If you haven't noticed it, a recent upgrade to the site software has created some glitches for the way we run forums.
You see, we here at SWTC like to make some things really permanent. Our have/want lists are meant to be there forever with periodic updates. Our feedback posts are meant to be up forever with people adding to them as time goes by.
Well, the evil Sith of software created a forum that really is meant to just be a chatty, temporary kind of place. That means they have automatic pruning of forums to conserve space and keep things fresh! Silly Sith!
Well, I've been giving it thought, and I think I've fixed the problem in the feedback area. You see, when you FEATURE a topic, pruning rules don't seem to apply. So, I've featured ALL our feedback posts. You are all special, why not feature everyone.
Now, I don't really think I should do the same in have/wants. Partly because so many people mis-use the area. They ignore the description of what the forum is supposed to be and post for limited trades there, instead of posting those in the trading forum. Also, unlike the feedback posts which are mostly done by people's names (easy to search) the have/want lists tend to not be that way.
I'm thinking I might kill off the have/want list forum.
I THINK that everyone could use Google Aps to do an online spreadsheet for their have/want list. You can link to these documents really easily. They are easier to update. They are pretty cool. If you have an @starwarscards.net account or a regular gmail account, access is really easy.
I can post more info on this later. The key thing is, I want to give people time to move their have/want lists out of that forum, and to change their signature links and stuff.
It seems old postings under the "Have/wants" list have already been deleted (the last posting is Jan 13, 2006). Blast! There goes my have/wants list!
I guess I like the system as it is. Maybe you could feature true have/wants list by people's name (for example "IG-88's Have/Wants list"). That way it is easy to find, won't be deleted, and gives you some control (don't feature it if it's only a limited trade list and eventually it will disappear). Just my two cents!
Rob
Posts: 511 | Location: Wentzville, MO | Registered: 11 August 2004
Well the spreadsheet idea is ok but I have always preffered to look at traders websites as you can see lists all the way across the screen and everything is generally clearer.
I have always found it better to list mini lists in the traders marketplace, I have acheived much better results than a haves and wants list and cleared areas of priority quite easilly.
However the haves and wants lits area is a great resource to pool everbodies lists together in one place although not that up to date except for a minority of members posts.
I like the idea of an area where everything is pooled together, if not lists then maybe links to each others lists elsewhere or universal webpage for traders where we could create our own mini page within it.
Thats just a thought, I also lost my list so I know how it goes having to repost the entire exact same thing again and update links to it.
Might be worth giving an alternative a try, you don't know if you don't try it out, if it doesn't work try something else or go back to the original system.
I might do what you are asking. I'd like to see more feedback from folks on how they'd like this to work out. I hate that folks lost lists because I didn't catch what the site software was doing. On the other hand, that area is cluttered with a lot of stuff that doesn't belong there and usually just duplicates trading posts.
okay here is my thoughts. My list is updated just did it not that long ago you just have to note the date in the header cause when you edit, the post date does not change so some list are current. also I would have to say that I generate more of my trades off this than off trading posts so would be sad to see it go.As i pick up spares I go back to the lists to see who's needing them.Brett
From the home of Arbor Day
Posts: 896 | Location: Nebraska City Nebraska | Registered: 13 March 2004
Here's a deal, if you want to keep your HAVE/WANT list, and if it is following the rules for the forum (it is a generic list of your haves/wants and not a specific trading post), please send me an e-mail with a LINK to your have/want post and the request FEATURE in the e-mail.
Do that, and I'll feature your have/want post. Don't do that, and well, it might just disappear sometime soon or sometime later.
Show that this is a useful thing for you by requesting it be featured.
I'm with Brett, this is were I like to keep my list of the cards that I have for trading and the cards I'm looking for. It easy to update and everyone can view it.
Posts: 433 | Location: south dakota | Registered: 11 June 2004
1. That's a nice idea, hopefully folks will follow it. I'll look at adding that to the intro area if I can remember!
2. They are already only editable by you. I banned letting people reply to the lists there and although I can edit them as chief Hutt of the site, I never would!
3. I definitely understand, and that's why we created the area. I just hate that the software doesn't cooperate much!
4. Hmm. I can try it, but since most people start theirs with Have/Wants, it might not be obvious. Still, I'll see what I can do!
Everyone,
Remember, what you say mostly goes around this site, so any thoughts, don't forget to let me know. I want this to stay a great community where trading and talking about cards is fun and easy for everyone.
Collector's Connection 
You are all special, why not feature everyone.
