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06/12/2011 12:10:41
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viv
Posts 2690
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Another request was to upgrade to the pay for version of this forum so we can get the search functionality. We will discuss in the next meeting but it would be $339 (http://www.jitbit.com/asp-net-forum/purchase/).
I wondered how many people struggle without the search and if its really worth spending the money? I tend to think of it in terms of how many peoples 20 quid subs does it take to fund something and what else could be done instead.
Id consider moving to another system but theres so much legacy content it would be a shame to start again from scratch. Happy to look into whatever we decide. Any strong opinions?
edited by viv on 06/12/2011
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06/12/2011 12:29:19
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AlanG
Posts 173
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Searching via Google seems to work ok for finding any posts up to the previous day; just type site:manchesterwheelers.co.uk/forum into the Google search bar followed by what you are searching for.
--
LEJoG for RoadPeace: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog | http://alangibsonlejog.blogspot.com
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06/12/2011 12:56:01
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Tom R
Posts 200
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We could retain a link to the Jitbit forums as a sort of archive and move over to the opensource phpbb based forums - not just for the search function its just a much better package in terms of interface than Jitbit IMO.
I have used Alans suggestion many times and it is a solution if a little untidy, spending the money upgrading seems a little pointless.
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06/12/2011 13:45:29
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andyr
Posts 444
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Tom R wrote:
We could retain a link to the Jitbit forums as a sort of archive and move over to the opensource phpbb based forums - not just for the search function its just a much better package in terms of interface than Jitbit IMO.
+1
And it's free!
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06/12/2011 13:52:47
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Nick G
Posts 167
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For that much money, the search function does seem a bit of a luxury add-on. Would it be possible to put a sticky post up with Alan's workaround using Google? I think that would do the trick for me!
edited by Nick_G on 06/12/2011
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06/12/2011 16:41:03
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rothers
Posts 1204
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I like the lack of a search function.
It means that my well mannered detterrent (cough) contributions on overreliance on GPS and softtapping clubruns cannot be found by speculative members of the club.
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06/12/2011 18:06:47
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viv
Posts 2690
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Thanks for the feedback all. Nick, good idea - here you go : http://www.manchesterwheelers.co.uk/forum/topic3308-help-using-the-forum.aspx.
Id be more than happy to switch to a different forum - the only thing thats stopped me is losing all the content and users we have got. If people don't think that's an issue and someone wants to do it, i'm all for it. Andy are you volunteering to get phpBB setup if we go for it?
I have also had a suggestion that we drop the current website and move onto something more generic like meetup. I hate the idea of getting stuck in my ways and not embracing change so what does everyone think?
The website has really helped with the running of the club as it allows any members to add rides, events and results. You can search members results by year, type and distance, you can search for members, we can manage content and the membership list through it and it does well in search engine results. We have photos on flickr and youtube videos. Online payment stuff is more or less ready to go when the banking side gets sorted. We don't pay anything for the website cause Rich & I built it ourselves. The forum isnt the best but it does the job purely in terms of conversation. Most things are covered between the sites and have had lots of good feedback but its not a completely joined up solution and i've got no problem with considering other options instead. Again, we would lose the history of the results and content we had which has to be a consideration.
Just one caveat - if people suggest something they need to be willing to help make it happen. I cant commit to a load of new work with the other jobs i have got i'm afraid.
But i wouldn't stand in the way of progress - i'm all for it.
edited by viv on 06/12/2011
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06/12/2011 18:41:52
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Si
Posts 1399
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If aint broke, don't fix it....
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06/12/2011 19:08:21
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Nick G
Posts 167
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Si wrote:
If aint broke, don't fix it....
+1
And thanks for the link, Viv: very efficient!
I'd add that before joining, I'd already heard of Manchester Wheelers through the exploits of Chris Boardman and Paul Curran. But once I started looking for local cycling clubs in late 2010/early 2011, it was the website that made me think "Here's a well organised club…" and it was the forum, this forum, that made me think "…and it's friendly to boot."
It's by far the best cycling club website that I've come across, not least because it's cleanly designed and works efficiently. So credit is due. 
edited by Nick_G on 06/12/2011
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06/12/2011 19:18:12
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andyr
Posts 444
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viv wrote:
Andy are you volunteering to get phpBB setup if we go for it?
Sure, why not! We use phpbb here so if i get stuck I can ask m'colleagues.
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06/12/2011 20:09:03
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markP
Posts 295
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I don't think there is anything wrong with the forum or website as it stands bar the lack of search.
I'd be inclined to leave well alone. Especially if it means starting from scratch and losing all the history such as it is.
Change for change sake is pointless. I certainly wouldn't touch the website itself.
That works pretty well and looks clean.
It's what attracted me to the club over other local clubs who don't have anywhere near the forum activity.
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06/12/2011 20:40:12
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Tonymufc
Posts 723
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I can only echo what Si and MarkP have said. Both the forum and the web site are easy to navigate, and trust me, it needs to be for someone like me. As the wise old owl has already said "if it aint broke..."
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06/12/2011 21:56:51
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viv
Posts 2690
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Well good to know you're thinking on the same lines, my personal feeling is things are working pretty well but as someone raised it i wanted some other opinions.
Lets leave things as they are for now but let me know when the time comes to move on, i don't want to get old and stuck in my ways. If i do, feel free to slap me
edited by viv on 06/12/2011
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06/12/2011 23:44:22
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snowmole
Posts 172
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Hi,
the cost for the full forum software does seem pretty high, even in dollars, just for the search facility. I have used phpBB a lot and can recommend it from a user perspective. My personal inclination would be to have most of the forum 'members only', though of course that would block the Google Search facility.
I can understand the PR value of having the forum publicly readable though.
I'd be against farming out the forum aspect to an external supplier such as Meetup or any other Social Networking site. It's a trust issue.
The rest of the website is just fine.
edited by snowmole on 06/12/2011
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07/12/2011 01:54:09
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cw42
Posts 327
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The forum and the website are fine as they are. Dont miss the search function at all.
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