Changes coming to GolfClubAtlas.com

[Marty Bonnar]

Walshy ,
you're far too kind.
I tend to equate my rather pathetic scribings here with humankind's rather futile scratchings upon his rock's surface. i.e. we can build all the golf courses we like, but when mother nature decides to erase them, we have no choice than but to watch!

It's no secret that I love posting architectural threads with a landscape design theme here. I am often disappointed with how quickly they disappear from the front page, but sometimes people would obviously rather debate Tiger's earnings or similar...such is life.

I applaud change and am happy that perhaps the OT stuff will be given a place of its own. To my mind, this will have a lovely double-effect. One, of freeing up space on the REAL board and thus not sliding REAL topics off the front page so quickly, and, two, of giving me and the other numpties around here somewhere where we will feel free to talk a right load of keech together.

A rather perfect result as far as I am concerned. Hell, I might even send money . Okay, maybe not!

FBD.

[Kalen Braley]

I'm with Mike Hendren: this board is not broken.

I too want to thank Ran for having this site, its been a great resource and I love coming here.

But just to clarify on re-structuring the DG section. Its not a matter of fixing something thats broken, its a matter of improving upon something that is already good and making it even better.  As stated before, I went thru the exact same thing as this with another site, and moving to a section formatted group discussion was well received by everyone, and made navigation and searching for specific content a lot easier.

I am willing to volunteer to help set this up and keep it organized if this is the direction Ran chooses to go.  There would be no moderating rights involved, just the ability to move threads to the appropriate sections and help others to find what they are looking for.

[Kyle Harris]

Leave the wikipedia stuff for wikipedia. Nothing is stopping any of us from contributing golf content there.

In fact, I typically manage and watch this article myself:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penn_State_Golf_Courses

I'm surprised that no use is made of the sticky topic, which holds the topic on the top of page 1. I think the "Who are you guys thread" would be a perfect "sticky topic."

Furthermore, it is possible to have just pictures from a thread be shown.

[paul cowley]

I think [know] that there are many potentially great poster/lurkers out there that have a hard time breaking in to this format of 1500.

Maybe there could be a way to allow a Guest to pay for a post.

Eventually, after enough 'payment postings', I am sure that the crowd here would help decide if the Guest might be able to come out of the closet and join the group in general.

OT....I came out of the closet at this past weeks ASGCA annual meeting....and was still voted full member!

......and oh, TomD, have I got my sponsorship eyes on you now!

[unless of course I have an ethics relapse and am demoted back to non voting] .

[Mark Bourgeois]

Techno-query: does the new technology allow you to filter posts?

For example, you could create a segmentation along the lines discussed (architecture, bunkers, meetups, etc.), then thread initiators would tag it, kinda like how you can use a "thumbs up," "bang," etc.

Then, as part of your profile, you could specify whether you wanted to filter out any threads.

Voila! One discussion board, customized for the individual user's tastes. Everybody gets what they want!

Is this possible?

[Tom_Doak]

Ran:

Personally, I do not like the idea of people being able to search for posts by the poster's name.  More than one writer has prepared for an article about me by searching for controversial quotes in this way.

I don't mind my posts remaining searchable by topic; that would allow people to find some post they remembered with a little effort.

[TEPaul]

"OT....I came out of the closet at this past weeks ASGCA annual meeting....and was still voted full member!"

PaulC:

Would you mind elaborating and going into some detail about that?  

On the other hand, belay that, I'm quite sure the water is still a bit too warm.  

[Geoffrey Childs]

Ran:

Personally, I do not like the idea of people being able to search for posts by the poster's name.  More than one writer has prepared for an article about me by searching for controversial quotes in this way.

I don't mind my posts remaining searchable by topic; that would allow people to find some post they remembered with a little effort.

Tom

That is currently the only thing the current search engine is actually good at doing.  If you go into a persons profile you can view that persons last 10 post, 50 posts or all of them.

[Jason McNamara]

There could also be a GCA photo library

I've asked about this in the past, though obviously we don't want to re-invent Frank Pont's great site.

I will repeat my request for a few carefully chosen pics, in any event.  If you want to educate people about GCA (esp. those browsing but not registered), a great way would be to have a page (pages) with 6 examples of a Redan, 6 Capes, 6 Biarritzes, etc.  Include a paragraph about who pioneered it, usual length, strategy, etc.

And with any luck, an improved search function will allow threads to be revived more easily, so that there will not be an annual "Hey, where do I play in Orlando?" thread.

Oh, and clearly there should be a stipend (also applied retroactively) for the authors of the Christmas quizzes.  :-)

[Jim Nugent]

Any chance to include scorecards with the course profiles?

[jim_lewis]

Ran:

Here are some suggestions:

Develop a statement of “terms and conditions” that all members must read and accept. As you know, this is common on many websites.

Require all current members to re-register and accept the “terms and conditions”. Any member who does not re-register within a specified time frame (3 months?), should be presumed to have voluntarily withdrawn.

I am sure that you can get many good suggestions regarding the provisions of the “terms and conditions”, but here are a few:

All members must register and post with their real first and last names. Any exceptions must be approved by you personally.

Members must refrain from approaching other members seeking access unless they know them personally.

Non-golf related posts (baseball, football, music, politics, etc) are not allowed. I’m am ok with the occasional OT post as long as it is somehow related to the game of golf. Debates about politics and favorite football teams simply don’t belong here.

No personal attacks.

Private messages must not be revealed on the Discussion Group.

Violation of the “terms and conditions” will result in suspension or withdrawal of membership.


I also recommend that you drop the post count that appears under each member’s name. Credibility should be earned with quality, not quantity, of posts. Members should not be motivated to post in order to reach a higher status level. The “stigma” of being a rookie should be removed. I don’t care if it’s you first post or number 10,000. The content is what matters.


Jim

[Ulrich Mayring]

Many good suggestions, so here's just a tip: don't change the layout and design. This will help transition more than anything else, because it will stifle the biggest potential source of negativity. Later on, when everyone has gotten accustomed to the new site, there is enough time to change look and feel. With community input, preferably.

Ulrich

[Mike_Cirba]

However, I do agree with John, in that if you cannot use your first and last name don't bother to post.

Bob

Bob,

I'm surprised to hear you state that RJ_Daley, TEPaul, AG_Crockett, BCrosby, GJChilds, NAF, W.H. Cosgrove, kmoun, and many others should either post their full names or should simply not bother to contribute.

I do love John Kavanaugh's posts, and I admit to the guilty pleasure of debating with him, but I also think a good rule of thumb in this life is simply; if John suggests something as a good idea, it's probably not a good idea.

[John Kavanaugh]

MP,

Don't you agree with Crusty that if the number of posts were deleted under our names you and your other friends would be safe in posting under their real names.  I still don't know what you ever said that you are ashamed of.

[John Kavanaugh]

At one point I thought about simply asking Bob to not host those who refuse to post under their real names.  Funny thing, you guys did post under your real names until you tasted the sweet fruit that hangs from Bob's tree and then boom...it is initial city.

[Kalen Braley]

As I've seen in other DG's, every group has its "character" poster.  As much as Johns posts are really out there sometimes...like it or not he is that person for this group.  Getting rid of him would be a big mistake IMO, but he should be on a short leash...  

[Mike_Cirba]

MP,

Don't you agree with Crusty that if the number of posts were deleted under our names you and your other friends would be safe in posting under their real names.  I still don't know what you ever said that you are ashamed of.

John,

For the most part, I think Crusty's ideas are very much on the right track.

I do think however, that if someone is going to say something harsh, off-color, objectionable, or uncivilized, they are going to say it whether they use their true first and last names or not.  Of those folks I named above, is there a one of them you don't know, or couldn't find personal information on with 10 minutes of effort?  That's fine and dandy, because I would never mind sharing what I post here with the other members of this fine club, but I also don't want someone walking in off the street without a sincere interest in this topic to have that type of access to our inside discussions and other shared obsessions, much less to the way I let what little hair I have down around you guys...virtually all of whom I consider as good friends.

Let's not forget that this is already a monitored board with admission to post only through Ran's blessing.   It's not some ugly free-for-all like many discussion groups are and we're all fortunate for that.

As far as embarassing posts, I've certainly had my share, and there have been other times when OT threads I've started or otherwise contributed to have been deemed worthy by Ran, Tommy, or others of immediate deletion and most times they've probably been on the mark in their harsh assessment.  

 

[Mike_Cirba]

At one point I thought about simply asking Bob to not host those who refuse to post under their real names.  Funny thing, you guys did post under your real names until you tasted the sweet fruit that hangs from Bob's tree and then boom...it is initial city.

John,

It's sort of funny.

I really do love this board, but it hit me over the winter that I probably spend more time here arguing pointless nonsense about access and course rating than actually talking about architecture and golf courses.

At that point I realized that it would probably be better for me and others here to step away for awhile.

It's taken me about 20 minutes to realize that my extended hibernation hasn't been nearly long enough.

[John Kavanaugh]

To get back on topic.  I would like to see the elimination of fake avitars.  I sometimes mis-characterize people based on the pictures and have alway found the guys who use pictures of women to be offensive.  I can not see how these pictures add to the value of the site.

[Tony Ristola]

Super...the greatest resource in golf gets better...any chance the material from the first format can be included as well?

[jim_lewis]

Guys:

Here is my reasoning for insisting that posters use their REAL first and last names. I think it is important to promote common courtesy and civility on this site (and the world in general). Please use the name that you would introduce yourself as if we were to meet for the first time. If I were to meet MCirba or BCrosby, I think they would introduce themselves as "Mike Cirba" or "Bob Crosby". I think it is just common courtesy. If you usually go by your inititials, please use them when we meet, whether in person or online. I presume that RJ Daley uses that name all the time, right?

Jim Lewis

[Mike_Cirba]

Guys:

Here is my reasoning for insisting that posters use their REAL first and last names. I think it is important to promote common courtesy and civility on this site (and the world in general). Please use the name that you would introduce yourself as if we were to meet for the first time. If I were to meet MCirba or BCrosby, I think they would introduce themselves as "Mike Cirba" or "Bob Crosby". I think it is just common courtesy. If you usually go by your inititials, please use them when we meet, whether in person or online. I presume that RJ Daley uses that name all the time, right?

Jim Lewis

Jim,

Actually, I think RJ Daley's real name is bendelow2.  

Seriously, although I met him online as "bendelow2" many moons ago, I was happy to be introduced personally to him as "Dick Daley" a number of years later.  

These days, I just call him a great guy.

I do understand and agree somewhat with your sentiment, however Jim.   It's just that the Internet is quite different from a personal conversation.   Imagine you and I being introduced at said cocktail party.   Now imagine you and I being introduced at said cocktail party with the ability of anyone, anywhere in the world to eavesdrop on our conversation without us knowing.

That's the difference.

[Tommy_Naccarato]

It constantly amazes me when people answer on threads like this, that they will influence opinion of how this site will be run.

This site is a benevolent dictatorship. It always has been and always will be, and if some of you can't or won't understand this, then your not in the right place.

People are allowed to use first initials here simply because of the Google Age, where the possibility exists that employers and their human resource departments investigate your time activities via the internet. I also think that this is an issue that most of you should figure out for yourselves IF, and I say IF you should be posting on company time. Still we make the exception.

People in the golf business are also sometimes allowed to use psuedo names, but it's all at the discretion of the website owner and hosts, Ran Morrissett and Ben Dewar. If you disagree with this, then you are allowed to quietly do so. Feel free. but if you disagree, once again, don't participate in any discussion.

The rules are simple, act like you would if you were at your own private country club, which means act accordingly, don't get into pissy-fits over Puffy Wilson having a hand in designing Clocktock Bay Golf Fishing Tiddlywinks & Country Club. The rules are act like grown adults, and when you don't, use your best judgment to give yourself sometime off to figure out that you've let the best of your emotions get away from you. It's called acting decent.

As Tom Wolfe wrote in The Bonfire of the Vanities:

Decency is not a deal. Or an angle, or a contract, or a hustle or a campaign or a trick or a bid for sympathy.

Decency is not the beast that bays for money, power, dominion, position, votes and blood!

Decency is what your mother taught you!

Decency is in your bones!
 
Now go home. Go home now. Be decent people. Be decent.

But most, get over yourselves.

[jim_lewis]

Tommy:

My suggestions were addressed to Ran. If you will take a look at his initial post which started this thread, you will notice that his last line reads "Your input is greatly appreciated." I am confident that he will consider the suggestions that have been offered.

As far as I am concerned, I don't care who reads what I say on the internet, but then I don't work, I'm not selling anything, I'm not running for any position. I use my own computer. And, I am not concerned about who agrees or disagrees with me. That may explain why I am happy to use my own name.

James Franklin Lewis
 

[Tommy_Naccarato]

Jim,
I wasn't addressing your intelligent and thoughtful post, (which I agree with almost all of it) but more the others; as well as a failure on my part to further explain the IM's I get wanting someone's head on a platter, or action to be taken for some of the most insignificant reasons imaginable.