Essex Outfielder : The Unofficial Essex CCC Forum
Off-Topic => In The Hut => Topic started by: lockers on September 19, 2014, 12:43:25 PM
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Hi,
I've been working with eastsax to get the forum hosting renewed for another year and the time has come for open discussion on funding the forum going forward.
The costs are not huge, around £40 a year max, so there are some ideas that i would like to poll and discuss.
Please let me know your views and I'll work with eastsax and anyone else interested in administering the forum.
Thanks,
lockers
Alan Loughlin
IT Manager @ Essex Cricket although supporting eastsax in personal capacity
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I appreciate that this is now an unofficial forum but would it hurt for the club to show some goodwill and cover the costs?
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Good point - many of us here are members and fund the club.
This website is more useful to me than some of the 'freebies' we are offered which assume we are all middle-aged men.
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I paid for next years hosting personally, I want the forum to be kept going and help eastsax whenever i can.
Im not sure if a second year and/or ongoing covered costs by the club helps the forum maintain unofficial status, but interested about the poll results and everyone's views regardless of my opinion. More importantly, i can't afford to pay for the hosting and I think i can be safe to say neither can eastsax, so a solution needs to be agreed on that makes it a viable forum.
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While I know it is a small amount I can see that the club may not wish to be associated with a forum where their employees are routinely insulted
Even though I don't post here often I would' be quite happy to pay a small annual fee to keep it going
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Like Neil I don't post on here very often but do look on here frequently to find a lot of information that is NOT available on ECC website. I find it informative and easier to navigate than ECC site. Missed it while it was down.
I have not voted in the poll as I am unsure what some of the options mean.
Does item one mean an additional user account and/or forum features not available to non fee payers?
What will a small yearly fee give us? will it only be access to the site without ability to post?
I would be happy to contribute £1-2 annually but would need to know what would happen to any monies raised above the cost of the forum.
My opinion to advertising would be a definite NO. Can't stand adverts especially those that pop up of flash.
Thanks Lockers & Eastsax for the work you have/are doing to keep the forum running.
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apologies for not explaining better.
An example on the £1-£2 extra features example would be that only people who pay get PM functionality, poll capabilities or access to certain forums. There are other add-on that can be sourced for this forum system, so it could be that only paid for accounts get access to this, picture uploads, email (@essexoutfielder.co.uk) - all open for debate.
The small fee example is "either or", read only unless paid or no access unless paid. The cost would be based on the choice, £0.50 as a post cost would more than cover the yearly fee based on the volume of posters, no access unless paid would be more like £0.20. (gross estimation here)
The only thing i intended by my poll is to see the hosting is covered, surplus only used for the benefit of the forum and/or to cover future years. No profit or anything like that, run in a community fashion and kept transparent.
The poll can be re-done, as it was just made on the back of getting the forum back up and discussion with eastsax a little while ago.
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Let's have a poll at the end of the year - the poster who posts the most rubbish as voted by us all has to pay for next years fee - there at least 3 in contention here straight away!!!
But for now, well done East Sax / Lockers - good to be back!!!
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I THINK WE CAN GET SOME ADVERTISING ON HERE WHICH WOULD NOT AFFECT THE IMPARTIALITY OF THE SITE LIKE LOCAL SPORT SHOPS, RESTERANTS AND PUBS ALL BUSINESSES WHICH WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE EXPOSURE. SORRY FOR THE CAPS. THEN YOU COULD REFUND THE COST THAT YOU HAVE INCURRED AND SET UP AN INDEPENDENT REVENUE STREAM TO KEEP THIS SITE GOING FOR YEARS TO COME. ALSO LESS HASSLE THAN GETTING MONEY FROM LOADS OF FACELESS/CONTACTLESS MEMBERS.
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HOW EASY FROM AN ADMIN POINT OF VIEW IS IT TO PUT ADVERTISING UP ON HERE?
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i agree with Neil
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the most common advertising module for "simple machines forum" is already installed, so it would be a case of choosing how to work it in terms of positioning, size, rotations etc...
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i SUPPOSE WHAT I AM ASKING IF THE FORMAT OF THE ADVERT IS PARTICULARY DIFFICULT FOR THE ADVERT PROVIDER (IE IS IT A JPEG AND AT WHAT AMOUT OF PIXCELLS ETC). IF IT IS IT WOULD BE QUITE EASY TO APPROACH BUSINESSES FOR SPONSORSHIP, WITH IDEAL NUMBER BEING 4-6 IN TOTAL THUS ALLOWING COMPANIES TO DROP IN/OUT WITHOUT TO MUCH STRESS ON THE CASH FLOW
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Blimey for £40 per year it's not worth worrying about. There must be a few of us who can divvy up the cost.
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Blimey for £40 per year it's not worth worrying about. There must be a few of us who can divvy up the cost.
I agree and also agree that the absence of advertising makes it a lot more appealing.
I have no complaint about chipping in but surely the club could cover this out of petty cash to show some goodwill to their supporters that use it.
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Blimey for £40 per year it's not worth worrying about. There must be a few of us who can divvy up the cost.
I agree and also agree that the absence of advertising makes it a lot more appealing.
I have no complaint about chipping in but surely the club could cover this out of petty cash to show some goodwill to their supporters that use it.
Not worth the hassle of asking the club. I'm tempted to pay the £40 myself as I think the forum is important. Who wants to share the cost?
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Blimey for £40 per year it's not worth worrying about. There must be a few of us who can divvy up the cost.
I agree and also agree that the absence of advertising makes it a lot more appealing.
I have no complaint about chipping in but surely the club could cover this out of petty cash to show some goodwill to their supporters that use it.
Not worth the hassle of asking the club. I'm tempted to pay the £40 myself as I think the forum is important. Who wants to share the cost?
Well, I’m certainly prepared to chip in. It’s whip-round money isn’t it! How many of us will be at the Worcs match next week? Or the next Members Forum? Ho about a collection box on the bar at both? Be a means of advertising it to the members, and maybe getting more contributors.
And thanks, Lockers, (and eastsax of course) for getting the Forum up and running again.
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I would have thought that Consignia or whatever they now call themselves would charge more in postal fees than the actual contribution being requested.
To put it into perspective, I lost more than the total amount required per minute when the New York Comex gold collapsed on that fateful April weekend of 2013 and even more when the market dropped a further 15% over the subsequent months. :(
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It's a tough life for some, Mr Diatribe. ::)
With regard to advertising, on some of the other message boards I partake in, this consists of sponsored links, rather than pop-ups, so is not intrusive at all. If that's what's intended, I wouldn't object to it. And it could provide a small ongoing income for the site (assuming members use those links when making purchases from the online emporia concerned).
But having said that, it's a relatively small amount, and I'd be willing to chip in. Though I won't be at the Worcs match.
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First up. Thanks to Lockers and Eastsax for doing what they do for this forum. I know from experience what a pain it can be
I'd be against advertising. For £40 I would hope that we could find a way of funding it amongst ourselves. Getting the money might be fun as, obviously, you don't want to set up PayPal whatever. I would be happy to pop a cheque in the post. I don't get to Essex these days, what with living in deepest darkest Kent, but I have a friend who attends regularly who could hand over some cash, if necessary
I did just wonder about advertising the other way. I have times away from this forum and when I return it is like Groundhog Day - same old posters saying the same old things. That is what happens on small fora like this but a few new faces would be nice. I don't know how things work at Essex but, even if they wouldn't fund it is there any place a small free advert could be placed. Perhaps at the start if the season so supporters could be aware of this place?
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I agree entirely with neil's post. How about asking the Boundary club for an advert in the EBC Times?
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First up. Thanks to Lockers and Eastsax for doing what they do for this forum. I know from experience what a pain it can be
I did just wonder about advertising the other way. I have times away from this forum and when I return it is like Groundhog Day - same old posters saying the same old things. That is what happens on small fora like this but a few new faces would be nice. I don't know how things work at Essex but, even if they wouldn't fund it is there any place a small free advert could be placed. Perhaps at the start if the season so supporters could be aware of this place?
Totally agree with the first point: the hiatus last week shows how enteraining this BB is. However, I take your point about same old faces - whether advertising would help because a lot lurk on here whilst a minority post.
Whether that's because certain faces have tended to attack newcomers or the latter think they wouldn't be wlecomed, I don't know. I've noticed how new posters are generally welcomed.
Problem with BB is that they are attached to particular teams who's performances tend to invite hysteria in either direction. I presume it's the same with all 'passionate' BB posters - or is it??? 'Lurkers' I'd certainly be interested to know...
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the club wont pay for a site that constantly attacks them. get real anyone who thinks they will.
thats why your offcial site was taken down.
advertising is the simplest, easiest method and removes the necessity of the same thing happening every year. sponsored links are unobtrusive. im sure people would manage.
likewise if more footfall is needed making the forum visible/readable without having to register/log on would create lots more traffic, some off which would likely sign up.
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Thanks for the clarification Lockers.
I would be happy to contribute a small amount to keep this forum running, although appreciate this in itself (collecting) can be difficult and costly. Will not take part in poll as currently worded.
I have not been a member of ECCC for a good number of years possibly since Sunday league days when you could guarantee how many games you could see for your money (showing my age). I don't go to games now just look at scores on cricinfo, listen to BBC Essex, watch via computer and of course look on here for latest gossip/inside stories.
Regarding the attacking of newcomers alluded to by Andy I posted a couple of times when forum was official but gave up due to the abuse/negative replies etc received. This unofficial forum not so bad for this but one or two members are always seemingly having a go at each other often off of subject and I find that is off-putting.
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First up. Thanks to Lockers and Eastsax for doing what they do for this forum. I know from experience what a pain it can be
I did just wonder about advertising the other way. I have times away from this forum and when I return it is like Groundhog Day - same old posters saying the same old things. That is what happens on small fora like this but a few new faces would be nice. I don't know how things work at Essex but, even if they wouldn't fund it is there any place a small free advert could be placed. Perhaps at the start if the season so supporters could be aware of this place?
Totally agree with the first point: the hiatus last week shows how enteraining this BB is. However, I take your point about same old faces - whether advertising would help because a lot lurk on here whilst a minority post.
Whether that's because certain faces have tended to attack newcomers or the latter think they wouldn't be wlecomed, I don't know. I've noticed how new posters are generally welcomed.
Problem with BB is that they are attached to particular teams who's performances tend to invite hysteria in either direction. I presume it's the same with all 'passionate' BB posters - or is it??? 'Lurkers' I'd certainly be interested to know...
Hi Andy "waves"
I moderate on a forum that is no way cricket based. Over the years I have talked to "lurkers" and there are various reasons why they don't post. Many are just happy to pick up information without the need to engage
But quite a few are put off by the insular feel of the forum and the aggression within it. And that isn't about their own experiences (although it is worth referencing yesteryear's post here) but more about the infighting and the "cliquey" feel
I haven't found a way of dealing with this without heavy moderation which causes problems with existing membership. But, if folks here would like new blood, then looking through other people's eyes may help move this forward
If, on the other hand, everyone is happy with the way Essex Outfielder is (and I repeat my support for Lockers and Eastsax) then that is fine.
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OK colleagues. How are we going to go forward?
Neil's experience is valuable, and a useful reminder of what can happen, and I'm sure we've all seen discussion sites where people have been driven off. We may have strong views about the way our club is being run, but anyone who isn't adult enough to recognise that other people have equally honest opinions which deserve respect deserves to get "told!" Eastsax has done a good job over the last year, but it must be time-consuming!
However first things first. How are we going to get the £40 together. "Lockers" can I put a box on the bar on Tuesday? Pm me.
Blocky, (or someone) can you/will you try and organise something similar at the Orange Tree?
And "lockers", can I meet with you Tuesday ..... just before or during the lunch interval.......to sort out how we handle any cash/cheque donations people want to send. It can't be that (expletive deleted) difficult!
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Pm'd you.
Thank you everyone for your contributions, clear there's the desire to keep forum going. Just need to nail down a choice and way forward.
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Thanks Neil et al. I was conscious of the aggressive nature of the official forum and I know that postings tend to be dominated by a few of us. However, there's a difference between having people posting a lot and how they post. Maybe a little restraint is required from some of us...
Problem is,as you say, as many prefer to lurk, then the BB would become like others I've seen where no one posts for days at a time and the momentum of threads is lost.
Ironically, one of the main problems has been the problems on and off the field over these past years which brings a negativity to the threads, yet when the team strings good results together, the BB was on hiatus!!!
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yet when the team strings good results together, the BB was on hiatus!!!
I don't think we need to unduly concern ourselves with regards to this being a frequent occurence, anymore than sightings of Halley's Comet are likely to play a predominent role in our lives.
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...Ironically, one of the main problems has been the problems on and off the field over these past years which brings a negativity to the threads, yet when the team strings good results together, the BB was on hiatus!!!
The hiatus was indeed unfortunate, and the team does deserve fair credit for the late-season improvement in form.
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the club wont pay for a site that constantly attacks them.
Why not?
They always bang on about listening to our views.
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Thanks Neil et al. I was conscious of the aggressive nature of the official forum and I know that postings tend to be dominated by a few of us. However, there's a difference between having people posting a lot and how they post. Maybe a little restraint is required from some of us...
Problem is,as you say, as many prefer to lurk, then the BB would become like others I've seen where no one posts for days at a time and the momentum of threads is lost.
Ironically, one of the main problems has been the problems on and off the field over these past years which brings a negativity to the threads, yet when the team strings good results together, the BB was on hiatus!!!
I am just inclined to think that, if it was possible, an ad somewhere for this BB at the start of the season may bring in a few new faces. Something along the lines of " come and discuss the days play with fellow Essex supporters". It would give them an obvious place to start posting - the match thread I mean
Talking to someone on another BB. She doesn't post much and I asked her why. She said she gets dispirited as she composes thoughtful posts on topics she is interested in but gets no acknowledgement or responses. This is quite often because regular posters are discussing with/bantering with/dissing fellow regulars. Where I mod we do look out for new posters and reply to what they say
I do agree with squarelegumpire, though. Get the funding sorted first up
And Brian. Great news!
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may bring in a few new faces.
I don't know about new faces, not many of the old variety are on display, let alone new ones, but new opinions are indeed always welcome. ;) I personally haven't noticed any attacks on new posters, certainly not to the degree of being disparaging, although I did accuse the poster, Stickyboy, of being a club plant whose sole raison d'etre on this site was to promote T20 cricket. Interestingly, since ECCC's departure from this competition, the aforementioned hasn't graced us with one single missive. ::)
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may bring in a few new faces.
I don't know about new faces, not many of the old variety are on display, let alone new ones, but new opinions are indeed always welcome. ;) I personally haven't noticed any attacks on new posters, certainly not to the degree of being disparaging, although I did accuse the poster, Stickyboy, of being a club plant whose sole raison d'etre on this site was to promote T20 cricket. Interestingly, since ECCC's departure from this competition, the aforementioned hasn't graced us with one single missive. ::)
I haven't in any way implied that there have been attacks on new posters. I am saying that it can be daunting and offputting to them if there is aggression on a BB - either between posters or in the posts that they read.
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I haven't in any way implied that there have been attacks on new posters. I am saying that it can be daunting and offputting to them if there is aggression on a BB - either between posters or in the posts that they read.
The problem being to this synopsis, without the occasional colour of adversarial content, there is the danger of entering into the realms of a 'mutual admiration society' type of environment which I'm sure none of us want, particularly my very own detractors. ;D
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I haven't in any way implied that there have been attacks on new posters. I am saying that it can be daunting and offputting to them if there is aggression on a BB - either between posters or in the posts that they read.
The problem being to this synopsis, without the occasional colour of adversarial content, there is the danger of entering into the realms of a 'mutual admiration society' type of environment which I'm sure none of us want, particularly my very own detractors. ;D
There is a difference between an exchange of views and aggression. I would in no way want to stifle the former.. Disagreements are part of most BBs. It is the plain nastiness both between posters and aimed at others that is the issue for me (and I suspect a few lurkers)
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off topic, but 'stickboy' was banned for various rule breaking, along with pm'ing abuse to eastsax, so the tin foil hats can be put away on that one.
Myself and the danny (starfish) were perplexed at the time as to stickyboy's motives, still are to be honest.
agree with diatribe, some of the debates here just goes to show the passion people have for the club and sport and their own experiences in those realms.
There will always be disagreements and there is also the risk that any post will be challenged. There will be no getting away from the fact some people don't like their view of things to be dismantled, but that's part of what forums are about as long as things are kept factual and not just mud slinging. That's where the rules and moderators come in, which i think the current bunch are doing a very good job of.
(being staff at ECCC, I intentionally only have the same user rights as everyone else unless eastsax requests something of me and it's him that elevates my privileges)
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Tin foil hats? Is that an effective way of moderating - or a an effective deterrent against 'them' reading our private thoughts? If it's the latter, I'm very interested to know just how effective it is...
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It's a saying in IT community about conspiracy theories , also about preventing private thoughts being read.
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folks, is it really just £40 a year?
Square, PM me mate....
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folks, is it really just £40 a year?
Square, PM me mate....
Jus' as long as it doesn't inhibit you from hiring a marquee and entertaining your business friends at next season's Lancs. home game. ;D
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Firstly , would like to thank Lookers and Eastsax , for their hard work and commitment in keeping the Outfielder going since it's inception, invaluable contributions which without would not see it running still today.
For those who wonder it was created because the club has a duty of care to its employees, which include staff and players.
Seems like squareleg has grasp the nettle regards alternatives in collecting funding .
Have no problem in donating to help it's continue running either electronically or by other means which ever Is required . Hope to be available on Thursday only if arrangements can be made.
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the club has a duty of care to its employees
Ah, so Grayson's tenure is de facto care in the community.
It all makes sense now.
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folks, is it really just £40 a year?
Square, PM me mate....
Jus' as long as it doesn't inhibit you from hiring a marquee and entertaining your business friends at next season's Lancs. home game. ;D
mate, they weren't business friends, they were basically all of our mates. We still had a laugh.....well, when yer 20 AO, you've got to right..?
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Or you could pretend it didn't happen.
Like Larry.
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Does anyone actually take any notice of VP's continuous totally off topic digs any more?
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Does anyone actually take any notice of VP's continuous totally off topic digs any more?
You obviously have. ;)
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Tickle obviously thinks the Larry backlash has abated.
Promotion is a bare minimum achievement for me.
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Promotion is a bare minimum achievement for me.
Unfortunately, Valentino, despite ECCC's noble efforts against Worcs. the Hamps. score at Swansea makes that 'bare minimum achievement' appear to be a game too far.
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Cue the usual Larry guff about the season needing to be a month longer. ::)
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Promotion is a bare minimum achievement for me.
Unfortunately, Valentino, despite ECCC's noble efforts against Worcs. the Hamps. score at Swansea makes that 'bare minimum achievement' appear to be a game too far.
Yes. Shame about that big stand
I agree that that is probably too big a score for Glamorgan. And the weather forecast is good for the rest of the week in Cardiff. Apart from some rain tonight which should be to Hampshire's advantage
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Please see the new topic on the EGM heading.