Hello all,

Don't worry this is on topic - I wouldn't post rubbish here.

It is good to see the wide range of opinions and perspectives generated by
what Sebastien has done - it shows how much we all enjoy Guide and other
software from Bill and by how much we are willing to protect its current
user base and to enhance it.
Not many other software titles would have this degree of 'ownership'.

As a web developer (using PHP and mysql), amateur astronomer and, of course
guide-user I would be happy to outline some options here for the future
progression of this great group...

1.Current - Yahoo
cons
*owned by Yahoo
*possibility of it becoming a paid service
*must be cookied (ie allow a small text file to be stored on your PC to
track visits) to read and post.
*pop-ups, pop-unders, and being cookied from within these ads
*not being able to contribute to the 'feel' of the site.
*spam - trying to find guide messages within inbox is sometimes difficult.

pros
*direct access to Bill and his support.
*email responses and postings
*easy to respond
*image, file upload
*can be moderated.

2. majordomo mailing list (similar to Mapug - meade users group)
cons
*not a great interface
*difficult navigation and search functions
*lacks image, file upload to site

pros
*easy email access
*owned by a guide-user
*easy set up

3.Newsgroup
cons
*easy for quacks, astrologers, hoaxers and the like to post - look at SAA.
*unmoderated

pros
*I can't think of any.

4.User's Website
cons
*requires web access (many of us require web access to post currently - via
hotmail etc).
*greater time searching for posts.
*owner pays for hosting (for a site like Sebastien's it would be about
USD$10 a month.)

pros
*owned by a guide user - in control of the user details.
*guide users can become moderators
*moderation is similar to what Jost does now.
*can make changes, updates to the interface - could easily have an Ask Bill
section...
*no ads, cookie for login only.
*sophisticated user preferences.
*transportable
*image, file upload and more.
*email notfication

So there we have it 4 options. I personally think the current system works
very well apart from the spam. The website has all the advantages of the
current system plus the advantage of ownership by someone who enjoys the
product, and lack of spamming opportunities.


To sign out, I'd like to direct people's attention to a site called
flashkit.com - a great example of a thriving forum based online community -
with no spam.

Thanks for reading - any replies are welcome via personal email if you don't
believe its applicable here - ejge24@...

James

Sydney, Australia

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