Discover Hertford Online Forum

Reply ID 51805

Just have to start being bad and stroppy again, I suppose.

Reply ID 51809

There is always Herbert........

Reply ID 51810

I think it is inevitable that the postings cannot always be witty and full of news but I find the site immensley valuable. I rarely post but read active topics almost daily. Some days not much is happening, even in our wonderful town, and that's not the fault of the website is it? Hertford.Net - I love it. 'If it ain't broke......'

Reply ID 51811

Mine? Avatars, like Ware has. Yeah , a few childish pictures in the border will really spruce it up . [:o)]

Reply ID 51813

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Originally posted by James007
I think so. Before Admin hits the BIG red button, I am in no way having-a-go at his/her management of this site. Every thread or post, big or Small, is scrutinised and carefully screened by admin to be in keeping for all people that read the site. Has anyone got any ideas of how to spruce this site up? Mine? Avatars, like Ware has.

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Reply ID 51814

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Originally posted by James007
I think so. Before Admin hits the BIG red button, I am in no way having-a-go at his/her management of this site. Every thread or post, big or Small, is scrutinised and carefully screened by admin to be in keeping for all people that read the site. Has anyone got any ideas of how to spruce this site up? Mine? Avatars, like Ware has. Does anyone else have any suggestions? [8D]

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Reply ID 51815

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Originally posted by Donostia
Mine? Avatars, like Ware has. Yeah , a few childish pictures in the border will really spruce it up . [:o)]

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Reply ID 51816

Well if you want a serious debate on why its gone flat , not silly pictures , how about draconian moderating ? http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3544

Reply ID 51817

As half this forum seem to be commuters , this one is really harsh . http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3542

Reply ID 51818

Sorry to sound a bit negative Donostia, but it appears that Admin has locked every thread started in the last couple of days and has no real intention of continuing with the forum. I hate to admit it but if you want any sensible replies then Ware online is probably the place to go for a sensible reply nowadays.

Reply ID 51819

It’s all a bit Groundhog Day. I seem to remember making a bit of a totally out of character stand for Admin a year or so ago & despite James carefully worded start to this thread the arrows have started to fly. Firstly , I personally feel that we have become a bit like the locals in a pub . we feel we own the pub … actually we don’t. Secondly, as Dillon rightly indicates, there is only so much you can say about certain topics; you find yourself repeating yourself. I mean is there really anything left to say about Live Music in Fore Street… The part of the terms & conditions that appear to cause the trouble are: The Discover Hertford Online Forum is provided as a means for local residents to discuss local issues and events. Whilst a certain amount of digression will be allowed, any thread that becomes dominated by discussion of non-related subjects or personalities will be locked I suggest that this can be interpreted in various ways. Maybe a loosening of the interpretation could be a way forward. OK ,three off the cuff 3 in the morning, waiting for the Calzaghe fight to begin,[Edit 4am Hurrah!] suggestions: • Open the post to include national news stories that impact locally e.g. tips in restaurant chains, rail matters (the stuff people have been talking about being locked today). To deal with these posts the Forum…….. • Employ (we aren’t talking wages here sadly) volunteer Moderators from the forum, as per many other sites, and take the strain from Admin. • Then at least we can blame each other for censorship & take a bit of the brown stuff off Admin.

Reply ID 51823

At the end of the day Hertford.net is hosted on Admin's site, which Admin is responsible for the content. He has every right to decide what content should apear on HIS site. From what i can see Admin only intervenes when topics go way off topic or if there is a legal implication.. My 2 pence worth..

Reply ID 51824

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Originally posted by Capitalist piglet
It’s all a bit Groundhog Day. I seem to remember making a bit of a totally out of character stand for Admin a year or so ago & despite James carefully worded start to this thread the arrows have started to fly. Firstly , I personally feel that we have become a bit like the locals in a pub . we feel we own the pub … actually we don’t. Secondly, as Dillon rightly indicates, there is only so much you can say about certain topics; you find yourself repeating yourself. I mean is there really anything left to say about Live Music in Fore Street… The part of the terms & conditions that appear to cause the trouble are: The Discover Hertford Online Forum is provided as a means for local residents to discuss local issues and events. Whilst a certain amount of digression will be allowed, any thread that becomes dominated by discussion of non-related subjects or personalities will be locked I suggest that this can be interpreted in various ways. Maybe a loosening of the interpretation could be a way forward. OK ,three off the cuff 3 in the morning, waiting for the Calzaghe fight to begin,[Edit 4am Hurrah!] suggestions: • Open the post to include national news stories that impact locally e.g. tips in restaurant chains, rail matters (the stuff people have been talking about being locked today). To deal with these posts the Forum…….. • Employ (we aren’t talking wages here sadly) volunteer Moderators from the forum, as per many other sites, and take the strain from Admin. • Then at least we can blame each other for censorship & take a bit of the brown stuff off Admin.

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Reply ID 51825

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Originally posted by Aelle
...it appears that Admin has locked every thread started in the last couple of days...

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Originally posted by buzz
Can't help feeling that there's a bit of a Stalanistic, autocratic approach from Admin. A "don't disagree with me" policy

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Reply ID 51830

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Originally posted by Admin

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Originally posted by Aelle
...it appears that Admin has locked every thread started in the last couple of days...

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If that were true you'd not be having this discussion

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Originally posted by buzz
Can't help feeling that there's a bit of a Stalanistic, autocratic approach from Admin. A "don't disagree with me" policy

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If that were true you'd not be having this discussion

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Reply ID 51831

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Originally posted by buzz
So why did you lock the thread then?

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Reply ID 51832

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Originally posted by Aelle
...it appears that Admin has locked every thread started in the last couple of days and has no real intention of continuing with the forum.

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Reply ID 51837

For the record, of 5316 posts made this year, 13 posts have been removed and 5 threads removed or locked. The total number of posts involved is 21. That's 0.4%.

Reply ID 51838

It's a bit late I know (so might avoid the pessimists). I started the thread as a direct question for suggestions to support the forum, not negatitivity towards the administration of the site. Personally speaking/typing, I think the site is superb, I couldn't dream of getting anywhere near this if someone asked me to start a site for the people of Hertford. The forum is a place for discussion and whilst I have been guilty of the odd post or 6 that have been construed to be a variety of emotions, I feel that the forum is losing it's place; the theme has gone. I don't know admin or his/her team of people. It's their site after all. I'm still waiting for some 'out-there' suggestion that we as forummers can put to admin without some nut-nut hijacking it with a useless comment or sniper's shot. There are thousands of negatives in this town, so many coveted. There are thousands of positives in this town, so few uncovered. Ok, I've said my bit. I'm going to wander off outside the forum bubble for a while. Myself, the DB5 and a decent amount of porridge oates, bought from good old Waitrose. I may be some time. See ya.

Reply ID 51839

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Originally posted by Admin

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Originally posted by buzz
So why did you lock the thread then?

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Which part of the full and comprehensive explanation given at the end of the thread do you not understand? You ask for an explanation yet I have already given a lengthy one. James007 started a perfectly legtimate discussion about how to liven up the forum. Could I suggest we continue in the spirit he intended.

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Reply ID 51840

Hi all Thought I'd make my first post here in a thread I've seen echoed om WOL. Slightly Off topic (sorry): It's very interesting to read how similar the Discover Hertford Online Forum is the the Ware Online Forum. I wonder if it's the same people posting in both or the nature of community forums or maybe something in the local water.[;)] I think a key point to remember is that this isn't a space owned by the community but a placed owned and managed by the administrator . That's just the nature of the way it is. You live with it or you don't participate. One of my particular dislikes, which I hope don't occur here but have on WOL, is having one's posts modified by a Admin or a moderator with no indication in the post that it's happened. So you read your own re-written post on the forum with the context changed. I appreciate administrators and moderators have a difficult job to do and despite their motives and desire for the direction a forum as a whole goes in it should still be possible to be polite and have respect. Back on Topic: I think the avatars are fun. I post on many non local forums and the key features I like and find make the place more lively are being able to post up pictures into posts (a picture paint a thousand words and all that) Private messaging. The ability to continue a discussion outside the thread often makes the moderators job far easier. (and there are all sorts of controls in pace to stop being harassed that way like Buddie lists and blocking lists) e-mail access to members (again users can choose to allow that or not and the e-mail address is hidden from the sender) And finally remembering that just because your hidden behind a made up name and can choose to have who you are hidden doesn't make being rude and thoughtless right or appropriate. All my posts are always made knowing posters know who I am. I post as me and are fully prepared to be accountable for that. Have moderators to help manage moderation. It helps create more of a balanced view to posts and helps avoid personality clashes. If the administrator and moderators work closely you get a more rounded and consistent feel of the steer of the forums and that makes posters feel more confident to post.

Reply ID 51841

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Originally posted by buzz

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Originally posted by Admin

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Originally posted by buzz
So why did you lock the thread then?

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Which part of the full and comprehensive explanation given at the end of the thread do you not understand? You ask for an explanation yet I have already given a lengthy one. James007 started a perfectly legtimate discussion about how to liven up the forum. Could I suggest we continue in the spirit he intended.

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Thanks for being so patronising. The things that I don't actually understand is why, when comments are made concerning eating establishments in Hertford are not considered to be related to Hertford. Is there a part of that you don't understand

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Reply ID 51842

Just my quick take on avitars and other grahpics --- not for me pls. I like the subtle look at the forum. Better for browsing at work !

Reply ID 51848

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Originally posted by shunt

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Originally posted by buzz

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Originally posted by Admin

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Originally posted by buzz
So why did you lock the thread then?

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Which part of the full and comprehensive explanation given at the end of the thread do you not understand? You ask for an explanation yet I have already given a lengthy one. James007 started a perfectly legtimate discussion about how to liven up the forum. Could I suggest we continue in the spirit he intended.

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Thanks for being so patronising. The things that I don't actually understand is why, when comments are made concerning eating establishments in Hertford are not considered to be related to Hertford. Is there a part of that you don't understand

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What is odd, is that you take such extreme offense. Why does it matter so much? We all post in the knowledge of this being a moderted forum and presumably do so for pleasure. For you it seems to increase your stress levels to a point that cannot be providing you with pleasure. Posts on this forum must be Hertford relevent. Yes, many of us commute to London, but that doesn't make a London story a Hertford one, without some other link. Posts about travel from Hertford do qualify, but travelogues and restuarant reviews of other places don't, otherwise we'd all be posting "What I did on me 'olidays"

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Reply ID 51851

I am not as nimble on the search function as many people seem to be ( to research whether its been discussed before) but a lot of interest/owner/group forums tend to have a separate corner for discussion outside the intention of the forum. A blaggers corner/knitting circle (no offense!)/down the pub etc etc This may not add to the value of Hertford raised issues and discussions but would give a general area that non specific topics could take place in. Understanding that is essential to have a moderator/admin, any posts would still have to meet the requirements of the forum in general but at least it would get one issue off the agenda and perhaps create an alternative emotive area rather than all the emotion splurting out in relation to only Hertford issues!! (if that makes sense).

Reply ID 51853

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Originally posted by nuts
I am not as nimble on the search function as many people seem to be ( to research whether its been discussed before) but a lot of interest/owner/group forums tend to have a separate corner for discussion outside the intention of the forum. A blaggers corner/knitting circle (no offense!)/down the pub etc etc This may not add to the value of Hertford raised issues and discussions but would give a general area that non specific topics could take place in. Understanding that is essential to have a moderator/admin, any posts would still have to meet the requirements of the forum in general but at least it would get one issue off the agenda and perhaps create an alternative emotive area rather than all the emotion splurting out in relation to only Hertford issues!! (if that makes sense).

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Reply ID 51864

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What is odd, is that you take such extreme offense. Why does it matter so much? We all post in the knowledge of this being a moderted forum and presumably do so for pleasure. For you it seems to increase your stress levels to a point that cannot be providing you with pleasure. Posts on this forum must be Hertford relevent. Yes, many of us commute to London, but that doesn't make a London story a Hertford one, without some other link. Posts about travel from Hertford do qualify, but travelogues and restuarant reviews of other places don't, otherwise we'd all be posting "What I did on me 'olidays"

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OK, as you have taken it to be your mission to criticize my opinions, let's just give you some of mine. Firstly the word is "Offence" with a "c" we are not quite yet part of the U.S.A. Secondly, what is a "moderted" forum. Lastly, as stated, although obviously not read by yourself, the thread started with comments upon ASK and Pizza Express restaurants, both of which have outlets in Hertford. That's why my comments are Hertford related........By the way when are you moving?

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Reply ID 51865

It's a hard balance to strike. It's just not natural for people to communicate in a manner that doesn't allow some diversion from the main topic. As humans we don;t work like machines on a single track. The forum is of interest to more people the more varied topics it handles and the more users contribute to it. he risk is of course that they become the victim of their own success making them unwieldy beasts for the administrator and Moderators. However a forum with no posts is just empty space and worthless. As I mentioned before Private messaging is a good compromise as it does allow users to branch without clogging the forum.

Reply ID 51873

It’s a difficult one. Here’s my two pence. I think Admin do a stirling job. I do think the administration can be a little heavy handed on occasions, but I fully understand the need to reign in issues that could be libellous, repetitive or offensive. I have frequented sites where Admin is too relaxed and the site turned into an immature bitch fest of the highest degree. Until someone has done a moderating job (which I’ve done for anther site once) I don’t think the average user understands the work involved. I’m sure it’s for that reason alone that we don’t have a general discussion forum. When we had that “open” week some time back, the conversation was great, but the average user doesn’t realise how much work is required by Admin for something like that. Then there is the other side of the coin. It’s true this is a privately run site with owner dictated terms and conditions, but it also being offered as a community forum for general public participation. Therefore, Admin have to expect feedback, good and bad, from the active participants. Admin have to be extremely thick skinned. Otherwise, running a forum is the wrong hobby/business. Users who join forum communities are often by nature, community orientated people, and because of that, they sometimes feel they should have a say in what is right or wrong with the rules. If that flexibility is not on offer then a site can die though lack of participation, cause by the breakdown of the community spirit. Another problem is that the typed word can be misconstrued so easily. When we don’t know each other, we don’t know (from what is typed) how much humour (or venom!) is injected in each sentence. Sure there are general internet etiquettes, but not everyone knows them or shares the same opinions of them. I might have an opposing view to say….Rachel for example (Sorry Rachel!) and in a typed debate we could both get the wrong end of the stick. Face to face, it’s much easier because half out communication skills come from body language. So with no body language, Admin have the difficult job of deciding when something is good humoured, offensive, flaming or baiting. Inevitably, they get some wrong, and when that happens, the originator of the post feels aggrieved because they have been taken out of context or simply misunderstood. That’s something we have to live with. Although I’ve seen that happen on this site on occasions, it’s obvious it’s not an everyday occurrence. So what would I do if I was the great moderator in the sky….. 1.National news, local impact. I think a new section covering these topics would be a breath of fresh air. Petrol, tips, tax, schools etc. They are all very relevant to Hertford and its community. It seem a tenuous link, but it exists and it gives some freedom to chat about the wider effects without opening the flood gates to a permanent general discussion section. 2. Allow repeats of thread within reason. Just because something has been discussed to death a year ago, doesn’t mean any new thread should be closed. If nothing has been posted on a subject for 6 months and a new thread starts, let it roll. No one likes trawling back through pages and pages of old chat, especially newcomers. Besides, topics that begin with the same subject often take very different directions. 3. A little more leeway in the on topic/off topic debate. Sometimes conversations have a habit of self correcting (and sometimes they don’t!) 4. Off topics shouldn’t kill a thread, it should sprout a new one. If say, smoking in pubs drifted into talking about kids in pubs, let’s have a new thread about kids in pubs, rather than a situation where the conversation is brought to a halt because it’s considered off topic. 5. Avatars – Why not? its only a bit of fun. I’ve sure the option already exists within the software. 6. Have a few more “general discussion” weeks. I think the last one was a hoot and it allowed people to get to know each other better. If we all went down the pub and then said conversation could only be about Hertford, it’s wouldn’t be long before we were all staring silently into the bottom of our glass. If Admin want temporary help I’m sure people would oblige. 7. Have a subject of the week. Could be whacky and off topic, it could be something serious about the town. 8. Take our real world manners online. Nothing scares off newcomers quicker than negative comments the moment they arrive. From CS productions to Zoggers, we’ve been guilty of jumping down peoples throats too quickly. I doubt we would be so abrupt or rude in the real world, so we should try and keep it clean here. That’s what I’d like to see! But it needs input from the users and Admin.

Reply ID 51874

Admin removed my thread on the recent smell, which I posted in case people had wondered if it was emanating from Hertford, as I'd smelled it too. I didn't take it as a personal insult that the thread was locked, nor did I challenge Admin's choice. I just think I'm a bit of a twit and should have thought more carefully before posting a potentially off-topic topic [:D] There are plenty of free-for-all forums on the web; there's a particular very busy one that I use to post about all sorts of things from the sublime to the ridicuous, where you always get well thought-out, broad-minded and/or witty replies or hilarious one-liners, and nobody has to worry about being on-topic. It pretty much self-moderates because of the mature nature of the people on the forum. I'm not saying that we're not mature on here but, to state the obvious, this is a different forum owned by different people, run with different resource, and out of respect we should all try as much as possible to stick to the rules and etiquette. I wouldn't expect a forum that focuses on local issues to provide a general chat forum. I have no doubts that some of us, including me, would use it if there was one, but it would create more work for Admin and as such we should not expect it. As for sprucing up the site, avtars are ok by me, but not everybody likes them. Perhaps just try our best to keep the posts on-topic as far as we can, maybe inject a little subtle humour where appropriate, no posts to criticise a simple typo or spelling mistake and maybe a smiley or two every now and again to keep the atmosphere friendly [:)] Finally, if Admin says a topic is not up for discussion, just accept that and move on to the next thread.

Reply ID 51877

Admin is a wonderful example of a human being.

Reply ID 51880

Now...about these tips.... !!!! [;)]

Reply ID 51881

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Originally posted by SallyB
I just think I'm a bit of a twit and should have thought more carefully before posting a potentially off-topic topic [:D]

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Reply ID 51883

I think its great as it is!! Not that i come on here that much any more, same people picking holes in typos (yawn) same people moaning about the ram, traffic in fore st etc etc, but thats what you should have with a community based discussion group, leave well alone I say!! Mars Bar anyone?

Reply ID 51884

Despite some inconsistencies from Admin e.g. allowing a discussion about the credit crunch but not about tips - both national issues and both affecting Hertford, I say let admin do whatever he likes. If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be here. and iff buzz knew the trouble I was going to to post this - the ridiculous keyboard I'm using - he wouldn't critcise the typo's because it's too much effort to go back and edit it all. (smiley, smiley - which I don't know how to do!!!!!)

Reply ID 51895

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Originally posted by 2929paul
Despite some inconsistencies from Admin e.g. allowing a discussion about the credit crunch but not about tips - both national issues and both affecting Hertford...

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Reply ID 51896

Speaking as admin of a different music-related forum, I have no problem at all with the way Admin handles the forum and I think he's doing a really good job. I wouldn't say anything needs to be changed. Perhaps we just need to wait for more news or discussion-worthy events and avoid the temptation to post when there's nothing to say.

Reply ID 51914

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Originally posted by justin
Admin is a wonderful example of a human being.

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Reply ID 51919

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Originally posted by Dude
It’s a difficult one. Here’s my two pence. So what would I do if I was the great moderator in the sky….. 1.National news, local impact. I think a new section covering these topics would be a breath of fresh air. Petrol, tips, tax, schools etc. They are all very relevant to Hertford and its community. It seem a tenuous link, but it exists and it gives some freedom to chat about the wider effects without opening the flood gates to a permanent general discussion section. 2. Allow repeats of thread within reason. Just because something has been discussed to death a year ago, doesn’t mean any new thread should be closed. If nothing has been posted on a subject for 6 months and a new thread starts, let it roll. No one likes trawling back through pages and pages of old chat, especially newcomers. Besides, topics that begin with the same subject often take very different directions. 3. A little more leeway in the on topic/off topic debate. Sometimes conversations have a habit of self correcting (and sometimes they don’t!) 6. Have a few more “general discussion” weeks. I think the last one was a hoot and it allowed people to get to know each other better. If we all went down the pub and then said conversation could only be about Hertford, it’s wouldn’t be long before we were all staring silently into the bottom of our glass. If Admin want temporary help I’m sure people would oblige. 7. Have a subject of the week. Could be whacky and off topic, it could be something serious about the town. That’s what I’d like to see! But it needs input from the users and Admin.

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