What Would You Like to See at Macosx.com?

**ScottW** · #1 June 30th, 2009, 02:48 PM

Greetings Everyone.

It's time to start discussing what you'd like to see at Macosx.com now and in the future. I am currently making up a list of things, but before I finalized it, I wanted to get feedback on what you'd like to see.

While I won't give specifics, on my list include overhauling the "Tech Support" area of the site to make it more friendly for both users and techs. At some point, probably an overhaul of the site design and layout.

Now is your chance to voice your ideas for change.

Scott

nixgeek · #2 June 30th, 2009, 10:20 PM

Scott,

I know that in the past, macosx.com used to have a section where users could chat in real time with one another. Is there anything in the works that might bring something like that back? Maybe even an IRC channel with a web front-end for users new to IRC?

Satcomer · #3 July 1st, 2009, 04:16 AM

Plus how about a special form for the System & Software. I mean when the create a new thread it prompt them to fill in the version of OS X on what Mac.

ora · #4 July 1st, 2009, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nixgeek

Scott,

I know that in the past, macosx.com used to have a section where users could chat in real time with one another. Is there anything in the works that might bring something like that back? Maybe even an IRC channel with a web front-end for users new to IRC?

There are some pretty decent chat systems that can pull user names and groups of the main vb user database now, other forums I use have them.

**ScottW** · #5 July 1st, 2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nixgeek

Scott,

I know that in the past, macosx.com used to have a section where users could chat in real time with one another. Is there anything in the works that might bring something like that back? Maybe even an IRC channel with a web front-end for users new to IRC?

In the past, when I have implemented any type of chat system, it was never used. You'd go in and no one would be in their. This is pretty typical across the net. Forums work great because we can come and go as we please and still carry on a conversation through posts. However, in a chatroom, your limited to those who are in the room at any given time.

I'm not closed to the idea, in fact I have implemented some chat systems for other VB based sites, so it is really just a matter of turning it on. History would show, that it would not be used. I suppose if we made an effort to have some "chat times" weekly or a few times a week people could attend, but then there might need to be some sort of "program" or topic.

ora · #6 July 1st, 2009, 11:40 AM

Some of these systems add the chat box to all pages at the top, somewhat intrusive but it means people see it and are more likely to use it. Certainly i prefer these to the 'flash chat' systems you have to separately log in to.

nixgeek · #7 July 1st, 2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottW

In the past, when I have implemented any type of chat system, it was never used. You'd go in and no one would be in their. This is pretty typical across the net. Forums work great because we can come and go as we please and still carry on a conversation through posts. However, in a chatroom, your limited to those who are in the room at any given time.

I'm not closed to the idea, in fact I have implemented some chat systems for other VB based sites, so it is really just a matter of turning it on. History would show, that it would not be used. I suppose if we made an effort to have some "chat times" weekly or a few times a week people could attend, but then there might need to be some sort of "program" or topic.

Well, one example would be like that of the 68KMLA. They have an IRC channel available on Freenode and most of the users do use the IRC channel, even if they're just idling in there. They've also incorporated the Freenode webchat IRC client that connects to the IRC channel for those that might feel intimidated by the whole aspect of connecting through IRC by conventional means (thick IRC client, etc.).

I wasn't much of a fan of the previous solution because of exactly what you said. People would never be in there and the interface itself was a little convoluted. And considering that it was Flash-based, it required a bit of overhead from the computer. However, a lean web interface like the one Freenode makes available or something like Mibbit might be more acceptable.

**Cheryl** · #8 July 2nd, 2009, 07:44 AM

The pages on this site need a bit of tweaking. Like the instructions for email accounts, FAQ (some spots are blank).