How should XMTS grow and improve?

**Bugbear** · 8th March 09, 06:20 PM

Yes, Rex, I have a couple of threads in the DIY forum that have url link indexes to mostly XMTS threads almost like citations for an artical. That takes a great deal of reading time and VB code crunching; however, I'm not sure any changes to the forum other than possibly a closed sticky thread would be required... I'm just pondering Rex's idea because the old horse being lead to water saying might be the real problem with that type of thing.

**SteveB** · 8th March 09, 06:22 PM

CT - Good catch.
Spell check can't see those coming.
Slainte
Steve

**mddock58** · 8th March 09, 06:43 PM

Refining is a constant process, and can result in a extraordinary result, but as we see if you try to do too much, you can get lost in all that "flash".

I enjoy this forum, though I don't post as often currently. Is there room for improvement? Yes.
Are there changes that could be made that won't fit my needs, or pique my interests? Yes
Will either of these change the fact that this is where I go? No

I have a great respect for both what this board was created as (thanks Hank) and for the community it has become.
There is a great deal of wisdom in the various voices that share here, and for the most part they are kind and respectful.

Thanks for the post Panache, I think this type of question needs tot be asked and considered on a regular basis.

**Bugbear** · 8th March 09, 07:04 PM

Here's a link to the thread Rex is thinking of. Stabilizer for a StillWater

The index of links is in the second post.

**Panache** · 8th March 09, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by mddock58

...Thanks for the post Panache, I think this type of question needs tot be asked and considered on a regular basis.

There are always little things being improved and refiined as we go.

Can you believe we didn't have a "reply to all" in the PM feature until Monkey@arms mentioned it!

Honest constructive feedback is always a good thing

Cheers

Jamie

**mddock58** · 8th March 09, 07:19 PM

Reply to all is not always a good thing, it drives me crazy when people use it in an email that was a broadcast, and they are just making a comment regarding the message.

The proper use of Reply To All is a great feature, and helps with the PM.

As with all changes/updates, there will be those that may cause problems or confusion. There is nothing that can be done to change this IF it happens, but we all need to expect that these will require patience and understanding as we go.

**Colin** · 8th March 09, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

I am amazed at the outpouring of wisdom on this thread in the past two days. Thank you Mods for not quashing it.

Good for you Jamie (and the rest of the mod squad) for finding out where the members want to see this site and how we can all get it there. The site has changed a lot since day 1 and it has improved immensely. Xmarks will continue to grow based on what the membership is looking for. There is a lot of constructive topics here and some good thoughts. Personally I like just the way it is right now.

**Kiltman** · 8th March 09, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Barb T.

I hope that we don't become just an information site. I really love to see the things that people have made or are making, as well as the things people post about what others have made/done, the delight they show in the things they make or buy, and the pride they take in all aspects of their Celtic heritage. I love the generosity with which people on the forum share their knowledge and give praise and "high-fives" for what people do. These kinds of posts are how I get to know people, and I really value that. If we just think of this site as a way to inform people, we'll lose that.

I'm all for more tutorials that are easier to find, even an FAQs section. But I hope we don't lose all the rest. We are a _community_ more than anything else. And friends who like to chat and see what each other is up to.

While I believe there are many good suggestions being made, I'm with Barb about the general direction of the forum. There's a lot to be said for making the site more user-friendly with regard to information. I hope we can allow some room for organic growth. Let's not repair something that is not broken. Many of us have met because of the forum and the kilt kamps. Let's relax and make the things better for those who are looking for information and honor Hank's directions.

**GMan** · 8th March 09, 07:50 PM

We all from the members on up have a lot to think about as to where we are going. This is a good place, and sometimes it does get overwhelming. Yet I really like everyone here, otherwise I wouldn't hang out here.

**BroosterB1** · 8th March 09, 09:22 PM

X-marks will continue to change and morph as the folks who become members do as well. One note that I have not seen mentioned is that the rabble has grown a touch older that in former years. The two polls which were for a time running concurrently showed that a couple of years ago the "normal" x-marker was about 45 or younger, while today the normal x-marker is over 50. This tends to explain why less X-kilts are talked about and more "Traditional" subjects are.

Does this mean the end for X-marks as we know it? No. By no regards. As members are attracted to the forum, they will bring their own ideas, prospectives and opinions. Wonderful! This new blood my be younger, older, traditional, modern; who cares! The fact is, as more discover the delights of being in a MUG, the more will want to find out about the benefits there of. The more the merrier!

As to new sections of the forum? I for one would like to see two areas added; the first a discussion area devoted to Scottish, Irish, Celtic history, and the other, an area devoted to other Mug's, kilts, sarongs, et AL. Not exactly Scottish, but relevant none the less.

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