Should Bedlam and Outside the Box be one sub forum?

As stated, things creeping in to OSTB, which do Bedders as a whole no favours.

'Yes'. (Reasons in the other thread). Current vote 5 ayes and 4 nays. It would be useful to hear (in the other thread by Moss) the reasons for their votes from the nay voters.

There's no box for "Quite frankly my dear I don't give a dam_n".

So I voted the Thai yes. Yes I understand the question but don't ask me what I think.

I never quite understand the purpose of having a forum purely for serious discussion, I mean it's the same people discussing the topic but you are just not meant to be flippant.

Maybe a "mai khaw chai" box would have been better.

There's no box for "Quite frankly my dear I don't give a dam_n".

So I voted the Thai yes. Yes I understand the question but don't ask me what I think.

I never quite understand the purpose of having a forum purely for serious discussion, I mean it's the same people discussing the topic but you are just not meant to be flippant.

Maybe a "mai khaw chai" box would have been better.

I specifically left out that option so the wishy washy amongst us couldn't cop out.

And what's more I'm going to keep bumping the topic so we get a good cross section of votes.

There are, however, certain posters who apparently only post in OTB, so I don't know how reliable this poll will be. Could something be posted in OTB to signpost this post to them? Would that work?

There are, however, certain posters who apparently only post in OTB, so I don't know how reliable this poll will be. Could something be posted in OTB to signpost this post to them? Would that work?

So what is needed is a between the boxes poll. Those that are outside the box are only inside a negative box. Does a hole in the wall signify the absence of wall material or does the wall signify the absence of hole?

I have to admit that the phrase "thinking outside the box" is one of my pet hate management bullshirt sound bites. As a design engineer my job is to constantly question every design solution I make so in effect all my thinking involves a degree of "outside the box" or, as I prefer it, innovation.

I have to admit I preferred it when there was only one Bedlam forum as it seemed much more dynamic.

I voted yes, one less click on the mouse

Bump.

I voted yes, one less click on the mouse

Bit of a social comment there.

Time was if you wanted to find out about something you read the newspaper, went to the library or talked to people.

Now we are counting the clicks on our computer mouse.

Not a criticism pampal, I'm just the same. Google et al has just made life so easy (on the surface). Besides which research at your PC is so much more user friendly than the old libraries. That fridge of cold ones is just a step or two away.

It seems that the mods may have decided collectively to not buy in to this thread in their capacities as members. (Or it could be that they consider it to be a futile exercise; I doubt it would be for lack of interest.)

Pity.

^Or we decided individually that we don't have a strong opinion, or maybe some of us don't even look in on this forum that much? Just a thought!

Let the poll vote go up a few dozen more votes, and then compared to the total population of Bedlam it'll be worth drawing Admin's attention to whatever the results are.

^Translation: A futile exercise.

Well, since you did ask for mod input, I have looked at the number of potential Bedlam inmates- which currently stands just shy of 800, minus the dead or the banned. Currently, the vote quorum stands at 15 votes, which is just shy of 2% of potential voters- and not all of those are for changing the forum. Considering that Admin will have to go through some effort to make this change, I find it odd that you would consider little reaction based on this (so far) very small response so frustrating...

If you wait for even 20% of that 800 we'll be waiting a long time...

Good point, Tiggs. Many do not come into Bedlam and many of those who do wander in do not remain. It will be a long wait to get even 5%. It would be more realistic to look at a number of persuasion as being a number that is in excess of the original numbers voting for splitting of the room.

I'm not particularly fussed (as I said before), but would gravitate towards them being reintegrated (for the reasons already expressed by a number of posters).

In relation to the mods, and at risk of a circular argument, I was expressing surprise that not one single mod, in his or her capacity as a general member, has contributed to the debate. It has nothing to do with achieving a certain amount of responses before they decide to contribute. I surmise that the matter has been raised in the mods' room. I could be wrong. Nonetheless, I repeat; it is a pity, because many of them figure amongst the longest established members of Bedlam and their contributions to the discussion would be useful.

Should Bedlam and Outside the Box be one sub forum?

I think Outside the Box might be improved if it was moved Outside The Bedlam.

Should Bedlam and Outside the Box be one sub forum?

I think Outside the Box might be improved if it was moved Outside The Bedlam.

If it was moved Outside the Bedlam it would turn into a big catfight and be modded to death. There are people out there who don't understand the concept of civil disagreement

I haven't commented because I have no opinion. One forum or separate, I don't care. No hidden reason or agenda.

Should Bedlam and Outside the Box be one sub forum?

I think Outside the Box might be improved if it was moved Outside The Bedlam.

If it was moved Outside the Bedlam it would turn into a big catfight and be modded to death. There are people out there who don't understand the concept of civil disagreement

Agreed.

I haven't commented because I have no opinion. One forum or separate, I don't care. No hidden reason or agenda.

/me too

Ah well, it was a quiet morning when I started the poll. I like doing polls because it took a while for me to learn how to make them so I suppose it's a form of showing off.

The point I was trying to make was that OSTB wasn't a viable form of communication if some members refused to use it because they didn't approve of it, so as a form of testing everyone's opinion it became worthless.

The moderators have spoken, it remains in place so it's up to members whether or not they want to use it.

I haven't commented because I have no opinion. One forum or separate, I don't care. No hidden reason or agenda.

/me too

Me three

There's no box for "Quite frankly my dear I don't give a dam_n".

So I voted the Thai yes. Yes I understand the question but don't ask me what I think.

I never quite understand the purpose of having a forum purely for serious discussion, I mean it's the same people discussing the topic but you are just not meant to be flippant.

Maybe a "mai khaw chai" box would have been better.

I specifically left out that option so the wishy washy amongst us couldn't cop out.

And what's more I'm going to keep bumping the topic so we get a good cross section of votes.

With respect, Scea, that might have been a mistake. I don't see it as 'wishy-washy' to be unconcerned about where OTB lies. It seems there could be a lot of 'I don't care' people out there - I'm not all that far from being one myself. It's a legitimate choice and may have given a more accurate indication of people's thinking.

In any event, as I see it, there is enough early information to conclude that there is not overwhelming support for reintegration. Let the poor horse die in peace.

Agreed, it's the Buddhist way.

The Farang way would be to give the dying horse a bullet but it doesn't appear to be in any pain.

WHO or WHAT is Outside the Box?

It's the serious discussion sub-forum of Bedlam. Look for the Outside The Box subforum listing at the top of the main Bedlam index page - or click here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Box-f134.html

Ah well, it was a quiet morning when I started the poll. I like doing polls because it took a while for me to learn how to make them so I suppose it's a form of showing off.

The point I was trying to make was that OSTB wasn't a viable form of communication if some members refused to use it because they didn't approve of it, so as a form of testing everyone's opinion it became worthless.

The moderators have spoken, it remains in place so it's up to members whether or not they want to use it.

Scea,

One point of discussion here that should be made. While Rob (who was the driving force behind the concept as far as we know) was advocating creating the sub forum, I can't recall anyone in opposition to the concept stating that they would never use Bedlam again if OTB was added in it's present form.

The sub was requested, it was evaluated, approved and created by George in compliance with the wishes of the members. Simply "making forums and sub-forums disappear" once they are indexed is not done at the snap of the fingers also.

But in closing, it's not the "moderators who have spoken"....it was the members. They were heard loud and clear and responded to in regards to their stated desire.

Im going to echo Buckwheat's comment. and this has nothing to do with my capacity as MOD. just a recollection.

from memory, the sub forum was requested. specifically so that members with higher vote count can discuss the more serious matters that may not necessarily always be Thai related. I think the reasoning was that although bedlam allowed that already, it was a good way to have all the more serious discussions in one location, separate from the rest of bedlam where theres more banter and relaxation. sounds like a logical reason. and the forum owner responded to the wish of members. I am technologically clueless, but Id imagine it takes a fair bit of work to create a sub-section on a forum.

now as to the current discussion, I dont know why members feel that MODs are different to other members. like everyone else, we are also members of the forum, bound by the same rules. and we may or may not have opinions about certain things. even if we did, our opinions does not carry any more weight than any other member

(plus as said, not all of us come in bedlam all the time. many MODs often visit the forum cos we need to MOD is, and Bedlam is the least moderated one, so we wont be constantly watching it. occasionally we come in for whatever reason )

hope this helps clarify things a bit?

on another note more relevant to your topic - perhaps I missed it, but why do you think there is a need for the 2 subforums to be combined? is it not easier to be able to find the things you want in one easy group? its like filing...Id prefer to organise mine according to subject matter

(Im fanatical about my organising/neatness)

I'm not sure whether you are addressing this to anyone in particular, but the point has (I think) already been conceded - certainly by myself and Scea (see previous page).

If Moss or anyone else wants to throw their 25 satang in...