able to see what's in his avatar in the new, stingier forum*

I dunno... my eyesight's pretty good! :)

Seriously, I just perused the avatars in one of the threads and they seem ok.

-dh

[Zechs]

I say keep only the DC, Marvel, and Indy forums. But for the love of God transfer the Jack Bauer thread!! I beg and plead of you!!

[TheScantronman]

I don't get the fuss over avatars. It was only in recent times that we got bumped up to 100 x 100.

Before that they were 50 x 50 for the longest time.

Humping Thor is just as good either size.

[num48champ]

I believe they do have a size limit, but I know some people have had LARGE sigs on the Imaginova forums (though not as huge as here). Large sigs are kind of distracting, though, so we encourage you to not make them so fracking huge. :D

-dh
I know not of what you speak of.:o ;) :D

[Strict31]

The most important question any of us should be concerned about is: Will these new changes prepare Newsarama to survive the Zombie Apocalypse? Right now, it's kinda the Message Board of the Living Dead.

[Zechs]

Sorry dude, I feel your pain.... but no threads are moving over. They will be archived, though, so they are not going into the great abyss. :)

-dh
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Frost327/Pictures/Nooooooooo.jpg

You can take make my av smaller deny me Pms, an ignore list, and reduce sigs to one.. but..

The Henshaw thread dies?! NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! That is a tragedy.. I'm going to a corner to cry now..:(

[beta-ray]

ABOUT TIME!!!! :D

What about sub forums based on popular titles/characters? Like say Spider-Man or the Legion of Super-Heroes?

I dunno... I don't mind a new manga/anime forum... but it does seem that things might be breaking into too many discrete areas... I kind of liked Talk@'s mishmash of topics I could look at. Seems like there could be a better way to filter content to your liking.

Oh well.

[beta-ray]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Frost327/Pictures/Nooooooooo.jpg

You can take make my av smaller deny me Pms, an ignore list, and reduce sigs to one.. but..

The Henshaw thread dies?! NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! That is a tragedy.. I'm going to a corner to cry now..:(

Henshaw finally gets to die right?

[Weiser_Cain]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Frost327/Pictures/Nooooooooo.jpg

You can take make my av smaller deny me Pms, an ignore list, and reduce sigs to one.. but..

The Henshaw thread dies?! NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! That is a tragedy.. I'm going to a corner to cry now..:(
Not really, it's just me watching you post. Ever notice how every alternate version of the star wars prequels is like ten times better than the movies?

[Zechs]

Henshaw finally gets to die right?


NEVER!! I'll just have to create another one, MORE POWERFUL, and unyielding!!!!!!!!

Course um.. that means I'll just have to make new threads for Cyborg Superman, Cassandra Cain, 24, Spider-Marraige, Spider-Girl, Hobgoblin, and maybe make a Doom thread. Yes Doom must have a thread yeeeeeessss. God I'm going to be posting like a spam bot aren't I? :(

[TerriG]

You've never sent me a PM. :(
Wait, we've spoken on PM have we not? :confused: :confused:

I am confused lol

[doublehelix]

The most important question any of us should be concerned about is: Will these new changes prepare Newsarama to survive the Zombie Apocalypse? Right now, it's kinda the Message Board of the Living Dead.

Yes.

-dh

"Brains.... brains... use your BRAINS to helps us! Your delicious brains..."

[Zechs]

Yes.

-dh

"Brains.... brains... use your BRAINS to helps us! Your delicious brains..."

I fear not for this zombie apocalypse when I know that the Ultimate Warrior is still out there!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWlU0je32Q

What the.. can't post you tube coding..

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Frost327/Pictures/Nooooooooo.jpg

[Strict31]

Humping Thor is just as good either size.

Well, I must say that if Thor is going to be humping the board in the future, it would just be considerate if his size is reduced. I mean, finally, the rest of our avatars will be able to sit without leaving stains on the chair.

[Irishfan7/12]

Huh seems like we're losing a lot to gain a little.

[Frag it]

The reason I always liked Newsarama'a board was the simplicity. :(

[Kid Impulse]

Nearer the time, will someone let us know exactly when it'll change, or is it just going to happen?

[jiq2]

Huh seems like we're losing a lot to gain a little.
this and


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Frost327/Pictures/Nooooooooo.jpg
that sum up my thoughts

[doublehelix]

Nearer the time, will someone let us know exactly when it'll change, or is it just going to happen?

Oh absolutely. You'll most likely hear from me, doublehelix.

BTW, do most of you know who I am? I did introduce myself at one point but things got, uh, a little off-topic in that thread. Let me know and I'll post up a little about me. :)

-dh

[Weiser_Cain]

Can I not be ported? I'd like my account to go down with the old ship.

[SaturnKnight]

Okay, so doublehelix confirms there will be the following....

*a main TALK@ forum
*subforums for DC, Marvel, etc
*manga/anime subforum
*TV/film subforum


Now, here's the $64,000 question...

Just because you have subforums for DC, Marvel, manga/anime, movies and TV.... does that mean you're not going to allow those topics to be discussed in the TALK@ forum? :confused:

Because frankly I post almost all of my threads in TALK@; I rarely use the subforums. I'm a TALK@ poster and I want to keep my threads in TALK@.

If not? Then it isn't TALK@ to me (and I think that's true for most of the posters on TALK@).

Please advise. Thanks.

[JL_Amato]

Okay, so doublehelix confirms there will be the following....

*a main TALK@ forum
*subforums for DC, Marvel, etc
*manga/anime subforum
*TV/film subforum


Now, here's the $64,000 question...

Just because you have subforums for DC, Marvel, manga/anime, movies and TV.... does that mean you're not going to allow those topics to be discussed in the TALK@ forum? :confused:

Because frankly I post almost all of my threads in TALK@; I rarely use the subforums. I'm a TALK@ poster and I want to keep my threads in TALK@.

If not? Then it isn't TALK@ to me (and I think that's true for most of the posters on TALK@).

Please advise. Thanks.
I was pretty curious about this as well.

The thing I like about Talk@ is that it's a jam of sorts of every topic under the sun and taking that away basically takes the fun out of the forums.

[doublehelix]

Now, here's the $64,000 question...

Just because you have subforums for DC, Marvel, manga/anime, movies and TV.... does that mean you're not going to allow those topics to be discussed in the TALK@ forum? :confused:
Please advise. Thanks.

Well, basically you can talk about whatever you want in Talk@ as long as you don't insult your fellow community members, drop the f-bomb, or make ad hominem arguments. Don't spam or break any laws. Don't post porn. Basically, be a decent person. Be respectful of people - tear their arguments apart but don't tear them down. There will be a set of community guidelines posted for your reference. As well as an FAQ.

Having the DC/Marvel etc forums will give people a choice as to where they want to post. I notice that you post about comic books and everything else under the sun in Talk@, and people also post in DC/Marvel etc. as well. I don't expect that to change.

-dh

[SaturnKnight]

Well, basically you can talk about whatever you want in Talk@ as long as you don't insult your fellow community members, drop the f-bomb, or make ad hominem arguments. Don't spam or break any laws. Don't post porn. Basically, be a decent person. Be respectful of people - tear their arguments apart but don't tear them down. There will be a set of community guidelines posted for your reference. As well as an FAQ.

Having the DC/Marvel etc forums will give people a choice as to where they want to post. I notice that you post about comic books and everything else under the sun in Talk@, and people also post in DC/Marvel etc. as well. I don't expect that to change.

-dhThanks, DH. :)

Oh, and thanks for answering my earlier post, too.

You is good peoples. :cool:

And glad to hear that TALK@ is going to remain the TALK@ that we all know and love. YAY!! :D

[Cat-Scratch]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Frost327/Pictures/Nooooooooo.jpg

You can take make my av smaller deny me Pms, an ignore list, and reduce sigs to one.. but..

The Henshaw thread dies?! NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! That is a tragedy.. I'm going to a corner to cry now..:(

*Follows with tissues and and booze for friend..................*

[Cat-Scratch]

I dunno... I don't mind a new manga/anime forum... but it does seem that things might be breaking into too many discrete areas... I kind of liked Talk@'s mishmash of topics I could look at. Seems like there could be a better way to filter content to your liking.

Oh well.

I like that it may be easier to find certain types of threads like anime & manga with a new forum for them. Talk @ is cool, but the traffic can make some threads a pain to find, even with one's subscrip list.

Content filters could be a major help in a number of ways.

[Cat-Scratch]

NEVER!! I'll just have to create another one, MORE POWERFUL, and unyielding!!!!!!!!

Course um.. that means I'll just have to make new threads for Cyborg Superman, Cassandra Cain, 24, Spider-Marraige, Spider-Girl, Hobgoblin, and maybe make a Doom thread. Yes Doom must have a thread yeeeeeessss. God I'm going to be posting like a spam bot aren't I? :(

YOU BETTER NOT FORGET BATGRRL!!!!!!! :mad:

[Cat-Scratch]

Say doublehelix, are there going to be additional moderators/admins too?

Plus, will we get a specific date warning for the change prior, or is it going to be a surprise?

[doublehelix]

Say doublehelix, are there going to be additional moderators/admins too?

Plus, will we get a specific date warning for the change prior, or is it going to be a surprise?

No additional mods but possibly one additional admin that already works behind the scenes in the current community. If not, I'll be doing a lot of the work on my own.

A few days before the relaunch, you'll hear from me again in an official capacity. I'll remind you that we're shutting down the vBulletin board (meaning we'll lock everything up - not that the board is disappearing into a great abyss, cos that's not happening! :) ) to transfer over user accounts.

I'll also be here for you guys throughout May until things lock up, so we'll be in regular contact.

-dh

[Cat-Scratch]

No additional mods but possibly one additional admin that already works behind the scenes in the current community. If not, I'll be doing a lot of the work on my own.

A few days before the relaunch, you'll hear from me again in an official capacity. I'll remind you that we're shutting down the vBulletin board (meaning we'll lock everything up - not that the board is disappearing into a great abyss, cos that's not happening! :) ) to transfer over user accounts.

I'll also be here for you guys throughout May until things lock up, so we'll be in regular contact.

-dh

Cool. :D

It'll be nice to know when not to panic. :D

[emmabe]

Oh absolutely. You'll most likely hear from me, doublehelix.

BTW, do most of you know who I am? I did introduce myself at one point but things got, uh, a little off-topic in that thread. Let me know and I'll post up a little about me. :)

-dh


LOL - we go off topic sometimes? :p. That thread was not a good omen for you, was it?

Summary of basic facts from the lost thread (from my memory)

Fact: DH is a woman. (I called it first! http://forum.newsarama.com/showpost.php?p=5127271&postcount=4 to be fair I did have to search for this thread :p)
Assumption: Sadly she's straight :P
Fact: Likes Harpsichords
Fact: Double Helix is a harpsichord term related to the strings (I think I'm right)
Fact: She works for Imaginova
Assumption: I personally blame her for the science ads I keep seeing :(
Fact: Former Academic

[doublehelix]

LOL - we go off topic sometimes? :p. That thread was not a good omen for you, was it?

Summary of basic facts from the lost thread (from my memory)

Fact: DH is a woman. (I called it first! http://forum.newsarama.com/showpost.php?p=5127271&postcount=4 to be fair I did have to search for this thread :p)
Assumption: Sadly she's straight :P
Fact: Likes Harpsichords
Fact: Double Helix is a harpsichord term related to the strings (I think I'm right)
Fact: She works for Imaginova
Assumption: I personally blame her for the science ads I keep seeing :(
Fact: Former Academic

Dude, this profile is scarily accurate! :eek: :D

Well, except for the ads - I have nothing to do with them.

Factoid about doublehelix: she loves spicy food.

Telescopes love you,
-dh

[Kent Horton]

Does there have to be? More subforums are not neccessarily a good thing!
I don't like complimenting CBR, but it doesn't hurt them to have so many sub-forums.

[Kent Horton]

I know not of what you speak of.:o ;) :D
. . . . . . . . .

Please please please tell me we have the option in our User CPs to turn off seeing other people's signatures! :eek:

[doublehelix]

Can I not be ported? I'd like my account to go down with the old ship.

Hmm... W_C, I'll PM you.

-dh

[emmabe]

Dude, this profile is scarily accurate! :eek: :D

Well, except for the ads - I have nothing to do with them.

Factoid about doublehelix: she loves spicy food.

Telescopes love you,
-dh


Since I am Talk@'s token horny lesbian, it's my job to remember every word typed by the other female posters with perfect clarity...

That's why lesbians do it better than men, we actually listen :p...

And forget telescopes.... I want you to love me... into tacos :p?

:sigh: why must all the Talk@ women be straight :(.

[Kent Horton]

Since I am Talk@'s token horny lesbian, it's my job to remember every word typed by the other female posters with perfect clarity...

That's why lesbians do it better than men, we actually listen :p...

And forget telescopes.... I want you to love me... into tacos :p?

:sigh: why must all the Talk@ women be straight :(.
I listen. I just get used as the shoulder to cry on when I listen. :(

[Zechs]

Can someone tell me why I can't post You Tube videos? WHY!? GOD WHY!?

[emmabe]

I listen. I just get used as the shoulder to cry on when I listen. :(


And that's why i list you among my favorite posters here. :D

[Alchemic_19]

No additional mods but possibly one additional admin that already works behind the scenes in the current community. !
-dh

Who is this person pulling strings?:eek: Why doesn't he/she reveal themself?

[doublehelix]

Who is this person pulling strings?:eek: Why doesn't he/she reveal themself?

They have nothing to do with Newsarama right now, but they help me out with the communities on Space.com, LiveScience.com and Aviation.com.

Most likely I'll be doing it on my own wrt Newsarama. NB: Matt and Michael are not going anywhere.

-dh

[Zechs]

Who is this person pulling strings?:eek: Why doesn't he/she reveal themself?

http://www.doctorwhogear.co.uk/images/CutOutDalekSec.jpg


They're waiting for the right moment so they can finally kill their enemies.

[Kolimar]

Ow... :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

[Zechs]

Ow... :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

Says the man who will use this to become #1 :p

[MatthewSmith]

It'll probably be someone else actually.

I've not really been part of the 20+ set up since the turn of the year.

It better be you. Even if you just start the thread and let it go from there.

[doublehelix]

Hey everyone, I was just perusing the "will you post at the new Rama" thread, and I wanted to bring to your attention that the way you'll log into the new forums is with your email address and password, not username and password. I know some of you may have forgotten your email address, and if that has happened, or you haven't asked me for it (I can access this info), or you can't find it by the time vBulletin is locked and the new forums are open, you can email me at here (http://www.imaginova.com/contactus/feedback.php?r=community). That's my main contact info at the new community. We do accept yahoo, gmail, and hotmail addresses as legit email addys, unlike some other places that were mentioned in that thread. :D

Again, you'll login with your email address and password.

-dh

[Irishfan7/12]

Hmm is it ok if I register a new account when it opens cause I use a different e-mail now/ I'd like a different name and my post count will be gone anyway.

[Mr. Batman]

A new 'rama, huh?

That's fine.

[Alchemic_19]

http://www.doctorwhogear.co.uk/images/CutOutDalekSec.jpg


They're waiting for the right moment so they can finally kill their enemies.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....* catches breath*....NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SaturnKnight]

Hey everyone, I was just perusing the "will you post at the new Rama" thread, and I wanted to bring to your attention that the way you'll log into the new forums is with your email address and password, not username and password. I know some of you may have forgotten your email address, and if that has happened, or you haven't asked me for it (I can access this info), or you can't find it by the time vBulletin is locked and the new forums are open, you can email me at here (http://www.imaginova.com/contactus/feedback.php?r=community).
Done. I clicked on that link and sent you my gmail address. I also just updated my Nrama account here with my gmail address as well.

Will PM it to you just to be on the safe side. I don't want to miss any of the bases.
That's my main contact info at the new community. We do accept yahoo, gmail, and hotmail addresses as legit email addys, unlike some other places that were mentioned in that thread. :D

Again, you'll login with your email address and password.

-dhUnderstood. If you don't receive my email address that I've sent to you, please let me know asap. Thanks.

[Kolimar]

No polls. Next time I meet with the Pluckerinos, I'll ask if they are planning for polls in a future release.

-dh

Argh... I felt a dagger in my back but I didn't think it would be this bad... :mad: :( :p