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Post by David Sechrest on May 22, 2006 1:03:00 GMT -5
Well, I bet you were surprised when you clicked on the Message Board and found these changes!
I'm making a concerted effort to try and organize the message board better. With the number of registered users now over 100, and the popularity of the board, I felt it time to make some changes!
FIRST, and most importantly, the colors have changed. I never really liked the colors, and resorted back to the default colors. I do hope that you will find things easier to read!
SECOND, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, with the creation of the new folders, REGISTERED MEMBERS WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO CREATE THEIR OWN THREADS (FOLDERS). Only myself and Richard will be able to do this. The reasoning behind this is organization. It is hoped that the Welcome Page will, at some point, provide General Categories Of Interest. Inside these categories, you will find sub-categories regarding the particular subject.
If you feel there needs to be a new Thread, or Folder, created, please contact either Richard or myself, and we will create one.
This process of setting up everything will take some time, so the original Message Board we're all used to visiting will remain intact. If a Folder has been moved, it will tell you inside.
This will require quite a bit of planning to piece it all together, but it is hoped that once it is finalized, it will make your searches easier, and make the overall Message Board more appealing and much easier to locate specific information of interest. Also, I hope to come up with some new topics that will generate discussion!
I hope everyone likes the look. If you have a particular topic you think I should add, please contact me!
Excelsior!
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Post by David Sechrest on May 22, 2006 1:35:51 GMT -5
Just as a matter of record here, I've set the Board on Maintenance, meaning no one can post anything. There are a few things I need to move before any posts are made to the new folders and topics.
It very well might be that, by the time you read this, everything will be back to normal.
Please bear with me.
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Post by David Sechrest on May 22, 2006 3:50:59 GMT -5
I'm sleepy! BUT, I feel like I got a lot accomplished tonight. I'm going to leave the message board in Maintenance Mode until I wake UP!
GOOD NIGHT!
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Post by David Sechrest on May 22, 2006 11:26:52 GMT -5
The Maintenance Mode has been turned off, so once again, Posts can be made.
If you think this new look is somewhat confusing, think of it this way: Most of the Folders that used to be on the inside of the original Board have simply moved to the Welcome Page. But, instead of individual topics like Arvin and Mooney's Tannery on the same page as before, they have now been incorporated into the Businesses link on the Welcome Page of the Message Board. Same goes for all of our Folders concerning schools, movie theatres, and so on.
Some new categories have been introduced, and I hope we can generate conversation regarding them as well.
The best way to familiarize yourself with things is just to jump in and explore the different folders inside the main folders on the welcome page.
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Post by David Sechrest on May 22, 2006 15:55:46 GMT -5
Well, I hope that everyone is liking the changes to the Board! I think it's really a vast improvement over the way things used to be, and I hope it will only get better.
A Few Things On My Mind:
1) If you scroll down to "Info Center" at the bottom of the Main Message Board Welcome Page, You'll see something that says "View the 30 Most Recent Posts Of This Forum. If you click on this, it will bring up the 30 most newest postings. This used to be set on 10, but I've changed it to 30. This is a good way to keep up on all recent posts.
2) With all the new categories on the Welcome Page, it is now possible to scroll down through the page and see the most recent postings (name is highlighted in the Last Post section). This is a vast improvement over the way the Board was set up originally, as it only showed one. Now, you can keep up to date on most of the recent posts.
3) I need your help in selecting both Categories and Sub-Catergories to include on the Welcome Page. I know I've not listed items of importance. Please let me know what I need to add!
And, OH! I almost forgot to add. I finally got the date and time working right! It now posts date and time by EST
Excelsior!
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Post by David Sechrest on May 22, 2006 16:07:10 GMT -5
We have a problem with Guests visiting our Message Board and leaving posts filled with nothing but hyperlinks to trojan-type websites. This has been a recurring problem for the last year. Both Richard and I delete these as often as possible.
The only way to get rid of this headache is to make the board a "Member's Only" Board. What that means is that no guest would be allowed to post anything. You would have to become a registered member, and to take this a step further, all new requests would have to be approved by me before a password would be assigned.
What do you think about setting things up this way? Would anyone be offended by having to become a member?
I would very much appreciate everyone's input on this.
Thank You!
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on May 22, 2006 20:05:41 GMT -5
Well, you must have had a surge of energy! A bit overwhelming but I like the changes...much better organized and I like being able to see the last 30 posts rather than 10, and the color scheme is easier to read. This is the place to be if you appreciate Columbus history. Thank you so much!
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Post by David Sechrest on May 22, 2006 22:00:36 GMT -5
Well, the new changes on the Message Board certainly caught the attention of readers.
Today, at 7:20pm, we set a new Record for the most number of people viewing the website at one time: 35!
EC, I agree with what you said. It's a shame this even would have to be a consideration, i.e., requiring all posters to register first.
On the other hand, I feel it partly my responsibility to try and protect others from unknowingly clicking on one of those links, if they happened upon them before we removed that junk.
I picked up a virus a few years back, and it took a considerable amount of time to correct it. I definitely would hate to see someone here pick up something like that from one of those postings.
I hope that all can see my dilemma here...
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Post by NLHill on May 23, 2006 8:53:08 GMT -5
Dear David, Wow! I love the new format! It's much easier to read and so organized. Thank you for taking the time to do this. It must have been a colossal (sp?) effort ! NHill
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Post by David Sechrest on May 23, 2006 10:04:54 GMT -5
On May 23rd, NLHill wrote: >>Dear David, Wow! I love the new format! It's much easier to read and so organized. Thank you for taking the time to do this. It must have been a colossal (sp?) effort ! NHill<<
NLHill, Thank you for compliment! It's something that should have been done a long time ago.
As all have probably noticed, there are new categories that have been created that have no Folders (Threads), or posts yet. They will...it's just a matter of time, so please be patient.
Once I feel there is a good, representative collection of categories, I want to start moving individual posts from the old way things were. In many cases, we got off subject in some Folders (Threads), i.e., posts about the Crump in the Miscellaneous Folder, and so forth.
While it is fairly easy to moved Folders (Threads), ProBoards has made no allowance to move individual posts. So, I will have to copy and paste these into their new, specific folder. While I can note in the post that it was made by a particular person, the original writer will not be identified in the left hand column, as all are accustomed to seeing.
Now...
I'm going to post this announcement once I finish writing the "How-To's" Of Using the Message Board, but I might as well go ahead and mention it here as well:
Once all the categories are finalized, I request that everyone try to stay on subject in the specific folders. If we do get off subject, and it seems like the discussion would make a good topic in and of itself, a new Folder (Thread) will be created. To tie in with this, if you feel a new Folder is warranted, please contact either Richard or myself, and chances are very good that it will. Also, if I leave a post saying we're getting off-topic, please do not take it personal. It's just that I want to try to keep discussions on topic.
In the past, there have been requests by people looking for people. I will create a Folder for that today. Let's try and use that strictly for that only.
Now, it probably appears that there might be some "overlap" of subject matter. For example, the "1940's Life In Columbus Indiana" is a pretty broad subject. Discussions here might tie in with the Business or Industry Folder, or a number of others. My thinking is this: The "1940's Life In Columbus" Folder should be used for what it was like growing up in Columbus in the 1940's. Yes, schools, stores, and businesses will be mentioned, but not discussed in detail (if that makes sense). Specific discussions of Arvin, Cummins, or any other business, even if it was during the 40's, should be posted in the particular Folder (Does that make sense to everyone?).
While I would like to keep our discussions to Columbus' past, it is sometimes very difficult NOT to talk about the Columbus of today. Maybe something like The Republic's Sound Off Board should also be included on the Message Board. But, with that said, I truly hope that it does not dominate discussions here. This Message Board's main premise is a historical look at Columbus, i.e., the way things used to be. The Republic's Sound Off section on their website is a good place to vent your frustrations, or talk about the problems facing Columbus TODAY. On this Message Board, you can gripe about Columbus' past! (LOL!)
Ok...back to "work!"
Excelsior!
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Post by David Sechrest on May 23, 2006 10:19:45 GMT -5
OOPS!
I forgot to mention something...
On the Welcome Page, at the top, you will notice a section entitled "News." This is a news fader that I will use to make quick announcements regarding the Historic Columbus Indiana website as well as this Message Board. When you first open up the Welcome Page, you might want to take a moment and read them!
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Babs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 589
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Post by Babs on May 23, 2006 10:37:21 GMT -5
Hi David, I agree with EC, this new background is so much easier to read. You are doing a great job and we all appreciate the effort that goes into what you do. Also when one is in a rush, the "last 30 posts" is wonderful to sort of do a fast catch up on what has been going on at the site. Babs
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Post by David Sechrest on May 24, 2006 8:58:05 GMT -5
Good Morning. It has come to my attention that I might NOT have been very clear when I left my earlier Post about Guests, and what they can and cannot do here. So, let's clear it up. First off, some simple terminology: Post: The words you are reading right this minute. Thread: Where Posts are kept. This Post is located inside the "Message Board Changes" Thread. 1) Guests and members can create all the Posts they want. 2) Guests and members CANNOT create Threads. Threads can only be created by either myself or Richard, i.e., Administrators of the Message Board. Why are things set up this way? To keep Posts better organized in our Forum. It's that simple. For a brief overview on how to use the Message Board, please click here: help.proboards.com/. Then Click on "Getting Started." The section most applicable once you click on Getting Started is "Forum Terminology." So...let the Posting begin!
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Post by David Sechrest on May 24, 2006 9:20:17 GMT -5
Just to make sure that everyone is "on the same page," here is the link to this Message Board's Main Page: columbusin.proboards34.com/The Main Page is also called the Home Page. You should Bookmark it for easy access.
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
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Post by RER on May 24, 2006 11:23:40 GMT -5
David: You and Richard have done a fantastic job on updating this board. It is much easier to access and research various topics. Your security control to keep the idiots off the board (scrambled whatever writings ) is a step forward in the right direction. Keep up the good work for both of you guys and I hope your health is doing much better these days.
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Post by brockmantwin on May 30, 2006 23:28:22 GMT -5
Just found your site...I grew up in Columbus. Trying to locate a classmate named John Spellman. He posted a message some time ago and we'd like to contact him regarding our 50th class reunion this fall. Any help would be greatly appreciated. At his posting I understand that he was in California. Martha
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nancs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 948
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Post by nancs on May 31, 2006 8:29:12 GMT -5
Welcome, welcome, Martha!!!!!!!!!! So very happy that you are 'on board.' Stick around, and join the fun. This is just an amazing site. Enjoy. Later. Nanc
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Post by David Sechrest on Jun 28, 2006 14:19:07 GMT -5
About a month ago, I began redoing the Historic Columbus Indiana Message Board in the hopes of making things easier to post memories, and better organizing topics of discussions. There were times I'd get frustrated because I knew I read something that someone had posted, only to find I couldn't remember where I read it!
All of the "regulars" have had plenty of time to get accustomed to the "new" layout (I hope!). I hope that most will find this new layout more user friendly than the way things were. I also hope I haven't confused the issues by providing too many topics! But, the way I look at it, if you're discussing the memories or history of a city spanning 50 years (or 100 years for that matter), there have been many things that have come and gone.
Personally, I like the new layout. It sure did draw interest, as we set a new record for the "Most Users Online At One Time" (50), on June 17th!
I kept the original "Historic Columbus Indiana Message Board" as one of the main categories on the Welcome Page during this interim period. Today, I finished moving all the threads from the original category to the appropriate "newer" ones.
Since all of the Threads have been moved, it is no longer necessary to keep this category. It has been deleted.
Now, regarding Posts: I know that there will be times when topics will sway off course. It's bound to happen. If and when it does happen and the off-topic warrants a Thread of its own, one will be created.
Don't get too hung up on trying to decide where to Post your memories, or historical information. Most of your posts will have (and always have had) a central theme about them. That is the most important thing to remember. If nothing else, there's always the Miscellaneous Thread to use.
I want to thank everyone for making this Message Board a popular place to hang out. I very much appreciate ALL of your memories. I know that your memories have helped to teach the younger generation what life was like before they were born. And here, I'm not only speaking of kids, but myself as well. I've learned alot about what Columbus was like before my time. I've had junior high schoolers and high schoolers write to me, wanting to know if they could use specific information in reports they do for school work. They always thank me, but I always tell them not to thank me, but to thank you folks instead.
Once again, thanks to all. You all are doing something here that is truly a service to our community!
Let the posting begin!
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Post by David Sechrest on Jun 28, 2006 15:05:49 GMT -5
The venacular of the Message Board...
When you open up the Historic Columbus Indiana Message Board Welcome Page, you are at the beginning of the Forum.
There are various Forum Names, or Categories to choose where to leave your Post.
Categories are always listed in the grayish boxes, and give the reader a general idea of the topics of discussion. "The Hope Of Our Country: Columbus Schools, From One Room To 2 High Schools" is a category.
Boards are located in the Categories. They are hyperlinks that help guide you to a specific topic of discussion. "Schools: A Look Back At School Buildings Of Our Past" is an example of a board. Click on this Board and it takes you to a Sub-Board.
A Sub-Board is sometimes used to further break down the topic of discussion. After all, in the example above, Schools is a fairly broad topic, so I have used Sub-Boards to further narrow down this topic. "State Street Elementary" is an example of a Sub-Board. Click on this Sub-Board and it takes you to a Thread.
A Thread is nothing more than a folder where you leave your Post. A Board or Sub-Board may contain only one, or many Threads. Click on this Thread, and it takes you to Post Reply.
Post Reply is where you type your response to a question, a memory, or whatever it is that you wish to write about. Once you have finished typing your thoughts, you can Preview what you typed, perform a Spell Check, and finally Post Reply.
If you are a Registered Member, you can delete your post (if you wish), you can Modify your Post, or simply leave it as is. If you are not a Registered Member, these features are not available.
Once you have left your Post, the Thread in which you left your reply will move to the top of the order. This applies only where there is more than one Thread to a Board or Sub-Board. At times, you might see a red pushpin on some Threads. This is called a Sticky-Lock, and keeps that particular Thread at the top at all times.
In most cases where there are Sub-Boards, as in the case of the Schools Board, these remain in the same position at all times. The "Schools" Sub-Boards are alphabetized, and do not change position when someone posts a reply.
99% of the Boards and Sub-Boards are set up so that only Richard and myself can create new Threads. Things are set up this way to keep topics of discussion from being duplicated.
If you feel a particular topic warrants its own Thread, please contact either Richard or myself, and we will add it to the Message Board.
I hope this helped to clarify the terms of the Message Board, and, basically, how things work...
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Post by David Sechrest on Aug 25, 2006 21:57:45 GMT -5
Helloooooo Everyone!!!
It's nice to see that the ole Message Board has been quite active since I've been away! Wow! Some really wonderful topics have been discussed!
This "new" format regarding the Message Board is now a few months old, and I hope that everyone is finding the layout an improvement over the way things were.
So, at this point, the question I need to ask is, What other changes would make it even better?
I did receive an email from Richard regarding Dale Eddy, Charles Ostick, and where to post topics regarding "our famous residents." Our Famous Residents is maybe not the best title for this category, so I changed it to Columbus Indiana Residents Of Distinction. I feel that this helps to cover everyone who should be remembered for their actions, from people like Sap Essex, founder of Sap's Bakery, to our WWII and Vietnam war heros, and those other men and women who touched peoples lives.
Also, I have changed the Columbus Indiana Residents Of Distinction Board so that anyone can add their own Thread. I hope this makes things a little more convenient. I know it's terrible to have a great thought you want to write about and then have to wait for Richard or myself to create the Thread for you.
Are there other categories you would like to see opened up so that anyone can create their own Thread?
I've barely touched on all the new postings, so, it's time to jump in!
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