Comments on: Forum Suggestions

Might gve the wrong message - you know, undisclosed or just confused?

Or both? :lol:

I was thinking of something just now...

What if we have a seperate category, and it would have each of the HP books? And we can discuss the chapters seperately. Perhaps only in the latter books for the separate chapters. And the earlier books could have their own discussion for the whole book.

Like....

Deathly Hallows
Chapter 1 Discussion
Chapter 2 Discussion

And so on. I dunno if we'd have it for just DH or OoTP, HBP, and DH or whatever, but that is basically what I am talking about.

It is different than the "Read-A-Thon" cause that only does a few chapters at a time. This could have access all the time.

The only major problem that I have is that you can't even have an avatar until you have post count out the kazoo. I've run into forums with avvie restrictions before due to your "forum-based noobness" and post count, but this is the first forum that I've run into where you can't have one at all until you meet a criteria that takes practically months of posting.

That's just really weird.

Before I forget, I'd also like to mention that the mods here are really good, it's just sometimes I just think that they need to lay off a bit. Call me a sucker, but there are times when someone posts a comment is completely related, but only slightly off topic, and the mods immediately jump in and tell them to stay on topic. I understand that this is what mods are supposed to do, but I really think that they need to allow some flexibility when discussing in the topic or else the topics can be summed up in one or two posts, which makes the idea of a "thread" completely irrelevent.

I've argued this strictness with several mods before, and been told off by them. That's probably why I don't visit here as often as I visit other forums.

For positive suggestions, there's another forum that I go to that has a place where you can go to just start lulzy threads that serve no purpose at all. It's just a place to vent E-anger, and it's surprisingly effective for blowing off "internet steam".

At that forum that I am speaking of, they also have a post voting system (good post or bad post). As a result of this voting system, the member has green or red colored squares showing their reputation on the boards. Every hundred positive votes that the member gets results in a green square. If the member always has negative votes (or has been banned), then their reputation is represented by a single red square; however, they can regain their good reputation by getting good votes on their posts.

I don't know which specific thread(s) you have issues with, and couldn't address specifics anyway. But having said that -- you have no way of knowing of any possible staff discussions, regarding off-topicness, with thread posters that occur via owl. If you read further back a few posts in a thread, you may also find that the "stay on topic" post relates, not to the most recent post, but to the post before that, or one or two before that. It's been my experience that CoS staff tend to err on the side of giving more leeway, rather than less.

Before I forget, I'd also like to mention that the mods here are really good, it's just sometimes I just think that they need to lay off a bit. Call me a sucker, but there are times when someone posts a comment is completely related, but only slightly off topic, and the mods immediately jump in and tell them to stay on topic. I understand that this is what mods are supposed to do, but I really think that they need to allow some flexibility when discussing in the topic or else the topics can be summed up in one or two posts, which makes the idea of a "thread" completely irrelevent.

I've argued this strictness with several mods before, and been told off by them. That's probably why I don't visit here as often as I visit other forums.

My rule of thumb is that a new member should be able to read the last page of posts and see how it's on topic. If the thread is Snape and Lily and the topic of James comes up in relation to how Snape and Lily interacted then a new member can obviously see the connection. On the other hand if someone wants to discuss James' relationship with Sirius then it's not immediately clear how that relates back to Snape and Lily. As long as the focus remains on the thread topic, then other topics can be discussed in conjunction. :)

If you ever feel a mod has gone too far, owl anyone in red.

May I make a request that if you have a post deleted you get notified? I've had a post deleted before without notification and it just feels like they're doing it behind my back.

My rule of thumb is that a new member should be able to read the last page of posts and see how it's on topic. If the thread is Snape and Lily and the topic of James comes up in relation to how Snape and Lily interacted then a new member can obviously see the connection. On the other hand if someone wants to discuss James' relationship with Sirius then it's not immediately clear how that relates back to Snape and Lily. As long as the focus remains on the thread topic, then other topics can be discussed in conjunction. :)

If you ever feel a mod has gone too far, owl anyone in red.

Thanks, but as of yet, I haven't had any serious arguments with mods. It's usually a simple disagreement and then we go our seperate ways.

For example, on one thread we were talking about the war in Iraq, and then I mentioned gas prices (which every one of us Americans knows is completely related to the war), but a mod told me to stay on topic. My main problem was that the mod practically said that we couldn't talk about gas prices or anything, which is the main issue that the US citizens have with the war in Iraq, and you can't discuss one without discussing the other. Otherwise I could just say that everything about the war and whatever was connected to it sucked, and the "thread" would've been concluded; and it would've gone nowhere.

May I make a request that if you have a post deleted you get notified? I've had a post deleted before without notification and it just feels like they're doing it behind my back.
I've seen that happen several times too, but most of them were pointless lulzy posts that really didn't have much to do with the topic. However, in the past, I have noticed several posts get deleted and/or edited for stupid reasons like if it's an argumentative post (which I don't think should be edited if it doesn't contain offensive material or personal attacks, but simply contains argumentative material that is a harmless opinion).

To solve this problem, we could have some regulations that Mods need to follow. I like the mods here, and they do an awesome job (probably the best out of any forum that I've been to) but sometimes I find some of them a tad aggressive when they use their editing abilities, which also brings me back to the thing I said in my last post about them preferably laying off a bit. Other than that, I have no problem with them.

It all goes back to how you bring it up. If you say "high gas prices suck" well yeah that's off topic. If you say "The NY Times did a recent study showing that the War in Iraq has added 20 cents to the price of fuel" then it's clear how you're relating gas prices back to the topic. Like I said, it's all about making it clear how your post relates to the main topic.

On deletions, we're making a staff wide effort to delete less. Many of you will notice that you're getting edit request owls in lieu of staff deletions and edits. That said, some posts will still be deleted but for the most part you'll be asked to edit rather than us doing it for you.

On deletions, we're making a staff wide effort to delete less. Many of you will notice that you're getting edit request owls in lieu of staff deletions and edits. That said, some posts will still be deleted but for the most part you'll be asked to edit rather than us doing it for you.

To add to what Jessica has already said, there is a three-tier rule we (Staff) follow:

1. The preferred method for us is to Owl members and politely ask they rephrase their wording. This is where the post itself is 'on topic' but where wording will inevitably rub people the wrong way. This is apparent in the more hot-topic threads.

2. Where a post is deleted without notice, it will mean that the post offered little value to the thread, where the post is off topic in a way that negates an edit request.

3. Where a post breaks the rules to a degree where you will be given notice of its deletion and reasons for.

Not that you folks sit around with bated breath, awaiting my affirmation, but I like the new policy. It permits the forum to fulfill its oversight responsibilities, while keeping the members in the loop about posting issues. I guess it makes more work for the staff, but as a member who often wondered if Alzheimer's was setting in when posts went missing, this is quite welcome.

Thanks. I'm not against deletion with reason, I just want to be notified when my post is deleted. I've been notified before, but I've also had posts deleted without notification. Delete my post, that's fine, but please owl me to let me know that you've deleted it! There is absolutely no reason why an owl can't be sent notifying of a deletion. I actually find it insulting when I'm not notified of one of my posts being deleted.

We try our best. But sometimes we like to eat and sleep. :yuhup:

We try our best. But sometimes we like to eat and sleep. :yuhup:

Create a form owl for post deletions with a blank spot so you can add the thread title or link to the thread where the post was. If you can take the time to delete the post, you can take the time to send an owl, especially if it's a form owl that you don't have to write. If this is too much recruit more Aurors.

Sorry if I sound snippy or rude, I don't mean to.

2. Where a post is deleted without notice, it will mean that the post offered little value to the thread, where the post is off topic in a way that negates an edit request.


As Morgoth said, our policy is only to delete without owls in cases where an in thread warning has just been ignored or we deem a post of little value. In most cases an owl is sent.

I'd like to remind everyone that the staff here are all volunteers, doing this job because they love the forums. So while an occasional owl may slip through the cracks or an in thread may come across as more harsh than it was intended, every member of staff deserves a round of applause for all the work that they do.

I've had posts deleted that were not off-topic and I didn't get a notification that it happened. It really felt like they were going behind my back to do this. The mods do a great job, but this happening really felt like an insult to me. Are we not important enough that we deserve to be told when our posts get deleted? I just don't see how this can be seen as such a big deal that it's not possible to send a notification for every post deleted. I honestly believe it would help cut down on posts that need to be deleted.

I'm not trying to cause trouble or make more work for you guys, I just think we deserve this for every post that is deleted. It's not like I go and make silly posts here, there, and everywhere. It's one thing if you get your posts deleted because they are the stupidest things in the world, if you post something that's just a bunch of gobbledy-gook or something, that's not what I'm talking about. The posters who put junk like that up don't deserve respect, but that's a whole different topic anyway.

This also goes to having our signatures changed. I understand why it happened for me, but I wish I had the chance to edit it before a mod did it. Now, I can understand not wanting to wait until who knows when for the user to do it, but maybe under certain circumstances we get notification that our signatures should be changed and we get 24 hours from the time the owl is sent before a mod changes it themselves. Of course, if you have something that is vulgar then it should be removed immediately by a mod. If you feel differently, that's fine and I'll respect you on this.

If you think I'm complaining too much just let me know and I'll shut-up.

If you want to send an owl to a staff member letting us know in which thread(s) you had a post (or posts) deleted that you're concerned about, maybe we give you some specific information as to why. I think this issue has been dealt with here in this thread as much as it can be.

I don't know how much work this would entail or if it's even possible, but would it be possible to show our avatars in our profiles at full size?

I don't know how much work this would entail or if it's even possible, but would it be possible to show our avatars in our profiles at full size?

Can't say without asking Ali. I'll speak to him when he's free.

Can't say without asking Ali. I'll speak to him when he's free.thanks!

I had a question about image attachments within threads... the other day I went to post some pics in a certain *coughSiriuscough* thread, but the pictures were all automatically resized to thumbnails. It was not until I loaded it into an album that I could post it full-size in the thread. Is this a new change? I thought the albums were only for use in the profiles and groups -- or are they now required for posting any full-size graphics in the forum threads?

I know I must have missed this, and you can ban me right this second if it's been addressed ad nauseum elsewhere. :lol:

Did you use the CoS feature 'Manage attachments' under 'Go advanced' to upload your images to the thread? This always automatically created a thumbnail.

If you used an external link from a hosting site, there actually should be no change. CoS will offer the image like you put it (direct link, whole image in image tags or thumbnail).

Did you use the CoS feature 'Manage attachments' under 'Go advanced' to upload your images to the thread? This always automatically created a thumbnail.

If you used an external link from a hosting site, there actually should be no change. CoS will offer the image like you put it (direct link, whole image in image tags or thumbnail).

I think I did -- I thought maybe I had made a mistake the first time and accidentally uploaded an avatar into the manager or something, because they came out so small, so I went back and did it again. Maybe it was just a glitch or something. Hmmm...

They don't seem to be having any trouble posting images from the upcoming HBP movie in Muggle Studies. Some of them are huge.

Of course, I have only been successful at doing this one time, myself. :lol:

I don't know how to upload images at all so it's just as well I haven't seen any pictures not already posted here. It sounds too complicated. I need a step by step tutorial along the lines of those books for Dummies or Complete Idiots on how to do these things. Notice I have NO pics in my signature. Much simpler for me at the moment because I wouldn't know how to attach any I had to my signature anyway.

The contents of this post has been removed for reworking. Sorry.

You make it sound so complicated - I'll have to think about it.

Just do it step by step like Alastor wrote down for you. It's not so complicated when trying out, just reading looks a bit scaring. If you get stuck then, just owl any member of staff to help you out. :)

First I have to find a pic of my chosen heroine Boudicca and when I've finished procrastinating I may get around to it. Perhaps I need a couple of glasses of wine for courage.....:lol:

It would be really great if we could prepare a folder of sorts in the Social groups. As our group is very active and overflowing with ideas, we could really do with this feature. As of now, we are individually saving the good ideas but it is increasingly becoming difficult.

So, is it possible to provide us with a folder option in the Social groups? Maybe you can edit your post to mention that it's for the Miinster of Magic elections, not just a regular social group? Specially, in reference to 'the Minister of Magic election group'. :)

I am so desperate to fix this, because I tend to have the shakes a bit, and it is so very easy to lose posts -- is it possible for Ali or anyone else to relocate the delete button way way way down the list on the manage email attachments menu? "Move" and "Delete" are so close and I can't tell you how often I have thought I was moving something when I actually was sending it along with the other things needing to be deleted.

I know I just need to be more careful. Smack my hand, please, dears. And then consider my request.

*makes boo-boo eyes :angel: *

I'll pass the message on. I can't promise anything quick, but Ali will add it to his list, I'm sure :)

I have a suggestion that would make using the Social Groups easier (for those with slower connections, anyway). It would be really helpful if, instead of showing the date you joined the group, your subscribed groups showed who posted last and at what time (like the threads do in your pensieve). That way I wouldn't have to click on each group to see if someone new has posted since I last checked. Just a thought. :D

I have a suggestion that would make using the Social Groups easier (for those with slower connections, anyway). It would be really helpful if, instead of showing the date you joined the group, your subscribed groups showed who posted last and at what time (like the threads do in your pensieve). That way I wouldn't have to click on each group to see if someone new has posted since I last checked. Just a thought. :D

I'd like to second that request, please. :)
*offers cookies*

I'll pass the message on. I can't promise anything quick, but Ali will add it to his list, I'm sure :)

*smooches* Thanks, darlin'. *pats on the arm*

This may have been brought up already in this thread, but I want to make my opinions known.

I am a strong proponent of signature size limits. However, I do not understand why 500x100 sig banners are not allowed. I read that the site operates on the 1024x768 resolution (a resolution I am currently using) so I see no reason why there can't be 500x100 sig banners with a 100kb size limit. There will be no side-scrolling and it can reduce the size of posts (if you compare to the 300x300 sigs). I think that if 500x100 sig banners were allowed, fans of banners (such as I) could have more room for text and images. Here is a sample of a 500x100 banner:

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/9407/aragornsigmenofwestii7.jpg

As you can see in my sig, I am limited in the text I can use because I had to go with 300x100 (I am not a fan of square sigs).

I would really appreciate it if the moderators and administrators would talk about this. As I mentioned above, the 100kb size limit will stay in effect.

Here is a reply to that very question given in the comments on: Signatures thread a couple of years ago.
It's been suggested before. However, we're happy with the 300 x 300 limit. It's easy for staff and doesn't require multiple equations or advanced calculus for us to work with. So while you're welcome to suggest it, the odds are good it will stay the way it is.

What are these equations and advanced calculus Jessica mentions? What does it have to do with allowing larger banner sigs? Does it have something to do with the board code?

Edit: In my opinion, 300x300 sigs are tacky and make posts even longer. I would like for someone to elaborate on how this decision came to pass, that the limit is 300x300. It would satisfy my curiosity.

It means that having one dimension limit only valid both horizontally and vertically is much easier to handle without endless discussions about why not he other way.

It's about having a rule 100 % sure nobody can misinterpret. :)

Very unimportant suggestion: could we possibly have a :facepalm: smiley? I know that I'm not the only one who would like this and I think it would be hilarious for one thing. :)

I have a suggestion that would make using the Social Groups easier (for those with slower connections, anyway). It would be really helpful if, instead of showing the date you joined the group, your subscribed groups showed who posted last and at what time (like the threads do in your pensieve). That way I wouldn't have to click on each group to see if someone new has posted since I last checked. Just a thought. :D



Can I second this, too?


In addition - as it turns out, we are doing quite a lot of drafting work in various groups, and I can't quite see this ending anytime soon.

It makes it really difficult to pass stuff backwards and forwards with all the editing intact if you can't get the code of another post (as you do through the quote function elsewhere on the boards). Would it be possible to look into that as well? :)

If they can't Kilo, talk to Beatifically, she has trading off with editing intact down to an art with the current format.

So, when does the House Cup competition start? I mean, we have to have one now after we were all sorted!

Can I second this, too?


In addition - as it turns out, we are doing quite a lot of drafting work in various groups, and I can't quite see this ending anytime soon.

It makes it really difficult to pass stuff backwards and forwards with all the editing intact if you can't get the code of another post (as you do through the quote function elsewhere on the boards). Would it be possible to look into that as well? :)

I looked on the vBulletin help site and I couldn't figure it out but I'll take another look and see if it's possible. If not it's likely a hack Ali could do but he has a pretty long To Do list and this is fairly minor.

We've been getting a lot of requests for individual contests. We've got one in the works, we'll be announcing in the next couple weeks (and in the meantime check out The LS Essay Challenge (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=119470). A House Cup will likely start after we've had time to recover from the individual contest.

Thanks, Jessica. :)

This is probably too complicated, but is there a way to indent comments so that it is easier to see which post is being commented on? I know that quotes help this, but it would be easier to read through one conversation and then move on to the next, instead of having to jump around. I'm thinking especially of threads like Little Questions answered, where multiple conversations occur simultaneously.

For an idea of what this looks like, this is a forum for The Amazing Race - http://community.realitytvworld.com/boards/DCForumID20/3823.shtml

Sorry if this has been suggested already, I searched but didn't find anything.

The easiest thing with this forums software would probably be to use the subscribed threads list under Magical Me. Click on the little blue arrow and you get posts made after you posted in one thread only.

I'm a member on two forums like the one you linked and found you mostly get the same thing there - replies made after you posted, but not necessarily direct replies on your question only. This probably would work only if someone quoted you directly, but then you missed all answers being made without direct quotation of your origin post. So I'm not sure if the technical advantage pays out (but I might have I misunderstodd the actual equest).

Well, I'm not sure if you understood the original request, because I'm not sure I understand your explanation. So let me try to explain it again, in more detail.

The reason I'm making this suggestion is because some of the threads, such as Little Questions Answered, discuss many things at the same time, and it can get confusing to try to follow the responses. So right now what you get is:

Ask Question A
Ask Question B
Respond to Question A
Ask Question C
Respond to Question C
Respond to Question B
Respond to Question A
Respond to Question C

But with indents the conversations would be a little easier to follow, more like this:

Ask Question A
Respond to Question A
Respond to Question A
Ask Question B
Respond to Question B
Ask Question C
Respond to Question C
Respond to Question C

I don't think subscribing to the thread will help the flow or make it easier to follow the responses. But maybe that's not what you were suggesting. Thanks.

The thread display options are limited to what the forum software can do. You can set different thread display options, though, by going to "Magical Me" and clicking on "Edit Option".

You can find a description of the thread display options here:

http://www.cosforums.com/faq.php?faq=vb3_board_usage#faq_vb3_thread_display

I don't know if this has been brought up before or not, but is there any way to light up the groups, like in the forum if there is a new post that thread is lit up. can that be done, or is that not part of the software for the site?

I'm not sure whether the software allows it already, but I'm afraid our techs admins are currently very busy with other issues already, so that this check might have to wait.

There were some good suggestions for the social groups since they were introduced on CoS, which aren't forgotten. Just unfortunately right now mostly just us technically inapt staff has some time to spare. :)

For now I can only answer what was decided by the owner of the forums years ago, but perhaps we will do a change in things one day since the forums became less active since 2007 due to having meet the final book of the series already. It's just difficult for you guys to meet the standards while before 2006 hardly anyone was permitted before reaching 700-800 posts (but what happened way faster).

The avatar is one among many special features Hogsmeadians get (however, the most visible) and as such meant as some kind of reward for active members. Also Hogsmedians are supposed to set a good example for other members and as such they should be visible. I'm a member of quite a few forums which all have some kind of 'Hogsmeade', but admitted not all set the level for permission so high. It just undermines the purpose of getting something special if it's available for all members from the start, but setting the eligibility lower is a good suggestion. Thanks! :)

permitted before reaching 700-800 posts
Didn't it used to be 300 posts for consideration?

Didn't it used to be 300 posts for consideration?Heya, A! :D

It did and still is. It just hardly ever happened. :lol: (I got in around 740 eg and know many others who had similar experiences). That's said it's way faster nowadays and I heard dark rumours it also was very fast in the founding times of this board...

Heya, A! :D

It did and still is. It just hardly ever happened. :lol: (I got in around 740 eg and know many others who had similar experiences). That's said it's way faster nowadays and I heard dark rumours it also was very fast in the founding times of this board...

Seven days... *cough cough*

Heya, A! :D

It did and still is. It just hardly ever happened. :lol: (I got in around 740 eg and know many others who had similar experiences). That's said it's way faster nowadays and I heard dark rumours it also was very fast in the founding times of this board...
:rotfl: I didn't even know what Hogsmeade was when I was admitted. I knew some people had avatars, but I did not even know the term avatar. And all of a sudden these new listings appeared on my screen, and I got this congratulations owl. I was quite bewildered. But then, you have to bring us old folks up to speed gradually. :p

Seven days... *cough cough*That was the legend I was hinting at...

I don't think that avatars should be given out for free. However, I think that she standards should be lowered a tad bit. For example, I have been trying to get into Hogsmeade, but am finding it difficult to make any good posts. The problem is, I've already posted in most of the threads, and the ones that I haven't posted in, I feel like everything has already been said.

I don't think that avatars should be given out for free. However, I think that she standards should be lowered a tad bit. For example, I have been trying to get into Hogsmeade, but am finding it difficult to make any good posts. The problem is, I've already posted in most of the threads, and the ones that I haven't posted in, I feel like everything has already been said.

It took me the best part of 4 years to get in, believe me the whole thing about everyone saying just enjoy yourself and forget about it... Works. I got on with it and enjoyed CoS, eventually the owl came inviting me in. I know it isn't ideal, but you will get there in the end, just make your posts with your point of view. It's a big forum so undoubtedly we'll be covering ground again at times, but hey it's all in the name of good discussion/conversation :) You'll get there!

You can always try to join one of our bigger discussion threads. Discuss for instance if you are interested in the movies, the upcoming Deathly Hallows movies. Or join a character analysis thread. Threads with a bit more in depth discussion always help to get you noticed.

We're working on considering the suggestion. If we change anything, then the minimal post count for Hogsmeade at all, which leaves all other HM guidelines into work.

The avatar belongs to Hogsmeade. As explained above, one reason among many is that Hogsmeade members are supposed to set an good example for new board members and as such should be recognized easily.

No, I didn't mean it should be easier to get into Hogsmeade :no: I disagree that the avatar belongs to Hogsmeade. What it mainly does is to tell us that these people are extraordinary gifted and special, IMO.

Maybe it's just me being old fashioned but having been a member here for almost 5 years, avatars have always been the Hogsmeade 'badge of honour', and it's been something to strive towards. I think it'd take away from what Hogsmeade stands for, if a nutter like me can make it into Hogsmeade there's hope for everyone...

No, I didn't mean it should be easier to get into Hogsmeade :no: I disagree that the avatar belongs to Hogsmeade. What it mainly does is to tell us that these people are extraordinary gifted and special, IMO.Ah, I see - sorry for misunderstanding!

Sorry, that probably won't happen. I agree it has some negative touch always if you separate one group from another, but we do believe the positive reasons dominate. :)

The smilies here are the best I've ever seen! And I'd like to suggest a new smilie that others have said that they would love to have as well. There's been many a time while posting that I go to the smilie list to look for what I'm thinking and realize that that's what I want and wish that it's there!

A nauseated/retching/vomiting smilie.

The graphic could maybe look like the smilie is a little green, with half closed eyes and his hand covering his lips with puffed cheeks.

Please?!

Ginny1976 is this what you are looking for ?

http://www.smilies-and-more.de/pics/smilies/ill/006.gif

or
http://www.smilies-and-more.de/pics/smilies/ill/029.gif

the code is
http://www.smilies-and-more.de/pics/smilies/ill/006.gif* or 029/gif[/img]for the second one .Be sure to take out the * in the code. ;)

hope that helps :)

Those are great, especially the 2nd one, but they're not CoS smilies. I've never seen these smilies any where else. I wonder who made them and keeps adding to them?

Smilies can be added to the forums from time to time, but we try to not overdo it. All in all CoS already has a great sample of standard smilies, but special smilies always can be added from external sites with the tags Twins provided.

My personal favourite resource of smilies is here (http://www.smilies-and-more.de/en/index.html). It also consists of some Auror smiley... http://www.smilies-and-more.de/pics/kolobok/personal/superman2.gif


:whistle:

That site is great! I'm sure I'll find some thing there! Thanks!

How about including a section wherein we can leave 'testimonials' about our close friends in the forums? :) It will be fun to read!!

I've noticed since I've joined that the Writing on the Wall section is painfully inactive, and as someone that loves writing, this pains me. CF has a very strong fanfiction section, and it's normal that after a certain length of time, fanfiction authors graduate to Original Writing. I know it appears fairly pretentious to be giving advice, after less than twenty posts, but I have spent quite some time lurking in the writing section, and I've experience administrating two writing forums, the second which is open and going strong. As such, I've got a fair bit of insight into how writing communities work - it does require quite a bit of give and take, which is partly encouraged by the layout.

In terms of layout, I feel that both the FF and OW forums are a bit disorganised. I'm not a huge fan of the fact that one has to go to a specific forum to offer c&c. Now, I understand that you want to keep the actual story threads friendly to the casual reader, but a way around that is to have the others link to their individual chapters/updates in the OP. I've seen it done with large FF's on other forums.

Because CF has a very large fanfiction userbase, this isn't such a problem in the fanfiction section, but in the Original Writing forum it is. The forum goes for days on end without posts, and it's a common fact on forums that inactivity breeds more inactivity. What I absolutely would love to see are contests and the like to get people involved, and mods driving discussions.

I know that this is not usually a problem with large forums like this, but with small forums, the ones that actually maintain consistent activity have moderators driving discussions.

I'm sorry for being so negative early on in my stay here, but seeing the Novella forum without posts for the last eight days just leaves me worried...

First of all, thanks for your suggestions!

You're definitely right, the fiction areas are among our less active forums. We'll discuss your suggestions with the sponsoring team of the area to see, what we can do to improve the area. Thank you again. :)

I know it's cool to have themed backgrounds, but I really think it'd be better if we could just have white or gray backgrounds on the forums.

The dark colors really hurt the eyes..

I know it's cool to have themed backgrounds, but I really think it'd be better if we could just have white or gray backgrounds on the forums.

The dark colors really hurt the eyes..If you're looking for a lighter background, I'd suggest trying CoS lite. I find it to be the easiest on the eyes. To change backgrounds, go to edit options and scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says 'forum skins'. From there, you can choose the background you'd like from the drop down menu.

Originally Posted by 624
I know it's cool to have themed backgrounds, but I really think it'd be better if we could just have white or gray backgrounds on the forums.

The dark colors really hurt the eyes..

If you're looking for a lighter background, I'd suggest trying CoS lite. I find it to be the easiest on the eyes. To change backgrounds, go to edit options and scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says 'forum skins'. From there, you can choose the background you'd like from the drop down menu.

Thank you, I was going to make the same complaint.

I always think it would be much more efficient if the search bar would default to search for relevant thread names rather than relevant posts.

For example, if I just do a quick search on the Fidelius Charm, I get these threads as the top 5 results:

-Harry Potter Character Analysis
-What do you think happened to the Dursleys?
-Questions about the Harry Potter Movies
-Would you rather!
-The Wrong Answer

However, if I change it to "Search Titles Only" for threads instead of posts, I get much more helpful results:

-The Fidelius charm - how it works and where it can be used
-The serious under-use of the Fidelius Charm
-How was Harry rescued from the Godric's Hollow if the Fidelius Charm was used?
-The Fidelius Charm - Revisited
-How was baby Harry rescued from the Potter's house if the Fidelius Charm was used?

Clearly, the latter method gives significantly more relevant results, so my suggestion is that the search bar which is on the main forum page default to "Search Titles Only" rather than "Search Entire Posts."

That's sounds like a good idea (I for one barely use the 'search entire posts' function either), but I'm not sure whether it's possible. Could be that this comes with the forum's software. We'll bother our tech staff. :)

You can put the search engine on search by thread titles by default (both the quick search and the advanced search engine). On the advanced search engine page (http://www.cosforums.com/search.php) just above the Tag cloud you see the drop box save search preference. pick the Titles only option (in the Key word drop down box in the top left corner) and click on the save preferences option and from that moment you should search by title permanently.

I just wanted to suggest that as Pottermore draws closer there could be a more dedicated area to discussing this? Like there is for the books and the films?

That way, multiple threads could be made on the topic (within reason of course!) that would make it easier to navigate the information. For example, if an area were dedicated to Pottermore, there could be threads relating to content, how the site works.

As well as perhaps a spoiler-free thread for people to discuss the working of the site without spoiling any new information (would be great if, during the beta season any new information is given away and people want to remain spoiler free until October). Also as each of the books are released we would be able to have a thread for each book.

I just think that this site will offer a lot of content for discussion and it would be much easier to navigate (and moderate) if it were set out more clearly rather than continuing the Pottermore threads into millions of versions

:-)

I think that's a good idea, seeing that people are already talking about making threads, to distribute the extra accounts that they have managed to register. That is one more problem, the mods will have to solve I suppose, with people boasting of multiple accounts being less than the people clamoring for one.

I just wanted to suggest that as Pottermore draws closer there could be a more dedicated area to discussing this? Like there is for the books and the films?

That way, multiple threads could be made on the topic (within reason of course!) that would make it easier to navigate the information. For example, if an area were dedicated to Pottermore, there could be threads relating to content, how the site works.

As well as perhaps a spoiler-free thread for people to discuss the working of the site without spoiling any new information (would be great if, during the beta season any new information is given away and people want to remain spoiler free until October). Also as each of the books are released we would be able to have a thread for each book.

I just think that this site will offer a lot of content for discussion and it would be much easier to navigate (and moderate) if it were set out more clearly rather than continuing the Pottermore threads into millions of versions

:-)

That's a good suggestion. Right now there is only the registration process to discuss. We'll have to wait until the site is open for the beta group before we know what kind of content we will be dealing with. :)

I think that's a good idea, seeing that people are already talking about making threads, to distribute the extra accounts that they have managed to register. That is one more problem, the mods will have to solve I suppose, with people boasting of multiple accounts being less than the people clamoring for one.

Since I was one of the people who didn't get to register because it had closed before I woke up, I have to admit that I do resent the fact that people are registering multiple accounts. I hope they don't continue to do so all week long. I want my chance to register, too. :argh: It is only fair. :agree: So I don't think that we want to encourage members to make multiple accounts for the purpose of passing them out. :scared:

Hi guys. I was just wondering about a possible addition to the Flourish & Blotts subforum. I saw the "Last Author Standing" competition and I wondered if it would be possible to have something similar but a non-competitive version? Personally, I've not done any fic writing for a number of years and would like a chance to try and improve but in a non-competitive way. I thought maybe Forum members could suggest HP topics to write about (much like in the LAS thread, but perhaps on a chronological basis so that whoever suggested a topic first, we could write about that first and the others in chornological order after - if that makes sense?) and then whoever wants to could write a short fic on a given subject. I'm finding it really interesting reading different people's interpretations of Potter-based scenarios and I'd love a way to participate in this without the competitive element. I also thought that maybe as it's not competitive, people could "sit out" a particular scenario if they wanted to, so there'd be no pressure to write an entry for each suggestion, people could just post when they felt they wanted to contribute. We could also use the thread to give feedback and one another's fics and make suggestions. What do you guys think? :)

That's a good idea. I'll put it up for discussion to the staff and will get back to you on it :)

Why is Anime a major forum of Diagon Alley? I know that a lot of the staff really likes Anime, but only the same group of people seem to post in it. I was just thinking that maybe it could be moved to a Sub-Forum in Fiction.

Why is Anime a major forum of Diagon Alley? I know that a lot of the staff really likes Anime, but only the same group of people seem to post in it. I was just thinking that maybe it could be moved to a Sub-Forum in Fiction.Most things can be organised in a number of different ways without any of them being way better than all the others. If what you now suggest had been done from the beginning it might have worked well enough but if we start reshuffling the forums without it being absolutely necessary, we would only create confusion instead of improvement.

So, thanks for your interest but for the time being we have no plans to reorganize the forums. :)

Just want to say I think you guys have done a tremendous job keeping up with the Pottermore threads! I appreciate how hard it must be moderating something you're in the dark about yourself and with not a lot of good feedback (and a fair amount of complaints!) so just wanted so say I am impressed! Keep up the good work!

Thank you! :blush:

Well, I was looking through my Owls, and I noticed something in my welcome owl. It says:
Creating a new thread
When starting a new thread make sure to read the descriptions of the thread categories carefully so you put it in the right spot. For example, if you want to start a thread about something that happened in books 1-5 it would go in History of Magic. (http://www.cosforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=80)
History of Magic is currently in the archives, and not a working category anymore. Just a humble suggestion that you might want to update that part. (I received my welcome owl on March 17 of this year.)

Thank you! I'm afraid there are some bugs in that welcome owl in the meantime. We'll look at it asap. :)

IDK if this is where to put this but it's the best I could think of.

I know one of any forums biggest problems is trolling, and let's face it as well as our mods are they can't be on 24/7/365.

So I propose this idea. Integrate into the coding a rating system for each post. People can like/dislike posts and if it reaches a certain negative level it's hidden or deleted.

I have seen a site with this and it works quite well for filtering spam from the pages. At least til the Mods can see it to delete it themselves :)

IDK if this is where to put this but it's the best I could think of.

I know one of any forums biggest problems is trolling, and let's face it as well as our mods are they can't be on 24/7/365.

So I propose this idea. Integrate into the coding a rating system for each post. People can like/dislike posts and if it reaches a certain negative level it's hidden or deleted.

I have seen a site with this and it works quite well for filtering spam from the pages. At least til the Mods can see it to delete it themselves :)

To be honest, I've been on sites like this as well and it's pretty much always being abused by members. It can turn into a form of bullying itself. We do have a report post button, which you can use whenever you spot a post that is in violation of our rules. But maybe an admin will have something further to say on this. :)

To be honest, I've been on sites like this as well and it's pretty much always being abused by members. It can turn into a form of bullying itself. We do have a report post button, which you can use whenever you spot a post that is in violation of our rules. But maybe an admin will have something further to say on this. :)

it can but I think on a family friendly forums such as this there is a lesser chance of that happening

I agree with Moriath, but I would like to add that our current report system is much faster when correctly used. I don't want to take the risk that something really not family friendly goes undetected only because people prefer to just dislike instead of reporting.

What's trolling? I have seen this word before, and I am not sure of what it means.

A troll is somebody who deliberately goes on an internet site such as this one, and posts off topic, inflammatory or insulting remarks to solicit an emotional response from people. It can be actually a form of bullying.

Yep, that's a good description! It also goes along with being not honest about your personal life situation or who you are (you're not forced to provide such information at all, but if you do, they should be true).

That's why we also forbid duplicate accounts. We see this as form of trolling, even if people stay polite but only spam the forums after their liking. And it is sometimes even an dangerous act, eg when adult people pretend to be teenagers or kids.

A forum update would be quite nice! It's always nice to keep things current and modern! c:

However, if this forum has been recently updated, then ignore this suggestion! :elaugh:

Since we can use the Pottermore house crests in our sigs, would it be possible to change the ones here to the Pottermore ones as well (Ie, Sorting Hat thread and smilies)? Especially since there's an Eagle and not a Raven in the Ravenclaw Pottermore crest?

That would be plagiarism, wouldn't it?

I'm afraid the answer is no.

Hi everyone, I hope I post comment in right place, the comment I give is evaluation I perceive of Mugglenet.

When I first join Mugglenet I immediately receive spam pm out of blue, I then turn concerned, I went to re-read the rules and decide to share my evaluation.

With one look at Mugglenet I immediately know it's a promising site just like I once join my first forum I visit, when being pick as moderator/Auror is privilege as it was secure site guests can entrust on before apply. What caught my interest most is the forum's layout, and the social groups, they help peer groups understanding each other; when I join Hufflepuff despite my reluctance I feel surprised and it was pleasant, it's not typical one I join (it's a compliment) for no reason I smile because I enjoy being with them at ease to talk or not to talk. :) I suddenly feel member's chanting at my sorting thread isn't that bad at all... I find it now amusing and fun to join in others.

The second which caught my attention is the rules and abrupt rude awakening from the spam, today I wonder should I bring it up as it can change life a bit. It's the concern I always wanted to talk to admin about, but I haven't got a chance to talk because I receive culture shock on first day receiving spam and changes of my sorting thread, this already remedied after I met Hes explaining to me with good reasons. :)

One of the rules has bugged me:

10. CoS Forums does not encourage members to openly discuss file sharing activities. Whilst we understand that file sharing is a fact of life and will be continued by a lot of people, we will not allow members to openly support this activity publicly. Any threads which discuss, request or encourage downloading of illegal material such as the HP Movies or MP3s will be deleted by staff, and offending members will receive a two-point warning. Private discussion is between yourselves and is not discouraged, but we would strongly advise you look elsewhere for file sharing tips and advice. This rule WILL be enforced.

This is good rule, there's nothing right or wrong, but it's the misinterpretation if members believe she was seeing the whole forum is strict with reasons and guides, person will not read others but majorly the rules as it was their lifeline. Yes... spam policy will be ignore and be prioritize as minor as it wasn't stated in the rules, whoever other newbies will be shun away to read the rest after reading the rules as they following admin's instructions.

I choose not to do that as it was my old habit, I understand some places can let all members feel they can't keep up so I have a feeling this may happen in large communities. Can the summary of spam policy add under the category of this rule?

First: Kindly be informed that CoS Forums and MuggleNet are different sites with different owners and staff. :)

While you are right in that our spam policy should have been mentioned in the main rules, there is a clear reference to the Zero Tolerance Policy (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=22998) where our view on spamming is made very clear. Which means no one can seriously claim they didn't know about it.

As pms, or owls as we call them here are private and the staff can't read them, we can't catch owl spammers unless members receiving spam owls forward them to a staff member.

Thanks for your input, we'll take it into consideration. :)

Okay, I shouldn't confused Cosforum and mugglenet together, you're right.

Please do.

About Olympics, I'm looking forward to watch this year as it's hosted in London. I wish you all the luck! If we have Olympic online based on art and writing it will be fun, earlier I was amused to use 'torch' in offsite to keep faith as a lot of people dying to contribute contest.

This forum reminds me of first Harry Potter forum I join five years ago, my first boss having fun create games/event for fake Olympic online, it's pretty funny but enjoyable. I forgot which group win, I think it's 'America'. This year is London's turn.

I was looking for a section to start a thread about the Fantastic Beast Contest, and I was surprised to discover that there is no area to talk about Mugglenet itself, besides a page for discussing editorials. I really wanted to talk with other users about the contest but I can't because there's no place to post it. :(

I was looking for a section to start a thread about the Fantastic Beast Contest, and I was surprised to discover that there is no area to talk about Mugglenet itself, besides a page for discussing editorials. I really wanted to talk with other users about the contest but I can't because there's no place to post it. :(

That's because Mugglenet and CoS are different sites, run by different people. :)