Dissatisfied with the site?

[bowman]

I've seen a couple of comments today expressing disappointment with the site? Would anyone be willing to share why they are let down/dissatisfied? If not willing to post publicly, please send a DM.

Is it site performance? Content? Interaction with others?

Feedback is needed. Not saying we can fix everything, but looking to make positive gains.

 

[cyclopentadiene]

I have been on this site for many years and it is Awesome
You cannot please everyone all the time. If they are hot happy with the site, don’t visit

 

[drw]

Neal, I too think the site is awesome! I have been on forum for many years and typically log in at least once a day. I particularly enjoy the posts of ongoing and completed project (of course pictures of these projects are a must). While the site has changed a bit over the years, such as member galleries, I understand that these changes are often the result of software updates, etc. That said, I am very appreciative of your efforts and those that preceded you...Thank You!

 

[Rushton]

I agree with the earlier comments. I visit nearly every day and have enjoyed the site — it loads smoothly for me, the content is good, the members are great, and it's easy to add posts (new or replies). All in all, kudos for great work!

 

[LeftyTom]

No site issues for me. Is a party having issues figuring out how the site works, or wanting some features beyond the scope of NCWW?

 

[ScottM]

Best site ever.

 

[Wiley's Woodworks]

I think the issues members are having with our site have to do with input and content, not functionality.

In our name is Wood Working. This is not a site for rough carpentry, home repair, home remodeling, plumbing problems, etc. It's for wood working, making finely crafted pieces from wood, tools that are used in high end woodworking,and topics related to the creation of fine pieces from wood. Just because someone's new thread involves pieces of wood doesn't make it worthy or appropriate for our NCWW forums.

Neal--I have two suggestions:

1. Train all members to put threads that fit my above description into the "Off Topic" forum, and police the sight vigilantly to quickly shift inappropriate threads into this forum.
2. Create some new forums to capture inappropriate threads. For example: Home Remodeling, Home Repair, Carpentry Construction, Furniture Repair. Segregating the inappropriate threads makes it easier for true woodworkers to ignore them as we scroll through the home page.
3. While I'm on a roll, let's segregate saw milling and bulk wood for sale.

Ask for input from the entire membership on new categories. Collectively we will come up with better ways to separate the wheat from the chaff.

 

[nn4jw]

I do have a question about how post lists are displayed. If I select the Home tab I see a full list of all posts. If I select the Forums tab I also see the same list of posts that I see on the Home tab. I have to drill down and select Forum List to get the type of list that lets me select individually grouped categories. The post prompting this discussion was properly in the DIY category.

Is there already a way for members to individually set a personal default list of categories they would like to see instead needing to call up the Forum List each and every time they want to just see something other than everything?

Maybe there is and I just haven't figured out how to do so?

 

[Ricksmi]

Neal, the site is excellent and I enjoy visiting it daily, keep up the good work.

 

[bowman]

I do have a question about how post lists are displayed. If I select the Home tab I see a full list of all posts. If I select the Forums tab I also see the same list of posts that I see on the Home tab. I have to drill down and select Forum List to get the type of list that lets me select individually grouped categories. The post prompting this discussion was properly in the DIY category.

Is there already a way for members to individually set a personal default list of categories they would like to see instead needing to call up the Forum List each and every time they want to just see something other than everything?

Maybe there is and I just haven't figured out how to do so?

Jim, the list of forum nodes are the ones you have permission to view/post in. The Home button takes you to the default page. If you click on the Forums tab, you will see a list of posts that you have not read. Home button should present the same view.

 

[Oka]

Other than the site does not offer free coffee @ Starbucks's on Saturday...... the site runs well........ no complaints

 

[Mike Davis]

Other than the site does not offer free coffee @ Starbucks's on Saturday...... the site runs well........ no complaints

Oka, Meet me at any Starbucks in North Carolina and I’ll buy you coffee.

 

[Craptastic]

I think it would have been a better idea to DM those that made such comments or expressed concerns. I'd be a bit concerned about actually posts calling out such comments or concerns without previously contacting those expressing them. Heck, we all have misgivings in our online interactions at times. But expecting people to publicly express such, whether valid or not. can be more than a bit intimidating.

I get it Neal that if there are concerns you want to address them.

Is there a link on the site just for comments such as those to be directed back to the site admins? I honestly don't know since I've never had such an issue. If not, maybe there should be one with some prominence on the site.

 

[golfdad]

I think its a great site with great folks. Cant pleas e everyone all the time

 

[LeftyTom]

I think the issues members are having with our site have to do with input and content, not functionality.

In our name is Wood Working. This is not a site for rough carpentry, home repair, home remodeling, plumbing problems, etc. It's for wood working, making finely crafted pieces from wood, tools that are used in high end woodworking,and topics related to the creation of fine pieces from wood. Just because someone's new thread involves pieces of wood doesn't make it worthy or appropriate for our NCWW forums.

Neal--I have two suggestions:

1. Train all members to put threads that fit my above description into the "Off Topic" forum, and police the sight vigilantly to quickly shift inappropriate threads into this forum.
2. Create some new forums to capture inappropriate threads. For example: Home Remodeling, Home Repair, Carpentry Construction, Furniture Repair. Segregating the inappropriate threads makes it easier for true woodworkers to ignore them as we scroll through the home page.
3. While I'm on a roll, let's segregate saw milling and bulk wood for sale.

Ask for input from the entire membership on new categories. Collectively we will come up with better ways to separate the wheat from the chaff.

I stated repeatedly to folks at the Klingspor Extravaganza that NCWW is open to all levels of woodworking interests and levels of skill.

 

[Stuart Kent]

I second the general sentiment here. This site is easy to navigate and straightforward to use from a technical standpoint. Every single person that joins this community is met with a round of 'welcome to the site' and 'please post what you're making'. Every in-person social event is predicated on 'tell people, bring a friend' and 'we look forward to seeing you at ________'. People are smart enough to figure this system and this community out - and if they don't fit or don't like it, they will move on. Don't mess with something people like, to appease a few people that do not. It works and we like it. Leave it alone.

Change for the sake of change, is not a good reason for change.

 

[CatBike]

I agree with Matt that this should have been handled with private DMs to start. If I had a problem with this site like those being asked for I wouldn't feel comfortable voicing my concerns after reading the dog pile of "everything is perfect, can't please everyone" that has been commented already.

 

[Dee2]

Great discussion thread on site ops. Thanks Neal. Shows intent to improve and evolve for the benefit of users.

 

[bowman]

Thanks for the positive notes.

In my original post, I did invite members to send DMs, although it may have not come across as a preferred avenue. That was not the case or intention.

 

[AllanD]

I find that the forum, probably because it is locally centered, is more collegial than the usual national forums. I don't see the ego driven positions and outright bragging that I see on some national forums. The only loss of value of this forum that comes to mind is the loss of Bob Vaughn's expansive knowledge.
Kudos to you to investigate any member's complaints. I would hope that they would post their issues publicly so we, the members, can honestly look at our participation or behavior to improve if needed. Please report any suggestions that come from DMs.