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Author Topic: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum  (Read 84180 times)

Colin Bishop

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #25 on: February 07, 2009, 10:01:09 pm »

Footski, I am hopeful that we will see improvements before too long.

Colin
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Colin Bishop

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #26 on: February 07, 2009, 10:20:13 pm »

I've just revisited the MB website. It seems that other topics are also experiencing problems with posts not showing up tonight so it does indeed look as if there is a software problem given that no moderators are on the Forum at the moment. Conspiracy Theory 0; Cock Up 1. QED!

Colin
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cos918

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #27 on: February 07, 2009, 10:25:30 pm »

I have just been on the MB forum. There seams to be a lot of thread hijacking .Is this normal on that forum.

John
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tigertiger

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #28 on: February 08, 2009, 02:55:05 am »

I have just been on the MB forum. There seams to be a lot of thread hijacking .Is this normal on that forum.

John

Hi John

Thread hijacking is normal in any forum. It often just happens because the conversation drifts.
Other times it happens because some posters are a bit self serving.


One of the roles of the moderators on Mayhem is to prevent this.

On the Model Boat Mayhen site this is often achieved by splitting the topic or, if the topic morphs, changing the title.
If people do hijack a thread we may send a PM and ask them not to do this, if needed.
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steamboatmodel

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #29 on: February 10, 2009, 02:25:51 am »

Mr. Glynn Guest's posts are not the only ones missing, I find it strange the why only some posts disappeared and not others, all my posts on the Glycol issue are missing, as well as those in Current & upcoming issues. They would do better to delete everything and start again, It reflects poorly on a good magazine.
Regards,
Gerald
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DavieTait

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #30 on: February 10, 2009, 10:38:39 am »

In Vbulletin there is an option called "chudley goes to Coventry" which means that that members posts are visible only to himself and not to anyone else. In practice it means that his account is automatically placed on the ignore list of every member of the site. It does look like someone has used a similar PHP script to that in this case.

The only other option would be if they had edited your account to make every post of yours go to the moderation queue , that means they don't show up to anyone ( usually not even to yourself but different PHP based forums work in different ways ). If they had deleted posts then these would NOT show up to anyone except moderators/admin.

I have used the Model Boats forum for a while but haven't posted much as its pretty quiet and , to be absolutely honest , I can't see how the site keeps going as compared to the other modeling sites online it is almost unused.

Moderating a forum or website is not easy and it can be all too easy for things done accidentally ( system errors , admin or moderators clicking the wrong option , etc ) to snowball into all out flame wars between members and the site operators. It is a fine line between getting it right and getting it wrong. The only way that a site prospers is if you have a comprehensive Acceptable User Guidelines in place and make sure that everyone ( members , moderators and admin ) stick to them. There needs to be a system where people know what is acceptable and what is not.

When a member breaks a rule then the first thing to normally happens is a PM/Email warning with a note kept of what happened and more importantly when it happened ( we ignore things that happened more than 3 months previously if it was a first offence on Trawlerphotos ) , a second offence within the 3 months should mean a formal warning again with a 3 month period after which this lapses , a third offence within the time would mean a 7-14 day suspension from the site ( we keep a note of this "Red Card" for 6 months after the end of the suspension period ) and if there is a 4rth break of the rules within the note keeping period for the red card then permanent removal.

We do , reluctantly , remove people permanently for a first offence if the post is racist , seriously abusive , etc and that must always be an option for admin only ( if no admin on then a moderator should suspend for 24hrs and alert admin ).

Just thought you'd appreciate how things are normally done on a lot of sites thats all guys
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Davie Tait,
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Martin (Admin)

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #31 on: February 10, 2009, 11:20:25 am »

That's basically the same as we do here on Mayhem Davie.
 I've leant the hard way, burning my fingers many times.  :embarrassed:
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DavieTait

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #32 on: February 10, 2009, 11:24:24 am »

It can be very annoying at times Martin when people ignore the rules , we have a system when a new member registers the account has to be accepted by Admin before being allowed to post and there is a system generate PM message welcoming them to the site and telling them to read the acceptable use guidelines. It was put in place after a few people claimed not to know about the rules...........

I just thought that the members would appreciate how things normally work and that the MBM forum doesn't seem to operate to the norms...
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Davie Tait,
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BJ

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #33 on: February 10, 2009, 12:17:22 pm »

We are extremely fortunate in this country that we have TWO very good magazines covering the various disciplines of our hobby together with their respective forums.
In the USA, the RADIO CONTROL BOAT MODELER magazine has been pulled by AirAge but leaving its forum on line. In future boating related matters will be published in the company's RC Car magazine.

It does make me wonder though that we have these magazines in the UK with their forums PLUS Mayhem. I would have thought that it made far more sense for both of the UK magazine publishers to put their weight behind the independent Mayhem forum to save themselves money and to draw the attention of everyone world wide to their publication. Surely it is cheaper to advertise than to spend on running forums etc. or is it "prestige" to say that they have a forum for their readers?
For myself, it is nice to see that names such as Glynn Guest do look at this forum (....wonder if any of the now redundant US contributors will appear on Mayhem).

I believe that ONE good forum is better than several mediocre ones.
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DavieTait

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #34 on: February 10, 2009, 12:23:39 pm »

Totally agree BJ , it makes far more sense for the publisher to back a well run and very well supported site like mayhem with advertising than to try and make their own forum when they really don't have the system working nor the support to make it work properly.

We are lucky to have 2 monthly model boats magazines ( for how much longer though is anyones guess ) compared to other countries. I have seen other publications doing absolutely the wrong thing as well. The International Fishing News was £5.40 a month in December 2008 and its now £9.50.... for the same size and amount of pages... The same publishers also took one of the best Fishing boat reference annuals ( Fishing Vessels of Britain and Ireland ) and took it from an A4 hardback with photos of all sizes of boats from 9.5m to 144m with a review of all new boats , port round-ups etc , and changed it to an A5 paperback no under 10m photos , inaccurate details about the boats with inaccurate photos , no port round-ups no review of the year or new boats .... then upped the price to £75 from £65..............
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Davie Tait,
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TCC

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #35 on: February 10, 2009, 04:35:57 pm »

At the risk of going off on a tangent and breaking the rules so fresh in my mind, I wonder if 'the internet' is the enemy of a published monthly?

A magazine is a un-democratic collection of articles and adverts where you're only voice is by their letters page, you have to pay for it, news is a month or more behind, yet you can read a mag on a bus and the content is generally proofed and professional.

The internet is free, timely, has roughly the same content (only more so). In fact, the internet has no bounds and you're only constraind by what you place in the acress bar of a browser.

If I want to ask a question, I find a forum and post it online. I search the internet for images, I look at fora? for advertisers and shops to buy things. Enthusiast guys place their own sites up on specific, small interest topics, guys will write their own articles on their builds... how can a magazine beat that? And it's free content just as good as what I'd buy monthly.

I've just returned to the hobby (sort of) and I've not felt the need to buy a mag yet and the MB someone give me sits next to me unread.

I don't know what going on in the boardrooms of publications but I can foretell the direction they'll go. It's down with steadily decreasing readership until they move online with a subscription or advertising based magazine.

However, what will a gent read in the dentists waiting room? (a polite way of saying the loo! :-)) Please don't jump on my head, I only ask a question. I saw this with other specialist areas (magazines)
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Martin (Admin)

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #36 on: February 10, 2009, 05:22:53 pm »

You've done it now TCC!   -  You've uttered the words publishers dare not speak!

 Have you noticed that van that's just pulled up outside your house and the guys in black suits, dark glasses and
  talking into their wrists..... they're the MB/MMI Quantanamo Bay Department!  It was nice knowing you TCC.
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TCC

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #37 on: February 10, 2009, 05:34:27 pm »

You've done it now TCC!   -  You've uttered the words publishers dare not speak!

 Have you noticed that van that's just pulled up outside your house and the guys in black suits, dark glasses and
  talking into their wrists..... they're the MB/MMI Quantanamo Bay Department!  It was nice knowing you TCC.


I thought they were from you for side-tracking the thread (again)! :-)
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Bowwave

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #38 on: February 10, 2009, 05:42:09 pm »

At the risk of going off on a tangent and breaking the rules so fresh in my mind, I wonder if 'the internet' is the enemy of a published monthly?

A magazine is a un-democratic collection of articles and adverts where you're only voice is by their letters page, you have to pay for it, news is a month or more behind, yet you can read a mag on a bus and the content is generally proofed and professional.

The internet is free, timely, has roughly the same content (only more so). In fact, the internet has no bounds and you're only constraind by what you place in the acress bar of a browser.

If I want to ask a question, I find a forum and post it online. I search the internet for images, I look at fora? for advertisers and shops to buy things. Enthusiast guys place their own sites up on specific, small interest topics, guys will write their own articles on their builds... how can a magazine beat that? And it's free content just as good as what I'd buy monthly.

I've just returned to the hobby (sort of) and I've not felt the need to buy a mag yet and the MB someone give me sits next to me unread.

I don't know what going on in the boardrooms of publications but I can foretell the direction they'll go. It's down with steadily decreasing readership until they move online with a subscription or advertising based magazine.

However, what will a gent read in the dentists waiting room? (a polite way of saying the loo! :-)) Please don't jump on my head, I only ask a question. I saw this with other specialist areas (magazines)
Whilst I don't necessarily disagree with your sentiments .Ask the question why do modelers like the magazines? Sites such as this, which I enjoy immensely and magazines which I enjoy reading are intrinsically similar but quite different in the way information is gathered and disseminated. They can and do co-exist. To use the word "undemocratic" sounds a shade political.  When I receive any magazine, I'm not interested whether it's democratic, only the information with in the pages. Same as a book, which the author has spent time and effort to research its contents and deliver by, enlarge accurate information. We still buy books, in fact we buy more than ever .To suggest that one medium is better than the other by what ever virtue is missing the point. People like what they like and if it brings enjoyment and information then so be it.
Bowwave

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Martin (Admin)

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #39 on: February 10, 2009, 05:44:22 pm »

Quote
I thought they were from you for side-tracking the thread (again)! Happy#

Naaa, the 'heavies' from Mayhem, come round, break your door down and say; "Oooo! What you building there?"

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Roger in France

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #40 on: February 10, 2009, 05:55:03 pm »

For the information of Mayhem Members who joined more than 18 months ago:

Mayhem does now send all new Members a "Welcome Message" which they will normally receive within 24 hrs. of joining. It draws their attention to the Mayhem Rules (providing a link) and tells them something of the Mayhem ethos. Many messages are adapted to present a truly welcoming and personal approach. We decided not to create it automatically so it could be personalised.

I know this because it is one of the Moderators tasks which I perform, behind the scenes.

Roger in France
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TCC

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #41 on: February 10, 2009, 06:27:10 pm »

At the risk of going off on a tangent and breaking the rules so fresh in my mind, I wonder if 'the internet' is the enemy of a published monthly?

A magazine is a un-democratic collection of articles and adverts where you're only voice is by their letters page, you have to pay for it, news is a month or more behind, yet you can read a mag on a bus and the content is generally proofed and professional.

The internet is free, timely, has roughly the same content (only more so). In fact, the internet has no bounds and you're only constraind by what you place in the acress bar of a browser.

If I want to ask a question, I find a forum and post it online. I search the internet for images, I look at fora? for advertisers and shops to buy things. Enthusiast guys place their own sites up on specific, small interest topics, guys will write their own articles on their builds... how can a magazine beat that? And it's free content just as good as what I'd buy monthly.

I've just returned to the hobby (sort of) and I've not felt the need to buy a mag yet and the MB someone give me sits next to me unread.

I don't know what going on in the boardrooms of publications but I can foretell the direction they'll go. It's down with steadily decreasing readership until they move online with a subscription or advertising based magazine.

However, what will a gent read in the dentists waiting room? (a polite way of saying the loo! :-)) Please don't jump on my head, I only ask a question. I saw this with other specialist areas (magazines)
Whilst I don't necessarily disagree with your sentiments .Ask the question why do modelers like the magazines? Sites such as this, which I enjoy immensely and magazines which I enjoy reading are intrinsically similar but quite different in the way information is gathered and disseminated. They can and do co-exist. To use the word "undemocratic" sounds a shade political.  When I receive any magazine, I'm not interested whether it's democratic, only the information with in the pages. Same as a book, which the author has spent time and effort to research its contents and deliver by, enlarge accurate information. We still buy books, in fact we buy more than ever .To suggest that one medium is better than the other by what ever virtue is missing the point. People like what they like and if it brings enjoyment and information then so be it.
Bowwave



Bowave, undemocratic in that in a forum, I can speak my mind and hold sway to anyone who cares to listen... a magazine is all one way... and the other way... they talk, you read. So it's that sense of the word, not political. And it's not just fora where 'I have my say', I've button-holed many a web-author in my time. :-) So I see the internet as a great freedom-giver and leveller in that I have access to.. anyone, really as e-mail is so quick and easy.

Right and that's where I'll stop as such a torrent of un-thought-about thoughts has made me feel ligtheaded and I'm off to sleep it off. :-)

And I'd agree that mag readership is just as lively as ever... I've never seen an empty WHS aisle. :-)
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steamboatmodel

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #42 on: February 11, 2009, 09:27:55 pm »

Mr. Colin Bishop is now in charge if the Model Boats Website, hopefully with this change the site will improve. I have noticed that most of the missing posts have reappeared.
Regards,
Gerald.
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Colin Bishop

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #43 on: February 11, 2009, 09:41:12 pm »

I am indeed and the missing posts have been restored. I have posted a statement of intent regarding future moderation on the Model Boats forum which I hope will reassure their members.

It will take a little while for me to get my feet "under the table" so to speak so don't expect any major immediate changes.

I would like to say that the Model Boats forum and website exists to support the magazine and I do not envisage it as being in any way in competition to Mayhem.

However, in the circumstances I have agreed with Martin that it would be inappropriate for me to continue as a Mayhem Moderator although I intend to continue to participate as an ordinary member of this unique site, long may it continue to prosper.

Colin
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chingdevil

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #44 on: February 11, 2009, 10:00:59 pm »

Colin

Good Luck with your new venture

Brian
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Martin (Admin)

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #45 on: February 11, 2009, 10:20:03 pm »

Indeed! The Arch Bishop was/is a huge asset to this site and has has a massive influence for good
on this Forum.  Model Boats forum is in good hands.  http://www.modelboats.co.uk/forums/

Martin.


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barryfoote

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #46 on: February 12, 2009, 08:29:41 am »

I must pass on my congratulations and thanks to Colin, who as a Moderator has always tried to steer a straight and understanding path. Best of luck with the MB site Colin.
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Bowwave

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #47 on: February 12, 2009, 09:18:40 am »

All the best Colin in the new venture I'm sure it will be a success  O0
Bowwave
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wideawake

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #48 on: February 12, 2009, 10:27:35 am »

I must pass on my congratulations and thanks to Colin, who as a Moderator has always tried to steer a straight and understanding path. Best of luck with the MB site Colin.

Hear hear

Guy
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Colin Bishop

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Re: Re: Model Boats Magazine - Website & forum
« Reply #49 on: March 28, 2009, 10:23:23 pm »

Martin has kindly given me permission to plug the Model Boats Website.

As many of you will be aware, I have been appointed Web Editor of the site from earlier this month. As has been apparent from some of the earlier posts on Mayhem it has, for various reasons, been rather neglected of late! I have therefore been busy in sorting things out a bit and I think you will find that things have improved although there is still some more work to do.

What Mayhem members may find particularly interesting is the Articles Database which contains many of the best items published in Model Boats over the last year or so. I have revamped the Article categories which, together with the comprehensive search facility, should make it a lot easier to find what you are looking for. Obviously we are not putting every article in there as otherwise there would be no point in buying the magazine(!) but I think people will find that there is enough material available to be pretty useful all the same, kit reviews especially. A selection of further articles will be added every month and I will also be publishing the contents of the next issue just as soon as the information is available.

Paul Freshney and I will be discussing plans to make various goodies available in the future so I think you will find it worthwhile popping in regularly for a look to see what's on offer.

Hope to see you there at: http://www.modelboats.co.uk/

Colin

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