Do you think InspectionNews has improved? - InspectionNews

Brian Hannigan · #1 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007, 01:59 AM

Do you think the NEW InspectionNews board is better than the old?

#2 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 11:11 AM

Brian,

I think that it is a very big improvement, however, with anything new, it will take all of us some time to get used to the layout and how things work.

Looks good.

I like the tool bar at the top. Easy to use.

Eric Shuman · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 11:32 AM

Brian,

Wow!

Give me a minute or two for the learning curve and I will come back and vote!

So far it looks awesome!! Thanks for the hard work and dedication to the forum.

(And right when I just got my second smiley face for 200 posts - I was so proud! Looks like I will have to get busy posting again!)

Eric

Deleted Account · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 07:50 PM

People resist change, this board will need to fulfill a niche that is not currently being filled.

The NACHI board dominates and is the definitive board of our profession, the ASHI board is closed, parochial and provides little value, TIJ has its close-minded our-way or the highway click. The change you made will no doubt cause a pause in posting, the real question is what will set this new board apart and drive visitors to post?

Scott Patterson · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 08:25 PM

It's a change and some folks just don't like changes. While I don't agree Joe B. and his opinions of the various boards, I think that Inspection News is filling a important spot that other do not.

Kevin Luce · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Hannigan

Do you think the NEW InspectionNews board is better than the old?

I can already say yes. How much of a yes still needs to be discovered.

I disagree with Joseph

and agree with Scott P. comment "is filling a important spot" which can also be said about NACHI's board.

#7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 10:41 PM

Yes I agree that people resist change. Change caused tension and stress and no one likes that. However, if we do not strive to find better ways of upgrading and doing things then we would still be living in caves and hunting dinner with a spear.

Uga uga uga uga (caveman speak for your cave has a step crack, recommend you call a licensed cave engineer for further evaluation)

Brian Hannigan · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joseph Burkeson

The change you made will no doubt cause a pause in posting, the real question is what will set this new board apart and drive visitors to post?

Hi Joe, Thank you for your input. All information is valuable to me.

I can not speak for the other boards but just as there is more than one inspection company in every city, each fills a need no matter how big or how small. The ones that do not fill the needs of it's client's and/or itself go away.

The first post that was placed on InspectionNews.com was on:
"January 19, 2001 01:38 PM By: InspectionNews.com"
Over 6 years later more than one person has found the site useful, insightful or educational.

It all depends on the individual who uses the service and how much service the company need or wants to sustain itself. Every individual, company and board has it's own needs, wants and desires. I believe InspectionNews has it's place and I believe many other inspectors feel the same way too.

It is a fact that InspectionNews is the first, largest (in terms of both membership and threads and posts), and the best (OK, just my personal opinion and the opinion from many loyal users) independent inspection message board on the Internet. My personal opinion is, that qualifies as serving a need.

Quote:

The change you made will no doubt cause a pause in posting

With out a doubt. That was a calculated risk on my part, one we call the pursuit of progress. I took that risk with the fax machine, the answering machine, the cell phone, the computer and the Internet. As my first board started with one member and grew to 5,294 (turns out the stats on the old board were wrong) and ended with over 10,6892 Posts (I wonder if those thats were low to) I am confident that the new InspectionNews will grow and be even stronger.

Quote:

the real question is what will set this new board apart and drive visitors to post?

That's easy. It will come from within. The individuals who use it.

Welcome Joe! I hope in time you will find that this is a better board than before. While developing this board I asked for the needs and wants of all users. I believe with very few exception I have met the wishes and desires of all who asked.

I believe your comments are constructive criticism rather than a negative comment and I appreciate that. Please let me know if I am wrong.

If you have suggestions on how to improve InspectionNews please let me know. It is the input from individuals that have made InspectionNews grow.

Rick Hurst · #9 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 12:41 AM

Brian,

I do like the format of the new board, but I have a question.

It appears that with the new board, all of the history of time (date joined)on the other board before and number of posts has all disappeared.

Is everything starting all over like a clean slate?

I feel like I've woke up and the other was all but a dream.

Rick

Brian Hannigan · #10 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Brian,

It appears that with the new board, all of the history of time (date joined) What on the other board before and number of posts has all disappeared.Rick

I can manually change your join date. I suppose I can do that for everyone who asks.

The number of post would take some programming. It is on my list and I hope to get to it soon.

OK, This might help for now.

Click on a Sticky and go to the old board. Find any post of yours and right click on the profile link

. Click "Copy Short Cut"
http://www.inspectionnews.com/cgi-bi...ame=Rick+Hurst

Paste that in your signature. Or you could type in "Posted XXX on the old board" or something like that.

Kevin Luce · #11 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 07:22 AM

I think there are three things that will kill this board. The type of people posting (hard to controlled), trying to control this board too much and when advertising becomes too dominate (stay true to what this is). As long as these three things are in check, I feel this board will continue to serve the home inspection profession respectfully.

So far so good Brian

Kevin Luce · #12 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Moreira

Uga uga uga uga (caveman speak for your cave has a step crack, recommend you call a licensed cave engineer for further evaluation)

Are you saying that inspections are so easy that a cave man can do it?

Gunnar Alquist · #13 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 11:28 AM

It will take me some time to adjust. I like the thumbnails that are in the post and I like seeing who I am talking to. So far yes. But, then again, I was fine with the old site too. Your site provides a good forum to discuss and learn. Even when egos get in the way.

Eric Shuman · #14 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 04:00 PM

Brian,

I really like the "preview post" ability before submitting your post. This feature and the spell check should save a lot of "this post has been edited...".

So far I like all of the improvements. It is nice to not have to remove spaces in photo names when uploading.

Thanks,
Eric

David Banks · #15 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 02:46 PM

I am with Rick Hurst. I feel like I am on a strange board. I think you should put back all of the history of time (date joined)on the other board.
That way us past supporters will feel like Kings again.
Spring is busy so I do not have time to learn board all over again right now, which is frustrating. But it seems pretty user friendly.
Dave

Brian Hannigan · #16 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Banks

I am with Rick Hurst. I feel like I am on a strange board. I think you should put back all of the history of time (date joined)on the other board.
That way us past supporters will feel like Kings again.
Spring is busy so I do not have time to learn board all over again right now, which is frustrating. But it seems pretty user friendly.
Dave

Hi David,

I will work on getting the past post count updated in time. It just can't be at the top of the list right now.

Quote:

I do not have time to learn board all over again right now, which is frustrating. But it seems pretty user friendly.

If you have a moment check out the first post in the HELP! section

Tips For Using The Message Board

It will have you up to speed in no time.

Keep checking that thread as I will be adding tips when ever I can.

Phillip Stojanik · #17 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 02:58 PM

I think the board has definitley been improved.

Its only been a few days now and I am getting more and more used to the workings of the new board. The biggest distraction for me thus far has been all the conversation about the new board itself. That appears to be keeping us somewhat distracted from the inspection topics but that is to be expected as everyone gets acquainted with the new system.

In about 3 weeks those of us who use the forum regularly will be well aquatinted with its workings and should get back to the business at hand. Isn’t that what they say…it takes 21 days to break or create a habit?

Personally, this remains my favorite inspection discussion forum by far for a variety of reasons. Mostly though I like the fact that its independent and is (for the most part) free of the ranker that I have seen from elsewhere.

As to the question of this forum fulfilling an important need in our industry? I know that it is fulfilling a need for this particular inspector and I am just selfish enough to think that’s important!

Richard Rushing · #18 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 10:23 AM

Testing...

Brian E Kelly · #19 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 10:34 AM

I must be slow, as I still can not figure out how to use the spell check. My spelling and typing is bad. If I could figure this out I would feel like the smart feller I were before. Help the computer handicap people like me.

Richard Rushing · #20 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 10:43 AM

Its better to be a smart feller than a fart smeller...

Brian Hannigan · #21 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 09:24 PM

Hi Brian,

The spell check is in the upper right corner of the text box "ABC" with a check mark.

#22 (**permalink**) 04-08-2007, 01:42 PM

80% of the boards I frequent use VBullentin so the layout is familar. I like the new look....

Mike Schulz · #23 (**permalink**) 04-08-2007, 05:50 PM

I agree with David and Rick. We need the joined date and post back. It's like getting a "star" in class

. And people Like Jerry and other long time posters get there due respect.

I do think all the Pictures should be of yourself or your logo as your avatar and Brian should enforce it.

It seems that people are starting to put critters and such up.

Bruce Thomas · #24 (**permalink**) 04-08-2007, 06:18 PM

Brian,

I'm still learning the ins and outs ie, I can't get spell check to work. Over all I think it's a big improvement.

Bruce

Kevin Teitel · #25 (**permalink**) 04-09-2007, 06:58 AM

Brian,

One small recommendation is the new posts in a thread are orange (which is good, easy to identify), the problem I have is that when you mouse over any link they are also orange. You might want to change the mouse over color to something other than new posts color.

Kevin Teitel
House-Pro Inspections

Dean Kalmukos · #26 (**permalink**) 04-09-2007, 05:45 PM

I have not been on the board recently, but it appears to me that there is some improvement. As for the other boards, I stopped visiting them years ago. As has been stated each board serves some segment of our industry, but I have found this board to be the most beneficial to my business over the years.
Dean

Joseph P. Hagarty · #27 (**permalink**) 04-14-2007, 06:11 PM

New BB is great.

Keeps me logged in and recognizes me on every entry / post. Appears more interactive with a greater ease of use.

The "New Posts" tag is a great feature for Keeping Current with the latest posts and responses.

#28 (**permalink**) 04-14-2007, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joseph Burkeson

The NACHI board dominates and is the definitive board of our profession, the ASHI board is closed, parochial and provides little value, TIJ has its close-minded our-way or the highway click. The change you made will no doubt cause a pause in posting, the real question is what will set this new board apart and drive visitors to post?

Very true.

Phillip Stojanik · #29 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 01:17 AM

"The NACHI board dominates and is the definitive board of our profession".

Exqueeze me?

I am not a NACHI basher any more than I am an ASHI devotee (being a memer of neither). But for anyone to say that the NACHI board is the "definitave" board of our profession at this point is pure lunacy.

Gunnar Alquist · #30 (**permalink**) 04-17-2007, 10:47 PM

I have decided that I do approve. Magnanimous of me, doncha think?

I too cannot find the spell check. Using Mozilla.

Brian Hannigan · #31 (**permalink**) 04-17-2007, 11:03 PM

Gunner, I've been waiting for that!!

Seriously, I hope you and all others like the new board.

You should see the editing buttons like those in the picture attached.

If you do not, this is what you need to do.

Go to "Quick Links" (on the upper menu bar). Click on "Edit Options".

Scroll down to "Miscellaneous Options". In the drop down menu select "Enhanced Interface".

Click "Save Changes" at the bottom.

Do you see it now?

Jim Robinson · #32 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 07:05 AM

Same with me. Everything is there but the spell check. I'm also on Mozilla Firefox.

Brian Hannigan · #33 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 10:53 AM

Well, you got me on that one.

I just checked FireFox and that browser is not supporting the spell check.

OK, so you guys aren't as crazy as I thought

I'll see if there is any way around that.

Jim Robinson · #34 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:26 AM

It keeps me on my toes not having it. That way I have to proof read my own stuff.

Brian Hannigan · #35 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:29 AM

Here is the spell check fix for FireFox users.

Go to Firefox - Rediscover the Web , download and install the latest version of FireFox. (2.0.0.3)

Misspelled words will be underlined with a dotted red line. Just right click on the misspelled word and select the correct spelling.

Looks like the FireFox auto updater keep your current version of FireFox up to date but does not update you to the current version.

Mike Schulz · #36 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 05:51 PM

Brian,
Your profile picture looks allot better then your last one. You kinda where looking like Gates.

Brian Hannigan · #37 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 05:53 PM

Better looking or not, this one is a little more up to date.

Maybe I should change it once a month

David Banks · #38 (**permalink**) 12-28-2007, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Hannigan

Better looking or not, this one is a little more up to date.

Maybe I should change it once a month

Brian. Nothings better looking with age. Sorry. Now Inspection News gets better with age! Happy New Year!

BARRY ADAIR · #39 (**permalink**) 12-29-2007, 08:59 AM

After getting over the sticker shock the new board is GREAT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Hannigan

I can manually change your join date. I suppose I can do that for everyone who asks.

The number of post would take some programming. It is on my list and I hope to get to it soon.

OK, This might help for now.

Click on a Sticky and go to the old board. Find any post of yours and right click on the profile link

. Click "Copy Short Cut"
http://www.inspectionnews.com/cgi-bi...ame=Rick+Hurst

Paste that in your signature. Or you could type in "Posted XXX on the old board" or something like that.

Tried it and got this: Error including required files: Can't locate mail-lib.pl in @INC (@INC contains: /usr/lib/perl5/5.6.0/i386-linux /usr/lib/perl5/5.6.0 /usr/lib/perl5/site_perl/5.6.0/i386-linux /usr/lib/perl5/site_perl/5.6.0 /usr/lib/perl5/site_perl .) at ubbmisc.cgi line 42. Make sure these files exist, permissions are set properly, and paths are set correctly.
http://www.inspectionnews.com/cgi-bi...me=BARRY+ADAIR

BARRY ADAIR
Member

Posts: 582
From:Land of Gar, TX
Registered: May 2001

Erby Crofutt · #40 (**permalink**) 12-29-2007, 12:45 PM

Having been around on this board since 2002, I had:

liked the old board,
got irritated when it all changed,
got used to the new board,
forgotten it was a new board!

I just keep:

using it
sharing my knowledge
and learning new stuff.

Can't keep away from it though sometimes business gets me busy and I don't get here as often as I would like to.

Billy Stephens · #41 (**permalink**) 12-29-2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Thomas

Brian,

I'm still learning the ins and outs ie, I can't get spell check to work. Over all I think it's a big improvement.

Bruce

Bruce,

When a word shows up red lined underneath it, I just put the mouse pointer on the word and right click. That gives me a list of words for correction. Scroll to the word you want, left click and it replaces the underlined word with the one you chose.

Bill Emelander · #42 (**permalink**) 01-02-2008, 03:18 PM

I enjoy this board and have gotten some very useful information. But it is slower and takes a long time to open each post. Because of this I skim more and do not open many of the post so I find myself posting more on some of the other boards.

Bill

Jim Luttrall · #43 (**permalink**) 01-02-2008, 04:16 PM

Bill one helpful feature is the "new posts" button that keeps track of what you have not seen yet. Since I visit regularly, I use this feature and it is a big time saver since it only shows the threads with new comments. Better than other boards I am familiar with.

Richard Stanley · #44 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 09:23 AM

"But it is slower and takes a long time to open each post."

Ditto that. I don't read as often as I used to. It seemed it happened after Brian added that radio thingy.

Dom D'Agostino · #45 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Stanley

"But it is slower and takes a long time to open each post."

Ditto that. I don't read as often as I used to. It seemed it happened after Brian added that radio thingy.

I don't know what the cause is for the slow down, but it is very noticeable. Slower than any other BB I visit, and consistently slow.

Dom.

Brian Hannigan · #46 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 12:31 PM

I made a few changes today. Do you think the speed is any better?

Brian Hannigan · #47 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

Bill one helpful feature is the "new posts" button that keeps track of what you have not seen yet. Since I visit regularly, I use this feature and it is a big time saver since it only shows the threads with new comments. Better than other boards I am familiar with.

Jim is correct, the "New Posts" and "Today's posts" (under "Quick Links") is very helpful to reduce your time and only view pages with new information. Also, remember to read tip#3 & #4 here
Tips For Using The Message Board

it will help you navigate the board much more efficiently. The other tips are useful as well.