Make Sysopt Better?

[socalgal]

Hi Everyone!

I had a suggestion put to me by SysAdmin, to address all Members/Jr.Members of this Board.

What Scott would like us all to do is make some suggestions, throw out some ideas; delve into our great minds and come up with anything that YOU think Sysopt should implement to make this an even better Board.

These can have anything to do with any of the Forums, and can apply to ResellerRatings also.

So please post any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, constructive criticism - Go Wild!

[socalgal]

Ok, I'll go first.

I would be hard put to think much would improve Sysopt! But... since you brought it up...

What would I really like to see here:

A really "up to the minute", comparative or side-by-side, hardware Reviews site. CPUs, video cards, motherboards, sound cards, hard drives, memory... you got the idea! Knock all the other reviews sites into the dirt. Have the latest and the greatest. It would sure save alot of surfing time!

Gee, that's a great idea socalgal hehe

[Bleeding Edge]

Well, Scott. How do you do.

For a comparative hardware/software review, I'd like too see a format similar to the one found at www.audioreview.com/reviews/index.html (http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/index.html) added to Sysopt's full review that already exists.

As for a retail vendor comparision, the old and outdated format taken from www.visi.com/~nau/mailorder/clist.html (http://www.visi.com/~nau/mailorder/clist.html) can be restructured nicely to be presented in a similar way to the new format found here: www.audiosurvey.com/cgi-local/mailorder.pl (http://www.audiosurvey.com/cgi-local/mailorder.pl)


[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 06-17-99).]

[Roy]

This may be too-thin ice.

A "Member's Critique Forum" A place where we could post compliments for what's good, and suggestions for improvement of what is not, about members' behavior on the board. It would have to be signed so the person who is subject of the comment could be prohibited from answering by way of a software lockout of the name.

In essence, compliments and constructive criticism only. No flames or inappropriate language. Each comment would become a thread where all but the "subject" could speak, adding to the comment or defending the subject's actions.

Is it possible the member family could be sufficiently mature to do this? I like to think so. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Carlos Kerr]

What about a members system survey? Keep it simple: How many members are running AMDk6-2 350's? for instance. It may be set up similiar to the re-sellers page. We could see how many of us are currently using what and how we felt about it.

[SysOpt]

Bleeding Edge:

I trust you've seen the following?

http://www.sysopt.com/userreviews/index.html
http://www.resellerratings.com

I appreciate the suggestions you made, but I've got 'em both in the two above URL's! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
As far as adding company contact information for the vendor survey, that's coming soon.

Scott

[jayzad]

I would like to see if you could figure out a way to get more people to post their userreviews of products. Yes I know there are a lot already. But some might not even know anything about. An example would be CDRW alot of members have them but only 38 post. Come to think of it 500 post for all componets is not enough for all the members here. Another suggestion might to make sure the members do not get out of hand and act like childern here and flame each other all the time. To the point where we are spending half of are time reading these post. This is not a chat room.
Thank you http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Bleeding Edge]

No, Sysopt. I don't get out much. Sort of like to hang around here at the forum. Thanks.

Maybe a sidebar of sorts to connect to these links from the forum?

[SysOpt]

jayzad:

There are over 500 products reviewed by users, but several products have received multiple reviews. So actually, there are over 1,400 individual user reviews. In just a few months, that's not too shabby really. Course, many of those are one liners "it's a good product", etc, which contribute very little to the resource.

As far as preventing useless or improper reviews, all user reviews will soon be filtered through a manual approval admin system.

If anyone has any ideas to promote the user reviews, I'd be happy to hear them because I agree that it's a pretty cool resource (IMHO) that's very underutilized.

Scott

[SysOpt]

Bleeding edge:

I'd be happy to add a sidebar, but the general concensus was that people didn't want one because it took up too much room in the forum. You can always use the sidebar on the SysOpt homepage though! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Scott

[CMonster]

as long as we are brainstorming ideas that might improve sysopt --

how about a page dedicated towards becomming A+ certified? this could also be a sort of weekly review for those who are already experts in the field.

just an idea,

George

[LJE2]

I like the Idea of having something relating to becoming A+ certified, maybe a page with questions (giving the answers the following day) and indepth articles relating to this area.

[MrEd]

I would like to see a hyperlink to a page of links for various troublshooting sites. I have several already bookmarked, as do a lot of people here, I'm sure, but for new people to check out. If you want some, let me know I'll email them to you.

And how 'bout Members being able to delete their own thread via the edit procedure. Sometimes there are double and triple posts and comments, this way, the person that posted a subject can change his mind about the post, or delete any extras that pop up.

[cobain1crt]

Make sysopt better? Like what, beeming it into my mind on a seondly bassis, this place kicks ***!

[SysOpt]

What about a decent chat room? Would anyone use it?

Scott

[Bazango]

I would like to see an HTML based reference on computing where general concepts could be explained. I agree, in spirit, with those who would like to see a certification page, although a certification does not always promote a complete understanding of what it certifies.

Computing and the associated hardware represent deep and profound concepts and even if you are just trying to speed up action games, you are never far from them. Just as the graphical user interface (GUI) made it possible for anyone to use computers, so also can it be made so that anyone can understand them.

Sysopt makes it possible for the uninitiated to deal with technical problems. In my own experience I have found solutions here just because I followed a procedure and not because I understood WHY the procedure worked. It is too much to ask readers why a solution worked, an HTML reference might fill this gap. Such a reference might identify those topics that represented A+ certification subjects.

[BBA]

I agree that a "resource" page of basics and definitions would be a definite plus.

Maybe make the keywords 'clickable' in descriptions also.

Hmmm.... I think it's a "go"

BBA

[MrEd]

I might spend a little time in a chat room, if anyone else is interested. I can't see it getting very much traffic, though.

-MrEd

[socalgal]

I also like very much the idea of a link to Members' fav troubleshooting/tips/resources. They could be categorized as to the specific feature.

The links page on the Home Page is good, but I know I have a slew of bookmarks and I got many of them from the Members!

Ahem.
Maybe this isn't the proper place to say this; but then, where would it be? I just wanted to say that I love this place and as such, I am dismayed at noticing an increasing number of episodes of members flaming other members, name-calling, belittling, etc.

IMO, this is a shrine of instruction and learning, and yes, I have fun here too. But it saddens me to see these episodes. You that are more knowledgeable and wise, please continue to correct any of us that give incorrect or misleading information. We need you!

However, I would really like to see it done more with a spirit of respectfulness; just treating others as you would like to be treated.

Hey, I don't mind parrying with repartee, but let's think about others' feelings too. You know what I mean.

I can't help but admire the one who consistently gets back on his horse, right or wrong, after the relentless trashing he takes!

I need no responses. Actions speak louder than words.

Ok, done.





[This message has been edited by socalgal (edited 06-18-99).]

[BBA]

socalgal, will you marry me?

your so kind to the weak...

BBA

[socalgal]

BBA, only if you prefer puppies rather than babies http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif



[This message has been edited by socalgal (edited 06-18-99).]

[MadMax]

Wow, socalgal, you are right. I must admit to having been guilty of that. To all that I have treated with less than respect, I offer my heart felt apology. I really like this place and to bring a note of discord to it does all of you fine people a disservice. Again, I apologize for my behavior and will refrain.

Chris

[This message has been edited by MadMax (edited 06-19-99).]

[Bleeding Edge]

Ohhh, BBA. Just move to the left coast and be done with it. Less humidity and the temperature's the same. Of course the overall temperature will rise the closer you get to her.

edit-

puppies http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 06-19-99).]

[Zacko10000]

If it won't take much effort go for the chatroom, I might spend some time there. Sysopt is great, couldn't be much better

[BBA]

Yall must be Psycho..err psychic!

I do have a big ol puppy. Had her since she was 1 month old, now 6&1/2 yrs.

And no babies!!!

Hehehehehe http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

BBA

[jayzad]

To SysOpt Administrator
I would like to say this site is at the top of my list and I would give it a ****** rating. I will keep comeing back untill I can't click the mouse anymore.
I'm going to try and cut to the chase. In other words what I think not why.
Change the top of your front page. By removeing the list of Reviews and Articles.
And in their place put direct links to those two sections along with the other best sections you have. (User Reviews, Reseller Ratings, BBS, Links...). I would also put a short explaination under each along with a cool Icon next to each. You need to grab them with some visuals and take them to the best rooms of your house. And once they come in I would make sure they are taken care of and helped in the BBS. No flames. Lets face it there are a ton of places to get reviews. But you have a top notch BBS. So I would make sure it stays that way and that all have a good experince there. Hell get them a Beer while they are here.
I don't use chat rooms so I can't give you my opinon on that topic. Other Sections a Rants and Rave section to keep the flames down in other sections, App's & OS's, a female section with links to their favorite sites. I'm trying to help because I like your site. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Ed_S]

A classified ad forum was mentioned some time ago. I think this would be good & would leave "steals & deals" for it's intended purpose.

Possibly set up so that those with items for sale would use separate password to post in that forum, registration to include verifiable street address & phone # (privately to administrator). This would help keep out the less honest, thereby making it more comfortable for all. If a problem develops between buyer & seller, sysopt could lock out that seller and flag existing posts as "Caution - dispute in progress" pending reasonable resolution.
Maybe a registration fee to make it worth sysopt's time & trouble?

[cobain1crt]

I have an idea, how about a way to update your info, like if you change your email adress, or get a new web site, or just want to have a different tag.

[socalgal]

Cobain ~ you can change your profile anytime. Just go to the top of this page, hit the Profile link, and change away.

[cobain1crt]

o, thanks.

[CMonster]

BBA - you would be getting a winner - and a good looker too!! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

puppies?? ..personally I like kids, just you need a painters tarp around feeding time..

CHAT?? I probably would not use it - it takes me 5 or 6 rewrites to get what I want to say out correctly - that is why you will most often see the following message:

[This message has been edited by CMonster (edited 06-19-99).]

[yaroa]

How about a way to see just the answers to a post that you havent read (maybe in Preferences). There are 30 items in this thread, and growing, so you must scroll down and try to remember wich ones you already read.?

[Ygor]

I wondered if you would consider a chatroom. I happen to have a little experience with aol's, but not with this subject.

I'd love to drop in and just listen to people chat until I have something to say, or ask. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

However... one person can make it a bad experience unless it's hosted and/or people know they have an ignore option. This would represent more overhead to SysOpt, I am sure.
Something to think about.

[scourge]

I would like an old **** section in the discussion forum. I mess around with a lot of old components. I just like building old machines and make them do things that they were never intended to do. Anything from TRS-80's to 486's. The more experienced members here could answer questions with a quick "been there done that, here's how you fix it". Maybe members could post an inventory of items they have and trade for items with other members. I have some Promise ISA EIDE cards that I would trade for some 30pin memory. You know, stuff that's fairly useless to you, but might be gold to someone else. I don't know, might be too much trouble.

[quidne]

It would help me alot if the older stuff was in catagorys of modems,printers,etc. I spend a lot of time searching (It is fun to read the members comments). Quidne

[jayzad]

Hello http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Just a thought. I think SySopt should close this post and open a new one with some comments on the ideas left so far.
Just trying to help http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

[StarWatcher]

I concur with everyone-this site is great http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Joel and Scott do a great job. Newbies and Techies alike are made to feel welcome here. And the level of knowledge available here is topnotch.

I have a suggestion, It would be helpful to be able to search a data base of posts beyond the current 30 day limit. That way, someone wanting info on a Swapfile, for example, would be able to access all posts on that subject say, from the past 6 months.

Having such a wealth of information available would be very helpful.

[Bazango]

I agree with scourge about an old computers section. This is a subject that shows up regularly, certainly as much as gaming. Old computers are a good place for the begginer to start fooling around with computers. I imagine there are more than a few old machines that can use some of the more modern components. And "old" may be 166Mhz before you know it.

[socalgal]

Wow, I think there's lots of great ideas here. How about a roundup?

Old posts search (>30 days)
Old **** section
Secure classifieds
Rant & Rave section
Direct links to Review & Articles (?)
HTML reference(s) on computing
Chat room
Members'links to Resources/Troubleshooting
Members System Survey
Critique
Company contact info - Vendor Surveys
More/improved user reviews
Latest hardware/software reviews
One offer of marriage (just one?!?! lol JK!!)

Many of these ideas were posted more than once, and I think there are some really good ones here.

I hope I didn't miss something, let me know!

Keep them coming folks!

Perhaps a continuation thread is in order shortly to reduce loading time - I'm checking on it with Staff.


[This message has been edited by socalgal (edited 06-21-99).]