What the heck is going on around here?

[Archive]

Posted By: Ben

I've done a little research on messageboards, and was really drawn in when I came across vBulletin...an advanced database driven bulletin board system. The new system would provide simple solutions to problems that are plaguing the network 54 board right now; problems of anonymity, disorganization, and often, internal conflict. VBulletin is fast, organized, and has many practical features which allow a great degree of interaction between members while maintaining a high level of security and protection for all. Below are some of most notable features and improvements VBulletin offers, and nearer to the end are several links to sites using the VBulletin system.

1. Security . Nobody is anonymous. In order to post in the forum or participate in the chatroom, you must a be registered member. Everyone has a name, and is therefore responsible for what they say.

2. Organization . The forum is separated into a number of categories, organized by subject. Potential categories are as follows (suggestions are welcome): General card discussion, question and answer, ebay talk, buy/sell/trade, post-1920 card discussion, suggestions, and off topic ramblings. Thus, instead of wading through a long list of unorganized topics, you can navigate only what is of interest to you.

3. Customizable personal profiles . Next to each post will be the poster’s personal profile. In it, each and every member will be able to post pictures, create and maintain their want/have list, have a running post count, as well as a little bit of info about themselves (ie. interests, birthday, website, favorite links, etc..)

4. Improved Buy/Sell/Trade forum . Not only can members create and maintain their want lists, they can also have a feedback rating which relates directly to their activity in the buy/sell/trade forum! As previously mentioned, you will always be familiar with whomever you deal with by virtue of the information and pictures provided in one’s profile. Most importantly, the forum will feature AUTHENTIC and UNALTERED cards only! (unless otherwise stated). If you are caught being unlawful, you will lose your posting privileges in the buy/sell/trade forum. Thus, the new and improved buy/sell/trade will provide members with a safe and friendly alternative to Ebay and the unremitting fraud that we see there every day.

5. Editing posts . Forgot to take your pills? Say something you wish you hadn’t? Miss a typo? Engage in late night drunken posting? No worries...you can edit your posts immediately, or even the morning after.

6. Extra features .

a) Instant messaging- every member will have his or her own mailbox on the site, where short messages can be exchanged with other members without worrying about email.

b) Calendar- a calendar will be accessible on the message board, listing everyone’s birthday as well as important dates relevant to the card collecting community (auctions and shows).

c) Search- Ever wish you could go back to an old thread that was of particular interest without having to search through 100 of them? Say, you want to find a thread on t205’s...just click on search, type in t205, and voila- a list of every thread relevant to t205’s will appear.

d) FAQ- any questions? Consult the FAQ!

Listed at the bottom are a few links to vBulletin sites that are already up and running. Of course, our site would be fully customizable in terms of its design.

http://www.sportscardforum.com/forum/index.php?s=8ccfcf573350088af8c21d69dbcc30bc

http://www.rotojunkie.com/forums/index.php

Jimmy Leiderman and I have checked this out pretty thoroughly, and are excited with the possiblities this move would present to us all. This would not be a money making venture for me, Jimmy, or anyone. Also, I dont intend to step on anyone's toes...Elliot, your involvement would be crucial. Quite simply, we need a pleasant and practical space to discuss our hobby. With the help and expertise from the strong nucleus of posters on this forum, we are not far away. Thanks for reading all the way, hope this might take off.




Ben

fisherboy7@hotmail.com