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Post by hughiesexton67west on Mar 3, 2014 18:29:06 GMT
Just wondering why it appears fewer people are using this site by ProBoards as compared to the previous message board...? Is it my imagination or is it something else...?
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Post by larryparks68west on Mar 3, 2014 19:29:21 GMT
Hughie,
I am sure others have observed the same thing. There are, in my opinion, several reasons why this site is not as active as the old board. The easy answers are that most folks are still enamored with Facebook. Another is that it usually takes until Spring each year for everyone to start thinking about our October reunion. As the weather improves, so will the activity here.
There is one other observation, which I think is probably the biggest reason. There are 218 users signed up to post on this forum. Over 90% of these folks have registered with a Display Name that few, if any, recognize. While this is perfectly OK, it has this effect...we don't feel as connected as we did on the old board. We simply don't know who 90% of these friends really are.
What's the remedy? It's really quite simple. Once you log in to the site, click the "Profile" tab in the yellow bar near the top of the page. On the next page, over to the right side, click "Edit Profile". As the next page opens, select "Personal", just above your name. The first block contains the "Display Name" you chose when you first registered for the forum. Consider using your real name and the year/school so others can associate who you are more quickly. Hughie and I did similarly with our "Display Names" as you can see.
In my opinion, once we begin to see the names of folks we know, postings will likely increase. The sense of putting out messages to total strangers should slowly evaporate.
Just my thoughts, Hughie.
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Homie
Harding-West 60's
Posts: 19
User Name (Recognizable to others): Steve Howie West '64
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Post by Homie on Mar 3, 2014 21:25:40 GMT
Hi Larry, Although the Avatar feature is nice, (better looking than personal photo), please post the steps to go thru to use a photo instead. Some geniuses have figured it out, some of us not yet! Have not seen any instructions or guide to go to for use of the feature. Might as well put my opinion out there: This is not a user friendly site, the instructions could be more plain (use of language) such as Avatar, really? Most of us Westsiders have not even seen the movie of that name, much less equate what the @#*% it could possibly be. Don't get me wrong, it is a very nice site, but to try picking up any info without a Freeforums for Dummies, is next to impossible. I don't read computer language worth a crap, as I'm sure 95% of the participants don't either. Frustrating, but I'm sure with some minor instructions, most of us can manage to do better. That's my opinion why many of us are lax in participating!!!!
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Post by hughiesexton67west on Mar 4, 2014 2:41:23 GMT
Larry: Hopefully, the SpringFling will bring out the masses, and bring everyone a little closer together.! Although I have Facebook with many classmates from West signed up, it still leaves a void here for those looking for official word of events, activities, and updates, etc.! The way you posted your name with class year and school was exactly the reason I changed mine to help everyone like you did.! Great Idea...!
Homie: This website was set up to keep only those who are legitimate classmates of West & Harding the exclusive use of posting and replying to messages.! That's a good idea, and eliminates the clutter that goes with everyone having access to a message board for relevant news, events and updates.! I'll be happy to help you with the process of posting a photo, and profile updates if needed..!
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Post by larryparks68west on Mar 4, 2014 15:34:43 GMT
Homie,
Don't beat yourself up. I'm in the 95% who usually needs a lot of help. So, I turned to the "HELP" feature on the site when I first checked this forum out. There I found answers to everything I needed. It just takes a little patience to search for the topic you're interested in. It will be necessary to read an instruction and then execute it before moving to the next. To make this easy for me, I minimize the page I'm signed in on, then I open another browser and sign in to ProBoards forum again. You should be able to do this easily. Once you've signed in again, you can toggle between the pages as you work your way through whatever you are doing. Go ahead and open another browser page now and sign in again.
On the page you choose to follow instructions, click on "HELP" in the gold box at the top of the page. Next, click on "Avatars". Now click on "Linking or uploading an avatar image". Toggle back to the second sign in page you opened. You will execute all instructions on this page. Follow the instructions down to where it says "Click the link that displays here that says Upload/Link". Once you have clicked "Upload/Link" a pop-up window appears. Simply click "Select image" and you will have access to your computer files which include all of your stored photos. Browse through them until you locate the one you wish to use. Place your cursor over the image and left click ONE time. Then click "Open" and the file will upload automatically to the site and appear for you. Be sure to click "Save Avatar Changes" so the photo remains there for you to use. You are done!
If you have a Facebook account and have uploaded photos to it, the procedure is almost identical to what you did there. Take your time and be patient. Toggle between the pages as often as necessary and you'll do this.
Remember, the "Help" link at the top of the page will direct you to just about everything you'll need.
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Post by hughiesexton67west on Mar 7, 2014 18:36:24 GMT
Inquiring Minds: On the Harding-WestMeck website after clicking "Message Board", are the photo images from 2004.! To encourage more usage and participation, wouldn't it be more current and beneficial if the photos from the previous reunion in October 2013 were visible instead of the 10-year old photos.! Nothing gets my attention quicker than a visual image of something recent, and I am not sure who's the right person to address this matter.!
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Post by larryparks68west on Mar 8, 2014 3:10:44 GMT
Hughie, When you go to www.hardingwestreunion.myevent.com, click "Westside Photos" instead of "Message Board". The first albums are pics of last October's reunion at OD. Enjoy!!
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Post by hughiesexton67west on Mar 8, 2014 4:52:25 GMT
Larry: Yes, I'm aware of that option, but I was referring to the first things you see on the message board page.! All of us have different levels of computer, browsing, and website skills, and I just thought it might be advantageous for any newcomer to the site to see at least one or more current photos from October 2013.!
Just having that 2004 number that's 10-years old as the first image you see might be discouraging to some classmates.! Just trying to promote and market our website with up-to-date images...! We do have many good features on our website, and hopefully we can continue to tweak things as we go along.! I've enjoyed all of the photos from our last event, and Elrod Images covered the reunion like a blanket.!
Take care, and have a great weekend.!
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Post by bnavey on Mar 19, 2014 11:41:40 GMT
We used to spend extensiventime reminiscing about our childhoods and the old community, etc. There was a nice synergy about it. One person would mention an old restaurant or Department Store and another person would chime in and a little tidbit here and there.
The board has diligently worked to "improve" our ranks by culling out those deemed socially unacceptable. I believe that program was viewed as somewhat insulting to many of us. And many of the "old timers" have just moved on.
It's just like being back in the 10th Grade. There was always a group that wanted to control everything as a way of demonstrating their power and their popularity. They had their inner circle, always sat together in the Cafeteria, and went to great lengths to ostracize those who didn't dress right or wear the correct shoes, or simply didn't fit in, period. Apparently some haven't grown out of that nasty little habit. So what you have now is a group that talks about general inanities, rarely talks about the old school, neighborhood, etc. There is no intimacy, no sharing of positive and negative childhood experiences, no talk of family, etc
It's sort of like the car commercial: You asked for it. You got it. Toyota!
Y'all have a nice day, ya hear!
Bill Navey West '66
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Post by hughiesexton67west on Mar 19, 2014 17:34:02 GMT
Hey Bill:
I'm not quite sure what you're referring to in your comments, and hopefully you'll give the 60's Reunion Committee a chance to prove how hard they try to include everyone that's a former classmate.! I didn't go to the first seven reunions at O.D., because I didn't smoke or drink, and didn't want to be the only sober guy at the party.! My thoughts and apprehensions were completely unfounded when I finally tried my first 60's reunion in 2011.! I've been to three in a row, and nothing is more welcoming than registering, and showing up for the reunion.! This website was a little disconcerting when I first tried it from our old message board, but it's very nice now that I've gotten accustomed.!
Give this website, the reunion, the committee, and everyone from both Harding & West Meck a chance to reach out, and I believe you'll find the same friendliness and inclusion that I found.! Your former classmates are waiting to shake your hand, and share a good time for three days.!
Regards, Hughie Sexton
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Ronnie Williamson
Harding-West 60's
Posts: 13
User Name (Recognizable to others): Ronnie Williamson
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Post by Ronnie Williamson on Mar 19, 2014 18:01:24 GMT
Bill, I think we are all "Old Timers". One very important reason fot the new message board has to do with some of us being "Blocked" due to others being blocked for what ever reason. On the old message board I was blocked several times due to someone else being blocked. To block the other person I was also blocked because of some technical reason. I was not the only person in that situation. I for one am greatful that my frustration was heard and something was done to improve the situation.
I'm glad you are back on the message board. I look forward to reading more from you. By the way, I felt others were in control of everything from the first grade at Seversville. Now I know my wife is in control for sure.
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Post by Rita (Schott) Brindle W65 on Mar 20, 2014 12:54:36 GMT
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Post by hughiesexton67west on Apr 24, 2014 17:38:37 GMT
The West Meck '67 and '68 class parties are this weekend, and should be quite a gathering.! Hopefully, everyone that's interested in attending has ponied up their cash to help offset the expenses, and will be there loud and proud.! I know that some attendees will be at the class events who haven't been to our '60s Reunion at O.D., so twist some arms, and get these folks to come and try the reunion in October.! They'll be royally hooked just like I was when I finally gave it a try three years ago...!
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Post by larryparks68west on Apr 24, 2014 22:50:28 GMT
Hughie,
The West '68 reunion is now up to 80-82 classmates and 125 or so total people paid thus far. My phone has been ringing today with some who didn't think they were going to be able to attend. Now their plans are working out for them to be with us! This will be our largest class gathering in many years. Really am excited for my classmates.
I'm hearing very good things about your class of '67 as well. With our classes supplying many new folks plus the "regulars", the King is going to be off the hook this year, too.
Put a bug in a certain sister's ear for us. We'd love to see her. She can pay at the door.
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Post by hughiesexton67west on Apr 25, 2014 16:43:43 GMT
Hi Larry:
Wow, you guys have really been rocking with that total number of classmates coming to the '68 Class party.! It't going to be a great weekend, and hopefully the weather will cooperate with us.! I will try and see if Faith is available for a fun filled evening, and hope you guys have a great time.! Nice work for everyone who helped put another great gathering together.!
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