[Dougall5505]

What's your take? any suggestions?

[MarkDaMan]

can I say I'm coming around...slowly...ask me again in another week.

[360Rich]

I'm starting to become more familiar with it, but there are a couple of things off the top of my head I would prefer.

1) Combine the "PDX Suburbs in Oregon" and the " PDX Suburbs in WA" sub-forums into one called "Portland Suburbs".

2) I'm not crazy about the thread naming convention. When a project is proposed it may be x stories, and x feet, but by the time it gets approved, it may then be y stories, and y feet. Since the thread titles are static, it doesn't make much sense to include that info to me.

3) I like some of the catch all threads that we've had in the past, like "Portland Infill", and "Waterfront with 10,000 residents envisioned". Are these still permitted, even though they go against the thread naming convention?

P.S. Dougall5505 - glad you're the new mod.

[Dougall5505]

1) Combine the "PDX Suburbs in Oregon" and the " PDX Suburbs in WA" sub-forums into one called "Portland Suburbs".

2) I'm not crazy about the thread naming convention. When a project is proposed it may be x stories, and x feet, but by the time it gets approved, it may then be y stories, and y feet. Since the thread titles are static, it doesn't make much sense to include that info to me.

3) I like some of the catch all threads that we've had in the past, like "Portland Infill", and "Waterfront with 10,000 residents envisioned". Are these still permitted, even though they go against the thread naming convention?

P.S. Dougall5505 - glad you're the new mod.


1. that makes sense to me, if more people feel this way we could make the switch.

2. now that i'm a mod i can change all the thread titles. if there is a update in the height or floors or status just post it in the thread and i can change it. if i somehow miss your post, then PM me

3. mega-threads are good for some things but you should only post it in a mega thread if you can't find a thread that it would fit into better
example: if there is a story about the john ross i wouldn't put it the south waterfront news thread, instead it should be in the john ross thread. but if the article is about all of the south waterfront, it should go in the south waterfront news thread.

p.s. thanks!

[Mike K.]

Just so everyone's aware, what tends to happen with these polls is people from other cities vote and skew the results to some degree. Please take the results, either positive or negative, with a very big grain of salt :)

What also works is checking the option to show who voted for what. That sometimes keeps voting lurkers at bay ;)

[PacificNW]

I hate to say this but I like the fact that Portland and Seattle are entirely separate. I'm finding it easier to find the information I am interested simply because they are separate. I don't mind the extra clicks...it's not like I am out digging ditches.. I frequent both...

[OutrageousJ]

I'm getting used to it, but would prefer fewer sub-forums. Then there's less clicking around.

[Sioux612]

I like this new format. It's easier to use and more organized.

[brandonpdx]

no, there's too many clicks now. I liked it when i could click once and see all of the threads.

[Mike K.]

We're working on a way to display new threads for a SSP:Local section, just like the "new threads" button available for the entire forum. If we can get that to work that'd be pretty cool.

[PuyoPiyo]

I like it, it's just making it look like there's so many news, and very organized yes. I don't want it to change back...

[Dougall5505]

We're working on a way to display new threads for a SSP:Local section, just like the "new threads" button available for the entire forum. If we can get that to work that'd be pretty cool.

I would like that

[urbanlife]

I miss the old way, it was much easier to scan the new comments about projects going on. If there really is this need for a sub forum, then I can see having a page for Portland and Seattle, but does there really need to be sub forums inside sub forums. I hardly go to half of SP as it is. This new format just wastes too much time just to catch up on what's going on in the region.

[MarkDaMan]

and...what happens if this site starts slowing down again? In five clicks I can check five pages in the last set up, if the things moves like a turtle again, there is twice as many clicks to get around...and than it clears out the bolded threads like I've read them and that is irritating.

[dkealoha]

It takes a lot longer to look through things. I miss being able to click once and scroll through all the titles together to see what was new. If we were able to see what was new as mentioned above, that might help. Part of me does miss the old way. I'd actually really like it if it were just one Portland section with no sub-sections at all. Just one big list.

[WonderlandPark]

Don't like it one bit. Been going to that other site because of this, got tons of posts here on SSP but that is changing. My dislike remains very strong of the new format. Oh well, I won't even really bother much tonight even, will just go over there. Bleh.

[Drew-Ski]

I like the new format. Topics for discussion are organized into sub-forums and I am able to locate the specific subject matter that I am interested in more easily. It was the right decision seperating the Seattle and Portland Forums.... the constant bikering is tireing and takes objectivity and fun away from the discussian atmosphere. Overall, I am pleased with the changes. By the way Dougall, did you quit your day job now that you are the new Moderator! :worship:

[PacificNW]

I have to agree....I like it! I voted against the proposal but happy that I lost..

[Mike K.]

Would you guys want to merge the suburb sections into one or is the current split ok?

[Dougall5505]

I vote for merging

[MarkDaMan]

I'm not for merging it yet...but there really hasn't been much suburban news, and I think that is due to the market slowdown moreso than lack of projects. I guess we could unmerge them at a future time, but I think the burbs will be picking up in activity shortly...

[Mike K.]

Ok, why don't we try merging them and once things get busy we'll split them again.

[PuyoPiyo]

Ok, why don't we try merging them and once things get busy we'll split them again.

Even though I am a Vancouver forumer, that seems allright with me..

[urbanlife]

I think this whole subforum forum thing is hurting traffic. I don't see as many comments happening on threads as there were before.

[Mike K.]

How many posts, per day, were you seeing before the switch?

[PacificNW]

I think we see fewer simply because of the separation of Seattle and PDX forums...also, maybe the housing industry, being in a funk, has something to do with the fewer posts....especially in regards to "new-proposed" projects.

[Mike K.]

And to add to that, I think by sheer volume there are more posts but they do not appear as such because there may be one or two posts in a project thread as opposed to 15 in one mega-thread.

And just so everyone's aware, Dylan is working on creating a "new posts" function for all SSP:Local sites. This will display all posts with responses in a list but because it is a custom job this may take Dylan a little while.

[360Rich]

I don't know the precise number, but I would agree the number of posts are down.

However, I attribute it to being a slow news time (market downturn results in fewer new projects, less buzz), and the forum being down for a couple of days didn't help either.

I do appreciate that the two suburbs threads were merged.

[urbanlife]

I don't know the precise number, but I would agree the number of posts are down.

However, I attribute it to being a slow news time (market downturn results in fewer new projects, less buzz), and the forum being down for a couple of days didn't help either.

I do appreciate that the two suburbs threads were merged.

Yeah, some of it might be that. I think some of it has to do with some of us don't have time to click on each subforum and would just enjoy a quick rundown of all the new posts. It sounds like if Dylan is working something like that out, it will probably be a function I use over checking each page, which will be basically what I want anyway.

I don't know, maybe I am just being disgruntle to the changes, I was happy with the way things were. I was cool with grouping threads to regions, but I think this way of doing it is a bit too much for my tastes.

[Mike K.]

It's been getting slower across many cities. Just a slump in general, I guess.

Of course there is also the groups of forumers who don't like change and have taken off to ponder life elsewhere ;) They'll eventually return, sometimes to complain some more, other times to give the new layout a try and stick around :)

[Mike K.]

...with the slowdown in construction or seasonal slumps, the SSP:Local arrangements provide more opportunities to discuss urban issues. If construction is slow, there might be worthwhile topics in politics to discuss or sports, or entertainment. That's what we found with the Victoria forum where popularity would move across the board depending on popular local issues.

[westsider]

I have not been a frequent poster lately but I have reading almost every day until the big switch. The new format is more organized, yes, but scaning the recent posts to see whats new takes three times longer now. Its really cut back on my desire to check the site. Only problem is any news on SSC is posted here the day before and the median IQ is 60% lower. I'll keep reading but I probably won't like it.

[westsider]

...with the slowdown in construction or seasonal slumps, the SSP:Local arrangements provide more opportunities to discuss urban issues. If construction is slow, there might be worthwhile topics in politics to discuss or sports, or entertainment. That's what we found with the Victoria forum where popularity would move across the board depending on popular local issues.


Well, there are plenty of projects and things going on here to gab about but the traffic is slower for sure. I suspect there are others like me who love the information here, but find it too difficult and time consuming to check in as often. Its like the smokers who quit only because they are not allowed to light up anywhere and have to stand outside in the cold to get the fix. If you make something difficult enough it quickly loses the appeal. There are always the die hards who will stick it out forever and even enjoy it, but I doubt as many people will stumble upon the site and get sucked in when its so complicated. There is significant turn over in membership with this and most sites like it and I'm afraid that there will be a slow decline when folks drop off and nobody will sift through this enough to get interested. Sorry about the poor writing and spelling, I'm very tired and wanted to get that off my chest before bed. Things can't stay the same forever but I'm not so sure this is a change for the better.

[Mike K.]

Guys, seriously, the few extra seconds it takes to click on the sub-forums is pretty minuscule. If I can browse all threads with new posts in under a minute or two please don't tell me it takes you an extensive time to do the same.

Every other SSP:Local forum is loving the setup and making the most of it and their enthusiasm is helping fuel support among those who are not thrilled with the changes. What I see to a lesser extend in PDX but much more pronounced in SEA is an overwhelming negative take on the whole situation and its working against the efforts of those who like the changes, voted for the changes and are making the most of them. If several sub-forums and pre-categorization of information are enough to make someone leave a forum that they otherwise respect and visit daily, there's really nothing that can be done to alleviate the real issue at stake. Sooner or later change happens, and sooner or later those individuals who have issues with change will have to face them. For those that do like the changes, I see that they're making the most of the new tools at their disposal and we're happy to see that they are.

[PacificNW]

It's working for me....which is a pleasant surprise.. Tks for making the changes.... How is that for being a suck up? Seriously, I am "surprised" that I like the changes... :cheers:

[Black Box]

People over in the Seattle section also mention the many sub-forums which require all that clicking. I still like the new format.

[zilfondel]

Mike - pay 'em no heed. Portlanders just like to complain. :P

[pdxman]

Haha indeed we do! Portland is a complaintocracy

[zilfondel]

^ new form of government. :P


...also explains why we're so popular for new yorkers.

[tworivers]

Does the forum seem kind of dead right now, or is it just me?

[Okstate]

I've been thinking the same thing tworivers.

[pdxman]

Yeah, i concur. Things have been pretty dead lately. Where are you markdaman???

[PacificNW]

Even the Seattle forum is not getting much action......

[MarkDaMan]

I agree this forum has slowed waaay down...I'm not sure if it is format or time of year. It always seemed to slow down around the holidays.

We need SoWa pictures Dougall!

[Tim the Enchanter]

I like the whole SSP:Local Forum thing.

[Drew-Ski]

I have posted my 1st photo thread in the "General Photograghy" section......... For those who like E. Oregon, this should be a treat.

[innov8]

I must say that I don't enjoy this new look with so many separated sections.
One of the parts I like most about the old layout is that with all the regional
threads in one section, you also have more people online in the same area.
Even though people are looking at different threads, they are all listed below
hanging out in the same area which would lead to more activity and back and
forth between them.

I only lurk in this Northwestern section from time to time, but I like to hang-out
longer when I see names I recognize below and wanna see what they have to say.

That's all from me... please merge them into two section... Seattle and
Portland, and that's my vote :)

[PacificNW]

⬆ I support the new format...it works fine with me...I visit the Seattle forum all the time, also....I like them separate....

[urbanlife]

so is there any way to go back to the way things were? No one really visits the Seattle section now. The Portland section, if it isn't one the recent thread list, it seems to be a dead thread. And Spokane seems to be getting almost no attention at all.

I think this breaking up the forum has done more harm than good. I really miss the activity that was in the northwest forums.

[bvpcvm]

i don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but the forums have been awfully quiet since about new years. the forum change was, what? november? i guess i'm used to it now, but i don't really like it either. things are too fragmented, as urbanlife pointed out; i never see what's going on in seattle anymore, much less spokane. i suppose you could say that's my own fault, but now i have to actually remember to go check, whereas before they were right below my nose.

[NJD]

^it's also not construction season in most of America, including Portland. No one really announces or starts new projects in the winter time. The economy also has a factor... I don't believe the new format is entirely to blame for low activity on SSP.

[PacificNW]

I personally like the new format...I have bookmarked the Seattle forum and I check it frequently. A lot more activity going on up there....especially office towers..

[natepdx]

I'm not sure exactly why, but I preferred the old forum when Portland and Seattle were together. I guess it felt more "regional" with a dash of good natured competition. I miss it.