What would you like to see at the Japan Forum?

[thomas]

In a bid to arrange and improve our board, we would like to ask you, our valued visitors, what you would like to see at the Japan Forum.

Please post any suggestions or ideas right here.

Cheers.

[halloalex]

Hey there!

Thomas, I guess, you are one of the heads behind japanreference, right? Then I just like to thank you for your efforts. Since I found this board a couple of days ago, I regularly come back and hope, that other users will do the same. Because this is really a great opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and even help each other to learn more about Japan. And if each of us helps a bit, I am pretty sure, that this forum will soon become the leading community for japan-related issues. That would be great, right?

Hope, we keep in touch,
alex.

P.S. If there are more users, who speak German, I would recommend to open a German-language forum anytime.

[thomas]

Thanks for your kind words, Alex! I'm not sure if we'll ever be the leading J-related forum, but we shall be happy if we have a few dedicated regulars. It's you, our valued visitors, who add the flavour! :)

Much obliged for your suggestion to create a German-language forum, I'll certainly do so once we have some sort of "German community".

[gohki]

I have been checking out your Japanese links with great interest. You have a wide variety of topics - fantastic.

However my search for free Japanese e-books has been unfruitful. Do you forsee the Japan Reference site compiling a e-book list in the near future? Otherwise, does anyone know where I can find Japanese reference e-books for free? I'm thinking that some educational institutions will offer reference e-books for free... I ask because I am in the process of compiling a list of Japanese e-books for my school library's website. check it out at www.library.utoronto.ca/east

[thomas]

Hi Gohki, and welcome to our board!

I assume that by "e-book" you refer to resources ("titles") in electronic format, not to hardware that runs software required for reading books in electronic formats (I checked e-book.org).

Your idea of establishing a new subcategory in our directory, entirely devoted to e-books sounds splendid. Frankly, I have never thought of that. Anyhow, it seems as if you have already gathered a lot of resources. I will look further into it.

The web site you mentioned is very interesting and informative, good luck with your project! :)

[eimik]

CHAT CHAT CHAT CHAT ROOOOOOOOM

[thomas]

It's at the top of my to-do list. :)

[deborah gormley]

yes a chat room would be great, but maybe running a chat room all the time would prove too exhausting(hehe):clap: .
It would need monitored by the staff of course and then all the members would need to be veted!!!!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHA :clap: :D :p
just tell me when its getting set up and I'l be there!!!:)

[lineartube]

One thing comes to mind. I don't know how people navigate around here, but when I type the address (yes, I do type addresses :D) and as soon as I see that the front page has loaded, I always click on "Today's Active Threads" since it get me up to speed to the current and active topics. You have a similar function in www.japanreference.com lastest threads, so what I had In mind would be an optional setting that could be set on or off in the user CP that would allow the viewing of the latest "x" threads in the last "y" hours, in the front page.

That would be great! At least for me, that is. :)

[thomas]

@ chat

I was already looking for chat programs that could be integrated into the forum, so that existing members could log in with their current handle. It's not that simple though. Also, Debs is right about the monitoring issue. Any volunteers?

@ navigation

The top menu features a "New Posts" button displaying the latest threads ( = new threads since last visit).

:)

[lineartube]

Yeah... but my way would make it one less click... :)

[thomas]

Well, if happiness is just one click away... ;)

Seriously, I'm a bit reluctant to clutter the forum's index page, but I'll give it a try.

[lineartube]

That's why the option of turn it off or on. Some people will like it, other won't.

You probably should make a poll of the ideas to see wich are more interesting and popular to be develop, since it doesn't make sense to develop an idea just for one person to use or take advantage of.

On the other hand, if you want to make me happy, buy me a beer. It's cheaper and requires less work. :D:D

[zahid]

What about a board on programming :)

[thomas]

Hi zahid, you can post all programming or script-related issues to the Geek Forum. Of course, this doesn't necessarily imply that all programmers are geeks.

;)

[Ami]

How about ummm.... some sign that shows the person is male or female? near their avatar or something... o-o

[Ami]

Oh I know! More Smilies! :happy: :p

[Mandylion]

It might mean more work for you Thomas (as they would have to be approved first), but I would like to be able to make some quizzes of my own.

[Ami]

Take your time Thomas! I was just suggesting things._. :cool:

[Maciamo]

I think that's a good idea to open sub-forums in othe languages than English. "Halloalex" has proposed a German forum, I propose a French one and am ready to moderate it. We should then advertise JREF in as many languages as there are forums.
In a little survey of mine I found that "French-speaking forums about Japan" were even more popular than those in English, despite the fact that French speakers are outnumbered something like 10 to 1 in the world if we don't count Africa.

Have a look at these forums' activity. The French forums (especially Nihon-fr) beat everything in English.

Forums in English

Japan Forum (here !)
Members = 2050
Total Posts = 24000

****** Gaijin
Members = 550
Total Posts = 24000

Japan.box.sk
Members = 700
Total Posts = ?

Metropolis-Japan Today
Members = 1400
Total Posts = 18800

Forums in French

Forum Japon
Members = 570 (all active, as inactive member ID's are deleted after a few days).
Total Posts = 31000

Nihon-fr
Members = 4000 (!)
Total Posts = 100.000 (!!)

Japon.org
Members = 1550
Total Posts = ?

I only know one Italian forum about Japan :

Giappone Giappone
Members = 990
Total Posts = 33500


There aren't any multilingual forums so far. As we are leading the English-speaking Japan-related forums, I suggest that we extend it to other main languages likely to attract an audience interested in Japan : French, German, Italian for a start.

[kirei_na_me]

I think it's a great idea since it seems we have so many French speakers in this forum.

It would also give someone like me, who has all but lost her French-speaking ability, some quality practice... :p

[Twisted]

Personally, i'm not too keen on a multilingual forum (par the Japanese section of course). I'm affraid it would cause too much seperation among the members.

Next thing you'll get that people start asking for a Spanish, Chinese, Esperanto and Klingon forum as well.

[thomas]

Thanks for your suggestions!

@ quizzes

Currently, it is technically not feasible to allow members to submit their own quizzes. I'm not sure if my PHP skills are sufficient to tweak the script accordingly. Also, we'll be upgrading to vBulletin 3 within the next few months (something I'm not really looking forward to), so I'm a bit reluctant to add new features.

@ French & German fora

It's an idea worth considering. While some of the boards Maciamo mentioned are pretty active, the quality of their average post varies. I won't expand on that for obvious reasons, lol, but we could definitely set up two additional sections for French and German speakers just to see if there's a demand for these languages.

May Kahless be with us. Qapla'! :)

[Ami]

What about my suggestions? :blush:

[thomas]

Sorry Amie, I missed your suggestion. I will see if I can find some new smilies that fit into our collection.

[Ami]

Thanks and don't forget about the sign thing that should show if the person is male or female. But just take your time! :bow: :cool:

[Dark Shadows]

....uh...a guild forum perhaps?

[jeisan]

i got an idea, you could put the forum, subforum, and thread links down at the bottom of all the posts, as well as at the top. maybe right under where it lists the pages. that way after you post a message and it leaves you at your post, which is usually towards the bottom, you don't have to scroll all the way back up to the top to navigate back to the thread list or a different forum. just my two cents.

[Elizabeth]

Something I've never seen on other forums and I don't really think is very appropriate is the way the search screen is set up to display the search date along with last 10 results. The number of hits should probably also correspond to the number of threads, but that 's a relatively minor point. It just seems somehow a violation of user privacy and likely inhibits a lot of people from using it to the full extent. Another thing I don't really understand is not allowing for editing of posts after 1444 hours or whatever the limit and not letting us delete our own postings, but maybe there is good reasoning behind those ;).

[jeisan]

the search doesnt show who did the last 10 searches just what they were. the hits correspond to the number that the search term was used. i dont think thats a provacy violation. as far as deleting your own posts. its because if you were the thread author and deleted your 1st post then you would delete the whole thread.

[Elizabeth]

Originally posted by jeisan
the search doesnt show who did the last 10 searches just what they were. the hits correspond to the number that the search term was used. i dont think thats a provacy violation. as far as deleting your own posts. its because if you were the thread author and deleted your 1st post then you would delete the whole thread.
I just don't think it's necessary or particularly informative, frankly, to show anything and by privacy I mean it isn't difficult to come up with scenarios in which deducing the source becomes like connecting the dots. For instance, a series of very distinct searches, say replete with spelling errors, controversial subjects, or maybe on users' names corresponds to an individual's later postings or someone is known to have a particular medical condition etc. As for deleting posts, I'm aware about deleting the thread with the first one, but I believe it was possible in the past to delete anything successive to that.

[jeisan]

well, i always just thought of it more as a random stat than anything else. but what does it matter if people did know what you searched for, unless theres something to hide? if you really want to delete your post, edit it, then erase eveything that was typed, and just leave something like [deleted] in there since you cant post blank messages.

[jeisan]

[deleted]

[Elizabeth]

Originally posted by jeisan
well, i always just thought of it more as a random stat than anything else. but what does it matter if people did know what you searched for, unless theres something to hide?
And why aren't the police welcome to raid all of our properties as a crime prevention measure if we aren't known to be growing marijuana and keep all our guns safely stored? A better analogy might be being tracked on the Internet, though. I don't necessarily have anything to hide with the sites I visit but I would still feel uneasy with advertisers who do it posting it publicly or making that sort of information public to the highest bidder, however anonymous or innocuous it may be.

[jeisan]

the police raiding my house is a far cry from the last thing i searched at the japan forum. besides that most major search engines do the same thing in a different way. ever seen "most popular searches?" they just use all the stats instead of the last 10. ive also seen some the have most recent searhes as well.

[Elizabeth]

But aren't those amalgamations of searches across all users?

[jeisan]

yes, but nonetheless its still stats of what was searched.

[Elizabeth]

And as this isn't a news or entertainment site per se, the need for currency seems less, ergo it seems searches could be combined and stats figured over a longer period of time.

[jeisan]

they could be, but they aren't and it doesn't really matter either way.

[Uncle Frank]

I can see you're going to have to give up your day job Thomas and hire a large staff !

[Marc]

Spanish forum anyone?

[noyhauser]

I'd also like to see a chat room... a good way to do it might be to open it only when a moderator is around.. and post that on the site. That way it can be used. It might mean that the room isn't always open, but it could keep the community we all love and add a little more to it

[seasurfer]

I would support the idea of multilanguage ... it can bring in more walks of people..(i hope so ....)i would suggest to have german, spanish and chinese...as these are the major languages in the world...

[Hidden_Wisdom]

I would like to see a Chat room here,i think it will bring more love for the members in this site and alot of off-topic conversations posts would be decreased .and i agree with Noy//

Plz try to make it possible

[Himura]

Some good things Iｴve read:
-more smilies :cool:
-a male/female - sign (how will that look like...?^^)
-maybe birthdate or age (age would be cool^^)
-and as Iｴve already mentioned in a thread with poll... a jRef-Chatroom... (thatｴd maybe solve some spam-problems^^)

about the multilanguage-thing: some areas would be cool, but not too many, that would seperate the forum, I think... (a bit German for me as German guy would be quite cool ^_^ )

[Glenn]

I would like Ruby tags (furigana), if at all possible with vBcode, please. There is a simple way (http://www.sf.airnet.ne.jp/~ts/japanese/message/jpnDqOrTxKqDqCVRUbe.html) to do it with html, but I do not know about vBcode, so...

[Musoka]

How about a portal, but not like vbindex where its a phpnuke thing...but a small portal that displays latest topics, online members, etc

[PaulTB]

Chat room suggestion.
Apart from getting one that does Japanese ;-) I think it would be a good idea to indicate how many people are in the chat room.

e.g.
JREF Top Chat [3] Shop User CP FAQ Members List Calendar New Posts Search Quick Links Log Out

If there are people already there it will encourage others to visit - and if there aren't then at least you know that if you _do_ join it over people will know someone's waiting there to chat.

[Madinho]

Hi,
my first post and ...

You have a French and Japanese forum! What do you think about a German Forum?

[bossel]

Hmm, I don't know if this can be considered a bug or glitch (or as Microsoft would put it: a feature), but this post (http://www.jref.com/forum/showpost.php?p=126796&postcount=6) extends the width of the thread ridiculously. If it is not yet implemented (& maybe just doesn't work properly), maybe there should be an automatic line break somewhere, even if there is no blank.
Not important, just a thought.

[thomas]

Unfortunately, there is not a lot to be done about that. While whitespaces cause the text to be automatically wrapped, longer text, as in the post you mentioned, will cause the box to stretch endlessly.

[Lina Inverse]

@bossel:
Uhmm... this thread is for suggestions about what you'd like to see at the Nihongo Forum, not for complaining about overly long posts (which aren't even in the Nihongo forum) :p

I don't think there's much you can do... you would have to parse the entire text to see if it doesn't have a too long line, and if it had, force a break and re-format the text. This probably would eat up a good amount of server time :relief:

[jieshi]

i think it is perfect. no complaints. i am a satisfied customer

[jeisan]

unless you edit the thread to put spaces in then it looks fine. :) (well on 1024x768 anyway)

lina this thread is for the forum as all whole not just the japanese section.

[bossel]

Unfortunately, there is not a lot to be done about that. While whitespaces cause the text to be automatically wrapped, longer text, as in the post you mentioned, will cause the box to stretch endlessly.
Ah well, it's not much of a problem anyway. As long as only the post where somebody wrote without spaces is affected, so what. But I used to visit another forum where one such post caused all other posts on the same page to spread to the same width. That could get quite annoying.

unless you edit the thread to put spaces in then it looks fine. :) (well on 1024x768 anyway)
I'm one of the old-fashioned 800x600 users. For my 15" monitor this feels best. No money for something better. :okashii:
But thanks for the reminder, I forgot that I should test the design of my website not only with different browsers, but also on different resolutions.

[jeisan]

well... actually when i edited it i just made it so it would look right for me but you could do the same for 800x600...

[Satori]

I have a suggestion, but it's nothing major, really. I think it would be nice to have a section called "Birthdays" or "Happy Birthday." It's oftentimes difficult to locate birthday threads, and when they are placed among the other Chit-Chat threads, they get buried too easily. At present, some of the birthday threads are in the Community section, while most are in the Chit-Chat section. Is there a way to create a place for all of the birthday threads to be in one place so that they are easier to locate? It could even be a subsection of the Chit-Chat section or something. Just somewhere where we know we can find the birthday information. Like I said, it's nothing major, but it would make things easier, I think. Thanks!

:-)

[Winter]

Not sure if its been brought up or not, but why not a sex forum?

I dont mean pornography either. But many senior members here have been complaining that the forum is bland, and in every forum that I visit, a tactic used to combat this is a sex forum. Its always busy with perverts...er....mature adults. At any rate, there is a whole side of Japanese culture that hasnt really been touched at this place.

[Satori]

Not sure if its been brought up or not, but why not a sex forum?

I dont mean pornography either. But many senior members here have been complaining that the forum is bland, and in every forum that I visit, a tactic used to combat this is a sex forum. Its always busy with perverts...er....mature adults. At any rate, there is a whole side of Japanese culture that hasnt really been touched at this place.

Are you talking about an "adult" section?

[Apollo]

I have noticed in the "gallery" that there are several pictures of Japanese "babes"....however, how about displaying some Japanese "hunks" like Ken Watanabe?? *hint* *hint*
Just for us females who like looking at hunks rather than babes....:D

[Brooker]

@Miss Apollo...
I added a new "hunk" to the male idol gallery just for you.
:D

[Apollo]

@Miss Apollo...
I added a new "hunk" to the male idol gallery just for you.
:D

Where??!! I have just looked but could not see your "contribution".....I am looking forward to seeing it though! :-)

[Brooker]

Where?! Here! (http://www.jref.com/entertainment/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1087)

[Apollo]

Where?! Here! (http://www.jref.com/entertainment/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1087)

THANK YOU Brooker! I especially love the pictures of John EDWARDS!! :thankyou: :love: :cheer:
John Edwards is just sooooo charming....:love: (shame he is married - not to me...)....:D

[Brooker]

Glad you liked it. The John Edwards picture was the only one I added - because I know you like him so much.

[Apollo]

Glad you liked it. The John Edwards picture was the only one I added - because I know you like him so much.

THANKS Brooker!! (I gave you rep.points). I just LOVE JOHN EDWARDS...........:love:

[TwistedMac]

why? John Edwards has the evilest, greasiest smile i've ever seen >_<

What would you like to see at the Japan Forum?
breasts.

...what? I'm just saying.

[kirei_na_me]

:souka: How dare you suggest bewbs, Mac?! :okashii:

[Lina Inverse]

Not sure if its been brought up or not, but why not a sex forum?

I dont mean pornography either. But many senior members here have been complaining that the forum is bland, and in every forum that I visit, a tactic used to combat this is a sex forum. Its always busy with perverts...er....mature adults. At any rate, there is a whole side of Japanese culture that hasnt really been touched at this place.
Now that would be a really great idea! :cool:
A forum where you could be a bit more "descriptive", or making some remarks which might go into a certain direction, without being reprimanded about it would be really appreciated :haihai:
I would've proposed this myself, but I didn't want to get chided again...

[Brooker]

A sex forum? I'm sure there are lots of other places you could go for something like that. Besides, what would you talk about? "Oooh baby, yeah that's good, you know what I like"? OR "Bewbs are cool! Do you like bewbs too"? Yeah, that would be fascinating.

[Winter]

Lets be real. There is a huge side of Japan that dives into sexuality. This is a Japan forum. Put one and one together, and you've got a combo that just adds up.

I mean honestly, it makes sense. You've got music, anime, history, spirituality, but no sexuality?

And Brooker, c'mon. Think about it man. Its obvious that in a forum like that, set up with the proper boundries, it could be a nice read. Not just overt astheticism, but real discussions about intimacy with spouses *half of the adults here are married* or partners, or advice about future endeavors, or whatever.

And with mods like you and jei around, people who step out of line will quickly be put back in their place, what are you worried about?

And another note; look at half of the areas here that get such miniscule activity. This place is really dead at time, and there's no question about that. A forum with the potential for another side of intellectual/stimulating/gratifying conversation shouldnt be poo-poo'd so quickly just because you're afraid of a few morons and their comments.

[Satori]

I think you're talking about an "adult" section, as opposed to a "sex forum." I don't see anything wrong with adding a section like that, assuming it can be arranged. I'm just not sure how something like that could be set up to where people over a certain age can post there and those younger cannot. Of course, I'm a little computer-challenged at times, so what do I know?! :p But it would be nice if we could talk about more adult subjects without worry, I guess. For instance, I just posted a response to a thread at an equestrian forum called "Do You Talk During Sex?" Threads like that can be a lot of fun! And certainly the threads here about whether men pee sitting down or standing up and whether men are circumcized could definitely go into an "adult" section! I can't believe the intimate details I now know about some of the men here--and without ever sleeping with any of them! :eek2:

Btw, Miss Apollo, you are not alone about John Edwards. I have seen quite a few women go nuts over him. Personally, I liked the other men's photos. Who put those up? Whoever it was, thank you!! More male eye candy is always appreciated! :cool:

[Uncle Frank]

It seems every time I check in , that guests outnumber the members by a large number. Would it be possible to somehow tempt them to use the Forum section open to them more often? Maybe "BOLD HEADLINE" something to attract their attention more and get them to leave coments. I hate seeing all those possible new members come & go; there must be a way to hook & reel some of them into our flock. Maybe some of our membership can come up with ideas to attract guests to join?

Frank

:?

[thomas]

It seems every time I check in , that guests outnumber the members by a large number. Would it be possible to somehow tempt them to use the Forum section open to them more often? Maybe "BOLD HEADLINE" something to attract their attention more and get them to leave coments. I hate seeing all those possible new members come & go; there must be a way to hook & reel some of them into our flock. Maybe some of our membership can come up with ideas to attract guests to join?

Hi Frank, nearly 50% of our guests are bots indexing the forum. However, there are several methods of attracting potential members to sign up, I will play with the forum templates this afternoon.

Thanks for kicking our lazy bu**s! :wave:

[Lina Inverse]

As Uncle Frank said it - something to attract their attention would be a good idea! :haihai:

[KareBear]

How about a fanart and fanfiction topic?? I don't know... Most of the Japanese forums I went o doesn't have a fanfiction topic and being a big fiction lover reader w/e, yeah.. I dunno... Like Um... I gone to some Korean sites- they have fanfiction place for translated fictions, made up fictions and its a big hit so.. yeah.. umm.. its just a suggestion ><

[BlackGirls_are_nice2]

When you type in the site address in the address bar, you have to go to something like forum etc to login. Couldn't the homepage just have a login sign above the sign up sign. It would help people like me alot when we want to login. Not to mention that this sight is very hard to navigate through. Maybe it should be cleaned up and set up neater so that people can find their way around. (This would be good for new members like me. Not to mention those thousands of guess who don't sign up...maybe it's the navigation that confuses them and makes them give up.)
Also, sometimes I get logged off the site without logging off and have to sign in again. Once it even directed me to another members name. This site has a lot of technical kinks that need fixing. :p Overall though, it is a good place to be a part of.
Ciao!

[Maciamo]

When you type in the site address in the address bar, you have to go to something like forum etc to login.
Couldn't the homepage just have a login sign above the sign up sign. It would help people like me alot when we want to login.

Well, you can just click on "Forum" in the top bar displayed on every page and you'll reach the forum. You could also keep this URL in your "Favorites" : http://www.jref.com/forum/

Not to mention that this sight is very hard to navigate through. Maybe it should be cleaned up and set up neater so that people can find their way around.

Could you explain a bit more what is difficult. Do you sometimes use the site search, the category links in the header (Directory, Forum, Gallery...) or links in the footer (bottom of page) ?

Also, sometimes I get logged off the site without logging off and have to sign in again. Once it even directed me to another members name.

This shouldn't happened. Anyway it is not due to this site, but to your computer. How often do you clear your cookies (if you use Internet Explorer, go to "Tools" => "Internet Options" => "Delete cookies") ? All your passwords form other sites will be cleared too, but you should do it from time to time as some sites' cookies (=passwords saved in your computer) may have conflicts with each others and then you are logged off for no reason, as you said.

[Maciamo]

How about a fanart and fanfiction topic?? I don't know... Most of the Japanese forums I went o doesn't have a fanfiction topic and being a big fiction lover reader w/e, yeah.. I dunno... Like Um... I gone to some Korean sites- they have fanfiction place for translated fictions, made up fictions and its a big hit so.. yeah.. umm.. its just a suggestion ><

Suggestion taken into account. I have created a new Fanfiction & Fanart subforum (http://www.jref.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=127). :-)

[lexico]

Also, sometimes I get logged off the site without logging off and have to sign in again. Once it even directed me to another members name. This site has a lot of technical kinks that need fixing. :p Overall though, it is a good place to be a part of.
Ciao!Hi, Nice2!
I wasn't aware the forum had this thread, so just checking, and found your probelm somewhat similar to what I had when I first signed up. But now the problems are gone. Let me tell you what I did.

After suffering various quirks for about 2 weeks, I finally decided to reinstall my WIndows XP. But you might wonder whether you would lose all your goodies stored by reinstalling, including the "favorites."

1) I keep all my data files (files I've written, mail, pics, downloads, etc.) on drive F:. (I have two hard disks. partitioned into C: D: & E: F:) So all my personal data is intact.

2) I make a back up of my "favorites" on drive F: before reloading windows.

After reloading windows, all the strange things that I had disappeared. My hunch is that the problem you are having has little to do with JREF, but is some unknown setting change that certain spyware has left on your system.

To keep things simple, I'll stop here. If you have questions, post here or PM me; I could answer your particulart questions about reloading (assuming it is XP that you have.) Cheers! :wave:

[Dutch Baka]

i would like to see a sport place.... i would love to talk about soccer, bassball and other j-related sports....

hope im not the only one who watch soccer in here....

[Glenn]

You can do that in the Chit Chat & Miscellaneous (http://www.jref.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=15) subforum.

[Dekamaster]

:relief: How about a sports section ?

[Dutch Baka]

hehe as i ask before,,, chit-chat section ....

[alexriversan]

IMAGES of banknotes, pop-stars, anyone not-self, underage, minority, special population group/challenged people.

must be explained in the profile/image.

can you implement a comment field for the profile picture?

[phantasmagoria]

Ohhhhh can we have a bishies section? See, it can't go into celebritites, because it could include bishies from anime or games... Such as Cloud. Yum. *drool*

Ahem... moving swiftly on!

I don't reckon we could put it as one thread because there's a lot of bishies and sow people ike me would get confused >.<
JREF is in need of this kind of thing because it's invading other topics.

[-Rudel-]

This could be a plus for us that are bad at our kanji! And since I have plenty of dictionarys that are hiragana katakana only.

I know plenty of our learners will enjoy it.

[Maciamo]

This could be a plus for us that are bad at our kanji! And since I have plenty of dictionarys that are hiragana katakana only.

I know plenty of our learners will enjoy it.

Very often writing only in kana is so confusing that it may not be beneficial to Japanese learners. There is a very easy method to read kanji you don't know on the net, just copy and paste them in an online dictionary such as these ones : http://www.jref.com/language/japanese_english_dictionary.shtml
It is also one of the best way to learn kanji.

[-Rudel-]

I'm very aware of the on-line dictionarys. :-) I guess I am use to the "Japanese for busy people (kana version)" books. I'm sure you have heard of them. That's how I learned to read and write it, and as I got better, I started learning what the Kanji are so I can replace the kana with Kanji.

It was only a suggestion though.
Cheers :-)

[Pararousia]

When I came to this forum, I was hoping to chat with more Japanese people. But most of the posters here are non-Japanese. Guess there's nothing one can do about that, eh?

[lastmagi]

Ohhhhh can we have a bishies section? See, it can't go into celebritites, because it could include bishies from anime or games... Such as Cloud. Yum. *drool*

Ahem... moving swiftly on!

I don't reckon we could put it as one thread because there's a lot of bishies and sow people ike me would get confused >.<
JREF is in need of this kind of thing because it's invading other topics.

Not that I'm an admin or anything (obviously) but that topic is small and restricted enough to fit in the anime or video games section.

Anway I was going to suggest a subsection within the jpop section for individual band/artist discussion, but after looking around the forums, I noticed there aren't any sub-sub-forums. Oh well, nevermind. My motivation was due to the large number of posts in the jpop section devoted to individual bands, with new posts sometimes overtaking a whole forum page within a single day, and some organization there was due.

Not that I'm , you know, too lazy to click on Page 2 or anything. :blush:

Oh yeah, I'm just curious, but why is the Entertainment section the only subforum that has a different layout? I don't mind it so much to want it taken out, but it's kind of disorienting.

[thomas]

Oh yeah, I'm just curious, but why is the Entertainment section the only subforum that has a different layout? I don't mind it so much to want it taken out, but it's kind of disorienting.
Thanks for pointing that out. I have changed it to the default style.

[Dutch Baka]

Work subcategory.

you can ask your questions about work, in the practical area, but i think that there should be a subcategory about it, because a lot of people who come her, want to know more about work, and can tell about work!!! so i think its important to have a WORK section!!!!

[Apollo]

What would be fun is to do a sort, or search of members by country....E.g. how many Danish members are there? And how many Japanese?

[Maciamo]

Work subcategory.

you can ask your questions about work, in the practical area, but i think that there should be a subcategory about it, because a lot of people who come her, want to know more about work, and can tell about work!!! so i think its important to have a WORK section!!!!

Alright, that's done ! :cool:

[Dutch Baka]

Alright, that's done ! :cool:
Cool, cheers!!!! :wave:

What would be fun is to do a sort, or search of members by country....E.g. how many Danish members are there? And how many Japanese?


yeah added by the memberlist, i just found out yesterday what you can do there!!!

[Apollo]

Cool, cheers!!!! :wave:
yeah added by the memberlist, i just found out yesterday what you can do there!!!

I don't think you can sort in the memberlist by countries, can you?

[Dutch Baka]

I don't think you can sort in the memberlist by countries, can you?

No not yet, but thats what you mean a bit ne, that you could sort it out, if there is a place at jref, i think this would be the best place...

kisses for miss apollo * because u look cute* :wave:

[Dekamaster]

Is there a sports forum here ?

[Apollo]

kisses for miss apollo * because u look cute* :wave:

:blush: :blush: :blush: Thank you!! *giggle*

[Jack]

Is there a sports forum here ?
yes its a sub forum, called sports ground.

[kokusu]

yes its a sub forum, called sports ground.


Yes yes yes!!! Sports forum! Sports forum!!! :balloon: :happy: :yeahh: :cracker: :confetti: :cheer: :win: :football:

I would love to be able to talk about J-League soccer and Sumo!!! And, I bet someone else would talk about the Japanese Baseball league, and I could learn so much!!! And there was that basketball character in Densha Otoko the TV Series! And, don't forget about kendo, karate, and judo! I bet fishing (like by yourself, not as a big ship) is a sport, too!!!

Give me sports forum, or give me . . . um . . . er . . . sports forum? (Well, I don't wanna die!)

Please? Pretty please with mochi on top?

Oh . . . (reads again) . . . must find this Sports Ground! Sorry, thank you! Heh heh . . . happy! Running off to search now!

Hey! Wait a sec! Sports Ground isn't with the other Japanese-related forums! What gives?!? Can't there be a Japanese Sports forum side-by-side with the history and the news and such?!? Poor little old lonely sports forum . . .

[strongvoicesforward]

In a bid to arrange and improve our board, we would like to ask you, our valued visitors, what you would like to see at the Japan Forum.


I would like to see the font style changed to a "Times New Roman" font at a 3 or 4 point size. A "Times" font is much easier on the eyes and the motion of the eye from left to right goes much more smoothly. There is a reason why all major newspapers choose the "Times New Roman" font, and that is what I just explained.

Doesn`t the following look better than the above?:

I would like to see the font style changed to a "Times New Roman" font at a 3 or 4 point size. A "Times" font is much easier on the eyes and the motion of the eye from left to right goes much more smoothly. There is a reason why all major newspapers choose the "Times New Roman" font, and that is what I just explained.
-------------------------------------------

One more thing I would like to see is:

At the top of the main forum page menu on the right, have a list of the most recent 10 posts. That way people wouldn`t have to search for recent posts and people will click into categories that they may not be inclined to visit. This would increase discussion and broaden peoples' perspectives and interests as they visit other threads. The recent postings would always be changing so it would really give the board that "hopping and happening" image.

[Pachipro]

I would like to see the return of the link "view all posts since your last visit" without them disappearing after I answer a particular post under the present "New Posts" link. I really miss that feature of the former version as I could peruse all new posts, answer those I was interested in, and still be able to view new posts with multiple entries since my last visit.

The way it is now I can only see new posts, but when I answer one, my last visited time is changed to the present and all the new posts disappear.

Still, if that feature is gone forever, I will survive as JRef is still a great site and one of the best. I'll adapt.

[Gaijin 06]

I would like to see the font style changed to a "Times New Roman" font at a 3 or 4 point size. A "Times" font is much easier on the eyes and the motion of the eye from left to right goes much more smoothly. There is a reason why all major newspapers choose the "Times New Roman" font, and that is what I just explained.


Personally I like the current font, but you can change the size by holding ctrl and scrolling your mouse wheel (to make the font bigger or smaller)

[Gaijin 06]

I would like to see the return of the link "view all posts since your last visit" without them disappearing after I answer a particular post under the present "New Posts" link. I really miss that feature of the former version as I could peruse all new posts, answer those I was interested in, and still be able to view new posts with multiple entries since my last visit.


You can open up threads to read in a new window (shift click the hyperlink) which will preserve the "view new posts" results while you do other things.

[Apollo]

A more detailed profile! eg. Japanese intermediate, or expert.
What car you drive, what computer you have, are you single/married and funny things like that....:blush:

[-rika- shinya`]

the only thing I'd like to see in this forum is more tolerance from some of the members and less arguing :wary: I'm so sick of clicking on some threads and seeing conflicts going on all the time

[Jack]

the only thing I'd like to see in this forum is more tolerance from some of the members and less arguing :wary: I'm so sick of clicking on some threads and seeing conflicts going on all the time
i dont know, i think this is the one thing that seperates this forum from others, and i wouldn't say its arguments as such just good natured opinions being discussed.

[-rika- shinya`]

i think it used to be good natured opinions until things got a little..more than tense..?

[Jack]

I think the level of degradation towards others in certain posts only comes off bad when the offended one in question takes it very seriously.
Things need to be taken with a pinch of salt, in relation to this thread maybe we could see a bit more personalisation to the members block at the side of the posts.

[Dutch Baka]

That there will come a special Jrock section! so you have jpop and Jrock!
Because when I want to post something in the Jpop section it always get overshadowed by Jrock threads, and the amount of Jrock treads take care that there is NO attention for my thread! I mean there are lot of people who like Jpop music but DISLIKE J-rock music, including this OVERSIZED pictures there are being post... ahum now there is no change for my DTC or Pink lady or something like that because mister Hyde, and Miyavi etc are all over the place...
I am sure that Many people agree with me that a spil up from Jpop and Jrock would be a good idea, at least thats what I hope!!!
Jpop is about Jpop.. Where is the jpop? (http://www.kobecityinfo.com/pers/jrock.JPG)
(let's ask things one by one haha:blush: )

[Yokan]

'That there will come a special Jrock section!'

:cool: I second that!

[Dutch Baka]

Maybe a Reply from an admin or Moderator about this.... ??????????

[Tsuyoiko]

'That there will come a special Jrock section!'
:cool: I second that!Maybe a Reply from an admin or Moderator about this.... ??????????Moderators are discussing it at the moment.

[Dutch Baka]

Moderators are discussing it at the moment.

Thanks!!!

May I ask how they think about it? I feel closed out :(

[lastmagi]

It'll probably make the J-Music section have less of an exclusive air, if the majority of its threads are moved into its own section. My thought is that the section could be a lot more inviting to more people if the majority of people already there don't overrun the place and make it seem like j-music is all about this or that.

My thoughts, if worth anything, can be found here:

http://www.jref.com/forum/showpost.php?p=320447&postcount=4

[-rika- shinya`]

yes definately it should have new sections in j-music :haihai:

[Mitsuo]

J-BOT! WHERE IS J-BOT!, I WANT TO SEE J-BOT! SCANDAL!!! Lol. But, to make my point more clear.. I would like to see j-bot.

[Minty]

i think it used to be good natured opinions until things got a little..more than tense..?
Actually I think if you don't want to see people barking at each other, it is avoidable, just don't go to threads that have high possibilities of flaming comments among members.

[d3jake]

J-BOT! WHERE IS J-BOT!, I WANT TO SEE J-BOT! SCANDAL!!! Lol. But, to make my point more clear.. I would like to see j-bot.

Yeah, all I've seen of it are it's previous posts. It'd be cool to have it back! Though I didn't know what it was like with it here... :p

[Kinsao]

Another vote for j-bot! :cool:
Yes indeed, I miss some sensible conversation. :(

[Carlson]

im not sure if this would make trouble but ive always love a wasteland/postwhore area with forum games to waste time.

[changedonrequest]

Ok maybe other people have asked or requested this...I will be honest I only did a quick search through threads to try to find an answer, my question...

Is it possible to include "view your own posts" link from the drop down menu in the "Quick Links" link? I don't want to always go through the hassle of subscribing to a thread, but I would like on occasion to be able to keep track of threads that I have posted on.

With the "huge" number of forums that are available here I have found it rather difficult to keep track of threads that I personally have posted on.

If there is a way to do this that I am unaware of please "teach" me.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[changedonrequest]

I posted this the above post, over a week ago and no admin have replied with either a "yeah" nor "ney".

What's the point of this thread just to write one's dream lists? If that is the case the heading of the post should be changed to let people know that.

If an administrator is going to start a thread like this and allow it to stay open for this length of time, it would be polite of them to respond to peoples posts here. Otherwise lock the damn thread or quit asking for peoples opinions please.

[thomas]

Thanks for your feedback. Just because we do not reply doesn't mean we do not notice your suggestion.

Oh, and I have just implemented it. Please check under "Quick Links".

[changedonrequest]

Thanks for your feedback. Just because we do not reply doesn't mean we do not notice your suggestion.
Oh, and I have just implemented it. Please check under "Quick Links".


Thank you....:wave:

[Carlson]

I posted this the above post, over a week ago and no admin have replied with either a "yeah" nor "ney".
What's the point of this thread just to write one's dream lists? If that is the case the heading of the post should be changed to let people know that.
If an administrator is going to start a thread like this and allow it to stay open for this length of time, it would be polite of them to respond to peoples posts here. Otherwise lock the damn thread or quit asking for peoples opinions please.

He has a point.

I posted on my question and hope that 1 would say something as well. Your idea sounds good i have often wanted to keep track of some threads without subscribing.

[changedonrequest]

He has a point.
I posted on my question and hope that 1 would say something as well. Your idea sounds good i have often wanted to keep track of some threads without subscribing.

I truly appreciate this being implemented as this was one part of this site that made participating here a bit tedious.

I apologize for the " Otherwise lock the damn thread or quit asking for peoples opinions please. comment, but it does seem to have gotten someone to take action. I just hope that in the future, myself as well as others, dont have to result to #*OX#*@ :bluush: to get results or answers.

Thanks again

[thomas]

I truly appreciate this being implemented as this was one part of this site that made participating here a bit tedious.
I apologize for the comment, but it does seem to have gotten someone to take action. I just hope that in the future, myself as well as others, dont have to result to #*OX#*@ :bluush: to get results or answers.
Thanks again

As I have already pointed out: we do read and highly appreciate members' feedback. Implementations, no matter how minor, take time, and time is a rare commodity. My apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Oh, and just as a matter of principle: #*OX#*@ won't get you anywhere. :wave:

[Elizabeth van Kampen]

When I was in Japan in 2000, only for 2 weeks, I was told that most Japanese houses and apartments are very small and very expensive especially in the big towns. I learned that the Japanese make long working hours.

Are most of the young people in Japan happy with their lifes? I would like to read more about the young Japanese family life. Would be pleased if someone would start that as a thread.

[Mikawa Ossan]

I've been thinking...(yeah, I know. Scary, huh?)

When we first this new chat window (which is great, btw) J-bot was in there, right? This is after the update was complete, right?

So would it at all be possible to have two permanent chat rooms, one with J-bot, and one just as it is now? The default could be set for the "plain" room when you log on, and then if you want to chat with J-bot, you'd have to move over there.

Isn't is just genius!!!!

EDIT: I am serious, btw.

[DoctorP]

Is it possible to rig a few forum features to work on "hot keys"? Not sure if this can be done or not, but it would be cool to be able to walk by my desk and say push F8 and get the new posts. (damn lazy aren't I?) Hell if I keep this up I'll be on Oprah one day weighing 600 lbs and having Richard Simmons crying on my shoulder!

[Blue_Kun]

Hye.

Just a litle curiosity.

Do this Forum have a Chat?

[thomas]

Hye.
Just a litle curiosity.
Do this Forum have a Chat?

Yes, it has. please click the "Chat" link in the top menu. :-)

[miki78]

I would like the people who start threads to be able to delete them if they wont to for a set period of time like you are able to delete the thread for 24 hours after you make it then after that you are not able to delete it any more

Is this a bad idea ?

[Jou Sama]

I often lurk at various forums and I've noticed a lot have a Karaoke section. I'm very fond of them and was rather disappointed to not find one here.
I figure it would be better to have it as a section opposed to just a single thread as I've seen elsewhere ^^;;

Just a thought =3

[Dutch Baka]

What do you mean by Karaoke section?

[Jou Sama]

I was figuring just a "sub forum" in the Entertainment area. That way people can post their karaokes separately, have others comment on it, and not get it overshadowed by another's. (So basically new karaoke = new thread)
I hope that helps answer your question ^^

[miki78]

That sounds like a good idea ^^ and fun

[DoctorP]

How about having an ADMIN for A DAY. (or a week) Basically the current mod team would choose someone (usually a long standing member with say at least 250 posts) to serve as admin for a specified time. Two things happen here. The lucky poster gets to see what it is actually like to be in charge of such a forum and it would give the Admin/mod team a little break by having someone else to be able to help out.

[Dutch Baka]

How about having an ADMIN for A DAY. (or a week) Basically the current mod team would choose someone (usually a long standing member with say at least 250 posts) to serve as admin for a specified time. Two things happen here. The lucky poster gets to see what it is actually like to be in charge of such a forum and it would give the Admin/mod team a little break by having someone else to be able to help out.


You are smart enough to know the answer of this question!

[Mikawa Ossan]

It's an interesting idea. How about doing it but with restricted powers? (Yes, I know the answer, but it's interesting nonetheless!)

[DoctorP]

You are smart enough to know the answer of this question!


It is actually done on four forums that I visit, and I also do it on two forums that I run.

[Mikawa Ossan]

I guess the short answer to that is that Jref isn't one of those forums, now is it?

I personally like the idea, though!

[Dutch Baka]

Got no idea, who could do this, but I just wanted to share it:

JREF RADIO!

When you come on the forum, you can listen to jref radio, a place where people can listen to Japanese music, different kind of music of course! no idea how we can do this... but hai, it's just an idea, right?

[RockLee]

A JREF Shoutcast you mean? I think the J-Rock groupies would flood it with J-Rock :D

[Dutch Baka]

We won't allow them Rock!!

[Mycernius]

Why not put a link for Japanese radio stations? I know the BBC have web broadcasts, so I would assume that the same goes for Japanese stations.

[Maciamo]

Why not put a link for Japanese radio stations? I know the BBC have web broadcasts, so I would assume that the same goes for Japanese stations.

We have about 220 Japanese radio stations listed in the JREF Directory (http://www.jref.com/dir/News___Media/).

[Faustianideals]

No offense to any fans of the "Post about the above person" type threads, but I do not think they belong in Chit-Chat & Misc. Wouldn't they be better placed in the Humor & Tests sub-forum? It's a compromise to outright barring the creation of such threads, and would require little effort to implement.

[MadamePapillon]

I think what this forum need is a Rogue Thread *insert dramatic music*, no topic, no direction, just whatever people happen to be talking about at the time. That way when threads get off topic the discussion can be moved to The Rogue Thread *insert dramatic music again*

Anything goes on The Rogue Thread *dramatic music*

...Ok, I'll stop now.

[Hezam]

I like to see Chat ROOM and (( New Style )) better than this style ...

Like This Style http://www.alzaeem.net/ it is Arabic Site ^^

and thanks for this thread ......

[karlyboo]

Well I'm happy to lend my skills as a web developer to any project which might need them if that would be helpful. More than happy to forward my CV, tho obviously it would only be part time volunteer work.

As for specific features, ironing out some of the cross-browser bugs might be nice? I recall I posted in the support section with some faults under Safari.

[Dutch Baka]

it's an idea to discuss with the team. Thank you for your idea, and sorry for the late reply.

[Anatoli]

Should there be a warning "you haven't posted for..." encouraging people making useless posts? It's not the number that counts. If you have nothing to say just read, IMHO.

[Chi65]

Honesty and informations, why and what was deleted.

Because at the beginning, it was done. . .

highly suspicious

[Kyoto Returnee]

It would appear to me that this forum needs a permanant "Off Topic" thread for "Off Topic" posts, with full consideration for the moderators constantly complaining all the time about the subject.

Taking into consideration that Mikawa sent me a PM yesterday backed up by Mr. DB moderator, claiming because I had mentioned aboriginals in reply to another post, taking into account we have Japanese Aboriginals, and Australian, both of which had a mention in my post, and taking into account they were both victims of racism and discrimination, and taking into account that it was posted on the Racism/Duscrimination thread, and taking into account that they scored me two "Infarctions" (Whatever that is), obviously for you moderators to do that does not make any sense, certainly with all the members I have been discussing..

I have a funny feeling it was something more personal with the two of you, but rather, no logical reasons going bvy your PM's. I know Mikawa was not listening to anything.

If the two of you consider a small part of a post to be off topic, and you consider that good enough reason the remove someone from this forum, well I'm sorry, it really cannot be a forum.

Mikawa also closed the whaling and dolphin thread.. God bloody knows why, considering it was hot topic property discussion from all sides..

Then Mikawa tells me all about it in his email..

Then Mikawa opens his own thread on the topic and demands that people post the way he wants on it..

I mean, come on DB and MO.. How can you to think you "Own" the forum, becuase that's what it looks like..

You are telling people what to say, clsoing threads because either one of you does not like them, opening your own threads telling people how to post on your own threads, where does it stop boys?

The biggest problem we have is you guys honestly do not make yourselves clear.. It shows in your PM's and posts, and comments, and complaints..

Guys, honestly, get real, listen to the members opinions as it really does work both ways..

You guys need to lighten up and enjoy yourselves more and don't take it so personally..

If you think you are not up to the job, and certainly what I have seen the two of you are not, I would suggest you explain it to the forum owner and move on..

Someone else will take over because from what I can see throghout all the threads is your cosnatnt complainings to each user which ultimately makes everyone feel uncomfortable..

Like I said, PLEASE, no more of your PM'S, write directly to me at ozshock@gmail.com (ozshock@gmail.com) as logging in to the site to reply is a apin in the butt when one is busy..

I think this post is totally on topic to the heading of the trhead entitled: "Site Feedback/Admin Contact"

I also do not agree with mdoerators targetting specific users by commenting to them on the actual forum.

If you have issues against a user, please do the right thing and contact them privately, otherwise it just causes more havoc and problems on the forum, as well as making the specific user you have the problem with uncomfortable.

I am hear to listen to you guys, if you would like some honest advice, I am here to work with you..

Please do not take offence at my above as it is not intended for that, but rather the honest truth.

My PM comments to you guys were totally ignored and you both replied totally off topic to what I wrote.

[Chi65]

Second most of this above from similar own experiences.

Btw, I copied it, in case. . .

[Kyoto Returnee]

It would also be good to hear other user's opinions on this so talked about "Off Topic" subject.

Like I said, I suspect the two moderators are not agreeing with certain issues in certain posts in certain threads for personal reasons, that are actually on topic. It appears to be a personal thing so this is when they claim off topic, as we can see so many times..

Possibly even including an Off Topic Icon to attach to a new thread that may be Off Topic for example?

I really enjoy this forum, but DB and MO really need to lighten up and stop taking people's opinions personally as evryone is entitled to their own opinion on a forum. That's what forums are for..

I find so many users posts so interesting, Chi, definitely your's, I have learnbt heaps about certain Japan issues and it really is a great way to find out from the international side about Japan..

What we need is more Japanese posters, but the way it stands with consatnt complaints on threads from DB and MO, they are likely to scare posters away..

[Chi65]

An unlimited time for editing except just one to two days would be as appreciated, btw, as is usus on many forums!!

[yumeitsumo]

I'd like less time to wait in between posts.

[Mars Man]

This is to acknowledge Kyoto Returnee's proposition.


It would appear to me that this forum needs a permanant "Off Topic" thread for "Off Topic" posts, with full consideration for the moderators constantly complaining all the time about the subject.

This kind of thing (which is basically what MadamePapillon has proposed above) might be kind of fun, in a way. A total nonsense thread. Of course, it would be a thread rather than a sub-forum or forum, and it would be under Chit Chat & Miscellaneous.

Even with that, however, it would be under all the rules of JREF (http://www.jref.com/forum/rules.php). Therefore the rule against being off topic would equally apply there...but only in reverse--that is, no one could post a reply that would be more than, say, 30% in regards the theme/topic of that thread (which would be, of course...something like...'Off Topic Discussion of Black Holes On the Moon'...)

By way of establishing a few facts that might clear up some questions seen from your proposal, Kyoto Returnee san, I might point out that Dutch Baka san is administration, under AdminJP san. I am a moderator as is Mikawa Ossan san, which is a position under administration.

At JREF, we have primarily three modes of communication, namely (in order of usage, the boards (forums in total), the Private Message system, and the CHAT ROOM. The first and third modes are public and the second one is private.

There will be times when we on the JREF staff will use the PM system to ask members questions or to advise them, or make requests. There will be times when we choose to do so publicly--it is at each staff member's discretion and discern. In my case, and likely equally most other team member's cases, when we choose to draw the attention of a specific member in public, it is exactly for the reason of transparency.

In the case of a post dealing with a moderating matter, it is exactly due to that specific member's lack of execution of a team member's request, and therefore (when it can fairly be judged and held valid) the member in question should feel a bit uncomfortable.

An infraction is just as a good dictionary will define it. The one you recieved (and you only recieved one infraction but it carries two points), I have investigated, and judge it to have been lawfully given.

The post in question contained far more content on the situation in Australia than that of Japan, and the thread was under the 'Japanese News and Hot Topics' forum under what is 'Japan Forum.' This area is to talk about things Japanese, and the thread was to talk about things in Japan. There had been a public warning given in post #36 after at least one already off-topic post each by you and Chi65 (which were allowed to stand). It is fair enough.

I feel need to point out, Kyoto Returnee san, that you have joined JREF on December 18, 2007 yet JREF has been here for a while. You joined as a bonafide member of this forum, agreeing by doing so to follow the rules that we have. One of those rules is to adhere to the topic/theme of a thread upon which one is posting, and the forum in which the thread is situated.

At times, we give a slight break to some who are new (such as I had done in my post # 84 on the Animal Cruelty in Japan thread, by giving slack to otoko san who is very new) but as a member gets to know the place, the way things work, and how we on the team work, then we expect greater adherence to our advice, requests and actions taken.

While it is good that you are speaking up and making a proposal for the 'Off Topic' thread, and speaking your mind on some things, thereby giving us the chance to clear them up for you and all, I would suggest that you do keep in mind that JREF is here, and has been here, and while we wish to give fair and due consideration to the members at large, it would be very unproductive and negative-in-outcome to entertain the idea that anyone is exempt from the basic rules and procedures we have here.

If you are reluctant to open your PMs, and in the case that failure to open them, read, and act on them causes any loss, that loss is fully your own responsibility. We, are here to work with you, Kyoto Returnee and Chi65 (since you seconded the motion) but it will be within the guidelines of the Forum Rules, and we shouldn't expect to see them changing any time soon.

Thank you for your help in making the democratic mode work here at JREF, for I strongly feel that has its own place here at JREF too--within limits and to certain degrees. ( I say this because the membership cannot vote on rule changes, or such things, per se...the site has private ownership {which is very fair, I do reason from my experience here})

I hope this serves the purpose well on the areas touched on here. Thank you. Mars Man

[Kyoto Returnee]

Thank you for your reply Mars Man San:

I didn't agreed to disagree with the two originals that originally wrote to me simply because I knew voicing my opinion with them didn't get a reply and was never going to.

The problem here is, surely it gets just a little to "picky" to see that someone's post, simply because less than "half" was on topic so the off topic part of the post breaks the rules, surely is a little "strict" if you get what I mean?

When I reply to any post, and quite a few users, although not all, respond in an honest deeply thought out manner, only to have a modertaor claim that part of the post, let's say 60/100 words were off topic, to me, really seems a little bit silly..

What I dislike is people that post on a thread, attacking another member, simply because, It would appear, they don't agree with their topic opinions, to me is totally off topic..

I may point out that a moderator (no names mentioned) has constantly done this. As you say, I am fairly new, but it was one of the first things I noticed, and later volunteered information to me form other members when they may have been warned.. It all started to add up..

I am no stranger to forums, having been selling online for 15 years, and being a moderator of an authentic brand name product forum for nine years..

Of course we generally do not ban any user simply for their posts being partly off topic as their would not honestly be a forum if that happened as you will notice with this forum..

I think the Off Topic thread may or may not work, having said that, I feel it is important if any user suspects that his or her post may be Off Topic, that the J forum needs an OT icon to attach to the post, otherwise the discussions are going to consistently go haywire with moderators more often than not, as I have seen in the short time joined, in the many posts..

It can be difficult for posters, as we are all human, to post on topic 100% of the time because when people reply to posts in an honest and deeply thought manner, minds will wodner which is only natural.

These posters may feel quite deeply envolved even at night whilst sleeping, so to have a moderator or administartor write to them telling them they have an Infarction, lost a point, whatever, can really only add insult to injury..

I urge the moderators to have a good look at the word "Moderation" and thing more sensibly, not randomly and personally as is obvious on the current forum.

Hope this once again puts some more ideas into your mind.

All the best - KR

[Mars Man]

You are most welcome; and thank you for taking the time to expound--I appreciate that.

There will be some discussion among staff members and with administration on the matter (including, of course AdminJP), and whatever results come up from that will be published on the boards for all to see. It will take some time, however.

Again, as for being off topic, we are more concerned about 1.) those who do so habitually...and we do watch carefully enough, 2.) incautious off-topic posts made in situations which often lead to uncontrolled emotional buildups, and 3.) posts that are materially off-topic after warning has been given--especially that which is publicly given in a thread.

Again, just to make it unchallengeably clear, members have agreed to the obligation to abide by the rules by joining up as members of JREF. We have rules on posting off topic. If one were to check over all the available posts throughout the past year, one will find that we are lenient enough. (especially, as said before, for a period after one has newly joined)

Regardless of circumstances beyond the immediate (JREF) I take it you are here as a member at JREF, Kyoto Returnee san, because you want to be a member here. Speaking for myself, and surely on behalf of the staff as well, I am happy to have you as a member here at JREF.

We all look forward to your future posting here, as well as your acceptance of the Forum Rules, our moderating judgment (and all have the right to present challenge as you have actively done), advice, suggestions, and requests we communicate (privately and publicly), and the decisions handed down from the administration--AdminJP and Dutch Baka.

Further will come on this once full discussion has been completed. As I said above, it might take some time. I appreciate your concern, and your willingness to adhere to our decision, and your patience. Talk to you later !

Mars Man

[Dutch Baka]

An unlimited time for editing except just one to two days would be as appreciated, btw, as is usus on many forums!!

This rule is set because it would be strange to edit a post 2 days later while already a couple of people have responded to it.

If a post really need to be edited, you can always contact a moderator or an admin when you can't do it yourself anymore.

Btw, this is Jref, not other forums.

[Kyoto Returnee]

Btw, this is Jref, not other forums.

That would have been said more for an example of a rule, more than comparing values.

[Kyoto Returnee]

You are most welcome; and thank you for taking the time to expound--I appreciate that.

Speaking for myself, and surely on behalf of the staff as well, I am happy to have you as a member here at JREF.

Talk to you later !

Mars Man

Thanks Mars Man san and I have definitely appreciated and enjoyed your posts, I am not only speaking for myself, and have definitely heard same.

We like you;-)

Bed for an early Friday night!

[Dutch Baka]

An off topic thread sounds fine by me, even though I think we already have one
(http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=189). Thank you for your input Kyoto Returnee!


I'd like less time to wait in between posts.


The reason for this, is because we have (it's been pretty quit recently) had a some trolls here, and without this rule the would be posting 20-30 threads within 10 minutes saying very racist stuff about Japanese. To prevent this we have decided to have a 30 second rule between posting.

I'm sorry, but I don't think we can do anything about this.

[Faustianideals]

I'd like to see the Japan Forum circa 2004.

[Dutch Baka]

I'd like to see the Japan Forum circa 2004.
:relief: Everything is more fun when you start with something new.

Sorry, but can you maybe be a little bit more clear what you mean with this.

[Chi65]

This rule is set because it would be strange to edit a post 2 days later while already a couple of people have responded to it.

If a post really need to be edited, you can always contact a moderator or an admin when you can't do it yourself anymore.

Btw, this is Jref, not other forums.

I noticed, far too well. . .btw, I never had any serious problems on other forums, with far more strict rules even, nor with their moderators, for years!

Some edits simply would be nice, if one finds typos or misleading explanations, which often happens with non-native english speakers.
It proved to be very usefull (apart from being nice) on other places.

As for the non-answerings of certain moderators, if normally questioned as a newbie at the beginning, I better don't open that can here, but it would be about you, DB (and partly MO), like several other things too, that I found more than unpolite or helpfull from the beginning until now. Its the first time that I visit such an unfriendly, unjust and picky forum.
I am staying here for the people I like, but shake my head. . .
particularly about the long lead, that was given to some very agressive japanese and few non japanese flamers and obviously propagandists of very dubious character, in contrary of according defenders.
Fairnes is not your best. . .

[butakun]

IMO, allowing unlimited edits is a bad ieda. If it's for tyops and mislaeding statements, etc., we don't ned it. ts nt tht bd, w cn stll undrstnd jst fn.

[Dutch Baka]

I noticed, far too well. . .btw, I never had any serious problems on other forums, with far more strict rules even, nor with their moderators, for years!

I hear you.

Some edits simply would be nice, if one finds typos or misleading explanations, which often happens with non-native english speakers.
It proved to be very usefull (apart from being nice) on other places.

Check your post before posting is also an option for the typos. Regarding misleading explanations. A lot of times when a moderator sees this, he or she will ask the poster to change the post or make it more clear if it is really necessary. Reporting a post also helps.

As for the non-answerings of certain moderators, if normally questioned as a newbie at the beginning
It's a rare thing, that happened to you... sorry for that... and I guess you just can't forget.


I better don't open that can here, but it would be about you, DB (and partly MO), like several other things too, that I found more than unpolite or helpfull from the beginning until now. Its the first time that I visit such an unfriendly, unjust and picky forum.

Sorry to hear that, I'm happy not everyone thinks the same as you. Hope the future will be better for both.

[Kyoto Returnee]

An off topic thread sounds fine by me, even though I think we already have one
(http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=189). Thank you for your input Kyoto Returnee!


You are welcome, and I see what you mean to the extreme their..

I will send a few of our Aboriginal boys up their next time to sort em out;-)

Right, let's move on..

IMO, allowing unlimited edits is a bad ieda..

I cannot say good or bad and did not relaize their was a limit to how many posts one could edit.

I edit virtually every post due to typos..

I also find that seeing double is also common, not only for me with an "Auto-merge" of 2 in 1.

How many posts are we allowed to edit?

Not sure if that's a fault?

[butakun]

I cannot say good or bad and did not relaize their was a limit to how many posts one could edit.


Ah, no. I meant "unlimited" as in unlimited time. Currently we have like a few minutes or so (or 30min?), after the post is made, during which time we can edit the message as we please. That's the limit I was referring to. I correct typos almost every time too.

[Dutch Baka]

How many posts are we allowed to edit?


As many as you want, as long as it is within 48 hours after posting it.

[Kyoto Returnee]

Thanks guys......:122:

[Pachipro]

I'd like to see the Japan Forum circa 2004.
Very easy to do Faust. All you have to do is go to the bottom of a particular catagory to where it says "Display Options" and click on the one that says "show threads/posts from" and select "beginning". There you will finds threads going back to 2002!

[Chi65]

It's a rare thing, that happened to you... sorry for that... and I guess you just can't forget.


Right, it was a bit too much indeed, from the very beginning. Don't expect me to have trust any more.

[Chi65]

Answer to topic: More fairness, in general, and for ALL sides

[Mars Man]

I'm afraid you will have to be more precise in what it is you are presenting here; please.

Could you please fill out your sentences, Chi65 san, and give more concrete information?

[Chi65]

I am not allowed to, thus your question is irrelevant.

[yumeitsumo]

I'd like to see a forum for advertising.

[SushiShin]

I would like to see more People in Chat!!

[Mars Man]

There is a classified section, basically, where people can advertise. I'll find out about the procedures from the administration, and get back with you, yumeitsumo san.

Well, Herbal Shin, I guess the only thing to do is to be there, try to make it interesting and fun for others to be there, and then maybe, just maybe, by word of mouth, more folks will drop by.

Chi65 san, that is very, very untrue, unless, of course, in order to expand your sentences and thoughts you need to use language that is not allowed. You are claiming that there is some unfairness in some way here at JREF, and that there are 'sides.'

Maybe each member is a 'side,' you see? You will have to work on communicating more precisely and logically presenting your ideas there in #181, if you would like us to actually consider them.

[Chi65]

If you want to see he latest annoncement about what was forbidden to me, feel free to have a copy, from the whole side even, because I copied it before it "dissappeared"...thus I have the proofs for truth.
It was in no way about language. . .also, because I did not use any unpleasant nor unallowed language before that particular announcement, consciously.

[Mars Man]

Chi65 san, you are now talking about the recent matter you brought up with the link to the history of Germany and Japan, it seems. I have a copy of that too! I know exactly what was written, and by whom.

If your what-you-would-like-to-see-at-JREF question in #181 above, is about that, then there is nothing further that the staff can do about that.

[Chi65]

Chi65 san, you are now talking about the recent matter you brought up with the link to the history of Germany and Japan, it seems. I have a copy of that too! I know exactly what was written, and by whom.
If your what-you-would-like-to-see-at-JREF question in #181 above, is about that, then there is nothing further that the staff can do about that.

I would not mind to explain, although it was explained on many pages already, but see the last announcement on that page, if you say, you have it...

Thus, why asking for more?

[Dutch Baka]

If anyone think that there should be more fairness. I would LOVE to see a PM, or a special thread about that? Because I have not heard anything about fairness in the last 2-3 years except from Chi65.

I agree with Shin... Any idea's from anyone to make the chat-box more crowded?

[Chi65]

Feel free to ask me via pm, there are several points, not only from me.

[Mars Man]

Feel free to ask me via pm, there are several points, not only from me.

Who else would they be from, anyway? If you'd like us to help you, you'll have to first help us, because it is a two way street--and JREF has been here for a while before you had joined up, so. . .

We'd like to help, if you're willing to work with us.

[SushiShin]

I agree with Shin... Any idea's from anyone to make the chat-box more crowded?

I dunno that's the problem, I made a thread, I even Talked with J-bot about this!!!:relief: how desperate was that? (>.<")

[Chi65]

We'd like to help, if you're willing to work with us.

I made other experiences at times and very soon, in fact, just when I wanted to help . . .or even asked to, how and where I could. The answers were the opposite of what you say, if not completely ignored (not by you first though).

Thats as unforgotten.

But I did nevertheless help as often as possible, only it was not recognised as such, even blocked.

And that still feels strange and upside down at times.

But I just move on, be it around rocks.

[Mars Man]

there are several points, not only from me.

Chi65 san, you have said there are several points, and that these are not only from you. I am asking you, as a member of the staff here at JREF, to tell who those others are; if they can help too



But I did nevertheless help as often as possible, only it was not recognised as such, even blocked.

Can you specifically, and without vague wording, tell me exactly what acts of help you are talking about, and exactly when it was you offered them, and to exactly who had offered them? Then I can verify them...since I am investigating the matter.

I'd really appreciate your helping out with that. MM :cool:

[Chi65]

Not here on this thread nor openly, since I was clearly forbidden to do so, but I still have most of the copies (plus threads and matters in my head), and have already pointed to some, but was ignored, also by you later.
And that was everything but helpfull. . .
Give me time, I am busy with other things right now.

But thanks for caring now.

[tokapi]

Answer to topic: More fairness, in general, and for ALL sides



Most internet forums are biased,not any different from other form of media outlets ... :blush:

[Goldiegirl]

can I be so bold as to request another woman or two or three as moderators? I think there is an imbalance of genders. I do think men and woman see things different and maybe that can be a source of confusion.

[Dutch Baka]

can I be so bold as to request another woman or two or three as moderators? I think there is an imbalance of genders. I do think men and woman see things different and maybe that can be a source of confusion.

We have 1 woman as a moderator, and we would love to get one more if we find the right person for the job. I know some persons and I have asked some but they have turned it down. Moderating on a forum sure is something else then posting on it a couple of times a week.

I understand your request, and if you have anyone in idea you can always send me a PM and we can discuss it in the staff section.

[Uncle Frank]

Can I count as a woman ? The last 25 years I have worked in jobs where there were very few men and the women consider me one of them. They have brainwashed me so much, I'm not sure about my gender anymore?

Uncle Frank

:blush:

[Goldiegirl]

Well, you are neutered as well!:p

[Mars Man]

That kind of makes two of us, Uncle Frank. I grew up with three sisters and four female cousins all living in the immediate area of a somewhat enclosure of woods on the edges of two different subdivisions. In tests, I constantly come up as having an 'overlapped' brain--meaning I lean towards a feminine male brain.


But, regarding the question of a female moderator, I think it would be nice, indeed.

The candidates for staff membership are hand picked by especially the administrators, and then a 'vote' is conducted to check for approval. Some of the key factors that I would say are studied would be 1.) posting history, 2.) length of time at JREF, and 3.) evidenced disposition of fairness and justice in judging along with general attitude towards what fundamentally JREF stands for in relation to being about Japan.

[epigene]

Female moderators... hmm. AFAIK, there hasn't been female members who have stayed very long, many of them coming and going. I suspect many have commitments other than coming here to JREF? :p

Nearly all of the respected JREF members are male. :relief:

[Mars Man]

To add to that, if I may, in the time that I have been a member here at JREF, there have been four female moderators--including epigene. At the bottom right of the largest box on the main page (just above 'what's going on') one can see the list of administrators and moderators at present.

[yumeitsumo]

Can I count as a woman ? The last 25 years I have worked in jobs where there were very few men and the women consider me one of them. They have brainwashed me so much, I'm not sure about my gender anymore?
Uncle Frank
:blush:
That's a bit weird. Um... How could you forget that? Just look down.

[YoYo=)]

mm sory maybe for being in some sence incompetent...but actually I think u shouldn't be influenced by the society.. talking in psycological terminology it's some kind of conformism. Being a women is the most beautifu thing in the world!!!!!!! And do u now what.. I assume that the problem is not hidden in u.. but in THEM... in this majority of women that have a strong necessity in men. Just think about it and try to change smth in your life start with the style=)

[Pachipro]

How about a sub thread for people looking to just vent and rant? No replies would be allowed as it would just be a thread for those wishing to vent their frustrations against high oil prices, discrimination in Japan, I hate my life, the world sucks, I hate everyone, etc., etc.

It would just be a place for people to vent their frustrations about anything. If someone feels the need to reply, they could start their own thread referring to the posters rant.

Just a thought as it might be interesting.

[Admin JP]

How about a sub thread for people looking to just vent and rant? No replies would be allowed as it would just be a thread for those wishing to vent their frustrations against high oil prices, discrimination in Japan, I hate my life, the world sucks, I hate everyone, etc., etc.

Please feel free to start the thread.

[YoYo=)]

Oh..... that was a really good idea to post such thread.. so people could feel theirselves better may be from now on..... )))))))))))))):wave:

AND PEOPLE NEVER FORGET LIFE IS ORANGE=)BE OPTIMISTS))))))):p

[ASHIKAGA]

Please feel free to start the thread.

Oh, YES! I need to vent/rant daily. Sometimes TWICE on a single day! Where do I start the thread??

[Mars Man]

If I may, then, I'd like to offer that such a thread be started in Chit Chat & Miscellaneous. However, I'm inclined to think that I (or another JREF Team member) should be the one opening the thread, so as to set the guidelines within the thread--otherwise, we could have spill out. (and I mean negative spillout).

For example, one thing would have to be whether we'd want a real thread--one is really ranting, and is serious about it, or whether we'd want a humours thread. The former is probably what Pachipro had had in mind, and what ASHIKAGA has in mind too.

We would have to follow the Forum Rules (especially #1), and that would mean no personal attacks, or statements coming close enough to such that the object of a negative statement/claim could feel as though they were being attacked in any way. It would also have to follow Forum Rule #3 (Keep Your Posts (Family-)Friendly).

I would also disagree that it would be positive-in-outcome to allow commenting on the rants both within the thread or on other thread starts about a post within the thread. It would possibly be productive to start a thread about a matter or issue which had been the cause (or source) of the rant, however, on a thread in the correct area for that subject matter--for the example the pros and cons on 'working over time on what is otherwise a national holiday' or such.

I will strongly consider opening and sticking such a thread in the very near future after waiting a bit longer here to see if there would be any objections from the JREF Team, or from those who wish for such a thread. I do strongly reason that it'd be best to let a JREF Team member open that with a explanatory note and guidelines.

[Uncle Frank]

"The Bummer and Rant" thread we already have?? It sounds pretty close to what we are describing here. It's been around a long time and has several pages of "complaints".

Uncle Frank


:?:clueless:

[ASHIKAGA]

If I may, then, I'd like to offer that such a thread be started in Chit Chat & Miscellaneous. However, I'm inclined to think that I (or another JREF Team member) should be the one opening the thread, so as to set the guidelines within the thread--otherwise, we could have spill out. (and I mean negative spillout).
For example, one thing would have to be whether we'd want a real thread--one is really ranting, and is serious about it, or whether we'd want a humours thread. The former is probably what Pachipro had had in mind, and what ASHIKAGA has in mind too.
We would have to follow the Forum Rules (especially #1), and that would mean no personal attacks, or statements coming close enough to such that the object of a negative statement/claim could feel as though they were being attacked in any way. It would also have to follow Forum Rule #3 (Keep Your Posts (Family-)Friendly).
I would also disagree that it would be positive-in-outcome to allow commenting on the rants both within the thread or on other thread starts about a post within the thread. It would possibly be productive to start a thread about a matter or issue which had been the cause (or source) of the rant, however, on a thread in the correct area for that subject matter--for the example the pros and cons on 'working over time on what is otherwise a national holiday' or such.
I will strongly consider opening and sticking such a thread in the very near future after waiting a bit longer here to see if there would be any objections from the JREF Team, or from those who wish for such a thread. I do strongly reason that it'd be best to let a JREF Team member open that with a explanatory note and guidelines.

I don't think I could really rant/vent in such a controlled/moderated environment. Oh, well... I guess I'll have to stick to bothering my family who is REALLY not interested in what I have to say about those "little things in life" that annoy the fudge out of me. :auch:

[Admin JP]

No replies would be allowed as it would just be a thread for those wishing to vent their frustrations against high oil prices, discrimination in Japan, I hate my life, the world sucks, I hate everyone, etc., etc.

As per your PM, Pachipro, it's technically not possible to prevent other users from replying/posting to your thread.

[Pachipro]

"The Bummer and Rant" thread we already have?? It sounds pretty close to what we are describing here. It's been around a long time and has several pages of "complaints".
You are quite correct Frank. I was thinking more along the lines of a similar thread to allow others to "Sound Off" about anything they want to get "off their chest" (much as the Bummer thread does), but with no replies allowed so there would be no flaming or arguments. Since, as Admin mentioned above, it is not possible, than my request is mute as the Bummer and Rant thread provides that release.

[Mars Man]

Which is why I had put it the way I had. The present thread is already there, is old, is open, and cannot be suddenly changed.

To fit the bill more closely to what Pachipro originally presented, a new thread would surely have to be created, and, pinned--thus would not shift out of sight with lack of usage. It would have to start off with a full explanation, so as to let members know that answering or responding to rants on that thread is not allowed, and any found will without question be deleted. (this is also because mechanically, it cannot be done)

If others of the team, feel it might be fair to try it, then I'd be more than happy to open it. If it doesn't seem to work (given plenty of time for testing) we could, of course merge it with the old one after some testing period.

However, as has been noticed, it would have to have some control. JREF is not the kind of site that would allow a totally 'nothing barred, anything and everything goes' rant and complaint session thread. In that sense, it might not work as well as Pachipro's invisioned thread might.

[Pachipro]

And, as you mentioned MM, it would have to be civil as this is not an "adult only" site. Some restraint by posters would have to be made so as to not sound racist or profane and I could see how it could get out of hand. There would have to be too much monitoring and you all don't have the time to be here all the time to delete a post that may offend some before it gets deleted. Maybe it was not such a good idea afterall on second thought. Thanks for considering it anyway.

[justin]

As a man of the people for the people, I know what they want. The people of Jref would like to see a shrine to the greatest man alive. **Drum roll** Justin! Please no need to throw roses!

No really, I would like to see a 'member of the month' or something to show respect outstanding Jref members. It might be a bit of a pain since we got a lot great people here.