Suggestion for Ewok: Single sign-on

[one...two...tree 2,762]

By contract I'm required to agree with whatever AJ is proposing.

[Ban Hammer 13,636]

By contract I'm required to agree with whatever AJ is proposing.

i didn't know you two had a pre-nup.

[Krikit 1,165]

And then, ban political threads on OT. Or at the very least, moderate OT as you currently do the Upper Forums.

I cautiously love your idea, AJ. (lol) With regard to the above quote....

I've noticed that the current climate of OT keeps the off topic chats confined to the regional forums. A large percentage of members tend to avoid OT due to its combative atmosphere. If you can find anything at all amidst the political threads, it usually hits the back pages fairly quickly. New members have no inkling of what's in store, nor are they familiar with "the usual suspects", before they venture in, so there is no forwarning for them to don their fireproof suits.

A more peaceful OT forum may bring more of the members together -- as opposed to keeping them segregated within their own regions -- while an "unmoderated" section would serve the interests of those who prefer that type of venue. In my mind's eye I see a visible category on the VJ forums page, with a 2nd sign-in. It would allow for a posted warning that it is an unmoderated zone (which harkens back to TayRivers' suggestion), and the 2nd sign-in would provide for an acknowledgement that you are entering a less restricted area.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Understood.

As for the second sign-in, I know from where I work that applications that require it see utilization at levels significantly below their actual utility to users. Single sign-on (with a disclaimer, if necessary) will ensure that no barrier exists to users who prefer that type of venue, thus maximizing the likelihood that they will end up there as opposed to here.

And if doing so results in less segregation along regional lines, even better.

[Mags 112]

If you turn the lights off, light some candles, and say "Expats" 3 times into the mirror, Ewok will appear and RFE you. I swear it's true, it happened to my cousin's best friend's babysitter's brother.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Understood.

As for the second sign-in, I know from where I work that applications that require it see utilization at levels significantly below their actual utility to users. Single sign-on (with a disclaimer, if necessary) will ensure that no barrier exists to users who prefer that type of venue, thus maximizing the likelihood that they will end up there as opposed to here.

And if doing so results in less segregation along regional lines, even better.

I see what you are suggesting as more beneficial to those whose primary interest is in using an unmoderated OT area, while Krikit's suggestion would be more beneficial to those whose primary interest is in the immigration forums purpose. Since VJ's primary focus isn't 'for the users who prefer that type of venue' but for the immigration forums, I feel that the secondary sign on from within VJ is probably the better system to use if adminstration wishes to 'combine' the two sites. I have no problems with an unmoderated area but there needs to be a barrier of some sort that ensures all users are there with 'informed intent' and that they don't stumble into it by accident as they might with a single sign on. As we have all seen, newcomers are often overwhelmed by the site and end up venturing into and posting in the most unexpected locations. Their needs are the ones that really need to be considered first moreso than those who are looking for a no-holds barred playroom.

Edited September 20, 2009 by Kathryn41

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I see what you are suggesting as more beneficial to those whose primary interest is in using an unmoderated OT area, while Krikit's suggestion would be more beneficial to those whose primary interest is in the immigration forums purpose. Since VJ's primary focus isn't 'for the users who prefer that type of venue' but for the immigration forums, I feel that the secondary sign on from within VJ is probably the better system to use if adminstration wishes to 'combine' the two sites. I have no problems with an unmoderated area but there needs to be a barrier of some sort that ensures all users are there with 'informed intent' and that they don't stumble into it by accident as they might with a single sign on. As we have all seen, newcomers are often overwhelmed by the site and end up venturing into and posting in the most unexpected locations. Their needs are the ones that really need to be considered first moreso than those who are looking for a no-holds barred playroom.

I'll ignore your usual snideness and focus on the subject being discussed. But please don't think it's going unnoticed.

I work with this stuff every day. When an id/password on one site is automatically valid on another (but needs re-entry), usage of the latter site increases dramatically. When said id/password, once authenticated on one site is automatically authenticated on the other, usage increases even more. While the former is not technically single sign-on, it is vastly superior to what we have today.

[scandal 951]

I'll ignore your usual snideness.... But please don't think it's going unnoticed.

Why? I don't.

[SuperDuper! 230]

You have to hand it to A.J, he is a genius.

Ditto Cleo. His big brain makes all others appear impotent and incompetent. Long live A.J. May he lead us to the promised land.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

There was no snideness intended. I don't see why you think there is unless you disagree with my use of the phrase 'no holds barred playroom'. That wasn't being snide - that is what I understand you and others are requesting. Regardless, I was looking at the whole issue from the position of a VJ immigration user which is the site's main purpose.

So, if I understand what you are suggesting, the user would sign in to Visa Journey, then would have to re-enter the same password for the same membership to sign on to Expats? That doesn't sound that different from what krikit was suggesting - it is still a 2 stage system requiring an extra step to access the unmoderated site so it wouldn't be entered accidentally. Informed intent could still occur. Or am I misunderstanding what you are suggesting?

Edited September 21, 2009 by Kathryn41

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

There was no snideness intended. I don't see why you think there is.

I'll end this little tangent here by simply taking your word for it

[Kathryn41 3,205]

There was no snideness intended. I don't see why you think there is.

I'll end this little tangent here by simply taking your word for it

Thank you.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

So, if I understand what you are suggesting, the user would sign in to Visa Journey, then would have to re-enter the same password for the same membership to sign on to Expats? That doesn't sound that different from what krikit was suggesting - it is still a 2 stage system requiring an extra step to access the unmoderated site so it wouldn't be entered accidentally. Informed intent could still occur. Or am I misunderstanding what you are suggesting?

My preference is for true single sign-on. But I do think being able to re-enter the same authentication information on the other site goes far in removing barriers to participation. This is assuming, of course, that when a user creates a userid/password for authentication on this site, that information is automatically (either immediate or with a delay) valid for authentication on the other.

Edited September 21, 2009 by w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r

[Ban Hammer 13,636]

is this preparing us all for single payer too?