The poll column thing pretty much sucks!

[usngunner]

Guys,

I hate to say it, but this extra column on the side really sucks. I can support the full screen thing, that is what I used anyway, but that poll thing is a pain in the ass.

If it didn't bring up stuff I already voted on, it might, and I mean might be ok. As it is, definitely a SUCKS vote.

Me.

 

[Forum Boss]

Our plan was to run it for a few days and see the feedback. We certainly understand your vote. I created a dozen polls which worked out to more than one option per day.

From what I can tell by the numbers the response is pretty positive--we've had more activity in a week than in a month on the main site.

As far as the bar on the side--that give us some important flexibility in terms of providing notices and,potentially) event schedules etc. The poll is just one potential item we're trying out. Just last week I put up a notice there explaining that the main site would be down.

I've tried to get the poll module makers to give me the ability to switch a poll off/on once we've reached certain response figures. Unfortunately, they didn't creat an "inactive category" where the poll can be parked for a while.

 

[Ogre6br]

I just find that I have already voted on all the ones itkeeps bringing up
It would be good if it could register that you have voted and not ask you/show you that poll again.
if there are no new polls to vote on it could minimize itself to a slim side bar until there is a new poll for me/you to vote on

later
p

 

[CopperHead]

It sounds like usngunner thinks that the poll SUCKS. I for one really like it. When a poll comes up that I have already responded to, I ignore it. If you don't want to see the side bar, close the browser window down until the poll column is hidden.

 

[chris308]

I like it too!! Had a lot of fun with it...Same goes for everything on this site..excellent job guys! dont change a thing...chris 308

 

[Shelley]

I'm not militant either way but I suppose I'd really rather have the full width as forum space. When the page gets too busy it moves me out of my comfort zone.

I enjoy the polls but, like others, once around is enough. I'd rather see the polls in the daily bulletin which is another place I visit each and every day.

Shelley

 

[rstreich]

It is pretty easy to avoid seeing the polls. Just shrink the width of your browser to where only the forum is visible.

 

[Forum Boss]

#1 Shelley, it is impossible to put the polls in the Daily Bulletin because the polls use Javascript.

Re other members comments--
The blogging software that makes the Daily Bulletin possible prohibits ALL javascript for some very good reasons,they have hundreds of thousands of BLOGs on templates that could be attacked by a java exploit)

The side space is very important for the integration of the forum into the rest of the site. I can use that area to link to current articles,Guns of the Week) etc., put our help links, FAQ etc. Think about it... how would you like to field questions day after day, week after week, for three years on "I forgot my password," or "how do I post a photo". That's all covered in the FAQ now.

I don't think the sidebar taking up too much space. There's at least 820 pixels in the forum area now, even if you pull the left side in. For most people it's actually easier to read text if the lines are not too long. If you need larger type, just hold down the CTRL key and roll the wheel on your mouse backwards or forwards.

We looked at many other current forums and the majority are now running a column left or right for some kind of content management or Forum info.

I do like the idea of a poll that collapses, but that would require some very sophisticated flash or java scripting and I'm not sure it can be done easily. Forums use third-party software and we can't just do whatever we want.

Personally, I thought we had enough diversity in polls,there were a dozen), and I didn't mind if I saw one on which I'd voted--I would click in again to see how the trends were developing. Sometimes there were surprising. Like the "How much you were spending" poll--initially a lot of guys just said "Way too much", but then we started getting more serious replies in the actual categories.

What I've asked the poll-software makers to make it possible for a poll run for a few days, then cycle back in maybe a month later. We'll have to see if they can implement that.

- - - -

One thing to keep in mind in all these discussions is the alternative--

What other gun accuracy site is giving you daily updates?

What other gun accuracy site has ever provided photo illustrated polls?

What other gun accuracy site scans a dozen web vendors to provide notices of sale items?

Add the feature articles, Cartridge Guides etc., and remember its all FREE...

6mmBR.com | AccurateShooter.com is more than just an interactive Forum. It is very important for us to have a Forum format that allows us to link back to the main site in a variety of ways.

 

[Shelley]

Paul.... I'm not bitching about your site, it's absolutely great. You've asked for feedback many times. Now I kinda feel like feed back can get you chastised. The question is do you want feed back or not. I can really, really keep quiet about what I think. Just let me know how you want it.

Respectfully
Shelley

 

[Forum Boss]

Shelley,

No I do want the feedback--My last post was not directed at you,except for the very first part).,I've edited that post to clarify that, hopefully).

The rest of the post was more addressed to the folks whose feedback is along the lines of "you suck, your site sucks, and while you're at it, I want you to work nights and weekends for nothing to give me more free stuff."

Shelley, your idea of putting a poll in the Daily Bulletin is really, really good, and I tried to do that, only to find the poll just "poof" disappeared because all the javascript is blocked. I am looking for a new poll module product that can run without java. So... keep those ideas coming!