[RTC List] Let's get beyond Listserve:

Tue Oct 28 10:09:59 PDT 2008

Just so you know, the RTC site runs on Drupal (http://drupal.org) and a 
forum is easy enough to do within that system, so there is no need to 
have a forum hosted elsewhere. There is a built in forum module and 
there are modules that integrate third party forums if one of those is 
preferred. Of course, anyone is welcome to start a forum elsewhere.

We have gone back and forth with the idea of a forum. Long ago, using a 
different system, the RTC site ran a forum. Almost no one used it. There 
is nothing worse than an empty forum. When we did a survey recently, no 
one asked for a forum. Many people did express appreciation for the 
mailing list. However, I'm sure the board would be open to entertaining 
that idea again.

Just a different perspective: The list is relatively small (around 250 
subscribers). A forum may have a tendency to fragment that small group 
into smaller silos of interest. I believe that's what made the previous 
forum appear inactive. And that appearance feeds on itself.

Sean Ennis, ScanDoc wrote:
> I like Sean's suggestion about a forum.
> I would only add that most forum systems allow for users to opt in to 
> email notifications of new topics, or receipt of the actual posts, so 
> those who would rather not have to make the extra step to login and 
> check for new info would still get notified when they check email.
>
> Sean Ennis
>
> At 10:11 PM 10/27/2008, you wrote:
>
>> Thanks, Robert:
>>
>> This is excellent info. I've cross-confirmed against other sources of 
>> info.
>>
>> Makes me wonder if RTC ought to start a proper forum in lieu of this 
>> listserve.
>>
>> Most of this Listserve/news group mailing is junk in my inbox, 
>> honestly, but there are many diamonds in the rough that I'd love to 
>> track . . . though that's not now easy to do in this environment. 
>> What's more, I at least appreciate it as one core stream of news 
>> about what is going on in IT locally. I just think this whole news 
>> group/listserve this is too 20th century, and not the best way to 
>> facilitate the flow of information among everyone.
>>
>> A proper forum would be more 21st century -- and enable nice things 
>> like RSS, Topics, Subscription to Topics, and over all sorting of 
>> information.
>>
>> For example, while I HATED SuddenLink as they were rolling over from 
>> <mailto:Cox/@Home>Cox/@Home, I realized that it was growing pains, 
>> and I've had very little issues with them since: however, others 
>> obviously have serious issues. So, a forum would sort all of this out 
>> for those interested in that topic of conversation, while not 
>> bothering others who aren't interested.
>>
>> I've always been so darned busy running my business that I've never 
>> been able to make it to a single RTC meeting, and I doubt that will 
>> change soon . . . . however, I'd be willing to set up, host, and 
>> basically admin a forum for RTC if I could count on some help with 
>> day to day admin.
>>
>> With all of the tools now at our disposal so easily, I just don't 
>> think that a listserve is the best way for local folks to network, IMHO.
>>
>> Warm regards,
>>
>> Sean Connors
>> <mailto:Sean at WMSmerchantservices.com>Sean at WMSmerchantservices.com
>> www.WMSmerchantservices.com
>>
>> Web Merchant Services
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>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: <mailto:robert at beckerdite.com>robert beckerdite
>> To: <mailto:list at redwoodtech.org>list at redwoodtech.org
>> Sent: Friday, October 24, 2008 10:23 AM
>> Subject: [RTC List] Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067 – Critical
>>
>>
>> All,
>>
>> Microsoft has released a Critical security bulletin. I encourage you 
>> to review the bulletin and take the necessary steps to implement 
>> this. If you have questions feel free to contact myself or you 
>> Technology Partner to determine its necessity. It is my professional 
>> opinion that is important that you are aware of this issue. Microsoft 
>> takes this issue so seriously that they released it off schedule 
>> (normally tuesday is the day) which means it could not wait 5 days in 
>> their opinion.
>>
>> <http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS08-067.mspx>http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS08-067.mspx 
>>
>>
>> P.S. If anyone encounters issues with the patch lets notify the board 
>> to ensure that others are aware. Assuming that is reasonable and 
>> appropriate.
>>
>> Robert Beckerdite
>> Beckerdite Consulting
>> 707 703-1528
>>
>>
>> ----------
>> All-in-one security and maintenance for your PC. Get a free 90-day 
>> trial! 
>> <http://www.windowsonecare.com/purchase/trial.aspx?sc_cid=wl_wlmail>Learn 
>> more!
>>
>>
>> ----------
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>
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