Instructions are in the poll question.

I really don't like the idea of splitting forums. I like having a one-stop shop. I have limited internet time, and don't want to have to post the same message in three different places. This is not a good idea, if you ask me...and I do have a little experience with this kind of thing. [;)]

I like having everything in one place. It means I get to see all sorts o things I would not see otherwise... all sorts of inspiration in all sorts of materials. Yo unever know where eye candy can come from.

This is what I sent to Lindsay:

Lindsay - what's going to happen to all the Forum messages prior to July 18? Will they be wiped out, and we have to start all over?!?!? Say it ain't so! I am also sad that you will be splitting the Forum, as the diversity of our members has always been our strength. We have inspired each other to try out new skills and mediums. We will be losing something important when you split us up! I know this won't make any difference, it's going to happen. I just want to have my voice heard, as one who has loved the Forum for two years.

Although I have been a member of this forum for awhile, I haven't used it much until recently.

After the 'rediscovery' the other day, I said to myself (after a big smack in the head for the 'duh' moment), why haven't I been using this resource more often???? Being able to read/discuss maille, beadwork, smithing etc. with such knowledgeable folk is wonderful.

To separate into different forums will take away from the comaraderie (sp) I have found on this site not to mention the inspiration to try new things that otherwise would have never occurred to me.

Just my 1.5 cents and it seems that 75% of the poll respondents agree with me.

Mary

I agree I am very saddened that we have not been explained or maybe not even taken into account the way this forum is used by everyone ...and that their is a hierarchy...

How do the senior mentors feel about this???

I chose to finally start using this forum after the about .com jewelry making and beadwork forums were redone to the detriment of the community ...

For what it is worth, I vote against splitting the forums. But don't hold much hope. Forums change their formats, is it every summer it seems while things are slow? I know I've gone through it with the About.com forum awhile back, last year there was a big shake up on this forum (although to be fair, the format didn't change). The other forum I use is none bead related and they keep changing hosts....three times now in 3 years......just gotta go with the flow!! But I agree, a wealth of information will be lost.....maybe we can all print out past posts and make an encyclopedia from it.

I too like it all in one place - even though I am concentrating mostly on silver smithing, I still do gemstones/beaded jewelry and every time I see a maille topic, I think I would love to learn that :) I also love seeing the wire wrapping and seed beading - something I don't do but sure admire.

I guess my point is that an all encompassing forum is something that I find very useful and fun. I would like to know why the decision has been made to split, for what reason?? If it is to narrow the information to each magazine - that's what I buy THEM for !!

As Lindsay has posted elsewhere, the old content will remain as an archive.

Please see http://www.beadandbutton.com/bnb/community/forum/topic.asp?page=2&TOPIC_ID=42360

Yes But Russ how do you feel about reregistering and everyone not knowing how much help and support you have been to this group that are the newbies coming in that will not know you have been here since July 7, 2003 or that you posted 4790 messages of knowledge and support.

That is what those of us who have been here for 4 years or more want the powers to be to understand. they are not just numbers and we are not just people who are names on here.

I agree OBCGal...I've been here 6 years come August...

The poll results show without a doubt that the majority do not want a change...I hope they acknowledge this. I hate change anyway.

I totally agree with everyone! IFIT AINT BROKE DONT FIX IT!!!

MY GOSH! I just went back and noticed that 11 out of 101 people actually left a response to this. Thats awful. We need to be heard and soon before changes are made.

I suspect the basic changes will happen no matter what anyone says. They've been talking about better forum software for a while. The seach window IS broken - basicly useless. there are other problems.

Having subscriber only content on the new websites is the direction many print magazines are going. It's probably necessary in the internet age if they want to keep a printed magazine. The forum will remain open according to current postings.

You don't have to lose your name and history.
At http://www.beadandbutton.com/bnb/community/forum/topic.asp?page=2&TOPIC_ID=42360 Lindsay says "I talked to our online department, and if you keep your username when you register for the new forum, your number of posts will remain the same. I know there was some concern about not being able to tell our experienced members from our new members, but it doesn't look like that is going to be a problem."

Usernames, passwords, history, archived material... those ARE important issues. Your input and suggestions about them may influence what happens. But complaining about the basic change that is coming before you have seen it isn't going to be very productive.

Can you tell we've just gone through a major software upgrade at Rings & Things that was opposed by many staff but has worked out to be a good thing once the kinks are worked out? <g>

Hmmm, maybe I'll register under another name and just try to get people to buy from Rings & Things instead of being a "resource" or "mentor"...[:D] [}:)] [:O][:O] <just kidding>

I just think that many of us have been on forums that one day we clik on and its not the same and there was never a word about it...so We are using our "voices" now at least we feel better...LOL[:D][:D][:D][:D][8D][:D]