vBulletin and what it can do for GB
 

In another thread I mentioned that the capability exists within vBulletin to set up threads to which only certain people can post. Whether we ever use this option on GB or not, it does allow the setting up of in-depth, formal debates on topics.

vBulletin has a lot of features which were never used/enabled on the SDMB. Anyone want to add to the list of features which they've seen enabled on other messageboards which have worked well and made the place more interesting?

I actually think that might make an interesting version of Point-Counterpoint. Make it a forum where the OP can set out who is in the debate group, and they're the only posters allowed. I couldn't tell you offhand whether that would be sustainable or even interesting, but I'm for letting it start.

Interesting. Sort of a guided group, like the Mafia games? That could be good. Would we invite posters or have sign ups?

The only drawback would be the possibility of turning the debate into an echo chamber.

A shoutbox is always fun.

The way I've seen it work elsewhere usually grows out of other discussions. A few posters are interested in an in-depth discussion of a number of points raised in another thread and about hearing more about the viewpoint of specific other posters on the topic at hand. They then ask those posters whether they're interested in such a discussion and make a post asking the mods to set up a thread for those posters with fairly specific guidelines.

I've only seen it done in relation to quite complex topics where the participants have quite detailed knowledge. Sometimes the threads stay active only for a few days while specific arguments are made and rebutted and sometimes they continue for weeks. They tend not to become echo chambers because they only remain active as long as something new is being contributed to the discussion - and I've seen moderators ask "are we done here" if they start becoming a rehash.

I don't think it's something which needs a separate forum. It could just be another option within an existing forum. No-one has to use it just because it exists. It's just a technical capability of vBulletin (it could just as easily be used for one on one shitfights in the Pit, for that matter...).

Huh. That actually sounds workable. I think I like it.

It's a pity the participants need to volunteer, otherwise we could have Giraffe and Roo be our guinea pigs by carrying on their discussion from the other GS thread as a formal debate. :D

Why would you torture Giraffe so? :grossout:

For shit and giggles.

Shoutbox = chat room. Also, in vBulletin, it's a plugin/hack, not a stock feature.

Social groups were enabled on the SDMB for a few days after vBulletin 3.7 was installed. Folks seemed to have fun with that, but they were removed over the usual concerns about moderation and server load. Social groups are enabled on GB, but I think it's a feature some may not be familiar with.

I reckon an anonymous forum could be quite fun, especially if you could choose a different name for each post like in the snackpit (I suppose that would make it more pseudonymous than anonymous). A lot of you are probably thinking that it would just turn into another snackpit, but I'm sure there's plenty of anonymous fun to be had that doesn't involve snacking. And if I'm wrong and it does turn into S3 or S4 or whatever, just dump it.

I second the partying stapler's suggestion.

Nto quite a feature built into vB, but still fun: an "Amnesia Pit", like the weekend when the SDMB moved over to vB 3.7. Post under your real username, but posts disappear after a few days, or the forum is wuped clean every week or so.

FTFY

ETA:

I just checked VB's website and VB4 is out. There are a lot of fun stuff, including CMS, possibility to add gadgets (incl Google gadgets).

Maybe time for an upgrade?

:D I know; I was trying to rile up our local stapler.

Tough words, coming from a particle that might not even exist.

*oof* right in the existential crisis!

*waves a little white flag*

Hit you so hard it knocked your lights off!

I believe in you!

Wait. I've just observed you. HIGGS, COME BACK!

OK, I want 15% of the book profits and to sit next to Stephen Hawking at the Nobel afterparty.

Then we can both go over to CERN and go 'nee-ner nee-ner'.

We will definitely go to VB4 at some point, but I'm thinking it's a bit early still. The VB4 FAQ indicates that it's a pretty substantial rewrite (and 4.0 is just part of an even larger rewrite), which undoubtedly means a number of bugs and performance problems will be introduced and have to be shaken out. I'd say we let other people be the early adopters and beta testers and move over once it's clear everything is working as it should.

Also, if it's part of a rewrite, any extensions and add-ons might fall over (and some of the bugs could be in converting and implementing skins, etc). I'm all for us not being early adopters.

What's with this responsiveness to member input? Huh? :dubious: I'm not used to such stuff

They're just empty promises designed to string you along and get your hopes up. It makes it that much funnier when I fail to deliver later on.

Oh, that I'm used to! Phew!

vB3.5+ plugins and extensions aren't compatible with vB 4. I'm usually an early adopter when it comes to vBulletin version updates, but in this case I'm waiting until most of the essential plugins use have vBulletin 4 equivalents, and I can find a RSS feed aggregator plugin that is the equivalent of Drupal's built-in function.

Dammit man--you need to also need to make vague threats that imply that you'll ban Wring for her "nasty ways" when she questions your upgrades.

Are you retarded or what?

:D