Three Towns Forum

Forum Central => The Three Towns Forum => Topic started by: DaveR on July 29, 2011, 05:38:45 pm

Title: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: DaveR on July 29, 2011, 05:38:45 pm
I noticed today that we are about one month away from the Forum's first anniversary. Sadly, that also means that we are one month away from having to fork out another several hundred pounds to keep it going. I'd like to ask all the members (and I mean all the members, even if you don't normally post) what their views are on the Forum. What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? The response we receive will determine if the Forum continues or not.  $thanx$
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Ian Ralph on July 29, 2011, 06:23:03 pm
several hundred ££££......Must be all the bandwidth you use, which shows just how popular you are, so you have to keep going.

Stick a pay pal button on the site and have all the members buy a virtual pint  Z** and that should cover it.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Ian on July 29, 2011, 06:35:17 pm
The site has unlimited bandwidth / MySql databases and space, so that obviously adds up. But the number of folk posting is small - minute, even, in relation to the total number of those visiting and even to the total number of members.  It's not so much the money, more that to perform the function we originally envisaged we need far more people,  more ideas, more and different views and more healthy debate and discussion. And that's simply not happening. 
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Ian Ralph on July 29, 2011, 07:17:35 pm
I can see a strategy meeting coming up, Z**  lets see what the posting members want. J Oddy had a good idea when it was just Colwyn Bay local, to affiliate councils, service groups, tourism, politics,even the unvisited NWWN forum into this one as a point of reference and debate. If growth is the only way forward then it needs feeding. Knowing the time the admins give already be careful what you wish for it may come true...
 
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Yorkie on July 29, 2011, 07:22:20 pm
After the recent (today) debacle about the use of the word R-E-S-T and the wholesale censorship of posts, and also the very funny video, during the period of the discussion, I don't think the Forum will have much of a future.

As far as the Forum is concerned, I was quite content reading others views (even on subjects of no interest to me).  I also enjoyed making my own small contributions, but today's episode has put me off completely.   There are many other Forums and Blogs in the ether all wanting our interest and it would not be difficult for some of them to get more of my attention than they do.   Censorship of items that purely were not agreeable to one person cannot be considered as acceptable.

However it is your Forum, so its future is entirely in your own hands but everything seems to have been done today to upset contributors rather than attract them.

I live in Penrhryn Bay just in case anyone had not noticed the many reference to the fact on the Forum.



Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Bri Roberts on July 29, 2011, 07:50:30 pm
The site serves our local community very well indeed.

Both the NWNN and Pioneer would be lost without it.

Even North Wales Police have identified a use for the site.

Perhaps, some of these groups could help fund its future before the owner(s) decide they are unable fund it any longer.

On the other hand, paid advertising from local businesses may help.

I seem to remember sponsoring an advert myself of Craig Ollerton’s original forum.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: TheMedz on July 29, 2011, 09:55:41 pm
Coming new to the area I have found the forum invaluable in the last twenty months. It was a big step into the unknown when we moved here without knowing anyone in the area. You know you want to live here, it all feels right  but you are uncertain how it will go. You just take that step and keep your fingers crossed. With the help of forum I feel I've had/got the ability to both ask and find out. I log on every day and, in most cases, love the humour, views and information provided on the site. Keep it as close to what you've got now as you can. I does the job and more.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Bellringer on July 29, 2011, 10:25:25 pm
Well I think it's worthwhile keeping the forum going and if it means 'chipping in a few bob' then I am quite happy to do so.

I log on several times a day to see what's happening in the area in which I live and will continue to do so. I only make a few posts when I think I have something relevant to offer.
Some of the discussion topics I find a little irritating on occasions, but we live in a democracy so everyone is entitled to express an opinion within reason.
In recent times Blodyn and Hollins particularly have brought fresh impetus with their contributions especially about gardening, local wildlife and the Orme.  I hope they keep it up.
And Dave with his pictures, vast local knowledge, and news scoops, is certainly one good reason to keep logging on.

All the bellringing jokes and cracks have been exhausted in this first year and so apart from the odd post about what is happening in Llandudno and North Wales ringing circles, I cannot bore you all further too much!

I urge the forum to keep going and thank those who do keep it going.

Stan the (bellringer) man
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Fester on July 29, 2011, 11:55:49 pm
I hardly know where to begin with my response.
What has happened today has been breathtaking, for all the wrong reasons.
I think I shall have to bullet point my responses, because they are so many, varied, and I might even appear to contradict myself at times.
I have a range of views on this topic you see, and I am struggling to make sense of what is being proposed now.
I also hope I don't offend any members with my opinions...
So here goes.

1, I went to work today, having raised what most right-thinking people would say was an innocuous question, regarding an innocuous word.

2, I arrive home to find that two of the biggest contributors to this Forum have either left, or considering it as a result of what transpired.

3, Then I see that the entire future of this GREAT forum is in doubt as a direct result of this mornings shenanigans.

4, Ian I see has reacted extremely sharply (and not for the first time) to a degree of banter, and now appears to be in the camp of those who believe the forum should end.  (I infer that from Ian saying that it is not serving its intended purpose)  Cyber security and issues regarding it are a serious issue, but I think here it is being somewhat over-done.

5, Ian believes that not enough people are posting, and not enough posts are being registered.  Well I have point out that you can't have it both ways, and Ian did directly invite THE BIGGEST EVER poster, one Robert of Birmingham, to go elsewhere.  Similarly, any newcomers seeing that incident, (or witnessing todays nonsense) would feel a little reticent to join in to such a happy Forum.

6, Having said that, I do not want the Forum to fold, I am in the same camp at The Medz as I joined it before I came to live in the area.
This Forum has been very useful to me, I have made firm friends through it... and I hope I have made a tiny contribution in return.
I would willingly contribute a few bob to an annual (or monthly) subscription.  I like Ian Ralph's idea of 'buy the Forum a pint via paypal.
Heaven knows I buy Dave R enough pints already ... Z** Z** 
On a serious note, that should answer Dave's question completely... keep the Forum? YES.   Pay a subscription YES, (if reasonable)

So, can we please all get back to normal and play nicely?
I promise never to raise any questions ever again... it seems that I am capable of starting a chain reaction, leading to World War III



Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: suepp on July 30, 2011, 12:18:45 am
I would like to see the forum carry on, and I would be willing to contribute in a small way to keep it going.

Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Yorkie on July 30, 2011, 07:51:39 am
Despite my reaction to the furore yesterday I want to keep the Forum going as I have had the hassle of running my own, which was very successful until a couple of idiots started upsetting the applecart.

If money is a problem then collect a few bob from all us  who can afford to chip in. 

What is the annual cost?

Mine cost me about £200 for 3 years.  Is this one so much more expensive?
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Ian on July 30, 2011, 10:01:54 am
Quote
3, Then I see that the entire future of this GREAT forum is in doubt as a direct result of this mornings shenanigans.

The debate about the possible future of this place is totally unrelated to anything that transpired yesterday.

Quote
(Ian)...appears to be in the camp of those who believe the forum should end

No, I was playing devil's advocate and spelling out the issues.  

Quote
5, Ian believes that not enough people are posting, and not enough posts are being registered.  Well I have point out that you can't have it both ways, and Ian did directly invite THE BIGGEST EVER poster, one Robert of Birmingham, to go elsewhere.

Actually, I've never said anything about the number of posts, Fester. There are always plenty of posts. That's not the issue at all. Here's what I said:

Quote
the number of folk posting is small - minute, even, in relation to the total number of those visiting and even to the total number of members
which is not the same thing.

You're right, however, when you infer I'm not a great one for banter as such, especially when the point of that banter seems contrived to circumvent a perfectly reasonable rule we have about not revealing any personal or private information unless the member concerned expressly agrees.  And no matter how anyone might argue the point, that's precisely what was happening.

Members might and do meet outside of the forum, but what happens outside the forum between members must be utterly divorced from information posted inside. Individual members trust each other with private information, and that's how it should be.  But a forum like this is open to absolutely anyone in the world with an internet connection, and posting anything in here is the same as broadcasting it on a satellite TV service to the entire planet. We have to remember that many of those who use the internet are looking to cause trouble, or use it for their own nefarious purposes. I would hope that we - as a group - are different, and prepared to consider the feelings of other members in that regard, rather than seeing something as an opportunity to play games.

If all this comes across as slightly starched, then that's possibly because of two reasons: firstly, when something affects others, then I do become defensive, because although something might not bother me personally, the possible ramifications for those who - through no fault of their own - become embroiled in an ongoing issue can be difficult to appreciate.

Secondly, this is not the only forum on which I'm an admin.  I've been running forums and their predecessors in one form or another since 1996, and I've witnessed - first hand - the consequences of the failure to take seriously issues regarding privacy.  This is one reason why more and more forums are becoming members only, requiring registration before visitors can even see anything at all.  And I do wonder, with the inexorable rise in social networking sites, such as Facebook, how much of a future there is for the traditional forum.

There's another issue, too; we've lost some exceptional posters in the past few months.  One, in particular, was provocative, spikey - even, but I thought had great promise.  They were eventually 'helped' out, by a plethora of comments from those who really ought to have been more welcoming.  And let's not forget the contribution made when PC Mike Smith joined, before he - too - was forced to reconsider his position and then left, precisely because of comments made in here by some members.

There are, however, a lot of members, but 17,528 posts have been made by only five members and the two admins, so it seems clear that either we're not serving the entire community as we would wish or out of 1002 members, just 0.005% are actually posting, which begs the question as to why more aren't.  There could be many reasons, of course; some might feel apprehensive, some overly-cautious, aware of the horror stories regarding internet abuse, and some might simply like looking at the pictures. I have brought in a few friends, and their reactions when they've registered and looked around are varied. But they don't post, and the common response from all of them is generally a lack of interest and relevance.

But what all this boils down to is we're running a forum for a handful of posters and an unknown number of watchers.

Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: TheMedz on July 30, 2011, 10:04:06 am
Mike's Three Town's Forum Golf evening with a bucket for collecting donations and contributions might be an idea.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: white rabbit on July 30, 2011, 10:51:51 am
Although I don't post much I wouldn't like to see this forum close - keep it going please
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Yorkie on July 30, 2011, 11:50:09 am
But what all this boils down to is we're running a forum for a handful of posters and an unknown number of watchers.

I can only refer to the regular posting by DaveR when he publishes the statistics and generally remarks on the excellent way the Forum is progressing.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Barbiroli on July 30, 2011, 01:51:20 pm
Although I`m not a big computer user I would hate to see this Forum close, please keep going.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Hugo on July 30, 2011, 02:57:50 pm
In the Summer months I don't spend as much time on the computer as I am out walking or gardening or doing other outdoor things but I always log on to this site on a daily basis and enjoy reading postings even if I don't post on a daily basis.  I don't bother with other sites, facebook or twitter as they don't appeal to me.
The Administrators put a lot of time and hard work into this forum and their efforts are appreciated and not taken for granted.  You only have to look at the items under  Research to see how people with local connections appreciate the quality of the site with the pictures and information that has been  provided for them.  In fact the picture gallery of the forum cannot be beaten. Everything is there if you want to look for it.
Hope that this good work will continue. 
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Pendragon on July 30, 2011, 03:45:50 pm
I love this forum its informative, interesting, full of local news and caters for just about everyone.  I would gladly pay a subscription to keep it going  ;D
I know sometimes posts have been heated but when you have a member who goes out of their way to antagonize fellow members it inevitable we will bite back.   
when something affects others, then I do become defensive, I won't apologise for that.
I am on this forum everyday and it does hit a lull when the weather is good but that's to be expected I suppose.  I noticed more new members started posting when the number of posts were no longer displayed by the Avatar.
It would be a great shame if the forum closed you both do a fantastic job behind the scenes  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: hollins on July 30, 2011, 04:05:19 pm
I love this forum. I had never looked at a forum before and this is the only one that I have ever posted on.
DaveR, you ask what we like and what we don’t like?
I think this becomes a personal thing about what your own likes and dislikes are.
For me the things I like about the forum are,
The ability to find out information and help about almost anything.
The photographs both old and new relating to the area.
Being able to keep in touch with what is happening in Llandudno and the area in general.
I also like to read people’s reactions to your own posts.
Once you get over the initial fright of leaving a post it becomes more fun but I must admit I do still worry about upsetting someone for whatever reason.

The things I dislike about the forum are not really dislikes but more things that I am not interested in such as politics. I have absolutely no interest in politics or local government.
This is my personal preference. I would not expect Ian to be interested in crochet but I do think that there is a place for every one’s interest however diverse they maybe.

I am completely ignorant about the work and cost that has to go in to run a forum.
I imagine that it is time consuming and am grateful that others are prepared to put the effort in on our behalf.
I would, like many others have said , be happy to contribute to the cost of running the forum.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: DaveR on August 01, 2011, 08:01:20 pm
I would like to thank everyone for their comments - if anyone else would like to comment, please feel free to do so. All views are welcome!

The cost of running the Forum is not really an issue - last year, the hosting costs were £167 and for that we do get a very good service from Heart Internet (we've used 118gb of bandwidth so far this year) .

Personally, I'd just like to see a few more of our members posting, so that we get some more varied opinions & ideas on whatever topic is being discussed.

There is also, perhaps, potential to expand into other areas - blogs, for example, such as Wordpress can easily be hosted on this website at no extra cost, so that members could have their own free blog here. Or maybe we could have one main blog and members could contribute their own posts as and when they felt the urge?

I've mentioned before about having more local news items on the front page - perhaps there is scope for local amateur journalists to contribute articles etc.

Perhaps a proper 'recommended businesses' section?

I'm also interested in building a 'Visitors Guide to Llandudno' mini-website, similar to the one that Noel Whalley did and which is sadly becoming a little out of date since his untimely death. There is a truly excellent guide to Chester at http://www.chesterwalls.info/ (http://www.chesterwalls.info/) Perhaps a Llandudno version could be constructed?

There's also potential for us to have a historical guide to Llandudno, making use of all of our knowledge and old photos to have a street by street guide, similar to an online version of the Ivor Wynne Jones guidebook.

A few ideas there...anyone have any others?
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Michael on August 01, 2011, 09:05:28 pm
I read the forum virtually every day but I have missed whatever happened on July 29 and R-E-S-T mentioned b Yorkie. Perhaps someone could guide me in the correct direction, although, perhaps, I might be happier in my ignorance. But I happened to meet face to face with one person who is closely connected to the forum and he was obviously fed up forum wise. What on earth has gone on? Mike
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Yorkie on August 01, 2011, 09:14:17 pm
I agree there are too many "readers" and not enough "posters" - however providing both sides are getting satisfaction from the Forum does it really matter?  The contributors will grow, albeit a lot slower than the lookers but that is just the nature of the devil!

I think that expanding the Forum will be a mistake - it is not possible to be all things to all men (and women) and by creating a plethora of subjects and threads you do, in fact, give too much choice, which leaves the lookers just moving through the subject matter.   A good range of popular subject matter should keep everyone happy and new subjects can be introduced if a "real" need arises and not just because someone wants to talk about his pet foible.  This may encourage more people to contribute.  It is interest in the subject matter that will encourage folk to post.  

One thing I personally find a nuisance and put off are the posts that just contain a smiley relating to the previous post or a comment such as, "I agree!"  etc.  Without qualifying words they may as well be blank pages.  Just by adding the word "because" would lead them to making a positive contribution.  Others I have spoken to get put off by threads being reduced to personal conversations which is of no interest to them and does little to enhance the contents of the thread.

A good severe pruning of old unpopular subjects can also leave the space clear for new material and keeps the whole Forum fresh with something new to read and comment on every time one visits.  An analysis of past threads should give some indication of what to keep and what to discard.

These are just my initial thoughts hope it helps.    ££$
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: mull on August 01, 2011, 09:58:49 pm
Please keep things going.
 $thanx$ $thanx$ $thanx$ ££$

Spent a lot of my childhood in Penrhynside and Llandudno and I am still very interested in what is going on in the area.

Now live a long way away and only able to visit every other year or so.

With no family left living in the area the forum helps me keep in touch.

Please keep up the good work and dont let a few "idiots" spoil it for those of us trying to keep in touch from the other end of the UK or abroad.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Yorkie on August 02, 2011, 09:09:34 am
Please keep up the good work and dont let a few "idiots" spoil it for those of us trying to keep in touch from the other end of the UK or abroad.

Personally I haven't noticed any "idiots" on the Forum - everyone's opinion or comment is of value, even from those who are possibly a little less articulate than some of us!    WWW
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Blodyn on August 02, 2011, 12:07:25 pm
Sorry if this is a bit late but here are my comments. 

I was introduced to the Forum by Bellringer and since joining in November I have apparently spent the equivalent of more than three days online.  I don’t know if that’s good or bad but I certainly enjoy the Forum and would definitely like to see it continue.  I think it’s sad when members are upset or fall out but as I don’t have experience of any other forums I have nothing with which to compare this.   However, I’m sure that the Administrators’ jobs are not easy ones as obviously “you can’t please all the people all the  time” and I hope that the current dissatisfaction over the “R word” can be sorted out amicably (Mike, see this thread (http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6.525.html)).   

I think that the Forum provides a valuable source of local information, both current and historical, and it’s a delight to see the “happy customers” who’ve had their questions answered by the very helpful Forum members.  There’s a wide range of topics, though I don’t follow them all, and I like DaveR’s suggestion of a proper “recommended businesses” section.  The late Noel Walley had a nice selection of local information websites including the Great Orme and the history of the Great Orme Tram, in addition to the visitors’ guide to Llandudno and it would be good to see a successor to these – the Forum would seem to be a good place for this, as it’s accessed by so many people. 

The Forum at present may not be quite what the Administrators envisaged when they set it up but there appear to be plenty of people visiting it, even if only a small proportion are posting, so that still seems pretty successful to me.  Amongst those posting I feel that I have now “met” a group of very nice people – thank you folks.  If some of the “silent” members would like to join in with a post or two everyone would be pleased to hear from you. 

Many thanks for all your hard work, Ian and DaveR, including the recent update.  Keep up the good work! 

 $thanx$
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Llechwedd on August 02, 2011, 12:54:26 pm
I've only been away a week and what happened? Please keep the forum going as it has been most helpful in answereing questions etc.  I'm happy to give up to £10 if wanted.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Fester on August 03, 2011, 12:15:03 am
I've only been away a week and what happened? Please keep the forum going as it has been most helpful in answereing questions etc.  I'm happy to give up to £10 if wanted.

Ha ha... Dave R, I think you should accept Llechwedd's offer of £10,  and let him take it off your hands...  L0L
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: margo on August 03, 2011, 07:10:24 am
I don't post regularly on this site but i do visit frequently, as i no longer buy the NWWN the forum keeps me up to date as to what is going on in the area, it also gives an insight into what the locals think about the area and how it could be improved. Maybe we can't change the way the shops are closing in the town, and the traffic problems in the area re parking, but at least we can make our views known and maybe one day someone will take notice as I am sure some of the councillors look at this site. I for one would be sorry to see this forum fold as it gives varied views of local issues. Keep up the good work you have my support!
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 03, 2011, 09:43:43 am
This forum does do a remarkably good job, perhaps it's evolved away from the original intentions (I can't remember what they were  :laugh:) But a forum can become like a living entity, sometimes it's happy and sometimes not  :-X  But what a great job it's doing in informing us all of past and present times in this area! We've met good friends through it too  ZXZ  So many thanks to DaveR and Ian for all that hard work, long may it continue.  D)
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Fester on August 03, 2011, 11:31:44 pm
Merddin, I can confirm that the original purpose of the Forum was to give us all a cost-free mechanism to mess around wasting time with jokes, endless games and quizzes about song titles and Portugal.
It had a another, no-less important mission, which was to provide me with new acquaintances to go drinking with.  Z**
As an added bonus it has led to my wife not having to make small talk with me after 10pm in the evening.

All these missions have been fulfilled, but now it seems that sadly the Forum has been corrupted into becoming something of a noticeboard and information stream for a massive amount of people in the 3 towns area and beyond.
It educates us about the past, and also about current events and ongoing issues.
It unites people in common causes, designed to improve the area we live in.
Recently it has even begun to rebuke and remind local authority figures of their responsibilities.

Thats all well and good, but every night now I am having to wade through and dismiss lots of information and local issues, to get to the best bit where I find out if anyone is going to go boozing with me!

Seriously though, it seems that the general concensus is that the Forum is excellent, despite the odd good-natured spat that we have. So,are we getting back to normal or we are we paying a few bob to Ian and Dave's slush fund,  (sorry I meant contribute to the annual subscription?)

If you close the Forum I might have to lapse back into an even deeper state of ignorance, and maybe turn tee-total.
Don't make me come over there boys, to Forum Headquarters I mean,.... wherever that is.  8) 
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Trojan on August 04, 2011, 01:01:38 am
On the other hand, paid advertising from local businesses may help.

I seem to remember sponsoring an advert myself of Craig Ollerton’s original forum.

Ah yes, I seem to remember that advertisement too. Do you think it was profitable for you Bri? Did anyone enter your premises and indicate that they found out about you from the forum advertisement?
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Trojan on August 04, 2011, 01:49:13 am
I liked the Tudno FM radio player which was on the old forum. You could click on the player and listen to the radio whilst browsing the forum. This forum now covers a wider area, so maybe a radio station like Heart 96.3 would be relavent? Maybe the radio station would pay a fee for having the publicity on this forum?

http://www.heart.co.uk/walescoast/ (http://www.heart.co.uk/walescoast/)

Having said that, maybe two, three, or more stations could be added according to forum member's tastes?

Having the weather displayed again may be a nice touch. After all, everyone's interested in the weather.  $sunny$  $fan$


Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Trojan on August 04, 2011, 02:24:50 am
This forum does do a remarkably good job, perhaps it's evolved away from the original intentions (I can't remember what they were  :laugh:) But a forum can become like a living entity, sometimes it's happy and sometimes not  :-X  But what a great job it's doing in informing us all of past and present times in this area! We've met good friends through it too  ZXZ  So many thanks to DaveR and Ian for all that hard work, long may it continue.  D)

Welcome back Merddyn.  :D

Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 04, 2011, 07:27:11 am
Welcome back Merddyn.  :D

Thanks, I've had a nice rest  ;D (and a weekend with our Spitfire at the Llangollen Railway Sixties weekend  D) )
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: DaveR on August 07, 2011, 09:52:56 pm
Thanks to everyone who has contributed their views. It seems as though the Forum is valued and the consensus is it should continue. So it shall.  :)

I've just started work on one of the spin off projects; namely the online 'Guide to Llandudno'. This will be quite a big project but it we have a wealth of information already on the Forum that can be used, not to mention the collective knowledge of our Llandudno members. Once some progress has been made on the Guide, I'll be asking members' thoughts on the various bits that have been written and seeing if they have anything to add. I suspect it will be well into next year before it is finished but, once done,  it should form the most comprehensive source of objective information about Llandudno anywhere on the Internet.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Blodyn on August 07, 2011, 10:13:25 pm
I'm very glad to hear that the Forum will be continuing, many thanks Dave and Ian for all that you do.

I'll look forward to seeing the "Guide to Llandudno". 

 $thanx$
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Trojan on August 09, 2011, 02:24:15 pm
All the bellringing jokes and cracks have been exhausted in this first year and so apart from the odd post about what is happening in Llandudno and North Wales ringing circles, I cannot bore you all further too much!

Hells Bells Stan! What makes you chime in and sound off with a un-a-peal-ing remark like that?

Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: emma p on August 20, 2011, 10:37:29 pm
Hey guys, just read through this thread with horror at the prospect of it ending.
I found this forum a while ago and as an avid 'Llandudno lover' found it really interesting and since joining the service has been invaluable.
I know i dont live in Llandudno but have been made to feel very welcome. Members have such wonderful local and historical knowledge and their comments and posts most valuable.
The gallery section is out of this world. Everytime i look through i find something of interest.

Long may the forum continue   $walesflag$
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Fester on August 20, 2011, 11:03:07 pm
Don't worry Emma,  the events that lead to all that nonsense are behind us now, and the dust has settled.

The Forum will continue FOREVER!, as the all-powerful and all-knowing Dave and Ian have realised that they cannot keep effective control of us, 'Their Flock', without the Forum!

More seriously, I think those who replied made many good points about the rich value of the Forum.
A bit more advertising revenue would be great, and a few more GUESTS turning into CONTRIBUTORS would be even better.

All Hail to Dave R and Ian....  L0L
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: emma p on August 21, 2011, 07:33:31 am
Hurrah to that..... :D
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Ian on August 21, 2011, 09:06:36 am
 $thanx$
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Micox on October 16, 2011, 07:20:27 pm
Hey you lovable rabble.

I've said this before somewhere on the forum: nowhere else is there as good a contribution to the social history of Llandudno (and Colwyn Bay and Conway) as the forum. Academic studies are, in the majority, hopeless at recording inclusive events and people (have a look at those available - have a look at the contributions to our social history in the local museums - exclusively the exclusive, the establishment. This forum tells about ordinary people and ordinary happenings. I have wondered if it is worth offering membership to universities and maybe it should be at least explored.

Forum demise would be desperately sad.

I haven't had chance to get to the forum recently because I do a lot of voluntary work for the Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People and we've been very busy organising demonstrations against the government and local authority cuts. But it is invaluable for me as a Llandudno exile as it provides real contact with people in Llandudno and is something of an antidote to still felt homesickness (even after 33 years). I too, would be happy to pay a membership fee.

It is a hugely important resource and the organisers should get just as much recognition for an international contribution to sociology as those academics who write the books. And I'm serious about that.  $thanx$
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Michael on October 16, 2011, 08:57:33 pm
   Well said.   Or well written
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: mull on October 18, 2011, 10:45:59 am
From another Llandudno exile.
I agree with everything Micox has written.
Keep up the good work. $thanx$
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: phil on December 30, 2013, 12:24:21 pm
in my case now i live away from the bay this keeps me in my spiritual home by reminding me of places and people from my youth, i sadly dont get back up to the bay as much as i would like these days, so this is a good place for em to visit occasionally, I dont know Dave (I think) but he needs to be commended for his excellent work especially for us exiles.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Bellringer on December 30, 2013, 01:14:00 pm
Exiles and locals alike. He does an amazing job keeping us all up to date with what's going on, and his pictures are second to none.

Happy New Year everyone and especially those who call themselves "exiles".
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: DaveR on December 30, 2013, 07:37:17 pm
Thank you both, very kind.
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: emma silk on February 14, 2018, 11:39:00 pm
     I just wanted to say thank you. I have found the forum very useful. I have found lots of information on my family and got in touch with family I didn't know. Although I don't often post I have come across many hints and tips which have helped with my family tree. Many people have helped me over the last few years so thank you. $thanx$
Title: Re: Your Views Required: Future of the Forum
Post by: Ian on February 15, 2018, 08:19:10 am
Thanks, Emma.