Hey Guys n Gals,
I honestly feel the board software is a big part of the problem. Here's why.
The software doesn't have a private message feature:
When the noob questions hit the board it gets all cluttered up. Old timers, like me, get frusterated. Tempers flare. Bad vibes all around. Canned responses could be sent, via "private messages" from our tireless mods and Admins. The postings could be dumped with explination in the first few lines of the canned responses. These PM's could be filled with links to the FAQ's and other vital info. No wierd antispam email links needed or allowed. Many messages could be done right through the software and avoid the need to send email ar all.
The software doesn't list contributors posting numbers:
I am not suggesting this for vanity reasons. The posting numbers shown beside our "handle" indicates venteran status and contribution activity. This would allow noobs to quickly see that he responder has a track history. Persons such as Flux, and others, should be recognized as the valued posters they are.
The software doesn't allow users to easily find threads:
The search feature may be old hat for us regulars, but to noobs that really don't know what to search for the issue looms large. If there was a sidebar to narrow searches this would be much easier.
The software doesn't update:
As a new thread appears here it is then scrolled down as newer threads appear. If the threads were bumped back to the top as newer postings were added many of these issues would vanish. When the fron page has 2 or 3 threads about home made solar panels and the one someone is interested in is not immediately seen most times a new thread is started. This just creates a mess of postings about the same thing over and over. It seems it would be better if a thread about home made solar panels grew to several pages rather than being scattered and buried across the board.
The software doesn't have a easy to use interface:
The front page is a mess. Rather that displaying a list of random threads it should be a directory showing main topics and the latest posting within that topic area. When a person is interested in home made solar panels there should be a section on PV's with all threads listed and held there.
The software doesn't have a make donation link:
Many many boards across the net have a make donation option right up front. This should be distinct from the magnet sales on otherpower.com. Proceeds could go to actualy paying our mods for the work they do, and to keep the software and servers up to date. I would make such a contribution to the board if it were more user friendly.
The software formatting method is as clunky as it gets:
Most forums these daysallow the user to highlight a given piece of text, click a formatting button, and the tags are automatically added. Here we have to type in the tags and then preview to make sure were have not made a syntax error.
The software doesn't allow for subscribing to a thread via email:
If one is really interesting in keep updated ona particular thread here one must check back over and over to see if there has been additions. Other forums allow the user to select a subscription option, or deselect subscribe later.
I suggest vBulletin. A quick example of this software in action can be see at;
http://www.rantsnraves.org/index.php
Many many forums across the net use this software an it works great.
That's my take on things.