I'll go against the grain. I think it's a mistake. The arranger forum is not that busy of a forum as far as active forums go. Take away OT and it will languish. I see it happen all the time... forums water down trying to have umpteen forums. What a thriving forum needs is eyeballs. Now instead of one place, you have to go to another forum. There was nothing at all "wrong" with the arranger forum as it was. Just put OT in front of OT posts. And if you once in a blue moon, forget to do it, no biggie. Just my opinion.

I agree with SemiLiveMusic. I currently subscribe to one and only one forum on the internet where I care to read what everyone has to say (I do post questions just to get an answer in different work related groups). I don't have much time these days to spend in fora. But the little time I can afford to spend, I spend on the arranger kb forum. I love the discussions about keyboards, but I also love talking about things that are only marginally relevant, thus getting to know the people here and maintaining online friendships. Like SLM said, that is what made this the best place on the internet in the first place! Trying to participate in multiple places, all the while hoping that what I'm saying is appropriate for the particular forum will get real old real fast. At least for me. But probably for others too. In fact, I fear it will become just like so many other discussion groups: post a question, get an answer, don't come back for several weeks until you have another question. That's not what I signed up for. This was not a good move in my opinion. My $0.02.

I'm glad I'm not alone. I agree guys. I think the OT stuff lets us look a little more at who we are talking to here. It has never bothered me in the GA forum, even when a thread I start goes way off it's topic, or turns into a hot debate. Heck, I feel OT a lot, since I don't really play or work with my arranger all that much.

Still, it's Nigel's call and if this is what it is, then so be it.

AJ

[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 01-10-2005).]

It's Nigel's, yep, but this is not the first time I've seen this happen. I got shot down before and yep, the overall forum deteriorated. Forums thrive on VOLUME. It puzzles me why webmasters dilute sites to have 27 forums.

My point with this one is that there is only so much one can ask about arrangers and performing. Well, sure, there's a lot of questions you can come up with but it's harder when it's a SPECIFIC forum. Again, forums thrive on movement.

And you guys echoed precisely what I've tried to tell webmasters... you get a sense of who people are by the OT stuff. IMO, forums should be more general, NOT more specific.

I was very pleased to find the arranger forum with so much being discussed. I'm afraid I won't like it as much.

I think this will be a good place for people to come and rant and rave and call everybody all the names they want.
To have their little hissy fits and attack other members, and yes even attack the forum itself.
Because as we all know "if you don't agree with me you're all a bunch of............"

I say keep the friendly chatter on the arranger forum use this for the other stuff when you have to.



[This message has been edited by mikeathome1 (edited 01-10-2005).]

I totally agree, what's the difference if you have to click your mouse ounce or twice to get to the bar to post and discuss off topics, besides it seems that the traffic here is pretty good considering it just opened up a few days ago.

Of course this is a good idea, here we can have a doubble on the rocks with ice,
start argue, and all that sudden Nigel have to put up another new room, "The Cell" !
There we have to go when the real fighting starts, CAABOOOM!!
GJ

Oppsss...hikk... Sorry Nigel, did not mean to damage the nice new Bardesk

I agree with Semi..

Part of the charm of SZ is going to ONE forum, General Arranger, and visiting with all my new and oold friends and just chew the fat mostly about music and stuff, but if a member is having a challenge in life like a health problem or trouble with the family, I like the fact that they share it with us and we can help support that member. It's all a part of music.

This separation of topics is counter to the whole spirit of this forum.

IMHO
Al

I used to be one of the moderators of another website. I can definitely share my feelings that sometimes (or most of the times) the owner of the site can not possibly make everybody happy regardless of how much he/she tries to accomodate everybody's needs and wants.

Both have valid points of wanting the bar or not wanting it. Nigel has been gracious enough to try to accomodate us I'd say just post away and not to worry and fight about things too much. It takes away the good energy of good natured fun and talk about music. The reason why I withdrew from the other board is because after few months of continuous fighting it was getting stressful for me, and sometimes i go on the internet to do my share of light reading (sometimes educational too) just to get away from everyday stress..and I have high hopes this good forum will continue on with all the great people in it.

Thanks
KN_Fan

Its just what this place needed. ITs working great.

Phil

I kinda' like it here--starting to feel right at home. Not nearly as many fights as when I was playing and singing at the Blood & Guts Saloon!

Gary

Gary,

You played there too?

Tom

I think the bar is a very good idea! When we want to talk about every other thing other than arranger keyboard we can come here.

If OT was on every topic that was not about arranger keyboard, then I suppose OT in the arranger forum could be tolerated since once you see OT you can disregard if you just want to read about arrangers. But is seems as if that was not the case all the time, so I think this is the best solution. It gives the Administrator less work by trying to police unmarked and sometimes unnecessary OT threads in the arranger sections.

Gunnar I hope that wet patch at your feet is a spilt drink ....

Nothing has changed on the regular forums in regard to what can or can't be said. Copious OT posting was NEVER encouraged. Now there is a place for members to converse without worrying about upsetting other members. I have never deleted the occasional OT thread but I would have to delete OT discussion that got out of hand. Now I don't have to.

As I say nothing has changed it is all up to you how this new forum is used. I have to balance everyone's wishes, so rather than introduce rules I just decided that opening up a new choice was the best way to go.

H E L P !! My shoes are leaking ....

Here in the U.K. OTT means over the top - what does OT mean?

I think it means ORGANic Tittle-tattle

Off track, on target, old tart, on tour....

Or as simple as "Off Topic"....
GJ

Btw, seen this one:
GuitarPlug & MicPlug
USB Audio Adapter For Electric Guitars & Mics
http://www.dvforge.com/plug.shtml

Great link, GJ, takk!


------------------
Roy-Andrè

Værsågod Roy.
Tror du Nigel serverer heimebrygget her? Hehehe
GJ

Look at this screen and tell me this wasn't better http://www.synthzone.com/cgi-bin/fo rumd...&startpoint=320



[This message has been edited by ScubaDon (edited 01-11-2005).]