8 posts · 4 participants · started Jul 16, 2014, 11:20 PM
Hi,
This is my first day being able to post to these splendid forums. I was perusing and enjoying the material for some time before managing to get registered- there was s difficulty because of the website move, it turms out.
I notice that there appears to be a lot less postings now- did all the old stuff disappear when the site moved or have I missed something? As I said, I’m new here so still groping my way around.. :)
'Chester: a Virtual Stroll Around the Walls'
www.chesterwalls.info
And didn’t there used to be more forums, such as one devoted to general socialising and chat not directly connected with our book? Is it possible to create new forum categories such as this?
'Chester: a Virtual Stroll Around the Walls'
www.chesterwalls.info
Hello knowhowe,
Welcome to the new forum. You haven’t missed anything, as this forum version is brand new, so new in fact that it has not yet become populated with topics. You have registered on the very cusp of the launch of this site, along with the anticipated archiving of the former one – the one you have become accustomed to reading. The link to the archive is not yet available.
You are correct that the former website had general socializing forums where people could chat about things not directly connected to the book. But the old forum was too complicated and expensive to maintain. The new forum is not designed as a social network type of forum. But socializing and chatting are available below in “Chat now”. Click on it to see who is online right now. If you see someone there you want to speak with, click on his/her name to begin your conversation.
I will ask the Website Management Committee about your question regarding the creation of new forum categories for socializing and chatting.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Moderator-1
Thanks Moderator-1. I look forward to the changes…
I really do think a more relaxed place for general socialising among the readers would be welcome. I would certainly make use of it!
Am I alone in thinking the new forum is somewhat sluggish by the way? Seems to take a while to chug into action sometimes. And yes, I do have fast broadband!
Just sayin’ :)
'Chester: a Virtual Stroll Around the Walls'
www.chesterwalls.info
Hello,
Thank you for your comments and suggestion. The management committee is working to get everything running smoothly, even as we speak. Your suggestion will be addressed as soon as possible. Feedback and suggestions are always appreciated.
Thank you,
Moderator-1
Greetings knowhowe!! I look forward to hearing more from you and getting acquainted. I am not a site moderator but am the newest member of the website committee (and we’re looking for more of those!). The committee regrets the need for simplification for a season but are confident in the improvements in hand and those to come. This site used to be 2 completely different software platforms “married” together. But alas that relationship was untenable and difficult to operate and keep up to date. This new site uses a Word based, universal open source code, used by far more cutting edge developers whose work is freely available for all WordPress users. We feel the development potential is exponentially greater – my hand held device, by example, has vastly improved the experience here by its automated reformatting for better view and navigation – a big step forward. The forum here is a bbpress program that is also Word based and integrates seamlessly with the Home page or front end of the site.
To your issue of social media, there is another related social networking software system called buddypress, that also integrates well. We do anticipate a re-introduction of such socializing media here in a short time to come (but it may be a few months). Our first priority is managing what we have, developing and refining it, and moving quickly to translations as the Association and general readership is rapidly expanding around the globe. We are determined to make this entire site multi-lingual and are dedicating significant time, effort, and resources in that priority. We appreciate your patience….and your comments….but mostly your participation here. Welcome. I hope you enjoy your time here and come to contribute your perspective and experience with the Urantia Book here in this flock of the family of God’s children.
"Live loyally today—grow—and tomorrow will attend to itself. The quickest way for a tadpole to become a frog is to live loyally each moment as a tadpole."
Thanks for your response Bradly. Much of it ‘over my head’ frankly but I do get your points :)
I see the value of an ‘other business’ category as being useful as a place for readers to mention things which don’t sit easily in the existing boxes.
As a small personal example, being a tour guide in, and writer about, the ancient City of Chester in northern England I’d like to be telling the readers a little about it and inviting them, when in Europe, to maybe come pay us a visit. Founded by the Roman legions two thousand years ago, Chester is considered to be one of the early centres of Christianity on these islands and has some wonderful old churches that are a joy to behold.
You see how material such as this has no obvious home as the forums currently stand but would, I’m sure, be of interest to the readers..
'Chester: a Virtual Stroll Around the Walls'
www.chesterwalls.info
Hi there Knowhowe,
I really agree with your comment: “You see how material such as this has no obvious home as the forums currently stand but would, I’m sure, be of interest to the readers..” As Bradley said, the Website committee hopes to introduce a more social application to the forum in the not too distant future. In the mean time, would you be willing to share your knowledge and experiences of the ancient city of Chester in the “Personal Experiences” forum? This forum was included to encourage readers to share their personal experiences in a way that would inspire and uplift others. I’m sure you have much to share that would fascinate and stir the interest of our readers.
Kind regards,
Moderator 2
