The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I agree with your input. I hate to complain because I'm not the one behind the mule here. Obviously lots of time and energy and thought are put into developing this site. I get to enjoy it for free, so I have no room to gripe.

That said:
It drives me nuts that every time I open the page (from the same bookmark) the layout can be so different. It jumps up in flat views, threaded views, REALLY threaded views and latest posts - all from the same bookmark and my same threaded view preference. At this moment there are 6.5 inches of headers and 2.5 inches of menu on the left (I measured). I can collapse all the headers but when I open the next post the headers are all open again. Very little real estate is left on my screen to actually see the stuff I came here to read. WAY too many options and needless information for my simple tastes.

I still don't understand the difference between the "the board" and "forum" buttons. Must admit I spend most of my surf time elsewhere because this place has gotten so unwieldy. . . NOT because I lack interest in the content or community. It has nothing to do with having to register.

I do admit to feeling a bit weird having the world know precisely when I'm on the board, how many posts I've made, what my "rating" is, what ranking I've attained, etc... is that Big Brother stuff really necessary? I know I can log out and lurk undetected, but that seems rather pathetic. . . . and that damn "subscribe" button!! Sometimes it's checked and other times it's not. Of course I forget to check until my mailbox starts getting blitzed. It is so easy to blame the computer for my mistakes.

I turned 53 today- maybe if I were 23 and raised with a mouse in each hand this would be easier to digest. I'm certain Greg can juggle chainsaws and torches while shaking martinis and tying flies and writing code. I'm happy if I can keep my fly zipped.

AGAIN I have no room to complain because this is a free and informative service. Thanks for all the work put into it!

53 ain't bad...but it sure ain't 40 either.

Arizona 53 Bruce

...getting used to using the bottom of the glasses to read and tie knots is the worst part.

Paul

I also find the new board takes a bit longer to get moving, but it's not a major reason why I don't post all that much. (i probably only post a few times a month) But one thing I didn't like was a few months ago I posted a report on the stanislaus river. And within half a day my brand new post was burried onto the next page and nobody really saw it. The thing was, it was being burried by posts that were put up long before mine went up. I love posting reports and reading all the replies and talking with people about it. Sucked that this time around nobody replied cuz nobody got to read it.

I do love this forum though. I'm on it at least once a day. I try not to lurk too much and will definitely be more active from this point on. Here's my stan report if anyone wants to read it this time around: http://www...1-Stanilsaus-Report.html

count your blessing and not your problems..at least we have a campfire to warm up around

Sure, it is a bit slower to load..

and yes, ya do need to register

Just bookmark the "Board" and not the home page after you get set up and it's easy that even an OF like me to figure it out..

Paul

I really like the last 10 posts on the home page feature. That way you can check in and see whats new. I usually favorite the BB on most sites but like to use the home page here because of this feature. PLus being able to hover over it and see the first couple lines helps decide of you want to read it. Suprised its not on more boards....you guys are trend setters!

heer heer! We need more of the three T"S tips, tricks and trips. And some tech. It seems good to talk more of fly fishing and our culture. If we don`t we could loose what we all worked to what we love so much.

Ralph wrote:
I'm certain Greg can juggle chainsaws and torches while shaking martinis and tying flies and writing code.

Don't forget shooting video of himself at the same time!

Oh, and happy day, Ralph!


Buzz

I remember logging onto this board a few years ago (want to say 1999/2000) after being recommended by Carlo at Western Sports in Santa Rosa. I just lurked for a long time, eventually registering and posting a few times. After reading some of the comments about changes to the board I thought I would throw out some of my observations:

1. I like the new format as opposed to the old board. There seems to be a lot more content, much better graphics, and a more organized feel to the site. I am sure the navigation issues and speed can be worked out through a combination of increasing user familiarity (just keep exploring the differnet functions and personal set-up options)and management tweaks.

2. I think requiring registration to post is an absolute must. Allowing anonymous postings is only to inviting to trolls, which diminish legitmate users experience, require heavy moderating, and may in fact dissuade others from registering.

3. In my opinion, board participant numbers may be down because there is a fear of posting personal information to register (e.g., e-mail address, phone number, etc.). There are also fears that site operators will sell personal information to retailers and marketers, which does happen. Additionally, I recall the site being hacked a few times...I know this lead me to wonder about the security of the site and my personal information. All that said, I would suggest developing and posting a privacy policy and site security information. This may give potential registrants more comfort in joining the board.

4. Finally, one thing that is great about this site is the rather tight knit group of forum members who attend the Annual Bash and also fish/socialize with each other regularly. That said, such a tight group can be intimidating for a person thinking of joining or even infrequent posters. Even more intimidating (a possible turn-off to potential members)is when forum regulars participate in what I call an "Forum Gang Bang". That is, when a newbie or infrequent poster with a divergent opinion or odd sense of humor raises the ire of the regulars resulting in group bashing, veiled threats, and insulting commentary. This happens on quite a few forums I have participated on, even some where the moderators even partake in the flaming festivities. One case in point on this forum, the recent Revel Bros. threads, which generated some pretty heated posts by many of the regulars. If I were someone thinking of joining the forum and I read that thread, I probably would have passed on joining. That said, I will admit some posters deserve a tune-up now and then, but just remember what you say can reflect poorly on the larger forum and discourage new membership. I say let the Mods. deal with the misfits behind the scenes.

Anyway, thats my $0.02. I look forward to hopefully taking advantage of the wealth of experience on this forum as I have found more time to fish and recently made the jump into tying flies.

SCM

Thanks, SCM!

I think you bring up some very valid points. As for personal information, nothing is required for registering except for a valid email address. BUT, that isn't made clear during registration. I think that we do need to make that clear, and posting privacy policy/site security info is a great idea. If anyone has added personal information that makes them uncomfortable to their profile thinking it was a requirement, you can edit that information by editing your profile.

Thanks for the input. Please keep the ideas coming! We really do want this site to be the best it can be, and everyone's input really helps!

Dawn

Thanks Sammy,

There are pros and cons to the way the current board puts the most active posts at the top. You just pointed out a major con, and I have to say that is one reason I don't like that the threads shuffle in order. Thanks for your input.

Dawn

Strange, I did not think that was required...

Guess I'll go eat a Hobbit

Tight Lines,
William Huggins