Let's clean up this board.

[the flying dutchman]

Yes Benny, thats also a possibility, I agree with you

The whole point is, nomatter what you invent, there will always be members
who disagree with who is in the Hall of Fame.

For instance, you can say when someone is 2 or 3 years long a member he
should be in.
Okay, then we put that member in. What happens? other members say 'Hey,
he might be a member for 2 years but he has only made 50 posts'.

You see, thats the problem we have to solve.

But thanks for your input, those are all ideas wich help us how to do things..

Thanks

Ron

[Bananaman88]

I've resisted posting on this thread up until this point. I agree with some points and disagree with others, as I'm sure we all do. For my part, I'm a professional horticulturist, but when anyone begins growing something new to them there is a learning curve. I have been growing bananas for over 5 years now and I still learn a lot from this site. I don't get annoyed with what some may consider basic or simple questions. I have them myself sometimes. At the same time, I appreciate people like Gabe and Jarred for being able to answer more complicated question for us. There's room for everyone here!

I have to say that all-in-all, I feel that it is a great site with an outstanding job being done by Jarred and all the moderators. For anyone who isn't happy with things here, as it has been stated, there are other forums out there. I just happen to think this one is pretty darn good! Thanks for the efforts put in on this site by everyone...members included. We all make it what it is!

[bigdog]

I've been growing bananas for about 7-8 years, along with other subtropical plants. Mainly cold-hardy subtropicals that will survive in my Tennessee landscape (more than I ever would have dreamed about 8 years ago!). I have made bananas my number one hobby/obsession, and research them extensively. This by no means makes me any kind of expert though! Hah! There are some recent additions to this forum that oversee plantations, for crying out loud, or who have been or still are professors in the field of horticulture or botany. Others have been growing bananas for 20+ years. I immediately siezed on this board directly after its inception, as an alternative to the Gardenweb banana forum. It seems that on that forum, nobody wants to bother using the "search" feature to find answers to their questions. So you see the same questions, over and over and over, ad nauseum. Most of them are about how to protect their Musa basjoo or whatever. Go do a search on there on "Musa basjoo" and see how many repeat questions there are. I just think that people get too lazy to search for an answer to their questions, that have probably already been answered 100 times before. That doesn't mean I have a problem with anybody asking questions, just that they not be so lazy and use the search feature. That was part of the attraction of this forum, was that the discussion seemed to be a bit more intellectual. It has deteriorated to some extent, but it doesn't have to be that way. The three forums that I suggested, the seed germination, species, and cold-hardy bananas, were intended to be avenues for intellectual discussion. It seems that no thread is safe from being "hijacked," and posts becoming way off-topic in the same thread. That is what really irks me! I don't mind if somebody wants to post about their dogs or animals or tractors or whatever, but keep all of that stuff in the Tiki Hut or where it is appropriate. And if you are reading about a thread on Musa cheesmani, please don't ask what's wrong with your Super Dwarf Cavendish (that's hypothetical, but you get the point)! I also notice that members start "talking" to each other within threads, instead of PM'ing, emailing, or using the vbpager that Jarred set up. This is all complete dead space for the rest of us, who don't care what you had for breakfast yesterday(again, I'm making that up).

Jarred, maybe you could make a Sticky Thread in the Main Banana Discussion (or all forums) reminding users to use the search feature first before posting a new thread with a question that's been answered before. Some may not realize it is even there or how to use it. It might save repeat posts that clog up space.

I couldn't care less who is in the Hall of Fame, including me. Maybe it should just be called "The 1000 Post Club" or something like that. I agree with some others on here though, that the title of "Hall of Fame" conjures up thoughts of somebody who did something especially worthy of recognition, not just made 1000 posts. Its meaning is diminished in that respect.

I never have liked the titles. You have some members on here who should be considered Grand Pubas, but are still Junior Members because of their post count. Some folks have been on here since 2005, and still have the title of Junior Member or less. Makes no sense to me.

Moderators, you guys do a great job! I think you guys should start looking for more moderators though, since this board is growing so quickly. I've got an idea as to what kind of posts are deleted, such as ones with vulgar language or attacks, etc. Perhaps posts that have absolutely ZERO bearing on the topic in the thread, and are obviously not part of the discussion, should be deleted also. Not sure if that might cause some hard feelings or whatnot, but it would clean up some threads. I don't know if I'm coming across clearly on this or not, LOL. You know, I've probably got some posts of my own that were hijacking somebody elses thread and not even realized it.

Hope I didn't hurt anybody's feelings. I'm just trying to make some suggestions for the betterment of this forum so that we ALL might enjoy it!

Frank

[bencelest]

Originally Posted by bigdog

I couldn't care less who is in the Hall of Fame, including me. Maybe it should just be called "The 1000 Post Club" or something like that. I agree with some others on here though, that the title of "Hall of Fame" conjures up thoughts of somebody who did something especially worthy of recognition, not just made 1000 posts. Its meaning is diminished in that respect.

Frank

Frank:
I agree with you 100%. You said it loud and clear. Some may disagree with you but I am all for everything that you said and do.
Yes, Hall of Fame should be dedicated to some knowledgeable individuals who contributed to this forum exceptionally. I hope more people will voice their opinion on this.
And like Frank said, Jarred, Gabe and Ron are doing more than an excellent job in running this forum. Your expertise about bananas are exceptional and I salute you guys for your dedications.
I am learning a lot here everyday.

[magicgreen]

All your suggestions are good Frank, as well as alot of others! We all have to remember that we are human and sometimes a post or so will go off topic; just as long as we remember to get back on topic!

My sentiments exactly about GW banana forum. When i came here it was really great to see so much technical post on the bananas. And i was astounded by all the knowledge the members displayed (still am) When iam at my civic garden classes, people are pumping me (ME!) with questions because ive learned so much!

I apologize if i offended anyone with my venting.......had a bad day, and should not of put it on my site that I do LOVE very much!

Lynn......................

[bencelest]

Lynn:
I am glad to see that you came back and posted again.

[magicgreen]

Benny, I cant stay away.....It would be detrimental to my health!
You see..........Iam officially addicted to the bananas,this site, and the members!

P.S. Not to mention the other tropicals ive been introduced to here on this site!
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!

[tlturbo]

I think FRANK pretty well summed it all up. I agree with all his comments. BUT this board is only taking the standard route for a board that is growing. After the initial 100 or so of us got to know everyone and asked all our stupid questions, we got to feeling beyond the neebie questions. I know at times I thought if I saw another post abut how to separate pups, I would SCREAM. But we all (me anyway) started that way. I will admit, tolerance is NOT one of my better traits and I too apologize for starting this thread, BUT if all this conversation helps improve an already great site, I'll take the flaming for starting it. I was totally surprised at the response to this thread.
NOW the big question - do I get in the Hall of Fame when a thread I started gets over a 100 replies??? JUST KIDDING. Maybe my title should be "Aggitator".

Terry

[natedogg1026]

This may seem a little off track but I think it pertains. I can't help but feel some of this Hall of Fame controversy comes from lack or recognition to some of those who deserve it. It's all being based on how many times you've posted and that doesn't recognize all who deserve it. I know the hall of fame was created to be a fun thing and I'm not saying do away with it, but how about putting a History section in the blue bar above. Kind of a Wiki of Banana's.Org. A place where it shows recognition to those who started this site and how it began. For instance,I read a post from Zac earlier and I thought he was new, but read on to find out he's one of the originators who was here waaaaaay before me. I think people like that deserve recognition. And Jarred, some newbies don't even know who he is and how much he does to keep this thing going. He needs a place where his name and title can be seen. I think that this would give a place to really see who are mentors are. Maybe a list with the moderators and what they actually do so people understand their contributions. I just like knowing who my teachers are, I do consider myself the student. I like to recognize the knowledgeable and know who makes this FREE site possible .Thanx Guys! As far as those who post a lot, Great! To me they are learning and sharing and that's what were here for. I don't want to discredit anyone who is not a moderator, horticulture expert, originator, etc but recognize those who are. I think they deserve it and in a place where everyone can see it. Me myself. Bottom of the food chain on here. But I'm learning and making new friends and there's no where to go but up! What do you guys think? Just and idea.-NATE

[Zac in NC]

I'm not from the very beginning, but I am from a time when this forum was a lot smaller than it is now. I had been chatting with Gabe for like 6 months on AIM before I got onto the forum. I joined in May of 06. This type of thread comes up every now and then on boards, and eventually things just die back down. People also come and go on forums like this. Sometimes its hard to remember all of the forums, when there are so many to post in.

Zac

[austinl01]

Should we cap the enrollment for the forum then? Is this a possible solution, or is it just nonsense?!

[bencelest]

Terry:
You make me LMAO!

[the flying dutchman]

7 posts to go for Terry and he is in the Hall of Fame if no mod closes this
thread at 99 posts

Just kidding Terry , i know you can take it.

Ron

[MediaHound]

I could have sworn I replied to Frank's post this morning, perhaps I did not click submit.
What I wanted to say was that lets then add #5 and #6:

1. The image rotator on the bananas.org homepage needs attention on what goes in and what stays out, that I will handle programatically.
2. automatic User Titles need attention, they are misleading, that I want to determine a new set of titles with you guys, so lets talk about them as suggested three posts up
3. "Banana Expert" plaque can be setup to assign a special rank, as deserved on an individual basis.
4. Hall of Fame direction is being revisited
5. Add sticky threads and advise people to search before posting, and mention other tidbits of netiquette perhaps. It's always wise to check for a sticky thread before posting in any forum, to learn the rules of the land. If we put a few strategic sticky posts around, perhaps we can change the tone of things and keep certain types of (new) threads from surfacing as often.
6. Encourage people to use the "Report Post" feature more often. This way, if a thread or a post is about to throw the train off the tracks, you guys can help the moderators and I to catch them and act accordingly, perhaps delete the post or hide the thread. <-- thats what that button does next to each post, click it to report a post. You stay moderately anonymous, just the moderators (Ron or Gabe, and I) can see the report and that you made it, the other members cannot. We get an email notice of the report instantly, and the moderators can discuss the report in a special forum that only they can see. You guys are encouraged to report posts if you feel it's in the best interest of our mission.

Originally Posted by Zac in NC

Sometimes its hard to remember all of the forums, when there are so many to post in.

http://www.bananas.org/downloads/ForumOrganizerFull.msi
^ Zac, that's for you (and everyone else)
This handy software to keep track of all your forum memberships, and it also makes it very easy to log into all your messageboards, and even post the same message to each, quickly, if you want to make an announcement in a few places... It will even keep track of posts, it's pretty self explanatory. It stores usernames and passwords, they are stored only on your computer, so only you have access to them. That makes it very easy to log into each forum you are a member of and just go down the list when you want to make some posts to all your boards. Let me know if you have any questions about it or how to work it if it's confusing at first.
It should help you not forget about your favorite sites anymore. It's for Windows, btw...

[Lagniappe]

This thread should certainly hold a record for the most posts/views in a week !

As to what's been said here , Things did get a little crazy with the PM's in threads and the chronic nonsense . At first I was angry and stopped referring people to the site . I considered the org to be an archive of knowledge and reference. Then it seemed to transform into a circus.
I changed my views when I considered my own hypocrisy. I log onto this forum every morning and stay all (off and on)day at times . The people here have become my friends ....family if you will . When I find a neat article or take a crazy pic and want to share it where else and with whom do I want to share it with but friends and family ?....The folks at the org .
Still , there are those who will find this site and ,perhaps , not take it seriously if they see so much nonsense and off topic chatter .
BTW..I mispell a lot of words and am considered by my peers to be gramatically challenged but some posts here are preposterous ! By this I mean the posts with no capital letters at all , with crazy run-on sentences and those with many tangents that distract from the topic alltogether .
Again , I too am guilty of this but I agree that we should "clean up this board".

[MediaHound]

Oh yes, and #7

1. The image rotator on the bananas.org homepage needs attention on what goes in and what stays out, that I will handle programatically.
2. automatic User Titles need attention, they are misleading, that I want to determine a new set of titles with you guys, so lets talk about them as suggested three posts up
3. "Banana Expert" plaque can be setup to assign a special rank, as deserved on an individual basis.
4. Hall of Fame direction is being revisited
5. Add sticky threads and advise people to search before posting, and mention other tidbits of netiquette perhaps. It's always wise to check for a sticky thread before posting in any forum, to learn the rules of the land. If we put a few strategic sticky posts around, perhaps we can change the tone of things and keep certain types of (new) threads from surfacing as often.
6. Encourage people to use the "Report Post" feature more often. This way, if a thread or a post is about to throw the train off the tracks, you guys can help the moderators and I to catch them and act accordingly, perhaps delete the post or hide the thread. <-- thats what that button does next to each post, click it to report a post. You stay moderately anonymous, just the moderators (Ron or Gabe, and I) can see the report and that you made it, the other members cannot. We get an email notice of the report instantly, and the moderators can discuss the report in a special forum that only they can see. You guys are encouraged to report posts if you feel it's in the best interest of our mission.
7. We will be reviewing the smileys and removing some of the more "questionable" ones. This will make the forum a tad bit more serious.

[bencelest]

Originally Posted by Lagniappe

This thread should certainly hold a record for the most posts/views in a week !

As to what's been said here , Things did get a little crazy with the PM's in threads and the chronic nonsense .
BTW..I mispell a lot of words and am considered by my peers to be gramatically challenged but some posts here are preposterous ! By this I mean the posts with no capital letters at all , with crazy run-on sentences and those with many tangents that distract from the topic alltogether .board".

Yes, I noticed this too . But I tried to ignore it.