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Post by gray929 on Apr 28, 2008 1:27:53 GMT
I've never really been a big podcast listener but maybe I would start listening if you guys set something up! I've noticed that the majority of the members here have deviantArt accounts. What if we set up a SSD art group on deviantArt that could promote our members art? We already have our own art group. Check out solidnsakedesigns.com Maybe if we also posted the groups work on dA in an art group, it could bring in some traffic, dunno.
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Post by eternity on Apr 28, 2008 1:29:52 GMT
We were thinking about if a while back but if I remember correctly, UC didn't want to move down that route as it could take attention away from us with people viewing on dA.
I do like the idea though, but it's up to her as the art group has always been UC's domain.
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Post by craz on Apr 28, 2008 2:10:54 GMT
I've never really been a big podcast listener but maybe I would start listening if you guys set something up! I've noticed that the majority of the members here have deviantArt accounts. What if we set up a SSD art group on deviantArt that could promote our members art? We already have our own art group. Check out solidnsakedesigns.com Maybe if we also posted the groups work on dA in an art group, it could bring in some traffic, dunno. I know there's an art group, I should have worded that differently. An art collective exclusive to SSD members?
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Post by artos on Apr 28, 2008 7:36:32 GMT
What's better than more art? Too much art can be a bad thing.
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Post by ><Lamaenic>< on Apr 28, 2008 12:41:57 GMT
SSD MYSPACE.
WINNNNS.
x'D
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Post by nrich on Apr 28, 2008 23:19:59 GMT
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Post by Nexxia on Apr 29, 2008 1:20:48 GMT
What's better than more art? Too much art can be a bad thing. The forum is definitely in need of it though, good or bad..
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Post by xavier on Apr 29, 2008 1:26:22 GMT
Maybe we could advertise on DA is some form, I don't know.
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Post by artos on Apr 29, 2008 20:32:31 GMT
The forum is definitely in need of it though, good or bad.. Not really. It throws out the balance far too often and is detrimental to the true purpose of the forum. ...I mean, I still like to think that this is a programming forum that has a Jekyll-and-Hyde bit going for it in its other interests. But it's just one opinion, and it doesn't mean much at that.
Why do people seem to think that the staff members have to do everything? Double take and realize that everyone here is a member of the community and can do their own part in spreading the word. So you can't post an advertising thread for the forum because your name isn't colored. Does that stop you from putting a banner in your signature? Why don't you tell your friends at school who are interested in art and graphics design? How about you post more often yourself and help out tenfold by showing you want the community to be healthy and active? You're not useless. Stop placing the blame on something other than the actual cause. I am quoting this again because this man speaks the truth. Word-of-mouth is by far and wide the most powerful advertising tool available; it's one thing to have a disembodied voice tell you that such-and-such is awesome (be it over radio, television, or what have you), but it's another thing entirely to have someone recommend something to you in conversation and in a friendly manner. By talking with other people and speaking well of this place, it would do wonders. However, on that note, it is difficult for new members to stake their claim here-- there can only be so many center-stage personalities, and the idea of elitism runs rampant. The idea that their voices are drowned out and that they are lost in the crowd is true; there really isn't enough room for everyone to have that kind of impact. As for the idea of change: change is good. However, it's not always necessary or appropriate. The fact that this forum has changed from a programming-and-designing-first site to one that promotes arts and community is admirable, but it has lost its essence. There was identity-- but that came from the personalities that drove the foundation of the function. It's only natural that their departure would herald the transformation of the forum. With time comes change, after all. Now, aside from being a member, I really have no man in this race. I don't truly care for programming or design, as they do not strike my fancy; I much like lurking in Chillout. But when the focus is on the community, it does act constricting. I can understand the problems some have with the fact that there isn't as much to do now; such happens when the pioneering stage comes to an end. There must be stagnation before innovation, and we are currently in that period. To come full circle, it is this doldrum that drives more away than anything; there simply isn't much to do to warrant an extended stay (for anyone beyond those who have invested time here). SSD is now a kind of fraternity (I'd say sorority, but I don't think I'd look too good in those emblazoned house boy-shorts), and it takes a monumental effort to be accepted. I do not know when it will be easier for new members to enjoy themselves more. For now, all SSD can do is continue to provide the same programming, designing, artistic, and community features that it does. (The first one to make a Lambada Lambada Lambada joke will either get a high-five or a fist to the face, depending on context.)
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Post by craz on Apr 29, 2008 23:29:06 GMT
By talking with other people and speaking well of this place, it would do wonders. However, on that note, it is difficult for new members to stake their claim here-- there can only be so many center-stage personalities, and the idea of elitism runs rampant. I do not know when it will be easier for new members to enjoy themselves more. For now, all SSD can do is continue to provide the same programming, designing, artistic, and community features that it does. Speaking well of this place to friends is the best idea I think. Sometimes it is hard to break into a crowd of people that do know each other and the history of the site quite well. Didn't SSD have a adopt a n00b program back in the day? How did that go?
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Post by eternity on Apr 30, 2008 8:26:04 GMT
Not well You could make the effort to get to know someone and they'd leave anyway. I think that if a person is going to stay they will, regardless of whether they have a "buddy" or not. Though it was a nice idea.
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Post by Pojo on Apr 30, 2008 16:50:34 GMT
helpful contribution as always adam (Y)
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Post by Criminal Mastermind on Apr 30, 2008 18:59:20 GMT
Im pretty sure the rather formal looking forum policy must scare some people away.
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Post by Pritchard [Epic][Girly Boy] on Apr 30, 2008 19:46:43 GMT
I'm pretty sure people not acting like a total wank would work well also.
As far as the podcast goes, i don't think it's going to be something that a lot of people will want to listen to. A better way to do it would be to do live streaming, which I can help with if it's wanted, and or need. Also, it's a small bandwidth consumption if done properly, and I could help with server space as well if needed.
Can I get the current hosting plans specs?
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Post by gray929 on Apr 30, 2008 20:20:28 GMT
Im pretty sure the rather formal looking forum policy must scare some people away. Good. We don't want people coming here thinking they can get away with causing trouble.
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Post by stoner on Apr 30, 2008 21:33:54 GMT
Earlier in this thread, i read about a "noob group". We could start like a welcome group. We could pm the new person about how they like SSD and basically show them around our forum.
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Post by Criminal Mastermind on May 1, 2008 10:43:27 GMT
Im pretty sure the rather formal looking forum policy must scare some people away. Good. We don't want people coming here thinking they can get away with causing trouble. I was thinking more about the average person thinking it was too formal, not a troublemaker. All the sections make it look a bit too much like some official law. Slightly unneccessary.
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Post by eternity on May 1, 2008 13:21:09 GMT
Good. We don't want people coming here thinking they can get away with causing trouble. I was thinking more about the average person thinking it was too formal, not a troublemaker. All the sections make it look a bit too much like some official law. Slightly unneccessary. It's hardly any different to the old one, just looks nicer as it's indented and has numbers so the staff can point you to a particular point if you go wrong. There's only one extra thing on there and that's the bit about incitement to break the policy. If you have a suggestion as to how it should look then by all means mention it. I just thought it'd be easier to read this way
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Post by Criminal Mastermind on May 1, 2008 13:56:22 GMT
I was thinking more about the average person thinking it was too formal, not a troublemaker. All the sections make it look a bit too much like some official law. Slightly unneccessary. It's hardly any different to the old one, just looks nicer as it's indented and has numbers so the staff can point you to a particular point if you go wrong. There's only one extra thing on there and that's the bit about incitement to break the policy. If you have a suggestion as to how it should look then by all means mention it. I just thought it'd be easier to read this way I didnt mean in comparison to the old one. It does look better than the old one though. I mean the fact that its very formally put across, all numbered into subsections and such. A new member might see it as mildly facistic for a forum (aside being slightly "tl;dr"). Now dont get me wrong, i dont disagree with anything thats said in the policy, but i think you should be putting a lot more down to common sense of the members and trusting their maturity. If you do that, they should reciprocate and the line between staff and members will eventually blur like you have been hoping it would. If they dont play ball, they go or you make them- its not that difficult. Making specific rules means you have to be equally exact in punishing the 'offence'. SSD is far more relaxed than that. Rules are made to be broken, guidelines are made to be followed. Doing things at the discretion of staff (provided its discussed and organised well behind the scenes so all the staff know where they stand on such matters) is the way forward- not making a tonne of rules and expecting members to follow them (otherwise when you do allow some leeway for context members can pull you up for contradicting yourselves). Also, each section starts off with "This is how you will be punished for breaking the following rules". I think a more positive approach would go down better with a potential member. Theyre being told how theyll get punished before they even know what not to do. Open on a more positive not about how you want the atmosphere of the forum, not how you dont want it to be. Just a few suggestions. I might be looking at it too simply but its worth taking into consideration. I could probably go into more detail but im at work so thatll have to do for now
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Post by eternity on May 1, 2008 14:26:49 GMT
The punishments were made more obvious because of certain ex-members complaints about double standards. We felt that by having them listed then members would be able to see our decision making process (sort of). I can move these to the bottom maybe? And just have a list of potential punishments not specific to each section. Back to the old policy though.
If it's too long to read, feel free not to. No one is enforcing it, either on new members or old ones. All this is, is our way of saying how we moderate the forum. It's like a terms of service, no-one reads them, but you can't expect to say "I didn't know about it" if you do something wrong and are warned etc. because it was there and available for you to read. Does that make sense?
It's formal because that's what guidelines are, if they were wishy washy and full of smilies no-one would take it seriously.
Basically, it's so that we can put our foot down with members who think they can do what they want and ruin everyone else's fun and point them to the policy, they have no excuses that way because it was there, in plain sight, that they shouldn't be acting that way. Normal members like those you've mentioned who are mature and have common sense won't have an issue with it because by their nature, they won't break any of the guidelines, regardless of whether they've read it or not.
There are no exacts for punishment, there can't be because each "offence" can come in different forms, a noob advertising for example only needs a warning and they apologise and don't do it again, whereas someone who advertises again, despite being warned previously can either be reminded or have their warning bumped up. It entirely depends on the situation. The policy section breached is the same, but the situations entirely different.
Don't get me wrong, I can see where you are coming from, I just don't get how I'm supposed to change it to suit both cases. I dunno, maybe a short version and link to the full one? Staff can then quote which specific section was broken like I thought would be good, but members only have to read the "rough guide" to get an idea of how to behave.
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