For the past few months we have been working behind the scenes to create a new format for the Taxidermy Net Forums. This will allow for many new user-friendly functions that are currently available on other Internet bulletin boards. I am sure that once the initial shock wears off, most of our visitors will be happy with the changes.
For several years, I have known that this day would come. Even though the majority consensus seems to be that the Forum needs to be upgraded, many of our regular contributors have expressed how much they like the current system. After using both, I admit that I still enjoy the speed of the old system and how you can look at dozens of posts very easily and quickly, even when using an old, slow dial-up modem connection (like I have at home). It may be surprising to some of the Forum detractors that web designers occasionally contact me requesting to know what program the Forum is based upon, because they want to offer a similar one on their site.
Change is inevitable, even if it is almost always uncomfortable. I remember how many emails I got last year when I switched the position of the "Recent" and the "Search" buttons for a few days. You would have thought I had switched the gas and brake pedals in somebody's car! Old dogs just have too much trouble with new routines. But it is now time to move ahead and embrace the new technology.
My friend Bill Yox has been on here several times, explaining why I keep the Forums the way they are and why I like them. He has a pretty good idea how I feel since we have discussed most of the issues involved. But there is also a bit of a personal reason, as the Forums are "my baby", and we all know what it feels like when someone calls your baby ugly.
I don't wish to betray Bill's eloquent reasoning, or to go against his posts where he defended my position to leave the Forums alone. The following history may seem a little too technical, but if anyone cares to read it they will have a better understanding of how the Forums got to this point and why we are now making the change.
The underlying programming for original Taxidermy Net Forums, the one you are reading right now, was developed in 1998 by yours truly. Every bit of it was hand-coded in raw HTML in a text editor. There were no off-the-shelf bulletin board programs available at the time, so I proceeded to design one myself based upon what I thought would work well for the taxidermy industry. The main criteria was a system that would work fast over dial-up modems, as my biggest frustration in visiting other bulletin board sites was the infuriating wait when I clicked between topics.
I dove into the program and taught myself how to write it. There was much trial and error, as I spent weeks writing lines of code, uploading them, testing them, and trying to figure out what the problem was when they didn't work. Finally, I got the program to a point where I felt we could "go live" with it, and the Taxidermy Net Forums were born. That was eight years ago last week.
The Forums were (and are) an HTML-based bulletin board, as opposed to a database-driven bulletin board, which is now the norm. HTML-based means that any time a post is made in the Forums, a static web page is created or modified. This allowed for several important advantages in the early days, including easy access by search engines and no delay waiting for the database to "build" a page for each request. The Forums was based upon a set of web server commands governed by a program known as NetCloak. The NetCloak program worked in the background to interpret the HTML code to handle message creation, menus, recent items, word substitution, dates, sizes, times, denying access, and many other functions.
Early this year, I started looking for a new web server to host the Taxidermy Net, which would provide more room for growth and bandwidth for the many ideas that we wanted to implement. Our old server was maintaining the status quo, but we would be unable to take advantage of many of the new technologies unless we moved to a new server. I was hoping that we could seamlessly move the Forums over to a new server and upgrade them at our leisure. Unfortunately, I discovered that the NetCloak program faded away in the early 2000's and was no longer supported or even available anywhere. This meant that the underlying engine driving the Forums would no longer work on any new server.
For the past month, I have been busy learning new programs, re-coding and uploading the 70,000-odd files that make up the infamous "archives" to the new server, which will continue to be searchable both by subject and by date. We have had a few "old-timers" testing the new system to see how they like it, and tweaking the format to fit our purposes. (I feel certain the younger users will like the new format, as it will work similarly to the way other database-driven bulletin boards operate, but I wasn't sure the older guys could learn any new tricks.)
What will changing our server mean to you? Probably nothing, other than the new features in the Forum. The switchover should be a transparent operation. In fact, we have already moved the WASCO site at www.taxidermy.com to the new server earlier this week, and I don't think anybody noticed. On the actual day we make the switch, some areas of the country will see the new server while others may see the old server for up to 24 hours after the new server is operational. This is due to the way each ISP handles the DNS lookup function, but it is a temporary problem. Check back in a few hours and all should be well. You will know you are accessing the new server when you see the "NEW Taxidermy Net Forum" at the top.
What features will the new Taxidermy Net Forum offer? Some really great ones! After filling out a simple registration form, members will be allowed to upload photos directly into their posts, monitor topics with email notification, send and receive private messages with other members, contribute to an industry-wide calendar of events, use avatars, smileys (yuck), and basic html in their posts, perform searches based upon categories, subjects, authors and dates, modify the features of the board to have it display for your personal tastes, see which topics and categories have unread responses, create polls, edit their profiles, edit posts they have made, quote a post, add signatures, and much more.
If you do not wish to register, you will not have access to all of these features, but guests will still be allowed to browse the Forum, post topics, respond to posts, and modify their own posts.
We will now be able to accomplish many of the things that I have wanted to implement for years. For instance, instead of archiving every post into a bloated archive system, I plan to move the most valuable informational posts to a "knowledge base" section, while allowing the non-information topics to fade away into oblivion.
Like the first version of the Taxidermy Net Forums, I'm sure there will be some surprises along the way and that we will be forced to make some changes to the structure and operation as we see how everything shakes out. There could be some moderation changes or even mandatory registration if necessary, but we will now have the tools in place to do it right. I hope you all join me next week in the NEW Taxidermy Net Forum and try to keep it a helpful, friendly place where we can all visit with our friends and discuss the issues that affect us all.
Return to The Taxidermy Industry Category Menu
I am sure I will enjoy it just as much as I enjoy the way it is now . Thanks
WASCO secure online ordering page, Thanks Ken
I always wanted to say, you deserve any/all accolades given to you by fellow taxidermist's.
Your design of this website has had more impact on my taxidermy career than any training than I have had. Simply incredible the amount of info available...FOR FREE!
You people...all of you, had better appreciate all that has been given you!
I know I do...thanks again, You're AWESOME!
Jim
It will be much more secure. Sounds like you're going to be using phpBB or some other off the shelf'er.
Most forums disable guest posting because on a database, a guest can troll and crash the entire board.
Reminder to people who will register: don't put anything personal in your database profile... many trolls come along and snag the database 'userlist' and have their way with it. I have seen it happen on a few boards I am a member of.
Thanks, Ken, for your hard work. Everyone who uses this resource appreciates how valuable it is.
!
I look forward to using the newer format!
...1) will the new format bump a topic to the top when someone makes a post? (That's a pretty convenient feature I see on other websites.)
And, 2) What's it going to cost us? lol!
Really happy to hear it!
Trust me, people will adapt to the change, with some bickering of course. The features will make it better without a doubt. I've been on www.kingsnake.com for about 8 years and have watched the format change (always for the better) a couple of times. Takes a little getting used to but before we knew it we adapted.
As for the "old guys", they will adapt as well, just watch. If they have any problems, all they have to do is ask their children or perhaps their grandchildren. They aren't leaving.
Happy to see the change!
:)
Kerby...
Your baby ain't ugly. These forums are the greatest. I tried at one time to play with HTML it was like trying to learn Farsi. My mind told me there were easier and better things for it to do. Like read the forums and try to convert Cecil away from the comunist party. I wish we all realized how lucky we are to have your genius here running the forums. Congratulations on a thankless job very well done. I hope you continue to all of our benifit.
Thanks Again
Tony Finazzo
1) Will the new format bump a topic to the top when someone makes a post?
Yes.
2) What's it going to cost us? lol!
Nothing, nada, zip!
Can you also lock out Cecil so he can ONLY post in the Fish Category? LOL! Just kidding Cecil - you KNOW I love you like a brother! (Well maybe NOT like a brother, but CERTAINLY more than my neighbors cats - lol)
Tony - eat a bunch of baked beans and Polish sausage. You'll find that those Farsi's come quite naturally...
Do the new changes mean that anonymity will no longer be available as a chicken coop...eh? I/we appreciate your time and efforts to make these changes.
To answer Doug's question, yes, you will still be able to post anonymously as a guest with a ficticious name and ficticious email. We will allow this for a while and see how it works. We will have the ability to ban an anonymous guest's computer connection if they make trouble. Of course, this "open" policy may change if it becomes too problematic.
for these forums, old and new. What a help they have been for so many. Your initiative, hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated.
If I can join that system, I may be too old to learn,LOL
Thank you for your efforts.
From a computer person that works with this stuff all the time, I can only say THANKS! It is a step in the right direction, as you know software/technolgy changes and improves so rapidly these days that it's hard to keep up with the versions. You said you were moving to a database version, would that be Oracle of something a little less expensive. In any case you are doing 'US' a great service by hosting this site. I only hope that people reciprocate by supporting WASCO. Good luck with the new service!
Everyone on this great WASCO forum would agree when I say the biggest advancement of taxidermy in the twenty first century is Ken Edwards. You are the man, Thanks.
Please enforce your policy.
1. No personally slamming any other taxidermist, association, supplier, product, or other contributors to the Forums. Please keep posts clean, professional, and courteous. It is perfectly acceptable to disagree with someone, but don't be rude. No personal insults or name-calling, please!
2. Anonymous postings that are mean-spirited are not allowed. The Forums will not be used to belittle, humiliate or blackmail someone's enemies, competitors, or one who wronged them in the past. If you wish to make a public accusation about someone by name, you should be willing to post your own name, address and phone number.
Please address this issue, thanks.
i like that sound of that should be able to sell my capes and l/s hides alot faster. i enjoy being on here and i hope to be in the future.
I just barely learn to get it right, and now you go and change things.what ever shall I do? but it sound like a good Idea.
These forums are a great help and Ive learned alot by reading them. I have been getting sick of the crap stuff though, I know people have the right to talk about other stuff, but it seems like the "other" stuff has been all thats on here for awhile. Hopefully the new setup will be easy to get used to and the "knowledge base" sounds like a great idea. Thanks again, Kevin
the "orange" button?
I've never had any problems with the way it is now, but I can see the need for change. Thanks Ken!
BP
You're a class act and I still scratch my head and wonder how you put up wiht us? You must live the motto "Love what you do" Thanks again for what you and WASCO have done for our industry.
DaveT
I'll live with it but as you can see already ,you can't do enough to please some people.
I've played on the new format a couple times already and it's tough for me to say it will be "better" than this one has been. I can see the need and the ability to consolidate the archives (funny how we talked about that a couple days back). The guys that just have to see themselves in pictures can now post one on every post they make if they'd like.
Ken, I already had one request. A guy read the post today and requested that I ask you to do a seminar in Louisville at the NTA Convention next year teaching us old dogs the new tricks on the new website. He promised to sit in the front row if you'd do it.
Don't know if I'll like the new format, so won't say thanks yet, but I envision a great project for you. That being, evaluating which posts are worth keeping. As the new ones are given, it will be easy to evaluate which are of use. BUT, the entire archive before this time needs evaluating because there is LOTS of wrong stuff in there. When you do get the archive straightened up, then searches will be much more productive and less new, or should I say, rephrased or repeat questions, will be posed.
I have noticed since I have been on the forum (only 6 years now) that the meaty information peaked a 3 or so years ago and seem to be slipping down as a percentage of the posts. It may be just my perception, but I also notice that less of the "famous" taxidermists visit here or contribute. I hope the new format brings back more in-depth discussion sessions.
As always, I certainly appreciate all you have done for the taxidermy industry, and look forward to meeting you some time.
We are looking forward to the new format. Sounds like it will be a lot like the trapper and hunter forums on the net that utilize many of the features that you have written about. How about the offer from George on the seminar? That should be a real treat to sit in on in Louisville. Thanks for all the work. I for one would pay for all this entertainment, but thanks for the nada, zilch, nothing offer.
...Mr. Edwards, for what you have provided taxidermists from around the globe with this site. For myself personally, so very much of what I have been able to learn has come from the many postings of so many fine professionals who willingly share their knowledge. The simple fact is this site has been indispensable in my growth as a taxidermist.
As a classroom teacher I recognize two truths that seem evident to me as you prepare to launch the new format: 1) You're never going to make everyone happy. 2) Something new always brings with it a bit of apprehension, even for those excited by the change. I'm sure it won't be long before many of us embrace the new format and I am willing to bet that those who are being a bit critical now would have been just as critical before you launched taxidermy.net many years ago, in the format we now see it.
Take care and have a great week.
His bunns are getting black and blue from all the kisses.
This is long overdue. However without registration i can assure you the anonymous flamers will continue. And without enforcing the rules the obnoxious behavior that makes us look bad as a profession will also continue.
Frankly I fail to see the importance of the archives, and if that has been what's holding up a much needed change that's unfortunate.
Was the idea of how easy it would be to put up a competing site any impetus to finally getting the ball rolling? I know Rasmussen's site was not a threat but maybe that was a hint?
Sorry, had to tell it like I see it, and I was starting to get nauseus from all the butt kissing.
Where I come from blasting someone about something that you continuously take advantage of for FREE is the definition of obnoxious!
DaveT
other than having to regerster...again to another website! LOL I cant wait! it will be so great! A big THANKS to Ken for his hard work and dedication! We all know the time it takes and the determination it takes to accomplish what Ken has!
So ask me if I give a hoot.
Where I come from we tell it like it is.
Has it ever occured to you that many of us PATRONIZE WASCO so it works both ways?
Hey I thought you weren't coming down to my level again? I'm so honored that a taxidermist with your "God Given talent" would respond to little ol' me!
I do enjoy this site. The information available here is invaluable to all taxidermists. I know you have put a lot of effort into improving the site, and I look forward to using the new version.
That didn't take long, I guess you sit and wait to see if people respond LOL How do you know I was talking about you?
DaveT
Your perch have more brains than you do sometimes. It's easy to criticise when you're JUST A FISH TAXIDERMIST sitting in the cheap seats someone else bought the ticket for. Why didn't YOU come up with a better idea?
...to keep things civil, but even with registration (to post) the mudslinging goes on - on other sites. You still need moderators. So, it's not the foolproof answer to the problem. Having to register as a "guest" - depending on what information is necessary to become a "guest", could be all that is enough to limit the banter. (At least from what I read above, you can't post unless you register as a "guest"?)
The main benefits I see (if the new and improved version is a similar variation of what I've used on another site) are: 1) When a person comments on a topic you're watching, it'll get bumped to the top. No longer will you have to waste time sifting through topics to see if somebody slung some mud at you - lol! And, if you're "watching this topic" it'll notify you via an email when somebody has commented on a topic you're watching. 2) The ability to post pictures. 3) Advanced search options to search the archives 4) The PM feature (Private Message) is nice for folks that don't want to leave an email addy 5) And auto signatures will save time too not having to sign each post. These are the meat and potatoes (IMO) of all the features Ken mentioned that will really make our lives easier once you get use to it. The rest of the stuff is just "niceties" or "fluff" IMO. These 5 features alone will save everybody a ton of time! I think it's a great deal - for FREE too!
Smooch-Smooch Ken >(!)
Your post follows mine and it refers to it. I like how you pretend to not do something or say something but it's so obvious. Must have done this a lot in childhood eh?
Where do you think the revenue comes from for this site? If we didn't patronize WASCO do you really think this site would exist?
This is not a cheap seat. It's paid for by us all. Come on that's business 101.
about registration not preventing the mudslinging. But it does prevent the anonymous flamers. I frequent four other sites that require registration. No anonymous flamers on those sites.
I think when folks can't hide behind their IP addy's, they do tend to be more patient with other folks. I'm not sure how this whole "guest" thing works. But even if Ken makes them type in SOME personal information to become a guest (to be able to post) I'll bet that even this small step will help trim down the negative posts. I don't think Ken wants it to be too restrictive though as it'll deter beginners from asking questions. It oughta be interesting though. I'm use to the format, but our industry and people are unique. I'm sure it'll be a learning experience and things will probably be "tweaked" along the way.
One thing that will probably change is our "Handles" or "Usernames" will have to be unique (I'm guessing). It'll be weird at first not knowing for sure who you're talking to. Of course you can always put your real name in your signature. I'm sure everybody's handle will be different and a unique format. Knowing this, I'd like to make a personal request to Ken for my handle - which should be in his email shortly! (I've got dibbs!)
You really do have an inflated opinion of yourself don't you? WE PAY FOR THIS SITE? Now I'm no financial genius but I can say, "In a pig's eye." And if you weren't so chicken scratch, you'd visit the World Show and the NTA and see the countless hours this man GIVES to this industry. And for what? So a snot-nosed, scale pusher like you can whine about your pablum not being lukewarm. Get a grip Cecil. Sometimes you act afflicted.
I think its a great idea and I support it fully . Not real good at making changes but Ill do it if you think its okay Ken...Ask me if Ill jump off a bridge ...Cause Ill do it for you...Thanks again for the support through the years.
I only know of about 5 people who've actually SEEN the site and you guys are already complaining about what it MIGHT or MIGHT NOT HAVE. Are you all "fish heads" like Cecil?
...you're saying that you frequent four other websites with anonymous flamers? LOL!
(You said it, NOT me dude!)
Btw, did you know that 70% of the flamers were born that way and the other 30% were sucked into it! LOL!
Don't forget a religion page for us fundies, thanks
www.taxidermychat.com
This response submitted by Cecil 64.184.41.234 on 8/23/06 at 10:57 PM. ( ) 64.184.42.8
... I frequent four other sites that require registration. No anonymous flamers on those sites.
Cecil, are you as disrespectful, and obnoxious on the other four sites as you are on this one? "Flamers" are flamers. It doesn't make it any more acceptable or any less offensive just because you are arrogant enough to sign your name to it!
As a reasonably new taxidermist and computer user, I appreciate all you do for us. I'm sure I will struggle at first with the new format but will learn it.
I sure hope the photo part requires clicking on a link. Am I the only one who sees some of the work on other sites that everyone is OOOOHHHH and AAAAHHHH over but it really looks like something killed by a mower? I hope some can be honest in their opinions so us learners can actually use criticism to better our work.
If you need help with anything, email me and I'll do what I can.
Good luck with your new format and if I can help please let me know. I post on quite a few sites and I am always sending people with very long questions to this site because most of the answers are here already.
Thanks
Rich
http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com
Getting pretty bad when Rick has to call you down. Maybe you should go back to watching TV?
Remember; what you said makes sense. That sets off bells and whistles in Cecil's head since anything that makes sense must be flawed. LMAO. (EJ, I see your alter ego, "ej" is still giving hoaky advice. Check "Steer hide slipping". You're going to need a disclaimer pretty soon. LOL)
Some of us have the courage to say what's on our minds regardless of whether it's the status quo or popular. And we're willing to face the music if need be. If Ken thinks I'm out of line and wants to ban me from his new site that's his perogitive. Sounds like he'll have that option now. But I would think a good site moderator would want to hear all viewpoints even if they are quite frank.
My point about the anoymous flamers is once you have registration they are no longer anonymous and are more accountable. Not so with the way the site is presently. You can disagree but you'd be wrong.
And it looks like a little competition stirred someone into action if I might say. Some of us have been suggesting a change has been needed for some time in subtle and not so subtle ways. Even as bad as Rasmussen's site may have been, I noticed people were going there and you could at least post pictures. If McKenzie or some other Supply company would have hosted a website with all the bells and whistles, this site would have been left in the dust and I think someone finally realized that.
I hope I can become as well mannered as you on this site some day -- if I'm allowed to stick around. I'm really trying. LOL
He's a real fireball? I have already started using a disclaimer. Remember the "It's not me" email I sent you?
Hey Ken,
Go ahead and register me as EJ. That way none of Cecil's flamer friends can get it.
This site "left in the dust"? I think Ken just shot some coffee out his nose - lol!
The real reason is in Ken's original post. He needed more bandwidth and a new server/host to accomodate all of your political posts. Unfortunately (fortunately?) the new servers don't recognize "BETA" tapes, everybody is on "VHS" now - lol! In a nutshell, Ken was running out of band-aids/work-arounds maintaining the old system. Hence the logical thing to do was a complete upgrade...
I've been here long enough to have learned, THAT their is almost no idea or question that someone has not thought , asked or done; but i have one,!
What has Ken done to Cecil to cause him to run around like a little boy with snot running out of his nose taunting Ken to be banished, every chance he gets?
BTW, one of the changes [allowing us to edit our post] will come in handy hehe.
hows that for sucking up to Ken ,Cecil?
I have seen most every post so a search will not help.
(You've been promoted from butt kissers.) ROFLMAO
I don't know what I'm going to do if this site gets civilized. It won't be entertaining anymore and baiting will be a thing of the past.
...edit OTHERS posts too - lol!
I may never get to type anything if you have that kind of power
DaveT
You are the most spoiled, whiny, little snot I've ever seen. One day you grab your ball and go home promising never to come back. Then you come back and say you'll only go on the fish category, and now you're like catsh1t spread all over this site. It's been obvious to all but the intellectually challenged that Ken has allowed this site to have agitators like you and your minions say their peace. He even created a stall to funnel your liberal mantra in with the CURRENT EVENTS category. And then you sneer, jeer, cajole and taunt him and what he's given this industry. No other supplier would ever just GIVE this site to anyone and to even imply that the new site looks like Rasmussen's is pure "imbececil". You haven't even SEEN the site and how it operates but I assure you, "Mikey" could only dream of what Ken has working over there already. You are such a hemmorhoid sometimes. At the risk of repeating myself, remind all of us just what YOU'VE given this industry lately.
LOL! Don't beat around the bush George, tell us how you REALLY feel!
And the multitude shouted AMEN!
but I know that whatever Ken comes up with will be just as good or better!
...it will be MUCH better! (No offense Ken!). I just spent 35 minutes finding and checking all the 30-40 topics that interest me to see if anybody commented. The "new and improved" site (again, IF it is what I think it is) would have TOLD me that only 5 of those topics had comments on them. And it would've sent me a PM telling me so to let me know and directing me right to the post from my email. It would've only taken me 5 minutes to find out the exact same info it now takes me 35! It will truly be a time saver for all. Which will allow more time for the "professionals" (LOL) to give out more advice in that same time-frame. Truly a win-win for everybody!
And as usual when I see your post is one of those name calling crabby posts I ignore it. All that writing for nothing. Yee Haw.
Several of the posts mention enforcing a few rules. No slamming the work of others. No rude innuendos that others might be psychotic, gay, or other syphilitic. Keep the right-wing warmongers in the current events site.
Peace!
Us right wing war mongers need a category where we can come to to slap around you left wing crybabies :-)
To each his own
DaveT
and the ones that lose their cools. LMAO