VJ is in need of a serious make-over

[hikergirl 277]

I agree with Evylin. I would not give out my facebook account and real name. That's why I haven't joined the VJ facebook group. Due to my job I am very picky with my personal security.

As for using case numbers that would not allow people who join VJ (like myself) prior to filing to get the real scoop on how to do things right the first time.

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

That might be a good idea, so it is not simply giving kudos for the heck of it.

The value of the information being posted here however, has no connection to the level of disclosure of the poster's identity because we can only speak of our own personal experiences, be them as petitioner/beneficiary or another category of contributor. Not one single poster has the entire picture covered and IMHO it is the entire mosaic formed by several answers or comments to one topic that end up containing the knowledge one seeks in these fori.

et pluribus unum

I hear ya. I was just throwing ideas out there - wasn't expecting to end up being chum for the sharks.

[^_^ 5,021]

... wasn't expecting to end up being chum for the sharks.

Two opportunities in the same thread. Must be my lucky day.

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

You're objecting to the fact that vj readers are regular people and not a dispassionate panel of academics?

Do you really want to whittle down the member base from thousands to 4?

No, I'm objecting to the fact that the +1 feature has the unintended consequence of turning posts into a popularity contest, deflecting conversations away from their intended relevance.

[^_^ 5,021]

No, I'm objecting to the fact that the +1 feature has the unintended consequence of turning posts into a popularity contest, deflecting conversations away from their intended relevance.

Two points.

One, this is a board full of regular people. Thus the 'popularity contests'.

Two, do you really think the number of +1s changes the course of a conversation? I haven't seen that happen. Maybe you can document some examples for us?

[SMOKE 1,426]

This place has always been too easy for people to hide their identity. I'd like to suggest that you require a log in using their Facebook account, which would then provide other members a hyperlink to that poster's FB homepage. For those who don't have a FB, require them to create an account with enough personal info to discourage anyone from infiltrating these discussion boards with malicious intent.

Also, instead of the +1, have instead a more specific measurement like, "Was this post helpful?" Then show the results by numbers and percentages.

Finally, some other indication of a poster's reputation and tendencies. For example, if they veer off topic, start rambling on, or steer the conversation in a different direction, some kind of reputation summary (perhaps right under their avatar) would let other posters know where you're coming from. The reputation and tendencies would be based on how often that poster gets reported as well as how often they report.

no. anonymity is crucial when giving personal information looking for advice on immigration issues.

the +1 should have died w/ the -1. it was removed for the same reason.

the mods do have something like that. the warn meter. general users don't need that information.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Being new here myself, I wonder what benefits you envisage from the practices you propose?

Steve wants to start a data mining company powered by unicorn farts.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I'd be happy if I could just choose a color other than blue for the layout. Can someone make THAT happen?

Finally something useful. How about a skin of the month? Since this is Gay Awareness month, how about something with a rainbow theme?

[david'sgirl 134]

This place has always been too easy for people to hide their identity. I'd like to suggest that you require a log in using their Facebook account, which would then provide other members a hyperlink to that poster's FB homepage. For those who don't have a FB, require them to create an account with enough personal info to discourage anyone from infiltrating these discussion boards with malicious intent.

Also, instead of the +1, have instead a more specific measurement like, "Was this post helpful?" Then show the results by numbers and percentages.

Finally, some other indication of a poster's reputation and tendencies. For example, if they veer off topic, start rambling on, or steer the conversation in a different direction, some kind of reputation summary (perhaps right under their avatar) would let other posters know where you're coming from. The reputation and tendencies would be based on how often that poster gets reported as well as how often they report.

I tried facebook, hated it and cancelled it. Why should I be required to use a service I do not trust or like in order to use one that i find helpful? It does not make sense to me.

Steve wants to start a data mining company powered by unicorn farts.

Now that's funny.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

I think AJ and Steven should get a room.

[MyLittlePony 340]

No thank you bad idea i an not a public figure i like to keep things in private espically when certain people like to use my pics and stone them to death,

[VAMAS 3]

I agree with Evylin. I would not give out my facebook account and real name. That's why I haven't joined the VJ facebook group. Due to my job I am very picky with my personal security.

As for using case numbers that would not allow people who join VJ (like myself) prior to filing to get the real scoop on how to do things right the first time.

Same with me. Because of the nature of my work, I don't have a Facebook account for personal security reasons. Bottom line is that with any public forum there is always going to be those with good intentions and those with bad intent. If using Facebook were a requirement, I think you would lose a lot of good people with good information. As with the Government, anytime you create a new requirement (regulation) you create unintended consequences that or more often than not worse than the problem you were trying to solve in the first place.

Personally, I think the bigger issue is with people creating timelines and never updating them. This just throws of the trending information and causes undue frustration for everyone else.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Finally something useful. How about a skin of the month? Since this is Gay Awareness month, how about something with a rainbow theme?

Or foreskin?

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

A poster could still remain anonymous each time they post, but their membership would require they use their FB account, or some other method of higher scrutiny to deter those with ulterior motives.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

A poster could still remain anonymous each time they post, but their membership would require they use their FB account, or some other method of higher scrutiny to deter those with ulterior motives.

I understand your reasoning behind the idea, I just think the idea is flawed. Facebook accounts are as easy to make as VJ accounts.