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Topic:   New Message Board For InspectionNews.com 2 - 1435 visits (1 today, 2 this week)

Brian Hannigan
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posted March 14, 2007 04:35 PM            

I picked out the suggestions from the last post to make it easier to read.

I am in the planning stages of creating a new message board system for InspectionNews.com

Because you are the users of the system I would like to get your input or even a wish list.

What do you like about the current board?

What do you dislike about the current board?

If you had a wish list of features for a new board what would they be?

I would like to get as much input from as many people as possible to help me create the best and most user friendly board available.

CURRENT SUGGESTIONS

Go directly to first unread post in a thread.
YES

List unread posts or new posts since last visit.
YES

List replies to my posts.
Maybe

More control of search parameters.
YES

Just wished we could get the sign on thing straightened out.
YES

The Yellow Updated flags are just annoying and they flash for every section for me.
Will work properly

A Most Recent or Current Topic button to quickly access new posts.
YES

I never use the commercial or other sections.
I will still have the section for those who wish to use it

I'm OK with the Ad banners and I do click on them occasionally. If I don't do it, who else will?
YES - Thank you!

No one else has mentioned avatars, but I might be interested in one.
YES - Would like people to upload a picture of themselves

Also, do away with the icons and number of posts, should not really matter. If it does, do away with the icons and just list the number. Some just use 'New Member' for less than xxx posts, 'Full Member' for xxx to xxx posts, then 'Senior Member' for over xxx posts (you pick the numbers for the levels).
YES - No icons but number of posts will be there.

I like it like it is myself. You might divide some of it to separate subjects like suggested.
YES - There will be some new categories but I would like to keep it compact.

The main thing that I do not like and causes me to not log on is the ego's that are involved and that can not judge themselves well and completely get off subject and the whole mess with all of the figure pointing and name calling at times. If these "professional inspectors" can not control this then this sight will not be as great as it is and can be.
Hmmmm - I would like to keep this under control. You will be able to rate a thread, ignore a post or report it to me.

To me there should be a way to keep them off for a short time. This sight should only be for education not venting and ranting. Maybe I am being too picky, but that is my two cents.
YES - I like a peaceful, educational site myself.

How about allowing pics to be posted and viewable inside posts instead of having to open them in a new window? Or at least have thumbnail views?
YES - There will be thumbnails but they will open in a separate page.

Also, possibly allow spaces in pic file names, peeps definitely have trouble with that.
YES - I think I have a way to do this

Allowing some formatting features via buttons/toolbars would be nice too, rather than using ubb code.
YES

One thing I'd hate to see: multiple pages when topics/threads get too long (see NACHI board, it's really annoying. What you have works great except for the really hot threads, which is rare.
YES - You will be able to control how many pages YOU like to see.

Allowing signatures to be automatically included in each post would be nice too.
YES

Spell check, if not too much trouble.
YES

Larger text box to type posts in.
YES

I have really enjoyed reading the posts on this website. I would have no problem paying a few bucks a year to make this a more private website for "us" professionals while keeping out the general public.
A possibility

Maybe some would like to see a section related to commercial inspections only. I don't know the interest level however.
YES

Keep the dang pictures opening up in new windows.
YES

I'd rather not see you prune the posts. There's a lot of really good stuff way back there.
Only if I NEED to

(Different Association areas (1 for ASHI. 2 for NAHI, 3 for IHINA, 5 for government regulators such as TREC and 6 for NAXHI etc.)
YES - An association section but I will not divide it up into individual associations. You can talk about all associations (PEACEFULLY!) in one forum

Avatars only if you post a picture of yourself or your company logo. Ive seen the other sites and they have sail boats, lion heads and other zoo like things that doesn't make it very professional.
YES - I agree

I would like to see a members page with there picture, without all the puppy stuff.
YES

It would be nice if you could prohibit anyone from uploading a file larger than (pick a size - say 100 KB).
YES

I don't like smiles.....Got any hand signals in there besides thumbs.....
Maybe

Like to be automatically emailed when new post is submitted. I don't have time to go to the forum everyday but if it is in my email I would click on it and find the time.
YES - Can automatically subscribe to all threads you start or reply to.

Could we add a section for state legislation?
YES

You might want to consider an area for Infrared inspection/technology. This seams to be a new area that is becoming more and more prevalent in the inspection industry.
Maybe. Or can can just go in the tools section

I think it would be cool to have a "Delete Thread" button. That way if there is a thread that I'm not interested in, I could hit the button and the rest of the posts wouldn't show up unless I deactivated it somehow. Don't ask me how this would be accomplished.
No sure

I would like see some new categories one for Structural Pest Inspections and one for New Construction.
Possibly

------------------
Sincerely,

Brian Hannigan

Hann Tech Marketing Links:

Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997

===================================

Books-Reports-Scheduling-Tools

[This message has been edited by Brian Hannigan (edited March 14, 2007).]

Jerry Peck
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posted March 14, 2007 08:46 PM            

Brian,

For the sake of those who simply cannot, or do not, read ... (I've done it too.)

Accept photo files names with spaces.

------------------
Jerry Peck
Ormond Beach
(i.e., Daytona Beach area)

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Brian Hannigan
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posted March 14, 2007 09:45 PM            

Above, from the suggestions you have all made I have listed ( YES ) the items/components that will be include in the new board.

Thank you all for your suggestions!

------------------
Sincerely,

Brian Hannigan

Hann Tech Marketing Links:

Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997

===================================

Books-Reports-Scheduling-Tools

[This message has been edited by Brian Hannigan (edited March 14, 2007).]

Tim Moreira
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posted March 14, 2007 10:45 PM            

Cool, looking forward to it.

------------------
Tim Moreira
Suncoast Home Inspections
Suncoasthomeinspections@yahoo.com

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Rick Hurst
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posted March 14, 2007 11:39 PM            

How about a section where someone is just asking for a answer to a particular issue?

Like "Seeking Advice", "Question from a Newbie" or "Stumped at 2am. on this Report"

Many persons have questions that they need immediate answers to and this could maybe help them out.

Just a thought. Maybe hire Jerry just to moderate the thread. It might help keep him off the road.

Rick

Michael Thomas
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posted March 15, 2007 06:15 AM            

Fast Boolean search.

For me a voluntary contribution of $25 a year to help pay for bandwidth would be a no-brainer - just make it easy to contribute (pay-pal buttons and the like). Put a small "contributions" link a the bottom of every page.

But IMO it's valuable to keep the board "open" to registered but non-paying users.

[This message has been edited by Michael Thomas (edited March 15, 2007).]

Richard Stanley
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posted March 15, 2007 01:41 PM            

"Just a thought. Maybe hire Jerry just to moderate the thread. It might help keep him off the road."

Shhh! He already does. Thankfully.

Jerry Peck
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posted March 15, 2007 08:28 PM            

"It might help keep him off the road."

I could go for that.

I did a 4 hour commute - EACH WAY - today do to our corporate office in South Florida, and still did a days work down there.

I could go for some "keep him off the road".

Going camping this weekend, but that's only about a 1-1/2 hour drive tomorrow afternoon. Those I don't mind much at all.

------------------
Jerry Peck
Ormond Beach
(i.e., Daytona Beach area)

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Bob Mayer
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posted March 16, 2007 06:55 PM            

Do not allow the person who starts a thread to delete the whole thread. If someone wants to delete his own post - OK, but not anyone else's.

- BOB

[This message has been edited by Bob Mayer (edited March 16, 2007).]

Brian Hannigan
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posted March 17, 2007 01:29 AM            

I will be setting up the categories on the new board soon but since I am developing the board for you I would like your input.

One thing I would like is as few categories as possible yet break subjects up in a logical order.

What I have so far is:

***Residential Technical***

Attached Garage / Carport

Attic Areas, Insulation, Ventilation and Roof Framing

Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Sub-Structure

Built-In Appliances and Systems

Electrical System

Environmental, Health and Safety

Exterior, Siding, Grading / Drainage

FHA, VA, HUD, Insurance Inspections

Fireplaces, Chimneys and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances

Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Interior Systems

Plumbing System

Pool and Spa

Roof Coverings, Penetrations, Flashings, Gutters and Downspouts

Report Writing and Systems

Structural Components, Framing, Engineering

Tools and Equipment

Pest Control

***Residential Technical***

***Additional Categories***

Advertising, Marketing

Associations, Ethics, Standards, Legal, Licensing, Legislation

General Chit Chat

InspectionBlues

Inspectors Wanted, Businesses to Sell/Buy

Insurance and Warranty

Introductions By New Members

Polls

Safety Recalls and Notices

***Additional Categories***

------------------
Sincerely,

Brian Hannigan

Hann Tech Marketing Links:

Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997

===================================

Books-Reports-Scheduling-Tools

[This message has been edited by Brian Hannigan (edited March 17, 2007).]

Tim Moreira
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posted March 17, 2007 01:45 AM            

Brian,

I like it and think that is very good. Looking forward to seeing the new board.

------------------
Tim Moreira
Suncoast Home Inspections
Suncoasthomeinspections@yahoo.com

===================================

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Mike Schulz
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posted March 17, 2007 01:49 PM            

Little concerned about the picture size. Some times you need large pictures to see what the problem is. If it's to small we might not be able to help each other out.

Brian Hannigan
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posted March 18, 2007 01:19 PM            

Hi Mike,

I will try to created a video tutorial on how to compress photos (but the direction are on the photo upload page http://www.inspectionnews.com/ubb/upload.html ). It will not only help people to post on the site but compressing photos will help in your everyday life. Everything from e-mailing photos to saving your own disk space.

What we really want to do is reduce the file size through compression rather than reduce the file size by making a very small photo.

As an example, see the photos I have attached. The original started out well over a meg but with a few clicks I compressed one to only 100K (the physical size is (1280X1024). Larger than you probably want it.

The second is only 55k. It's physical size is 800x600. Probably as big as you need it.

So don't worry. Even if we reduce the file size the physical size can remain large.

100k Photo:
Click for photo (10000 Bytes)

55K Photo:
Click for photo (55447 Bytes)

------------------
Sincerely,

Brian Hannigan

Hann Tech Marketing Links:

Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997

===================================

Books-Reports-Scheduling-Tools

[This message has been edited by Brian Hannigan (edited March 18, 2007).]

Brian Hannigan
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posted March 18, 2007 01:32 PM            

But back to the categories.

I would like to get more feedback ASAP.

It is my opinion that the structure and organization of the site is extremely important and I would like everybody's input so I can make my category decisions and get the new site set up.

------------------
Sincerely,

Brian Hannigan

Hann Tech Marketing Links:

Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997

===================================

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Rick Hurst
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posted March 18, 2007 03:01 PM            

Brian,

Your overall site is great in my opinion.

The one thing I personally think would be great is to have pages on a thread.

The idea of having the lasted post on a thread showing up first I don't care for. That mean I have to backtrack to where I read the someones last post. Too confusing.

The page idea would be great because you could have a limited amount of posts per page. It would be easier to keep with I think.

But hey, if you don't change a thing its fine with me too. Thanks for your continued help with the HI industry.

Rick

Brian Hannigan
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posted March 18, 2007 04:34 PM            

Hi Rick,

The new system will give everyone the individual control over how many posts you would like to see per page.

5, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 100.

How do you feel about the categories listed above?

------------------
Sincerely,

Brian Hannigan

Hann Tech Marketing Links:

Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997

===================================

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Brian Knight
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posted March 18, 2007 04:46 PM         

Brian H.

Are you using Unix? Sounds like you are...at any rate, you on your end can automatically (via writing a script) compress files. Thus, it doesn't matter if we upload a large file. You can just compress it, then upload it, and all will be well in everyones life!

Tim Moreira
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posted March 18, 2007 05:35 PM            

Brian,

I don't think Brian H. wants to have to compress everyone's photos when they get posted. That should be our job.

IMHO

------------------
Tim Moreira
Suncoast Home Inspections
Suncoasthomeinspections@yahoo.com

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Jerry Peck
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posted March 18, 2007 07:26 PM            

Brian H.,

I think there should be but one forum, skip the Residential, Commercial, etc. sections, the categories would take care of that.

Here are some changes to those categories:

What I have so far is:

Technical (in the order they are on the house roof covering, roof framing, structure, foundation, etc.)
- Roof Coverings, Penetrations, Flashings, Gutters and Downspouts
- Attic Areas, Insulation, Ventilation and Roof Framing
- Structural Components, Framing, Engineering
- Building Envelope (Exterior Siding, Cladding, Stucco, Veneer, Windows and Doors)
- Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Sub-Structure
(followed by the MEPs)
- Mechanical System (Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning - HVAC)
- Electrical System
- Plumbing System
(followed by other systems)
- Fireplaces, Chimneys and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
- Built-In Appliances and Systems
- Interior Systems
- Other On-Site Systems
- - Grading and Drainage
- - Pool and Spa
- - Septic Systems
- - Seawalls and Docks
(followed by related categories)
- Environmental, Health and Safety
- FHA, VA, HUD, Insurance Inspections
- Pest Control
- Safety Recalls and Notices

Non-Technical
- Report Writing and Systems
- Tools and Equipment
(followed by the remaining categories)
- Advertising, Marketing
- Associations, Ethics, Standards, Legal, Licensing, Legislation
- Insurance and Warranty
- General Chit Chat
- InspectionBlues
- Inspectors Wanted, Businesses to Sell/Buy
- Introductions By New Members
- Polls

(I made a change with edit: changed 'exterior siding/cladding' to building envelope [exterior siding, cladding, stucco, veneer, windows and doors] )

------------------
Jerry Peck
Ormond Beach
(i.e., Daytona Beach area)

===================================

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[This message has been edited by Jerry Peck (edited March 19, 2007).]

Jack Feldmann
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posted March 18, 2007 08:27 PM            

While I like the site as it is, there is always room for improvement no matter what we are doing.

I like Jerry's suggestions for categories.

But honestly, anything you do is fine with me.
JF

Tim Moreira
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posted March 18, 2007 09:16 PM            

Brian H.,

I'll third Jerry's suggestions.

I would like to re-emphasize a bigger area to type messages in. It would be a lot easier for us when we proof read our messages to our ourselves. Especially the longer messages.

Also recommend folks do a speal check and proof read there posts before posting. I'm guilty too...but...

------------------
Tim Moreira
Suncoast Home Inspections
Suncoasthomeinspections@yahoo.com

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Brian Knight
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posted March 19, 2007 05:04 AM         

Tim,

You missed what I said...he can do it automatically. He can have a little software program written that when someone does an upload, it automatically compresses the file. Brian H doesn't have to do a thing other than write the software code and installed it on is server. It is real easy to do, I did it for on my message board!

Richard Stanley
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posted March 19, 2007 10:42 AM            

Like some others have said, If you don't change a thing, it's fine. BUT, since it took me 5 years to figure out how to resize and post a pic, that self compression thingy Brian Knight was talking about sounds nice. There is something like that on some of the other boards.

Victor DaGraca
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posted March 19, 2007 04:08 PM            

I have been educated by the content of this board. Even when the disagreement gets heated, there are ways to learn from those exchanges. As has been stated by another user, he would like to see if there was a way to use the education harvested from here towards CEUs. In South Carolina there are no ConEd requirements, but, I can see it happening down the road. It sure would be nice to be able to use this fine forum as a means of obtaining those ConEd credits. There are some on here that have ties to Educational/regulatory agencies. What do you say?

Brian... do you see a way of getting this done?

for example.... an "open book" testing format on specific subjects that would provide the user feedback and/or test results.

[This message has been edited by Victor DaGraca (edited March 19, 2007).]

Joseph Burkeson
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posted March 19, 2007 05:30 PM            

Personally I oppose a highly moderated board, I already refuse to post on ASHI and that wacko board somewhere in Washington State.

Hey but if you want a place where no one of any importance ever says anything that matters just mosey over to that graveyard of a website at ASHI and have a peek.

They wouldn't say shit if they had a mouthful.

Oh and BTW where is the obligatory annual Florida Licensing Thread?

OK, back to your head-bobbing.

Bong Hits 4 Jesus

[This message has been edited by Joseph Burkeson (edited March 19, 2007).]

Jerry Peck
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posted March 19, 2007 06:56 PM            

Don't leave out his brothers Juan and Jorge.

------------------
Jerry Peck
Ormond Beach
(i.e., Daytona Beach area)

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Tim Moreira
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posted March 20, 2007 12:02 AM            

Brian K,

Ooooops, my bad, sorry must have missed the automated part of your post.

I'll retreat back to my corner now

------------------
Tim Moreira
Suncoast Home Inspections
Suncoasthomeinspections@yahoo.com

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Jack Feldmann
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posted March 20, 2007 04:24 AM            

As far as using this forum form required CEU's - I think there is a very slim chance that would ever happen.

Given how difficult it is to get "real" courses approved by the State, I can't imagine them ever approving something like this for credits.

Brian Hannigan
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posted March 20, 2007 10:57 AM            

I take it everyone with an opinion about the structure of the categories has spoken. General opinion here and in e-mails I received is that the way it is is fine but I would like to improve it a bit.

I will take the suggestions, add my input, crunch the numbers and come up with the final layout.

Thank you for your input.

------------------
Sincerely,

Brian Hannigan

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Brian Hannigan
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posted March 23, 2007 04:20 AM            

Put your seatbelt on, grab your mouse and get your keyboard ready!

I'm shooting for the first of the month as the release date of the new message board

So far almost every suggested feature and category has been added and I have many more late nights ahead of me adding more features and fine tuning what I have already done. If you like InspectionNews.com now you are going to love the new site.

When I launch the new InspectionNews site there will also be some added surprises!

-------------