Re: [Paddlewise] paddewise ownership

The forum format does take some moderation but, at least in my case, not
much of it. I've never run an email list (like Paddlewise) so I can't
compare the two but my bicycle forum is relatively tame. There have been no
real controversies except for the odd "walmart bikes all fall apart in a
week" post (about one a year... and I delete them immediately as trolls).

The only downside I can see is that participants can more easily just drift
away. Paddlewise just "shows up" but one has to be more proactive with a
forum. Some forums have overcome this with an email of every additional
post in a thread you're interested in. But this can get annoying, too.

I like Facebook for its rambling spur-of-the-moment posts, but I agree that
it is best in short doses; a long story gets passed by.... at least by me.

The forum format does allow for a better mix of interests, too.

The biggest issue for a forum is spam; mostly from RU, BE, UE areas. The
easy solution for that is to block them by IP address (phpBB lets you do
that). I have learned that lesson the hard way. :P

It would be nice to see Paddlewise grow again. I've slowed my paddling (and
stopped flying completely) as I have moved into my 70s. Arthritis is the
main problem. I'm still interested but no longer obsessed. :)

Craig


On Sat, Nov 23, 2013 at 12:34 AM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote:

> Thanks to Kurt for his efforts these last ten years and welcome back,
> Jackie and Bob!
>
> An email-based moderated listserv with perhaps a dedicated cache on a
> friendly server for photos might be the best way to continue.  Several
> forums use the popular phpBB software with good results, integrating text
> and photos.  Of the three or four in which I have participated, the last
> ten years, West Coast Paddler has been the best run and may be a model for
> where Paddlewise goes.  A critical ingredient is strong, hands on
> moderation by someone, or a few someones.  I know that WCP has a brain
> trust in the background which often discusses editorial decisions before
> they are implemented.  Paddlewise was the fortunate offspring of weak
> editorial management of the old Wavelength listserv, destroyed by the
> sp*ns*n controversy.
>
> Facebook has been suggested as a platform for Paddlewise.  Perhaps for
> photos, but,  please, not for text based debate.  The FB interface for text
> is slow and cumbersome.  With several fine email clients out there, seems
> crazy not to stick with email as the basis for text, with embedded links to
> photos somewhere  common.
>
>
> --
> Dave Kruger
> Astoria, OR
>

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