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View Full Version : Is it just me, and if so Why?



Garrett Lambert
02-22-2003, 2:35 PM
I find I'm visiting Sawmill Creek less and less often despite the fact that so many familiar, and interesting new names are to be found here.

To me, the navigation interface seems much less convenient and more time-consuming than Badger Pond, Wood Central etc.

Yet many of you are saying exactly the opposite. What am I missing?

Cheers, Garrett

Ken Salisbury
02-22-2003, 2:42 PM
Originally posted by Garrett
I find I'm visiting Sawmill Creek less and less often despite the fact that so many familiar, and interesting new names are to be found here.

To me, the navigation interface seems much less convenient and more time-consuming than Badger Pond, Wood Central etc.

Yet many of you are saying exactly the opposite. What am I missing?

Cheers, Garrett
It just takes some time to become accustomed to the format and how to navigate. Use this link for some tips on how I use this forum. It REALLY is easy once you learn how. Saw Mill Creek User Tips (http://klsal.com/creek.htm)

Brad Hammond
02-22-2003, 2:43 PM
IMHO i like this format alot better. the pic posting is a breeze and to me the navigation i simpler. i loved the community folks at the pond, but i was never a fan of the new window for reading posts. but i could see how someone else might like it. as far as wood central, i'm not a fan of frames. however, maybe if i played with it a while i'd begin to like it.
the major reason i'm here is that i see a great many of the same names i saw at badger pond. i haven't been over to wood central enough to see if anyone is there.
now..... back to stacking cherry.
cya
brad

Keith Outten
02-22-2003, 3:36 PM
Garrett,

The software we use is very different from the Pond, its new and has more features. This alone will require some time to get accustomed to how everything works and how to use the new services to your advantage.

Because we are starting from scratch we wanted to select board software that offered as many services as possible. We also looked for software that we could customize and in time add our own features that would be geared toward woodworkers. Our interest isn't in just adding web pages...the idea is to grow and take full advantage of the database system that drives the board. We have to plan ahead as when the board gets busy and there are literally millions of posts, pictures, shop tours, articles and bios it must be manageable and as much or our data as possible should be retrievable.

During our first week we created a simple thread listing that resembles the Bager Pond web site. This is a very simple html listing that we hope to improve on in time. Some people don't want the bells and whistles and some are very excited about having more information and more ways to use the board.

In time we should have both access styles tuned and adjusted such that everyone should find one or the other very comfortable to use. We will then start to add the new areas, custom features and programs. All this takes time and we will continue to improve SawMill Creek with a goal of catching up to or surpassing the boards that have been online for several years.

Note that I used the word "we" eleven times in the four paragraphs above. I can't accomplish much by myself but as a group we can build a community much like Badger Pond that can grow beyond our expectations. Remember everyone here is participating, by posting messages, offering comments and suggestions, etc. Not one person gets paid and there is no advertising support...we're runnin on friendship!

Glenn Clabo
02-22-2003, 4:13 PM
Come into Saw Mill Creek...
Click on View New Posts...(this is the key for me)
Click on the thread you're interested in...
Read all the posts you haven't read.

To me it's easier than on the Pond because you don't have to click on every post under every thread.

FWIW...

Phil Phelps
02-22-2003, 4:22 PM
Originally posted by Keith Outten
Garrett,
Not one person gets paid and there is no advertising support...we're runnin on friendship!

And what you've done so far is impressive, if not remarkable.

Bill Grumbine
02-22-2003, 5:54 PM
Hi Garrett

It is a very different format, and it takes some getting used to, that's for sure. One of the things I really like about it is the ability to open a bunch of posts at the same time.

I have a rural phone line with a variable speed modem. One thing I can do here that I couldn't do on the Pond is open multiple windows. I will scan down the list for threads in which I am interested. I will right click on each one and then select open in new window.

Then I'll go back to the first one, which is almost always open by then, and read through it while the others continue to open up on their own. I couldn't do this on the Pond, and it was a bit frustrating for me, since it slowed down my browsing time considerably. Now they are all ready for me when I am ready for them, and I get more done in less time.

Just one feature I really like. I'm still getting used to the others, but I appreciate the effort being made by Keith, Aaron, et.al.

Bill

Joe_Ott
02-22-2003, 6:06 PM
FWIW -

I like this forum software a lot better than others. I dont' care for the frames much either. I like the feature of this. I'm used to it because a BMW forum I read uses the same or similar. I've also noticed other forums with it, pretty popular software I guess.

I keep going back a forth though. Both have things to offer. This is pretty good though - hope it keeps growing!


Joe

Dave Hammelef
02-22-2003, 6:23 PM
Originally posted by Bill Grumbine
Hi Garrett

It is a very different format, and it takes some getting used to, that's for sure. One of the things I really like about it is the ability to open a bunch of posts at the same time.

I have a rural phone line with a variable speed modem. One thing I can do here that I couldn't do on the Pond is open multiple windows. I will scan down the list for threads in which I am interested. I will right click on each one and then select open in new window.

Then I'll go back to the first one, which is almost always open by then, and read through it while the others continue to open up on their own. I couldn't do this on the Pond, and it was a bit frustrating for me, since it slowed down my browsing time considerably. Now they are all ready for me when I am ready for them, and I get more done in less time.

Just one feature I really like. I'm still getting used to the others, but I appreciate the effort being made by Keith, Aaron, et.al.

Bill

Not sure why you could not do that on the pond as long as you right clicked and selected open in new window it worked fine, use to do that till I got a fatpipe.

Tim
02-22-2003, 7:24 PM
Glenn said it, but it bears repeating. Click View New Posts from the main Sawmill page. It works great and I think it 's the best feature of the site. Serves up everything you haven't seen already. Much easier than scrolling through the Pond "big list" looking for new posts!!

Give it some time and I think you'll like it. Nothing against WC, but I don't like the frames setup there (though the people seem friendly). This seems a friendlier interface for the reader. I also love that once you click into a thread you can quickly scan back and forth through the text of all messages in that thread without repeated clicks. The setup here definitely seems quicker than many others, now that I've gotten used to it.

Paul Kunkel
02-22-2003, 7:30 PM
Ya,all of the above. And it's easier to post pics, and to post an Avatar of yourself so's people can see whose who.

Ted Shrader
02-22-2003, 7:54 PM
Originally posted by Garrett
I find I'm visiting Sawmill Creek less and less often despite the fact that so many familiar, and interesting new names are to be found here.

To me, the navigation interface seems much less convenient and more time-consuming than Badger Pond, Wood Central etc.

Yet many of you are saying exactly the opposite. What am I missing?

Cheers, Garrett

Garret -

I'm sure you're feeling ganged up on here. I found this site harder to navigate at first. After playing with it a little (you can't break anything) I like it a LOT better than the software at BP or WC.

The only thing I prefer on BP and WC format is the thread/subthread view (and Keith, Aaron and the guys are working hard at a thread format here). A quick scan gives the current hot topics. However, there are more techniques here for viewing, pasting, posting, contacting, etc and they FAR outweigh the lack of threads and sub threads. As a matter of fact this is starting to grow on me.

Check Ken's tips and hang in there,
Ted

Bart Leetch
02-22-2003, 9:50 PM
I use the E-Mail function to keep track of threads that I have posted to & then go & view new messages.

JayStPeter
02-22-2003, 9:56 PM
I've participated in many forums that use this software. I've always liked some of the "less powerful" forums a little more. If Keith and co. manage to implement some sort of breakout view that will be great. I do like to scan for certain people even if the thread subject might not interest me a great deal.
I do like the symbols and "view new posts" though.
I have mixed feelings about the single threadedness of the way this forum works. In a way, it keeps the thread on topic. But, it also prevents the thread from splitting into subthreads that may have kind of an interesting twist.

Jay St. Peter

Ken Salisbury
02-22-2003, 10:00 PM
Originally posted by Bart Leetch
I use the E-Mail function to keep track of threads that I have posted to & then go & view new messages.

Bart -- Good point - I have added that to my Tips page.

Keith Outten
02-23-2003, 1:20 AM
Look at the blue envelope on the main listing and if it has a black dot in the center it means that you have posted in that message thread.

Bill Grumbine
02-23-2003, 1:56 PM
Originally posted by Dave Hammelef
Not sure why you could not do that on the pond as long as you right clicked and selected open in new window it worked fine, use to do that till I got a fatpipe.

Hi Dave

Doncha know I went and tried it and now it works! It has been a long time since I had the problem, so I am assuming it was on an older operating system, version of Explorer, or something I was doing wrong. At any rate, I have it figured out now.

Bill

Ken Salisbury
02-23-2003, 2:02 PM
Originally posted by Bill Grumbine
Hi Dave

Doncha know I went and tried it and now it works! It has been a long time since I had the problem, so I am assuming it was on an older operating system, version of Explorer, or something I was doing wrong. At any rate, I have it figured out now.

Bill "Even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then" Hee Hee !!
<p align="center">
<IMG src="http://www.klsal.com/banner3.gif">

Mike Grennier
02-24-2003, 9:04 AM
Garrett..

I found the same "getting used to it issues" as you mentioned here at Sawmill Creek. I found myself going over to WoodCentral myself BUT I don't like that format at all - the frames drive me crazy. I have a smallish laptop that I use to check out the sites, and I just can't see enough words on one page. I spend half my time scrolling down to read the posts....

I now thoroughly enjoy this site. I'm more of a lurker than a poster, but this is MUCH, MUCH easier to use and navigate than WoodCentral.

The software used here seems much more advanced.

I'll probably check over there once in a while, but this will be my home...

Hang in there - you'll get used to it!
(Plus, Salisbury and Grumbine are here - so it REALLY feels like home!)

Mike

Jason Roehl
02-24-2003, 9:57 AM
Personally, I really like using my MouseWheel to scroll down and read all the posts in a thread after I have clicked on "Go to first unread post" (upper left, just above the message boxes). I can really breeze through a thread that way.

I think Ken mentions this on his tips page.

Jason

Chuck Gramling
02-24-2003, 10:17 AM
You pretty much summed up what I happened to be thinking as I logged into the Creek today.

I spend plenty of time on all different forums. I understand that this software offers advantages. But for me it is simply not as handy as the Pond was for my day-to-day use..

Given all of the hard work and contribution being made by Keith et al, I am going to keep coming for a while though, to give it every opportunity to grow on me. I consider it a low risk investment (of a little of my time). and besides the frames on the WC format drive me nuts !

Bart Leetch
02-24-2003, 11:23 AM
Mike if you use this URL http://www.woodcentral.com/cgi-bin/messages.pl?index it will open up a full window view.

For both Mike & Chuck if you will use the E-Mail option to keep track of the messages you have already viewed & want to keep track of & then use the view new messages button you'll find that it is easier to navigate the forum & will take less time.

Dr. Zack Jennings
02-24-2003, 1:15 PM
Let's face it ( at least for me) the threads with photos are often the most interesting.
This software allows people with no webspace and no html writing experience to post photos easily
It lets the ones with webspace add hyperlinks easily to more informaion on another site.
The Avatar things let you look at the other person. (perhaps a novelty)
And very importantly, you can go back and edit mispelled words or misunderstood statements. [ Sometimes I don't understand what I write!?] It not neater than my garage door opener but it's pretty "kewl".

It's a no brainer for me. This software isn't harder to use. It makes many things easier to use and extends this functionality to more people. <p>

In the final analysis, it's the people, the comraderie and the information to be gleaned. If you can find that here, you will feel at home.

Dave Arbuckle
02-24-2003, 1:19 PM
In the final analysis, it's the people

Apologies for a severe snip, Zack. That statement is one I agree with entirely. The rest of the forum, software and stuff, is pretty much inconsequential in my humble opinion.

Dave

Glenn Clabo
02-24-2003, 1:50 PM
Originally posted by Dave Arbuckle
In the final analysis, it's the people

Apologies for a severe snip, Zack. That statement is one I agree with entirely. The rest of the forum, software and stuff, is pretty much inconsequential in my humble opinion.

Dave

I agree. I've been scratching my head over this since the beginning. I find the people, what they are doing, and how welcome you feel the most important things that make me keep coming back. This software is the coolest IMHO...but if it was different...I'd still be coming here just to what everyone is doing.

Rob Sandow
02-24-2003, 2:58 PM
Personally, I like to see all of the thread, and not just the first post. This lets me quickly assess which posts I want to look at, which ones I might be interested in and which I can probably skip, since I don't have a lot of time to read every post. The SMC software does not allow you to do this easily.

Rob

Chris McKimson
02-25-2003, 12:56 PM
I prefer this format also. One of the greatest improvements, IMHO, is the search facility. Being able to search by either subject or poster is a big plus. Plus the ability to read the previous replys while replying is also big plus. I'm used to the format from a valve replacement site I visit.

Aaron Koehl
02-25-2003, 2:50 PM
Hey all!

Keith and I have given serious consideration to this forum software. Being able to edit this software 'on the fly' is really a great strongpoint.

On the other hand, I'm developing overlays for this software which will imitate the style of the other forums. Badger Pond first, then WoodCentral-- without advertising, of course. What's most important is the content! I can always make a special way to view the data that's already here.

I really hope that the interface for this forum will not be the sole determining factor for what everyone thinks about the 'Creek. I personally have never witnessed a kinder group of people-- so much that you've all driven me to want to make this forum the best I possibly can, despite ever getting paid. My payment truly comes in the generous posts I've seen since our opening day.

I'm working hard to make an interface that will suit everyone. You
all will notice the 'Badger Pond' - style area (the 'Text Only'
button at the top. <a href="http://www.sawmillcreek.org/thread" target="_top"><img src="http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/text_only.gif" border=0></a>). This should be faster and more comfortable for a lot of people. What you don't see yet is the threaded listing, but that is coming soon. The next version of this software is soon to be released-- and includes many options for viewing sub-threads. Also, everyone will be able to view the Creek in the format that suits them most comfortably.

On a technical note, for anyone using the 'TextOnly' section, I've already preemptively added a sub-threads feature, so all of the posts you've made directly for the past week are attached to a parent post.. I'm currently working out the 'indenting' that will make it easy to read.

Well, enough of me for now--
Everyone keep it up, and we promise do the same!

_ Aaron _

Ron Jones near Indy
02-25-2003, 8:22 PM
Yes, this format takes some getting used to, but the more I use it, the more I like it.;)

Chuck Gramling
02-25-2003, 9:56 PM
Thanks Aaron - latest tweak to the threaded list is helpful !