Off Topic Posts - Why they are bad...
 

Ok, this BBS software is not really designed to handle the amount of traffic that we have here. Every time the number of posts reaches about 45,000 in the 911 forum, I have to delete half of them to get the server to run properly again.

POSTING OFF-TOPIC POSTS IN THIS FORUM CONTRIBUTES TO THIS PROBLEM. It may be harsh, but I will be giving warnings in the future, and those who continue to post OT comments in this forum will have their accounts suspended for several days. There is an OT forum for these posts, and that is where they belong. Everytime I have to 'prune' this forum, valuable information from the search engine disappears. I am archiving this info, but at this time, I don't have a way for you to access it.

-Wayne

yeah it really sucks that some of my bookmarked posts about important things gets deleted.

Can you periodically make a CD like your original pelican CD so that we can get archived posts...and you can include them in people's orders...

you can release them periodically that would be helpful and a small incentive for people to order to get a archive of knowledge

MJ

This post is off-topic and should be deleted. Admin...admin please....

Wayne, I think the addition of a great big 100gb drive (for a measly $200) and another 512mb ram (for under a hundred dollars) would solve your problem. Asking people to not post off-topic is contrary to the nature of the internet bulletin board. Not trying to say you don't have a problem or a point - just offering the devil's advocacy.

Thanks for the BBS otherwise.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9 RIP
The Porsche Owners Gallery

I think one other reason is that most people only come here and do not visit the other boards...

Is there a way that this BBS software can allow people to look at 2 or more boards at once?

To clear things up...if I could have a way to check off 911 tech forum and 911 classifieds and off topic then that would cover everything....other can mix and match...

and the screen I look at would be a mixture of all the threads in those boards...although they are physically located in the separate thread...just a suggestion

Hi 82SC,

Why not just do a 'file/save as' on any topics you wish to reference in the future?

Cheers,

Tim.

just cuz sometimes they are ongoing and get updated...but that is a good idea

Hey Wayne, something must be wrong with your database...

I've seen Ultimate BBS's with 100's of thousands of posts...w/o problem.


What database are you running? Don't tell me you are using Access or something like that... ? http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/wink.gif

I agree, this software can handle this load and alot more. Something is wrong.

This is simple.

Nobody visits the off-topic forum, that's why we post them here.

I agree you need better systems to handle all this data...

I personaly like the OTs here, It gives me the opportunity to keep an eye on the good technical information while I can read some OT that helps me get a good laugh( stress relief)

Wayne,

The archiving has diminished the value a good bit. Since I have been hanging around here for pretty long, I remember and often go looking for information in old posts. That doesn't work anymore.

Limiting OT posts seems like a band-aid. If you reduce total posts by 10%, how much time does that really buy you? And you'll burn much time and effort trying to enforce the new rules.

Seems a solution to expand the capacity would be more effective.

Just my un-solicited 2 cents.

Wayne, I think what is being expressed here is that OT posts bring some value to the BBS. Obviously, most of us feel this forum provides a great source of information that sometimes goes a bit beyond hardcore technical information. For example,the topics on honesty with our spouses really touched a chord with many members and speaks to some real interst and concern. Is there anyway we could place a lifespan on these topics and clear them after 2-4 days, freeing up space yet giving memebers a chance to comment on issues that may be a bit removed from the specific topics this board tries to address? It would be nice to work out some solution.

Bruce Herrmann

That's fair enough, Wayne. Even, if the BBS needs updating, or whatever, it's up to you to tell us what you want us to do. I can understand that you don't want to be spending your time maintaining the server because of OT posts - like not having too many OT posts reduces the amount of deleting old posts you have to do. I'd rather have the old posts.
It's you server and telling us what you want us to do isn't something we should grumble too much about.
Also, I don't think posts like "Hey from the War" by rcilurso are really OT as they say what a BBS member is doing in these hard times - I notice you didn't move it, Wayne. http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/smile.gif
Thanks for the BBS, Wayne!

GIBSON,
I think the, "Honesty with....Wife" thread probably wasn't OT: it concerned Porsches. I'm sure Wayne means the ones that have nothing to do with cars, even. And, there is an OT Forum. I don't get why people don't use it - and go there often if they want too.
Generally, all Wayne is asking us to put OT posts in the OT Forum, or it will limit the database of posts we have on tech. info. on the 911 Forum. I'd rather have that there and talk about Windows XP in the OT Forum, myself.


[This message has been edited by Saffs (edited 11-05-2001).]

I agree, clearly there are OT posts that are way out there, put those in the proper forum.
I just hope we can have a BBS that allows some latitude on issues that may not reflect just the "how do I fix this" issues but promotes a discussion on many areas of Porsche 911 ownership. I find myself reading both types of posts and I learn a lot from each. This is a great BBS, let's fine tune it and keep it great.

I think it should be more clearly defined what is an acceptable OT topic and what is an unacceptable one. Like Saffs said, ones from people like Leland and rcilurso telling us how they are and what's up over in the middle east are (in my opinion) acceptable. But what isn't acceptable? Why don't you give us a better idea Wayne?

Rules suck....

One of our Computer Gods we have on this list should send Wayne a big memory and anything else that will help....kind of like the wizard of oz and the scarecrow thing.....

Sounds simple to me- moderaters move OT posts to OT forum immediately and eventually everyone will learn that is where they go,(sort of like training a puppy), and fix your software. This is an extremely valuable resource FOR PELICAN, the bigger it gets the better for everyone.

I should also add that I believe in a pretty liberal topic policy in general. This is a community of (somewhat) like-minded people.

[This message has been edited by speeder (edited 11-05-2001).]

I agree! (Edit P.S http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/smile.gif Wayne, don't even THINK of messing with Leland or R.J.'s posts!

[This message has been edited by pwd72s (edited 11-05-2001).]

How about a small one or two dollar contribution from the BBS patrons to help Wayne pay for the increased space on the 911 board? We all use it, and could all benefit. Wayne is in business to make money (as are most of us whether we work for someone else or ourselves).

Wayne: Can you set up such an account in your system?

Members: Is this a good idea?

Hey guys, if i remember UBB-things right, OT-board probably resides on same database server as all other boards...so it shouldn't change anything.

Pesonally , i enjoy a little of trivia an OT-posts. It makes me feel at home...

Wasn't this already covered? I think your problem is more with your platform than your BBS software.

Wayne... sounds like it's time to invest in your business infrastructure vs bashing your 911 BB clients for OT posting.

The most notorious OT posters are not even on the 911 forum. I suggest your message is being once again, delivered to the wrong audience.

Groesbeck- I would be happy to contribute a couple $$ to keep this forum unchanged.... I do kinda feel like I have contributed by ordering parts, but if that is not enough I suppose I am in favor of your idea.

The other thing is that by having a forum like this customer loyality is achieved, if whatever changes are considered part of the advertising budget for Pelican it would have to be cheap compared to what other retail companies pay to get the word out. My .02.

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Sean O.
Atlanta, Ga.
87 Carrera Cabriolet

Groesbeck,

Having spent literally thousands of dollars in parts at Pelican, I don't feel terribly motivated to pay Pelican a service fee for the BBS. Especially considering that I could have saved money by shopping elsewhere, but did not because of this BBS and the tech articles.

I agree with the above posters though Wayne - other UBBs out there have postcounts in the hundreds of thousands. For a small investment of money, you could have a nice box running Linux and MySQL - at least that way your expenditure would be limited to hardware and labor.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9 RIP
The Porsche Owners Gallery

The customer is always right.

If I want to post why my ass itches and what the Porsche will do to cure that, then I should have the right.

BTW, this is an OT post too.

I think we're fundamentally forgeting, it's Wayne's BBS! I mean, whatever the server situation, it's really up to him, isn't it?
I think it might be a little rude to say, the customer is always right, I'll post what I want, where I want: have some manners! Again, he's only asking us to post absolute OT posts in the OT Forum. Seems simple enough to me. Why complain, or be critical of is server software? We get a great deal anyhow, really. Putting stuff in the OT Forum is no hardship and it's not like he says no OTs at all. And important posts like RJ aren't moved.
I don't get the problem with it, it's just good manners to say, "OK. That's cool, Wayne".
And I'm not trying to become a moderator!

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'75 911S Targa
'81 BMW Alpina C1 2.3

Keep the OT posts here. This BBS is definetely a community. In fact, I have organized 1 event for Pelican BBS members in Atlanta Ga. and am currently setting up another as we speak. The 1st one was a success, and if I have 2 more successful events(i.e. strong turn-out), then I was going to call you, Wayne, and see about forming an official "Pelican BBS Club" for my area! I believe this could generate business for you as well as providing enjoyment for us. Many of my PCA members either don't know anything about Pelican Parts or don't care because they ahven't experienced this BBS and the wealth of info. it has to offer! At the risk of sounding condescending, I'm not sure you are ready for a surge in business if you have to limit posts due to a memory shortage or whatever is prompting you to suggest this. Think of it like this: You started an online "club", which generates revenues with increased sales. I start a real-world "club" that promotes Pelican Parts, which will generate more business at zero cost to you. Then somebody else follows suit in another city...and so on... and so on. Pretty soon you'd be gobbling up the competition through acquisitions and fall-out just to keep up with the demand for your goods and services! Sounds good to me! Keep the OTs, they make it "real", Wayne.

Doug Martin

I'll speak up in favor of Wayne, knowing exactly what he is talking about.

The customer is always right.
If I want to post why my ass itches and what the Porsche will do to cure that, then I should have the right.

BTW, this is an OT post too.

How are you being a "customer" on a free BBS that we don't exactly pay for, a BBS that gives us the porsche "community" that we all should be GRATEFUL for. You know how much freakin work it is to a) put one of these up, b) maintain one of these things????

OT posts are great, but I'll also have to say that "post why my ass itches" is pretty close to some of the wacko subjects I see on this board.

I'm not trying to single out anyone (i.e. I'm using cabman's post as an example) or berate anyone, but I personally think if Wayne requests us to post lest OT stuff, we should take it to heart instead of protesting - I mean really, I didn't think it was posted as a questionnaire http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/smile.gif

my 2 cents (which is more than I pay for this invaluable source of porsche information)

Brad

I think its fairly obvious that topics about Windows XP are so way OT that they dont belong here.

Topics about members of this board are aceptable I reckon. Even though its not directly about Porsches.

There is a fine line though, for instance:

"What music do you listen to whilst you are driving" should be fine. But just a post about "What music do you listen to" isnt really aceptable.

Of course thats all my own opinion and its aint my BBS.

I do reckon it needs full access to archives though. Its very frustrating. Especialy when you tell someone who has asked a newbie question to search the archives, only to discover the lenghty dicsussions are no longer there.

This board is more than a tech forum. Its more of a community. I dont read it everyday because I have a problem with my car.

Alex.

Business is business. If Wayne wants to, he will. If not, he won't.

Really I don't think it's 'invaluable' (only Wayne can answer that one), and I don't think we have a 'right' (Jeez, give THAT attitude a break).

I do hope it keeps going the way it's been. I like it alot.

But Wayne, your original post does make it sound like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

Good luck and sleep on it. And thanks for all the work - we all appreciate your efforts.

Brian

I'm with Wayne. Off topic posts don't belong here. I think they suck and I don't read them.
Dean

I'm sure it is some work to maintain this board,(although I really don't know how they work), but I can only tell you that I found out about it reading a British Porsche magazine. Pelican is 5 miles from my home, I am a gearhead who knows my parts sources, and I had never heard of them. I've still never seen an ad anywhere. I consider this BBS an amazing promotional tool for Pelican, as well as an invaluable source for enthusiasts. I will be spending some bucks with Pelican this winter that would DEFINITELY have gone elsewhere had I not read about this tech forum,(then become addicted to it).

We should all do what we must to keep it vital. My .02.

Mmmm, yes, but remember the fundamental nature of this website: it's to sell Porsche parts. Pelican (I won't single out Wayne here as I like Wayne) is a business entity, and as long as we "build" our "community" here at the Pelican site, Pelican is guaranteed a wonderful, captive, direct marketing channel.

To put it bluntly, you probably won't see posts here about how Vertex or Performance Products has a better price on a front Targa bar seal. On topic? Yes. Rude to post it on the Pelican forums? Of course.

So it's a symbiotic relationship. Pelican provides a great place for us to trade messages, be they directly on topic or a little off topic. (I'd love to join in the XP conversation - but it's too much trouble to go off to a different forum.) We provide Pelican with money, through parts sales. Those of you who complain "well, I don't buy parts from Pelican!"...well, I guess you still get marketed to, but I'll be damned if my voice isn't a little louder.... http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/smile.gif

So it's a two way street. Those of you who don't like OT threads aren't terribly obliged to read them, so that's not the issue: the question is, "is the forum an integral part of Pelican's business?"

http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/yltype.gif



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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9 RIP
The Porsche Owners Gallery

I think a good example of what some of the guys are saying is summed up in this short hypothetical scenario....
So you're at McDonalds enjoying your hamburger (which you bought) and you put three packs of ketchup on it. This same scene plays out a bunch of times over the course of a few weeks. One day the manager of the store comes up to you and says "excuse me sir, could you please use less ketchup?" and you think "well gee, I did pay for this hamburger, the ketchup costs him very little" Maybe it is a bad example, but you have to admit it does fit. It IS Wayne's board, however without us he wouldn't be as far as he is.

Its Wayne's BBS.

Let him make the rules, and let us follow them.

After all, its HIS BBS.

Efrain
68 912 Coupe

Yea but without US he has NOTHING.

Hello

This is Waynes world and he is god and just imagen the system will brak down due to overload and we all sit several days without any boards. This will be hard for boardaholics.

@82SC

Just rightclick "open in a new frame".
I usually open up to 40 then the computer gets slow and then I work offline.

I usaully load 6 boards including mostly offtopic and Porsche talk if they show new entrys on the startpage.

I´m also a bit anticycle and use the time delay or better said the quiter hours.
There is a messurable difference in the loadtime.


Grüsse

Pelicanparts have had ads in both 911&PorscheWorld and Excellence.


BTW. I agree with those calling this BBS a "community". I like coming here for both Porsche stuff and OT stuff.

38 replies to a topic designed to cut down on OT posts.

seems to me that upgrading the system to handle more is the cost of success.

there is a board at jeepsunlimited that has so much traffic it makes pelican look like a ghost town, and they aren't complaining.

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Daryl 964 Targa