What Changes Do You Wish To See For Blowing Wind? (Eg. User Interface, Additional Features, Etc.)

[Guest Glyph]

I've tried searching for a change suggestions thread that focuses more on the technical aspects of the forum and I'm actually surprised, after so long, there isn't one on this.

 

Personally, there are two settings that I wish to see... should I say "re-implemented" on the forum.

 

1. Descending / reverse chronological post order within a thread.

This is a staple setting for most forums that I frequent (or used to) and I'm rather puzzled why there isn't an option for this here. 

 

2. Additional board themes.

Yet another common option for forums. Currently, there's only the default White & Blue theme available. In all honesty, my eyes hurt when I'm reading BW on the current theme. So I was thinking having an additional theme in darker colours, like Black & Grey or something, would be good to have. Here's an example. While I know that there's a one-time fee for premade forum themes, I believe it's worth the investment. Unless we can get someone to make one for us...

 

That being said, what are some changes you guys would like to see for this forum?

[Guest wozzit]

Hv to say I know of no forums with a descending order of threads. In this forum, many threads hv many pages. To my mind, its far easier to start with the latest posts n then work backwards if u want to know more. IMHO

[Guest Glyph]

The only difference between descending and ascending posts order in a thread is that the former starts with the latest post on page 1 aka reverse chronological order, and the latter being the current order for this forum. Whether you work forward or backward is irrelevant.

 

Most forums default with ascending order, so if you have yet to chance upon what I'm talking about, then you probably haven't been to enough forums / you're not meddling with the settings enough to know of it.

 

Edit: Nevermind. Just did some googling. The invision board doesn't offer this option in UCP but ACP. You need a custom mod for this.

Edited April 11, 2015 by Glyph

[fab]

I prefer descending date order too.

[Guest Muhammed Nasjib Ibrahim]

Hv to say I know of no forums with a descending order of threads. In this forum, many threads hv many pages. To my mind, its far easier to start with the latest posts n then work backwards if u want to know more. IMHO

Yes, there are forum with descending order of threads....they used different type of website providers. BW should upgrade to vBulletin for the future....this forum is too old already...

[upshot]

No more GUEST mode.

[Firday]

Blowing wind apk...hehehe

----

Money Money Money.

There is a third party selling a mobile apk version.

They wanted approx 4-5K/year (?). We KIV-ed that idea.

Hendry Tan

[sphere]

I second upshot's suggestion, most guests' postings are irrelevant and to some extend - spamming.

 

However, I would like to see a search option for PM (within the conversation thread), like how one could search for similar topics in the main forum. If there are many pages in a PM conversation thread, it is difficult to search page by page (or post by post) for certain topic being discussed in the past. I thought it would be useful, when we want to recall something from that PM conversation thread with many pages - just a suggestion eh.

[Guest Muhammed Nasjib Ibrahim]

I second upshot's suggestion, most guests' postings are irrelevant and to some extend - spamming.

Guests postings are okay....but must have IP adress shown in the posting to avoid funny things and spamming.

[Guest Glyph]

I'll be constantly updating the initial post with inputs from you guys. Keep'em coming.

[EasleyLim]

Guests postings are okay....but must have IP adress shown in the posting to avoid funny things and spamming.

 

IP is not reliable for trying to ID someone. It can be easily changed by using proxies and/or VPNs. 

[jasonW]

Member List default sorting by alphabet isn't terribly useful. Maybe sort by Last Online better?

[Dualampa]

No more GUEST mode.

Totally support.

[riverrobles]

1. Allow  guest to LIKE members posts

2. Allow members to LIKE guest posts

[sphere]

Guests postings are okay....but must have IP adress shown in the posting to avoid funny things and spamming.

Actually, if the IP address is shown, is one going to do anything about it, as in go and find that 'guest' and then what?

You know what I mean eh, it is pretty much 'useless' in that sense.

 

Anyway, I do understand that the original intend for guests to post was that the 'man behind' wanted the forum to reach out to as many people in the community as possible (if I didn't get it wrong), and it is free. But sometimes, most of us would prefer otherwise due to the many irrelevant posts or spamming from guests.

[Guest Glyph]

While it's true that none of the suggestions are available directly (I've listed most of them on the initial post), there's actually an alternative of sort to reach the same end for some of them.

 

I would like to see a search option for PM (within the conversation thread), like how one could search for similar topics in the main forum. If there are many pages in a PM conversation thread, it is difficult to search page by page (or post by post) for certain topic being discussed in the past. I thought it would be useful, when we want to recall something from that PM conversation thread with many pages.

 

If you archive your PM thread (the option is right at the end of the page below), a mail consisting of all the posts will be sent to your e-mail account tagged under your BW account. You could do a ctrl+F search from there. But of course, I think it's a good idea to have the search function directly available on BW itself for convenience.

 

Member List default sorting by alphabet isn't terribly useful. Maybe sort by Last Online better?

You're able to restrict the search of members by their last online before or after a certain date. It's found under "More Search Options".

__________

I realise that there's actually a lot of concerns for Guest posting. I'm relatively new as a mod, so I can't speak for the rest of the team. But I do believe sphere is right. It is a legacy left by "the man" and we should respect it.

I've actually thought about this, and I was thinking if thread starters have the option to allow / disallow guest posting within the thread itself, then that's one way to circumvent the irrelevant Guest posts issue. But that also makes "Members' Lounge" obsolete (as much as I think it already is).

This is just my personal suggestion though, nothing is confirmed as of yet.

[riverrobles]

1. BW should not allow guests to be thread starters but just allow them to post. If you observed there are numerous threads started by guests which actually has no accountability, its always anonymous, prone to slander, racist remarks , etc.

2. Allow members to merge similar threads (that are already closed or still active) but approval will still be by the moderators or the sub moderators. This is what we do in foursquare before to ensure there will be no double "registered places", for BW this would reduce the number of similar posts and reduce the workload of moderators.

3. Allow members to correct the spelling of the titles but approval will still be by the moderators or the sub moderators, this was also being done in foursquare and this would make the experience better in BW.

[Guest Guest]

As a guest myself, I know what I'm about to say lacks reliability but I feel that guests should still be allowed to post. It's really, like what someone mentioned earlier, to allow this forum to reach out to a greater audience. I dare say a significant proportion of guests are still in the closet/etc. and while plenty have been spamming unconstructive garbage, a few have introduced different, interesting perspectives as well. Do not shut out a whole group because of some black sheep.

Perhaps a middle-ground could be reached in that, there is a posting downtime for guests ( to prevent spamming), or guests must have their comments/ threads moderated before they are posted (who's going to do that though?)... , etc.

On another note, would a Blowing Wind app be possible? Complete with messaging, and some privacy options. Just a thought... because I think it'd be nice... thanks.

[Guest Glyph]

I didn't wanna digress from the topic at hand, but I'd like to address the issue with regards to the Guests against G_M... at least for a little bit.

While I can't say that I always agree with the way he does what he does, I can't deny that the underlying reason for his actions is irrefutable and inline with BW's guidelines, which aren't made by him alone. We have to agree that, at times, the most efficient way to get a job done happens to be the most straightforward approach. This may come across as being tactless to some but isn't it also true that when something comes at you in such a straight manner, it's also the easiest to work your way around it?

When I initially had to meet up with the rest of the mods for the interview, I was actually surprised how he's much more friendlier than I thought he'd be. I brought up the topic about how we had this crossfire sometime back (you can find it here), and he simply said that he forgot. Maybe he has too many things to deal with, or maybe I'm just the kind of person who holds grudges. Not that it matters much anyway.

 

What I'm trying to say is if you're going to sound out someone, at least be objective about it. We're not going anywhere with the personal attacks and all.

__________

 

On another note, would a Blowing Wind app be possible? Complete with messaging, and some privacy options. Just a thought... because I think it'd be nice... thanks.

My only question to this is, how will it be any different from the mobile browser version that is already in place?

 

2. Allow members to merge similar threads (that are already closed or still active) but approval will still be by the moderators or the sub moderators. This is what we do in foursquare before to ensure there will be no double "registered places", for BW this would reduce the number of similar posts and reduce the workload of moderators.

3. Allow members to correct the spelling of the titles but approval will still be by the moderators or the sub moderators, this was also being done in foursquare and this would make the experience better in BW.

All of this can be done with the "Report" function, but it's not being made use of most of the time.

[upshot]

IP is not reliable for trying to ID someone. It can be easily changed by using proxies and/or VPNs. 

For one thing most of the ones here I suspect are totally internet unsavvy to do that and do it well. IP address is harder to hide now as you can see police and other authorities around the world can find you out easy. VERY EASY which is a good thing as many of the morons trouble making ones here has no idea how easy it is for anyone to track them or report them and the authorities can track them down. GUEST mode taken away just makes it more troublesome to keep producing new IDs to use to chat and add their replies.

Unless you are some hacker who hs interest in tracking IP ..etc it is not easy. I dabble in that kind of stuff and know with the right s/w and access to the s/w that BW use to host the forum it can be tracked.

And in the lst manyyears I have been here I see way too much abuse used in GUEST mode then it is good. People can still make multiple IDs but hell I am fine with that. Let's trouble them no end to keep registering new IDs and linking to their common email address and keep erasing till they get sick of doing it and start behaving themselves and not use GUEST mode to be abusive and talk cock and trouble people to no end given their ability to hide behind their TRUE IDs when it suits them.

Edited April 13, 2015 by upshot

[Guest Glyph]

While I find it hard to comprehend why readers will not want to register for an account, I don't think it's a good move to restrict posting access. It's akin to imposing our individual preferences on others and I wouldn't want someone doing that to me. Like one of the guest mentioned above, to shut off the entire group simply because of a few black sheeps is really unfair too.

 

And I find it even harder to comprehend why members, if they oh-so-detest that few abusive guests, not use the members' lounge instead of the main forum when the former is meant exclusively for you.

[Guest Guest]

For one thing most of the ones here I suspect are totally internet unsavvy to do that and do it well. IP address is harder to hide now as you can see police and other authorities around the world can find you out easy. VERY EASY which is a good thing as many of the morons trouble making ones here has no idea how easy it is for anyone to track them or report them and the authorities can track them down. GUEST mode taken away just makes it more troublesome to keep producing new IDs to use to chat and add their replies.

Unless you are some hacker who hs interest in tracking IP ..etc it is not easy. I dabble in that kind of stuff and know with the right s/w and access to the s/w that BW use to host the forum it can be tracked.

And in the lst manyyears I have been here I see way too much abuse used in GUEST mode then it is good. People can still make multiple IDs but hell I am fine with that. Let's trouble them no end to keep registering new IDs and linking to their common email address and keep erasing till they get sick of doing it and start behaving themselves and not use GUEST mode to be abusive and talk cock and trouble people to no end given their ability to hide behind their TRUE IDs when it suits them.

 

Some people just simply don't understand what they are replying to when it was already so obviously stated ....

 

IP is not reliable for trying to ID someone. It can be easily changed by using proxies and/or VPNs. 

And by the way, have you even thought of the other side of the coin when you said "People can still make multiple IDs but hell I am fine with that. Let's trouble them no end to keep registering new IDs and linking to their common email address and keep erasing till they get sick of doing it and start behaving themselves and not use GUEST mode to be abusive and talk cock and trouble people to no end given their ability to hide behind their TRUE IDs when it suits them."

 

Wanna make a guess as to who is going to "keep erasing"? You?

[upshot]

While I find it hard to comprehend why readers will not want to register for an account, I don't think it's a good move to restrict posting access. It's akin to imposing our individual preferences on others and I wouldn't want someone doing that to me. Like one of the guest mentioned above, to shut off the entire group simply because of a few black sheeps is really unfair too.

 

And I find it even harder to comprehend why members, if they oh-so-detest that few abusive guests, not use the members' lounge instead of the main forum when the former is meant exclusively for you.

Here my reason dude. I like some of the thread that is NOT in the member area and I feel I have something to add and usually I am not negative about it or will try to give a balance comment to reply to something thus I like it when I can see ID. Not someone who did not like my reply to something for one reason or another THEN he goes and log out of his real ID and use GUEST MODE to come back in and post a name calling or negative reply. That is not helping the topic but just a means for them to be a drama dick to stir the pot and ruin the topic and mood of the thread.

 

Knowig human nature that is such a ramphant practice in any forum site that is why many forums that are trying to establish themselve as a more proper and serious forum are will forgo GUEST mode.

Edited April 14, 2015 by upshot

[upshot]

Some people just simply don't understand what they are replying to when it was already so obviously stated ....

 

And by the way, have you even thought of the other side of the coin when you said "People can still make multiple IDs but hell I am fine with that. Let's trouble them no end to keep registering new IDs and linking to their common email address and keep erasing till they get sick of doing it and start behaving themselves and not use GUEST mode to be abusive and talk cock and trouble people to no end given their ability to hide behind their TRUE IDs when it suits them."

 

Wanna make a guess as to who is going to "keep erasing"? You?

I am proud of myself and don't have to proof it to you but I never once use guest mode to write shit. If I am offended I come out in here and just say it. It is not hard to check all my messages and see I am just forward woith my comments without fear.

 

What have I got to hide from? We can alway agree to disagree when we go into a topic to speak. that's my way of looking at forum participation. I feel I am among my peers so I speak my mind like I would protect your rights to have your say. But if you go into GUES mode out of fear of losing your real ID or you are just wanting to hijack the topic and be mean for the sake of some sick ego then i have issues with that.

 

That is what you are doing now isnt't it? You proof my point.

 

AND it is a good thing to see I have struck a hard nerve here and making those PRO-GUEST mode nervous. This seem to be the ONE THING a lot might have support for and that is to END GUEST MODE

Edited April 14, 2015 by upshot

[Guest Glyph]

My apologies if I come across as blatant, or blunt, or both, or simply plain rude but I can't help feeling that your posts reek of condescension. While I do think it is good to be upfront and frank about things, I don't see the need for the use of crude language. I've said this before, and I'll say it again. It is of utmost importance that one remains objective when raising an issue.

And from the way you ended the post above, I think it's quite clear that any further debate on this subject is futile.

[snowball]

I just hope people are or can be more open, not just keep saying human right or respect but don't even can put into real action, what makes blowing wind so special is because it allows guest to voice what in their mind. if you think that they are posting something rubbish then ignore or just skip or find a way to understand, you do not need to read every single post in this forum.

you can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.

Edited April 14, 2015 by snowball

[upshot]

My apologies if I come across as blatant, or blunt, or both, or simply plain rude but I can't help feeling that your posts reek of condescension. While I do think it is good to be upfront and frank about things, I don't see the need for the use of crude language. I've said this before, and I'll say it again. It is of utmost importance that one remains objective when raising an issue.

And from the way you ended the post above, I think it's quite clear that any further debate on this subject is futile.

I use the word "shit" and that is crude??????????

 

I agree to disagree but in the end that is just my opinion and this thread was put up to look at suggestion of changes and why you would like those changes. So I gave mine. I don't see just my thought is the "be all and end all" and if the owner of the site who has taken all these years to offer us a place to chat, make friend, share ideas ..etc  I leave it in his fair judgement to make the final decison and I can live with it.

 

And for the record, I am thankful for Henry and the others for setting up the site , maintaining it, moderate it this blowing wind site for all these years.

Edited April 14, 2015 by upshot

[Guest Face Mask]

What about creating a Malaysia Forum, and making it the fourth bulletin board, and moving all of the current Malaysia posts there to get it started?

 

I know there is a travelers section, but there are so many Malaysia posts that maybe the country should have its own section, apart from all others.

 

Also how about changing the title Members' Lounge to Members Only? It might encourage more posting and doesn't have s-apostrophe at the end.

[Guest]

Just a suggestion for the Guest Mode issue.  Could we do something to 'encourage' the guests to register.

 

1. Limit the number of guests online or number of guest post in a day.

2. Fixed the guest name by giving a selection like guest01, guest02 and so on.

3. make it a bit more troublesome to start a thread in guest mode, by maybe asking additional questions.

[Den Yuan]

Just change the entire site and ask members to sign up again.

[lovehandle]

1)no guest posting allowed...

 

 

2) easily able to attach photo just like using phone/ PC : if can be even easier better!

[mydontay]

it would ne gd that the mobile version n full version has the same features. many pp are using mobile to access bw, so it would be good.

guest shld not be allowed to post. if really want to keep guest , only read, cannot write. to be fair to members.

[funbunny]

it will be really nice if i can check my messages on mobile

[DerekTan1970]

guest shld not be allowed to post. if really want to keep guest , only read, cannot write. to be fair to members.

I agree wholeheartedly. Since BW forum topics appear in Google searches, these forums are very much public (as opposed to only accessible to members). Several inappropriate and irresponsible guest posts have already started controversial heated arguments in here; can you imagine the damage that can be done to the image of our community?

[otokonoko]

it will be really nice if i can check my messages on mobile

You can. Top right hand corner. The 4-grid icon.

[Guest Guest]

Really? Every time I read news about gays that outrage the public are peeping Tom in toilet lah, indecent act towards other males lah, molest lah, spa lah, ... never once did any forum argument managed to done that kind of damages. Registration didn't stop some of you from uttering irresponsible rubbish wah.

 

Just because you cannot face the ugly facts that shattered your fantasy dreams, you want to smear the truth?

 

I agree wholeheartedly. Since BW forum topics appear in Google searches, these forums are very much public (as opposed to only accessible to members). Several inappropriate and irresponsible guest posts have already started controversial heated arguments in here; can you imagine the damage that can be done to the image of our community?

 

[Guest Guest]

And please please enlighten me and others who share the same view and the entire global civilization, by shutting your door to guest, the following ideas will be cheers upon and welcome by the heteros and the religious which make up of majority of human race, or even on the high speed elevator to the penthouse of legalization meh? wah lau.

 

 

[Guest sgbt]

1)no guest posting allowed...

Trevvy Forum - no guest posting allowed. Go there can already. Then you get a silent forum, is that what you want ?

[lovehandle]

This is not a discussion of what trevvy, tt1069 or any lanjiao websites are doing.....

Who cares about what they r doing?

 

 

Our suggestion is to improve our beloved BW!

Having that suggestion doesn't silent people like sGbt's endless ranting too.......

And to add on, all those who cannot contribute more than 10 posts per year will be out of BW too, a/cs closed

 

Trevvy Forum - no guest posting allowed. Go there can already. Then you get a silent forum, is that what you want ?

[bluerunner]

Guest log-in should NOT be allowed to start new thread.

[lovehandle]

how about a "dislike" button too?

[Gray32]

Different theme.

 

Different layout.

 

More varieties would be great.

----

The software can change theme. Click the Bottom-Left Corner.

PROBLEM is that there are ONLY 2 default themes, this one and the mobile one.

Third-party Themes need $$ which we are currently NOT keen to spend on.

Hendry Tan

[Guest Guest]

What happened to the facebook login?

[JustCuriousNow]

Search function on phone!

Edited October 26, 2015 by JustCuriousNow

[Carpenter]

More mobile friendly, especially the chat box.

[DesMesReves]

Currently we have option to Like a post. Would it be possible to have an up/downvote function like Reddit?

--

This Dislike Feature is NOT supported in the software we used (IPB)

Anyway, we prefer NOT to be negative ie Dislike.

Hendry Tan

[top_suck]

A search bar in mobile version. Its difficult to search for topics when you are on mobile version.

--

We are using Google Search.

Will KIV and see whether Bern/Myself have time to do some coding work to incorporate into mobile version.

Hendry Tan

[Guest Yoshitosh]

An opportunity to leave by clicking on an icon instead of having to make a request to the moderator.

Sorry, this isn't supported in the current version of the software (IPB).

Suggest just PM the mods.

Hendry Tan

[Sax]

A larger display picture!

[top_suck]

A larger display picture!

Yes not just a larger display pic but also to be able to view the pic when clicked.

--

Sax/top_suck

We are upgrading this forum software in coming months.

I believe we may be able to pop up the pic. But not sure about bigger pic.

Will keep this in mind.

Hendry Tan