:smack:
Performance has been on its ass.
Is that a reasonable premise? When ATMs were new technology, and I was the first guy from our region to get factory training, step two was send another guy to the next open school seat so we’d have a backup tech.
I’m starting to suspect that their network security is, indeed, pants. 
So, what I’m coming to understand as the official position of the SDMB is that we’re like some kind of hot potato that gets passed around and around with no one really willing to claim any responsibility for us (either hot potato or tiny little afterthought that doesn’t get much thought). Responsibility would include upgrading hardware and/or software and making and implementing decisions like free posting and all the bells and whistles we’ve been promised, and having backup for the software and the technical know-how to run it. I have to say, Creative Loafing hasn’t been very creative yet; the new boss is looking a whole lot like the old boss.
No, what are you trying to say?
I think the vBulletin software is considered a minor part of the IT duties at the reader. There job is probably concerned with helping to make the paper, the main website, Customer Service, shipping, AP, AR and payroll. I am guessing SDMB is low on the list as in the end, it concerns one column.
The signs point to this being true as we all see how little effort the Reader ever put into doing anything with a fairly robust message board and community. At my job we have similar software where there is only one person that knows how to install and maintain it and if that person is out of touch for the weekend, the software waits until Monday. Now in fairness, I am talking about software that will affect 2-3 people and not several thousand.
Jim
What is the excuse for the message board being down all weekend? How hard is it to keep a small-medium sized message board running, especially one with paying customers? It’s the same frigging problem every month—“database corruption”—what the fuck?
Well so far they have done nothing to upgrade the software and increase the size the database can handle to fix the problem for good. This is the part that is hard to excuse.
Our problem is we don’t know why this doesn’t get done. I doubt it is Jerry, it is probably some unnamed boss that won’t allocate the time or make it a priority.
Yaks have few sweat glands, an adaptation for conserving heat by reducing perspiration. Our yak’s long wiry outercoat may be moist because he (yaks are always he) recently forded a stream, or perhaps there has been rain or snow.
Apparently you missed the second word in the company name 
I wouldn’t do anything. I don’t have anything to do with the more technical aspects of the board. Some of the abilities can only be accessed at the CR offices, which means that whoever steps into Jerry’s shoes has to be in Chicago and at the Reader.
I don’t think that the ChiReader budget extends to cocktail napkins, by the way. I think we have to make do with the backs of envelopes.
Everyone seems to think that the SDMB is some kind of special anomaly with regards to technical problems. It’s not, the management is either oblivious or malevolently incompetent. It’s far time we figured this out people. Technically this site should be a cinch to run. However it’s always fucked up. Bad management and poor customer service.
Hmmm - you seem to be brighter than you let on.
Shhh. You’ll ruin my rep.
Now, I’m not a paid subscriber. Yet.
(although I have already made a post in the appropriate thread that I would absolutely love it if someone would sponsor me)
But that being said, you guys are wasting a lot of effort here. I fully understand everyone’s objection to the recent board issues, and can kind of get why some are complaining about the board setup in general. But come on - when have posts in the BBQ pit changed anything, ever? If you are a paying member and want to see things change, contact the Reader directly. Please realize that the people that are in a position to change things probably don’t read these message boards very often, if ever.
Like I said, I see everyone’s point… but seriously, you are better off complaining to people who can actually effect a change. Just my two cents…
Bitching about the boards/mods/administration/cheap-ass bosses at the Reader/Creative Loafing - it’s what we do. I don’t think anyone here thinks we’re making any difference by complaining here, but it’s about all we have at this point, and I think we’re just basically blowing off steam.
Yeaaaoooooowwwwwh! [/Roger Daltrey]
In other words, I agree with the general spirit of the thread. I’m sick of the broken promises, I’m tired of waiting days between searches, and yes, I can picture the yak. I’ll say it–I wish I hadn’t re-upped my subscription.
That is all.
:dubious:
State of the Message Board posts from people who have been registered for all of three weeks tend to make me a little suspicious.
What the TPTB are willfully ignoring is the bitching.
If a customer doesn’t give a shit about a business, they leave when dissatisfied with the product and/or service, and chuckle to themselves when the Going Out of Business sign is put up.
A customer who cares about a business, but still has some issues of dissatisfaction will attempt to communicate them to management, because in the grand scheme of things, they want the business to continue and prosper. When they see the Going Out of Business sign, they shake their heads and wonder why the stupid bastards refused to listen and effect change while they had the opportunity.
I am so with you on that. I’ll post til it runs out, but unless something changes substantially in the next year, this subscription is going to be my last.