Help improve SprintUsers.com

[Dave]

I ask for your suggestions every now and then as to how we can further continue to improve your experience here at SprintUsers.com.

Feel free to post your thoughts and ideas. Thank you for your continued support!

Dave
SprintUsers.com

[djfreake]

im thinking the logo could use some work...perhaps some personal themes...give the user the ability to change the look and feel of the forum...more moderators checking links and validity of most claims...no need to be the rumor mill...you go dormant for a period of time...you get a little reminder...you go dormant any longer and you get the boot...the whole idea behind a "forum" is public input...if you're not a part of the solution you're part of the problem

[mcurtiss1970]

delete all "what will lockline send me?" threads on sight

[DcDave63]

{Far-fetched}

How about a ftp upload/download trading portion. Instead of dozens of threads about making ringers, people could upload their mp3's, wav's etc... and others could post the gcd/qcp's and aac's?

[DcDave63]

For repeated questions in threads that people dont take the time to search for:

What if someone's thread is submitted, and a system scans the text and does an auto-search, and if there is a thread that is similar or compatible, it rejects the thread and gives a listing of the searched and found related threads?

[Greezy]

if you have the bandwidth and space a Coppermine gallery would be cool.

http://coppermine.sourceforge.net/

[Ted]

Create sub-forums that are separate for the following topics which are very common and repeated, and move any posts in the general forum to these sections with notification to the OP:

1. Lockline
2. Phone comparisons
3. Phone purchasing advice

[Ted]

For repeated questions in threads that people dont take the time to search for:

What if someone's thread is submitted, and a system scans the text and does an auto-search, and if there is a thread that is similar or compatible, it rejects the thread and gives a listing of the searched and found related threads?

that might be hard to implement but it is a great idea. it might be simpler to make the user answer a question before creating post, a simple dialog box that reminds them to see if the question has been asked before, and a nice, politically correct statement advising them to contribute to an existing thread if it is related to the same subject?

[Strider420]

Good thread.

I like the idea of removing or separating repeat or redundant threads.

Also, a moderator with a little bit more SPCS knowledge would help. Kind of like how Deval was answering everyone's questions when he was a mod. I see a lot of misinformation being passed off as fact nowadays. I try and step in when I can but you know how that goes...

[NoClones]

A different banner would be nice, something like this (But larger of course)

And user changable color interfaces.

[DcDave63]

How about a year by year, phone gallery with specs and info, where people can add their "pertinent" comments on facts and codes, and bugs, separate from the individual forums...

[Dave]

Wow, some great ideas. If there are any programmers out there who may be interested in helping with some of this stuff, let me know.

Keep the ideas coming, I'll review everything over the course of the next week or so.

Dave

[Ted]

adding sections to the forums shouldn't need any programming. i don't know about the rest of the ideas, what it would take to implement them.

[Strider420]

How about a year by year, phone gallery with specs and info, where people can add their "pertinent" comments on facts and codes, and bugs, separate from the individual forums...

That's a great idea. Have all of the ## and * codes for each phone with a list of their functions. Of course we would have to put in a disclaimer stating that these are all for information purposes and SU is not responsible if you turn your phone into a paperweight.
Also include a link to the user manual (in PDF format) for each phone.

[Quill]

I was thinking about this on my way to work this morning.
What about something called "Ask the Sprint Expert" ? It will have all the FAQ's listed before people ask a question. If someone has a question there and they're a newbie, they may tend to go there first. They can submit a question and if it's been asked, they won't get a response. And if they are told they won't get a response within 72 hours, they could search the forums or read through the FAQ again, with a simple reminder of how to use the Search function.

Kinda like what was suggested, but perhaps easier to implement...just a thought.

[DcDave63]

How about a pre-fabricated FAQ search function, where you click on search, scroll through the choices til you find one thats close to what you want, and the search function brings up all related threads....sorta like bringing the search function down to the 3rd grade level for people who have difficulty using the regular Search function.

[DcDave63]

How about a button on the top of a thread that you can push to toggle between the regular view with signatures, avatars, etc... and just show the "post"ers user name and the text of the message, without extraneous stuff. That way extra long threads can be condensed on fewer pages, allowing easier reading and following of individual threads at a moments notice, rather than going into your profile and changing it back and forth?

[DcDave63]

What about having a separate section for Mods and "Power users" that is invisible to regular surfers, where things can be discussed before announcing or presenting to the masses?

[DcDave63]

What about splitting the Smartphones into their own Forum away from PDA's?

[Quill]

I'd like to get something added to the Handset Upgrade thread in the FAQ. It has long been argued that the $35 minimum requirement included add-ons.
New rebate cards now clearly state otherwise. I think that a copy of the card should be scanned and added to that particular FAQ in order to end that argument.

[MinorThreat]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (MobilePhone PM-8200/US/1.0) NetFront/3.1 MMP/2.0)

Dave, I Have Some Experience With Php Type Forums And There Are Two Mods That May Be Helpful Here One Allows A Moderator To Combine Similar Threads. The Other Disallows Users With Less Them X Number Of From Creating New Threads Encouraging Them To Search. I Dont Know How Compatible They Are With This Wiforum Though Email Or Pm Me For More Info

[Cal]

I think the site is fine the way it is. It is simple, and easy to navigate. No need for flashy logo's or expensive software when the site is easilly accessible just the way it is.

Adding some more moderators and also a few new sub forums would be great.

Maybe you can set up a free pop3 email serfvice so members of the board can have @sprintusers.com email's. My host has a control panel that allows this and also you can set account sizes for email at like 5 MB's so it doesn't kill your bandwidth.

Also maybe more updates on the main page would be nice. I always like to use xml news feeds, this can easily be programmed to fit your needs. I was going to develop www.ringers.tv and have a news feed there for cell phone news.

You have a good thing going, don't weigh it down with too much crap like other sites tend to do when they get larger.

[mcurtiss1970]

subfolders might make people more focused and less dependant on the search function which goes largely unused anyway

[Cal]

subfolders might make people more focused and less dependant on the search function which goes largely unused anyway


Unused and sometimes not helpful WHEN used. :)

[Ted]

wow, did i actually have a good idea? *ducks head and runs out of room*

[Greezy]

I can help with some of the Php as well. I have experience in vbulletin and IBF. More IBF then vB but enough to do some Php. There are a ton of modifications for these boards and all you need to do is request the code and someone with the time and knowledge can easily write some of this. Some of this other stuff is going to be next to impossible without it taking forever to implement. There is a way to do this easily and without interruption to the other forum users....create a test forum and do all of the writing through that, bugs, fixes and all that good junk. I have learned the hard way. :)

[Strider420]

http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50706

:good: for starters.

[davec8100]

How about the ability to speak more freely without the fear of being banned...

[mcurtiss1970]

make it so you can't hide your SU online status

[Dave]

im thinking the logo could use some work...perhaps some personal themes...give the user the ability to change the look and feel of the forum...more moderators checking links and validity of most claims...no need to be the rumor mill...you go dormant for a period of time...you get a little reminder...you go dormant any longer and you get the boot...the whole idea behind a "forum" is public input...if you're not a part of the solution you're part of the problem
Logo: I may be open to changing the logo - depends on what someone may come up with

User ability to change look & feel of forum: This can be a major pain because any time we make any minor display change, it has to be done across all preset themes. When it comes to upgrading the software, everything reverts back to the original look and feel so it would involve even more time tweaking and hacking around.

Tracking validity of claims: We all try and do this the best we can.

[Dave]

{Far-fetched}

How about a ftp upload/download trading portion. Instead of dozens of threads about making ringers, people could upload their mp3's, wav's etc... and others could post the gcd/qcp's and aac's?
This is an interesting idea but I want to stay as far away as I can from any copyright infringement issues. Know what I mean?

[DcDave63]

How about placing a "GOOGLE" search on the forums pages for easy access to search for info not found here?

[Dave]

For repeated questions in threads that people dont take the time to search for:

What if someone's thread is submitted, and a system scans the text and does an auto-search, and if there is a thread that is similar or compatible, it rejects the thread and gives a listing of the searched and found related threads?
This would take an incredible amount of prorgamming, do any VBulletin programmers/hackers have thoughts on this?

[Dave]

if you have the bandwidth and space a Coppermine gallery would be cool.

http://coppermine.sourceforge.net/
Very interesting idea. What do you envision this being used for?

[Dave]

Create sub-forums that are separate for the following topics which are very common and repeated, and move any posts in the general forum to these sections with notification to the OP:

1. Lockline
2. Phone comparisons
3. Phone purchasing advice
Subforums inside the general section, huh? I'd like to see what other subsections people would be interested in.

Do you think we actually need many subforums? I don't want to make the forum harder to browse. Your thoughts appreciated.

[Dave]

that might be hard to implement but it is a great idea. it might be simpler to make the user answer a question before creating post, a simple dialog box that reminds them to see if the question has been asked before, and a nice, politically correct statement advising them to contribute to an existing thread if it is related to the same subject?
So every time a user wants to post a new thread, they would be presented with a pop-up reminding them to search before posting?

Maybe we could implement something like this for users who have posted less than x amount of messages. Your input appreciated.

[Dave]

Good thread.

I like the idea of removing or separating repeat or redundant threads.

Also, a moderator with a little bit more SPCS knowledge would help. Kind of like how Deval was answering everyone's questions when he was a mod. I see a lot of misinformation being passed off as fact nowadays. I try and step in when I can but you know how that goes...
We merge similar threads and close duplicates whenever we see them.

I normally make sure that the mods are very knowledgeable about Sprint's products and services. So far, they are. :)

[Dave]

How about a year by year, phone gallery with specs and info, where people can add their "pertinent" comments on facts and codes, and bugs, separate from the individual forums...
This would take a considerable amount of time to maintain. I wonder if anybody would want to help out with such a project?

[Dave]

How about a pre-fabricated FAQ search function, where you click on search, scroll through the choices til you find one thats close to what you want, and the search function brings up all related threads....sorta like bringing the search function down to the 3rd grade level for people who have difficulty using the regular Search function.
Good idea, this involves some programming to be hacked into the current system. Any programmers out there?

[Dave]

How about a button on the top of a thread that you can push to toggle between the regular view with signatures, avatars, etc... and just show the "post"ers user name and the text of the message, without extraneous stuff. That way extra long threads can be condensed on fewer pages, allowing easier reading and following of individual threads at a moments notice, rather than going into your profile and changing it back and forth?This already exists, at the thread level. Select the Thread Tools dropdown menu and view the printable version. :)

[Dave]

I'd like to get something added to the Handset Upgrade thread in the FAQ. It has long been argued that the $35 minimum requirement included add-ons.
New rebate cards now clearly state otherwise. I think that a copy of the card should be scanned and added to that particular FAQ in order to end that argument.
Good idea -- do you have this document? :)

[Dave]

Maybe you can set up a free pop3 email serfvice so members of the board can have @sprintusers.com email's. My host has a control panel that allows this and also you can set account sizes for email at like 5 MB's so it doesn't kill your bandwidth.

Also maybe more updates on the main page would be nice. I always like to use xml news feeds, this can easily be programmed to fit your needs. I was going to develop www.ringers.tv and have a news feed there for cell phone news.
- Trying to stay out of the email business :)

- Always looking for interested users to help with the news!

Thanks for the other ideas and input. I am looking to enhance the site for the users, yet at the same time not let it get bloated.

[Dave]

How about the ability to speak more freely without the fear of being banned...
Say whatever you want, as long as you are respecting our forum's community guidelines. People come to this forum because it promotes friendly discussion in an organized manner. If you want a completely uncensored arena (of chaos), that is what usenet is for. :hee:

[Dave]

make it so you can't hide your SU online statusInteresting yet surprising suggestion. Why?

[Dave]

How about placing a "GOOGLE" search on the forums pages for easy access to search for info not found here?
Where would this be placed?

Another idea could be (if this is even possible?) is to also use the Quick Search box for Google searches by adding a google button under the blue GO quick-search button. Clicking GO searches SU, and clicking the GOOGLE button would send the query to Google.

[Dave]

Note: As we come up with some more concrete ideas that may require their own thread for discussion, I'll create a new thread in this Feedback section of the forum.

Pssst: Neo (poke, poke) -- feel free to chime in :D

[Mantichora]

How about when ever someone starts a new thread in The Trading Post, they are presented with The Guidelines & Mantichora's Tips? Then they have to select a box & agree to them before the post is allowed.

[mcurtiss1970]

Interesting yet surprising suggestion. Why?

i think the ability to be 'invisible' is not right in a community. not sure why i feel that way.

[Quill]

Good idea -- do you have this document? :)

I do. I left it at work, but I'll bring it home tomorrow. I have tried to scan stuff in and post it, but I just can't seem to get the file size small enough.

I could certainly scan it and e-mail to you, if that would work. I don't have anyplace to host it...well, I don't feel comfortable putting it on my personal Web site and hosting it, that is. Heh.

PM me and let me know.

[Noodle]

NoClones I just wanna smack you in the back of the head for that banner using the ComicSans font... anyway no offense Dave but the logo could be changed... um and maybe adding a few more sub threads for the stuff that has been asked and asked... that and a download section of ringers, images, games, that people can upload to would be pretty nice.

Other than that I really think this place is a great source for infor and such.

Updating the links in non forum sections would be good to.

Not sure how this would help but my buddy and I do webhosting and could possibly add more space for storage and bandwidth depending on the need.

[Dave]

How about when ever someone starts a new thread in The Trading Post, they are presented with The Guidelines & Mantichora's Tips? Then they have to select a box & agree to them before the post is allowed.
Good idea! Will need some VBulletin programming/hacking help with this one...

[Ted]

How about the ability to speak more freely without the fear of being banned...

i think we're speaking pretty freely now, don't you? i am suprised when i read some of my OWN posts! just my 2c.

[Ted]

Subforums inside the general section, huh? I'd like to see what other subsections people would be interested in.

Do you think we actually need many subforums? I don't want to make the forum harder to browse. Your thoughts appreciated.

they don't have to be underneath the general forum, they could just be separate sections added to the ones we have now. just my 2c. i do think they are definitely needed for lockline, phone comparisons, and advice on purchasing phones. these three areas seem to always repeat over and over.

[DcDave63]

they don't have to be underneath the general forum, they could just be separate sections added to the ones we have now. just my 2c. i do think they are definitely needed for lockline, phone comparisons, and advice on purchasing phones. these three areas seem to always repeat over and over.

How about when you click on a "Main" forum, that the first things you see are "SubForums" listed, then either threads directly underneath, or just inside the "Subforums" ....like folders?

[Ted]

How about when you click on a "Main" forum, that the first things you see are "SubForums" listed, then either threads directly underneath, or just inside the "Subforums" ....like folders?

that might work too, although i don't know if it adds a level of complexity. maybe just adding a few extra forums, like there is a separate one for readylink, maybe there needs to be one for lockline, and so on.

[Greezy]

Here is IBF and their very manipulative boards. http://forums.invisionpower.com/index.php?
If you notice below each category there is a sub cat. Is this what you all are talking about with the addition of subs? IMO IBF blows away vBulletin by leaps and bounds. I know its not easy to simply move over to IBF but I have helped many do it and it really doesn't take that long. The trial is always free and will not expire. I know IBF like the back of my hand but vBulletin is newer for me but I can work with it.

[DcDave63]

That looks nice!

[Strider420]

Something suggested by a former member of this board who left because of the steady downward spiral this board was taking:

-Don't be afraid to ban people.
-Be a dick, get banned.
-Continually be a retard, get banned.
-Ask a question that's been asked (and easily searched for) say... 3 times, get banned.
-ad nauseum.

If they're banned, allow them read-only access on their account so they can see whatever threads pop up about themselves or check their PMs which would, of course, explain why they were banned and include instructions on how to get un-banned: stop being a dick on the site and click this little paypal button to donate

[Alimei]

I agree with the deletion of the lockline threadage... since we mere mortals never know what there gonna do :eyebrow: Oh yea and make our inbox hold more that 50 messages.... what If your popular :hee:

[pdx77]

I agree with the deletion of the lockline threadage... since we mere mortals never know what there gonna do :eyebrow: Oh yea and make our inbox hold more that 50 messages.... what If your popular :hee:

If you donate to this site, your PM storage increases.

[Dave]

What you have specified below is exactly what happens. If someone disrespects our community guidelines multiple times, they lose posting access to the forum. Once someone is restricted from posting, it is permanent. We are not babysitters.

Dave

Something suggested by a former member of this board who left because of the steady downward spiral this board was taking:

-Don't be afraid to ban people.
-Be a duck, get banned.
-Continually be a retard, get banned.
-Ask a question that's been asked (and easily searched for) say... 3 times, get banned.
-ad nauseum.

If they're banned, allow them read-only access on their account so they can see whatever threads pop up about themselves or check their PMs which would, of course, explain why they were banned and include instructions on how to get un-banned: stop being a duck on the site and click this little paypal button to donate

[NoClones]

NoClones I just wanna smack you in the back of the head for that banner using the ComicSans font...

Um, I'm not sure how to take that... But why ? It was just to show something a little different.

[Zenlore1]

Hey Dave

I notice in my hotmail when I get an email about a thread I am subscribe to and click on the link to the page I get this:

"Your email message has been idle and this link has become inactive. To access the link, close this window and return to your Message. Then click the browser's Refresh button or close your message and reopen it"

and no matter how much I click or what not I can't seem to link to the thread, so I end up haveing to manually finding it, due to the link not working, this started up on friday and has been like this so far for me :(

[Falcon204]

Away to post a RL Logo in your profile. That way people on the forum will know who has RL and who doesn't.

[Noodle]

Sorry NC it's just that's one of the most over used crappy fonts in existance in my opinion. Nothing personal I just about gag every time I see it.

[mcurtiss1970]

Away to post a RL Logo in your profile. That way people on the forum will know who has RL and who doesn't.why not just put it in your sig?

[Dave]

Your issue is related to Hotmail, not this site.

Dave

Hey Dave

I notice in my hotmail when I get an email about a thread I am subscribe to and click on the link to the page I get this:

"Your email message has been idle and this link has become inactive. To access the link, close this window and return to your Message. Then click the browser's Refresh button or close your message and reopen it"

and no matter how much I click or what not I can't seem to link to the thread, so I end up haveing to manually finding it, due to the link not working, this started up on friday and has been like this so far for me :(

[atlya02]

Heres how we can improve the site. Keep the lonley ppl's threads in the watercooler or better make a place for them on sprint users forum if this is something ppl want to tolerate. If it does get done I want to suggest "sorry ppl" for the name of the forum... :hee:

[Zenlore1]

Your issue is related to Hotmail, not this site.

Dave

figures only proves hotmail sucks, hehehehe :hee:

thanks dave :)

[DcDave63]

How about limiting thread length to a smaller number. Seems like some threads get out of hand, and can end up 20 or 25 pages in length, with some 10,000 views. Maybe limit the amount of responses or pages, and have Mods close and redirect the threads to "Part II" a little sooner to make it easier to read, search, etc...

[atlya02]

How about limiting thread length to a smaller number. Seems like some threads get out of hand, and can end up 20 or 25 pages in length, with some 10,000 views. Maybe limit the amount of responses or pages, and have Mods close and redirect the threads to "Part II" a little sooner to make it easier to read, search, etc...

Good idea I have found my self on a manhunt for just a small phrase only to find out it has nothing to do with what I was looking for... :eyebrow: :D

[Falcon204]

why not just put it in your sig?

Well you can do that. But the sigs only work after u post. So all your old post that you have done will not show up with the new sig that you want saying ready linked.

[mcurtiss1970]

Well you can do that. But the sigs only work after u post. So all your old post that you have done will not show up with the new sig that you want saying ready linked.

not to flame, but readylinkusers.com already exists.

[DcDave63]

You could edit your avatar with text to show it...that way, all your posts would show the most recent info.

[Noodle]

this pertains to the wap forums but how about a way to just to the last page in a thread like you can here. That way if it is a huge thread you don't have to wade through the previous pages. And I know you can do the jump to page # through the wap forums but I was thinking more a link on the first page of the threads to jump to the end.

[cwhiting]

Dave, I would like to see a sticky in the Ringers/Downloads section where all of the free/pay sites including all of the ones created by users on the forum, are collected together and made easy to find.

[Dave]

Well you can do that. But the sigs only work after u post. So all your old post that you have done will not show up with the new sig that you want saying ready linked.
If you edit your signature, it will be changed across ALL posts in the forum, including previous posts. But please remember that your signatures are limited to five lines total.

[Dave]

this pertains to the wap forums but how about a way to just to the last page in a thread like you can here. That way if it is a huge thread you don't have to wade through the previous pages. And I know you can do the jump to page # through the wap forums but I was thinking more a link on the first page of the threads to jump to the end.
I will ask the developer of WiForums about this. Thanks for the idea!

[Dave]

Dave, I would like to see a sticky in the Ringers/Downloads section where all of the free/pay sites including all of the ones created by users on the forum, are collected together and made easy to find.
This is already listed at www.SprintUsers.com/links - then click the link for Vision Content - it is in bold.

[DcDave63]

How about an "Expiration Date" on certain threads??

Like 7 to 10 days for trading post, and like 15 to 30 for regular?

Maybe the person can set an expiration date earlier? That way many threads will "self-archive" or remove themselves??

[cwhiting]

This is already listed at www.SprintUsers.com/links - then click the link for Vision Content - it is in bold.

Yes, I know that there are links there, but I was talking about all of the links users have posted on the forum of their free sites or other free sites, which are just floating around, and are hard to find.

[DcDave63]

It may not be a popular idea, but maybe force everyone to go to the main page instead of allowing a direct link to the forum page. That way people will have to read all important notices, news, etc...

Plus, if there are any issues pertinent to most or all sprint phone users, you could make a specific thread title or titles sticky onto the main page so that people could read those first, instead of going in and searching, or not searching and creating the same post, over and over and over.

[Deval]

too bad most people will still skip over it as a sign of ignorance

[DcDave63]

I thought there was a way to create a link that only started from a main page, that way you couldnt skip it? Some type of time sensitive page linking. I forget how it works. That way the pages you go to from the main page are linked by a cookie, and only last a day (or so), that way the link isnt permanent.

[Dave]

I thought there was a way to create a link that only started from a main page, that way you couldnt skip it? Some type of time sensitive page linking. I forget how it works. That way the pages you go to from the main page are linked by a cookie, and only last a day (or so), that way the link isnt permanent.
Interesting idea but I'm not sure how to implement. This also may upset users if we try and 'control' what they see.

If something is important, we normally post a message at the top of every page in the forum -- so the users see it. Another thing we can do is email all the users if there was some sort of huge breaking news that had to get out immediately.

[DcDave63]

How about a place in either a forum, or possibly on a profile (better place), where people can list their favorite places?

1.) Favorite Ringers: http://
2.) Favorite Pictures : http://
3.) Favorite Programs : http://
4.) Favorite Info : http://
5.) Favorite Place to buy Phones : http://
6.) Other : http://

That way if someone is reading someones post, and trusts their opinions, the reader can go to that persons profile and see where there are some good places to download and read from.

[DcDave63]

How about a way for a person to create a list of their favorite thread FAQ http:// addresses, so they can refer people without having to look them up?

Info on VM4050 found here : http://.......
Info on how to make a ringer found here : http://.......
Info on where to buy a phone : http://.......
Info on how to download pics : http://.......

[reemusk]

i think we need to bring this thread back, Manti would enjoy it!!!