-
Hello,
My name is Alex, and I'm on the IT staff at X10. Recently we've noticed an increase in forum-drama, and this is not acceptable. This board, after all, is a friendly place to discuss and learn about X10 products, not somewhere to bicker with strangers on the Internet (there are many alternatives I can suggest if this is what you're after). I have some ideas about how to improve the quality of the forums here, but first I'd like to take any suggestions you might have. There are only a couple restrictions:
1) The forum code/features cannot be changed.
2) There is no possibility of having an X10 employee moderate/oversee the boards on a daily basis.
That being said, what would you like to see? This your forum, how should it be run?
-Alex
-
If the Expert Advisors (EAs) and Community Advisors (COs) are only to be security Guards with no Real powers the forum will not improve!
The COs have always suggested ways ( more contests, more give aways)
Problem is no one at X10 stay long enough to implement them! :(
-
X10alex: It's nice to see there is still a pulse at X10.
1) The forum code/features cannot be changed.
2) There is no possibility of having an X10 employee moderate/oversee the boards on a daily basis.
If you want quality people to continue volunteering their free time for the benefit of your products, then you either have to make changes to the forum or empower the Community Organizers to do the work on X10's behalf.
This tread you created here will be read by the majority of the regular members; it will not be read by 99.9% of people who come to the forum to ask questions, cause problems or deposit their spam. Therefore, only real changes and not guidelines will produce results.
Right now anyone can come onto the the forum and be a public nuisance; and as it is now, they have more power than the Community Organizers; they have the ability to continue doing what they do, block out contact from the Community Organizers and abuse the rating system as a means of revenge for being confronted. They do this knowing that Community Organizers cannot stop them.
I hope changes are made to prevent these problems.
Cheers
-
Should the CO's be made moderators?
-
X10alex: It's nice to see there is still a pulse at X10....
Ditto!
To echo my 2˘...
This forum has matured from one where you couldn't even search posts to a source of information that can't be found anywhere else. It is truly one of the best things that X10 has done for itself and the automation community. That said, if it is to survive it still needs some oversight. That doesn't mean an X10 employee has to watch it 24/7. Delegate to the COs that are here everyday some more of the responsibility for the care and maintenance of the forum. They're free labor and want to help. I'm amazed at how rare it is for me to see spam here as it is now.
While this may fall under your restriction that "The forum code/features cannot be changed.", I have to say that we would be better without a rating system than the one we have now. Without rehashing the entire soapbox here, I hope you'll look at many of the comments that have already been made elsewhere.
...This tread you created here will be read by the majority of the regular members; it will not be read by 99.9% of people who come to the forum to ask questions, cause problems or deposit their spam. Therefore, only real changes and not guidelines will produce results....
Very good point!
-
Should the CO's be made moderators?
This could be a good idea.
(Responding to the post you sneaked in while I was typing my post above.)
-
My name is Alex, and I'm on the IT staff at X10. Recently we've noticed an increase in forum-drama, and this is not acceptable.
Welcome to the forum X10Alex! It is nice to see X10 has staff... and reads the forum. Yes "forum-drama" does seem to rise and fall from time-to-time. There is a large number of knowledgeable and helpful volunteers here at the forum. But the lack of actual management here also attracts trouble-makers.
Should the CO's be made moderators?
CO, Moderator, Site Administrator..... the term or title isn't important. What is important is controlling the clutter of spammers and trouble-makers that litter the forum. Some person or persons, staff or volunteer, need administrative controls.
-
X10Alex welcome to the world of posting on the forum and making yourself known. I think that firstoff you may want to look at what powers the CO's have and the EA's have. They seem to be mixed were as an example EA's can view deleted posts and CO's can't. Things like that need to be addressed so as to create a flow of control for the boards. Perhaps some extra control should be given to CO's depending on what type of control X10 needs to maintain.
As far as the community goes I think it is one of the best on the net. Having someone at X10 to communicate with from time to time is key. The fact that you posted here is a moral booster for allot of regular users here me included. I'm sure others will post in this thread as well.
(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
-
Should the CO's be made moderators?
That would be a good start. Or maybe you could pick a couple of senior CO's as moderators.
-
Should the CO's be made moderators?
I'm not sure all COs need to be moderators But at least one or two should have the extra powers to maintain control without screaming for an administrator!
It would be nice to if someone from X10 could be contacted in case of an unusual event on the forum !
I'm Glad another X10 staff member has taken some interest, Welcome aboard! ;)
As for suggestions for improvement!
Besides what I've mentioned, what about rewarding those that go out of there way to start helpful info threads about their setups!
As an example:
Threads in the User-Designed Working Macros (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?board=103.0) section!
Or those which have been linked to in the Members Sharing Their Original X10 Home Automation Ideas (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=14905.0) thread!
After all it is these members that have made this forum such a great place for valueable info! And generate X10 Sales as readers see those posts and say, "Wow I'd like to do that!" ;)
Note: rewards(prizes) don't need to be as fancy as those in the highly successful contests, a simple socket rocket or remote would generate more user involvement!
-
I think the forum is OK. Except for the rating system! The Rating system HAS TO GO. I think he forums are OK as they are, we need less people telling others what to do and more people helping people in need. I think a 911 to x10 would be nice so if there is a forum emergency a user could get immediate help.
-
Insert Nick Here; Many would like to see the rating go, but I believe X10 has said they have on intention's of removing them.
-
...Many would like to see the rating go, but I believe X10 has said they have on intention's of removing them.
If so, is based on a belief that the current rating is useful which it is not. I believe that an honest and objective look at the current rating system will would lead most, if not all, intelligent people to the conclusion that the current rating system is not only ineffective but actually provides a tool for users to abuse other users. This certainly appears to be consensus of most people here including those with a high helpful/not helpful ratio.
-
...the current rating system is not only ineffective but actually provides a tool for users to abuse other users.
There have been many issues in the past because of it and there will be more in the future unless it is changed or removed.
I like to point to a recent example of why the rating system is has lost its merit:
You got a helpful
I fail to see how saying something obscene about x10 could be considered "Helpful".
THE Moveing TEXT.
Get rid of it. The readers are intelligent enough to figure out if a reply is helpful or not.
-
I've been reading messages on this "users" forum for a long time (and seldom post messages). I think the current rating system has/or can have a negative impact on new members in that they may not be as apt to respond/post messages if they think some idiot will ding them for some something they said.
I would guess someone (from X10) could elect some type of moderators - like a X10 MVPs ;D to keep order where applicable.
Oh, if you want to ding me go ahead, I don't mind - just kidding.
Tony
-
Pardon my skepticism, but who is X10alex? Before we all go blurry-eyed and stay up late at night thinking and reporting good suggestions for improving the Forum ... is X10alex actually someone from X10 that can and will implement changes?
There are 82 Members' names that begin with X10. So is this member really a X10 technical staffer? Call me "Doubting-Thomas", but I need more assurance that someone works at X10, than just the fact that he says he is an X10 staffer and his member name begins with X10.
As a reminder, this Forum has several topics requesting ideas by X10 Staffers for improvements that have gone no where (e.g. AHP COMMENTS/IDEAS/FIXES, dated September 25, 2007). Is this topic just another go no where topic?
I apologize for being overly skeptical ...
-
I agree with every one else on the "Ratings" "feature". It adds no value. However one forum regular suggested you just kill the negitive rating ability, which I think is a good solution.
-
I agree - removing the negative rating would be a good idea.
Tony
-
Pardon my skepticism, but who is X10alex? Before we all go blurry-eyed and stay up late at night thinking and reporting good suggestions for improving the Forum ... is X10alex actually someone from X10 that can and will implement changes?
There are 82 Members' names that begin with X10. So is this member really a X10 technical staffer? Call me "Doubting-Thomas", but I need more assurance that someone works at X10, than just the fact that he says he is an X10 staffer and his member name begins with X10.
As a reminder, this Forum has several topics requesting ideas by X10 Staffers for improvements that have gone no where (e.g. AHP COMMENTS/IDEAS/FIXES, dated September 25, 2007). Is this topic just another go no where topic?
I apologize for being overly skeptical ...
I have to agree with you Don,no apology needed!
Most X10 staff have a different user rating then newbie!
As a suggestion X10Alex since your an IT guy change it, you have the power! ;)
We have All had our share of impostors (users deceiving others) but regardless of whether or not X10Alex works for X10 or not his intentions with this thread are good! ;)
He'd like to see more user involvement and become a place in which many will continue to visit and not just with questions!
-
Pardon my skepticism, but who is X10alex? Before we all go blurry-eyed and stay up late at night thinking and reporting good suggestions for improving the Forum ... is X10alex actually someone from X10 that can and will implement changes?...
It has been so long since we heard from someone at X10. I hope we haven't been trolled.
-
[ Correct and we have users like that Yourself that ding because that user did not get one. Some assume people on the forums are kid that dint know a thing. Hey I forgot to introduce myself, I am "what ever you want to call me" My favorite nick is:
Idiot Boy -Puck
PrioritySupport - Bill cough it right away in HAC.
X10alex: You won't find a better example of why Community Organizer's need the ability to keep people like this away.
If this doesn't convince you changes are a must, then nothing will. Since I cannot PM him a private reply, I would have to do so in public. This problem will not go away on its own.
-
Yes, I am in fact an x10 employee. Feel free to email me at alexg@x10.com.
I'm going to be straight with you: X10 is not going to moderate this board, and I'm the only one who's in a position to make any changes to the forums software. While I may have some time in the future to implement some suggestions, at the moment that is not feasible. Sacking the negative rating thing is very reasonable, but the truth is that I have a lot of development on my plate right now and just do not have enough time to learn how the forums work.
That being said - I am a forum-goer myself and I know how frustrating it is to have a couple idiots ruining things for everyone else. If the community here can agree on an individual or two (or agree on a process to select one), I am happy to make them moderators, who can delete posts, threads, and ban users.
And.. one last thing. Though we might not show it very often, we do love you all. This community has become a fantastic resource for X10 users and we don't want it to fall victim to the same problem that ruins so many good forums. Hopefully we can meet in the middle on this one.
-
Let's have an election!
I nominate the following:
Puck
Brian H
Steven R
KDR
Tuicemen
Boiler
-Bill- (of wgjohns.com)
oldtimer
Dave_x10_L
I'm sure that a poll could be set up when the nominations end.
PS. at some time, this post should be broke into a new thread.
-
Congratulations to Tuicemen
-
Yes, I am in fact an x10 employee. Feel free to email me at alexg@x10.com....
...And.. one last thing. Though we might not show it very often, we do love you all. This community has become a fantastic resource for X10 users and we don't want it to fall victim to the same problem that ruins so many good forums. Hopefully we can meet in the middle on this one.
Great to hear that and again thanks for opening up this discussion. You have no idea how much it means to the regulars here to know that someone at X10 reads these posts.
...I'm going to be straight with you: X10 is not going to moderate this board, and I'm the only one who's in a position to make any changes to the forums software. While I may have some time in the future to implement some suggestions, at the moment that is not feasible. Sacking the negative rating thing is very reasonable, but the truth is that I have a lot of development on my plate right now and just do not have enough time to learn how the forums work....
If someone such as delegated administer / moderator figures out how to do it will you let them? Or if we figure out how and tell you, will you change it, if it only takes a few minutes? BTW... The rating system has been turned off before.
-
x10 is watching...
-
Congratulations to Tuicemen
Congratulations to Tuicemen a very good choice.
(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
-
Excellent choice. Congratulations Tuicemen.
-
Tuicemen is an excellent choice for an Administrator. Congratulations to him.
I know that any problem that arises will be handled fairly and unbiased.
-
AlienDev; Glad that we now know that X10 is at least watching the forums; as more companies; pile work on workers they have. Time can be at a premium.
X10alex; Thanks for confirming you are with X10. Sometime users here may sound and act like X10 employees and not be.
-
Wow my internet was down most of the day!
Thanks everyone for the vote of confidence!
I see I'm going to be busy for a while hope I can get caught up quickly! ;)
-
Congratulations Tuicemen!
Does this mean we have to refer to you as "Sir"?
;D
-
:-[ Please don't treat me any differently! ;)
Now lets all show X10 we have a direction in mind, for the forum!
I can't guarantee anything gets implemented but as a start here's some Ideas the users here can think about:
- New Sections
- Contest Ideas
-
........... as a start here's some Ideas the users here can think about:
- New Sections
- Contest Ideas
I don't know much about "new sections".... not saying it's not a great idea... I just don't know/understand much about it.
Contests.... that I understand. I think the prizes could be much smaller than the Sentinel Camera (AWESOME CAMERA)... and still draw a lot of interest. Like submit intersting camera images (or video).. to win a ninja setup. Or a submit a "what my spouse likes about X10"... to win an expansion package.
With smaller prizes.... X10 could have weekly contests. What is needed is a selection process that doesn't use too much of the X10 staffs time.
-
I don't know much about "new sections".... not saying it's not a great idea... I just don't know/understand much about it.
An example of this would be the User Disgned Working Macros (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?board=103.0) section. This was a users Idea spam4us and is one example of a very successful user contribution to this forum!
-
.....An example of this would be the User Disgned Working Macros (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?board=103.0) section.
Oh yeah! And a fine idea that is too! I even contributed a macro to that section.... as well as enjoyed reading and learning from the others posted.
-
Congratulations Tuicemen ... a great choice.
My apologies to X10alex ... thanks for taking an interest in helping to improve the Forum.
-
Congratulations to Tuicemen
Congratulations to Tuicemen a very good choice.
(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
yes we completely agree... he will help you well...
-
Yea, I will also confirm alex is with the company. and your very welcome... we don't have alot of time on the forums, but we are deciding to make our presence at least known a little. Alex might have more time to be able to help you guys...
As far as some of the problematic users, I am not happy. I have been getting alot of reports lately, but the people reporting are generally the ones about to get banned. have this be a warning.. to all, if i read one more post about report us to the bbb or report us to here or report us to there... because you don't use proper communication, or ask the questions to the proper people... you will be banned... period.
-
Well said. I will also try and be on the Forums a little more often to keep an eye on how things are going and on Users who either violate the rules or don't contribute to the conversation. That being said, we here at X10 are all very busy and don't have time to be nannies. If there is a real issue, or someone is being inappropriate (you know who you are) then we will deal with it.
Thanks
-
Wow... four Administrator's, an ear to the ground, and a desire to change and improve. Thank you X10!
-
Just a note on the Post Rating setting. Now that a couple of you are administrators, I believe it's a very simple fix to turn off this feature. Just a single checkbox under Configuration, then Features & Options -- it's the "Karma" feature.
See the Simple Machines documentation:
http://docs.simplemachines.org/index.php?topic=104
Glad to see you guys have some more ability to moderate now.
-
Thank you for doing the research. I think you should be a mod.
-
MichaelC turning off the Karma setting isn't a problem! The Problem is management believes this is value added! ::)
I'm looking at a way to keep it (Keep X10 happy),but still modify it enough that the avaerage user is also happy!
We'll see if modifications I make keep everyone happy or it returns to the way X10 has it! ;)
-
MichaelC turning off the Karma setting isn't a problem! The Problem is management believes this is value added! ::)
I'm looking at a way to keep it (Keep X10 happy),but still modify it enough that the avaerage user is also happy!...
At the very least, I think eliminating the "not helpful" option is the best idea.
I also like what you just tried of displaying what appeared to be the total points. (helpful - not helpful)
I'd like to see negative totals set to zero also.
MichaelC turning off the Karma setting isn't a problem! The Problem is management believes this is value added! ::)
...We'll see if modifications I make keep everyone happy or it returns to the way X10 has it! ;)
I understand, however, that you might have to settle for less to keep the powers that be happy.
-
Another idea that I think will improve the board would be to get the CHAT section working. An alternative to that would be to add a link to Home Automation Chat (http://www.bdshost.com/ac/) from the forums main page. HAC now has 304 registered users and I'm sure all of them are from here. We have very talented regulars there and have helped many people with there problems live. The chat is moderated by CO's and EA's from here and someone is always there in the evening's.
(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
-
KDR, I've looked into the chat Plug-in for the forum and to fix that needs some on site programing it looks like(beyond what I can do) :(
I also looked into adding a link It can be added to a news box, but don't think that is the appropriate place!
It looks for now that that option also has to be coded on site! :(
Perhaps if on of the IT guys at X10 can find a free min they can get a link added or fix the chat room html error! In any case I'll keep looking (the option may be there just eluding me!)
-
Tuicemen: I just clicked an "[Increase Rating]" for you for the time and the great gob you're doing to help make this forum friendly again.
To Everyone from X10: You made a good choice picking Tuicemen as an Administrator.
-
Thanks steven r! I now know why x10 staff don't have the time to devote to this, there is a sea of options for administors and finding them and remembering where they are is a task! (one could lose themselves in there for hours and not get anything done ;) :D)
Realy a rating increase should go to X10alex [/b] for setting the ball in motion (let me be the first to do so) !
-
I remember a few of the settings even though it's been a long time since I set these forums up -- if I can be of help finding or figuring out settings just let me know. I think the chat thing was a kludge from the beginning and will be pretty tough to get running. I had it on my personal to-do list to remove it altogether for a while before a left.
-
I think the independent sites are good too. I have a chat site, www.homeautomationchat.zoomshare.com, and I try to have a mod in there every hour and second. I don't know if the forum one will have one on 24-7.
-
I remember a few of the settings even though it's been a long time since I set these forums up -- if I can be of help finding or figuring out settings just let me know. I think the chat thing was a kludge from the beginning and will be pretty tough to get running. I had it on my personal to-do list to remove it altogether for a while before a left.
Thanks MichaelC I just may take you up on that! ;)
-
Here is a Suggestion to improve Suggestions and user input from questions put forth by X10 Staff!
Kinda goes along the lines of a contest!
A free Palm Pad (HR13A) (X10 approval needed of coarse ::) )
To the one:- with the most suggestions put forth
- with the best suggestion so far
- with the most original idea\suggestion so far
- who gets their suggestion implemented first!
- with the highest vote in a poll
(To be fair! If this gets implemented I'll remove myself from the contest since in most cases I'd be the winner! ;) :D ;D )
-
Just to add to everyone else having a stab at this, if implemented, I to will remove myself from it.
(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
-
In an attempt to bring back some fun into the forum I've added A couple of new smileys!
If you find some other fun ones I can try to add them! (no promises)
If you have any other fun ideas keep them coming!
Note: If your shy, PM me your ideas!
Cheers every one! >!
-
In an attempt to bring back some fun into the forum I've added A couple of new smileys!...
Cheers every one! >!
#:) :)%
-
I don't think I have ever used a smile, but I see how easy they are to do. :)% :)+ #:) . I think Tuiceman needs to work his but off even more and make a better theme, more higher tech.
-
With smiley's like these :)% ..... what more could we want.
-
I think Tuiceman needs to work his but off even more and make a better theme, more higher tech.
the problem with themes is most of the really cool ones (high tech ones) require a newer version of the forum software then what X10 is currently using!
There are a couple of other themes loaded in the server but nothing special!
-
Found that out when I try ed to change them, YOUR DOING AMASING :)% I see alot of improvements.
All on favor or making Tuiceman director of manufacturing and product design say I!!!
-
III #:) #:)