Welcome to a nice chunky new dGeek update...(pardon the grammar, spelling and the like...just wanted to free the information)
First off, thanks to Silverwolf for reducing all of the many New dGeek comments and suggestions into one highly useful and readable form...big karma for that work, thanks! I'll be gnawing my way through that as fast as I can!
I've contacted a couple of people about giving me a hand with the site. I weeded them out from the hundreds of kind offers (some too kind...or the wrong kind of kind I'd have to say...but appreciated none the less!) that came in as a result of my plea for help with moderating and administrating the site. That's not to say the positions are filled! If this works the way I'd like it to, I'm hoping to have many more people involved, each looking after their favourite sections and working on the things that they like doing the best.
One of the things that I've been talking to them about, as part of our recent plan of action, was a way to get the squirrels more involved. Especially in an official capacity, on the forums. A squirrel kingdom of your own where you can play your squirrel games and run things the way you'd like. Perhaps the squirrels could knock their heads together and come up with a few moderators that they all feel comfortable with? I don't want to cause any strife, but I think it's best if the hard working squirrels get their say in how these people are picked as well as who they are. Let me know if you need anything from me, of course! Here's what the forum is going to need...some of which I'm sure can be culled from past postings and the like:
A Squirrel FAQ
Rules for squirrel posting and conduct etc.
Squirrel Marketing stories and suggestions (How squirrels have promoted the film, what's worked and the like.... I have a partial article that could be reworked and updated that covers some of this and which I used to help Martouf on his fabulous A Dog's Breakfast promotions for France (Martouf was so fantastic about that and he has some great sites that you should all be supporting if you're clever enough to speak French!)
Does that sound like something you nuts are up for? ;-)
Just so everyone is in the loop, here's a recap of what I've discussed with the new adminis..,.
I've told them to feel free to make changes, experiment, try stuff out and screw up if necessary! If there's a problem or we're worried about something, we'll let them know about it! That said they are big on backups so...unlike other people who will remain nameless (I'll just look in the mirror and whistle, shall I?) it seems less likely that we'll have the cataclysmic events of the past!
Like many posts on the forum they have reiterated the fact that the time I spend hacking around with administration is time spent away from me communicating with you all! While I do have a script deadline looming and plenty of Baz to keep me busy, I need to become a more active member of this site. I feel really badly that it has been ignored for so long. I had hoped that Twitter would fill the gap, but it's obvious that more is needed, especially if we want this place to thrive...It also stops me from deleting whole countries of users by accident (I like to call it Ronan style administration) ;-0
"Digg"ing for dGeek
I think that we're going to need some kind of a "digg.com" approach to feedback and such on the site. We're looking into Joomla modules or extensions that could allow people to vote up, or down articles, comments, hopefully even forum posts suggestions as they're read? Something t help us all streamline the brainstorming process and make it easier for everyone (me especially) to see what the hot topics, what's important to the community and what people are looking for. Using the forum and comment posts to achieve this is ridiculously time consuming...and another reason Silverwolf is my best friend now! There's just SO much to get through...let me know if there's anything you like the look of for this.
Front Page
The home page needs to change on a regular basis...I've never liked polls for the sake of polls, but it was something that came up which might add some activity. I had been trying to add the FBLatest module to the front page so that the most recent Fireboard posts showed on the homepage...it was giving me trouble so I'd let it go. The wise ones are going to have a look and see what they can make of it...Along with more regular blog entries from me, I think this accomplishes a little of what we're looking for in regards to a more dynamic front page....feel free to weigh in on this too!
I have added a rough welcome, history, bio thing... just want something friendly and informative as an introduction to newletts visiting the site...not sure I'm there yet, but at least it's a start! I've also moved off the free Hulu A Dog's Breakfast. I'm just so proud of A Dog's Breakfastbeing up there and doing so well! But I understand how frustrating it must be all of those who can't see it due to their location.
The Forums of doom
Before we go crazy trying to archive and reorganize ...should we decide on whether to upgrade or replace what we've got? If we're going with a new platform then perhaps it would be better to just archive what we've got and start with a clean slate? Personally,I love the look and functionality of vBulletin (I can practically hear Emerald01 typing "I told him so!")... it seems perfect for us but then again it is also $150. I don't mind spending the money if we think it's going to integrate properly and import what we've got and make everyone feel warm and fuzzy and gateworld-like. That said, might it be better to archive the existing site and start again on a new platform? Don't get me wrong, I don't want to change if we don't have to, but vBulletin seems to be the only software that has all the features that people are looking for (like spoiler hiding etc.)
That said...I've told them to go ahead with the archiving and whatever organizing if they feel up to if they so choose. I'm going to work on a welcome to the forum and see about some guidelines (still hate the idea of rues per se! (great! more writing!)
Conventions & appearances etc.
I shall try to keep you informed as to what I'm working on in the way of conventions and such...often I book these things kind of last minute. I never know where I'm going to need to be or when and I hate the idea of announcing that I'll be at one of these things and then not being able to attend! That said I'm planning on DragonCon next year and quite possibly Vancouver Creation in April. I'm pretty sure there are a few applications that can keep everyone posted as to what of my stuff is playing on TV as well. I'll also see if I can compile a list of movies and the like that are available on DVD...and if they're worth watching!
Advertising
I hate more than a couple of ads on a site. I was just thinking that it would be nice maybe cover the hosting and some of the paid IT I've had to resort to. I consider it part of doing business as an actor combined with a nerd hobby so I don't really begrudge the money. But how great would it be if we could come up with even just enough for a token compensation for people like those helping me out?! Maybe even something for prizes or giveaways...that kind of thing? For the time being however, I'm going to just use Amazon affiliate links within articles as they come up (things I like, movies I buy etc..) I don't like google adwords (or whatever it's called) it's too random and I don't know what product or service is going to come up. I do like the idea ofA Dog's Breakfast (see, there I go!) banners and the like...I definitely want to look into some "official" dGeek merchandise or that sort of thing. I'm a huge fan of Criz's work and she's got a number of things available at her Squee4d.com website that you should all have a look at!
Personally am all for archiving the forum and moving onto the vBulliten platform or something like it. Also have no real issue with a few ads to offset website costs. That's only good business, after all!
As far as the Hulu ADB widget goes, I still think you should keep it on the main page, but just do a small one instead. Here's an example... yes, I have an ADB Hulu widget on my blog.. lol. http://merrov.blogspot.com/
Just a few thoughts for now. Will post over on the forum when I have more time. Cheers!
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... written by Nyssa,
August 05, 2009
Hi David!!!
Thank you (again!) for continuing to care about of your online community and putting so much work into the site. The changes so far have been great. It's convenient to easily see who's online and chat is a trip, literally. Yes, I was a chat virgin and have already found that I need to grow more eyes or learn to read and type at the same time!
If I may suggest one more feature, if its possible to have on a forum, that would be Spell Check! Catches those pesky typos and makes everyone look oh so much smarter.
Love your idea about a squirrel tree within the site. Marketing your films and creating merchandise would certainly get the creative juices going again and be a way for some of us non-tech types to contribute more fully.
I look forward to the new and expansive dGeek to come.
And I really look forward to Dragon Con 2010! (I know, no promise)
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... written by pega,
August 05, 2009
vBulletin looks like a good choice. Easy enough to customize and administrate, at least that's what it looks like on the surface.
I don't see having a few ads on the space being an issue, Amazon affiliates is a perfect marriage for this kind of site. You could also entertain private paid advertisers (custom billboards/banners). It's fairly easy to administer and set up, I've done it for a few friends and they were happy with the results. It doesn't bring in a ton of money, but it will probably cover your hosting costs.
Luck with the redesign/relaunch!
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dGeek 2.0 (?) written by Roger,
August 05, 2009
You've got some really good ideas listed, David - and it's good to see you connecting with the fans like this. It really means a great deal to us, more than you know.
Re: your movie list. I'm sure IMDB would have most of that covered, though I don't know for certain if it shows DVD availability or not (*makes note to research this*) I know there's a website out there for tracking things on TV (I've seen it on LiveJournal, but can't recall the name of it right now to save my life).
vBulliten is great but also you may want to look into Invision board as well. It has a great admin/mod system. Only downside is that it requires payment yearly. I don't know how vBulliten works with that financial aspect.
Can't wait to see the new dGeek website and hopefully get more involved again.
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... written by Robb Clark,
August 05, 2009
I'm thinking more specialized sections, like having a write-up (yes more writing) for writers...see how I did that...and something for directors, etc.
This could just be links and articles and such for people but a source for sources nonetheless...
Also, any general merch is a good thing, even coffee mugs and whatnot.
As for prizes as egotistical as it may appear, signed swag might be a nice thing for contests and such...
Also, perhaps auctioning off an "Afternoon with David" for charity (Doctors w/o Borders or Child's Play) is another good thing and also goes toward publicizing the site if done right.
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... written by Barcardicider,
August 05, 2009
Chances are this will end up in the Void LOL, but what they hey!
First: OMG, I am so excited!! The future of Dgeek is looking fantastic, can't wait to roll my selves up and get stuck in!
Second: Big shout out to Silverwolf, for keeping it real and to the point - thanks hun.
Bar
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... written by Cathie,
August 05, 2009
Hi David,
Wow! Some great thngs happening with dgeek & some new stuff already! Thanks so much for all your time & effort you have done. For asking us what we squirrels think. Lovin' the dgeek chat function! Coolness! Looking forward to seeing what going to happen next!
cath(animallover)
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Very cool! written by trish (whovian),
August 05, 2009
You're squirrel army is ready!
Sounds like very cool, exciting things are in the works.
Can I second the spell check that Nyssa (Pam) suggested? That would be very helpful.
Trish (whovian)
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Fanstastic! written by Megan Schultz,
August 05, 2009
*hold back that certain word*
This is just great, David. I was shocked to see the changes when I logged in this morning. A new picture of you was at the top of my page...lol...Instantly, I knew there was a blog update.
I hope to be more of a help in the future. It's just that right now, I'm not at *home* home, so I don't have the amount of computer access I would like.
-Megan(Bushy)
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... written by Scary,
August 05, 2009
(((((((((DAVID))))))))))) I hope I didn't squeeze you too hard this time.
I can't wait to see what the future holds. I am not sure what I can do but I am quite willing to lend you a hand or two. Just say the word.
Dragon*con 2010!!!!!
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... written by Scruffnstuff,
August 05, 2009
I take one day off from internetting cos my connection is down and what do I find on my return? All kinds of excitment on dGeek and I am still logged in!
Coolness or what?! Can't wait to see what else is happening!
As others have said before, thanks for caring! Anne aka Scruff
Anytime, David! I'm glad it became useful! Still working on reordering it so that it's even MORE "highly useful and readable." Yes, that's right, I can make it even more easy for you. Expect a Word Document by the end of the week. Maybe sooner ...
Squirrely hugs! Mandi
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... written by Kimberly aka Kdvb1,
August 06, 2009
Wow...big things going on with dGeek! And, of course I've been on vacation and having a hard time getting my online time in.
If vBulletin does everything you want it to, and you need to archive the current forums I don't mind. When you say archive, does that mean we can still get into them? And, look around in them easily? Or is that a fancy term for they will be lost forever and thrown away? *grins* I just ask as there are some posts for newbies and some lists(bday lists, Dragoncon attending lists, who twitters etc etc) that have been created and before they get dumped or made really hard to access, maybe we should copy and save them for the new updated dGeek?
If you decide to archive the current forums, and they'll be gone/hard to access, could you let us know how much time we'll have to copy and save things to our own computers before you do it?
Sounds like dGeek is getting better and better! Thank you so much David for taking the time with this!
Kimberly
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... written by Kimberly aka Kdvb1,
August 06, 2009
Sorry...double post. I forgot to add that if you do archive everything, it would make the admin/mods jobs a lot easier as they wouldn't have to go through everything and reorganize it. That would take a LONG time to do.
Also, there's been a question of what rating do you consider your site to be? People have said it should be a 'G' rating only as kids of any age can come on. Other's have said it's the parents responsibility to monitor their children's internet use so there should be no rating.
I think since your movie seems to fall in the PG-13 ratings(even though it's not rated) and it's on your website, your website would fall more in a PG-13 rating at least. Per http://www.mpaa.org/flmrat_ratings.asp PG-13 is a rating that warns parents they need to decide if their children under 13 should view the film. It lists things like more than brief nudity but nudity not of a sexual nature(which would make it 'R' rated) and it may have violence but it won't be realistic, extreme or persistant. (just my opinion of where it falls, could be just PG, but certainly not G)
I'm so sorry to bother you with all this...but it's been argued about when dGeek first started and then again last year and the issue has been brought up again on the Dive-in thread.
Some have said if the site is any worse than a 'G' rating there could be legal issues. Since there are so many sites out there that aren't rated 'G' and I don't see any legal issues or anyone getting sued over them...I don't think it's a problem. But that's just my opinion. I'm sure a lawyer would be better to ask than me. ;o)
Personally, I think you don't need to rate your site. If the site said it was a 'G' rating, you couldn't put your own film on it and it would actually CAUSE legal problems if the site had anything on it that didn't fall into a 'G' rating. Then all comments/posts would HAVE to be 'G' rated and all comments/posts would need to be approved as falling into a 'G' rating before they could be posted.
If you could think about this and let everyone know whether you want your site to be rated or not it would put this discussion to rest. (hopefully..lol)
Thanks so much, Kimberly
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... written by Amy Lynn,
August 06, 2009
It seems like all the squirrels have great ideas for the site. If the squirrel only was more tech savvy and the such I'd help more. I just think its great that David (hi there see I'm here now!) is so involed with the site. And personally as long ad there is a forum somewhere around here and a blog post ever once ans awhile from David (thank you btw)this squirrel will be happy (I do mean to post more but I just don't). With all the going ons-this silent squirrel will keep her ears open to will help out when she can.
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... written by MRAM,
August 06, 2009
Sounds interesting! the future of Dgeek will be most exciting! Good luck to you D and you moderators!
Kudos to Silverwolf for her hard work translating & condensing all those posts!
I've no interest in being a mod, but I am at your disposal, good sir, as an artist.
I do think vbulliten would be worth the money, especially if you are willing to archive the old site -- and mayhap we could do a fundraiser each year to cover the cost, so you don't have to eat it all yourself? I could whip up some dGeek gear to that end ....
And yes, thank you so much Mandi/Silverwolf! I refuse to perpetuate the kharma thing, but you are wonderful, and you definitely deserve kudos. *hugs*
I think a way to compensate your helpers is a grand idea. I was going to suggest donations to help pay for the site, but I can see problems there. I will try to think of something for that.
Archiving. Do you have any idea how long it took me to do up that Dragon Cave intro post? Huh? Okay, I saved the code. I just wanted to complain about something. Archiving would being able to see the old board, but not being able to add posts or replies. Is that right?
I can throw together a rules and guidelines kind of thing for the newletts (and maybe some of the vets, too). I have ones that I've written up for other sites, and it's easy to adapt. I'll toss it around with other Squirrels and see what we come up with.
I'm very excited about the future of dGeek and I would love to be involved in some capacity. I'm a college graduate and professional writer. So I offer my services in writing, copy writing, editing, and the like. This goes for the dGeek himself as well as the admins. Currently I'm an author and housewife, so I do have plenty of time to volunteer for this awesome site. Drop me a line! Stephanie
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being up there and doing so well! But I understand how frustrating it must be all of those who can't see it due to their location.
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) 
Can't wait to see what else is happening! 
Expect a Word Document by the end of the week. Maybe sooner ... 
Good luck to you D and you moderators!
As far as the Hulu ADB widget goes, I still think you should keep it on the main page, but just do a small one instead. Here's an example... yes, I have an ADB Hulu widget on my blog.. lol. http://merrov.blogspot.com/
Just a few thoughts for now. Will post over on the forum when I have more time. Cheers!