Feedback on forum restructuring

[Leeky]

Now this is where Leeky and I will part ways and disagree, I personally think that Linux and all Linux subject matter deserves it's own "sub-forum"! After all my above example, (1) Google Chrome O.S. topic, (2) Apple mac topics and (7) Linux topics, to me having 7 out of 10 for the first topic areas in that section being owned by Linux has to be given some consideration.

From a forum management standpoint this complicates matters. Also, in fairness most alternative OS support at times overlaps, its all *nix in some form or another ultimately anyway.

Search functions will work fine on a board index, or sub-forum level, so I see no need to clutter up the forum index with even more forums - its largely off-putting in my opinion and often bewildering to newcomers to even work out where to put any threads asking for help or assistance of some form.

The way I see it is this:

1. Windows support
2. *Nix/BSD support (e.g. Linux, Unix, BSD, OS X, Chrome, you get the idea, its everything else).

Any more than this and your splitting the content up too much, and in some sub-forums (should you split them individually) it would look absolutely baron.

While Linux might be the predominate OS in the current Alt OS forum, it pales in comparison with the Windows forum.

The Windows OS forum currently has 126,485 posts. The entire "The Alternative OS" forum has only 8,486. Alternative OS' are in the minority here, the majority by a very long stretch being Windows, so in my opinion fragmenting the Alternative OS forum further by creating even more sub-forums would be detrimental to the aims of TechSpot as a whole, and cause unnecessary confusion for new members.

P.S. I'm voicing my opinion as a member, not in my position as a moderator.

 

[Zen]

The Windows OS forum currently has 126,485 posts. The entire "The Alternative OS" forum has only 8,486. Alternative OS' are in the minority here, the majority by a very long stretch being Windows!

Leeky: Yes, I understand 100% the math behind your statement, and your statement is true!

But to me, in my own opinion, Microsoft or Windows has far more around these parts than just it's own forum. Let me make an example here by telling you what Microsoft or Windows has here....

(1) Windows O.S. Forum
(2) Windows BSOD, Freezing, Restarting Help - That's all Windows stuff.
(3) Virus and Malware Removal - Again for the most part, all Windows stuff.
(4) Software Apps - Didn't see one thing Linux in there, all Windows based stuff.
(5) TechSpot's "Drivers" section, all aimed towards Microsoft systems.

For the most part that is the bulk of my example, Windows O.S. forum, that's a given, all Windows stuff in there. The BSOD section, I've never heard of Linux displaying a BSOD, so all the info in that section must be for Windows. Virus & Malware Removal, last I heard Linux is almost 100% worry free about this sort of stuff, again, probably 99.9% all meant for Windows users. Software App's section, didn't see anyone in there throwing out (terminal codes), most looked like it was all meant for Windows. And finally our (Driver) download section, again I didn't see anyone throwing out (terminal codes) in there, 100% of it looked like it was meant for Windows users.

So you have here is 5 major sections of this forum reserved and used by Windows users. Vs. the one and only section that is used by Linux users, that's being clumped in to a " one size fits all" scenario in the "Alternative O.S." section!

That's all I'm I'm saying, just doesn't seem to fair to me, even with the math! I know Windows owns the floor as far as being the "big bad boy on the block" here, I get that! I would just like to see an attempt to give Linux some of that action, maybe it would help by opening up more room for Linux, it would help with it's posting numbers, just guessing with that one.

But Leeky, you do make a strong and valid point!

 

[red1776]

I don't know guy's, it's up to all of you who hold the cards, but I'm personally getting tired of Linux not being given it's proper due!

Not to be combative here, however, I think it is probably getting it's due. and here is why.
Source- Linux Journal:
http://www.linuxjournal.com/content/linux-market-share

From NetMarketshare:

Month Linux

July, 2010 0.93%
August, 2010 0.85%
September, 2010 0.95%
October, 2010 0.86%
November, 2010 0.89%
December, 2010 0.91%
January, 2011 0.95%
February, 2011 1.04%
March, 2011 0.96%
April, 2011 0.94%
May, 2011 0.91%

The Pingdom article suggested that there were several reasons for Linux not having gained greater market share than it has:
there are too many distributions,
there are too many GUIs,
the various Linux desktop products are not polished enough,
consistency and usability issues exist with the various Linux distros, and
the various suppliers of Linux distributions focus too much on heavy duty tech-savvy users, and not enough on normal everyday users.

With Linux hanging just below 1% share for ...well ever..it appeals to very few.

 

[Mizzou]

I like the introduction of the Technology section which allows a broad range of vendors and topics to be discussed in each forum with the exception of the Apple. For example, do you discuss all smartphones in the Smartphone forum except iPhone? Tend to think the posts will get split between the Apple and Smartphone forums. Also agree with those that believe a single Alternative OS forum would be sufficient to cover all non-Windows operating systems, the heading could mention the major players ... Linux, Mac-OS, etc. All in all think the changes being proposed will be beneficial in the long term.

 

[Zen]

Ok, I get it people! Now we've gone from TechSpot forum statistics to World Wide statistics, I will just have to humbly bow out of this, for I can't match or properly defend my position or my opinion, if it's going to be based upon World Wide information. I'm just one person, I'm not the world!

I know Red your information is factual and real, but damn talk about getting pulverized around here with gosh honest facts for simply making one recommendation!

Again, you guy's who are apart of the "powers that be" are holding all the cards, do with those cards what you will. But I do have to say it was nice having a gentlemen's debate based upon facts, not presumptuousness opinions! "Thanks"!

 

[Julio Franco]

Please don't deviate from the thread's main purpose. And no, we won't let the Linux (or alternative OS) forum go... I will post an updated tentative forum division later today based on your feedback.

 

[red1776]

I know Red your information is factual and real, but damn talk about getting pulverized around here with gosh honest facts for simply making one recommendation!

Geez, Take a breath Zen.
Firstly, I was hoping to avoid this type of visceral reaction by stating up front "Not to be combative here," I was merely pointing out that Linux is not a very popular OS, and may not get as large a representation as you would like.
Secondly, I fail to see how you have been "pulverized" I posted some stats that supported my assertion. If you want a linux forum...keep pushing for a linux forum.
....remember the Four Nobel truths

 

[Zen]

....remember the Four Nobel truths

Thank you for bringing me back home with your quote! Now I think someone here said we were getting a tad bit off track about what this topic area was meant for.

Well let's get back to the action.......................next!

 

[akannitaoheed]

I haven't seen anything for printers and scanners. I think there should also be provision for that, or it could probably be combines with networking for now so when those forum grow over time, they can then be separated.

 

[Benny26]

Erm...I just have a small query to chew over here.

I can't really understand why there's an option to show/hide the BSOD forum in the "Currently active topics" menu. I can understand the option for the "Virus and Malware Removal" forum, with it being dedicated to a special group of helpers and off limits to the general members, but with the BSOD forum being open, I am quite puzzled. The BSOD forum is one of the best and most active also.

I had noticed recently that some threads were missing from the active topics menu, and now i know why...It's because i use that menu quite alot and it's default setting (after the first hit from logging on) is to hide the BSOD and Malware forums.

So i would love to ask why the BSOD?...Or in fact why hide it at all?

 

[ucould2]

If we can get the ball rolling then Google will pick up this activity and start sending more (hopefully qualified) participants that want to ask questions or voice opinions in those discussions

Then I noticed that you don"t mention "Notebooks" in the Heading "Laptops and Tablets" or for that matter "Net Books". From an advertising stand point you are identifying with "Older" -Laptop- And "Newest" -Tablet- owner/buyers, but I know that about 50-60% of the Mail-outs/Spam I receive is for "Notebooks" the word "Laptops" is becoming more orientated towards gaming toys
Which brings me to my next point that being the Use of Language the "O" word I just used alienates some -people-. Just as the the word "Alternative" alienates Apple users (might have something to do with the hyperbolic ie. Alternative but then why should I know as iknow no iphone nor iapple) = Suggesting The OS Alternate ("Linux OS" for me dose-not make sense ie you don't say "The Operating System Windows is a Mircosoft Operating System")

How can we combine that idea with the builders' recommendations? Should we dedicate an entire forum to buying recommendations perhaps?

"TS Nitro"

• Gaming / laptops and consoles
• Sound and Vision
• Controllers and Keyboards
• Overclockers for Systembuilders (new, old & recyclers unite)
• New builds and Upgrading
• the Great Budget Builds

TS would need to take care with what "You" as a site and "Your" advertisers see or appear to be advertising in this "Area" as some manufactures Do Not invite....how should I say hhmmmm........-stress "testing" their products-:grinthumb

 

[Mister_K]

Creative Corner?

Would be nice if there was some sort of Creative Corner forum category (photography, photoshop and general graphics...). Just something extra

 

[hitech0101]

Separate section for smartphones

I found that the section for mobile computing seems to have very little on smartphones & many queries from users have gone unanswered.My suggestion is to have a separate section for smartphones & tablets.

I also would like the laptops to be merged into regular forums as it will be much efficient in solving problems of laptop users at rapid pace.

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

Thanks for the feedback hitech. Julio is gradually changing the forum categories and I believe he is (was?) contemplating the creation of a smartphone and tablet-oriented section. Anyhow, I'm moving your post to his thread so it's seen.