In an effort to improve the quality of content being produced by Metro Jacksonville, I'd like to get readers opinions on the following:
1. What do you believe sets us a part from other sites in Jacksonville?
2. What are the strong and weak points with the articles we currently write?
3. What areas of focus would you like to see more in-depth coverage on?
4. What areas of focus would you like to see less coverage on?
5. What topics do we currently cover that you see as most unique and compelling?
6. Should we attempt to focus on specific niches or be more general-interest with our articles?
7. Do you believe the content we produce is being strained by the site's current design?
Feel free to take off the boxing gloves and be raw and honest in your assessment. That's the only way we can improve our content production strategy. :)
Some overall audience demographics from 1/1/14 to 8/9/14:
Gender:
male = 69%
female = 31%
Age:
18-24 = 6%
25-34 = 28%
35-44 = 21%
45-54 = 20%
55-64 = 18%
65+ = 7%
Device Category:
Desktop = 73%
Mobile = 17%
Tablet = 10%
You mean that Ron and Ock and I make up 7% of your total audience? Wow! ;D
1. What do you believe sets us a part from other sites in Jacksonville?
Your focus on the urban core, old neighborhoods and local history.
2. What are the strong and weak points with the articles we currently write?
Images and referenced documentation is very good. Stephen's writing skills are awsome. Non-journalistic backgrounds of the board members make for unique perspectives. Weak points? Can't think of any.
5. What topics do we currently cover that you see as most unique and compelling?
Local history and the older, poorer neighborhoods that tend to get ignored.
6. Should we attempt to focus on specific niches or be more general-interest with our articles?
You already have a niche. Who else does what you do? General interest is already over-covered elsewhere.
7. Do you believe the content we produce is being strained by the site's current design?
Current design works for me.
1. What do you believe sets us a part from other sites in Jacksonville?
The almost radical focus on local issues.
2. What are the strong and weak points with the articles we currently write?
The main strength is the diversity of backgrounds and opinions of the posters an the varied perspectives that they bring to the site.
The weakness is when the threads devolve in to name calling and snarkiness from both posters and moderators (I plead guilty). I always lose interest when it starts and feel that it takes away from the quality of the content. For instance, discussions that contain any reference to orange trees and urine are worn out and yet, still continue.
3. What areas of focus would you like to see more in-depth coverage on?
Process of how policy is made at City Hall.
4. What areas of focus would you like to see less coverage on?
Can't think of any.
5. What topics do we currently cover that you see as most unique and compelling?
Neighborhood issues.
6. Should we attempt to focus on specific niches or be more general-interest with our articles?
You have one and it works.
7. Do you believe the content we produce is being strained by the site's current design?
Design is fine.
1. What do you believe sets us a part from other sites in Jacksonville?
Your stories come quicker, are more accurate, are not biased (especially to extreme right wing), and I think the niche is pretty focused (covering and supporting urban aspects of Jacksonville).
2. What are the strong and weak points with the articles we currently write?
Most of the articles are really focused and very interesting. Sometimes there is off the wall articles that don't seem to relate to the thread. An example would be the recent HPV article seemed kind of out of place and strange.
3. What areas of focus would you like to see more in-depth coverage on?
Personally I really like the articles that focus on urban aspects of living. I always look forward to articles about developments going on in the city/ with facts etc. I feel the site is a great place to learn about such issues- and something needed in this city.
4. What areas of focus would you like to see less coverage on?
5. What topics do we currently cover that you see as most unique and compelling?
6. Should we attempt to focus on specific niches or be more general-interest with our articles? I do like the general-interest, but if you go too far in that direction, I feel the site will loose it's purpose and vision.
7. Do you believe the content we produce is being strained by the site's current design? I think you should stay on course. This site has lead to much progress in this city, even if you don't get credit for all of the good you do. I would stick to your design.
Badfinger has a good point: I too would like (and do like to) learn how and why decisions are made in this city/ maybe aside from reading through arguments in the discussions. Sometimes I think it would be nice if we should have "Metro Jacksonville approved politicians", or something like that. When elections come/ a breakdown of who these people are and what they have done/ not done etc. I think this town is pretty corrupt and would like to see a list of someone like Richard Clark out there. This guy or gal did all of this crap to keep our city in the ditches. I don't know how that would look, and it might cross some like, but I think it is hard to find anything like that out here. Maybe a issues list on politicians, stating where they stand on issues relevant to your readers and followers. This might be helpful to newer readers or residents- to get them active early.
It's hard for me to figure out exactly what to add, since Metro Jacksonville has several different facets that are all equally important. You produce both articles and host an active forum; these two sides feed off each other. I have yet to encounter another site that really works like this. At any rate, I'll cater my suggestions to both sides of the equation.
1. What do you believe sets us a part from other sites in Jacksonville?
In both the articles and the forum, the strong focus on local issues and urban living sets you apart from all the other local sites.
2. What are the strong and weak points with the articles we currently write?
In terms of the articles themselves, your well researched and well considered articles on local urban issues, neighborhoods, and history are the strongest things you put out. The weakest point is EDITING. Content aside, just having someone to handle copyediting, fact checking, and determining stories to cover would add a new level of professionalism.
In terms of the forums, major strengths are the strong local focus and the fact that you produce daily content to help drive the conversation. The weaknesses include a tendency for conversations to fall into back-and-forth tangents; moderators are slow to drop the hammer in these cases, and sometimes actively participate.
3. What areas of focus would you like to see more in-depth coverage on?
I second the idea of covering City Hall in greater depth. I'd also like to see you revisit the articles on the neighborhoods, writing in the same excellent quality of some of your more recent stories.
4. What areas of focus would you like to see less coverage on?
In the articles, I often find myself skipping the ones on other cities.
In the forums, I usually skip the threads that just contain a link to stories that don't have anything to do with Jacksonville, particularly when they're just thrown in to rile people up.
5. What topics do we currently cover that you see as most unique and compelling?
Without a doubt, the focus on local urban living is the most unique part of the site.
6. Should we attempt to focus on specific niches or be more general-interest with our articles?
I think you've found your niche and should stick with it. That isn't to say you couldn't explore additional, complimentary niches (it would be cool to see more regular coverage of local culture and events, news reporting, etc.) but that would probably require staff expansion.
7. Do you believe the content we produce is being strained by the site's current design?
I don't think so in general. To be honest, though, I find the mobile site frustrating to use, to the point I often avoid using it on my phone.
^^Agree wholeheartedly with #4 above regarding the forums. To me that is the biggest negative. And most are nothing more than national political issues. There are times when you may view the most recent threads and a third of them are of this nature. Yes there are some national issues that impact us locally obviously but I can get that stuff and nasty comments associated with such stories from other sites. I seldom ever bother looking at those threads here as I come to MetroJacksonville to see what is going on locally.
Quote from: Apache on August 10, 2014, 12:08:36 AM
I would like a translation icon for Noone's and Know Growth's posts please
+1 Positive
Quote from: Apache on August 10, 2014, 12:08:36 AM
I would like a translation icon for Noone's and Know Growth's posts please
Are you prepared for the unable to translate content error lol. Noone I like you buddy trying to figure out what point your making makes my days interesting! keep it up lol.
As for the questions... I think the site is a good place where people can voice their opinions on various things, the arguing is just a part of the world we live in and it personally doesn't bother me. I just choose when to look and if there is something going on I don't like I simply keep hitting the mark as read button and don't give the threads the time of day. After all the most unique thing about this site is that it has so many active users. I think everyone hear has the capacity to teach someone something they didn't know (even though no one will admit it), but a difference in opinion is always good for people in general as it gives them an outlet to become more engaging on the topics that matter to them. As for the site design I like it all and all maybe some fresh header graphics that rotate and possibly some rotating color schemes. I have seen sites that have 2 or 3 and each individual can choose the one they want to use in the settings. Not sure how people feel about this, but I have seen it be successful before is a chatbox where people can post from the main page and partake in real time discussions, or possibly a scrolling news feed that shows recent stories posted from the main site in a short form of course, like subject and maybe the first sentence or 2. another thing that could be done is possibly a bit more expansive profile so that people can get a summary of a person if they wish to disclose it without having to ask around. All in all it's a good site that is pretty active compared to other forums that aren't directly related to a problem you can't figure out on your phone. So I think you guys are doing a good job of manning the helm so to speak. :)
Metrojacksonville is a record of daily living -- the posts are reference material for the struggles that we go through to have a more responsive local government. Of course, I'm thinking of the fight for preservation -- I can look back through and see all of the struggles.
Same is true of transportation issues. The lost fight of the mobility fee -- anyone can read the history and get a unique view of the topic, and readers will understand that it wasn't for lack of the fight.
I don't mind the infighting -- I'd rather see that than heavy-handed editing.
The issues are arranged thematically -- unlike other social media. And the search feature is good.
I especially like when a topic is renewed with current conditions and we revisit the older thread.
No changes, IMHO. Keep on course, of course.
Quote from: thelakelander on August 09, 2014, 12:22:28 PM
In an effort to improve the quality of content being produced by Metro Jacksonville, I'd like to get readers opinions on the following:
1. What do you believe sets us a part from other sites in Jacksonville?
Absolutely the in-depth local focus and the honesty and expertise of the individuals on this forum. There are some qualified urban and transportation types here, for sure.
2. What are the strong and weak points with the articles we currently write?
Strong: quality and depth of focus
Weak: sometimes I actually would like more content on particular stories, especially historical and local. Or follow up information and links.
3. What areas of focus would you like to see more in-depth coverage on?
Neighborhoods and their origin and current status, whether they are vibrant or existant nowadays or not. I think this city has quite a collection of them. We're a city of cities.
4. What areas of focus would you like to see less coverage on?
Just keep them coming and I'll pick 'em. Least favorite I guess are other cities' focus, unless their issue or problem is one we're currently trying to deal with.
5. What topics do we currently cover that you see as most unique and compelling?
Recent (last 30-40 years) political history and current City Council wranglings. I think there should be a book. And a movie.
6. Should we attempt to focus on specific niches or be more general-interest with our articles?
No, no, no general. We are an in-depth bunch here.
7. Do you believe the content we produce is being strained by the site's current design?
Definite issue with smart phone usage, but of course this type of medium is not best suited for a blog-type forum.
Feel free to take off the boxing gloves and be raw and honest in your assessment. That's the only way we can improve our content production strategy. :)
Most sites have a unread post button, I miss that.
Otherwise I love this site.
Quote from: Tacachale on August 09, 2014, 11:46:40 PM
4. What areas of focus would you like to see less coverage on?
In the articles, I often find myself skipping the ones on other cities.
I agree with the general sentiments already being discussed, but I do want to counter this. While others may not enjoy them, the articles on other cities are some of my favorites
The one mod that I would really like to see is an option to opt out of posts that I've commented on in the past.
My typical day starts with showing "Show new replies to your posts", and then filtering through those posts to the ones that I actually care about.
Then I sort through the new information that I feel compelled to read.
If we could 'opt out' or 'un-follow" certain threads that we commented on, it would be a nice upgrade to my general experience.
Edit:
Just saw this. I guess that means that I am +1 to Keith-N-Jax
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on August 10, 2014, 11:09:21 AM
Most sites have a unread post button, I miss that.
Otherwise I love this site.
Is there an ability to Ignore Posts by specific people? I have also seen this feature in some forums.
Great comments. Keep them coming! How does everyone feel about the banner ads? Are there too many? Do they overpower the content or are they fine "as is"?
Advertising is beautiful, man. ;-)
Quote from: thelakelander on August 10, 2014, 03:26:22 PM
Great comments. Keep them coming! How does everyone feel about the banner ads? Are there too many? Do they overpower the content or are they fine "as is"?
I don't see a problem with them.
Quote from: thelakelander on August 09, 2014, 12:22:28 PM
In an effort to improve the quality of content being produced by Metro Jacksonville, I'd like to get readers opinions on the following:
1. What do you believe sets us a part from other sites in Jacksonville?
Focus on urban development and transportation.
Quote2. What are the strong and weak points with the articles we currently write?
Strong - The urban and transportation focus, several experts and others who know what they are talking about.
Weak - As others have said, threads sometimes devolve into personal back and forth between members, or (most disappointingly) a member and a moderator. And a Pet Peeve - reprinting articles from other sources without attribution, or even setting off in a quote box (or other means).
Quote3. What areas of focus would you like to see more in-depth coverage on?
Again, as others have said, digging into the workings of City Hall. Also, as elections approach, looking at the candidates and the propositions on the ballot.
Quote4. What areas of focus would you like to see less coverage on?
Nothing comes to mind right now.
Quote5. What topics do we currently cover that you see as most unique and compelling?
Neighborhood profiles.
Quote6. Should we attempt to focus on specific niches or be more general-interest with our articles?
I think your urban development / transportation focus is quite a niche you have carved out quite well.
Quote7. Do you believe the content we produce is being strained by the site's current design?
For the most part, it seems OK. I tend to like how vBulletin boards work - for posting images, font appearance, and so on.
QuoteFeel free to take off the boxing gloves and be raw and honest in your assessment. That's the only way we can improve our content production strategy. :)
And about the banner ads - I have Adblock, so I don't see them. But when I look at work (no one heard me say that), the ads aren't too annoying.
Adds are fine. I do have problems getting the site on my phone. Although, my phone is 4 years old.
Maybe you could expand and add more coverage for some surrounding towns. Like make an area for Fernandina or St. Augustine issues and coverage.
Otherwise maybe the UI and layout could be updated. The site doesn't feel as modern and clean as some other sites.
Many people including me love the great informational aspect of MJ, but also think that MJ encourages many of the overly negative aspects about everything in the city. When Jax deserves the negativity fine, but many times that not the case. People including myself mentioned the negativity, but the are always others in high places that don't like hearing that, and tactics will be used against us that critique MJ, saying that it's alot negative like the TU. That will usually lead to....Your posts being deleted without any explanation, you may be lambasted, and some will say the old 'you are being complacent' for some absurd reason...
The people that are negative on here rises up through the ranks (member status) faster than the ones that are more even keeled and less negative (excluding myself). I've seen negative stuff on many threads, even when the city is doing something positive (For instance, the San Jose bike path thread, and the incessant video board disapproval talk). I like MJ, but sometimes I have to take a hiatus, because it gets alot like the TU with the very predictable negativity. Hopefully my post will not be deleted on a freaking 'feedback & suggestions' thread, who knows....
I love MJ but I'm not bragging about you as much as I used to. I remember when JaxOutLoud and this forum was around at the same time. For me to want to share with everyone a meeting of our local government and a decision that is being made even if it is in a remote subcommittee that then gets advanced through the legislative process that effects each and every one of us to be pulled, moved, or edited is censorship and that is not positive.
Fair and balanced is not happening on this forum or as much as it used to.
I love the history and the stories of Jacksonville and the neighborhoods.
Would love to see the immediate follow up with MJ photo ops and checks to the groups that are raising the money. Whatever the amount.
There is a lot of talent on this forum and I enjoy reading about other cities and Simms with his analysis. The Springfield team with Sheclown, Kim, strider.
This forum use to take its gloves off but has retracted to a position like all are Departments and Authorities in our city and it's Backroom deals.
Have more to say but let's see if this makes it.
I know. Stay positive.
- For the most part I love the site. I find the layout and design perfect and easy to navigate. The ads are not a problem at all.
- I, too, would love to see a more in depth discussion of local politics and political races. Maybe a MJ endorsement. Or a more detailed breakdown of where candidates stand on the issues the site focuses on. Historic Preservation? Mobility Plan(s)? Downtown and urban core revitalization? Human Rights Ordinance? Food Trucks? Hemming Plaza and Parks? Etc.
A lot of candidates have their own sites and "stances" on issues that are just too broad (e.g. taxes and pensions) with boiler plate answers "stop government waste, fix pensions, blah blah blah"
- Sometimes the discussions on here turn into an insider conversation. A lot of people visit this site, and a lot don't have the background or knowledge to hang in a technical conversation on planning. It can be intimidating for some, and when they ask for an explanation they're either ignored or shrugged off.
If people are visiting this site, it means they've already taken an interest in Jacksonville beyond general news. That's a powerful audience and one that is ripe for good engagement.
- The forum moderation is tricky. By definition it should be an open arena for conversation. I don't mind the posts about national or world issues. At least I know what I am getting if I click on it. But the threads about Historic Preservation or neighborhoods can quickly dissolve into back and forths with little information. Soon you find yourself hunting for good info in an increasingly difficult thread.
- Keep up the great work. You're the only place in this city that does what you do.
Quote from: Sonic101 on August 10, 2014, 05:41:00 PM
Maybe you could expand and add more coverage for some surrounding towns. Like make an area for Fernandina or St. Augustine issues and coverage.
Otherwise maybe the UI and layout could be updated. The site doesn't feel as modern and clean as some other sites.
Thanks. We're definitely looking to improve with our coverage of NE Florida communities such as Fernandina Beach and St. Augustine. What are some examples of sites that are viewed as clean and modern?
Quote from: Gamblor on August 10, 2014, 01:48:52 PM
Quote from: Tacachale on August 09, 2014, 11:46:40 PM
4. What areas of focus would you like to see less coverage on?
In the articles, I often find myself skipping the ones on other cities.
I agree with the general sentiments already being discussed, but I do want to counter this. While others may not enjoy them, the articles on other cities are some of my favorites
Since I'm the guy normally sharing what's taking place in other communities, I can do a better job of relating those scenes (both good and bad) to issues and ideas currently being considered (or not) locally. For example, a "Learning From" article showcasing Baltimore's Inner Harbor can be written to highlight how certain investments over time have led to that city's waterfront becoming a national success story and while investment in similar uses over the same time period has not created similar results locally.
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on August 10, 2014, 05:18:17 PM
Adds are fine. I do have problems getting the site on my phone. Although, my phone is 4 years old.
It definitely sounds like our mobile site needs some work.
1. What do you believe sets us a part from other sites in Jacksonville?
The insites into local issues and information about Jacksonville history. Sometimes this insite comes from the banter in the comments. I also don't like it when comments come down to the "you're an idiot" level, but sometimes they are amusing. If the comments were more heavily narrated I wouldn't have found out so much about what makes this city tick.
2. What are the strong and weak points with the articles we currently write?
Some articles only touch the surface of a subject, such as the recent one about Fortune 500 companies in Jax. Those kinds of articles seem to be just notations on photographs. I've seen this style of article in any number of online publications and it always leaves me wanting more information.
3. What areas of focus would you like to see more in-depth coverage on?
Even though I don't participate in the forums much, I've been reading MetroJacksonville daily for the past 3 years. I rely on it and the Jacksonville Business News to understand what's really happening around here. Having a Jacksonville Politician scoreboard - who voted for what, who said what, who's backing what..etc would be a good reference for me.
4. What areas of focus would you like to see less coverage on?
Comparisons to other cities. I never read those articles. I understand why they are written, and I think a comparison is good to find out about what WON'T work in Jax because it failed so miserably in other cities, but finding out what will work in this city depends too much on the unique factors involved in Jacksonville.
5. What topics do we currently cover that you see as most unique and compelling?
I tend to focus on the articles on subjects I have the greatest interest in; current events, local history, the individual neighborhoods, problems Jax faces.
6. Should we attempt to focus on specific niches or be more general-interest with our articles?
I read MetroJax because of the current article niches.
7. Do you believe the content we produce is being strained by the site's current design?
The design is ok.
Also, forums? Suggestions for improvement?
What about in terms of functionality? What are some platform things you would improve?
I love the site, as it has improved over the years. I think that the fellows working it have done an excellent job in all respects. Its been trial and error.... experimentation.
I am working now, and will get back with some input during an evening.
For now however ... is there any way that it can be set up so that I can remove any posts about which I disagree ... and perhaps ban certain individuals?
Quote from: TheCat on August 11, 2014, 09:42:42 AM
Also, forums? Suggestions for improvement?
Institute a limit on the number of posts you can quote within a post. It's not uncommon for people, when responding to something, to add to a quote chain of already long posts. (This being due to a lot of text or large pictures.) This occasionally makes a chore of scrolling through active topics.
I don't know if I explained very well what I'm talking about. A quick search for an example didn't turn up anything.
EDIT: Something like this
Person X submits a three-paragraph post.
Person Y responds, quoting the three paragraphs and adding three paragraphs of his own.
Person X responds to
that with another three paragraphs, quoting Person Y's post in full as well as the entirety of his original three-paragraph post.
Person Z jumps in quoting
everything above, adding two paragraphs and a large picture.
And so on. Once you get to Person Z's post, you have to scroll past nine paragraphs you've already read.
Quote from: funwithteeth on August 11, 2014, 12:42:50 PM
Quote from: TheCat on August 11, 2014, 09:42:42 AM
Also, forums? Suggestions for improvement?
Institute a limit on the number of posts you can quote within a post. It's not uncommon for people, when responding to something, to add to a quote chain of already long posts. (This being due to a lot of text or large pictures.) This occasionally makes a chore of scrolling through active topics.
I don't know if I explained very well what I'm talking about. A quick search for an example didn't turn up anything.
EDIT: Something like this
Person X submits a three-paragraph post.
Person Y responds, quoting the three paragraphs and adding three paragraphs of his own.
Person X responds to that with another three paragraphs, quoting Person Y's post in full as well as the entirety of his original three-paragraph post.
Person Z jumps in quoting everything above, adding two paragraphs and a large picture.
And so on. Once you get to Person Z's post, you have to scroll past nine paragraphs you've already read.
+1
Quote from: TheCat on August 11, 2014, 12:23:49 PM
What about in terms of functionality? What are some platform things you would improve?
Bring back spell check...
Quote from: AuditoreEnterprise on August 11, 2014, 01:18:47 PM
Quote from: funwithteeth on August 11, 2014, 12:42:50 PM
Quote from: TheCat on August 11, 2014, 09:42:42 AM
Also, forums? Suggestions for improvement?
Institute a limit on the number of posts you can quote within a post. It's not uncommon for people, when responding to something, to add to a quote chain of already long posts. (This being due to a lot of text or large pictures.) This occasionally makes a chore of scrolling through active topics.
I don't know if I explained very well what I'm talking about. A quick search for an example didn't turn up anything.
EDIT: Something like this
Person X submits a three-paragraph post.
Person Y responds, quoting the three paragraphs and adding three paragraphs of his own.
Person X responds to that with another three paragraphs, quoting Person Y's post in full as well as the entirety of his original three-paragraph post.
Person Z jumps in quoting everything above, adding two paragraphs and a large picture.
And so on. Once you get to Person Z's post, you have to scroll past nine paragraphs you've already read.
+1
I agree as well. It's so annoying when people don't take the time to edit out the almost endless strings of previous quotes.
I mean, who does that?
Quote from: David on August 11, 2014, 01:25:04 PM
Quote from: AuditoreEnterprise on August 11, 2014, 01:18:47 PM
Quote from: funwithteeth on August 11, 2014, 12:42:50 PM
Quote from: TheCat on August 11, 2014, 09:42:42 AM
Also, forums? Suggestions for improvement?
Institute a limit on the number of posts you can quote within a post. It's not uncommon for people, when responding to something, to add to a quote chain of already long posts. (This being due to a lot of text or large pictures.) This occasionally makes a chore of scrolling through active topics.
I don't know if I explained very well what I'm talking about. A quick search for an example didn't turn up anything.
EDIT: Something like this
Person X submits a three-paragraph post.
Person Y responds, quoting the three paragraphs and adding three paragraphs of his own.
Person X responds to that with another three paragraphs, quoting Person Y's post in full as well as the entirety of his original three-paragraph post.
Person Z jumps in quoting everything above, adding two paragraphs and a large picture.
And so on. Once you get to Person Z's post, you have to scroll past nine paragraphs you've already read.
+1
I agree as well. It's so annoying when people don't take the time to edit out the almost endless strings of previous quotes.
I mean, who does that?
Yeah. I don't know that we should limit it, but possibly make people take a class on proper editing within the forum. It would also be a great idea to make peoples' edits visible instead of just having the edit tag at the bottom. Makes it easier to hold people accountable to their statements in case it wasn't already quoted in the next reply.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on August 11, 2014, 01:41:13 PM
Quote from: David on August 11, 2014, 01:25:04 PM
Quote from: AuditoreEnterprise on August 11, 2014, 01:18:47 PM
Quote from: funwithteeth on August 11, 2014, 12:42:50 PM
Quote from: TheCat on August 11, 2014, 09:42:42 AM
Also, forums? Suggestions for improvement?
Institute a limit on the number of posts you can quote within a post. It's not uncommon for people, when responding to something, to add to a quote chain of already long posts. (This being due to a lot of text or large pictures.) This occasionally makes a chore of scrolling through active topics.
I don't know if I explained very well what I'm talking about. A quick search for an example didn't turn up anything.
EDIT: Something like this
Person X submits a three-paragraph post.
Person Y responds, quoting the three paragraphs and adding three paragraphs of his own.
Person X responds to that with another three paragraphs, quoting Person Y's post in full as well as the entirety of his original three-paragraph post.
Person Z jumps in quoting everything above, adding two paragraphs and a large picture.
And so on. Once you get to Person Z's post, you have to scroll past nine paragraphs you've already read.
or get in a hurry and not realize that they're actually posting their comment above someone else's /quotes instead of below it.
+1
I agree as well. It's so annoying when people don't take the time to edit out the almost endless strings of previous quotes.
I mean, who does that?
Yeah. I don't know that we should limit it, but possibly make people take a class on proper editing within the forum.
Quote from: thelakelander on August 11, 2014, 09:04:49 AM
Quote from: Sonic101 on August 10, 2014, 05:41:00 PM
Maybe you could expand and add more coverage for some surrounding towns. Like make an area for Fernandina or St. Augustine issues and coverage.
Otherwise maybe the UI and layout could be updated. The site doesn't feel as modern and clean as some other sites.
Thanks. We're definitely looking to improve with our coverage of NE Florida communities such as Fernandina Beach and St. Augustine. What are some examples of sites that are viewed as clean and modern?
www.arstechnica.com (http://www.arstechnica.com) comes to mind. It has a very expansive forum and an established user base whilst providing news briefs and in-depth features on the front page. Menu bar at the top provides simple navigation.
On an unrelated note: making a comment feels like I'm typing code for Visual Basic, with its bracket commands and identifiers. When I first started using the site it was the most daunting aspect for me. It feels like it could be simpler, but I realize that there could be a lot of coding involved to change it.
I see what you multi-quoters are doing
(http://i.minus.com/iuUpbS8trI2rN.gif)
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on August 11, 2014, 01:42:56 PM
Yeah. I don't know that we should limit it, but possibly make people take a class on proper editing within the forum.
Basic HTML. just blow out everything except the top line and what you're quoting and make sure there's only one end quote [0/quote] at the end (without the zero) but because user-friendliness is at an all time high maybe there's some nifty tool that'll do the leg work for you.
These kids. Back in my day I had to copy 5 lines of html code just to get a picture to post on livejournal. Uphill! Both ways! Now that I think about it, MJ's interface is similar to a live journal interface in that regard.
RE endless quotes - another forum I am on only grabs the typed message you are quoting, not every quote that it and all its predecessors quoted and requoted. Also, if you are responding immediately after another post, quoting it isn't really necessary, it is right there!
Quote from: Charles Hunter on August 11, 2014, 04:15:40 PM
Also, if you are responding immediately after another post, quoting it isn't really necessary, it is right there!
Except that the original poster can a:) edit their comment or b:) delete their comment later on which would leave your's completely out of context and the future readers with a big ol' ???
Why not just have the someone's post and all the replies to that post listed under it and a "Show More Replies" button if there starts to be too many of them. Kind of like Facebook or Gawker sites.
Quote from: Sonic101 on August 11, 2014, 05:02:00 PM
Why not just have the someone's post and all the replies to that post listed under it and a "Show More Replies" button if there starts to be too many of them. Kind of like Facebook or Gawker sites.
Quite honestly, it won't matter the format we choose. Personally I prefer the comment sections driven by Disqus, with a tree style commenting section, but invariably people are going to read what they want, forget which comment they're actually responding to or just have a brainfart in general.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that the style format of the forum doesn't matter nearly as much as the contributions to it. The people who want the real story will get it. The people who only want the opposing viewpoint will find it. And trolls will be trolls. Doesn't really matter how the comments are laid out.
For the sometimes long-winded responses and an easily formatted html code, I kind of prefer this forum the way it is for what it is. I think other formats work better for shorter, quick-hit type comments. Which is one of the reasons that I'm not a huge fan of the recent change that has us on a post delay of some sort, because more often than not, on busy threads, by the time your post shows up, 2,3 sometimes 4 people have already posted.
Quote from: stephendare on August 11, 2014, 04:44:09 PM
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on August 11, 2014, 04:42:53 PM
Quote from: Charles Hunter on August 11, 2014, 04:15:40 PM
Also, if you are responding immediately after another post, quoting it isn't really necessary, it is right there!
Except that the original poster can a:) edit their comment or b:) delete their comment later on which would leave your's completely out of context and the future readers with a big ol' ???
yes, which happens often actually. Ive taken to quoting people for that exact reason.
Hadn't thought about that ... used to a forum that limits editing to an hour (or something like that).
Not sure of the complexity involved, but I would like to see a button to "like" a comment. The current etiquette is to quote and +1, but obviously needless quoting is an issue. Also if there was a way to "like" the stories that may be a good way to judge content posting or placement for whomever is responsible for that.
Quote from: JayBird on August 18, 2014, 05:02:43 PM
Not sure of the complexity involved, but I would like to see a button to "like" a comment. The current etiquette is to quote and +1, but obviously needless quoting is an issue. Also if there was a way to "like" the stories that may be a good way to judge content posting or placement for whomever is responsible for that.
(http://timenewsfeed.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/newnew.jpg)
Quote from: AuditoreEnterprise on August 19, 2014, 11:49:59 PM
Quote from: JayBird on August 18, 2014, 05:02:43 PM
Not sure of the complexity involved, but I would like to see a button to "like" a comment. The current etiquette is to quote and +1, but obviously needless quoting is an issue. Also if there was a way to "like" the stories that may be a good way to judge content posting or placement for whomever is responsible for that.
(http://timenewsfeed.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/newnew.jpg)
+1 That's funny.
That was the same reaction that everyone had at the 8/18/14, Rules agenda and 8/19/14 8:30 am Finance agenda meeting when 2014-412 the unauthorized illegal purchase of two water taxis by the Executive Branch circumventing and defrauding the Legislative Branch was withdrawn.
Animals, especially human types, are natural problem solvers. Those best able to engage this attribute will survive in the worst of times, and prosper in the best. Every hour, we human types happily exercise our skills at solving problems.
Therefore, given that this site consists of an accumulation of human types, both male and females of the species, who seem to enjoy the challenge of problem solving, why not make the process more of a structured event -- targeting not only local problems, but those engaging broader aspects of our existence?
For example ... we've discussed things such as "light rail" or the "streetcar". We've discussed the Hemming Problem ... and all sorts of issues over time.
Although we've exhibited a tendency to strive for solution, the past has often seen discussions die out, degenerate to argument (less so of late thank goodness), or digress to other issues.
But what if we were to establish, on certain issues, a more formal structure, wherein the purpose would be to arrive at a MJ consensus, if possible -- or, better yet, proposal for solution or direction?
For example, the question of the streetcar, which we've seen broached several times on MJ, seems to be occasionally argued as to whether or not it is feasible, economically possible, or good for the city.
In other words, if a consensus on an issue could be achieved on MJ via sensible debate, one can imagine the delivery of it (a report?) to whoever (the mayor, city council, JTA etc) is responsible for action regarding it.
One might imagine a scenario wherein, through weeks of debate on MJ, a strong opinion or consensus on an issue is massaged by a MJ moderator, debated by a dozen or so informed, or at least logical, individuals -- finally established and, conceivably possessing a truth or solution so profound so as to make opposition or complacency absurd, or at least quite difficult.
The scenario would be such that those supporting the consensus could stand firm, and almost demand from the mayor, the city council etc., that the consensus be seriously considered, along with related action. If the consensus is ignored, then perhaps further pressure, via clarity as to purpose would be in order, so as to almost shame those who, by ignoring obvious solutions, wish to maintain the status quo.
The words "we", "they", "them", "us", create a fog within which is hidden tons of bullshit, which is why many things that need to be done, never get done. The "government", the "congress", the "legislators", "they" ... all these entities hide the culprits, the overly comfortable, the intrenched conservatives ... the complacent, and in come cases, the thieves, those who believe they deserve power and privilege, and therefore have approval via their positions, or their closeness to a particular god, to exploit and abuse the anonymous citizen, the average worker.
Whereas our national government is mostly bought and corrupt, there is hope for our local government, within which for the most part is hopefully enough transparency and decency to allow for fair action on important issues. What is needed is informed debate from concerned citizens so as to arrive at the best direction on issues -- directions not influenced by the needs of special interests, individuals, or groups, but influenced by the fundamentals of an issue, as shaped by the needs of the average citizen in our city.
Whereas the city council is a forum for debate, a forum such as MJ provides a better platform in many ways ... offering certainly more freedom and time to express what must be said on important issues.
The proposed MJ idea, call it a task force, could evolve into a long-term vehicle to push forward solutions to important problems, to create better conditions for all citizens in our city.
One must assume that every problem has a solution. A scenario or stabilized condition, which might ultimately be considered a problem, often benefits a few, while causing the mass of citizens to suffer. Because the few benefiting in a stabilized scenario are often those having the most power and influence, significant change seldom comes when needed ...therefore the suffering to the average citizen can be perpetual.
In any case, I thought I'd offer the above opinion about one aspect of structure and purpose of the forum, and perhaps one avenue that, it taken, might result in more "problem solving" via solid analysis and proposals for action.
Admittedly, a measure of the above mechanism already exists on the MJ forum, but I'm thinking that there will be occasions when the ultimate desire for problem solving might be realized via a more formal or structured purpose regarding certain issues.