[wp-forums] Changing things

[spencer]

I have so many thoughts on all this, it's not even funny. Of course though, 
some might need approval by matt. ;)  That said, here goes my thoughts, 
opinions and suggestions..

1) Maybe scrap the Latest Discussion section, instead just have the forums 
listed there. I know it might be a pain for some, but were looking for a 
"better" layout for the masses, not just the select few.

Like some said, this might help lessen the confusion, and if all possible, 
instead of having the submit new thread fields at the bottom of each forum, 
how about place it at the top?

If not that, how about a button at top called: ADD THREAD or START THREAD, 
that takes them directly down to the bottom of page to fill it out? Might be 
a little helpful..might also keep things in the proper forums..  I dunno.

2) (This is the part that would need matt's approval) - Have the main 
WordPress forums up top, replacing the Latest Discussions.

Then, add in some General Forums for like: Basic website design, HTML, CSS, 
other stuff.. below the main WordPress support forums. (Specify on the 
current WP Themes and Templates - XHTML and CSS forum description.. that 
it's for WordPress ONLY!)

This would possibly help keep general css, html crap in one main forum area. 
Maybe let some specific users take control of that section. Maybe also, some 
mods can start wadding through the current threads, and move them there. 
Also, maybe just let some users take control of those forums as well.

Rather then give poster's the reply, "this is for WP related CSS, HTML, and 
so forth issues, you might want to find another forum on the net, 
specifically for that." It would help keep those people around here, under 
the "WP wing" itself..

I think it would be a heck of alot easier... to possibly make up some 
General forums, then it is to repeat such a line as that, and doesn't really 
help, or isn't productive to begin with.. I know there will be more forums 
to manage, but.. IMHO think it would be better in the long run.

3) I like the FAQ idea also, but like some said.. don't over do it though.. 
just have some short n sweet, and in specific areas. I wouldn't really know 
where to start though, so others could throw out more thoughts on 
this/layout then. ;)

4) As for the dumping of the Requests and Feedback section, I'm not really 
sure about that one, maybe just clean it up a little bit.. When some mods 
have any "spare time" at all.. maybe go through and clean it up a little 
bit. Move, or remove some threads that don't seem to fit there at all.. I 
dunno, just my 2 cents.. =P

5) I'd just leave the Beta section alone most likely.. I don't see anything 
really wrong with it.. I mean, from what I see, atleast most of the threads 
are really on and about Beta.. The only forum there, that actually has 80% 
threads for the right forum! But, Im half a sleep here.. so, I dunno.. =P

6) As Les said, I've noticed the pagination for no-replies and unresolved 
are a little quirky.. those could/should maybe, be looked at.. =)

7) Old threads as Handy pointed out, could maybe, be closed.. but, that 
won't really help any though. If someone replies to one, and it comes up the 
front, then it's closed.. Then all we have is a pissed off last replier to 
it.. right?  I dunno about that one.. touchy one! Handy's idea is nice 
though.. =P

8) The Install4free service, should definitely have it's own place, some 
where on the forums. Either in the Installation forum, or on main page some 
where.. as a Descriptive Text link!

9) The search deal, like Lara said, even if we had it default to the 
WordPress forums to begin with, would be a big help! As for the Codex 
search, keep it all geared towards the Codex itself.. that's the point of 
having a searchable Codex right? Or visa versa.. Both searches need alot of 
lovin.. though.

10) The Codex - I just asked someone on Live Mess lastnight, and he's only 
been to the Codex a couple times period.. and here's some of his 
suggestions, un-altered.

"will says: I would add some color to it.. just looking at 1 page and its 
full of black text and more black text.... not the most inviting for someone 
to read

will says: just break it up. like have more emphasis on the code examples... 
at the moment just black like the text maybe change the bg

will says: one small thing... the searchh bar is kinda small... the main 
goal of a wiki is to search for the answer.... maybe make it bigger and have 
the option of searching a category like 'wordpress faq' "

I do think that is it's own project of course.. Maybe even we used the 
MonoBook skin as the default skin, would liven things up over there a little 
bit more.. I dunno though..

11) If number 2 above is a totally outta the question type of deal.. then, 
maybe just go with number 1, scrap the Latest Discussion section.. replace 
it with the WordPress forums themselves..

Make each of the forum's descriptions a little bit more specific and so 
forth. This could/should/would possibly keep all the proper posts in the 
their respective places.. =) ;)  Well, let's hope and pray.. anyway... LOL!

Welp, that's all I have to say for now, after doing 3 WordPress 
installations tonight... I'm surprised I could get this all out lol!! I 
dunno though.. whatever everyone else thinks.

I'm game, I'll try and help where I can, when ever.. ;) =) Ok people, spit 
out your thought's on whatever I had to say.. I'm here, I'll listen .. Well, 
that's if you can even stand to the read the book I just wrote lmao! =P

spencerp