Off Topic, Motivation, Chat?

[John]

Just sort of thinking out loud here... Are there any plans to have an Off Topic forum where members can post about whatever? Family, career, interests, hobbies, etc? How about a Motivation forum set aside specifically for motivating one another, sharing motivational quotes, stories, video clips, etc? Or should the General Discussion area be used for off topic and motivation discussions?

Lastly, are there any plan to implement a real-time chat option? I've seen Flash Chat used on many other sites. It seems to work pretty well. A chat option would allow interested members and site visitors to chat on a regular basis. If people were interested we could have a regular weekly chat. Thoughts?

[gnash]

Originally Posted by John

Just sort of thinking out loud here... Are there any plans to have an Off Topic forum where members can post about whatever? Family, career, interests, hobbies, etc? How about a Motivation forum set aside specifically for motivating one another, sharing motivational quotes, stories, video clips, etc? Or should the General Discussion area be used for off topic and motivation discussions?

Lastly, are there any plan to implement a real-time chat option? I've seen Flash Chat used on many other sites. It seems to work pretty well. A chat option would allow interested members and site visitors to chat on a regular basis. If people were interested we could have a regular weekly chat. Thoughts?

I have posted in off topic forums, and they are a pretty good thing, IMO..You can talk about things that are not, necessarily, related to the forums with your buds..I'm kindof a lone wolf, but I think the more social types would like it...I'm not a good one to opinionate on chats...I don't chat much..Ha!!!!

gnash

[Maljonic]

I'm okay with it if everyone else likes the idea. We could change the name of the New Members section to New Member Introductions and Off Topic Chat (or something equally wild and imaginative) and put a forum for Off Topic Chat underneath the Introductions bit?

[liezlek]

Enhancement is always a good thing.

Just as long as it won't cause members to post less on the normal topics, because not all of us (speaking of myself specifically) have access to chat. I only read/post during office hours and my company blocks any chat-related sites/links.

So it would be really sad if you initiate something like this and it becomes such a hit that it draws people away from the normal forum to spend more time chatting...

I also think a lot of good advice might get missed by other members if just 2 people chat about something without others having access to that. Unless you agree to post any good info discussed while chatting, onto the normal forum, then I think it would be a benefit to everyone.

As you can see I don't have a clue as to how exactly this works or will work, but what I do know is that I don't want to be left in the dark

So far this forum has been helping me to keep going, and I dread the day that something new comes along and I can't be part of it anymore...

I know you guys will keep everyone and everything in mind if you do decide to set up something like this.

Thanx!

[Chris]

I often think there should be more categories here... The general discussion is getting HUGE with posts now that our membership is so large. It might be nice to split those things up.
I like the idea of a motivation section. I also like the idea of an off-topic place. Actually, I'm open to anything. I think Maljonic has made some good choices for how the layout should be. I trust anything that he suggests/decides.

Re: Chat.. I have my AIM screenname posted in my profile. (plantgrowerchris) I'm happy to chat with people if they want. I don't always respond right away and I'm often busy... but I'm a social guy who enjoys chatting from time to time. Real-time advice might be a good thing for some, especially if you are close to derailment. I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

[Chris]

I would also suggest that if you do seek out chat with me (or anyone) and good "adivce" is given, please come back here and post in the appropriate category.

[Maljonic]

I just thought it might be a bit confusing that we already have a 'general discussion' section, even though it says 'discuss general health, nutrition,diet, training, and related topics here' - it might be better to rename this one first so newcomers don't get confused, most message boards have a section called General Discussions for the purpose of talking about anything and everything, off topic stuff.

Perhaps if we rename the current General Discussion section to 'General Health', then make a section called 'Off Topic Discussions' where we can talk about the Bolivian navy on maneuvers in the South Pacific, or anything at all.

I guess we could also have another section called 'Help, I need Motivation!' or something like that where people can post about flagging enthusiasm and such?

Also it is possible to install an actual live chatroom at some point if anyone is interested in that? It wouldn't be very busy at first, but you could arrange to be on there at certain times with other members, or just drop in, and you don't have to be signed up to AIM, MSN or what have you to use it - just click 'Chatroom' at the top next to blogs or something.

[hockeymom]

That sounds good to me....especially the General health. That would be a good place to discuss non body for life issues.

[Chris]

Oh that's true (hockeymom).. a while back there was a post about those that modify the program and having a special section for it.. I think that's a good idea, but I'd propose it the other way... A section called "Strictly by the book"

[hockeymom]

....you're right...I think there are more "modifiers" than "bookers"

[John]

I apologize in advance for the length of this post. This forum really matters to me and I have a lot share.

I think we have some good ideas going here! Thank you Maljonic for the great job you're doing of managing these forums and for being so open to user suggestions. This is a great place.

While this is the first BFL/fitness forum I've participated in on a regular basis I've been using online discussion forums and boards for close to 20 years. One thing I've seen many times is how one discussion area in a forum list can often become sort of a "catch all" that most people get in the habit of using. On this site I think the catch all is General Discussion. It seems to be the most popular area for sure. While it's nice to have a popular one-stop forum like this the downside is it can grow like crazy like Chris mentioned. Sometimes popular areas like this get too big while other areas are used less.

On the other hand having too many forums can also spread things out and cause people not to know where to post or, worse yet, can cause posts to maybe go unnoticed or not get the attention they deserve.

Here's an example how a totally different site I use changed up their forums with great success. 1Up.com is a video game community hosted by electronics entertainment publisher Ziff-Davis. In the past they had dozens and dozens of forums for every topic imaginable: all the game systems, games, categories of games, equipment, etc, etc. It's a very popular site. Unfortunately the forums got out of hand and became too much to manage. At one point they had 63 separate categories! Now they have 3: Games, Gear and Not Games. It was a risky but brilliant move that paid off in the end and strengthened the community.

I'm not suggesting this site have less categories, just sharing the above has one example of how keeping things simple can sometimes make a positive difference.

But let me get back to this forum...

I've been here for a couple months but I'm still 100% on whether or not this site is meant to be BFL specific. Of course the great name (bodyforlifeforum.com) suggests it is, but sometimes I wonder. For example, if someone asks a question in the cardio section about how long they should work out is it wrong to say "The BFL book suggests 20 minutes of high-intensity, interval-based cardio 3 times per week."? Is it "right" for other people to reply and say 20 minutes isn't enough? I like the "by the book" idea but why do we need that if this is a BFL-centric forum? See what I mean? Maybe I'm just missing something here. Believe me, that happens!

I agree General Discussion should be more clearly defined. Perhaps renaming it "General Health & Fitness" would let users know it's a broad scope forum where all topics related to diet, exercise and training could be discussed. This could also be the place where people discuss other plans, programs and approaches to fitness. The question is, would members still be inclined to post their topics here rather than in the specific areas?

As a usability factor I think it's a good idea for people to not have to wonder where to post. Strong titles and descriptors can help with that. Here's a few examples:

General Health & Fitness: This is the place to talk about all things diet, exercise and training. Discussions are not limited to the BFL program.

Off-Topic Discussions: A place for every day chit chat about things not related to health & fitness.

Encouragement & Motivation: Need some inspiration? Want to inspire someone else? This is the place!

New Member Support: Are you just getting started with your fitness program? This is the place to ask your questions and share your experiences.

Oh boy... on the other hand maybe we should have three forums: Eating, Moving, Everything Else.

[John]

One more quick thought on chats... my suggestion with that chat idea was to use it for impromptu "what's up?" chats or regularly scheduled, non-topical chats. Maybe like a one hour "Free Day Chat" on Sundays for people to drop in and share how their week went, something like that. Not necessarily as a replacement for discussion threads.

Maljonic: Can something like FlashChat be setup so you'd have to be a forum member to login? I'd hate to see random spammers logging in to sell stuff (or whatever).

[Chris]

WOW, now that's a post! I think it might be a record

Good points to consider.

OK so I want to comment on the bodyforlifeforum... Is this a site to follow BFL? Yes, of course. We all (most) got our start in BFL and although many of us have modified the program it's still centered around the BFL philosophy.
The danger of saying posts should be BFL approved suggestions means that if we find something outside of BFL that may work better, we can't share it. Should I feel like I'm not welcome to post b/c I do a modified program?
I wonder if it wouldn't be better to have a general statement at the top of the website that explains how this is a fitness site started with BFL in mind and evolving as we do... just to avoid any confusion.
I also don't mind stating when I'm offering advice outside of the book. So it's fine with me if we keep it the way it is.

[John]

Originally Posted by Chris

The danger of saying posts should be BFL approved suggestions means that if we find something outside of BFL that may work better, we can't share it. Should I feel like I'm not welcome to post b/c I do a modified program... ...I also don't mind stating when I'm offering advice outside of the book. So it's fine with me if we keep it the way it is.

Thanks for the clarification, Chris. Just to be clear I agree with you 100%. While I'm all about following BFL by the book right now, I too want to be able to share other ideas and methods outside the BFL approach as I discover them. I also want to learn from the experiences of others whether they're following the BFL program or not.

[gnash]

Originally Posted by Chris

Oh that's true (hockeymom).. a while back there was a post about those that modify the program and having a special section for it.. I think that's a good idea, but I'd propose it the other way... A section called "Strictly by the book"

This is the best idea...people in C1 can share with each other...Most are going to modify their program anyway...many have trainers who are going to change their programs ...and people like John will change things up in 12 weeks..

Weight training is fairly scientific today and the BFL program is pretty basic...If people want to grow they will visit other forums and fitness sites and pick up info..

My posting has changed and I don't mind that at all...I would be unlikely to post about lactate thresholds and VO2 max in the forum as it is now...

Forums are supposed to be self-correcting and that is good...Whatever the senior members decide on this is fine with me..

gnash

[statona]

I"m with Chris - I prefer to keep it on topic - BFL and the related activities - motivation, eating, working out, modifications, comparisons, etc. I have not yet seen a posting that I didn't think was related or someone needing help related to it... and I like that!

I particiipate on a couple of other discussion groups - and its the same, and when it goes outside of the topic, people generally lose interest.

The thing to remember is that a small percentage will stay on this discussion board - and many others will come and go - and they are hear to learn from those of us that are discussing BFL - that's how I found it.

So, I like it... and if it makes sense to dilute the categories just a little to address specific topics, great. But the funny thing, I always click on the button that says messages not read - and I rarely know which category I"m in. But, any newbie goes for the categories.

My two cents.

BTW, 2 more days till week 4 pics - I'm so in need of some pizza this coming weekend - as I sit eating gross eggs (I'm so done with them after tonight) with string cheese - and despite it adding just a little more flavor - I'm done with them for a long time!

[lynnzeiner]

I personally have had a couple instances where I wanted to post something to share that I experienced or thought was funny or wanted to vent b/c some jerk threw weights at me at the gym but b/c they were offtopic I withheld. I have been frequenting a Phillies forum that has room for off topic discussions and I think that it is a neat idea but the board could get cluttered REAL quick.

However, I do think there is validity to finding a way to make sure it is noted if someone is giving advise that contridicts or adds to the BFL book, it should be noted. There are some of us who are 100% BFL for this first challenge and it can be very confusing if someone offers advice that is not 100% BFL. I appreciate people's help based on their modifications and successes but I honestly only really want BFL based advice and experience unless I ask a specific question that would warrant other than BFL information.

Just my thoughts...

[liezlek]

Sjoe, a lot said.

IMO, the topics as they are currently, work well.
I know exactly where to go if I'm looking for something.

I would just maybe add the 'off-topic' discussion.
Although, I currently categorise the blogs as 'off-topic' because there you can speak your mind, and if anybody is interested they can respond without bugging everyone else who is not interested.

And when talking about things that fall outside of BFL, mention it in (brackets) like Chris and other people are currently doing. Then there is no confusion.

Since joining, I've never been confused as to what is strickly BFL and what is not. And at the end of the day it is my decision which advice I follow.

I just don't want to see a scenario where people leave because they are limited. We need everybody's input. Especially the already senior members.

Here is my suggestion:
maljonic - after taking all the suggestions into consideration, maybe you should decide what is easiest for YOU to do and then post and have everybody vote on that.

Not with comments, just a Yes or No vote.
Judging by the outcome of that we continue. If the majority votes No, then discuss it further. But I think this thing can quickly snowball and get out of hand.

We must remember that you can't satisfy everybody the whole time. And yes, It is always good to find ways to improve, but that's why I said, I'm quite happy with the general way things are working currently. Maybe just make slight improvements as discussed, but keep it simple.

Bottom line. If people complain and compare this site with other sites, then maybe they should just stick to posting on the other sites if they're happier there. (not being mean now)

Because judging from all the replies, I think the majority of members are happy

[gnash]

Originally Posted by lynnzeiner

However, I do think there is validity to finding a way to make sure it is noted if someone is giving advise that contridicts or adds to the BFL book, it should be noted. There are some of us who are 100% BFL for this first challenge and it can be very confusing if someone offers advice that is not 100% BFL. I appreciate people's help based on their modifications and successes but I honestly only really want BFL based advice and experience unless I ask a specific question that would warrant other than BFL information.

Just my thoughts...

I agree with Chris,Hockeymom,Statona,John, and Liezlek..

All opinions are acceptable on OPEN message boards (if in good taste)..advice that is not to a person's liking may be disregarded, or a contrary opinion may be posted as IMO..confusing info will normally be debated by other posters who weigh in..

The main thesis of this forum should remain as BFL-like as possible, but not dictated by the book, IMO..and I agree with Statona that it is BFL-like at the present time..

Tweaking the forums around to make them more effective is fine, IMO..

gnash

I agree with Lynn that more IMO's should be noted as such..we were a bit guilty of not doing that in the past..other forums will take you to task on it..or assume that ALL posts are merely opinion,and nothing more..

[John]

I concur on the use of IMO, great idea. I second that we also implement IBO: In Bill's Opinion! (justing kidding!)