pool money for a more sophisticated experience?

[berg_lauritz]

Don't get me wrong, Matt, I highly appreciate, the work you have done here and without it I wouldn't even be able to make the following suggestion:

Should we pool some money monthly for a better forum experience? Now is the time, because we have to start somewhere anyway and it would be great to do it NOW. Maybe we would even be able to migrate the old content, which would immediately add a significant value to the new forum.

Here is some pricing listed and that is exactly, where someone with more experience could add their 0.02$:
https://www.discourse.org/pricing

Which package would we need? (page views, emails etc.)
How to pool the money? As a non-profit association?
How much would how many people be willing to give? (As a new immigrant to Canada, who is severely underpaid (42k/year) by a greedy employer, I cannot give much, but I would be willing to add a monthly donation of 3-5$)
Is there even an interest to do something like that?
Other suggestions?

[matt]

We can fund the forum in other ways. Right now I'm not worrying about it because I have other resources, and this is essentially piggy-backing on left over resources from other projects. This situation can last a year or so. Advertising and/or sponsorship are ways to fund it. I also have some thoughts about premium content. I don't want to establish user donations as a model.

Discourse is selling server space/bandwidth, which is the one thing we are getting for free right now. I just want to focus on making something interesting first, because we have that flexibility. In time, when we see what we have we can worry about how to keep it going.

[mike miller]

We can al use shrt splld wrds 2 save srvr space if that hlpz. It may drv sum ppl crzy tho.

[MJuric]

I also have some thoughts about premium content.

Sorry I've never paid for porn and I'm not doing it now.

[Frederick_Law]

We can al use shrt splld wrds 2 save srvr space if that hlpz. It may drv sum ppl crzy tho.

All upload photo are 8 bits only and no bigger then 100x100 pixels.

[Tom G]

My simplistic opinion - keep it simple.

I've seen small informal organizations like this use Patreon or similar to raise money for maintenance fees. They may handle varied currencies. I've also heard that at some point, Patreon raised their fees and that there is a better option. I just can't recall its name.

Another easy option is just a Donate via PayPal button on the front page, maybe elaborated on in a single post.

All opinions.

[MJuric]

My simplistic opinion - keep it simple.

I've seen small informal organizations like this use Patreon or similar to raise money for maintenance fees. They may handle varied currencies. I've also heard that at some point, Patreon raised their fees and that there is a better option. I just can't recall its name.

Another easy option is just a Donate via PayPal button on the front page, maybe elaborated on in a single post.

All opinions.

Just charge per post

[bnemec]

My simplistic opinion - keep it simple.

I've seen small informal organizations like this use Patreon or similar to raise money for maintenance fees. They may handle varied currencies. I've also heard that at some point, Patreon raised their fees and that there is a better option. I just can't recall its name.

Another easy option is just a Donate via PayPal button on the front page, maybe elaborated on in a single post.

All opinions.

I second this. Most here are avoiding the sophisticated experience. I too would like a cleaner editor, but I'm also ok with plain text mailing lists (except for lack of pasting images). I do agree there are some bits and pieces that could be made better, but I browse and have used some other forums that I'm pretty sure use this same framework, they are not small.

If there were to be some pay method I like that you brought up Patreon, I've started supporting a couple projects that I use through that system. I think it works well enough.

[Glenn Schroeder]

I wouldn't mind pitching in some, but I also wouldn't mind if Matt added some advertising to help pay the bills. I can ignore ads with the best of them.

By the way, I don't know anything about the mechanics behind it, but I belong to an aquarium forum that has unobtrusive aquarium related ads from Amazon. It's my understanding that any time a member clicks one of those links and orders something the site owner gets a little money. @matt, if you're interested I can put you in touch with him.

[peterbrinkhuis]

I'd really love a modern alternative to a BB forum, this feels like going back in time 10 years. Jive is bad and 3DEx is an enterprise facebook, the wrong kind of modern, but I hope there are better options

[matt]

I'd really love a modern alternative to a BB forum, this feels like going back in time 10 years. Jive is bad and 3DEx is an enterprise facebook, the wrong kind of modern, but I hope there are better options

You're going to have to be more specific than that. You must be pretty young, going back 10 years isn't that far. We could send you back to the email list and days of dial up boards if you like.

There are several styles/themes you can apply from the user control panel which change the look. I'm researching extensions that add functionality, I've already added a few.

[jcapriotti]

I'd really love a modern alternative to a BB forum, this feels like going back in time 10 years. Jive is bad and 3DEx is an enterprise facebook, the wrong kind of modern, but I hope there are better options

Most of the modern forum software (if you can call them that) seem to have gone the minimalist approach with some mix of forum and social media stream. Even Jive tries to do that some although I skip past it and go to Content.

Curious, what do you feel is missing?

[berg_lauritz]

I'd really love a modern alternative to a BB forum, this feels like going back in time 10 years. Jive is bad and 3DEx is an enterprise facebook, the wrong kind of modern, but I hope there are better options

Most of the modern forum software (if you can call them that) seem to have gone the minimalist approach with some mix of forum and social media stream. Even Jive tries to do that some although I skip past it and go to Content.

Curious, what do you feel is missing?

A list of what is missing IMHO:

• proper system to validate an answer
• general UI improvements for ordering the posts
• voting system, that orders the answers according to that (which you can turn off ofc.)
• forking posts to a new topic
• better tagging, linking, attachment system
• no php code needed to format texts
• infinite scroll instead of pages
• nice mobile view
• automatic link expansion possible
• social media login (to get the noobs)
• reply via email
• 2FA

[matt]

I think this place has a few of those. Nice mobile view, splitting/forking, it can do 2fa but I haven't set that up (I think it would be a pain to use), I set the paging to a high number but I can set it higher, reply by email is in here.

I do wish it had tagging, indented replies, better sorting, and a few other things.

Answer validation is a mixed bag. Half of the answers marked as Correct Answers on the SW forum were incorrect, or incomplete, or didn't really answer the question that was asked.

I tell you what. When this place starts making money, we can spend a little money on it. Until then, it's free, and it's just what is needed. I do search through the phpbb extensions, and have implemented a few:

image.png

Pages is something that I haven't done anything with yet, but plan to. It's to make static pages for announcements instead of loading down with unneeded forums.

I've tried a couple of things to get an event calendar in here, but it's all been pretty clunky.

I looked at an instant messaging thing, but it took too much prime real estate - might be able to edit it.

If you're willing to write some php extensions, we can talk!

[peterbrinkhuis]

I'd really love a modern alternative to a BB forum, this feels like going back in time 10 years. Jive is bad and 3DEx is an enterprise facebook, the wrong kind of modern, but I hope there are better options

You're going to have to be more specific than that. You must be pretty young, going back 10 years isn't that far. We could send you back to the email list and days of dial up boards if you like.

There are several styles/themes you can apply from the user control panel which change the look. I'm researching extensions that add functionality, I've already added a few.

10.000+ posts of mine have gone under with old forums, don't worry. But no, I'm not 'email list' old. phpBB feels slow and looks old-fashioned. The software hasn't really changed in the last ten years or so, while the internet grew up really fast. Stack Overflow and GitHub have great editors with live previews, code support, markdown formatting, modern emoticons, gif support, Q&A, support for wider screens, 2FA.

You must admit that these UIs look very different:
https://github.com/angelsix/solidworks-api/issues/105
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/358 ... it-testing

[mike miller]

I'd really love a modern alternative to a BB forum, this feels like going back in time 10 years. Jive is bad and 3DEx is an enterprise facebook, the wrong kind of modern, but I hope there are better options

You're going to have to be more specific than that. You must be pretty young, going back 10 years isn't that far. We could send you back to the email list and days of dial up boards if you like.

There are several styles/themes you can apply from the user control panel which change the look. I'm researching extensions that add functionality, I've already added a few.

10.000+ posts of mine have gone under with old forums, don't worry. But no, I'm not 'email list' old. phpBB feels slow and looks old-fashioned. The software hasn't really changed in the last ten years or so, while the internet grew up really fast. Stack Overflow and GitHub have great editors with live previews, code support, markdown formatting, modern emoticons, gif support, Q&A, support for wider screens, 2FA.

You must admit that these UIs look very different:
https://github.com/angelsix/solidworks-api/issues/105
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/358 ... it-testing

Look, I'm just glad we've got a corner in cyberspace to hang out. It's true, some new features would be nice, but I prefer function over form.

Also, new widgets ain't everything. The 3DSwamp is chock full of new features........

[Damo]

I am reading this to see if anyone else is having terrible experience in the new 3DEx forum crap thing.
I have issues with it that I feel are almost intolerable.
I have used forums for many years and I actually quite like this one.
It is a tried and true format that works.
The search feature works well enough to find what you seek.
It is easy to use and importantly, it is fast.
I cannot really say any of that about the new version of SW user space.
Trying to find anything specific is troublesome and the whole interface feels unintuitive.
I really do not like that I cannot open links in new tabs.. Every post MUST be opened in the same window.
I find myself frequently hitting the back button. At the speed that site loads, and the way it indicates little progress while it does is frustrating as hell.
Meh .. My 2c..

[Glenn Schroeder]

I really do not like that I cannot open links in new tabs.. Every post MUST be opened in the same window.
I find myself frequently hitting the back button. At the speed that site loads, and the way it indicates little progress while it does is frustrating as hell.
Meh .. My 2c..

Far be it from me to defend that so-called platform, but that hasn't been my experience. I can right-click on a link and select "Open in new Tab", which works fine, but I usually just click on a link with my scroll wheel (one of the many things I've learned from @gupta9665 over the years). That opens the link in another tab, but keeps me on the current tab.

[mattpeneguy]

I am reading this to see if anyone else is having terrible experience in the new 3DEx forum crap thing.
I have issues with it that I feel are almost intolerable.
I have used forums for many years and I actually quite like this one.
It is a tried and true format that works.
The search feature works well enough to find what you seek.
It is easy to use and importantly, it is fast.
I cannot really say any of that about the new version of SW user space.
Trying to find anything specific is troublesome and the whole interface feels unintuitive.
I really do not like that I cannot open links in new tabs.. Every post MUST be opened in the same window.
I find myself frequently hitting the back button. At the speed that site loads, and the way it indicates little progress while it does is frustrating as hell.
Meh .. My 2c..

The "deep pit of despair and frustration" is functioning as designed.

[matt]

Two years ago this thread was about this forum. Now it has shifted to the 3dx swymp? If you're talking about this place, we can upgrade, but it's going to require a chunk of change on an ongoing basis. We've had a few people make very generous donations, which has helped tremendously, but doesn't really get us into the realm of what a paid "pro" forum would cost. Advertising so far has been slim, as you may have noticed, for better or worse. I'm just not an advertising magnet or salesman. Again for better or worse.

If you're now talking about DS, only a hopeless optimist will think that there is anything salvageable there. DS is not going to be like the company SW users knew 15 years ago. The corporate philosophy is different. They're just not that into you. If you want to work with a company that is actively interested in mainstream/midrange users, you're going to have to go somewhere else. Some of you keep trying to save this relationship, but it's been over for years.

[SPerman]

Some of you keep trying to save this relationship, but it's been over for years.

For me, it is just a matter of deciding when the hassle of packing up and finding a new place is worth it. Yes, we argue a lot, but at the end of the day it's over petty stuff. The thought of starting over the search for a new partner is overwhelming; it's pretty easy to just do nothing and ignore the problems. . And while the sex isn't great any more, it is still sex. Do I really want to give that up?

[jcapriotti]

I just don't think the competition is much better. You have Autodesk, Dassault, Siemens, and PTC. They are all large corporations that ultimately make decisions based on gaining shareholders and making sustainable profits.

Feels like switching between ATT to Verizon or T-Mobile....will it be that much better? Maybe they give you a deal for the first year, then you're paying just as much with similar issues.

[matt]

To DS progress means dropping everything and digging a new hole somewhere else. Not all companies approach development that way. Some gradually fix up what they have and bring the whole family with them.

Only a guy named Sperm Man could turn the convo about DS into sex. Staying in a bad relationship will only make you bitter in the end. Better to make a clean break and pick up again with someone more on your level. Change hurts, but when one grows and the other does not, it takes courage to make the change.

Besides, technology is no place to get sentimental.

[Damo]

Two years ago this thread was about this forum. Now it has shifted to the 3dx swymp? If you're talking about this place, we can upgrade, but it's going to require a chunk of change on an ongoing basis. We've had a few people make very generous donations, which has helped tremendously, but doesn't really get us into the realm of what a paid "pro" forum would cost. Advertising so far has been slim, as you may have noticed, for better or worse. I'm just not an advertising magnet or salesman. Again for better or worse.

If you're now talking about DS, only a hopeless optimist will think that there is anything salvageable there. DS is not going to be like the company SW users knew 15 years ago. The corporate philosophy is different. They're just not that into you. If you want to work with a company that is actively interested in mainstream/midrange users, you're going to have to go somewhere else. Some of you keep trying to save this relationship, but it's been over for years.

Matt..

I want to clarify, and I do hope you understand my appreciation, what I'd said here in these lines...

....
I have used forums for many years and I actually quite like this one.
It is a tried and true format that works.
The search feature works well enough to find what you seek.
It is easy to use and importantly, it is fast......

Is about "THIS" forum. That you built for us.
I am certain I am not the only one who truly appreciates the effort and time you have put in and the utility it provides for us all..
Thank you..

[matt]

Matt..

I want to clarify, and I do hope you understand my appreciation, what I'd said here in these lines...


Is about "THIS" forum. That you built for us.
I am certain I am not the only one who truly appreciates the effort and time you have put in and the utility it provides for us all..
Thank you..

Thanks, I appreciate that. My effort here has been small compared to you all who both ask and answer questions. There'd be nothing to search without actual content. My part of this was easy and fast. You all have contributed over time to make it worthwhile. So thank YOU.

[zxys001]

Matt..

I want to clarify, and I do hope you understand my appreciation, what I'd said here in these lines...


Is about "THIS" forum. That you built for us.
I am certain I am not the only one who truly appreciates the effort and time you have put in and the utility it provides for us all..
Thank you..

Ditto

[SPerman]

Thanks, I appreciate that. My effort here has been small compared to you all who both ask and answer questions. There'd be nothing to search without actual content. My part of this was easy and fast. You all have contributed over time to make it worthwhile. So thank YOU.

Agreed. And I will say this forum currently does everything a forum needs to do. I'm not sure what value would be added by a more expensive interface. (Well, it is missing beer points)

[Frederick_Law]

To DS progress means dropping everything and digging a new hole somewhere else. Not all companies approach development that way. Some gradually fix up what they have and bring the whole family with them.

Sounds like DS hired people from oil and gas.
Or Tomb Raider.

[zxys001]

Agreed. And I will say this forum currently does everything a forum needs to do. I'm not sure what value would be added by a more expensive interface. (Well, it is missing beer points)

hmm,.. https://drizly.com/

[Glenn Schroeder]

Each time I join a forum I am looking for interaction with people that have the same interests as me. I am sure if there will be a monthly fee I will probably quit.

I can't speak for @matt, but I don't see that happening.

[matt]

I can't speak for @matt, but I don't see that happening.

People do sometimes send a donation to help keep this simple site going, and while that's very welcome, it is not expected. I think keeping it free serves more people. There may be an advertisement from time to time, but that would be the extent of it.

[SPerman]

I appreciate you keeping the forum as clean as you do. There are some forums where it's hard to find the post between the obvious ads and the not so obvious ads. (CNCZone comes to mind, but there are plenty of others.)

[mp3-250]

@matt
thank you very much for this forum.
A lot of reliable information shared and quick to look up. You saved my day a lot of times.

Sometimes I have to post on the swamp with my corporate account (here I use my personal one as I cannot browse this site from my office) and everytime my post sink in the infinite scroll wall unable to find it again
the swamp is a sales tool: bury the problems and spin some post here and there.