OK, What's Next?? [Archive] - Rangefinderforum.com

CameraQuest

02-26-2009, 17:56

With the fastest server RFF has ever had, combined with far more storage than ever before, in a couple of weeks we will start making changes to the site aimed at improving RFF.

However before that happens, what changes / improvements would you be interested in seeing?

Thanks to all!

Stephen

Al Kaplan

02-26-2009, 18:05

I'm happy with the way things are.

david.elliott

02-26-2009, 18:08

Being new here, I do a lot of searches on the forum on a variety of topics - to learn more stuff of course :)

Would be nice if the search time restriction was removed. I am always making a typo and sitting waiting impatiently for the massive 30 seconds :P

Other than that minor quibble, everything here is great!

vdonovan

02-26-2009, 18:10

I would like to see this forum become a place brimming with good information, interesting people, spirited discussion, and inspiring photography.

Oh wait! It already is!

Never mind.

charjohncarter

02-26-2009, 18:15

The only thing I can think of is improve the search (both members and thread) features. And possibly kill the 30 second wait between searches (if you haven't done that already). You can't please ever body so mostly leave it the way it is.

stnolan

02-26-2009, 18:22

how about the ability to embed video?

Ken Ford

02-26-2009, 18:28

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69841

Merkin

02-26-2009, 18:52

I kind of feel silly saying this, as it is so minor, but could you make the top banner logo clickable and set it to redirect you to the "home" page? That would make surfing on an iphone or itouch a lot easier. Also, if you are feeling saucy, i am sure that there are plenty of us who would be willing to contribute to a rff wiki, which i think would be incredibly useful.

Bassism

02-26-2009, 18:58

Video could be interesting. Another forum I participate in uses a video section to post reviews and tutorials. It's essentially a front-end to youtube. It could be nice to have easy access to the tutorials on loading various cameras, repairs, photographers and such.

Another possibility is a section for articles. Perhaps along the lines of Luminous Landscape, though this would require some editorial work on the part of the mods.

However, as a forum, I can't really think of any way to better what we've already got. The forum works smoothly and gets out of the way to allow for discussion, which is exactly what I want it to do.

I hadn't thought of a wiki, but that would also be a great way to go. Minimal extra work for the mods and all kinds of potential for information.

bob338

02-26-2009, 19:09

over on the steve hoffman site(best music discussion site out there,) you have to be registered for 30 days and have at least 50 posts before being able to post in the classifieds.
i've seen some things i might have bought(or traded for) lately, but i cannot do it with a seller that has NO posts.

bob

PhotoMat

02-26-2009, 19:10

As long as we're talking about the search feature, what about the limitation of words shorter than three letters in length? It kind of makes it tricky to search for threads relating to an M3, M6, etc.

JohnM

02-26-2009, 19:18

Yes, the search feature needs to be able to search on words that are fewer than three letters and the 30 seconds between searches can be really annoying.

But those are small details - really happy with the site as it is.

BillBingham2

02-26-2009, 20:02

I have to say the 30 seconds seems like forever when I'm looking for something. How about 15? The three letters I bet is a part of the software, two is an entire level of cycles on the system if she is designed for it.

I'd like to see us (the RRF GEEKS) write up some how to info for new people using our favorite styles of camera. We have a ton of great ideas and things, but you need to fish for them. I'd like to see them categorized and compiled into books (initially web pages) of information for folks starting up.

B2 (;->

photogdave

02-26-2009, 20:28

Can we have a little bit larger photos in our galleries again?
I'd rather have larger photos and less of them, than thousands of low res photos. IF we limit the number we can upload we'll be more selective, and it would be nice to view them larger.

Al Patterson

02-26-2009, 20:45

Totally cool the way it is. Sorry to be unhelpful. :D

I'm sort of with you. RFF has changed a lot over the years, and the only complaint I remember was when the gallery space was cut back. Somehow, the group will find a way to use extra bandwidth and extra space, even if we haven't figured out yet exactly how to use it, we will.

newfinder

02-26-2009, 21:23

bigger personal gallery size:)

ChrisN

02-26-2009, 21:31

The improvements to the server are great - thank you.

Increase the limit on the size of images attached to posts (ie the clickable images attached). With bigger screens now common, 900 pixels long side is probably not unreasonable. The current 600 pixels limit is too small.

For images attached to posts, have them display at their full size within the thread, rather than having to click the thumbnail.

Review the policy on deleting attachments on aging posts - we are losing a lot of good history that way, especially given the changing nature of the forum. Please keep all our history.

__hh

02-26-2009, 21:31

What about live/interactive chat rooms - could be for:

1. Collaborative live discussion on topics/events
2. Special guests
3. Dealing amongst members rather than having our PM inboxes filled up in no time

Also, no (or raise the) limit on 100 messages in our PM boxes..... surely, this does not take up that much space compared to some of the "discussions" around here.

SolaresLarrave

02-26-2009, 21:48

Very kind of you, Steven!

Another vote for making the banner clickable and linked to home. I got used to its being that way some time ago, and when one day I couldn't use it as my shortcut to home... I felt dumb because the link marked "Home" up in the toolbar really looked big then. :bang:

Other than that, I just like it as it is. And I may be weird, but I have no qualm with the 30 second limit between searches... At least, not some times... ;)

Keith

02-27-2009, 02:35

I'm puzzled as to how the gallery works. When someone uploads five images into three catagories ... they virtually blitz the whole front page with what are effectively ten unnecessary images. Is there a way to avoid this ... because I'm a regular gallery peruser and it's usually the first place I go when I log onto the site so I don't often have to go past the first couple of pages to keep up to date and mark my favourites.

ChrisN

02-27-2009, 02:42

Keith - yes! And could we also have a way for the gallery to remember my prefered display settings? (90 images, last 7 days, arranged in chronological order with most recent at the top.) :)

Benjamin Marks

02-27-2009, 02:49

I have never successfully used the search feature to find anything. Perhaps a sticky tutorial with some sample searches so one could understand how it works. Stephen, the site is enjoyable and I check in multiple times in a given day, but the search "feature" has always baffled me.

Ben Marks

D.O'K.

02-27-2009, 03:28

Another vote for the abolition of the 30 second wait between searches...

Regards,
D.

ray*j*gun

02-27-2009, 03:30

"Increase the limit on the size of images attached to posts (ie the clickable images attached). With bigger screens now common, 900 pixels long side is probably not unreasonable. The current 600 pixels limit is too small."

"For images attached to posts, have them display at their full size within the thread, rather than having to click the thumbnail."

I agree with Chris on these and also think some changes are needed on the search engine.

Thanks for a great site!!!!

Bike Tourist

02-27-2009, 03:39

I'd like to see you integrate DSLR Exchange with RFF. Horrors! Blasphemy! But, consider . . .

RFF has really fine discourse and intelligent conversations

DSLR Exchange just doesn't have much participation

To me, the gallery is the glue that holds it all together — a great image is a great image no matter how it is technically produced

Opening RFF to a little more participation does nothing to diminish hard core rangefinder shooters

No matter what happens, this is still my favorite photo site!

OurManInTangier

02-27-2009, 03:41

Another vote for an improvement to the search feature if it's possible. I'd also agree with those seeking larger gallery images and a way to avoid multiple posting of the same image. I for one would happily see a limit on the overall gallery size for each member if we could have larger images instead.

I hate to bring up the old chestnut of the Random Gallery images but it is a wonderful way to see images you've not come across before, thereby expanding our experience and knowledge....never a bad thing.

Apart from those I think RFF is very successful, rather like an expanded family with differing knowledge sets, shared interests as well as different interests, the odd arguement along the way but generally something that can be relied upon for good advice, guidance and encouragement.

Tarzak

02-27-2009, 03:55

As already said; search engine improvements and larger pictures, images attached to threads to just be embedded in the thread. I have a long train commute and often load up a number of pages to view on the trip. The posts that have the thumbnail of good images that I can't see are very disappointing.
But I agree most with Chris's comment on the loss of informative posts with explanatory images is a big shame.

Tarzak

02-27-2009, 03:58

free cameras for everybody!

DriesI

02-27-2009, 03:59

I agree with ChrisN on that the gallery could remember the last used viewing settings.

Also, I would love a button like the 'new posts' button on the top, but which immediately starts a full screen slideshow displaying the latest images.

During this slideshow, you could be able to pause to introduce comments.

Thanks for considering this, I have no idea as to the complexity of implementing such things.

Dries

Ken Ford

02-27-2009, 05:35

As I understand it, to extend vB's search capability down to two letter strings would result in a massive increase in system resources.

What a lot of forums have done is install a Google local search hack to vB - when you open the search box, you can either use "normal" search or use Google to search RFF only. It's one step less that going directly to Google to search RFF and works well.

rxmd

02-27-2009, 05:41

Some updates to the RSS feeds:

- RSS feeds for the Classifieds. Photopost-classifieds actually supports this, you just have to enable/install it.

- Some customization option for the main VBulletin RSS feed (number of posts displayed, thread-wise total post count)

- An RSS feed for the User CP and for personal messages.

That would actually help to decrease server load, as you wouldn't have to reload the entire site just to check if there's something new.

leicavidom

02-27-2009, 08:39

Is there still an option for voluntary subscriptions?
If so,it is not really obvious to me how to do that!!!

Benjamin

02-27-2009, 09:25

Personally, I don't really see the point of having a large/ish gallery.

It seems to me that a Top Ten or something similar would be a good idea.

Surely it would make the fixers lives easier, and would better represent the photographers. Plenty of folk have links to pictures on image hosting sites anyway.

Also, I totally agree with the abolishment of the minimum three letter search, as previously mentioned. M3, SP, G2 etcetera..

Otherwise, this place is really handy.

Thanks! Benjamin

steffen

02-27-2009, 09:39

Since everybody lists all their gear in their signatures, trying to search for anything related to photo gear is pretty much futile. I know you guys use off the shelves software, but is it possible to omit the signatures from search results?

Design: line length before wrapping to long in my humble opinion.

mabelsound

02-27-2009, 09:58

Eliminate the 10-character minimum for posting, and allow nested quotations.

Otherwise, I love this place. AFAIC, you can just delete the search function entirely. Google is, and forever will be, better than any vBulletin/phpbb search, just put your search string into google followed by "site:rangefinderforum.com" and you're golden.

Finally, I know you've already vetoed this, Stephen, but the loss of random gallery images is tragic. It's hard to believe it takes up that much bandwidth--is the site really slower because of it?

al1966

02-27-2009, 11:16

Id like to see some form of regional separation on the classifieds i.e. euro asia us. a chat room could be fun. big list of regional film suppliers would be useful would need upkeep though. A forum for city guides could be nice especially if people would put in details like good labs and less touristy but interesting places. A forum for inflammatory subjects like politics and religion with warnings etc that if you dont like dont enter, obviously this would not appear on the frontpage of current threads.
Free pop and crisps :)

pesphoto

02-27-2009, 11:19

like the chatroom idea. ANother forum site has one and its pretty cool.
BEsides, when people start getting into arguments they can take it to the chat room and hash it out there.

Olsen

02-27-2009, 11:24

Improvements...?

That it is possible to load up large - much lager, pictures in the discussion strings, - without having links to flicr etc.

DougFord

02-27-2009, 11:33

When clicking on a users ID the drop down menu should include “buyer/seller feedback”.
This would launch a pop-up window that would provide specific comments from individuals that have bought/sold equipment from the user in question.

Integrate a ‘scratch and sniff’ feature into the user interface. :o

J J Kapsberger

02-27-2009, 11:40

Bring Pitxu back. Or convince him to come back.

pesphoto

02-27-2009, 11:42

Bring Pitxu back. Or convince him to come back.

yes, please do

dof

02-27-2009, 12:36

Dear Mr. Head Bartender,

Thank you for your commitment to fostering this forum.

I too would like to see something akin to an RFF wiki made available on the site. Your "Classic Camera" profiles remain one of the most used information resources on the net, however in terms of camera families that continue to this day, the flow of information stops around 2002 - 03. It would be great to have the ability to fill in these lapses as a somewhat moderated community forum.

Obviously there is effort involved in creating the content and there would likely need to be an editor in place to insure the quality and accuracy of all submitted materials. I recognize that this request involves ongoing work on the parts of many people to be successful, but I do believe that such a wiki could provide long term value to the photographic community.

Sincerely,

-J. White

mabelsound

02-27-2009, 12:40

Bring Pitxu back. Or convince him to come back.

Or perhaps code a virtual Pixtu

Gumby

02-27-2009, 12:49

Bring Pitxu back. Or convince him to come back.

what about stephnie brim... don't you miss her just as much?

Michael Markey

02-27-2009, 13:23

I too think that it is fine the way it is although the other suggestions made re the search seem to be very reasonable.Sometimes it is a bit slow over here in the UK but it looks like the changes made will speed things up.

ruben

02-27-2009, 13:55

Frank Petronio

02-27-2009, 14:04

A real search function and a dedicated smartphone version and/or css/xhtml/w3c standards....

tedwhite

02-28-2009, 20:33

Stephen: As someone said, it's an old chestnut, but a much valued chestnut, indeed.

It gave us all a way to encounter many superb photographs that we would perhaps never have seen otherwise. Please bring it back.

As it is now, Latest Images, or whatever it's called, is essentially superfluous. We'll see these images anyway as soon as we log onto the gallery.

Ted

Hey, Pixtu, come back. We love you and need you.

calexg

03-01-2009, 10:49

I'd like to see the Classifieds section get an RSS feed that works properly!

BronicaLee

03-01-2009, 11:03

Great! But the damage has already been done, my galleries were deleted and it was too much work to re-do them again. Not to mention all the good comments from all the other great photographers here. They meant a lot too me.

rxmd

03-02-2009, 00:17

Review the policy on deleting attachments on aging posts - we are losing a lot of good history that way, especially given the changing nature of the forum. Please keep all our history.

Seconded!

This policy makes it useless to post any kind of illustrated repair guide on RFF. You can't put the illustrations in the gallery, because eventually they will be deleted. You can't put them into attachments either, because as of now they will also be deleted. In the end, all that is left is the text, which is often worthless without illustrations.

You could host the images somewhere else, but then you could also host the whole guide somewhere else; why be dependent on the integrity of data on two websites?

There were some good guides that we've lost this way. Some of them could be reconstructed after four years or so, like Laika's FED-2 viewfinder service thread. Others are still gone, like the old thread on Hexar RF rangefinder alignment.

Philipp

Keith

03-02-2009, 00:48

You guys break me up. You are all CRAZY.

:angel:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g196/wheelie52/RFF%20Storage/heart_pic9.jpg

:D:D:D

dave lackey

03-02-2009, 04:47

You guys break me up. You are all CRAZY.

:angel:

Are you just now figuring that out???:D

Glad to see you, Richard! I missed that avatar.:p

Jamie Pillers

03-02-2009, 17:11

Stephen (or Head Bartender... or whatever),
I've just returned to teaching in a inner-city public middle school (at age 61, a real test of my fortitude!). I, along with everyone else here no doubt, am also caught up in a chaotic financial world, a world filled with people that can't seem to see each other's point of view, and ... caught between the ever advancing world of digital photography and my beloved film stuff. In all this turmoil, its REALLY nice to come home at the end of the day and visit RFF.

Not to say we don't have our disagreements here at RFF, but there's definitely a feeling of welcome and peacefulness here. So let me add to the chorus... thank you for making this place available to us. Its a pleasure. Keep up the changes... they're great, but in any case.. thanks.

kdemas

03-02-2009, 17:23

I have not read through this entire thread so excuse me if this is repetitive at all.

Search is a problem with most forums. I would:

1. Remove the "2 character" minimum limit.

2. More importantly, add another search option for Google Custom Search which would provide extremely accurate results, with daily updates. Best of all, it's free.

Kent

januaryman

03-03-2009, 12:02

I like everything here also, aside from the already mentioned restrictions on searches for things like "Canon P" or "M4"

- I wish a "gift shop" would open here, offering a replacement for my worn-out Rangefinder Forum Cap! I'd buy two just to have a replacement when that one wears out, too!

Towermax

03-03-2009, 17:40

Another vote for removing the 3 character search restriction and the 30 second wait between searches.

I'm just returning to film photography and rangefinders in particular. There's a ton of info in these forums and I do a lot of searches. These restrictions are a real problem, particularly the character limit.

Towermax

03-03-2009, 17:41

For searching, one member wrote THIS (http://www.rangefinderrestorations.com/photo_posts/searchRFF.html), it works great, book-mark it.

That's a great help. Thanks!

januaryman

03-04-2009, 12:31

Thanks for that search script link, Richard/Pixtu. Very handy.

As for my request for a gift shop to sell the RangeFinder Forum Baseball cap... I'll bet selling these would be a cash cow for this place. Come on! Mine is all shabby and faded. :( I still want a replacement!

buzzardkid

03-04-2009, 13:00

Yes, the search feature needs to be able to search on words that are fewer than three letters and the 30 seconds between searches can be really annoying...

Why not let Google handle the searches?

I know it seems less professional/somewhat cheap, but IMHO the Google results mostly show more appropriate links anyway than the current search engine on RFF does...

Apart from that I really like the wiki suggestion and the >30 posts option for sellers. The video option would be quite nice for FSU camera repairs!

14 hours to the M8:rolleyes:

sirius

03-08-2009, 07:40

Hi, I like how you have the latest images in the gallery on the homepage now. How come they are all cropped though? Yikes, I'm not HCB but...it still wrecks most of my pictures as a thumbnail.

Thanks for keeping this a wonderful community, Stephan.

Hiyawaan

03-08-2009, 08:02

Could you link the search function to the image gallery so we can search picture information fields to see pictures taken with particular lenses. That would be super cool!

sanmich

03-10-2009, 05:56

Another vote for some kind of more static/organized data sharing/ Wiki.

This I would like to see, and I'm not sure it's not possible now. I simply don't know enough:

I would like to have an automatic option to be notified if anyone is answering a thread I started, without going through the "registration" procedure.

And the same if someone is answering any thread while quoting my answer.

I find it tedious to answer in 10 seconds and then have to spend three more actions to register to the thread (I'm spoilt I know...)

sanmich

03-10-2009, 19:45

You must be doing something wrong Michael, it's not that complicated.
Go to your "user panel" and "edit options", then check the box for "instant email updates".

When someone replies, you will get an email, click on the link in the email and it will open the thread at the last non read post.

Also, configure your email program (eg, outlook express) to renew (receive) every 60 seconds or so.

Got that, :o
thanks Richard!

Spyderman

03-12-2009, 10:31

(This probably won't happen, but I'll at least try)

What about changing the gallery software to a different one ? to make it easier to navigate ?

I much prefer flickr because it's so easily navigable. If RFF gallery was anything like flickr, I'd rather post my pictures here.

The way it is now, I just don't use it. I don't have the patience. If I want to edit description of my photo, or delete it - I need to make far more clicks than is acceptable. With the entire page reloading each time... Web 2.0 is the future.