Removal of "Groups" functionality from website

[Bill S]

Your MAAST Board of Directors has unanimously voted to remove the "Groups" functionality from the website. While we realize that this may not be an entirely popular decision, we will make every effort to duplicate the Groups in place, as Forums or Subforums, with a couple of exceptions. However, there are several factors that led us to this decision:

Much/many of the Groups that have been recently created duplicate Forums already in place. This dilutes the efforts of both those enjoying the forums, and those supporting them. Some of these Groups will make excellent additions as forums.

We have a difficult time keeping Moderators. The addition of Groups has compounded the job they do, making it twice the chore. As MAAST is an entirely volunteer organization, much weight has to be given to the tasks of moderating the website. With the recent addition of Chat, the load has increased significantly.

The Groups fall outside of the normal functionality of the Forums - where 95% of the traditional activity of MAAST has taken place. With the increased use of the Groups function, they now have to visit 2 different places each time they visit.

And finally, while we've had many comments/questions/complaints about Private Groups and we considered an option to require Groups to have open membership, frankly, the above items were such compelling reasons, that ultimately we decided to do away with Groups. This rendered this issue moot.

MAAST Board of Directors

[Europhyllia]

I support your decision. I had a hard time keeping up with groups AND forums. I like being able to access everything in one spot -the forums. That way nobody misses out.

[CoryDude]

I liked the initial idea of the groups and the specific collective knowledge they could bring. But, the realities didn't match the expectations, as you've pointed out Bill. I hope the BOD considers setting up specific forums similar to Reef Central; SPS, non-photosynthetic corals, lps, etc.

[hobogato]

they are already set up as subforums cory

the coral related groups are subforums to the general reefkeeping forum, the area member groups are subforums for the reef friends forum, and the artist and current events groups are subforums of the lounge.

if anyone has an idea for a subforum that was not added, please submit it to a board member so we can discuss adding it.

this is how we felt:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c329/hobogato/Simpsons-3.gif

and this was the most fair solution that we all agreed on.

[hobogato]

unfortunately, at this time, we are not able to copy the existing discussions from the groups into the new forums. if at some point we are able to do that, we will.

[CoryDude]

I use the "What's New" function all the time, so I missed it Ace. Very cool indeed. Thanks!

[roscozman]

I support the BOD's decision.

One thing I did notice was that the "What's New?" function did not pick up discussions in the Groups and had to search all groups individually.

This is a much better option.

[Bill S]

One thing I did notice was that the "What's New?" function did not pick up discussions in the Groups and had to search all groups individually.

That was a common complaint. Many/most folks click the "What's New?" button for navigating MAAST.

[Third Coast Tropical]

if anyone has an idea for a subforum that was not added, please submit it to a board member so we can discuss adding it.

.

You should make a clownfish sub-forum, or include it with the anemones

[hobogato]

good point lindsay, we can change that subforum to include clownfish.

[hobogato]

fixed :)

[Europhyllia]

do we have a general fish forum? where would it be?

[hobogato]

we still have the general reefkeeping forum. so you mean maybe a fowler or aggressive fish forum?

[Europhyllia]

No just a general fish forum. As in questions and answers about fish (just like you have LPS, SPS, etc.)
That would include red fish, blue fish, old fish, new fish; some that are a little sad and some that are a little bad...

In think fish are about as important as LPS, SPS, Inverts, etc.

Of course it could just stay in General Reefkeeping too. ;)

[hobogato]

no, that makes sense.

[txg8gxp]

[QUOTE=Europhyllia;762456]That would include red fish, blue fish, old fish, new fish; some that are a little sad and some that are a little bad...QUOTE]
hahahaha thats funny... I thought the groups were a nice idea, but I totally understand and support to decision to close them.

[kkiel02]

I also like the idea as it was a pain to check out my forum posts along with groups.

[txg8gxp]

How about a music group under "lounge", I really liked justin's music thread awhile back. Just my 2 cents... I know this may not be the best idea, because of content.