Feedback thread - Nature and birdwatching forum

stevoman

Its been a few months since i started to help out modding this forum and i would like to thank everyone for their contributions and also i would like to say a big thanks to boneless who also has been doing a great job modding before and during my time here.

As regulars may be aware the forum is a great source for nature and bird lovers and i would like to know does anybody think that there is anything we could do to improve the forum? Any suggestions and feedback is welcome and i guess we can all see where we can go from there.

Thanks for your time and input.

Mods.

Judgement Day

It's difficult to identify any improvements to the forum - one of the few on the Boards where people rarely attack each - a peaceful oasis which is just as it should be. Keep up the good work everybody and I love the photo contributions!

Amtmann

I really like visiting this forum. It's full of quality posts from a variety of great contributors. I was going to upload some footage of badger activity from County Tipperary to youtube and post a series here, but unfortuantely I seem to have lost the casettes (which are over 11 years old now).

Durnish

I love the forum and really appreciate the chance to comment.
Only thing I would think about is the number of sticky threads. They make it hard to see the new posts of the day. That's all.

Mothman

I don't think its busy enough to warrant changing anything
Maybe a sticky about Irish Humming Birds

One possibility that i'll air is to have dedicated threads, say one for Badger, one for dragonfies, fox etc and a single sticky giving links to each of these threads.
It does create housekeeping work, but then all of the one subject is together.

Dusty87

Mothman wrote: »

I don't think its busy enough to warrant changing anything
Maybe a sticky about Irish Humming Birds

One possibility that i'll air is to have dedicated threads, say one for Badger, one for dragonfies, fox etc and a single sticky giving links to each of these threads.
It does create housekeeping work, but then all of the one subject is together.

That dosn sound like a bad idea

Connacht

Yeah, I think this thread is great too. Well done.
Although I wouldn't agree with breaking it up to such precise sub-threads as dragonflies, foxes, etc., I would suggest breaking it into 'Birds', 'Mammals' and 'Others' perhaps ...

Mothman

Connacht wrote: »

Yeah, I think this thread is great too. Well done.
Although I wouldn't agree with breaking it up to such precise sub-threads as dragonflies, foxes, etc., I would suggest breaking it into 'Birds', 'Mammals' and 'Others' perhaps ...

If you mean breaking the forum into sub forums, no I wouldn't be on for that at all and it wasn't meant in my suggestion.

I'm just seeing how the moth thread has evolved and think that there could be similar threads for some other families/animals. I did suggest a sticky having links to these threads, though usually I don't "see" stickies so it doesn't really work for the likes of me
I'm happy with the way this palce is and my suggestion has had one yea and one neigh, so probably makes little odds whether implimented or not.

There is a reason that "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it" is a good saying

Amtmann

Mothman wrote: »

I don't think its busy enough to warrant changing anything
Maybe a sticky about Irish Humming Birds

One possibility that i'll air is to have dedicated threads, say one for Badger, one for dragonfies, fox etc and a single sticky giving links to each of these threads.
It does create housekeeping work, but then all of the one subject is together.

Good idea; I actually did that with my own forum, using the tagging system to create an Index thread that makes finding other threads much easier. It took me a few hours to rummage through the archives and tag things, but it was worth it in the end.

Mothman

Furet wrote: »

Good idea; I actually did that with my own forum, using the tagging system to create an Index thread that makes finding other threads much easier. It took me a few hours to rummage through the archives and tag things, but it was worth it in the end.

That is superb and I think perfect for here as well.
It allows the forum to continue as is which is just fine, but all related threads are 2 clicks away.

The Hill Billy

This is a forum that I visit on an almost daily basis & I find it an oasis of calm in the madness that is boards.ie.

I heartily agree with Mothman & the others that maybe stickied threads covering broad topics would be good as the could become easy reference points for forum users.

With regards to improvements to the forum - it would help if perhaps the forum mods had a "vision" as to what this forum really wants to be. For example, is it just for boardsies to ask questions about & discuss nature topics or do you want the forum to reach a wider interweb audience & become a one-stop-shop for all things related to Irish nature & wildlife?
(The above may be a bit more than you were possibly considering at this time, but I thought I'd throw it out there.)

On a smaller scale, a maybe a couple of stickied threads (info only - no chat) ...
Links & Contacts with details of Irish nature & wildlife organisations.
Events where forum users (& reps of the above mentioned organisations?) could post details of relevant forthcoming events. For example, I live near Skerries & Fingal Co Co regularly run (depending on the season), say, "dawn chorus" walks around Ardgillan Castle, bird-watching walks to Shenick Island off the coast, etc. I forget to post these details up, but a sticky may remind me.

That's all for now - best of luck & keep up the good work!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

I think the forum is working very well. Generally threads keep to topic and there is very little aggravation or serious dispute. It's good natured (sorry no pun intended) and informative.
I would, if anything, reduce the number of Stickies as they take up most of the screen. Some like the Eagle Petition could be left for a while and then removed (already it has started to lose it's way a bit). The Pictures should stay permanently but the Bird Watching and Conserving Nature have, I think, outlived their intented function. These and the likes of the Bat Issue phone number could be put together on a contacts thread but it would have to be purely for contact details and not comments.
Overall an excellent forum which shouldn't be spiled by too many changes.

Roen

Hi all,

I don't post at all on boards these days, but do lurk a bit.

The only thing I could suggest is a meet or three, maybe having seasonal outings with some resident boffins offering to lead a walk or outing in a locality that's familiar to them. Nothing formal and no lectures or anything.

I know a good bit of the south east but am not really in a position to talk authoritatively on a lot of wildlife subjects but I could be of help as regards photography, processing photos etc.

Dusty87

Princess Breezy Dealership wrote: »

I think the forum is working very well. Generally threads keep to topic and there is very little aggravation or serious dispute. It's good natured (sorry no pun intended) and informative.
I would, if anything, reduce the number of Stickies as they take up most of the screen. Some like the Eagle Petition could be left for a while and then removed (already it has started to lose it's way a bit). The Pictures should stay permanently but the Bird Watching and Conserving Nature have, I think, outlived their intented function. These and the likes of the Bat Issue phone number could be put together on a contacts thread but it would have to be purely for contact details and not comments.
Overall an excellent forum which shouldn't be spiled by too many changes.

I would have to agree wit Princess Breezy Dealership. One 'announcement' sort of sticky for the bat number, eagle petition etc. Keep the photo's where they are. Even if a sticky was left up for a couple of weeks and then move to said 'announcements' (or whatever it would be called) sticky.

Durnish

the stickies, including this one, are still taking up half the screen

Durnish

and the last post on any of them, including this thread before I replied, seems to be about two weeks ago.

stevoman

stickied

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Any chance of reducing the number of stickies as they take up half the screen? Some haven't been added to in 6 months or even a year.:)

stevoman

Princess Breezy Dealership wrote: »

Any chance of reducing the number of stickies as they take up half the screen? Some haven't been added to in 6 months or even a year.:)

thats definitly going to be looked into so it is!

SeaFields

What about if all bird ID threads went into one sticky? Could result in a nice large collection of photos and information.

Everybody asking to reduce stickies tho...:o

Durnish

oh please God

Free the Stickies.

Let the stickiless revolt spread throughout messageboard land.

VERYinterested

1. I think the modding should be left to the Mods. I have seen some threads descend in to farce when mere mortals try some back seat modding.

2. It can be off putting if people innocently ask a question and are answered in a 'know all' sort of way. We all know Google exists, but wouldn't the world be a boring place if there was no more interaction and we all become holed up Comic Book Guy style? The beauty of this thread is the general chat that goes on, and sharing of knowledge, but it is in danger of becoming like the rest of Boards. People should not be afraid to ask a question.

3. When someone asks for a bird to be identified, once there are enough replies establishing the identity, there is no need for someone to come on two days later and say 'Yes, it's a Sparrowhawk' as if they are giving their stamp of approval to the thread. They obviously have no idea how condescending it comes across.

That's my two cents, hope I haven't offended anyone!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

I doubt you have offended anybody by giving what appears to be honest views with the intention of improving the boards.
I would just disagree slightly on point no. 3. More often than not there is some confusion as to what the identy of a bird may be. Yes, a majority may settle on something but it may not be correct. I don't like people coming in weeks later with a comment but I think a few days is ok. Many people may not be able to ge on-line for a few days and I know that I put great weight behind the opinions of some posters here. I have often not got the correct answer - despite several others agreeing on the wrong one - until some of the more informed members have joined in the discussion.
Just for what it's worth...:)

Sid_Justice

I think Srameen and Mothman are top blokes (presumably :pac:) and I think their posts along with other 'experts' really make this forum worth while.

Mothman

Furet wrote: »

Good idea; I actually did that with my own forum, using the tagging system to create an Index thread that makes finding other threads much easier. It took me a few hours to rummage through the archives and tag things, but it was worth it in the end.

I really like this idea and I'm going to to this here. It'll take a while...something like 1000 threads :eek:
Tags will be added to each thread. As I go back further I'll ignore small threads and add only tags to the worthy threads.

The stickied thread issue is noted.

Durnish

excellent work. Thank you.

Mothman

Hill Billy wrote: »

Events where forum users (& reps of the above mentioned organisations?) could post details of relevant forthcoming events. For example, I live near Skerries & Fingal Co Co regularly run (depending on the season), say, "dawn chorus" walks around Ardgillan Castle, bird-watching walks to Shenick Island off the coast, etc. I forget to post these details up, but a sticky may remind me.

An Events thread has been started.
Post feedback here

Mothman

I'd like feedback on changing thread titles, in particular with identification threads and correct answer is given.

For example I changed the title of this thread

And for this thread It makes sense to me to change it to Blackcap (Was - Anyone know what this is ?)

Are there any good reasons not to change them?

Cheers
MM

Judgement Day

Spot on Mothman! I find keep myself dipping into threads with vague titles only to find I've already read them.

gzoladz

I read more than what I write and I am pretty new to birdwatching. But I want to use this opportunity to highlight this phorum. It is a pleasure to visit it and most of the collaborations here are fantastic.

If there is something that really helped me and encouraged me into this hobbie is reading this phorum.

It is one of the most enjoyable phorums that I have ever participated on the web.

artieanna

I really like this forum and have learned alot from it too. I love the way the moth thread has evolved, If I come across a moth I don't recognise it has become a reference for me. the dragon & damsel flies thread is also smashing. great to see all the different types together.

Keep it up boardies

Mothman

I'll run with amending thread titles to include answer once identifications are known.

What would help me is to submit a report (click little red triangle) to suggest changing thread title to include answer

MM

magicbastarder

at the risk of leadiong to 'sticky bloat', might be worth making Nature in the News thread a sticky?

Mothman

magicbastarder wrote: »

at the risk of leadiong to 'sticky bloat', might be worth making this a sticky?

No I won't sticky it. I think it'll remain current.
There is something called sticky blindness and I suffer from it as well. between the lot of us we'll make sure it won't be lost.

Eventually during winter sometime there'll be a reference thread that'll be stickied and it'll be prominent in it.

Also I'll move these 2 posts to the feedback thread later.
MM

Mothman

Here's an idea that I'm running by you all.
What do you think of having an off topic thread. A few forums here on boards have one. This would be for subjects that don't really warrant their own thread or other stuff you want to share with others here but isn't on topic to Nature & Bird Watching.
Perhaps call it "The Hide"
If if doesn't work or doesn't have the interest to sustain it, there's nothing lost.

Durnish

"Sticky blindness". I love it. Who coined that phrase?

Ban the stickies, I say.
Let the fittest survive. After all, this is the nature forum.

trebor28

mothman or mods,

how about one thread where posters can post all there unidentifiable birds animals etc.
instead of having a million threads called "what is this", "unknown bird" etc, could you have one giant one where we all could go and see can we help out?

sorry if this was done before or mentioned before.

Mothman

trebor28 wrote: »

mothman or mods,

how about one thread where posters can post all there unidentifiable birds animals etc.
instead of having a million threads called "what is this", "unknown bird" etc, could you have one giant one where we all could go and see can we help out?

sorry if this was done before or mentioned before.

It has its merits and I don't remember it being suggested before...but I can see some issues.

There might be a handful of ID requests at once and if all being answered at same time, then I think it would be too confusing and hard to follow.

Also, quite a few of the ID threads have moved on into a general discussion about the subject.

I was tempted to merge a number of recent spider ID threads together and perhaps I could focus on a little tidying in this way rather than a single catch all ID thread.

Mothman

Here's an issue that has just arisen and I'd like this communities feelings on whether to tolerate requests such as ID of shot or hunted animals. Use this thread for reference, but please discuss in general terms.

My feeling is that this forum is the path for many sectors of our society. Farmers, hunters, conservationists, nature lovers etc. Also the forum is part of a much wider community that is Boards.ie

With regard to an animal identification, I believe this is the place on boards with the most knowledgeable folk with regard to animal identification. However when the animal has been shot etc I can understand that this will be an issue with many of you. So as a Mod here, I try to oversee the forum that serves the community here but it is also part of the wider boards.ie network.

We have a simple and basic charter here. I have not touched it and I have no desire to amend it, hence there is nothing in charter preventing such ID requests and I think it comes under the umbrella of Nature and Birdwatching forum. In my time here I don't recollect a similar request, so in this sense it is a once off and I'm happy to tolerate it.

But I will listen to what is said here...

MB Lacey

I personally don't like to see photos of birds which have purposefully been shot dead on a nature and birdwatching forum.
If a hunter wants the i.d of a bird s/he has shot dead - maybe pm someone who reguarly correctly i'd's birds on this forum but keep the photos in the hunting section?

Mothman

Thanks for expressing your feelings MB Lacey.

As a sort of compromise for now, would it improve the current thread if I add a warning to posts that link to the images to mention that images are of shot birds?

With that someone is making a choice to open up the images rather than having the unexpected appear in front of them.

magicbastarder

MB Lacey wrote: »

I personally don't like to see photos of birds which have purposefully been shot dead on a nature and birdwatching forum.
If a hunter wants the i.d of a bird s/he has shot dead - maybe pm someone who reguarly correctly i'd's birds on this forum but keep the photos in the hunting section?

agreed - i'd find it a bit disturbing that someone would go out shooting not knowing what they're shooting at.

MB Lacey

Mothman wrote: »

Thanks for expressing your feelings MB Lacey.

As a sort of compromise for now, would it improve the current thread if I add a warning to posts that link to the images to mention that images are of shot birds?

With that someone is making a choice to open up the images rather than having the unexpected appear in front of them.

Maybe, but tbh, most of us are curious creatures and will probably open the link - maybe better to not have the choice at all.

Also - thankyou for giving us a chance to express our opinions on this!

trebor28

i think its a bit rich too tbh.

there is enough agro between the shooting forum and this one without someone coming across to ask what they have just shot.

fair enough in that instance it looks like it could be easy to kill the bird when it looks like one but turns out to be something else.

littlebug

I deliberated over this last night when I saw the pictures. On a personal level I don't particularly want to look at pictures of dead animals but I concluded that the day I allow myself to feel offended by them is the day I stop eating meat and I don't think thats going to happen anytime soon.

However on a community level I can absolutely see how many people would be disturbed by the pictures. Given that I don't believe that poster was being provocative in posting them and was simply looking for id in a place where he was mostly likely to find someone who knows then I would have thought that a warning of the picture content either in the title or body of the original post would suffice (particularly since it's not likely to be a common occurrence). After that it's personal choice on whether to look or not.

Rainbowsend

At the risk of being deleted again, I did make my feelings known on the thread in question and not in any unreasonable way in my opinion, I dont think the photographs of all the dead birds was necessary at all. The OP was asking for an id on one bird so why put up a picture with all the shot birds?

The warning should have been on that thread from the start not after someone complained about it.:mad:

doctor evil

A warning in the title should be enough. If someone cannot help themselves to not look when there is a warning than that is their problem.

If it is roadkill it could be trickier to ID.

Life and death is part of Nature.

Rainbowsend

doctor evil wrote: »

A warning in the title should be enough. If someone cannot help themselves to not look when there is a warning than that is their problem.

If it is roadkill it could be trickier to ID.

How many meat eaters here know the different breeds of cattle sheep and pigs? But yet they are slaughtered and eaten.

Life and death is part of Nature.

Yes a warning would have been enough if it was there at the outset, and I am sorry but being blasted out of the sky in not part of nature!

Mothman

I sense a consensus. Almost everyone who has replied would rather there were no such images, but if there are then they need to be accompanied with a warning.
So the issue of enforcement?
Now that I know what is desirable I can add warning once I know either by a report or if I happen to notice. Perhaps unsatisfactory due to potential delay although in this case I has seen it but didn't think outside my own little box to consider adding warning etc. You can add a black mark against me

Perhaps We need to follow the lead of so many forums here on Boards and have a charter that spells out everything in Black and White. Still no guarantee of preventing same happening again...
and if I really wanted a black and white type charter, I would have done it already.

bogtreader

I understand it is a thin line the mods have to walk.
But i feel the snipping of rainbows reply was unfair.
They are surely entitled to have an opininon on this thorny subject.
I have no objection to seeing pictures of dead animals eg;roadkill
and the like but not of animals that were shot.
They should be kept in the hunting forum.
My last point is it not ironic that the birds were pictured on a chopping board
Thats my tuppence worth

magicbastarder

another topic; is there scope for a thread where people can post upcoming nature events?
e.g. the DNFC have one site for their events, i get the irish wildlife trust event updates on facebook, etc., but it might be good to have a thread here where people can post on upcoming events for the attention of others who may not see them?