Jockstocks Forums

Jockstocks Forums (http://forums.jockstocks.com//index.php)
-   Jockstocks Today (http://forums.jockstocks.com//forumdisplay.php?f=2)
-   -   These forums (http://forums.jockstocks.com//showthread.php?t=22856)

SiteWolf 27 Jun 2020 11:04 PM

These forums
 
Something we've thought about for a long while, but I'm just going to mention it now even tho I don't know how soon this might happen.

The forum software we're using is outdated, as really our entire web site is at this point....functional, useable, with quirks and limits.

For one, Nick years ago had to do some back doorish hacking of vbulletin's code so that when you log into the site, you're logged into the forums. Occasionally that means sometimes that code doesn't work as it should...and I've heard about it sometimes when it happens, I can't know who may not come to the forums..or the site altogether..because they couldn't get logged into the forums and never told us.

If/when we change forum software, that may not be the case...at least originally. It may be that while you could use the same login info, you may have to register and log into those forums separately....but of course, it wouldn't mean you couldn't largely just remain signed in.

Forums are a dying thing on the net today, which kinda saddens this old fart. Starting back with WSS and into our beginning here, interacting with people here was a large part of my enjoyment in coming to the site. Regardless, we need a forum TO have various discussions, etc and so do plan on continuing with forums. They'll be different I know...some better, some I don't know. These forums, like our previous ones, I think (haven't talked this over with Nick) can just be archived and available...just no longer something you can post on.

This time away from sports has been strange in so many ways for me...and I'm sure everyone. I have more time on my hands in the morning with no stats to do (PGA and NASCAR are virtually always done in the evening).

Our numbers have dwindled over the years for a variety of reasons, a lot of it our inability to make the upgrades here that we've always wanted to. So, with all this time away, I don't know how many more have faded away. I'll even admit that, for different reasons but same result, I've had thoughts like too many businesses in this country the past few months of hanging it up. BUT...if I've proven nothing else over all these years...I'm a stubborn SOB!

Anyway, for those of you still around we thank you. We cant yet promise big changes beyond the forums, but can promise the intent is still to soldier on.

rich76 28 Jun 2020 12:38 PM

:cheers: :thankyou: :cheers:

ProneEisenrott 28 Jun 2020 05:39 PM

I really used to enjoy the friendly banter and sports trash talk. Rich vs. Troy was classic. I also enjoyed Polar's dialect (even in print), though I didn't always agree with his opinions. Even those fun, engaging "Eagle Sighting" threads with cryptic hints from the daily PGA events are no more.

Those were the days when the forums were "fun", at least for me. Lately (like over the last 5+ years), the topics seem pretty boring, except for the occasional political sparring, but in terms of fun, engaging, controversial sports talk--virtually non-existent. That's why, I think, the community aspect of Jock$tocks has lost a lot of interest.

I'm not sure how to reinvigorate the chat. So many have left the community, barring a new wave of feisty competitors, perhaps the "community" aspect has simply atrophied and will eventually die.

SiteWolf 28 Jun 2020 07:22 PM

Our numbers is certainly part of it. Fewer ppl means fewer varying opinions making for less to talk about. And, as I mentioned, forums everywhere struggle. Even sites like ESPN and CBS dropped comment sections, tho some of that was heavy spamming and the need for tons of moderation, because numbers was less their issue.

I've been guilty of both not participating in the forums as much and of, as bballjer pointed out, inserting politics in at times...the latter of which isn't really me given in normal times, I prefer to stay away from those topics for my own mental health.

For my part, regarding the site, the only real thing that has changed as far as my interest in growing it is some of the direction.

For example, I talked of a daily competition involving real money years before the likes of Fanduel and Draft Kings...but I was too early and the legalities weren't there yet. Now, with more open regulations on some of that, there's possibilities to consider. No, I'm not talking about becoming a gambling site...but there's possibilities to consider adding on top of expanding what we have now. There's the idea of creating a cryptocurrency.

Today's atmosphere requires going with newer ideas than we had in 2002. From creating a mobile friendly site all the way to creating new revenue sources less reliant than our original hybrid free/premium perks/advertising model. It ain't easy!

ProneEisenrott 28 Jun 2020 10:52 PM

Those all sound like fabulous ideas, Orren. I would eagerly welcome some of them being implemented, especially the real-money aspect. Mobile also has its appeal, especially to my daughter's generation.

Possible site reinvigorating kick-starts, all of them.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:34 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2007 - 2011 Jockstocks

Jockstocks Forums Database Error
Database Error Database error
The Jockstocks Forums database has encountered a problem.

Please try the following:
  • Load the page again by clicking the Refresh button in your web browser.
  • Open the forums.jockstocks.com home page, then try to open another page.
  • Click the Back button to try another link.
The forums.jockstocks.com forum technical staff have been notified of the error, though you may contact them if the problem persists.
 
We apologise for any inconvenience.