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View Full Version : Is there anything on Bananas.org you feel needs improving?


MediaHound
04-06-2008, 11:13 AM
Hi guys,
I'm going over the "to-do" list of things that need attention here on our website.
I'm trying to make the site a bit more user-friendly and I need your help.
Now that we have so many modules and things to do here at Bananas.org, I want to make sure everything works seamless and integrated as best as can be.
Many of the modules are not tied together as best as they could be, for example, in your profile page you can specify what kinds of bananas you grow, but those specifications don't automatically populate the respective wiki pages (yet).
So give it some thought and if you can think of something that has not yet been discussed, or if it has been a long time since it was discussed and it was never addressed nor fixed since, please post it here. I don't think there are many old requests that were not handled, but perhaps something was lost in the shuffle. So remind me if you know of a feature that needs to be improved, and also if you have some new idea to make the site better, please post it here or via PM to me.
This goes for old and new members, everyone's suggestions are very helpful, so please let me know what needs to be looked at and reworked.
I'm prioritizing the "to-do" list and want to get all the ideas and suggestions into it, so now is the time to let me know what you think could be improved here. I've always asked for feedback as many of you know, but I'm just posting this thread as a reminder and to perhaps bring some old and new ideas and suggestions to the surface. Thanks in advance!

shopgirl2
04-07-2008, 08:38 AM
Yes, I feel something very important is how others act towards each other. Professionalism and courtesy towards each other is of the utmost in order to thrive.

CookieCows
04-07-2008, 01:58 PM
I'm so impressed by your software knowledge or programing. Whatever it is that you do to make so many cool things. I belong to two other forums that have this same type of format and either they don't utilize all that is available or you take it further but I know I am constantly saying things to my husband like... oh it's too bad you don't have a "wiki" on the aquaponics forum! The only thing I can think of is maybe a help section that describes all that this site can do and how to do it and more info into the the wiki. If there was a way for people like me to copy information over from certain posts to the wiki I know I'd be willing to volunteer my time. I just wouldn't know what posts would have the correct information. It would be great to get the wiki built up.

Deb

Bananaman88
04-07-2008, 03:26 PM
How about a "Back to top" button at the bottom of the page? It's not very easy to think of anything when you've done such an awesome job with this site. You've got mucho patience because I think I'd get tired of everyone sending me stuff all the time. As I've said before, You the man!!!

MediaHound
04-07-2008, 03:43 PM
I'm so impressed by your software knowledge or programing. Whatever it is that you do to make so many cool things. I belong to two other forums that have this same type of format and either they don't utilize all that is available or you take it further but I know I am constantly saying things to my husband like... oh it's too bad you don't have a "wiki" on the aquaponics forum! The only thing I can think of is maybe a help section that describes all that this site can do and how to do it and more info into the the wiki. If there was a way for people like me to copy information over from certain posts to the wiki I know I'd be willing to volunteer my time. I just wouldn't know what posts would have the correct information. It would be great to get the wiki built up.

Deb

Thanks Deb. I made a note to flesh out a good help system, I agree, it would be useful to have a guide to reference.
In regards to copying information over to the wiki, copy and paste works great for now. It's hard to automatically associate threads with respective pages in the wiki, but I will give it some thought and perhaps get something created to link to some wiki pages at the bottom of each thread. That way, you can copy whatever it is to your clipboard, and easily find the link to perhaps the proper place in the wiki to paste it in. For now, you can copy the info to your clipboard, then visit the wiki and search for the respective page where it would belong, click the edit link, and paste it there that way.
I'm glad to hear your willing to help there and I will try to make some shortcuts to make it easier to do exactly that.
:)

MediaHound
04-07-2008, 03:45 PM
How about a "Back to top" button at the bottom of the page? It's not very easy to think of anything when you've done such an awesome job with this site. You've got mucho patience because I think I'd get tired of everyone sending my stuff all the time. As I've said before, You the man!!!

Look again, lowest right corner of each page in the forum has exactly that!
:2715:
Thanks for the kind words! Always happy to help :)

xavierdlc61887
04-07-2008, 05:00 PM
Look again, lowest right corner of each page in the forum has exactly that!
:2715:
Thanks for the kind words! Always happy to help :)

lol wow never saw that there :P

Bananaman88
04-07-2008, 05:25 PM
I never cease to amaze myself with my own stupidity! :0493:


Look again, lowest right corner of each page in the forum has exactly that!
:2715:
Thanks for the kind words! Always happy to help :)

Taylor
04-07-2008, 06:15 PM
Wow, that's a nice feature, that I never saw!

island cassie
04-07-2008, 09:48 PM
Jarred - you are the top man!!! You have surpassed anything I could imagine with this site!! Everytime I think there is nothing more to be done - it gets better.

Cassie

Tropicallvr
04-09-2008, 10:15 AM
I agree this site has the best features of any Forum on the web.
The one adjustment that I'd like to see be made is the "banana plants wanted" category. I think it should note under there that it is also for "HAVE to trade", so you don't have to use the banana bucks to trade.
Otherwise things are great.

jewelbaby1224
04-09-2008, 02:59 PM
Jarred, I've built websites but am a newby to forums, the thing I love about this one is that I can easily manuever around in it with no frustration at all. Thank you for all your hard work and patience "for the love of Nanners!"

chong
04-09-2008, 05:54 PM
Jarred,
I sent you a PM regarding being able to place attachments with PMs. Is there a way to do this?

Thanks.

Chong

MediaHound
04-09-2008, 09:26 PM
Thanks for all the feedback! What a great bunch :) I'll try to get each and every suggestion taken care of.

Chong, I have replied to your PM but so the others know - no, you cannot currently attach files to PMs - but I will add this feature, good point!
Thanks for the suggestion.

Keep the feedback coming, its appreciated. I try hard to make the site as good as it can be.

john_ny
04-09-2008, 09:39 PM
The thing I would like to see is where we could each pay our fair share. I look at several other forums, that do not have nearly the features that we get here, and they always say they need money. How do yo do it?

magicgreen
04-09-2008, 10:33 PM
Bananas.org is the most active site ive been on in gardening! Its easy to get around, beautiful pictures, friendly people, free, and tons of knowledge.

I wouldnt mind having a newsletter or magazine once a month.
I wouldnt mind paying to come here either! Like a $ 20.00 a year subscription!

Tropicallvr
04-13-2008, 09:34 PM
I'd pay for it, but that might turn people away if they had to pay, and they were just getting into it.

magicgreen
04-13-2008, 10:05 PM
So true Kyle!
But us folks that have been on here, and know what we have shouldnt have a problem.
Like Randy mentioned a lil' ways back.........$20.00 subscription for a t-shirt or a cup or something like that would be OK.
Just a thought. : - }

Tropicallvr
04-13-2008, 10:11 PM
I'll wait ,ears open, and pay up when it's time to.

chrisltropical
04-19-2008, 10:31 PM
I tried to post a new thread in "Banana Plants Wanted", but it ended up going in "Bananas for Sale & Auction". It was probably my fault.....I haven't researched how to use all the great features on this site yet.

jpfloors
04-30-2008, 07:10 AM
I think the site works just great Jarred, thanks for all of your hard work. There's been a few questions I've had about where things are like how to search members profiles to see who is growing a certain species, and they're already there, I just didn't look closely enough as I'm still kind of new myself! The only thing I've seen that needs updating is integrating the two feedback systems into one, which you've already told me you're working on! Thanks for the great job, and if you ever need support, I'm all in! :bananaflipflop:

austinl01
05-12-2008, 08:14 PM
Jarred, I have an easy suggestion...

Is there any way we can increase the number of characters in the pager function? I really like this feature so I can quickly talk to my friends here. I'm a little long winded at times so increasing the amount of text would be very helpful. Just a thought...

As always, we appreciate you!

Cheers,
Austin

MediaHound
05-12-2008, 09:34 PM
Jarred, I have an easy suggestion...

Is there any way we can increase the number of characters in the pager function? I really like this feature so I can quickly talk to my friends here. I'm a little long winded at times so increasing the amount of text would be very helpful. Just a thought...

As always, we appreciate you!

Cheers,
Austin

Thanks for the kind words.
I just went to increase that limit and found a vulnerability with the pager.
I have just permanently disabled it.
Send me a PM if you want more info about this.

MediaHound
05-12-2008, 10:03 PM
So, granted that might not be the best news, but dont fret because we still have the chatroom here that lets you do a private chat with any of the other members. So if you want to chat with someone, shoot them a PM and tell them to meet you in the chatroom. Then, once you both log into the lobby of the chatroom, you can initiate a private chat by right clicking their username on the side pane.
If more people knew about this, I'm sure they would use it!
If anyone wants to practice, meet me in the chatroom, I'll log in to it now.

xavierdlc61887
06-07-2008, 06:52 PM
jarred is there any way that u can set something up that will notify when members birthday is coming up :P ok well just a thought :D

Chironex
06-07-2008, 11:53 PM
Great job with the site. Absolutely agree with everyones comments. One thing I found that is not a big deal, but every thread I read becomes a subscription thread. Yes, i realize that I can change that, but could we add a check box to elect to subscribe? Some are just one -time views, but I don't necessarily wish to subscribe to them.
Perhaps there is a setting I am missing that already does this? I don't understand the whole linkback, trackback, pingback refback thing. If I have something set incorrectly, please let me know.
Thanks for all you do that makes this site so wonderful for all of us to exchange our ideas, dreams, techniques, photos and humor.

CookieCows
06-08-2008, 12:46 AM
There must be a setting as the only threads I am suscribed to are the ones I click on through the tool box. I just can't remember where I set it up that way but if you don't have an answer by morning, I'll look for it.

Deb

Whatever
06-08-2008, 01:31 AM
At the top of the thread there's a drop down called "Thread tools" in there you will find a link to subscribe to a thread.

Its sort of below where it says the pages at the top.

D_&_T
06-08-2008, 10:45 AM
The only ones we are subscribed to are ones replied too or clicked to subscribe in thread tools.

MediaHound
06-08-2008, 11:09 AM
You can change your default subscription mode in your UserCP, under Options -
http://www.bananas.org/profile.php?do=editoptions
Scroll down to: "Default Thread Subscription Mode"
It is there you can select to either not subscribe when you reply, or to one of several ways to be subscribed. You can get emails instantly, or you can get a daily or weekly digest of 1 email listing all the threads of that day (or week) that got replies.

I added the birthdays to the homepage, when someone is having a birthday, it will appear there. It's a setting in your control panel as well if you wish to display your birthday or not.
Visit your edit profile page:
http://www.bananas.org/profile.php?do=editprofile
You will see in the section "Date of Birth" a setting for privacy. The default, for privacy of the members, is to hide it. So if anyone wants to display it, that's where you can find the setting to enable it.

Chironex, the linkback and refback thing just shows other sites that are linking to our discussion pages. It's not totally automatic though, all the links must be approved. I go through the log every few weeks or months and if anything seems interesting, I add them.
I find it strange that every thread you read you get subscribed to, I think its only threads you are replying to. Can you check to make certain that your being subscribed to threads that your merely reading? I have not heard about that before.

Kind regards everyone!

Chironex
06-08-2008, 12:31 PM
Chironex, the linkback and refback thing just shows other sites that are linking to our discussion pages. It's not totally automatic though, all the links must be approved. I go through the log every few weeks or months and if anything seems interesting, I add them.
I find it strange that every thread you read you get subscribed to, I think its only threads you are replying to. Can you check to make certain that your being subscribed to threads that your merely reading? I have not heard about that before.

Thanks so much. I think it might be when I post a reply. Never really checked what the trigger was. I will adjust my settings and remember these tips.

MediaHound
06-08-2008, 03:42 PM
Sure thing Scot, thanks for the feedback and glad to provide the tips.
For one person who asks, 100 were wondering ;)

Chironex
06-28-2008, 01:21 PM
Jarred, I came across an idea that I would like to see. Once a PM is opened, one must go back to the inbox to delete it. Would it be possible to put this option right in the PM dialogue, so that after i review the contents, or they become outdated, they could be deleted right there. It would also be great if deleting it opens up the next PM in the series automatically. This will make housekeeping easier.

xavierdlc61887
06-28-2008, 01:37 PM
or if its 5 months old get a notification that they will be deleted in a period of time.....saves from going and deleteing old mail and having your mail box full all the time :P

Dean W.
06-30-2008, 01:24 PM
Jarred,

Why is it I use to get notifications when somebody posted comments to my photos, but now there is no notifications? I know I accidently pressed no notifications on one picture, but it appears it's happening to all of them. When I go to my members gallery it shows what appears to be all of my pictures. The only option is to check boxes and unsubscribe. Must be a glitch somewhere.

Thanks,

Dean W.
06-30-2008, 01:26 PM
In edition when I go to Manage Photos. It says, "This album contains no photos."

Thanks again,

Dean W.
06-30-2008, 09:44 PM
It's working now. :D

MediaHound
07-01-2008, 04:40 PM
Jarred, I came across an idea that I would like to see. Once a PM is opened, one must go back to the inbox to delete it. Would it be possible to put this option right in the PM dialogue, so that after i review the contents, or they become outdated, they could be deleted right there. It would also be great if deleting it opens up the next PM in the series automatically. This will make housekeeping easier.

When you are reading a PM, the top right corner of the PM has a dropdown menu - it is there you can select "Delete" and then press the "Go" button.
Cheers

Richard
07-03-2008, 11:32 AM
Under the grouping Other Topics, please consider adding a forum Other Recipies. Here we could devote threads to preserves, pies, quiches, cakes, dried fruits, wines, beers, and other foods we make from our gardens. Thanks!

mskitty38583
07-03-2008, 12:43 PM
yes, like that yummy apricot triple pie richard was sporting around in pictures. i had to go get some apricots this morning...thanks richard! lol.:bananarow::bananarow::bananarow::bananarow::bananarow:

Richard
07-05-2008, 07:08 PM
Under the grouping Other Topics, please consider adding a forum Other Recipies. Here we could devote threads to preserves, pies, quiches, cakes, dried fruits, wines, beers, and other foods we make from our gardens. Thanks!

Anybody else like this idea?

jpfloors
07-09-2008, 12:15 AM
I just found a small issue. I received an e-mail from a member on here, e-mailed through the "Send a message via email to" link in the profiles. I had sent two e-mails until I relized you cannot click reply in the e-mail.. it goes to that person's name with spaces betwween @ and then goes to bananas.org (which isn't a valid e-mail address anyways).

Is there anyway that the system can generate the "reply to" to automatically set in the users e-mail address in the "to" field of the replied e-mail? If not, can the wording be placed into the e-mail in higher sized font and in bold or someway of making it stick out. I actually did look for that originally before clicking reply.

Thanks!

Taylor
07-09-2008, 12:17 AM
Is that why Benny (Bencelest) never replied to my email?

jpfloors
07-09-2008, 12:21 AM
Is that why Benny (Bencelest) never replied to my email?

Probably

damaclese
07-09-2008, 07:50 AM
MH. i was chating with gabe and a cupal of other pepol and wanted to cut and past in to the chat texst box and found that this could not be dun do you think we could make that posibal or is that on my end and has to be changed by me?

Taylor
07-09-2008, 10:40 AM
Hey Pauly,
I know I am not MediaHound but I found that you have to right-click on the text box, and click paste....rather than CTRL V.

jpfloors
07-09-2008, 04:50 PM
Hey Pauly,
I know I am not MediaHound but I found that you have to right-click on the text box, and click paste....rather than CTRL V.

actually it's CTRL + c

jpfloors
07-09-2008, 04:51 PM
I just found a small issue. I received an e-mail from a member on here, e-mailed through the "Send a message via email to" link in the profiles. I had sent two e-mails until I relized you cannot click reply in the e-mail.. it goes to that person's name with spaces betwween @ and then goes to bananas.org (which isn't a valid e-mail address anyways).

Is there anyway that the system can generate the "reply to" to automatically set in the users e-mail address in the "to" field of the replied e-mail? If not, can the wording be placed into the e-mail in higher sized font and in bold or someway of making it stick out. I actually did look for that originally before clicking reply.

Thanks!

Okay, found out that by hitting "reply" the email does go through so... nevermind ! LOL

MediaHound
07-09-2008, 05:49 PM
Under the grouping Other Topics, please consider adding a forum Other Recipies. Here we could devote threads to preserves, pies, quiches, cakes, dried fruits, wines, beers, and other foods we make from our gardens. Thanks!

Great idea Richard, thank you! I have just added it:
Other Recipes (http://www.bananas.org/f259/)
This forum is for recipes for foods we make from our gardens, from plants aside from bananas. Preserves, pies, quiches, cakes, dried fruits, wines, beers, and other recipes from foods made from bounty from your garden belong in this forum. Share your most prized secret recipes for others to enjoy!

MediaHound
07-09-2008, 05:52 PM
MH. i was chating with gabe and a cupal of other pepol and wanted to cut and past in to the chat texst box and found that this could not be dun do you think we could make that posibal or is that on my end and has to be changed by me?
Hi Pauly,
I think perhaps you were trying in the wrong area.
I just tested and I can do both - right click and select "paste", and also "ctrl+V", where I hold the control key and press the v key to paste. Both methods work.
To do this though, first you must place your cursor in the textbox at the bottom of the chat window. If you try over the top portion of the chat window, it wont work. Try it in the box to the left of the "Send" button and let me know. I want to help you get it right, I'll give you a phone call if needed to walk you through it. Cheers

jpfloors
07-09-2008, 05:54 PM
Hi Pauly,
I think perhaps you were trying in the wrong area.
I just tested and I can do both - right click and select "paste", and also "ctrl+V", where I hold the control key and press the v key to paste. Both methods work.
To do this though, first you must place your cursor in the textbox at the bottom of the chat window. If you try over the top portion of the chat window, it wont work. Try it in the box to the left of the "Send" button and let me know. I want to help you get it right, I'll give you a phone call if needed to walk you through it. Cheers

Oh, I thought you meant CTRL + v to copy and was thinking it was a typo. I've ONLY used shift + insert to do it.. don't think I could break that habit! Does it have to be a cap "V"?

Taylor
07-09-2008, 05:56 PM
Does it have to be a cap "V"?

Nope...

damaclese
07-10-2008, 08:10 AM
Hey Pauly,
I know I am not MediaHound but I found that you have to right-click on the text box, and click paste....rather than CTRL V. sorry guys but im runing a vary egsotic form of vista i helped develop alsow im uesing a Browser thats not in wide spred ues so nun of thouse work its just a mater of MH adding the code that my browser can read
exslporer 7 (7.0.0061.1800) some of you mite have it as its been out for about a year but iv had alot of msg from viereas site telling me to upgrade to 6 so i know its got to be the version im uesing its one of the draw backs to testining new soft ware i like it becaus its practicly hack proof at least for now lol

Whatever
07-10-2008, 08:47 AM
For the flash chat you have to right-click to copy or paste.

Do you mean "Internet Explorer"? As in what comes with windows? Its about the most wide spread browser ever. 7 is actually "out dated" now since internet explorer 8 is out. But if you have vista it should have come with 8.

It should have nothing to do with the site. Other then in the flash chat you have to manually right click then copy or paste but that goes for everyone.

MediaHound
07-10-2008, 08:58 AM
Hi Pauly, its not the site, its your browser. I would ask you to reinstall the latest version of 7 if you can still get it, or 8, direct from Microsoft and also scan your computer for viruses and spyware.
I think if you are getting notices you need to upgrade your browser to "6", there is probably some spyware on your computer interfering with your browsing experience. Start with a clean slate and reinstall your browser or at least to a deep scan and find out what the real problem is! Also I would suggest browsing with Firefox Firefox web browser | Faster, more secure, & customizable (http://www.firefox.com) try downloading and installing that, and installing the latest version of Flash player http://www.adobe.com/go/gntray_dl_getflashplayer and report back if the problem is solved.

damaclese
07-10-2008, 02:57 PM
Hi Pauly, its not the site, its your browser. I would ask you to reinstall the latest version of 7 if you can still get it, or 8, direct from Microsoft and also scan your computer for viruses and spyware.
I think if you are getting notices you need to upgrade your browser to "6", there is probably some spyware on your computer interfering with your browsing experience. Start with a clean slate and reinstall your browser or at least to a deep scan and find out what the real problem is! Also I would suggest browsing with Firefox Firefox web browser | Faster, more secure, & customizable (http://www.firefox.com) try downloading and installing that, and installing the latest version of Flash player http://www.adobe.com/go/gntray_dl_getflashplayer and report back if the problem is solved.ya the 7 i have was never relesed it was a bate test thats probly why its not working right i ment to get rid of it but just never got around to it thanks for the info Pauly

Whatever
07-10-2008, 03:07 PM
ya the 7 i have was never relesed it was a bate test thats probly why its not working right i ment to get rid of it but just never got around to it thanks for the info Pauly

Ah gotca.

jpfloors
07-12-2008, 03:05 PM
Would it be possible to have the auction pages state the exact time that an auction ends? I just got an e-mail asking the exact time it ends, and, well, I couldn't answer that. LOL Don't remember the time of day I listed the auction.

MediaHound
07-12-2008, 03:16 PM
What do you guys think about the auction / classifieds system, anyway? I might run a poll and get everyone's take on it..

Chironex
07-12-2008, 03:17 PM
Jarred, is there a way to bookmark specific posts, other than the "favorites" or "bookmarks" feature in my browser? I would like to be able to have a ready reference for specific posts for future reference.
That way I could find them quickly and categorize them according to my specifications and headings or topics.
Thanks!

MediaHound
07-12-2008, 03:17 PM
btw, regardless, there will be a big version upgrade with the classifieds shortly... a few things in there I am not happy with..

MediaHound
07-12-2008, 03:22 PM
Jarred, is there a way to bookmark specific posts, other than the "favorites" or "bookmarks" feature in my browser? I would like to be able to have a ready reference for specific posts for future reference.
That way I could find them quickly and categorize them according to my specifications and headings or topics.
Thanks!

Scot,
What I would do is click the subscribe to thread feature. Then visit your UserCP and click to view all your subscribed threads. Perhaps one day we can make it more robust to make two different lists (subscribed threads, and favorite threads), for now, thats the easiest way.

chong
07-12-2008, 03:43 PM
I just asked this question to an Auctioneer - what the exact time his auction will end on the final day. And he replied that he didn't know the answer because he believed you (Jarred) were the one who terminates the posting. Can you please enlighten us on this?

Thank you.

Chong

jpfloors
07-12-2008, 03:47 PM
I just asked this question to an Auctioneer - what the exact time his auction will end on the final day. And he replied that he didn't know the answer because he believed you (Jarred) were the one who terminates the posting. Can you please enlighten us on this?

Thank you.

Chong

Sorry Chong, maybe I didn't make it clear in the PM LOL I'm a little down on the weather right now. I meant that Jarred would be able to look it up and he would know the exact time, but that the auctions themselves don't say the exact time until after there's less than 24 hours ( I think ).

mm4birds
07-15-2008, 10:14 PM
I think plants in classified for sale should be offered either at a set price or placed on auction and not as "make offer". With an auction the price offered is posted and you as a buyer have the option of bidding higher or not, whereas with the "make offer" it is escentially a sealed bid and you have no idea what is going on. On Ebay some items are offered as "buy it now" or "best offer" which at least gives the buyer a price reference to use in bidding. I think this would make the auction fairer and more fun. Just my opinion. :bananas_b

microfarmer
07-15-2008, 11:35 PM
I don't know...

Sealed bid is a very acceptable way to hold an auction, and the sunday paper's classifieds are similar. How do you know if you are the high or low 'offerer'?

You don't...

You give a price of what you can afford, what you think it's worth, or what you think someone will take for it, and then the ball's in their court.

If you win, good, if you don't... then you look for another similar item for what you're 'offering'.


Some people never offer enough...

tlturbo
07-16-2008, 07:07 AM
Opinions on the classified and auction sections??

Yep - I have one but like most of my opinions, it probably will make a few people upset.

This is (or was) a site devoted to Banana hobbyists and when we had a few extra pups we always could sell them to someone else on here and most did so at a real decent price. Now I notice that several people who are obviously in the growing and selling business have found the sale and auction site a good place to market their plants.

I absolutely, positively hate the old Garden Web forums BUT the one thing I did appreciate was that they DID NOT ALLOW any commercial activity on the boards.

I know a lot of members probably have mini (or larger) nurseries and I have no objection to them selling a few plants now and then but I don't think it is fair to us backyard hobbyist growers to have obvious commercial growers using this board as a marketing tool.

Whatever
07-16-2008, 07:37 AM
Opinions on the classified and auction sections??

Yep - I have one but like most of my opinions, it probably will make a few people upset.

This is (or was) a site devoted to Banana hobbyists and when we had a few extra pups we always could sell them to someone else on here and most did so at a real decent price. Now I notice that several people who are obviously in the growing and selling business have found the sale and auction site a good place to market their plants.

I absolutely, positively hate the old Garden Web forums BUT the one thing I did appreciate was that they DID NOT ALLOW any commercial activity on the boards.

I know a lot of members probably have mini (or larger) nurseries and I have no objection to them selling a few plants now and then but I don't think it is fair to us backyard hobbyist growers to have obvious commercial growers using this board as a marketing tool.

I would have to agree with this. I never really liked the vbulletin classified script and just don't think it works well with a forum. I would much prefer just a buy/sell/trade forum where people can sell some extra stuff they want to get rid of.

Richard
07-16-2008, 08:37 AM
Jarred,
Regarding auctions, perhaps the "low hanging fruit" is to give the originator a check box to choose whether or not bids are visible or invisible to everyone viewing the ad.

At the very least, you might add a few words in the "Offers" title so that users know that currently the only offers they see are their own. ;)

Lagniappe
07-16-2008, 09:32 AM
I was told there would be refreshments......:P

Richard
07-16-2008, 11:20 AM
...
I absolutely, positively hate the old Garden Web forums BUT the one thing I did appreciate was that they DID NOT ALLOW any commercial activity on the boards.
...


By commercial activity, I take it you don't mean someone who sells a few hundred plants at swap meets, garden club sales, and this site, but rather someone or some company that annually nets a living wage for 1 or more persons selling 1000's of plants per year.

Since joining in January 2008, I have yet to see an ad from someone in this latter category. Did I miss one? Who specifically?


...
I don't think it is fair to us backyard hobbyist growers to have obvious commercial growers using this board as a marketing tool.

I would personally find it annoying to have the Classifieds filled up with ads from "commercial" growers. However: In what way is it not fair?

saltydad
07-16-2008, 11:47 AM
Just as we have a "Top" button at the bottom of the page, could we have a "Bottom" button at the top of the first post so we are taken to the last post on the page? Thanks.

magicgreen
07-16-2008, 12:04 PM
Well I personally am glad the members on here "sell' and "trade" their plants!!!
Getting their advice and seeing their photos clinches it for me!!
I trust people on this forum wayyyyyyyyy more than I trust ebay and the plant centers!!!
Even nursery people with huge greenhouses don't hardly know what they're doing or what a plant IS!!! And thats the truth!!
I havent noticed anyone doing 1000's of $ in advertising or selling!! Anybody notice that?
Why stir up trouble when there's none around?
"If it ain't broke........don't fix-it!!
Everything is going fine AGAIN, and again the devils advocate comes knocking on the door!!!

Whatever
07-16-2008, 12:10 PM
Just to be clear I just don't really like the classified's "script" "mod" whatever and would just rather have a regular forum for it but thats just me.

Richard
07-16-2008, 12:57 PM
Just to be clear I just don't really like the classified's "script" "mod" whatever and would just rather have a regular forum for it but thats just me.

I like the classified section -- that way I don't have to go diving through threads to find out if someone has a plant I'm interested in buying or trading for. :D

But what did tlturbo (http://www.bananas.org/member-tlturbo.html) mean here (?): unfair commercial activity (http://www.bananas.org/f5/there-anything-bananas-org-you-feel-4224.html#post44782)

mskitty38583
07-17-2008, 01:25 AM
i have to put my pennies in here: i think i have traded more on here then i have bought or sold. i like the tradein/buy/selling classifieds. i think its more fun to trade( because most of us put extra things in the box as a suprise for the person recieving the box). its almost like christmas morning when you open the paper and find a cherrios box....but inside you find a pair of gardening gloves,a new spade and packs of seeds. just the idea that someone gets their stuff and, "wow they thought enought to send an extra goodie"! i like the classifieds! jmo!

tlturbo
07-17-2008, 08:55 AM
I'm sorry Richard but I have gone through my post several times and I can't seem to find where I used the term "unfair commercial activity". Could you please post the sentence that contains it so I will know how to explain the comment if I did indeed make it.

I agree with mskitty. I used to trade occasionally on here but I also bought or sold a plant now and then to others that said they had an extra pup of the variety I wanted or wanted an extra one I had. I even bought a canna once.

The purpose of this thread was to ask "Is there anything on Bananas.org you feel needs improving". I simply posted a comment on something that irritates me and is just my worthless opinion.

Jarred has done a bang up job and several times people have suggested how to get him $$ to support his efforts. On most other boards I belong to (specialty cars for example), anyone can sell a part or 2 now and then. BUT if you are engaged in a "money making venture" you need to pay to be a contributing vendor and in turn get an advertising banner across the top of the web site. The same software is used so I'm sure Jarred knows how to do this.

I have noticed that there are several people on the board who obviously propogate plants with the intent of selling them to make money. It's obvious when they advertise every week and post pictures of palms, bamboo, fruit, bananas, whatever and show pictures of big greenhouses with liners and hundreds of pots all over. To me this is a "money making venture" and a lot different than most of us who have plants in our yard and occasionally cut off a pup to sell to someone. I feel these people are taking advantage of this board and using it as free marketing for their venture. My opinion is if they want to continually sell plants of all kinds on the board, they should pay to be an advertiser.

Again, just my opinion but I think Jarred should establish some guidelines or limits.
Flame suit on.

Richard
07-17-2008, 09:11 AM
I'm sorry Richard but I have gone through my post several times and I can't seem to find where I used the term "unfair commercial activity".

It was right here:


I don't think it is fair to us backyard hobbyist growers to have obvious commercial growers using this board as a marketing tool.

What do mean by "fair" ?

tlturbo
07-17-2008, 10:10 AM
I guess I didn't realize you were "piecing together" various parts of a sentence to make another phrase.

As far as the term "unfair" goes, it has nothing to do with their activities infringing on my ability to sell my own stuff. Taking into account my time to dig it out, box it up, drive to the post office and then ship it, I never made a penny. It was done simply to get someone else a plant they wanted. And it has probably been a year since I bought or sold anything on here.

I just don't think it is "fair" or better yet, "right" for someone who is obviously trying to make money to have access to do unlimited advertising to our membership. But then again, I hate telemarketers, mass mailings, etc.

I feel if you are running a business or trying to make money at your hobby then pay up for the right to advertise and market to our membership.

And congrats on making 1573 posts in 6 1/2 months.

Richard
07-17-2008, 11:02 AM
...
I just don't think it is "fair" or better yet, "right" for someone who is obviously trying to make money to have access to do unlimited advertising to our membership. But then again, I hate telemarketers, mass mailings, etc.

I feel if you are running a business or trying to make money at your hobby then pay up for the right to advertise and market to our membership.

And congrats on making 1573 posts in 6 1/2 months.

Thanks, now I have a better understanding of your point of view.

Here's how I look at it. Consider a person or company selling perennial plants around 24-inch tall and with roots that merit a gallon-size pot or larger. Their costs are $3 to $5 dollars per plant for soil, water, nutrition, and shelter from inclimate weather. If they have to heat their shelter, add another dollar or two per plant. If they manage to sell 1000 of these plants at $10 a piece, they profit $5,000. Considering the labor hours, that's more of a philanthropy. Now suppose they manage to sell 1000 of these plants at $20 a piece -- the usually price you see from sellers of quality plants of this size. Now their profit is $15,000. I view this second scenario as commercial activity -- although marginal at just a 1000 plants. There are many commercial growers here in San Diego county who produce 100,000 to 4,000,000 plants this size per year, employing 5 to 20 people each. That's what it takes to profit in the nursery industry.

Terry, I don't find anyone in any of these categories advertising in the Classifieds on Bananas.org. Sandy (http://www.bananas.org/classifeds/feedback/all/143.html) is perhaps the largest seller here, and she only sells several hundred plants of this nature per year. She is also courteous, and usually only runs 1 ad at a time. Several people have commented that they have purchased great plants from her that they couldn't otherwise obtain. Also, she participates in the Forums providing much needed expert advice. If she manages to earn enough money for an extra vacation per year, then I'm o.k. with that.

jpfloors
07-17-2008, 03:34 PM
Feedback on the classified updates... don't like what I've noticed that is different... LOL I received three e-mails from you (Jarred) stating the auciton was ended. The first was the one that usually got sent out, but the second two, identical, showed the purchase price, but doesn't account for shippping $$$$ so... I got paid, minus shipping. Maybe there could be a way to add shipping (for domestic at least) in a form type area like you would put starting price and so on.... then it could automatically calculate it in. And possibly (maybe I'm stretching it too far) making it recognize where it's being shipped to (domestic vs. int) and if not domestic, it wont allow for an automatic payment... But probably would be best to just remove the ability to automatically make a payment.

Chironex
08-08-2008, 10:59 PM
Ok, here is something that I would think is useful. Is there a way to organize our PM inbox and sent box so that they would be threaded? This way I could easily follow the conversation from the first PM through all subsequent PM's on the same topic. Does that make sense?

MediaHound
08-09-2008, 10:26 AM
Makes total sense Chironex, its not something thats available currently. People would need to click the "reply" button to automatically quote the previous message(s), and if they don't, it will appear as a new PM and slightly disorganized. Let me wrap my head around that and see if it can be improved. Slim chance though as its major rewriting of the code, but let me see what I can do...

MediaHound
08-09-2008, 10:33 AM
Just as we have a "Top" button at the bottom of the page, could we have a "Bottom" button at the top of the first post so we are taken to the last post on the page? Thanks.

Interesting suggestion. Perhaps your keyboard has an "page down" key? It's probably above your arrow keys, if you have a desktop computer. Laptops are a different story alltogether. Most modern keyboards do though, just mash that and it will take you to the bottom of the page. It would be tricky to put a bottom button but not impossible, I see how it can be done. I will add that to the list of things to do, hopefully one day I will get it going for you.
I would also like to point out a little known feature of the site. When you are searching for new threads, new posts, etc, there's a little arrow that will appear on threads you posted in, and when you click that arrow, it takes you to your last post in the thread, so you can catch up where you left off. The arrow looks like this: http://www.bananas.org/images/statusicon/lastupost.gif

linda-lu
08-09-2008, 03:20 PM
Hi MediaHound,

First, thank you for running this great forum. Though I haven't posted much since joining, I have been enjoying reading all of the threads.

The one thing I miss a little as a new member is the ability to swith to old posts first mode. Now I have to scroll back and go to the last page in order to figure out what each thread is about.

Just a suggestion,

Linda.

MediaHound
08-10-2008, 12:55 AM
Chironex, there is the "View First Unread" link, that should help. See it?

Linda, visit this link please:
http://www.bananas.org/profile.php?do=editoptions
Scroll down to "Thread Display Mode". What is yours set to?
Learn more about the different settings here:
Bananas.org - FAQ: General Forum Usage (http://www.bananas.org/faq.php?faq=vb_board_usage#faq_vb_threadedmode)
I think that should give you what you are looking for, yes?

magicgreen
08-10-2008, 02:18 AM
Jarred is there a way to get in contact with members other than internet?
Sometimes "US" people get sick or maybe need help and don't wanna ask.
Some members that were on here when I started arent here now, and I wonder what happened to them.
I know this is internet and impersonal and all, but.......This site is my own very personal space that I retreat to, to help me do my thing which is to grow the genus musa.
And US together makes up a very different type of feel good family.
And I hate to think I could of been a help when someone needed it.
Just thinking outloud.
Lynn

Richard
08-10-2008, 02:24 AM
Lynn, if "by Internet" you mean by sending a PM from Bananas.org -- then sometimes yes. Look at the persons profile. Some users provide their real email address. It doesn't show the actual address, but if you click on the link they receive email -- in which your real email address can be sent. Also, some folks have provided their website, and looking there you might find a phone number or two.

MediaHound
08-12-2008, 05:32 PM
Lynn, its tricky to offer something like that where members would put their personal info such as phone number for the world to see. We dont have a hard copy members list (yet!) of the members of the Society but perhaps one day we will do a special list that we can mail out and in it have the real contact info such as phone, email, address, fax, yadda yadda ya..