IS IT TIME TO TERMINATE THE ONLINE BULLETIN BOARD?

It would be a great loss to see the Course Measurement Board shut down. You are corret to say that contributors could be more consistent. We could also be hearing more from a few more RRTC Officers. How many Regional Certifiers regularly contribute?

As for the Bulletin Board being "Pete's pulpit", someone has to lead the way. Is Ted Corbitt still active?

The volume of postings do not reflect the value of the Bulletin Board. As you said, there are many visitors.

Do most measurers, race directors, and finish line crews know that the Board is available? Could the name of the Board name be less focused on measurement? Has there been a campaign to get the Board's web address listed as a link at other race related web sites?

It would be no great chore to open up the Bulletin Board to other areas of race administration. It would require somebody to help with the moderation, as I have little expertise or interest outside the area of course measurement.

It will take somebody with an interest to propose this and volunteer to moderate it.

For some reason this reminds me of the 4th of July bands with the name "So-and-so Marching and Chowder Society."

Message from Alan Jones, received and answered by Pete Riegel

Dear Alan,

I intend to stick it out a bit longer. I am not familiar with the Yahoo approach. It may be a free thing - many popular things are free.

I went with Infopop because I had experience with another of their bulletin boards. I liked the way all the messages were up there for all to see, every time. And I liked the way an old message moves to the top of the list if somebody replies to it.

At $25 per month it's not breaking me, and as Kevin Lucas pointed out, there are lots of readers, even if there are few contributors.

I have no interest in creating a Yahoo approach, but would certainly support anyone who wants to do it. Is it cheaper? I don't care, unless it is as good or better.

I'll post this on the Bulletin Board. Maybe some interest will be generated.

Best regards, Pete

In a message dated 6/2/2005 8:51:18 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, AlanJones@stny.rr.com writes:
Pete and Jim,

I'm sorry the measurement news forum hasn't worked out but these days most people use e-mail forums such as Yahoo Groups. I am the moderator of several Yahoo Groups.

I have always thought one of the problems of Yahoo Groups was that you couldn't read a thread. I just discovered (I'm kinda slow) that you can read the messages in a Yahoo Group by thread.

What do you think about establishing a MN group on Yahoo? It can be moderated or non-moderated. The main advantage is being able to go back and read old messages either by thread or chronologically.

Alan

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