RCPro Launches New Improved Community

[Steve K]

RollerCoasterPro.com, one of the internet's premier site for amusement industry media coverage and news, is proud to launch its new and improved community on the day of it's seventh anniversary.

Using the vBulletin community forum software and a custom designed skin, RCPro launches this new community with more reliability, faster page loading, easy-to-navigate page layout, and more organized forum categories for.

After many months of planning and organizing, it was decided by staff to launch these new forums with the concept of a 'fresh start.' As RCPro has grown over the past seven years, the forums have gone through many modifications, virii, hackings, and bugs -- with the plan that has been set in motion for RCPro's future, it was decided that these errors and flaws were a liability to all future projects that are in store over the next two years.

Unfortunately, all user accounts and postings were lost in the transition as the database tables containing the information was flawed as well. After talking among the staff, consultants for the site, as well as a few members of the previous forums, it was decided that although this was a big loss, RCPro's community would be able to build stronger and faster than ever has it had done three years prior when all content was lost.

With the launch of these new forums, comes a new skin as can be seen. This new skin allows a more appealing, professional, and integrated theme to the community with the main website. This skin was specifically designed for RCPro and is an RCPro exclusive.

With the transition we also decided to retain the integrity of the forum software and the database housing the information, no modifications and additions will be made to the script to include the previous pager system. RCPro has not ruled out that these features may return in the future after the new RCPro version has been released.

Other changes to the community include the elimination of the 'Non-Coaster Related Forum.' The reasoning behind this was due to the fact that the majority of RCPro forum participation as of late was based in the [Non-Coaster Related] forum. In our attempt to concentrate on the amusement industry, it has been decided to remove this forum completely.

More so, the 'Regional Discussion' forum was removed due too confusion among members on whether a topic should be posted in its respective regional forum or in the general forum. Advertisements forum has been redone and is now exclusively for RCPro Network partners.

Some questions regarding forum policies have been brought up and enforcement of these policies. RCPro staff will be enforcing the standing forum policies, and will take appropriate actions based on the issue that has occurred. Staff will be utilizing a new Infraction based system for warnings and management for problematic users. More details on this new system to follow.

RCPro, celebrating seven year of high quality media coverage, will continue to advance its lineup of features, media coverage, and event planning. Over the next few months, plans will be put together for two official RCPro events for our members and the members of our RCPro Network.

For more information, please contact Steve at steve@rollercoasterpro.com.

RollerCoasterPro.com .:. 7 Years of High Quality Media Coverage!

[Edit: First paragraph edited due to miscommunication]

[rollercoasterfreek]

Wow I saw the layout and tried logging in. I was in the 1200's person to register but now I am in the 30s. Nice layout

[Nate]

Looks great Steve. Can't wait to see what you have coming in the future for us.

[JD71]

I said I supported this move before the switch, and I am not dissapointed. I am a little shocked that you've taken out the non-coaster, and that we're going back to a warning system, but hey, Its a big step in the right direction.

Great work Steve and anyone else who may have helped.

[Maxamillious]

^ I’m honestly a little disappointed with the new forum skin. I understand that you can’t please everyone, and I’m content with that but still a little disappointed in the quality of workmanship. The new header was pulled from the homepage and the navigation buttons are somewhat pixilated around the corners. Nonetheless however, I would like to extend my congratulations to Steve and the team for the successful re-launching of the forums. :)

[Jake]

The forums look fantastic, and I am very pleased with the change :). It'll be so nice to have a clean forum.

[jolash]

WOW! I love it guys. The skin rocks sportin' the RCPro gold and grey, and I think a fresh start for the site is the best thing that can happen. Perhaps it should have happened sooner.

[The Storm Runner]

I really like it! Although some smilies are gone, I love the header and everything. I think it matches very well. :) Also, do you think you'd be able to get rid of the post count again? I really like it more without out.

Happy Birthday RCPro!


EDIT: Where's the new chatroom?

[R.C.]

I do really like the new skin. I think it could be improved a little bit. The header could be better, it just doesn't fill enough of the top of page and it could be a different coaster featured there. I also don't like that the regional discussions forum is gone, it was just much easier to use for me, but I guess it was confusing for others, so I'm O.K. with it being gone. The major thing I would like to see is a logout button near the top of the page, the only one I can find is at the very bottom.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the new forum and I really appreciate all that the staff does. Good job guys!

[Sam]

Very nice! I like how the RCPro colors have been incorporated into the new forum. It's good to clear out all the old threads and inactive members.

[TConwell]

Well done guys!

[p0tat0]

I don't like the colors that much.

Goodjob


still whats up with non coaster related? :/...

[John]

Looking very slick Steve. Great job RCPro!!

[Jake]

I don't like the colors that much.

Goodjob


still whats up with non coaster related? :/...

I personally think it's a GREAT move. I haven't even read that forum for a while. If you have nothing to say about coasters, than join a different forum ;).

[ThatPS3Gamer]

^ Yeah but it was a place to meet new people. I personally don't mind that it's gone. I don't know..

[TConwell]

Removing and limiting what people can talk about especially off-topic stuff ... well, it worked for the Gestapo in the 1940s. Know what I mean?

[vekoma9]

Great move. I have a question however. The private forums that were in the rct2 competition we did not get to see any of the other teams, which was kind of dissappointing. Other than that I like it.

[p0tat0]

I personally think it's a GREAT move. I haven't even read that forum for a while. If you have nothing to say about coasters, than join a different forum ;).Thank you for being so kind accommodating

[-Drop Zone-]

I love the new look of the forums! Great job guys!

Oh, Is it possible that the "Non Coaster Related" may return in the future?

[John]

I love the new look of the forums! Great job guys!

Oh, Is it possible that the "Non Coaster Related" may return in the future?

I'm obviously not the "voice" of RCPro, but if I were to take a guess I would say anything is possible, but I really doubt you'll see it coming back.

That forum caused more problems than it did solving them. :p

[Jeff]

Love it! Glad to see the web team got around to something and made a great success. Cheers!

[IntaminFan007]

This is SO MUCH BETTER! The colors are much more suited, the speed is great, the whole thing is so much better!

Maybe add some more fourms and we got some serious RcPro going here!

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Maybe add some more fourms
If anyone has suggestions, please feel free to get in contact with a staff member. Remember, your input helps build this site.

[Cody]

I love the new look. Reminds me of the old RCPro a little.

[Tom]

Good job guys I love it.

[crZythrill3r]

I love the new forums and features! It's been a dazzle to see RCPro be brushed up and get back up and started over again!

[Ha .. Dazzle..]

[Dan]

Hmm...at first I didn't like them at much, but I'm already getting used to it! The colors look great. Props to Steve and everyone else who worked on this :)

[Curly]

I still found the other template to be better.

[p0tat0]

That forum caused more problems than it did solving them. :p In my opinion there were no problems. Don't know why people are so against it. I can't discuss the same stuff every time.


I do like how the regional is gone. Makes it easier to find topics that I would normally not see.

[sfgam2006]

Thanks for taking away that RCPro Special People forum as I think that was just offending some people (including me for a few days, weeks, whatever) but I like the skinning but I am a little bummed out that the old forums are gone. It is a new start and I can use my sfgam2006 name now!

I also like this new template better as I just didn't digg the all black theme as dark is depressing for me so I think this will be good. I am not sure how this will all end out right now and I don't know if I am in love with this yet but I think it will be interesting to see how this goes.

Also, I am back..

- Zach

[Sam]

I noticed that the titles of threads cannot be changed like on the old forums. I use this for noting updates on projects and I'm sure others do too. I edited my post and changed the title there, but that did not show up on the main page. How does the creator of a thread easily change the name? :confused:

[thedeadfrog]

Everything is nice and neat. It looks great, awesome job.

Feels like a whole new RCPRO!

[p0tat0]

Feels like a whole new RCPRO!Because it is? lol

[John]

In my opinion there were no problems. Don't know why people are so against it. I can't discuss the same stuff every time.

I'm not really against it. Recently, most of my posts were in that forum. Just letting you know it wasn't as great as people think it was.

The forum was a disaster because it cluttered the site up with crap, it diverted the forum from being a roller coaster based discussion website because a majority of the topics would be in the Non-Coaster section, and it was a mess for mods to clean up.

[ThatPS3Gamer]

I noticed that the titles of threads cannot be changed like on the old forums. I use this for noting updates on projects and I'm sure others do too. I edited my post and changed the title there, but that did not show up on the main page. How does the creator of a thread easily change the name? :confused:

It works for me still. At least the one where you double click the name works for me.

And also, I'm getting an "error" when signing in. Each time I visit RCPro, I have to sign back into the forums. I always check off 'Remember Me' but it still always makes me sign in.

[Mystery?]

Now that I have a fresh start, I will be posting around here MUCH more frequently. Congratulations on the seven year run! I'm sure it will be around for 7 more. :D

[Youhow2]

I love the new site...Only problem I have is the Non coaster related board being removed.

Coasters is why People come, but when that is the only thing you can talk about, people will become less frequent. The Non coaster related board allowed people to talk about whatever, and we learned more about each other, becoming the Rcpro community. When you limit discussion to just coasters,how will we get to really know anyone(new) without being all off topic in the other boards?

Here's an Idea, have non coaster related, but unapproved members cant post new threads in it. If you act wild in it, you can have your priviliges for posting in it, and making new topics removed for a time period depending on how severe the "crime" is?

[Maxamillious]

Sure are a lot of questions in this thread. Sure would be nice if someone addressed them… *rolls eyes*

[sirloin]

If we revoked the privileges of everyone who posted way too often in the non-coaster forum and rarely anywhere else, I could probably count on one hand the number of people who'd be allowed to post in it.

Have you all forgotten what IM was for? You mean to tell me you can't get to know each other there?

Look, many coaster sites can very easily survive without a non-coaster forum. This is Roller Coaster Pro. Not Non-Coaster Pro (props to whoever came up with that name). If you can't survive without it, what on Earth are you doing here?

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

I noticed that the titles of threads cannot be changed like on the old forums. I use this for noting updates on projects and I'm sure others do too. I edited my post and changed the title there, but that did not show up on the main page. How does the creator of a thread easily change the name? :confused:
In order to edit the titles, you'll have to be viewing the forum (with the threads listed). Double-click directly to the side of the title of the thread you'd like to edit and it should allow you to edit them. Let me know how it works out.


Sure are a lot of questions in this thread. Sure would be nice if someone addressed them… *rolls eyes*
Already trying to be King Arrogance? Such as what? The Non-Coaster Related forum has already been addressed in the initial post. Staff shouldn't have to keep explaining themselves, the answer has been finalized for the time being.

[Michael]

Love the new forums, combined the look of Tigra and V 1.1

I am thoroughly impressed by the new system, it's much more organized and looks great. I miss all my smiley's though, these kinda suck... :eek:

j/k;)

And I freaking love the new uber-sized avatars :P

[The Storm Runner]

Hmmm, I tried doing that to change the title of my RCT2 thread, but that didn't work. I also tried renaming the title by editing the first post, and that didn't work either. Any ideas?

[Sam]

In order to edit the titles, you'll have to be viewing the forum (with the threads listed). Double-click directly to the side of the title of the thread you'd like to edit and it should allow you to edit them. Let me know how it works out.
Nope still not working. :confused:


Hmmm, I tried doing that to change the title of my RCT2 thread, but that didn't work. I also tried renaming the title by editing the first post, and that didn't work either. Any ideas?

There is obviously something that still needs the bugs worked out of, hint hint.

[Steve K]

As you can imagine, we did extensive testing before launching this, however a lot of things can only be observed in a 'live' environment. Just an update on some of the things mentioned already...

The chat room will NOT be returning until the launch of RCPro X. It has also been decided that once the chat room is relaunched, it will be IRC based. IRC is one of the leading chat systems and will allow a much faster interface for chatting. Making a return will also be the UNO game that some of y'all may remember...but that's just a fun little side item...lol. With the flawed script we had installed being integrated with the forums, it was decided to just remove it completely. Users are encouraged to use Google Talk and their RCPro email login addresses to keep in contact with other users.

Post counts will remain for several reasons. One being the belief that with this 'fresh start' we should give the post counts one as well. Another reason is with our intent to keep the forums and this template as stock as possible, we would prefer not to make all the changes necessary for the post counts to be hidden. Also, no matter what we do to hide the post count, people will find a way around it and post their total posts in the postbit anyways.

As for the header, it is the stock header, and will remain so for the time being. We are working on a new header for the main site and as soon as that gets updated, this one will as well.

As already mentioned in my first post, Non-Coaster Related forum will not be returning. There are several other sites that have no problem with having no off-topic forums. Feel free to utilize Google Talk and your RCPro email address or the IM program of your choice in addition to the PM system.

The private Summer Showdown team forums are just that, private. They were not brought over and will not be posted. Just a note, Round 6 will still be posted once we hear back from 1 judge. Hopefully this will be accomplished within the next week. However, should it take longer, please do not start asking for the results, referencing a lack of results, or any other sarcastic comments implying our slow posting of the results. Thank you.

The VIP program and forum have been terminated due to a lack of benefits for the members, confusing application process, etc etc etc. There are many reasons it was terminated and with this fresh start, I believe it is not an essential part of our future.

Title changing should now be fixed and it has been tested by 5 different regular members from different regions in different forums without issues. To edit a thread title, go back to the forum page where your thread is listed (not the actual thread page itself) and double click anywhere to the right of the title.

All account activation problems should be solved. There was a setting that was incorrectly configured due to my mistake. All accounts that were waiting account activation should now be activated. Also, all future accounts, be sure to check your Spam folder before contacting a staff member about not recieving an email.

I will keep you informed on any changes. Thank you.

[JD71]

Title changing should now be fixed and it has been tested by 5 different regular members from different regions in different forums without issues. To edit a thread title, go back to the forum page where your thread is listed (not the actual thread page itself) and double click anywhere to the right of the title.

Still not working here. I thought, maybe its because I'm using Safari 3Beta. So I checked and still didn't work in IE7 or Firefox...

[Steve K]

Okay, after looking into it further, it appears that after changing the settings earlier to allow editing, it will not allow threads created prior to that change to be edited. Feel free to delete your previous threads and recreate them if you require to update the thread frequently.

However, if you only require an update to the title once, please contact a staff member and we will change it for you.

Sorry for the inconvenience...

[Eric_Bowler4Ever]

Is there a way we can get a black background on here? I mean, when I refreshed the page, it blinded me for a second. If at all possible...I mean when you have the time.
Also, I am disappointed at the fact that the Off-Topic's gone...because now I have nothing to really say anymore here...because...well...I don't know coasters that much and now all I really can do is lurk. Sorry to say this, but it looks like my posting days are done here and all I can do is just look and see what forums I'll try to understand in.

I hope I don't/didn't disappoint anyone.

- Eric (Bowler4Ever)

[Steve K]

^Why did you join a coaster site if you don't talk/know about coasters? Also, the black skin, nor the Tigra skin, will return. This is the official skin of the RCPro Community.

[R.C.]

Steve, I'm just bringing this back up because you didn't mention yet. Is it possible to add a log out button at the top of the page? I just find it to be a pain to scroll all the way to the bottom to log out on most pages. If it can't be done or it's just not something you wanted, I understand.

[thatdancingbear]

Also, no matter what we do to hide the post count, people will find a way around it and post their total posts in the postbit anyways.

You mean me right?

[JD71]

^^Just hit the End button on your keyboard...

[Steve K]

R.C. - The logout button will be added to the top of the page tomorrow. We will be doing some minor tweaking to the forum template as time goes on for optimization.

[Eric_Bowler4Ever]

^Why did you join a coaster site if you don't talk/know about coasters? Also, the black skin, nor the Tigra skin, will return. This is the official skin of the RCPro Community.
Well I also wanted to post some questions about certain coasters, which I have done. Of course, as time goes on, I will be asking more, especially since I'll be in Orlando in April and I'll need some advice/suggestions.

[Michael]

...Also, the black skin, nor the Tigra skin, will return. This is the official skin of the RCPro Community.

Racist... :P j/k

I do miss the "view who's online" feature, that way you could check who was viewing your threads :rolleyes:

[thatdancingbear]

http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/community/online.php

Isn't that it?

[Michael]

^shutup :rolleyes: j/k

I am so glad that the Non-Coaster Pro division of the forums is gone. But where will i get all my free posts? ;) (Missing the "currently listening to" topic :P)

[Jake]

In my opinion there were no problems. Don't know why people are so against it. I can't discuss the same stuff every time.

If you can't handle discussing coasters on a coaster site, than why are you on here? If you want to talka bout just anything you can do that on aim, right?

[JD71]

Just wondering, are small profile additional information things such as real name, fav attractions, coaster count, ect. Those coming back? I'd atleast like to see real name return...

[disneylhand]

This is the title that appears beneath your name on your posts. Check the 'Reset' box if you wish to use the default title for your usergroup and post count.

What are the different 'usergroups' and 'post counts'?

-disneylhand

[Steve K]

Jake, it may be re-added in the near future.

disneylhand, we are able to set different user titles depending on a persons usergroup and the amount of post counts they have. We do not have this system enabled, so it does not apply. Your usergroup would be 'Registered Members'.

[supremescreamer]

If you can't handle discussing coasters on a coaster site, than why are you on here? If you want to talka bout just anything you can do that on aim, right?

I think it's a mistake to not include the off-topic forum because it strengthens community bond by sharing interests outside of the one interest we all have in common. Industry news also sometimes gets light during certain parts of the year.

I really don't get what the problem is. The high majority of any hobby site usually has a section devoted to off topic discussion. By taking it off here, the message is essentially "Board members from other websites are mature enough to handle an off topic board but the members of RCpro are not mature enough to handle an off topic section."

All of our affiliates (that have a message board) have an off topic section. Here is a short list of coaster websites which have an off topic forum section as well:

Americoaster.com
Bgescape.com
Bgtguide.com
Coaster-net.com
Coaster101.com
Coasters2k.com
Coastercrew.com
Coasterrealm.com
Coasterforce.com
Coasterdom.com
Coastersims.com
Dorneyonline.com
Gadv.com
Lonestarthrills.com
Nedesigns.com
Norcalcoasters.net
Ozcoaster.net
Rct2.com
Rct3x.net
Rcttown.com
Roller-coaster.com.au
Rollercoastercentral.com
Sfgamworld.com
Sfne.com
Sfot-source.com
Themeparks.com
Themeparkreview.com
Thorpe.Maniahub.com
Thrillnetwork.com
Valleyfairzone.com
Weeweeslap.com
Westcoaster.net
Xtremecoastin.com
Xtremecoasters.com

[GeorgeBC]

I think it's a mistake to not include the off-topic forum because it strengthens community bond by sharing interests outside of the one interest we all have in common. Industry news also sometimes gets light during certain parts of the year.

Sharing interests? Let's face it, the majority of the topics in the non-coaster related forum were "Post your picture", "this is funny", "what are you listening to" etc. Sure there were some interest topics, but the majority were hardly about building a strong community bond as most posts were pretty blunt and pointless, not really much discussion to build bonds upon.


I really don't get what the problem is. The high majority of any hobby site usually has a section devoted to off topic discussion. By taking it off here, the message is essentially "Board members from other websites are mature enough to handle an off topic board but the members of RCpro are not mature enough to handle an off topic section.

It's not about maturity, it's just the fact that the non-coaster related forum was the most popular forum by a large margin, which is something that most other hobby forums do not have too much of a problem with as the discussion on their respected hobbies is pretty in depth and active, it certainly over shadows that of the off topic forum they might have.

Another thing is, the non-coaster related forum was pretty relaxed, might of created a nice feeling within the particular forum but that relaxed feeling then sort of appeared in other forums, not a sign of not being mature enough, it's just people got used to that relaxed approach of going a bit off topic and so on.

I can understand people being slightly annoyed at it's removal, but we're all here for one thing and nothing can beat a good bit of discussion on Roller Coasters and Theme Parks, if you want a bit of chit chat there is AIM and the PM system. I just thought I'd have my say on the matter, I'm glad about the removal of it and hopefully members can still continue to build bonds and good friendships through discussions on Roller Coasters and Theme Parks, as well as through meet ups etc.

George :)

[supremescreamer]

It is the forum managers job to eliminate stupid and pointless topics such as the "what are you listening to" thread. I agree, there were some bad threads in there but there were also a lot of good ones. If that section was controlled a bit, there would be no problem.



It's not about maturity, it's just the fact that the non-coaster related forum was the most popular forum by a large margin, which is something that most other hobby forums do not have too much of a problem with as the discussion on their respected hobbies is pretty in depth and active, it certainly over shadows that of the off topic forum they might have.


If other sites can handle an off-topic forum, what sets RCPro apart? Clearly there must be SOMETHING wrong with the members here....if all the other websites can handle it fine.

[GeorgeBC]

It is the forum managers job to eliminate stupid and pointless topics such as the "what are you listening to" thread. I agree, there were some bad threads in there but there were also a lot of good ones. If that section was controlled a bit, there would be no problem.

It is our job to eliminate them, but if staff did eliminate them people complained and they were all removed at one point and there was a crack down on them and it just annoyed people, then it just caused a series of random topics one after the other.

Yes, controlling it would crack down on pointless topics, but then you just have a load of people getting annoyed and over pre-cautious about everything.



If other sites can handle an off-topic forum, what sets RCPro apart? Clearly there must be SOMETHING wrong with the members here....if all the other websites can handle it fine.

Personally, something RCPro seems to lack is some really good debates, I think where the community is very close most people get along so debates are far and few between. Some debates to spark some heated and lengthy discussions will easily take away from people wanting to post in the non-coaster related forum.

But this is just my own personal view, not that of RCPro's or the other staff members.

[Dan]

Personally, something RCPro seems to lack is some really good debates, I think where the community is very close most people get along so debates are far and few between. Some debates to spark some heated and lengthy discussions will easily take away from people wanting to post in the non-coaster related forum.

I feel like in the past weeks, things have been getting better and better as far as debates. With all the new coaster being announced for 2008, there are loads of good things to discuss.

[thatdancingbear]

^^^^,
So, If I were to say have a picture of myself I would like to post, I would PM it to everyone on the forums and PM every reply I got out to everyone again?


It seems like this switch is more in the interest of RCPro, and not for the community, which in the past has always been treated as number one.

Not that there is anything wrong with that. It just doesn't seem fair...

[Eric_Bowler4Ever]

^^,

So, If I were to say have a picture of myself I would like to post, I would PM it to everyone on the forums and PM every reply I got out to everyone again?
And I'll say the same for coaster-related videos (someone introducing a park, ride, etc...)

[thatdancingbear]

And I'll say the same for coaster-related videos (someone introducing a park, ride, etc...)

Everything that would go under the Non Coaster Related forum.

[GeorgeBC]

^^,

So, If I were to say have a picture of myself I would like to post, I would PM it to everyone on the forums and PM every reply I got out to everyone again?

Basically, Yes...

If you really want people to see a picture of you that much.


I feel like in the past weeks, things have been getting better and better as far as debates. With all the new coaster being announced for 2008, there are loads of good things to discuss.I fully agree, discussions and debates are drastically improving and maybe the removal of the off topic forum might help even more with that increase, that's the whole point about the removal of the non-coaster related forum, to see whether it really does effect the forum.

Give it a chance at least...


And I'll say the same for coaster-related videos (someone introducing a park, ride, etc...)

Well, if it's coaster related, it would go into the roller coasters and amusement park forum, as it is coaster related after all.

[Eric_Bowler4Ever]

Well, if it's coaster related, it would go into the roller coasters and amusement park forum, as it is coaster related after all.

...What if it wasn't, and that person needed an opinion on it for like a school project or something (like a say in it before the final product is finished)

[The Storm Runner]

What's a Yahoo! Slurp Spider? I looked at "Who's Online?" and saw this:

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/2490/yahooslurpspiderlt1.jpg

What's the difference between that and a guest?

[thatdancingbear]

A guest is a real person who hasn't made an account, and a Spider is a Bot that gives Yahoo searches their info...

[Jake]

^^^^,
So, If I were to say have a picture of myself I would like to post, I would PM it to everyone on the forums and PM every reply I got out to everyone again.

If you have a picture of yourself than get a MySpace to share it. That's what it's there for.

[p0tat0]

As already mentioned in my first post, Non-Coaster Related forum will not be returning. There are several other sites that have no problem with having no off-topic forums. Feel free to utilize Google Talk and your RCPro email address or the IM program of your choice in addition to the PM system.


On everything I have agreed with you, except this one.


I think it's a mistake to not include the off-topic forum because it strengthens community bond by sharing interests outside of the one interest we all have in common. Industry news also sometimes gets light during certain parts of the year.

I really don't get what the problem is. The high majority of any hobby site usually has a section devoted to off topic discussion. By taking it off here, the message is essentially "Board members from other websites are mature enough to handle an off topic board but the members of RCpro are not mature enough to handle an off topic section."

All of our affiliates (that have a message board) have an off topic section. Here is a short list of coaster websites which have an off topic forum section as well:

Americoaster.com
Bgescape.com
Bgtguide.com
Coaster-net.com
Coaster101.com
Coasters2k.com
Coastercrew.com
Coasterrealm.com
Coasterforce.com
Coasterdom.com
Coastersims.com
Dorneyonline.com
Gadv.com
Lonestarthrills.com
Nedesigns.com
Norcalcoasters.net
Ozcoaster.net
Rct2.com
Rct3x.net
Rcttown.com
Roller-coaster.com.au
Rollercoastercentral.com
Sfgamworld.com
Sfne.com
Sfot-source.com
Themeparks.com
Themeparkreview.com
Thorpe.Maniahub.com
Thrillnetwork.com
Valleyfairzone.com
Weeweeslap.com
Westcoaster.net
Xtremecoastin.com
Xtremecoasters.comI agree. Eh, I guess we'll see how this goes after a while. But for now I still think it's just a bunch of excuses for getting rid of the forum. Are you(admins) trying to be the thought police?

[Jake]

They aren't telling you what to think about, merely what to post about. And seeing as this is their website and not yours, I think they have that right. Don't you?

[supremescreamer]

Obviously the site can do what it wants. From an outsider looking in, my theory is the site was worried about the "forum image" looking bad for possible park reps looking throughout the site. I don't know if I am right or not, but if I am it goes back to whoever the forum manager is. When a post is created, the forum manager should ask himself, "Hmmm.....will this thread provoke thought and opinion which will strike a healthy discussion about a particular issue."

It was not the forum that was the problem, it was the posts being allowed by the forum manager. (Example: "What are you listening to" "Medusa is a great coaster")

[Youhow2]

What do we do during the update off-season? Like after maverick and Griffon opened, there was NOTHING to talk about really, It was returning to old post and writing "how cool maverick/griffon/sheikra floorless is gona be when I ride it" Post. There were very few updates, we got bored, and started using the off-topic section more frequently so we can discuss things and still participate in the community, so we wouldnt go insane from posting in the same old threads over and over again...

And even when it was busy, when we wanted a break from just coaster talk, we could go talk to other members and familiarize ourselves with other members...
Let's face it, If you didnt know anyone and wanted to find peoples opinions on a matter, would I PM some random person asking them a question, or even use email? that would kinda be creepy. I would use the forum, but there is no forum for me to use that is for talking about other things besides coasters.

It takes SOOO long to learn about people just by posting about rollercoasters. How will we learn to know somebody by discussing one subject? It's like trying to learn to speak english in spanish class... It doesnt work

All we would become is a tight-knit community of acquaintance's, and would never truly learn to know each other INSIDE the community, in order to learn more about each other, we would have to go as far as contacting people elsewhere...

I would rather meet up with someone I observed over a public forum, rather than met in a forum, and talk somewhere else, about what's up inside the community...



I hope this made sense...

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

I do admire that a lot of you show support for the Non-Coaster Related [NCR] forum, but please understand that complaining about it isn't going to change anything. Staff knew well in advance that this decision would bring controversy, and that is why we are sticking by it.


Looking over at some of your reasons, these exact ideas mentioned on keeping the NCR forum 'positive' are the very same reason we omitted it. Sure, it IS our job to moderate thoughtless and questionable topics in the NCR forum...however with that comes the complaints of dictatorship: "Why'd you delete my thread but not his? I don't see anything wrong with this compared to that. Well so-and-so said it was alright." I wouldn't dare hold responsibility, or blame another staff member for not wanting, to worry about why a religion thread might be offensive to someone, on an amusement industry website.

Simply put: If you'd like to talk about what Zach said down at 7-11, hit-up a MySpace note. This is an Amusement Industry website and that is what it will continue to be. Understand that your complaints ARE being heard. Just because there remains an absence of the NCR doesn't mean it may not return one day. So please, let's all remember what brought us to this great website: Amusement Parks!

It is your right to complain, but if you must, fill up my inbox: RyanSickles@RollerCoasterPro.com
Any more unnecessary rant about the NCR forum will be deleted.

[Michael]

^ What really gets me is that people are complaining in the first place. I mean, it's rollercoasterpro.com, that right there should give people of an idea of where the creators intended to go with the forums :rolleyes: I think it's a great idea not to have this section, and keep it that way, it's a healthy path for the site.

BTW, nice sig Ryan :D

[Matt]

I really dislike the fact that there are no more regional forums. Theres no forum of organization anymore.

Everything else is cool, but I can't see myself posting here much without the regional forums.

[Eric_Bowler4Ever]

I agree, Matt, because I don't know where most coasters are, so the regional forums would clear those things up a bit!

[Dan]

I agree, Matt, because I don't know where most coasters are, so the regional forums would clear those things up a bit!

Well, how hard is it to find out? You can ask, search the park through a search engine, search the park through rcdb.com...it takes thirty seconds. Plus, the regional section just tells you what part of the country or the world the ride is in, it doesn't tell you any more specifically than that.

[Jake]

I agree, I would like to see the regional forums come back. It gave a better sense of where I should put what in my opinion.

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

The Regionals disappeared because it caused perhaps too much confusion. "Should I post this construction thread/news thread in Industry News or Regional Thread, should debate threads go in General or Regional, etc." The main reason is that we're all enthusiasts and like attractions, from Tokyo to Toronto. By eliminating the Regional focus, theres a higher chance others will associate with more than their local parks...and since majority of us do discuss across the globe, it's more convenient to categorize them together.

[p0tat0]

Also it's much easier to find topics that you won't normally find.

[robbalvey]

RollerCoasterPro.com, the internet's premier site for amusement industry media coverage and news...
I'm just curious...but how were you guys able to quantify that to make that claim? And where does a site like RCDB or Screamscape fall into the "premiere" ranking for news and media coverage?

I see that on Alexa.com, RCDB is ranked as #1 in the "roller coaster" category, so wouldn't that make them the "internet's premier site for amusement industry media coverage and news?" I don't see RCPro even ranked in the top 100 in "Theme Parks" or "Theme Park Guides" so if you know of another site to get data like that I'd really appreciate knowing about it.

Just curious as, you know, I own a website and I'd love to be able to make those kinds of claims also, so some help on how you guys came to that conclusion would really help me out!

Thanks! Keep up the great work! New forums look awesome! Much cleaner and easier to navigate. I'll be posting quite a bit more now that I can actually figure out where to post things.

--Robb

[Matt]

The Regionals disappeared because it caused perhaps too much confusion. "Should I post this construction thread/news thread in Industry News or Regional Thread, should debate threads go in General or Regional, etc." The main reason is that we're all enthusiasts and like attractions, from Tokyo to Toronto. By eliminating the Regional focus, theres a higher chance others will associate with more than their local parks...and since majority of us do discuss across the globe, it's more convenient to categorize them together.

Then eliminate the general forum and the park news. What that forum will turn into will be all these California Park threads at the top, and everything else will be at the bottom.

Don't believe me? If you were to take a look at the regional forums, there was always something new posted in the California Forums, maybe a few hours from the last post in the East Coast Forums, A few days in the Mid-West Forums, and then usually a week or two in the "Beyond" forum.

It's not a matter of "bringing us professional coaster talkers closer", its about organization. And I currently think that the site is worse off than it was before.

[TPDan]

New site is great guys! Just so you know, im actually da-amity, but just have made a name change :)

[Steve K]

Okay guys, let's get a little more mature. Robb was stating a simple question and it should not be this big of a situation. There is no need to 'attack' Robb for anything so I don't want to see any more posts like the ones I deleted.

To answer your question Robb, RCPro is not "the internet's premier site for amusement industry media coverage and news." What I intended on stating was that RCPro is 'one of the internet's premier...' and it just came out wrong...maybe wishful thinking when I was writing it up...lol. :p

Over the past 7 years we have become well known among the industry and our relationship with the parks is growing each day. Our imagery and media coverage, although always great, has been improved and expanded over the years, and our presence is becoming more well known on the internet as our traffic has been steadily picking up.

To some, RCPro IS the premier site, however we have no awards to show this for RCPro as a whole. But who knows, maybe someday we will. Therefor, sorry for the miscommunication and hopefully this matter is settled.

[robbalvey]

Well said, sir! And thanks for clearin that up! With the new look and cleaner forums, I'd say you have a shot at your goals!

--Robb

[p0tat0]

Ah I see the new banner and the renaming of the forums to community. sort of ironic

[Sickskillz]

Wow the forums looking nice. It's actually eye pleasing, the black, yellow and white, and it's good to have a banner back at the top like there was a while ago. Overall it's a great feel to get a fresh start by starting the forums all over again.

[Jeff]

Are Pagers going to be around? I find those useful besides using the PM system all the time.

[Steve K]

With the transition we also decided to retain the integrity of the forum software and the database housing the information, no modifications and additions will be made to the script to include the previous pager system. RCPro has not ruled out that these features may return in the future after the new RCPro version has been released.

Please make sure you read previous posts...

[Gemini78]

Needless to say I was a little confused when I tried to log on a few weeks back and I couldn't get any of my passwords to work. Now I understand why. I do like the new forum skin, and hope to see this site be successful again.

[Michael]

^Woo, another RcProer from Indiana! :D

Anways, I really like the site so far, outstanding work. I haven't encountered too many bugs, and the forums are working like clockwork, this is excellent guys :cool: Keep it up!

-Michael

[Mike T]

It's really nice to see you around again Mike. I'm glad you signed up again. I can't wait to read some of your contributions to this forum. And by the way, I still love that website. Keep those pictures coming. :)

[SnooSnoo]

I love the new layout.. really a brilliant forum.

[Eclipse]

I didn't find anything like this mentioned in the thread, so I thought I would mention it. I thought it would be really cool to have some kind of track record for the members to show off what coasters or how many they have ridden.

[Steve K]

^That feature will be implemented in RCPro X.