Banjo Hangout - Improvements and Suggestions Forum Feed

Search result sorting

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 14:01:59 CST

It would be nice to be able to sort search results by date.

blocker?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:19:30 CST

What has happened to the banjo Hangout guys? There seems to be two teams, One dubbed the posers and the other the Praise Scruggs Crowd. From what I can tell it all stems from one member (the name of whom escapes me) blasting his poor opinion of Earl Scruggs and his playing across the hangout, in what was to be perfectly honest a mis-guided and ignorant rant. Understandably many many other members were offended by the comments and bit into the argument which has since spiralled into a legnthy, tedious and at times, frankly, pathetic argument. It is easy to come up with the generic "don't read it" answer but is easier said than done when as I said I have friends on both sides who's disgruntled post constantly pop up in my friend feed. It is also clear that the agree to disagree policy is not going to work. There is talk of the hangout being sued and various other horror stories. Is there no way we could have a block feature applied to the hangout essentially so neither side can see the posts made by the other? Please please do not take offence to this post I'm trying my best to come up with a reasonable solution to this horrible state of affairs.

Need a GOSPEL category in TABS

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:25:48 CST

Just sayin.

Hey, I have an idea!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:06:45 CST

What if we had a place to post recipes, restaurant reviews, breakfast/lunch/dinner ideas, etc. We could call it a Food Forum. Whatch'all think?

Interactive classifieds

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:36:02 CST

I would LOVE interactive classifieds, and be able to comment or ask questions of the sellers, on the asme page, right below their ads, and give the seller the opportunity to answer, and provide extra info, etc.. This would help in preventing a seller's e-mail from filling up, and keep shoppers more informed, and also might be a great tool for ratting out some of the scammers.

Sort features for forums?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:47:28 CST

All threads in any forum are sorted and displayed only by the most recently modified, first.

I am wondering if you could add a clickable sort-by-any-column feature, to make it easier to find posts and review them in different ways.

So, every column header ( Topic | Author | #Replies | #Read | Last Post ) could be clickable, and sorted in order, or reverse order, by that column.

This comes to mind as I browse the Sound Off area, where once I find a post that tickles my ears, it would be nice to sort all active posts by the Author, to see what else this person posted, and what others have to say. Or, I could sort by # of replies, to see what has gotten the most interest.

Just an idea. I know this is do-able, just wondering if it would be useful and offer more utility for the buck.

Reviews

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:05:36 CST

I find it hard to assign any value to most of the reviews in the review secton of BHO. The bias of someone who just made a fairly significant economic and emotional commitment to a banjo is unlikely to be honest in reviewing it. If there were a way to have reviews by people who did not own the banjo they tried, a review would carry more weight. There are a handful of members that actually do noodle around on lots of different banjos (jams, shops, etc.) that have lots of experience. They could include information on the style they play, tonal preferences, and maybe there could be a way they could let us know that they have been around the block (senior reviewer?). I would be much more interested in a handful of thier reviews from them than the 100 reviews that include people who have been exposed to a limited number of banjos. Go ahead, someone make a joke about exposing yourself to unsuspecting banjos...

Increasing Frequency of Scams on BHO: A call to Action?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:09:02 CST

Scam~bogus classified ads seem to be happening with more and more frequency here on BHO.

This makes at least ~~5 threads~~ 7 threads going on at the exact same time, right now, about various, but related, scams.

In another thread, is was suggested that there be some sort of cooling off period for newbies, or some modest fees to advertise, or minimum # of posts before allowed to advertise.

I think it is time for BHO to take a serious look at raising the threshold a couple of notches on who may place a classified ad. What attracts these crooks to BHO classifieds in part, is they can create a new account, then post ads immediately. If they get shot down, they just do it again, almost within minutes. Kind of like Whack-A-Mole.

(Possibly related to this activity, is that I have also noticed newbies come to BHO then immediately go to the Collector's forum to ask worth of banjos, complete with lots of (usually pretty good) photos. I am not saying these newbies are in any related to these other activities, but for me this has raised an eyebrow. Has anyone else noticed that too? It is possible they are related? Maybe the Mods can look at some of those email addresses and see if there is any correlation? Hopefully it's innocent questions by newbies.)

I believe increasing frequency of these scams calls for some sort of action by BHO, I just don't know what that action could or should be. In another thread started this morning, BHO user's are offering all sorts of great suggestions, lots of good minds hashing it over.

Is it time to take a serious look at least try to stop some of this before it gets started? Would some sort of threshold for posting do the trick? If so, what would that be?

========

EDIT: The intent of this thread is to try to move the conversation about possible solutions (if there even are any) here, so good ideas and insights don't get buried in those threads. That's all. I am seeing this growing problem, just no idea what a solution could be.

Media archive

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:49:41 CST

It would be very helpful to have the ability to search tunes by key .

Static Information Pages: As a BHO Public Service

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:27:18 CST

I've noticed that several topics keep coming up over and over again that in my opinion are topics that deserve more attention than they get through the usual forum~thread~machine.

For example these type of static (staying put, not changing) pages could be added to BanjoHangout, which would serve as a public service to the entire BHO community.

Here are only a few ideas, for starters. Have pages on:

• Airline Flight and Musical Instruments

• Humidity Control and Musical Instruments

• Proper Care, Cleaning and Storage of Musical Instruments

What I'm referring to here is information that would have universal appeal, not be so much time-dated as threads are, and which would provide answers to questions before they are asked, over and over again. Then, any thread which raises specific points or questions, could refer to those pages. As need dictates, those pages could be edited as conditions that created them change, for example, the Airline Travel page would change as new tips or information comes to light. But overall, these would be static, information pages for the benefit of BHO.

I would be willing to offer to BHO, and Eric, a page I had on my old website, an in-depth page about Humidity Control and Musical Instruments. Another BHO member (can't remember who right now) has written a most excellent primer for Airline Travel. I suspect he would be willing to do the same, as he has already offered this information in public threads.

I am looking for broad brush strokes here. Topics that would cover all genres of music, and banjos (rather than topics that split hairs) which the above suggested topics are, be example.

Anyone

UK members section ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:13:04 CST

I know we're all one big happy family, but how about a UK members section. I'm only talking from the point of view of arranging meet ups and jams ?

Paul

Ebay Corner

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:20:27 CST

Maybe the hangout needs an Ebay Corner where the Ebay bottom feeders can gather and talk about the crap they are either looking at or have bought or are selling. This stuff just gets in the way of the banjo folks who just want to talk about the banjo world and not the cyber flea market. Eric - do you want to check in on this one??

Add the Ability to Group MP3s into Albums

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:12:04 CST

As it is now, the MP3s are all lumped onto one page, in alphabetical order by title.

Since most folks group their music into albums or folders, why not allow that ability on a member's music page?

The site already does a very similar thing with personal photos: it allows you to create albums and group photos together.

This would offer several benefits: for the owner of the MP3s, better tools to organize and maintain music clips from the same jam session, recording session, CD, whatever; neater, better organized visual presentation on screen... The same benefit extends to the listener, especially as MP3s pile up on each other.

Hope this makes sense.

Like buttons

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:16:33 CST

This is my favorite website on the net. Thank you Eric for all that you do. That said, I don't like your new like buttons.

iPad friendly?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:48:33 CST

Is there any way of getting banjo hangout in an iPad friendly version?

BHO $ support

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:24:41 CST

I know that monetary support for BHO is what makes it work, and there are several ways for us non-commercial members to do so. The new green page header offering a 2 for 1 Players Union Drive got me thinking about it. While I am a banjo player, I have not made a Player's Union donation. Instead, I support the BHO through buying and selling banjos and parts; I am glad to pay the 2% sellers donation for using BHO classifieds. My annual donations usually amount to more than the PU donation, but comes with none of the perks that the PU donation comes with. So, my suggestion is that, in fairness, shouldn't all non-commercial donations that exceed $35./yr get a tee shirt, daily entries into the drawing, etc.?

Jukebox- Genre

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:16:30 CST

I would like Bluegrass (Gospel) to be added.

Respectfully, Uncle Louie

Banjo Hangout: June, 2000 Edition

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:39:49 CST

A blast from the past:

http://web.archive.org/web/20000621082341/http://www.banjohangout.org/

Eric, can you change it back to the old-school white on black?

Seeing Cool stuff popping up, very nice!

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:15:13 CST

Just noticing some cool and subtle changes the BHO gurus and slipping in ... a new mouse-over on the "People Liked This" links on MP3s, and a new link "Classify This" for unclassified vids and MP3s? Just what I've noticed in the last few days that has changed, I'm sure there are lots of tweaks I'm not seeing yet.

A post just to let you know these are not unnoticed or unappreciated. Very nice.

Thanks Eric!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:53:06 CST

Thanks for the incentive, Eric. I was offered the second t-shirt so I finally got off my lazy arse and joined this morning. I'm so proud ta be hyear!

Is banjohangout losing its way? Time to refocus?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:45:53 CST

JAN 19, 2012 / EDIT TO MY OPENING POST:

Sometimes really long threads are like novels or short stories: they start one way, and take a few twists and turns along the way, and may end up differently than what you first think or how they first appear to you. When I began this thread I had some basic questions and concerns. The opening post, below in its original, unedited form, was made by me and admittedly could have been crafted better. But once you launch these boats it's open to individual interpretation and beyond control. The theme that has emerged has been a very positive one. It's here. You just have to read that far.

If you experience a negative reaction to this post I created and feel the need to post based only on that reaction, my suggestion to you, based on my own personal experience, is if there is a long thread, and you wish to post to it, it is probably a good idea to read the whole thing. That would be like reading the first chapter of a novel (or short story, anyway) and write your conclusions based on the introductory thesis. As with any interesting story, there are some twists, turns, and surprises along the way.

To those who read my words and feel that I don't care deeply about the well-being of banjohangout, to you I say, you are simply mistaken. I do see how a fast, cursory review of this thread could lead to that conclusion, and if you ONLY read this opening post, you will definitely come away with the wrong impression. If you think I am complaining, think again.

I care deeply about BHO and any suggestion to the contrary is false. What follows is my opening post in its original, unedited form. Enjoy the story.

--banjoy

I think this is an appropriate location for this post. Maybe it will be heard. What follows is my personal opinion, nothing more.

I have been a member of BHO since 2006, when I joined in order to be a sponsor. I gave away a Price Banjo Case through BHO to promote my business. The banjohangout I joined and helped sponsor back then, seems to me to be a different place these days. I am referring primarily to the nature of the threads being created by users here.

About a year or more ago I got sucked into some very controversial threads here on BHO that were allowed to go on and on and on, threads that had absolutely nothing to do with banjos at all. Was ensued, from my perspective, was a virtual knock-down drag-out fight and through that and other threads, I began to see members teaming up against each other, begin to take sides, snipe at each other and so forth. It seemed like there was a trend beginning that was not very tasteful. Sometimes even now, I will look at the music and videos of some posters who tend to post there exclusively, and find almost no contributions to this website. Not that that is necessary of course, but it is very telling to me, that folks who have plenty of opinions about anything non-banjo related, have very little to share musically, or to add to topics about the instrument or its music (the purpose of this site?). Others who post and stir up controversy are very good banjo pickers, and actually do contribute to BHO in other areas, and I have enjoyed that part very much.

So, about 18 months or more ago, I left banjohangout, deleted all my friends, and very nearly had Eric delete my profile (I emailed Eric asking him what that entailed and he was very kind in his reply back. Because of his reply, I decided to chill for a while...).

So fast forward to a few weeks ago, I decided to re-try the hangout. I had always found threads in the Non-Banjo Topics area to be interesting, and quickly found myself posting there, more often that I was actually participating in threads, and topics, about banjos. Some of the threads I see there are just plain ridiculous, and it would be hard for me to understand any argument as to why information that is so irrelevant to the purpose of this website (as I understand that purpose to be) is allowed to continue.

What prompted this thread was tonight I started -- and deleted -- several threads to that area, trying to wean myself from that area of BHO. In doing so, I am re-discovering some of the reasons I came here to begin with: discussion of banjos, banjo music, and a real sharing of the love of the instrument and music.

BUT -- I have noticed over the last few weeks, since coming back, that new threads and posting activity in the Misc section (non-banjo related topics) seem to be far more frequent than many of the other areas. I have been observing posts to those areas at a much higher frequency that posts in SoundOff, Tab, Collectors threads, etc overall.

Tonight I saw a post in the Collector's area about a Lloyd Loar mandolin being found and displayed on Antiques Road Show. That prompted me to go check out mandolincafe.com, where I also was also a sponsor at one time. It's been a while since I checked it out. What I found there really opened my eyes.

To visit that site, you will see that the entire site is very focused. On mandolins, music, technical stuff, etc. And those non-mandolin related threads? They don't exist. There is one area for on mandolincafe called "Catch-All" where you'll find "Miscellaneous Stuff." Guess what? Even that area states: "Currently available only for viewing and replying to threads, not starting them."

So, on mandolincafe you can't even start a thread that is not about mandolins. And it is the most popular mandolin website on the internet.

Today I received an email from banjohangout for a special 2-for-1 offer because Eric has lots of T-Shirts left over from last year. I don't know what that is about. All I can gather is that the economy is squeezing everyone, banjohangout included? I have, at various times, been a memeber of the Union, but didn't see any advantage there made it worthwhile for me to continue.

All this got me to thinking: Is it maybe time for banjohangout, as an entity, to do a little soul-searching, and maybe re-orient itself to its primary mission? I think mandolinecafe has it figured out. Would it drive a few members away? Maybe. Probably. MandolinCafe is not a bad example to be compared to.

When I joined BHO in 2006 there were lots of well-known banjo pros and personalities frequenting this place. I don't see that so much anymore. In fact, I don't see it much at all now.

As with any business, there are growing pains, something I know all too well having started, run, and finally sold, my own business. They're called "Growing Pains" because growing up can hurt a little. Maybe it's time for BHO to mature a little? Maybe re-focus some, get back to its roots?

--banjoy

Photo CAPTION only shows up in photo area but not when attached

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Jan 2012 10:54:38 CST

I just noticed this.

When you upload a photo you have the option of adding comments to that photo. When you view the photo from the photo page of your myHangout area, and you click on the photo where it pops up using the LightBox script, those comments appear at the bottom of the expanded pic.

When you attach the same photo to a post, then click to expand, those comments are missing.

Can you fix it so that comments are carried forward, no matter where a photo is viewed?

Hope this makes sense...

Dedicated beginners area ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 15:02:56 CST

I know there is a single post that is currently running for beginners, but it would be great to get a dedicated beginners section so we can post different questions and not have to sort through the many pages of the single thread that is currently running

What ya think ?

Download audio option for videos..

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 13:22:50 CST

I would love to be able to download the audio track off BHO video clips, but alas, this option is unavailable.. can this feature be made at all possible??.. i'm currently getting around this by actually recording the clips on my dictaphone & saving files to disc from there.. not the best quality audio, as you can imagine. I can understand, as the clips are linked to youtube, this option may not be possible.. but hey, i just thought i'd throw it out there anyhow!..

Regards-

Sid.

Spam Friend Requests

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Jan 2012 18:26:12 CST

I have gotten two spam friend requests. I "ignored" the first, got the same thing again today. Mods - you can look in my account to see what I'm talking about. I just wanted the Mods to be aware that someone is spamming BHO. Hopefully you can block it?

thanks,

Paul

Block profile but allow music page to be viewed

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Jan 2012 07:27:40 CST

(I think this is still true.) When you elect to block your profile fro public view (visible only to BHO members when logged in), why not still allow non-BHO users to freely visit the music (and/or video) pages of that member. In other words, only the member's "home" page is blocked.

This would be the best of both worlds: allow the BHO user to block public viewing (helping to reduce SPAM, unwanted emails, etc) while still allowing the BHO member to give links to others to their music page and view those pages anyway.

Hope this makes sense...

Expand forum area

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Jan 2012 20:46:49 CST

The forums area under links covers mainly banjo and bluegrass, why not widen it out to embrace instruments and Guitar, fiddle,blues, klezmer, ,whatever. It's a big traditional music world out there. People come to the BHO from all kinds of traditions and musical experience, the resource could serve as a musical nexus. I'd volunteer to curate -- whaddya think, Eric?

players

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Jan 2012 20:39:32 CST

How about a section on players and their equipment?

Post hyperlink

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 1 Jan 2012 18:09:01 CST

I see there are anchors for each post in a topic, but I can't find hypertext in the page. It would be nice if the post icon or date/time were hyperlinked for convenient right click, "copy link location". I make a lot of notes referring to topics, and often times there's one particular post that's most relevant.

thanks so much for your banjo info and, please...

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:39:31 CST

Hi I'm here for a temporary job assignment, from Italy, and i would like to buy and learn how to play bluegrass banjo style.
I found your website banjos review like an really helpfull source of marvellous information.
Just, some time, i am confused
i think It will be more helpfull if you can add a possibility to have pics of the reviewed model and (in the personal description/review) space for:
- year of instrument production
- country where the instrument was made (lots of brands have changed places their instruments where made, depending of year and different models)
- serial number or part of it (it will be helpful to understand the period where a used banjo was made)
even a section that describe how to decode the serial number could be helpfull
Thank you so much
I am sure, your website will help me to find my special banjo and to introduce me to your musical culture.
'Ro
ps sorry for my English but... i'm learning ;-)

"like" button

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:41:43 CST

Often, when seeing something that I like on the hangout I almost instinctively want to push a "like" button ( but there isn't one) , such as is available on Facebook...Has anyone else ever tried to do that or is it just me? LEE

Luthier Directory

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:02:44 CST

Seems like I see frequent requests for finding a luthier in a certain geographical area. I would like to suggest that the hangout create a luthier link in the links section, or perhaps even create a new section all its own for directories of various kinds - luthiers, musicians, etc. I think members would find it quite helpful.

Sticky this please...Old-time jam - backup guitar, fiddle, banjo tracks

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:38:46 CST

Please add this to the sticky column in the Playing Advice Clawhammer and Old Time Styles

Dear Sants, [Eric],,,, A new Food Forum for Christmas,,,,,,,

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:00:43 CST

In our stocking would sure be nice. ;)

I just eat food but there are many in the off topic that post recipes that sound mouth watering even you might enjoy, dear Santa.

I admit there are a few of us might need a little coal in our stockings but we ain't been that bad have we?

We'll be listening for you on the roof top of off topics and I'll tell them to leave out some cookies and milk for you.

Thank you sir, Paul

Instructional Forum

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:22:43 CST

Hi Eric

I would like to suggest the setting up of an Instructional Forum out-with the various discussion forums.

At present there are many great instructional threads buried deep within the archives as well as current lessons by Jody Hughes, Devon Wells, Rob Bourassa, Rick McKeon, Dave Magram and John Bouldings LOTW to name a few, clumped in with all the other general discussions. I am sure there are also other great lessons in the Tenor, Classical, Plectrum, Clawhammer/Frailing OT forums too..

Short of making all these threads sticky's as is the case with Rob Bourassa's instructional thread I think it would be much better if they were placed in a central forum where they would remain current and more accessible for new members joining the Hangout. who may not be aware of the existence of all this fantastic information. All these brilliant guy's have given their time and talent to help and inspire others get a leg up on the banjo learning ladder, it just seems such a shame that all this valuable information is hidden from view.

Video search

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:31:45 CST

Would it be possible to add the option of searching by the person playing?

Either member nick or actual name.

Yes?

Newest topics navigation

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:06:56 CST

At the homepage there is the “newest topics” tab. When I click the “more” button, it goes to the next batch of messages that are new. If I click on a message, it goes to the message. So far, so good. When I then click the “back” button on my browser, IE9, after reading the message, it takes me back to the homepage and the very newest messages. I need to click through the “more” button a few times and scroll through messages to get back to where I was when I selected the message to view.

This is irritating. I would prefer it if the “back” button took me to the list of newest topics that was shown when I clicked the message, not to the very top of the list.

Stolen Banjo Alerts

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:34:57 CST

Over time, I have seen (and deeply empathised) with members posting about the theft of beloved banjos. Erik (erikforgod) had a most excellent suggestion in a recent incident concering Voyageur's loss of an Ome banjo.

Since it is unfortunately not a terribly uncommon happenstance, a Stolen Banjo Alert (possible as a separate Forum?) should be established so information, pictures, serials, etc may be posted, thus allowing the rest of the community to keep an eye out on the sundry web listings as well as local establishments.

We are a very large community, spanning the globe in all manner of places, so any where a banjo may turn up, there is an excellent chance a fellow BHO picker will be there as well to blow the whistle (so to speak).

Member Level Suggestion & Recognition

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 9 Dec 2011 14:59:21 CST

There are a few members who have the expertise, the credentials, and the history of contribution to the Hangout that I feel should be in a separte and elite member level for all they have done - giving advice to those in the beginner/intermediate learning mode, sharing what they know, writing and sharing tablature, talking about setup and banjo qualities and advice, donating to the drawings, etc. etc. I don't see anything in the way of a member level that separates these people in a way that would be most appropriate. Sort of like the "faculty" at a distinguished educational institution. Please consider for these wonderful folks - just a simple and no cost way of saying thanks. A little status for the distinguished member, you know? And maybe throw in some goodies for them like free Players Union lifetime membership, a coupon for the store, whatever is appropriate and affordable - trip around the world - nothing big of course. But seriously, I feel it is a good thing to recognize them an separate them from the masses. They are special in a very real way.

Member Levels

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 9 Dec 2011 07:36:21 CST

Posted a question not long ago but never saw any answer. So here goes again. What are the criteria for the different member classes? I think I just was changed and have around 755 posts, so maybe one of the magic numbers is 750. Anyone know? Eric??

Switching the juke box to Windows Media Player

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:17:54 CST

I can't put quick time files onto my mp3 player with out upgrading to pro which is very annoyingng. Windows Media Player is so much easier to use.

So if its not to much work to convert it to where you can download from the Juke Box into Windows Media Player that would be great.

Thanks,

Levi

T-SHIRT DESIGN

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:32:19 CST

HOW DO I UN-SUBSCRIBE TO THIS T-SHIRT VOTE,I'm getting millions of replys that I do not want . My internet kicks off when I try to stop it and I don't see a trash can to stop this night mire. doggteagle@erols.com BEAGLE812. ANY HELP, CAN SOMEONE SHUT OFF MY INCOMING MESSAGE'S. . I CAN'T CONTACT ERIC , MY COMPUTER JUST LOGS OFF BANJOHANGOUT for no reason.

T-Shirt

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:43:13 CST

#1 (and 4)

2012 Players Union Shirt Design Ideas--pick one!

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:30:59 CST

Hey Folks,

I've been working on some ideas for the 2012 shirts. We'll be finalizing the design in the next week or so. Here are 4 different ideas. What do you think of them? Which one would you pick?

Please let me know which one is your favorite by picking it in this poll.

I'm thinking we'll go with a military green shirt this year--like http://www.companycasuals.com/I-PRINTFORYOU/b.jsp?id=6280274&parentId=%20624 Let me know what you think of that color as well.

Also, on shirt styles--what do you think of the "euro cut" t-shirts that are more popular these days? They're generally slimmer all around. More stylish, but I don't want to get them if you would prefer a standard T.

On #4 I'll probably add a 5th string tuner to the neck... and maybe enlarge the pot some. None of these designs is finished--they're all just initial ideas.

Teacher Forum

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:38:41 CST

It would be great if the Canadian teachers could have location. She is a big country. If this can't be done, could the teachers add that info. Thanks.

Member selling rating system

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:10:28 CST

Could an improvement be made to increase the number of seller ratings being input by buyers?

You see things being sold but the buyer not giving any input and that input helps people decide whether or not they care to take a chance with a seller.

Classifieds -- other instrument categories?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:52:36 CST

Hi -- currently the classifieds has a category for banjos and one for "other instruments.". Right now there are 53 "others," a number I think is sufficient to begin thinking about breaking it down to Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, and Other Instruments. I haven't looked closely but there are likely dulcimers, occarinas etc. enough to comprise the Other spectrum, while people hunting for guitars and mandolins -- the current bulk of the Other category -- would have an easier time of finding the instrument of their choice. Not a big deal, just something that occurred to me. Cheers --

Can mods explain rules again?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:40:18 CST

Why isn't Occupy UC Davis locked for being political?

Member Search

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:37:14 CST

It would be great to be able to search for other members not just by state, but by some sort of regional divisions within a state as well (i.e. Central New York, Florida Panhandle, whatever). I know this would be difficult, because members would also have to register/identify where they are from some sort of predefined regions. Perhaps I'm just dreamin'. Otherwise I guess it would just be another field from which a search query would sort. The reason I think this would be great is because at the state level, you get far too many results to see what other banjo players may be close to you. At the other end of the spectrum... at the city/town level, you basically have to search on every city or even small town close to you individually, and it's too easy to miss one where there might otherwise have been members very close to you. Again... long shot I know. But would be cool.

Online behavior and blame

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:23:19 CST

It takes two people (at least) to fight.

In meatspace when a fight starts, both the fighters are hauled off in front of a judge or principal.
They each argue that the other started the fight and generally, both get punished because the judge doesn't care and can't accurately determine who is correctly at fault.

On-line without editing, it is easy for non-fighters to see who started what.
But it still isn't clear to the participants.

The person who first gives offense is often blamed for the anger but most of the watchers reading thru the posts easily see that it wasn't who first gave offense that started the fight.

The fight started when someone took offense.
Basic rule: If you take offense at something and feel justified in attacking, you are judged wrong.

That's just an explanation of the differences in arguing for those who want it.
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Personally, don't expect any behavioral changes from me.
If I take offense, I want people to know it.