Steve Worcester
Admin Emeritus
I would agree.
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Why so few Posts???
- Thread starter Kenneth Harris
- Start date
I would agree.
Steve Worcester
Admin Emeritus
Since I have some history, let me comment (like you have a choice other than to skip reading).
The decision to use real names in the forums dates back to my decision some 5+ years ago. We were having a hard time figuring out who were the spammers or actual AAW members. The only info publicly available by a BOT is what you put in a message. The AAW databases and the forums are not connected, that too was from the beginning.
AAW membership was never a requirement except later on to one sub forum and photo posting (disk space) upgrade privileges. The idea there was to allow all woodturners entry into the forum so that they would like the free exchange of ideas and ultimately see it as a good resource paid for by the AAW and maybe join but not mandatory.
I have been involved in the forum since it's inception and fought for (and continue to) it to remain a viable resource for woodturning. If at some point the AAW doesn't want it, I would offer to buy it since I felt (and guess you do also) that it is that important. But I don't think that will ever happen.
If the forums to be integrated into the WOODTURNER.ORG website, that would be awesome, but it really isn't needed. The link on the website takes you here, or a google or whatever search also takes you here.
It is kind of funny that the thread on why so little activity is the most active thread (although historically, not by a longshot). Yep there have been some issues with the Photo Gallery software, but I don't know all of the back end issues or even if it is solved. The Admin and Mods I know have been looking into it.
This time of year is always quiet, look at the other forums, IAP, Woodcentral, whomever, I think people have other things to tend to this time of year.
Hopefully you have read this far and know a bit more about the history, and Betty, you are doing a great job!
The decision to use real names in the forums dates back to my decision some 5+ years ago. We were having a hard time figuring out who were the spammers or actual AAW members. The only info publicly available by a BOT is what you put in a message. The AAW databases and the forums are not connected, that too was from the beginning.
AAW membership was never a requirement except later on to one sub forum and photo posting (disk space) upgrade privileges. The idea there was to allow all woodturners entry into the forum so that they would like the free exchange of ideas and ultimately see it as a good resource paid for by the AAW and maybe join but not mandatory.
I have been involved in the forum since it's inception and fought for (and continue to) it to remain a viable resource for woodturning. If at some point the AAW doesn't want it, I would offer to buy it since I felt (and guess you do also) that it is that important. But I don't think that will ever happen.
If the forums to be integrated into the WOODTURNER.ORG website, that would be awesome, but it really isn't needed. The link on the website takes you here, or a google or whatever search also takes you here.
It is kind of funny that the thread on why so little activity is the most active thread (although historically, not by a longshot). Yep there have been some issues with the Photo Gallery software, but I don't know all of the back end issues or even if it is solved. The Admin and Mods I know have been looking into it.
This time of year is always quiet, look at the other forums, IAP, Woodcentral, whomever, I think people have other things to tend to this time of year.
Hopefully you have read this far and know a bit more about the history, and Betty, you are doing a great job!
well I see both sides to the name thing but your identity is who you are when a person buys one of my turnings it says gary barone on the bottom I'm selling myself I think that forums are a good thing and aaw.I'm still learning how it can help me or if it can.
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Steve, there certainly is a lot of history here. I'm only familiar with the Forum and website in the last five or so years, and I enjoyed having you as one of the Forum moderators. I can only imagine how much work that must have been. Your comments were alway positive, intelligent, and informative.
Thank you for your supportive comment. 🙂
Betty Scarpino, editor, American Woodturner
Steve is quite right, +1
as we get closer to the symposium, the posting will pick up, also the gallery posting, most of the entries at the instant gallery at the symposium will be posted. i really enjoy getting a close up look of some of my favorite postings.
the forum is seasonal, unless we have a large issue with board decisions that are sort of hard ........i will just say hard and leave it at that......i think the board does an excellant job, we have a beautiful magazine, a wonderful symposium, one time in my work history i worked retail, it was very seasonal, other times i worked manufacturing,, it was seasonal.......winter, spring, summer, fall....i have my favorites....i like seasonal
Odie , If personal info is not about privacy I do not know what is. You talk privacy and then you place your member number on your signature line. In this digital age there is no annonyomus. Even down to your ip address can be found if someone want to find it. I personally do not see harm in useing full name(Just dont ask for my first name).
- Joined
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The factor that keeps the forum going is the volunteer efforts run it. I don't think the forum is in any danger of going away. It does not cost the AAW any resources because dedicated volunteers like John and Kurt give their time to run it. Steve had a vision to create it using volunteer to run it which kept costs low.
I believe the forum is a limited success, powerful communication tool and an asset to AAW. I don't know why more members, chapters, and AAW board members do not use it. In the early days there was a Board member forum which fell into to disuse and was taken down.
The AAW board approves an annual budget and makes decisions on projects to fund. Decisions are made on cost, member polls, members served, potential to attract new members, benefit to chapters, revenue potential........ The forum is thought to attract new members. It serves a very small segment of the membership, generates no revenue, cost is virtually nothing.
I have been away for a while, and I think the same is true for others (Christmas has had us all busy). I think it will pick up after the new year.
I know that I have more photos to upload to my album. I should be doing that in the next few days ... just so much to do!😉
I know that I have more photos to upload to my album. I should be doing that in the next few days ... just so much to do!😉
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The only only woodturning forum
Sorry to post again, but, besides being a matter of individual freedom, a nick does not impose its use. Anybody should be free to chuse, for personal reasons.
It is obvious but people seem to forget it for some.
The other main reason why there are so little posts, besides nikname, holidays etc is the fact that this is the only forum exclusively dedicate to woodturning, leaving out other woodworking activities therefore limiting the audience.
Furthermore it seems that if one do not do a lot a carving, rototilling or plawing and other afterturning activities on a piece to the point of making the turning unrecognizable as such the piece is not relevant. I'm exagerating of course, but I believe my concept is clear.
Sorry to post again, but, besides being a matter of individual freedom, a nick does not impose its use. Anybody should be free to chuse, for personal reasons.
It is obvious but people seem to forget it for some.
The other main reason why there are so little posts, besides nikname, holidays etc is the fact that this is the only forum exclusively dedicate to woodturning, leaving out other woodworking activities therefore limiting the audience.
Furthermore it seems that if one do not do a lot a carving, rototilling or plawing and other afterturning activities on a piece to the point of making the turning unrecognizable as such the piece is not relevant. I'm exagerating of course, but I believe my concept is clear.
how about a c and c on this one ,Sergio
http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/showthread.php?t=10549
i do know what you mean, but i am interested in your opinion
The WoW's forum is turners only. Right?
Steve Worcester
Admin Emeritus
Yes it is, but invite only. And was borne from spamming in the newsgroup days, if I remember correctly.
AlanZ
Resident Techno Geek
Sergio, there are several other forums that are dedicated solely to woodturning. There's even at least one specializing in segmented woodturning.
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True on both counts with some clarification:
1) In the rec.crafts.woodturing days, “Papa Herm†got sick of the trolling, free-for-all that sometimes dominated the forum. Herm started WoW in response. At the time, the Myfamily website was one of the few sites that could serve as a turning forum with moderators. Since it was designed as a way for families to post and share private messages, photos, and information, the invitation helped ensure only family members had access.
B) The invitation can be extended to anyone by any of the thousands of members already on the site. Some folks get the notion that the invitation means it’s an elitist site; nothing could be further from the truth.
Excuse me, but my post disappeared. Somebody can bring it back or explain?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Sorry, I found it in another thread. I must have followed a hypertext or something!
parallel universe i expect
john lucas
AAW Forum Expert
I think part of the problem is simply the layout of the forum. The way it comes up on my computer I only see the latest post in the various categories which makes it seem like nothing is happening if that last post doesn't change.
If you open each main category you see more posts. When you go to places like Woodcentral or WOW or Wood magazine they all appear under one general heading so it makes it appear as if there are more posts. Well on Woodcentral there probably are but WOW it can sometimes go a couple of days before a good topic gets started again.
If you open each main category you see more posts. When you go to places like Woodcentral or WOW or Wood magazine they all appear under one general heading so it makes it appear as if there are more posts. Well on Woodcentral there probably are but WOW it can sometimes go a couple of days before a good topic gets started again.
AlanZ
Resident Techno Geek
John, I simply click on the "New Posts" link, and all the threads with new content are displayed. That's all I need.
Yes, I guess you are right......there is some overlapping of the two things.....privacy and not wanting any personal information to be publicly available, can be for two entirely different reasons. Either of these two things can be separately discussed but are linked by default, I suppose.
BTW: My AAW member number isn't connected to my real name, either! 😉
Like I said, though.......I have no problem with AAW knowing who I am. As I said previously, I've given my name to one of the staff members of AAW. I did that at a time when this issue was being debated previously. My motive was to give some assurance that I'm completely on the level with my intentions.
Someone else in this thread mentioned another forum where real names are kept for forum administration, but are not public. That, it seems to me, is the way to handle this. Those who choose to use real names are free to do as they wish, and those who don't, same applies. All the while, real identities are available for administrative purposes.
ooc
real name, nickname, false name
only small portion of woodturners particpate on the forum, we do have woodturning symposiums, but more than likely we stick with people we know.....i feel like i know some of you here, all thru woodturnering......it sort of neat and we may never ever meet
happy new year
RE: Why So few new posts...
I initially posted my question, 'Why so few new posts' a week or so ago... I'm very pleased to see the interest and comments from sooo many AAW members although I'd prefer more entries, comments and advice from other members in other topic areas also... As I mentioned, I belong to several other wood carving/turning forums and find the number of daily entries far more numerous than here on the AAW Forum (quality over quanity... ;>) ). Regrettably, I don't see as many 'newbies' like myself posting here or asking questions and seeking advice nor more experienced and knowledgeable turners supplying solutions. I know that AAW is a huge source of expert advice with all sorts of hints, tips, tricks, source of material and classes, etc. and I as a 'newbie' would treasure those entries posted more frequently... Odie, if I may use this wonderful turner as an example, I find superb in his postings and advice. Even though I've only been turning for a year, I often pass along my success and failures to less experienced turners/carvers on other forums in hopes they will profit from my limited experience. I'd love to see the AAW Forum offer more of the same... Thanks for sharing your comments and may each and every AAW member have a SAFE and Happy New Year!
I initially posted my question, 'Why so few new posts' a week or so ago... I'm very pleased to see the interest and comments from sooo many AAW members although I'd prefer more entries, comments and advice from other members in other topic areas also... As I mentioned, I belong to several other wood carving/turning forums and find the number of daily entries far more numerous than here on the AAW Forum (quality over quanity... ;>) ). Regrettably, I don't see as many 'newbies' like myself posting here or asking questions and seeking advice nor more experienced and knowledgeable turners supplying solutions. I know that AAW is a huge source of expert advice with all sorts of hints, tips, tricks, source of material and classes, etc. and I as a 'newbie' would treasure those entries posted more frequently... Odie, if I may use this wonderful turner as an example, I find superb in his postings and advice. Even though I've only been turning for a year, I often pass along my success and failures to less experienced turners/carvers on other forums in hopes they will profit from my limited experience. I'd love to see the AAW Forum offer more of the same... Thanks for sharing your comments and may each and every AAW member have a SAFE and Happy New Year!