Enhancements of Flyertalk!
 

Randy,

I just got the TalkMail e-mail and just wanted to say thanks for FT & I'm looking forward to the new enhancements (and these are great enhancements, unlike the CO enhancements!)

Thanks!

PIZZA! PIZZA!

Yes, I echo bhatnasx, thanks! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif

Instant messaging would be very nice http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif!

Typo problem edited!

[This message has been edited by flamboyant 1 (edited Feb 21, 2004).]

Randy, having completed the survey, the one comment that I had was that the links to the various boards such as FT Miles, FT Travel, etc. should be more prominent no matter which of the three displays is picked.

http://www.flyertalk.com/tm_archives/022004.shtml

Any chance for the "ignore poster" feature?

Randy has mentioned elsewhere that it would be included.

If the Archives are to be re-integrated, I would urge Randy to put a time limit on bumping old threads.

Have a dust covered year old topic bumped to the top is extremely annoying.

I look forward that (some) evergreens from the archive can be 'rejuvenated' again - if the search function will be more effectiv, it probably would solve/answer some/many repeated 'themes/questions'.

The only sad thing is that I expect my bookmarks to specific threads will no longer work http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Am I the only one in the "If it ain't broke..." camp? I mean, I LIKE FT the way it is. Why do things always have to change? For example, this horseless carriage thing...... is up with that?

But seriously?

Here is one good reason why a change is needed.

Is this confirmed? Quite a downside if this occurs.


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Try and make it down to SYD for "OZ FEST 2004" - May 21-23

~ Glen ~ sipping bubbly from UA 747-400 exit row 15A near you SOON!

just my guess

Quite a good guess too... All board software is different, and keeping the bookmark and URL's in threads updated will be a major hassle... But I'm sure that with some help from all members we'll get the most important stuff updated?

I'm sure its been discussed at the House of Miles, but I'd leave UBB/Infopop board intact as "read only" under the current domain and directory structure.

I'd then start fresh with the new board using the new software, under its directory structure.

flyertalk.com could refer you to the new board, or the "archive".

That way, if you needed to you could link back to old threads from the new board and current links would remain unbroken. There would also be no thread migration issues.

The downside is that you'd have the overhead of keeping the infopop software running forever, which may be something that Randy & co would prefer not to do...


[This message has been edited by skofarrell (edited Feb 23, 2004).]

If there is a superior search function on the new platform, and if you know the thread title (presumably from your bookmarks), you should be able to find it very easily, especially if the archives are going to be re-integrated (presumably your bookmarks break now when a thread is archived, no?).

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Don't feed the trolls.

Not presumably...

...definitely.

As proof, here is but one example, which is another compelling reason to improve FlyerTalk.

As someone who has been in the graphic arts industry for 20 years, I feel that the FlyerTalk Internet web site could use a visual design makeover as well. No one has asked for my opinion, which I would have gladly offered in order to help in any way I can.

I think that this is slated to happen with the cutover, but I'll defer to Randy and crew to confirm.

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Don't feed the trolls.

Might have been mentioned elsewhere, but I am too lazy to look (it is the Australian in me! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif )

Some BB's I am on have the ability to have a "sticky" function, whereby an administrator/moderator/God can set a thread status to sticky and it will remain on the top of the thread listing. Will this be an option with the new software?

It would of course have to be used judiciously, you don't want 2½ pages of "stickies" but it could be helpful for FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) or even FQA's (Frequently Questioned Answers! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif ). An example would be a "How to do the AA Platinum Challenge" which could be permanently at the top of the AA forum, would save a lot of the same questions being asked again and again and again and again and ag..<slap>.

Sorry.

Dave

I know for sure that the “sticky” function which you mention is a feature of the vBulletin bulletin board software.

I personally do not know whether or not it will be implemented in the new version of FlyerTalk.

I can forsee big problems on the busier forums like AA and UA with "stickies".

More than the entire page 1 of UA could easily be 20 useful threads of this nature.

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Try and make it down to SYD for "OZ FEST 2004" - May 21-23

~ Glen ~ sipping bubbly from UA 747-400 exit row 15A near you SOON!

It's fairly easy to put the top 20 questions and answers into ONE thread...

Actually, one use in which I foresee for a “sticky” thread is one dedicated to travel specials in a particular forum, such as Delta’s Weekly Fare Specials.

A far more typical use of a “sticky” thread is one which outlines the terms and conditions of that particular forum (the Coupon Connection forum and the OMNI forum are two excellent examples, as each forum has its own special rules) and who are the moderators assigned to that forum.

I may be wrong, but it would seem to me that this feature, as well as many other functions and features in the vBulletin bulletin board software, is fluid enough so that it could be turned on or off at any time as deemed necessary with little or no disruption to the new FlyerTalk once it is in operation.

As long as the Technical Issues forum and Suggestions forum exist in FlyerTalk in the future, improving FlyerTalk as necessary should be easy — much easier, I would think, than trying to improve the current FlyerTalk Internet web site.

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For everybody’s convenience, here are the features of vBulletin bulletin board software, which may help answer some questions and satisfy some of the curiosity of what features could or may be included in the new and improved FlyerTalk.

[This message has been edited by Canarsie (edited Feb 24, 2004).]

How will I ever achieve my personal (secret) amount of FT-posts goal, if 'you' take away the opportunity to answer the same questions again and again ... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I think that priceline-oriented site at biddingfortravel.com has the sticky features to outline the FAQ's and to list the hotels priceline offers by categories and by area. That would be a good solution to put an FAQ thread which can be locked by moderators and updated periodically.

This thread appeared only hours after I posted the following statement:

The timing could not have been better!

I think a sticky would be great for threads such as the great thread I.P. made for the NW board just prior to his leaving that lists all the fare class and their definitions (i.e. upgradeable, extra miles, etc.) I still refer to it from time to time, and searching can be a hassle. And new threads re: fare class definitions seem to come up at least once a week too. That's at least 52 extra threads that clots the forum that could have otherwise been avoided, or more.

A question, is it a whole new board system, or just a big update for the current one?

On the issue of 'Stickies.' Currently there are only two forums that we have targeted for that use and they were provided from an above thread - OMNI and Coupon Connection which both have special guidelines for their use. Others may perhaps come into being because frankly there are some excellent ideas above.

The only isuse we still have outstanding from our internal list is the position and use of OMNI. We will most definitely be moving it from FT Travel but am stumped as to where to put it. Some suggest dump it, others glorify it. nonetheless, we will try and make that as painless as possible.

Thanks for the suggestions and most valuable feedback.

Another nice feature would have the site remember your username & password and keep you logged in. I like how it generally does that "per session" on FT, but it'd be nice if it could permanently do that. Similar to how NW's website can "remember" your account number and you have the option of it "remembering" your pin.

Not a necessesity & not high up on the list of things to do, but I think it'd be a nice enhancement.

Another GREAT feature of VBB is 'subforums'. Thus, for the multi-use forums where various carriers are grouped, each carrier can now have it's own separate forum under the link on the 'Miles' page. This can also be useful in conjunction with 'stickies' as a 'read only' subforum can be created with answers to questions that are constantly asked and primer threads within each respective airline's forum. Thus, you have the normal discussion forum and a link at the top to the 'read-only' area where the FAQ-like posts would reside.

IMO stickies are VERY powerful and should be used (judiciously) board-wide... it will save the need to bump/link to age-old threads that would be better off in a semi-archived format such as a sticky.

[This message has been edited by kanebear (edited Mar 02, 2004).]

Maybe Omni can be a Forum all to itself, No? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Yes, we're still a little undecided about OMNI. So far we've talked about just ending it, trying to come up with another URL and posting it away from FT, developing a forum of its own, developing a Misc. area which it might be added to, deeding it over to Gaucho100K (grin!), and other ideas not named here. The challenge is that it brings pleasure and interest to a small army of members and we are glad for that; but it also brings a real test of our patience because there is a very small number of members who simply can not put a lid on their zealous distain of others opinions and comprehend that FlyerTalk is quite diverse, not just in issues related to gay marriages, but liberal left wing and other political and religous points of view. We've spent more time on deciding what to do with OMNI than almost any other issue to date when we change over FT.


I do have some bad news. In yesterday's changeover meeting, we have determined that there is no way we can keep FlyerTalk closed during the changeover for less than 4 days. It will probably be a Friday to Monday night close to changeover the threads to the new technology. We're headed toward 3 million posts on FT and its a challenge to port those over.

I'll advise more as we get closer.

Randy,

I would urge you to deal with the Minority of members who cause the problems within OMNI, not close it.

OMNI is a valuable asset to FT and closing it, rather than banishing the troublemakers, would be a shame.

With the new board have bolding? (Love it).

--ducking and running for cover....

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Don't feed the trolls.

Randy,

Thanks for the update.

Please don't close Omni, it's a valuable resource. I have asked so many non travel related questions and received very good and thoughtful replies. Everything from PC stuff to do I need a lawyer?

Members that go on and on about topics which are important to them should be warned and then banished if they don't stop.

Mary

This was my immediate thought also.

People apply for special permission to get access to OMNI and that permission can be taken away.

There are a small minority that cause 90% of the problems in OMNI. I know I can usually predict WHO will disrupt a thread... or all of OMNI.

As others have said, deal with the problem... and do not punish everyone. I would say that many more people get value out of OMNI than actually post to it. I see OMNI as a playground on Flyertalk.... and someone has to deal with the playground bullies. Sometimes the membership tries, sometimes the moderators try... but sometimes they need to be kicked out.

Perhaps removing posting privileges to OMNI only might be a solution.

William

Originally posted by Randy Petersen:

Time to start booking that trip to the web-less archipelago.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

What CameraGuy, Mary2e and wharvey said.

Deal with the minority of brats or give even broader powers to the mods, but please don't close OMNI b/c of a few bad seeds.

While I am not a frequent contributor to OMNI, I believe that eliminating OMNI is not a good idea.

There are many sites throughout the Internet which specialize in topics discussed in OMNI that are not relevant to points and miles. However, there seems to be a certain level of trust amongst members of FlyerTalk to acquire information on topics as varied as cooking, computers or cars. Besides, the frequent flyer community is fairly unique in the fact that FlyerTalk members are experts from all walks of life that have valuable information to impart that is not considered germane to the regular areas of FlyerTalk, whether it be law, photography, construction, financial matters, etc.

For many members of FlyerTalk, points and miles are indeed a serious business. OMNI allows FlyerTalk members the opportunity to “take a break” — to have fun and joke around with each other.

The problem lies with the wasted amount of time and resources spent trying to resolve differences in opinion between FlyerTalk members. If I owned and operated an Internet bulletin board, I would consider doing what many other Internet bulletin boards seem to do: establish a forum where one enters and contributes at one’s own risk. This does not necessarily have to be at an Internet web site separate from FlyerTalk (unless there are legal reasons to do so), and the ultimate judges in what the rules and “laws” of that forum are could be determined by a well-rounded quorum of well-respected volunteer FlyerTalk members of all types (which could include or exclude the moderators of OMNI). This way, Randy Petersen can concentrate on important business matters instead of constantly attempting to resolve member conflicts, which wastes valuable time, energy and resources.

This is hardly a new idea, but perhaps there should be two separate OMNI forums: a fun an informative area similar to the rest of FlyerTalk where members assist each other on all issues other than points and miles, as well as share jokes and play games; and the other (with a specific disclaimer attached where clicking OK means that one agrees to the rules and risks of this forum, as well as permission to enter this forum to be granted contingent upon official approval) which is an uncensored forum of opinions and ideas where contributors understand that they enter only at their own risk. Complaints would be resolved by the aforementioned quorum of volunteer FlyerTalk members, who perhaps could remain anonymous.

The S.P.A.M. forum could be a third forum in this new OMNI zone, as it really has little to do with points, miles and travel.

I would even be inclined to consider including the FlyerTalk Community forum and the Coupon Connection forum, along with the S.P.A.M forum and the two different OMNI forums, in this new area, although that is debatable.

I realize that there will be disagreement to what I propose here, but the main purpose of this post is to keep OMNI in some form that will keep as many FlyerTalk members as happy as possible, while freeing up Randy Petersen from spending a lot of time dealing with FlyerTalk member issues. Therefore, please consider my proposal more of a genesis of what could be some good ideas, rather than a concrete idea of its own volition.