Hi everyone!:hallo:
Many of you have noticed/taken part in some discussions that essentially have RS divided on the issue of how to handle our extremely successful RSM club, with both sides frustrated.
What it comes down to, is that RSM club members came to our sanctuary seeking refuge, wanting a place to discuss their interests without harrassment/issues. As this was in the spirit of RS, we welcomed them with open arms.
The club has been successful enough that some members feel we're leaning more toward an RSM specialty site than a general reefing site.
Attempts to categorize discussions the normal way have increased these frustrations, but our moderators were doing their best to keep RS moving forward in its intended direction.
I have discussed the issue with staff members as well as Reefmack, who was integral in setting up and leading the RSM club here.
All that background leads to this...
On the homepage, I will be removing threads from the RSM forum in the "latest threads" box. This accomplishes a couple of things: It removes any confusion that we're a general reefing site. It removes ambiguity/confusion if there are multiple discussions going on. And it allows me to instruct our staff to give the RSM club MUCH more leeway in what is posted there... basically, if you want RSM-exclusive discussions or photo threads or anything else, I (and out staff) will have absolutely no issue with it.
Before anyone from the RSM club feels slighted... I'm going to create a custom home page for RSM members that includes the RSM threads. So those of you who want the full view can still have it, just at a different URL. I will also work with you to help customize this "alternate home page" so that it becomes a portal customized to RSM club's tastes (where time and technology allow me, anyway. ).
I've put quite a bit of thought into this solution and have worked with RSM members and our staff to make sure everyone can be satisfied with the approach. However, I know we can never make everyone happy. If you're unhappy with this, please feel free to speak up. And also if you like it, please do! LOL.
If this solution doesn't work out long-term, we can always go back. But I think you'll find it solves our frustrations, on both sides, rather elegantly.
I'll have more info as I implement things.
Travis
Many of you have noticed/taken part in some discussions that essentially have RS divided on the issue of how to handle our extremely successful RSM club, with both sides frustrated.
What it comes down to, is that RSM club members came to our sanctuary seeking refuge, wanting a place to discuss their interests without harrassment/issues. As this was in the spirit of RS, we welcomed them with open arms.
The club has been successful enough that some members feel we're leaning more toward an RSM specialty site than a general reefing site.
Attempts to categorize discussions the normal way have increased these frustrations, but our moderators were doing their best to keep RS moving forward in its intended direction.
I have discussed the issue with staff members as well as Reefmack, who was integral in setting up and leading the RSM club here.
All that background leads to this...
On the homepage, I will be removing threads from the RSM forum in the "latest threads" box. This accomplishes a couple of things: It removes any confusion that we're a general reefing site. It removes ambiguity/confusion if there are multiple discussions going on. And it allows me to instruct our staff to give the RSM club MUCH more leeway in what is posted there... basically, if you want RSM-exclusive discussions or photo threads or anything else, I (and out staff) will have absolutely no issue with it.
Before anyone from the RSM club feels slighted... I'm going to create a custom home page for RSM members that includes the RSM threads. So those of you who want the full view can still have it, just at a different URL. I will also work with you to help customize this "alternate home page" so that it becomes a portal customized to RSM club's tastes (where time and technology allow me, anyway. ).
I've put quite a bit of thought into this solution and have worked with RSM members and our staff to make sure everyone can be satisfied with the approach. However, I know we can never make everyone happy. If you're unhappy with this, please feel free to speak up. And also if you like it, please do! LOL.
If this solution doesn't work out long-term, we can always go back. But I think you'll find it solves our frustrations, on both sides, rather elegantly.
I'll have more info as I implement things.
Travis