Tuesday TeaDay 12/30/08 Private TeaHouse?

BYOT! Enter TeaChat here, you never know what you may find!


There has been some discussion regarding a "private forum" for members of TeaChat only, called the TeaHouse. Here is your chance to weigh in on the subject. Does this sound like da bombe or a tank?

Wow, sounds like da bombe!
7
10%
Yes, sounds like a good idea
12
17%
Maybe a good idea
21
30%
No, does not sound like a good idea
17
24%
Sounds like a terrible idea
9
13%
Other
5
7%
 
Total votes: 71

User avatar
Dec 29th, '08, 22:21
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Been thanked: 2 times

Tuesday TeaDay 12/30/08 Private TeaHouse?

by Chip » Dec 29th, '08, 22:21

Welcome everyone to TeaDay. Please share what is in your cup today.

Yesterday almost 50% of responders indicated they were absolutely forming TeaResolutions for the new year. The responses were predictably interesting. You can still vote and discuss yesterday's topic.

Today's TeaPoll and discussion topic. There has been some discussion regarding a "private forum" for members of TeaChat only, called the TeaHouse. You can view the skeletal prototype here only if you are a member of TeaChat. Nonmembers cannot view this topic nor see it on the general forum located under Miscellaneous.

The TeaHouse

Here is your chance to weigh in on the subject. Does this sound like da bombe or a tank? Please share your thoughts on the subject here in TeaDay.

I am looking forward to sharing TeaDay with everyone today. Bottoms up.

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 00:07
Posts: 5151
Joined: Dec 20th, '06, 23:33
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Been thanked: 1 time

by Salsero » Dec 30th, '08, 00:07

I can't imagine anything better than what we have, but I guess there's always room for amplification and new ideas.

Sencha: It’s good for what ails you.
Image
Last edited by Salsero on Dec 30th, '08, 00:31, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 00:26
Posts: 1559
Joined: Jan 28th, '07, 02:24
Location: Fort Worth, TX

by Space Samurai » Dec 30th, '08, 00:26

Huh, interesting idea. Sounds intense.

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 00:27
Posts: 8065
Joined: Jan 8th, '08, 06:00
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Southern CA
Been thanked: 2 times
Contact: Victoria

by Victoria » Dec 30th, '08, 00:27

I think it may be a good idea. I like the idea of having a map, lots of forum boards have one. I also like the idea of having more profile info including pictures in a less accessible area.

But I don't think I like another area for topics that aren't shared with the rest of the forum. I'd be open to hearing others' thoughts on this.

Having my hot lemon drink and off to bed!
Nite all!

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 00:34
Posts: 1777
Joined: Jun 4th, '08, 19:41
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Stockport, England
Contact: Herb_Master

by Herb_Master » Dec 30th, '08, 00:34

Like Salsero says, I am not sure of the significance of the suggestion.

Are you saying that currently only members can post but anyone can view.
and in the private one only members can post and view.

Not sure it would be a great idea, because I joined after seeing that there were some worthwhile comments being made.
Best wishes from Cheshire

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 00:48
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Been thanked: 2 times

by Chip » Dec 30th, '08, 00:48

I know this is a different idea. :D

The private forum would not interfere with the postings in the general forum. The private area would be for information not to be shared with the entire internet. So, if I post my location and supplemental profile, only members in good standing could view it. Not even a google search would reveal it.

It would be an extention of our tea community we call TeaChat, not replace or supplant it. It would not be about posting tea information which would continue in the general forum.
blah blah blah SENCHA blah blah blah!!!

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 01:13
Posts: 1777
Joined: Jun 4th, '08, 19:41
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Stockport, England
Contact: Herb_Master

by Herb_Master » Dec 30th, '08, 01:13

Chip wrote:I know this is a different idea. :D

The private forum would not interfere with the postings in the general forum. The private area would be for information not to be shared with the entire internet. So, if I post my location and supplemental profile, only members in good standing could view it. Not even a google search would reveal it.

It would be an extention of our tea community we call TeaChat, not replace or supplant it. It would not be about posting tea information which would continue in the general forum.
and regarding spammers and gatecrashers and any other miscreants - would they have to be members for a certain length of time / number of posts before they were able to access this private information ?

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 01:22
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Been thanked: 2 times

by Chip » Dec 30th, '08, 01:22

Yes, that is the likely plan of action. For instance, 20 posts and 60 days. Those not meeting the minimum criteria would not even know it exists, theoretically.

This is not fail safe, however. Posts are still on the internet and there is always room for abuse by qualifying members.
blah blah blah SENCHA blah blah blah!!!

Dec 30th, '08, 01:23
Posts: 1978
Joined: Jan 14th, '08, 18:01
Location: CA
Contact: Pentox

by Pentox » Dec 30th, '08, 01:23

Chip wrote:Not even a google search would reveal it.
Gad zooks! Chip hopes to hold back the dominating rule of the powers that be google! Google enforcers otherwise known as the Googlerati are coming for you Chip!

I like the idea. It would be nice to know more about everyone else in a semi-private way.

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 04:02
Posts: 412
Joined: Feb 4th, '08, 05:23
Location: Leicester, UK

by Jack_teachat » Dec 30th, '08, 04:02

Herb_Master wrote: Not sure it would be a great idea, because I joined after seeing that there were some worthwhile comments being made.
I voted "Maybe" but after reading a few posts I'm not so convinced it would be a good idea. The point made above I feel is particularly valid; if more and more of the "better" threads start making their way into this new forum it might deter potential new members!

No tea as of yet today

Jack :D

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 05:32
Posts: 553
Joined: Oct 14th, '08, 03:54
Location: Cinnamon King of San Diego, Ca
Contact: Vulture

by Vulture » Dec 30th, '08, 05:32

Herb_Master wrote:Like Salsero says, I am not sure of the significance of the suggestion.

Are you saying that currently only members can post but anyone can view.
and in the private one only members can post and view.

Not sure it would be a great idea, because I joined after seeing that there were some worthwhile comments being made.
The idea was that we had a place to post more 'personal' items and information. While still posting all about tea in the main forum area. These items could be a map of members locations, personal pictures, or local meeting plans.

This would not be a section for tea but more for getting to know each other.

I have been off chat for a bit, back now after all the holiday fuss. Might have some earl gray later tonight.

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 05:58
Posts: 2794
Joined: Oct 16th, '08, 21:01
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Arlington, VA
Been thanked: 2 times
Contact: Drax

by Drax » Dec 30th, '08, 05:58

I initially voted "other," because I wasn't sure what the intended goal of the TeaHouse was.

Now that it's been bantered a bit more, I'm just ambivalent. I have enough info about me on the internet that I'm not going to be adding more to it, regardless of whether Google sees it or not. Anything I want to reveal about myself, I will do in the "open."

As for the outside view, newcomers will see a cordoned area they can't enter. This will either make them:

1) Want to join so they can be part of the apparent exclusivity. Upon joining they will:
a) be glad at their choice
b) be sorely disappointed

2) Confirm their suspicions about TeaSnobs and run away from the club house.

Sure, it's no that B&W, but hence the source of my ambivalence.

Meanwhile, enjoying my first try at some of Adagio's yunnan gold. Quite tasty. Wish I could express that lighter tone on the taste in words...

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 08:02
Posts: 132
Joined: Sep 15th, '08, 21:01
Location: Millerton, NY

by toastedtoads » Dec 30th, '08, 08:02

I'm not sure it means much either way. If newcomers see a private area, maybe at least have a description of what it is so they know why they don't have access. Besides a map of where everyone's located (which might be really cool), I can't think of anything else that really needs to be locked away.

Drinking throat coat to try and stop coughing. Mmmm licorice.

(Besides, we could all become friends and make a group on Facebook if you want to share all the personal details of your life. ^_^)

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 08:23
Posts: 293
Joined: Sep 17th, '08, 10:24
Location: Clearwater, FL, USA

by chad » Dec 30th, '08, 08:23

I vote not such a great idea. However, let me explain.

On another forum, we have a couple of "back room" areas that are not at all visible to the general forum. One piece is for moderating - we pull threads to this area and discuss what went on to have the thread pulled...it's also an area where moderators can vent, if needed. Additionally, we have an area for very senior/founding members (which we add to occassionally to keep fresh blood in the gene pool!). This is kind of a BOD where new ideas, trends, etc. can be hashed out. A disgruntled former member "leaked" this to the general populace...however most members understood the need for this "private" area and it became a running joke that the "Illuminati" resided in that area! :D

We also have a seperate, membership only, political forum -- seperate moderators, etc. We found it useful in moving these types of threads, discussions to an area that you really had to want to get to.

So, if there is a need for a "private" area it should be invitation only, hidden from the general populace, and not "hinted" at or alluded to in the "front" of the forum.

Just my $.02 worth. YMMV. :D

Oh yeah, Pai Mu Tan in the mug this morning. 8)

User avatar
Dec 30th, '08, 09:14
Posts: 465
Joined: Jun 19th, '08, 23:03
Location: Midwestern USA

by Riene » Dec 30th, '08, 09:14

Two of the forums where I am a member have a members-only area, similar to this idea. We use it to talk about our families, work, health, goals, venting, etc--not things you'd want out on the general 'net. It works well, if you have members who are not seeking to cause problems for others--for example, somone who copies what you say or a photo you might post, then sends it to people not on that board.

No tea yet...need to wander into the kitchen.
Although my neighbors are all barbarians,
And you, you are a thousand miles away,
There are always two cups on my table.
--Tang Dynasty

Locked