I am looking into some changes on the message boards to try and satisfy as many users as I can, so the message boards can be a place where people can get out of them what they want to get out of them.
For the most part over any given 30 day span during the Iowa sports seasons, there are more than 100,000 people who visit this site. That's roughly the population of Davenport.
Now, there's no way the entire city of Davenport is going to agree on everything, just like there is no way all of the people of a town the size of Winterset will agree on everything.
I think there are things we can do so that you can get the most out of the boards, or what you want to get out of them.
Some people just want to stick to Iowa sports topics. That's why I moved the Off Topic board to opt in status, so those posts do not show up on the main forum landing page. Those who like the OT posts (which I do, for the most part) can still view them on your landing page by opting in.
Here is how you do that.
One you opt in, your HN message board browsing experience will be as it always has been.
I will also more closely monitor the posts that are made in the ON TOPIC forums, such as the football, basketball, recruiting forums, etc. I would like for posts and conversations in these forums to remain on topic as much as possible. I realize 100% compliance is next to impossible, and I do not want to spend my day pruning posts. Just please keep this request in mind.
Also, please take care to start a topic in the appropriate forum. Don't start a basketball post in the football forum. Don't start an off topic post in the football forum.
I am also looking at creating sub forums whose posts will never show up in the forum landing page. A place where those who like to really hash it out with fellow posters can go. Our posting rules (
which you can read here) will still apply, such as no profanity or lewd images or discussions), but if you want to go brass knuckles on a topic, have at it. The only way to gain access to a forum like this will be to opt in, so that no one can complain about the forum or what is said in it. NOTE: This does not mean it would be a place to post harmful rumors. It will not be a free for all in that regard. If you want something like that, this is not going to be the site for you.
The reality is that 95% of the people who visit this site each month never post on the boards. Some just don't enjoy that or don't spend the time to do it. Some see how new posters are treated by other longer time posters, as if their low post count means they are not worthy of being paid any attention or their opinions can be dismissed.
That's garbage, and that sort of treatment is going to stop on this site.
That sort of clique behavior turns people off and keeps other people from wanting to get involved and express their opinions. We're done with that on this website. If you want your clique stuff, the subforum will be for you. Otherwise, keep that sort of stuff out of the main forums, or please take it to another website.
Now, if you have any ideas, suggestions, criticisms, farewell blasts or what have you, let's take care of that in this thread. Let's consider this our Festivus post...the airing of grievances if you want, or ideas to help create a better and more vibrant community.
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