Web site suggestions?

[Trana]

So what does everyone think about the site? Do you have any ideas for improvement? Complaints? Let's hear it!

:fish:

 

[chazertis]

i've got one. when you go into a specific forum, there is a "search in this forum" button on the upper right hand corner. when i use that search, it doesn't limit my search to the specific forum. to search for something specific in a specific forum, i'd have to go to the advanced search, and click on the forum i want to search in. am i making any sense? basically, i type "remora" in the classified section and i get returned results that are from general discussion too.

am i taking crazy pills?

 

[Josh]

No, thats a bug.

 

[IconicAquariums]

A fully expandable chat window/forum would be nice, this way we can do links in it without f'ing it up(sorry again)

Also, I think file attachments in Pms would be useful.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I would like to be able to have the ignore function carry over from the threads to the reef graffiti window.

 

[joseney21]

how about little buttons to differentiate between advanced and beginner reefers, like the "Donor" button.

also a sticky with RECOMMENDED reef safe fish, description etc....

just throwing stuff out there

 

[loismustdie]

Slamalama said it best when one member purchased something on RC and tried to sell it here for a profit... "this used to be a place where friends could deal with friends, not try to screw eachother." Seems that so many people are in here to make money, not for the hobby. I met a lot of great people here. I would just rather see the site go back to the hobbyists rather than to all the "Jobbers" and vendors and the "business hobbyist" (that's the guys who frag and sell for on line prices at best, sometimes LFS prices). This should be a site for hobbyists and friends, not people with dollar signs in their eyes.

 

[Josh]

This should be a site for hobbyists and friends, not people with dollar signs in their eyes.

What do you think would distinguish hobbyists from people making money?

 

[loismustdie]

You can tell by their prices. If it is comparable to on line or LFS prices, they are here to make money or my favorite "have their tank pay for itself". For example, I sold a purple bonsai frag that was close to 3 inches and already branching for $15. Gave away a pice of the same coral to a guy who is now on the busines side of the hobby. Others have sold smaller frags of a less desirable coral for $30 to $50.
I know, I used the term "making money". People set up entire greenhouses with the most energy efficient equipment under the sun and don't make any money. For some reason, I'm having a tough time wording this correctly. I'm not trying to be holier than thou. I have been taken care of by a lot of guys here. I have taken care of guys too. Damn, that sounds gay, but you know what I mean. I thought this site was more for us looking out for eachother than trying to turn a buck on your hobby. Some will disagree with me and that's cool. I just deal with the guys I know and trust and don't entertain others who I feel are trying to get members here to finance their frag tank.

 

[loismustdie]

Page 12 of the "Reality of Fish Collection" thread. I think I did a better job of explaining myself there. That whole thread pissed me off, I think I'm better at this when I'm mad. I'm sitting back right now with scotch in hand. I'm way to mellow when I drink.

 

[jhale]

I think for the most part people who sell stuff here do so for prices way below online or lfs prices.
take a look at some colonies being sold now, the prices are low.
I think this site as a whole is very price conscience i.e.. we are cheap bastards, if there is attempted price gauging the seller is immediately called on it. the for sale section is self correcting in that way.
for my part if someone buys a frag from me I often give them more free frags than the amount they bought. :shhh:
As for the few guys we have on the site that are vendors I think they are a good alternative to mail order, they charge less and can often get the same products.

 

[loismustdie]

I sell and give away as well. I also prefer trades to cash sales. I'm not saying everyone does it, but I've seen stuff on online vendors many of us use sell cheaper. I would rather deal with MR members because you get to meet with them and check out thier tanks. I've also used the vendors and will continue.
MR site rules say that I can't specifically name a person and bash them in an open forum, but there is one here in particular who is so hypocritical that it's disgusiting. Raising awareness to buy MAC certified fish then telling people to avoid "Absolutely Fish" who is probably the only area LFS I know that sells MAC certified LS. Is it just a coincidence that he is located not too far from Absolutely Fish? A different LS vendor gets his LS from 2 of the places he approves and then refuses to put him in a category of good or bad because he would rather not get involved. Once again, bash the competition to promote ones agenda. This vendor who wants to raise awareness about realities of fish collection was also running a group buy for animals which are listed as threatened and endangered, and some which are just not suited for captivity from a supplier who supplies aquariums. Aquariums can get the permits and liscensing to get anything. These exhibits are used for research, education and awareness. They are not for the hobbyist. A zoo can get lions, that doesn't mean I can get one because I have a cat. This was as irresponsible as it gets. The vendor and supplier obviously seeing nothing more that the cash they could get. Sorry to sound like Green Peace/DEC.
Jhale, you said when I made my post in the reality of fish collection thread that you agree and you and other moderators see and over commercialization of the site. At Kasei's party, we talked about guys who want everything at rock bottom prices and then turn around and sell a rock with 5 zooanthids on it for $35. $20 for xenia!!! I didn't think there was anyone left who paid money for that. Again, and I can't strees this enough, not everyone is like this. As you know, I have been the recipient of many kind gifts from guys who helped me out after my chiller crapped out while I was away. I know who to deal with on this site. I can also see those who are more concerned with how much money they can get when they frag a coral they're about to buy. And I can also see a vendor from a mile away who throws cheap shots at competition under the disguise of awareness.

 

[jhale]

I hear you Chris, as the site grows there are going to be changes in the membership. if you want the tradition of keeping frag prices down, or free frags being given out, then it will be up to the older core members of manhattan reefs to pass that on.
I'm all for keeping the costs of livestock down, and helping people out. You have some of my frags in your tank Hell I'm even sending a RC buddy in LA some frags when his tank gets set up again (katrina victim).
I also would rather go over to someone's house to see their tank and trade frags with a MR member. I know for a fact without MR my tank would look nothing like it does today.
And people will still buy anthilia if you offer it in the proper amounts. you missed my anthila fire sale, $5 for a piece the size of your hand.

 

[loismustdie]

Jhale, overall, I think that's what I'm trying to say... it was the core guys who made me come here in the first place. That's why those are the ones I deal with. Love the frags you gave me BTW. If I can help provide anything for the friend of yours in LA, let me know. Some of my stuff is to a point where I wouldn't mind fragging some. Again, I've been on the recieving end of kindness for firemen after 9/11 and for soldiers in Afganistan and Iraq. If there's anything I can do for a Katrina victim, let me know.

 

[ezee]

Jhale,

I agree with Chris' sentiments. If we are going to have genuinely important conversations it is important that sniping attempts are addressed very quickly. I try not to have anything personal against anyone and keep it based on the situation...but someone has to say something.

On a positive note, I think you guys are doing a great job of adapting to the increased pressures of managing the site and I have seen moderators step in and do what's right on several occasions. Thank you for all of the time you guys put into the board, you all really do make a difference.

E

 

[jhale]

thanks E,

as the site grows there will be more situations to deal with, we can't be on top of it all but we will do the best we can.

I like Joses suggestion for new buttons members can apply for.
like "aquacultered tank supporter" , "safe frag trader" (no bugs)
of course with the buttons we would we need some way to qualify people for them. what would the point be? to remind people they can make a difference in our hobby by being responsible in their buying and trading.

 

[inkblue]

t0 discourage vendor-iSm, i tHink you should chaRge a couple of dollars per veNdor saLes :dog: :goldfish2 :starfish: and i tHink vendors should have a rating feedBack as a vendor considering pLaces they order from, livestock care, business practices, etc... juSt my dos centav0s

 

[Tonyscoots84]

ink i think that is a good idea but wouldnt that eventually inflate the price we buy at right now?.. just thinking.... even by a few bucks.

 

[DevIouS]

Just have to vent:

I've noticed that people register & sign in just to post items for sale, using MR as a classified ad.
Not to be a copy-cat or anything:
but I do like the idea of having a set number of postings before members are able to take advantage of the "for sale/for trade" forum.
It'll be cool if people join in on discussions & be part of the community, before having the right to use MR as a platform to sell items.

I would hate to see MR loose it's "touch" & have it fall off, looking like a CraigsList (as Kasei recently stated).

Thanks for listening~

 

[reefman]

I would like to see my latest threads and post link under "private messages"