2011 Reorganization of the Board

[Isk8NYC]

Happy New Year!

Jim made a great suggestion that we wanted to run past our members and get their opinions about this proposed change.

Currently, we have a "Calendar of Events" forum that's open to anyone for viewing.
http://skatingforums.com/index.php?board=30.0
It contains a mish-mosh of skating events to see and/or do, if you're a skater.

I have been trying to keep the board's calendar updated so that deadlines and events are displayed at the bottom of the main page and on the calendar itself, which is why I created the forum.  
http://skatingforums.com/index.php?action=calendar
It doesn't seem to be viewed or added to, so Jim thought that a little reorganization might be in order.

Jim's idea is to split the existing "Calendar of Events" topics into two different forums:

. Events for skaters and coaches, such as competitions, camps, and workshops in a new forum in the "On the Ice" section.
Edit: Done!  Events for Skaters forum is here: http://skatingforums.com/index.php?board=30.0

. Events to watch (like live shows, TV, movies, etc.) into the Spectator Skating forum http://skatingforums.com/index.php?board=17.0

What do our members think about this change?

[Isk8NYC]

As an aside, is there a need for the Non-Skating Discussion forum?  It's really not used very much, so I wondered...

[Patsy]

I don't use the calendar of events, but that division you're proposing sure sounds logical to me!

I'd like to see Non-Skating Discussion area stick around for at least another couple months to see if it takes hold more after the holidays.  I value it and pledge to be better about posting there.   

Thanks for all the work you do--it's appreciated!

Can't figure out how/if I can to edit, so will just add this P.S.  which should have been part of my message above.

Thank you so much for all the hard work that saved skatingforums just a titch over 4 months ago.  I'm sure a techno-disaster like myself has noooooooo idea exactly how much work was involved--but thanks to you all.

[AgnesNitt]

I'd like to keep the non-skating forum. Maybe it's not the mall on a Saturday before Christmas, but there are obviously people who post there regurlarly, and irregularly (me).

As for the calendar, I think (possibly) posting the skater oriented stuff ought to be enough. A funny thing about this board, it doesn't seem to be very hot and heavy toward the elite skaters. Those people that are, probably post on fsuniverse. So nationals and so on, let them go to fsuniverse.

I like the skater oriented boards since that's where I find out about summer adult skate camps.

[Isk8NYC]

Sometimes we have little discussions about the standings/outcomes, but you're right: the play-by-plays and lobby voids aren't our forte'.  I like to post about upcoming "spectator" events for people who might choose to attend or watch a show or competition, especially the TV events.  I figure it helps keep the sport growing.  I also print out a TV schedule for the rink bulletin board for the same reason.  Still, many times the DVR records a special that I didn't even know about!

I think that putting the skaters' events in the skaters' "On Ice" section will help people keep track of deadlines and clinics.  I post whatever I discover from friends, the various email subscriptions and internet searches, but as Jim found out today, I'm not on every mailing list.  (Didn't know about the Colonial competition.)

I wonder if having that section would encourage the organizers to keep our members informed?

[ChristyRN]

I read more than I post--guess I really don't have much to say--but I like the set up as is.  I don't read all the forums, but appreciate that others might and don't want them to lose what they read.  It's like the comics.  I read what I want and pretty much disregard the rest for others.

[jjane45]

In addition to forum posts, what do you think of list or calendar?

HisWeirness over at FSU created a great calendar for spectator events:
http://sites.google.com/site/figureskatingnotes/2010-2011-figure-skating-tv-and-online-schedule

I routinely forward that link to friends (excel list) and the Google calendar version really helps me to keep track of upcoming events.

[FigureSpins]

I love HisWeirness' calendar - I send her links to movies and specials whenever I spot them.

[kiwiskater]

As an aside, is there a need for the Non-Skating Discussion forum?  It's really not used very much, so I wondered,

Can't say I actually use the calendar but the proposal sounds good to clarify stuff.

As for the aside I'd like to see it stay (Non-Skating Discussion forum)

[Isk8NYC]

Given the runaway votes in favor of the change, I moved the Calendar of Events topics to their new homes on the boards.  Thanks for your input!

[Sk8Dreams]

I love the Non-Skating Discussions, though I probably post there way too much!