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1. buttingout2014

   

   52 posts
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   29 Nov 2017
   30 Nov 2017

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   NEW FORUM - PRIMARY CONCERNS:
   I realize that this forum is still a work in progress, but there are several wanted items / features that come to mind...
   
   

   • Option to include "Quit Meter" to all posts
   • Ability to add a signature / tagline to all posts
   • Ability to add a customized "user avatar" to profile / posts
   • Option to include "Age / Sex / Occupation"
   • Ability to send a private message: Member-to-member, or Member-to-coach
   • Ability to add / upload a picture(s) into our posts
   • Is it possible to reverse the displayed order of replies? (Newest at top, like a forum)
   • Is it possible to "pin" or "sticky" a particular post that deserves / requires focus?

   Those are the highlighted items that would be nice to get addressed sooner than later...
   Not sure of the priority of each item, but all of these would be nice to see.
   
   
   Your QUIT buddy, Jim.

2. jeyan

   

   176 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   30 Nov 2017 in reply to buttingout2014

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   I fully agree with you buttingout.  Thanks

3. kyle @ smokers helpline

   

   84 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   30 Nov 2017 in reply to buttingout2014

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   Hey buttingout2014,
   
   Thanks for starting the discussion.
   
   Let me preface my response by encouraging you to read the sticky post in this forum. I think you posted this while I was typing. It should hopefully provide some context to my responses.
   
   I also want to point out that the system we were using previously contained intellectual property that we do not own, and had been licensed from our vendor at the time. This presents some limitations in what we can do that may be proprietary to their system.
   
   Please see my responses below:
   
   

   buttingout2014 said:
   
   Option to include "Quit Meter" to all posts
   K - This may be proprietary, and would certainly be a technical challenge in our current system. It is unlikely this will return.
   Ability to add a signature / tagline to all posts
   K - This may be possible. We will investigate. This is likely a high effort, requiring budget and developer support.
   Ability to add a customized "user avatar" to profile / posts
   K - This is possible, but requires budget and developer support. We are prioritizing this for a future release.
   Option to include "Age / Sex / Occupation"
   K - I'm not sure what would be involved with this. It would likely require customization.
   Ability to send a private message: Member-to-member, or Member-to-coach
   K - this was discussed, but will not be returning in the near future. It would require either the development of a complete messaging system from scratch, or licensing an additional third-party product and integrating it with the new system. Both are security and budget issues.
   Ability to add / upload a picture(s) into our posts
   K – This may be configurable without a developer. We will look into it.
   Is it possible to reverse the displayed order of replies? (Newest at top, like a forum)
   K – This may be configurable without a developer. We will look into it.
   Is it possible to "pin" or "sticky" a particular post that deserves / requires focus?
   K - Yes, and I have done so above. :)
   
    

4. buttingout2014

   

   52 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   30 Nov 2017 in reply to kyle @ smokers helpline

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   I've opted to EDIT my original response, as leaving my initial text here served no real purpose other than possibly discouraging others from the 'meat-and-potatoes' true functionality and purpose of this forum.
   We're here to help others, and ranting about the lack of 'fancy features' offered by the forum isn't leading to that end at all.
   
   My revised response is below, and as stated, I look forward to seeing how the forum truly progresses with time and combined effort, both via moderators and from the awesome group members that I've grown to know through this site.
   
   Your QUIT buddy, Jim.

   Last modified on 06 Dec 2017 12:59 by buttingout2014
5. kyle @ smokers helpline

   

   84 posts
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   28 Nov 2017
   30 Nov 2017

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   Hi buttingout2014,
   
   I would like to keep this conversation going, and I know you're passionate about our community but I would ask you to please not make this personal against our staff here. Please understand that we are doing our best, every single one of us, and that there are people behind these accounts who care very much about the work we do here.
   
   A few points:
   

   • I want to emphasize again that this is the first release and a first step in a brand new site. This will not be the last release, nor are we considering this site finished.
   • I'm not satisfied with what the forums can do either. I'm not going to pretend that this is perfect, but neither am I going to accept that it isn't good enough to start with.
   • We deal with the personal health information of thousands of individuals on this site, and we have to protect that to the best of our ability. Cobbling together several different software offerings would have made that job significantly more difficult and expensive.
   • A large part of the work was in establishing a framework for the site that will allow us to grow and integrate with our other programs and other cessation services, as well as creating an entirely new interactive quit program, integration with First Week Challenge Contest (to be launched soon), tools for healthcare providers, and the list goes on. The forums are one part of this site, but they had to be balanced within a much broader mandate.
   • We are government-funded, but I and my colleagues are employees of the Canadian Cancer Society.
6. petermac

   

   18 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   30 Nov 2017 in reply to kyle @ smokers helpline

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   Smokers` helpline`s    Kyle will stated ,  as  others and myself have stated ,  What we will be looking forward to ,  the UpGrading   , Yes  to the Listed Above , 
   Hav` A Better Than Great Quit Day 
   
   
7. brieffree

   

   1477 posts
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   28 Nov 2017
   30 Nov 2017

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   Hi Kyle
   
   .The site is amassing and is starting to rise every time, all we need is to focus in our quit! and as a new Site has their issues.
   
   Have a Nice Smoke free night!
   
8. lithan44

   

   51 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   30 Nov 2017

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   I don't think members blame the moderators, although I am sure it can feel that way.  Some of the moderators have been part of our family for years and have been with us through our struggles.  Through the incredibly sad times of losing beloved friends.  Through our celebrations.  You are appreciated!  Speaking just for myself, there is a deep sadness of letting go of a physical connection to friends, posts, stories etc...While I would like the mileage, avatar and such, it is the letting go of my attachment to a relationship of 7 years.  I get that memories are in the mind and heart and live on.  The emotional aspect is strong.  Sparky. SSL.  They are not here.  I believe I need to find the balance of accepting that the old site is gone and there is now this.  It is not as good.  Many features are missing.  What is not missing is my support and love for the SHO members.  I hope many remain to continue the SHO family with me.  xo
9. Mud Man

   

   89 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   01 Dec 2017

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   WoW this is truly unreal. Everyone was excited about this change because it was stated over and over that this would be a new and improved website with exciting new features. I myself can't find any features. They are all gone. I'm somewhat upset about losing something that I frequented daily for the past two years straight. 
   
   

   Last modified on 13 Jan 2018 13:37 by Missing user
10. ccwhale

    

    7 posts
    Registered:
    01 Dec 2017
    01 Dec 2017

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    I have only been involved with this program since my last quit date , November 4th, 2017. This new site is not as good as the old one as of today, in my opinion. It might have been worth delaying the launch until "at least" the same features of the old site were available on this new one. Considering it was launched with the promise of being better, it has not so far.
    Good luck with the progress, I won't let this process trigger me.... Just going to log off and wait a week to see how it goes.
    Cheers,
    FYI, I can't set a profile name it seems, Just my email, for everyone to see.... great!
    
11. jeyan

    

    176 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    02 Dec 2017 in reply to ccwhale

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    this reply feature is annoying, takes too long to load and too long to post. :(   Website is also too slow. 
    
    We cannot blame the moderators for this. The web development company, it's project managers, and developers are to blame.
    
    This site is too slow including, loading and postings
    fonts are too dull
    Back ground is too bright
    reply screen does not fit my screen properly
    most content does not fit my screen properly
    Site headers are not static, and disappears when I scroll down
    
    The above mentioned features are the basic elements of every professionally developed web sites, something I learned when I worked on a coop term at a government facility 15 years ago. :)
    

    Last modified on 02 Dec 2017 00:35 by jeyan
12. Mud Man

    

    89 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    02 Dec 2017 in reply to jeyan

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    I hear you Jeyan, This whole deal absolutely "SUCKS".
    
    Your Friend Always
    
    The Mud Man 
    
    
    
    
    Mud's Mileage 
    Smoke-Free Days: 754 
    Cigarettes Not Smoked: 22,620 
    Amount Saved: $11,762.40 
    Life Gained: 
    Days: 140 Hrs: 11 Mins: 58 Seconds: 24
    
    
    
    
13. lithan44

    

    51 posts
    Registered:
    30 Nov 2017
    02 Dec 2017 in reply to Mud Man

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    Am I the only one who can still post on the old site?  I just did.  I also went and copied some posts that mean a lot to me. Go and check it out.  
14. kishu

    

    5 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    04 Dec 2017

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    Hello all, 
    I think it would be helpful if someone would explain why it was necessary to move to this new unfortunately "unimproved" forum?  Buttingout itemized the many features that the old site had which made it special and Kyle posted that most of those features are gone and probably won't be back.  I'm just now sure  that I heard the rationale for the change.  It might help if we could better understand.
    Thanks,
    Kishu
    
15. kyle @ smokers helpline

    

    84 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    04 Dec 2017 in reply to ccwhale

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    Hey ccwhale,
    
    I've changed your username temporarily to remove the rest of your e-mail address. Please e-mail me and let me know if you would like it changed to something else. We will be changing the registration form soon to ensure it is clear that your "Username" is the visible name used on the forums.
16. kyle @ smokers helpline

    

    84 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    04 Dec 2017 in reply to jeyan

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    Hey jeyan,
    
    Could you please e-mail me and let me know what device and browser you are using? We are looking into beefing up our servers right now, but want to rule out any specific coding issues that could also be problematic.
    
    Thanks.
17. ccwhale

    

    7 posts
    Registered:
    01 Dec 2017
    04 Dec 2017 in reply to kyle @ smokers helpline

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    Thanks thanks Kyle, ccwhale is fine for a username. Hopefully this will be an option in our account as part of your “to do” list. 😃 
18. buttingout2014

    

    52 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    04 Dec 2017

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    A quick note to Kyle and the other staff members here at SHO...
    First of all - I'm sorry that my rant came across as making things personal, or "bashing SHO tech staff" in general for their lack of effort with the new forum.
    
    Am I happy? NO. ...As others have mentioned, we smokers have been working with addiction and deep-down, many of us feel that we've already had to overcome some huge changes in our habits, lifestyle, and hobbies due to our quit.  This added drastic change is kind've a tough pill to swallow, and is definitely going to take some time to adapt to.
    
    I suppose that your reply just kind've hit me weird - especially with the comments about how adding something as 'commonplace' as a "tagline / signature" was going to one of the "high-effort" items.  I can certainly appreciate how adding something custom like a "QUIT METER" would be a daunting task to throw at the development team, and I would anticipate that this will likely be near the bottom of the 'wish list' for that same reason.
    
    I've had an I.T. company for the past 18yrs, and employ a team of 6 Engineers, but I'm not bound to the same budget limitations that would be in place in this environment, so I apologise for my short-sighted comments related to that end.
    
    In summary - I look forward to watching our new home prosper and grow, with the help of the amazing staff and members, and most importantly, I look forward to keeping my quit!!!
    

    Your QUIT buddy, Jim.

19. Mud Man

    

    89 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    05 Dec 2017 in reply to buttingout2014

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    Yes, I also am sorry for my comments and I will give this new web site a chance but I am not happy either. I should have guessed why these changes are necessary, "Money" it's always about money. Anyways I'm sorry Kyle and I appreciate all that your trying to do for us.
    
    I will try to keep an open mind and see what happens in the future.
    
    Mud Man
20. kyle @ smokers helpline

    

    84 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    05 Dec 2017

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    Thanks all.
    
    I can't overstate how happy I am that you're willing to at least give the site a chance. I have always maintained that any community is only as strong as its members, so making this new site a home (even if it's missing some wallpaper and even a wall or two) makes a big difference for new and existing members.
    
    Jim, I'm happy to get into some of the details around WHY some of these details are harder to implement than they might have been out of the box, but I'd rather not delve too deeply into it in public forums. Feel free to e-mail me.
21. lithan44

    

    51 posts
    Registered:
    30 Nov 2017
    05 Dec 2017 in reply to kyle @ smokers helpline

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    Hi everyone.  I am trying to give this site a chance and posting often, hoping to generate some more posts and engagement.  Thanks Mud Man for continuing with the Daily pledge.  :-) 
22. kishu

    

    5 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    05 Dec 2017

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    I had hoped that someone would have replied to my last post.  Understanding the rational behind the change could be really useful.
23. kyle @ smokers helpline

    

    84 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    06 Dec 2017 in reply to kishu

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    Hey kishu,
    
    Actually, I posted a reply in a new thread, stickied here. Have a look, and hopefully it will clarify things.