The new website - A failure or success.

Can I just jump in and remind people that the site is not IFAS.
This is a bulletin board that's run by IFAS,
IFAS is alot more then just some bulletin board. From what I can see IFAS itself is ok.

Dave - you are quite correct, IFAS is not in trouble, these boards are.

Michael - with respect to individual cases I would prefer not to go into them as the PMs I received were by their very nature private and I would prefer not to reveal them. The sources though may want to contribute to this thread and air their complaints. I would really only be dealing in second hand information. I don't think anybody wants to knock all the hard work and effort that goes in to producing a forum like this. But something is wrong - I am just the messenger.

Anyway, if nothing else at least this thread has generated some activity.:dry:

I've deliberately stayed out of this particular debate for reasons
why I have outlined in another post. (link below)
I'm glad to see this issue finally being debated
but I don't think it's as cut and dried as either Failure or Success.

I see IFAS as a great thing for Irish Astronomy but I also
do see the website as the hub for all the things that IFAS does.
Lets face it,
without the website and forum it would be SOOO difficult to
organise anything between the clubs.

IFAS of course is not just a website but
it's a HUGE tool for all the member clubs and
members of the forum that we need to nurture.

www.irishastronomy.org/component/fireboa...tid=9&id=76460#76460

Frank,
I read your Post with interest and you make some very good suggestions.

If I may home in on the issue relevant to this thread and quote you:

There is a thread going at the moment debating the
'success or failure' of the site and I have stayed out of it.
Not because I dont think John had a point in starting it or
discussing it but I just think that if you post something in
it other than saying 'the IFAS site is brilliant!' then
you are going to be seen as being negative and a complainer.

Here you have summed up what is at the very heart of the problem. People have become reluctant to state their minds for 'fear' of being shot down or ridiculed or being talked down to. Why has this come about? What has allowed this culture to develop? Its not hard to see, in fact we all know why. Some navel gazing is required methinks. Again I ask - please don't shoot the messenger.

Michael - an example of what I'm talking about is illustrated by you a couple of posts up where you turn my own quote on me

And no, I would not consider that behaviour appropriate in business either, but each to their own I guess.

I did not say that that form of behaviour was appropriate anywhere just that I have dealt with it in business, and will continue to deal with it here.

Hi

I really don't want to get into a row with people on this site as I believe all persons involved here are doing their best to provide the best service they can.

However I for one do not think it is a "web site software issue" at all.

As the astrophotography competition has been mentioned, can someone please comment on this and explain why was this not considered unacceptable at the time?

www.irishastronomy.org/forum?func=view&catid=44&id=65006

Why would anyone want to even post an image on this site never mind enter a competition when they see this is the sort of nonsense that is the result.


Just my 2 cents:)


Regards


David Branigan

The fact that only one person entered the competition?
Could this be why it faded off as people didn't contribute images to it?

If there is demand to bring it back, no problem, it will be back.

Michael.

.