Forum Posts Feed
improvements to the forum
< Next Topic | Back to topic list | Previous Topic >
Posted by Chris Murtland
Jul 10, 2018 at 04:45 PM
I originally wrote the forum software myself in 2006. It is basically in the exact same form as it was then. I do have a list of improvements I want to make, and welcome any suggestions. It’s always been a side project for me, but I want to spend more time on it at this point. The first thing I want to do is add SSL security and modernize the display so everything works better on different devices. Editing one’s own posts for corrections is also high on my list, along with basic formatting (probably Markdown), and the ability to include images in posts for things like screenshots.
Better search and categorization options are needed, but I think I would prefer a looser, tag-based approach rather than a strict top-down ordering. I like the idea that structure would emerge organically, as I can’t see us agreeing on what the top-level categories should be :-) I have also imagined a section that is separate from the forum that would allow the community maintenance of a database of software with fields for platform, features, etc., which could also link to relevant forum threads (and external URLs). In other words, giving each application its own detail page.
Anyway, I appreciate everyone’s participation. This is still the only forum where I read every post - and not because of my moderator duties. I enjoy reading it so much that I sometimes forget I have anything else to do with it!
Posted by Paul Korm
Jul 10, 2018 at 09:04 PM
That’s great news, Chris. And thank you for providing the forum, maintaining, and moderating it. It’s a great asset for the community you’ve created,
The only suggestion is let me edit my stuff. I’m always pressing “Post” then immediately thinking “that makes no sense” or “look at those typos”.
Tags would be nice. Markdown would be awesome. But don’t put too much on your plate—it ain’t broken!!!
Posted by nathanb
Jul 11, 2018 at 06:33 AM
Ok now I’m nervous that if this site was updated that it’d somehow be Mac Only!
Its also funny to imagine how structure arguments would go if you all weren’t so civilized.
“You are such a a tag-hole! ” “Index this, you flat list loving sync-ophants!” “Folder? I don’t even know her!” “your Metadata makes less sense than a one-button mouse and is twice as ugly!”
Posted by jaslar
Jul 11, 2018 at 11:14 AM
Add my voice to the chorus. Thanks, Chris, for the only site I check daily, and whose members are almost always polite, and can be wryly funny, as above.
Yes, ability to edit posts, post images, and use markdown would be solid additions.
Thanks to you all for providing, if not an island of sanity, at least an atoll of comfortable craziness.
Posted by Luhmann
Jul 11, 2018 at 11:58 AM
Thanks Chris!