Adding some kick to W&SS

[Iboschi]

As I read the other thread about this sub-forum, an idea began to materialize as the responses coalessed in the "Watered Down" topic. Simply stated, Wilderness & Survival Skills is to broad a topic to stand alone as its own sub forum. Wilderness & Survival Skills ought to be segregated into several sub forums.

There should be a sub forum for Skills where people discuss the technical details of how to perform a particular function. There should be a sub forum for discussing gear and gear reviews and reccomendations. There should be a wildlife sub forum with lions and tigers and bears, with the photos people post of their daily or weekly hikes.

Seems simple and logical to me. Posting about knives or gear? Do it in the gear section. Posting about how to make a bow drill or a shelter? Post it in the skills secion. Posting some pictures or discussing a trip? Wildlife section.

It is possible I have sliced and diced this into too many pieces to really enjoy, but it would seem that this would suit many people. I actually like the forum as it is (I might even suggest I love it), but wouldn't mind making fellow BF members happy with a solution that could help people to categorize this into something less broad.

What do you think? Perhaps this thread could serve as a positive suggestion box where we respond to what we think is needed or would benefit the forum. If you decide to post a suggestion, please don't just complain, pose a solution to an issue that you think needs addressing as a means to make this a better place for us all to visit.

 

[tonym]

All those different subforums would give me a headache. I wouldn't know where to look..

If we don't like a thread, we need to learn to ignore it and move on.

Simple really.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

We aren't going to get subforums. Try getting people to use the prefixes when they post their thread title, and you'll get something of the same effect. Even that restricts the thread to one topic, and most threads combine more than one area of interest.

Try to get people to use tags and eventually you'll be able to search within the subforum that way

 

[j williams]

This is bladeforums.

There are a ton of sites that several of us frequent that are strictly bushcraft and survival orientated that are set up like that.

To make a ton of subforums, you are essentially creating a survival website forum. Im with Esav, and say this IS a cantina(great post BTW Esav), and the meshing of these topics is what makes WSS such a special place.

I also agree with Tony. I think we all just need to move on past the threads that dont interest us, and give Kudos to those that do.

 

[Iboschi]

All those different subforums would give me a headache. I wouldn't know where to look..

If we don't like a thread, we need to learn to ignore it and move on.

Simple really.

As I stated, I like the forum fine as it is. I have my own filters. However, it wouldn't be complicated to segregate it into three sub-forums. Members could really narrow down their preferences and it would slow the roll of new threads. This forum really explodes sometimes and really great threads get shoved pages back and forgotten. I think it really deserves consideration.

 

[tonym]

I agree with your sentiment, but it has been brought up and shot down by the powers that be in the recent past

 

[banana-clip]

Not a bad idea, but I like it the way it is right now. Its less confusing.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

The proper way to deal with an explosion of new threads pushing great threads off the first page is for the regulars here to become more perceptive consumers.

Spend less time reading and arguing on threads going nowhere and more time adding comments of value to the great threads.

In fact, some of those new threads are destined for greatness themselves. Check them out, and if they speak to you, join in. Many new posts is not a problem. Too few, too discouraged, too old / routine / tired ideas and W&SS will fade.

New people and new posts are what we should be encouraging. A mix of ideas in each thread is exciting. A knifemaker posts a new model, tells us what he uses it for, puts up pictures of it in action -- and the rest of can join in with questions, posts about our own similar adventures, and the thread can continue with an offer of a passaround, and perhaps a few members meeting for a hike to try it out.

Tags: knife, photo, camp, hike, winter

 

[Skimo]

I've got no problem with keeping up with threads here, simply subscribe and take a few minutes to see if something cool lurks beyond the first page.

Tags and prefixes are awesome.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I keep wanting to mention subscribing! (Thanx!)

I have my system set to automatically subscribe to every thread I post in -- necessary for a moderator, to keep up with what goes on after I intervene. Or just update myself on a thread I like enough to participate in. Sometimes I use Thread Tools to subscribe even if I have nothing to say at the moment. I log on in User CP so current subscriptions are listed there with new posts highlighted for me.

Periodically I go to List All Subscriptions and delete those from the list of no further interest. This takes a few minutes about once a month.

 

[PayetteRucker]

Not having a search engine is a huge deal. Other forums the older folks seem to complain about constantly repeating topics every once a week when members can just use a search engine. This is the first forum where in general, people get griped more for reviving old threads than they do for starting repeats, even if they are completely applicable. Having handy stickies like common outdoor sporting goods supply sites, common reference pages for certain products and materials, movies and photos, etc can help keep things more organized.

 

[dawsonbob]

Ya know, this forum is unlike most others... and that's a good thing, because there are so many overlapping subjects in any one thread. IMHO trying to shove things into neat categories wouldn't work very well here. Oh, it might satisfy someone's craving for organization, but too much would be lost of what makes this forum work as well as it does. There's nothing wrong with a little structure, but too much structure would be stifling for a board like this. This forum is a collection of of people who interact pretty well (for the most part) with each other. Yeah, it can be a little free-wheeling at times, but that's one of the things that keeps it fresh and interesting. In one thread, people can move from one topic to another — and back again — and we all share and learn from that.

I also heard people suggest that, if there's, say, a knife related question, it should be posted over in general, or somewhere. Right. The problem with that kind of thing is that we here tend to ask questions about certain types of knives (and other gear), oriented toward certain activities (W&SS stuff). If you go to general knife sub-forum and ask a question like "which fixed blade knife will be best for wilderness pursuit XY or Z?", you will get a ton of answers telling you which of their favorite folders or tactical knives you should buy: you won't get a decent answer to your use related question. Don't believe me? Go ahead and try it: we'll wait. Back already? See what I mean? It just doesn't work. The same holds true for a number of other subjects that we talk about here on W&SS.

The thing is, W&SS works very well just the way it is. The very looseness of the structure is one of the primary reasons why. If you try to start pigeon holing things into neat little slots, you're going to lose the very flavor that makes W&SS what it is. As Esav and others have pointed out, there are several ways to organize without breaking the board up into little rigid portions. I, personally, like it just fine the way it is, because it works. You know what they say: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[skitertank]

All those different subforums would give me a headache. I wouldn't know where to look..

If we don't like a thread, we need to learn to ignore it and move on.

Simple really.

:thumbup:right on,if it isnt a problem dont make it one.i dont like ground squirrels,doesnt mean i kill every one i see.

 

[Iboschi]

The thing is, W&SS works very well just the way it is. The very looseness of the structure is one of the primary reasons why. If you try to start pigeon holing things into neat little slots, you're going to lose the very flavor that makes W&SS what it is. As Esav and others have pointed out, there are several ways to organize without breaking the board up into little rigid portions. I, personally, like it just fine the way it is, because it works. You know what they say: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Seriously? I mean really? Enough people have expressed a distaste for the idea that I get it. However, there seems to be some discontent brewening in some corners of this forum. As an active reader I thought I would try an interesting approach to resolving what seemed to be some common issues. If you read the OP I actually say that I like the way things are:

It is possible I have sliced and diced this into too many pieces to really enjoy, but it would seem that this would suit many people. I actually like the forum as it is (I might even suggest I love it), but wouldn't mind making fellow BF members happy with a solution that could help people to categorize this into something less broad.

However, my intent was to make a suggestion that might help cultivate a discussion of positive change. What most of people are griping about in the other (watered down) thread is people. NEWS FLASH: People will keep doing what they're doing, they're not changing, not on your account or mine. If you change the system you can reroute behaviour in a different way. I spend enough time here that I wanted to be a positive contributing member. The basic premise: Other people are dissatisfied with the status quo ,so I tried to help (really, it won't happen again). I didn't expect to have my idea adopted (at all really). I did think it might serve as a catalyst for change. I also didn't expect quite so negative a reaction (Excepting Esav Benyamin because he does execute TACT). Seriously, read the last paragraph of the original post; it summs up my intent:

What do you think? Perhaps this thread could serve as a positive suggestion box where we respond to what we think is needed or would benefit the forum. If you decide to post a suggestion, please don't just complain, pose a solution to an issue that you think needs addressing as a means to make this a better place for us all to visit.

 

[dawsonbob]

A little touchy today, Iboschi? If you'll notice, my post (which you quoted) didn't mention, or quote, you: it wasn't directed at you. It was merely pointing out my thoughts on the subject. If you don't want responses to the threads you initiate, then don't start them. If you do want the input of others in your threads, then realize that a response to a subject is not an attack on you: it is merely an opinion of someone else.

 

[texastonydobbs]

I keep wanting to mention subscribing! (Thanx!)

I have my system set to automatically subscribe to every thread I post in -- necessary for a moderator, to keep up with what goes on after I intervene. Or just update myself on a thread I like enough to participate in. Sometimes I use Thread Tools to subscribe even if I have nothing to say at the moment. I log on in User CP so current subscriptions are listed there with new posts highlighted for me.

Periodically I go to List All Subscriptions and delete those from the list of no further interest. This takes a few minutes about once a month.

I do the same :thumbup:

 

[Iboschi]

I could be a little touchy. I mean it IS POSSIBLE. Although, didn't the four or five posters before you say in a more tactful way that they didn't approve of the idea? Shall we run a train on the idea? Did you even read their responses?

However, I really think the spirit I began the post with still remains viable. Please don't get stuck on the problems or posters and you don't need to spend 4 paragraphs addressing why you think the status quo is fine and my idea is crap. I thought I would start a different thread addressing what we all might find to be ideas for positive change around here. I suppose it comes to closely on the tail of the other HOT thread.

Really, I do like spending time on this board, and only wanted to improve what others dubbed to be issues. Instead of the 4 paragraphs on why you don't like my idea, instead post an idea that could benefit this place.

 

[dawsonbob]

I could be a little touchy. I mean it IS POSSIBLE. Although, didn't the four or five posters before you say in a more tactful way that they didn't approve of the idea? Shall we run a train on the idea? Did you even read their responses?

However, I really think the spirit I began the post with still remains viable. Please don't get stuck on the problems or posters and you don't need to spend 4 paragraphs addressing why you think the status quo is fine and my idea is crap. I thought I would start a different thread addressing what we all might find to be ideas for positive change around here. I suppose it comes to closely on the tail of the other HOT thread.

Really, I do like spending time on this board, and only wanted to improve what others dubbed to be issues. Instead of the 4 paragraphs on why you don't like my idea, instead post an idea that could benefit this place.

Well, I do tend to be rather verbose, at times. It's a flaw in my character, I suppose.

Once again, Iboschi, I wasn't putting you or your post down, just trying to contribute my own thoughts to the discussion. Perhaps I was misguided, but I thought contributing thoughts was a way to help benefit this place.

 

[tonym]

Once again, Iboschi, I wasn't putting you or your post down, just trying to contribute my own thoughts to the discussion. Perhaps I was misguided, but I thought contributing thoughts was a way to help benefit this place.

:thumbup: Excellent way of handling that. Instead of getting angry back, you took it in jest and politely stated your case:thumbup:

Where's Don????? You can learn from this guy Don!!!

 

[dawsonbob]

:thumbup: Excellent way of handling that. Instead of getting angry back, you took it in gest and politely stated your case:thumbup:

Where's Don????? You can learn from this guy Don!!!

Thanks, Tony. I'm not sure that bringing Don in on this would be the best idea. I like Don, and get along with him just fine, but if you're going to bring him in and give him a free shot at me, who knows how it would go?