[Suggestion] Forum Organization

[TakeABow]

We all know that 'Your Ultimate Setlist' is a forum bristling with scarcely contained chaos. For many bands, there are 4+ small threads that have since died out, and perhaps one linked to by the "Find Your Band Here" sticky.

What I propose is this:

Split the Ultimate Setlist forum into Subforums;


Bands:

Post in support of your favorite bands here

This is where all the band threads belong. And threads for the same band are merged / closed / deleted as necessary.
The "Find your Band Here (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40679)" Sticky goes here as well.

Getting the band threads together (And having moderators encourage polls) will make it far easier to see how much support a particular band has. Instead of now, where countless threads exist for popular bands, all of which have 30 or less posts in them.


Genres:

Support your favorite genre here

Genre threads go here. Same deal as the band threads for identical topics.
The Genre section of the "Find Your Band (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40679)" Sticky could me moved here.


Wishlists:

Your DLC wishlists go here

Here is where all the "Rock Band 3 setlist" and "DLC schedule" stuff belongs. The "Congratulations! You've just been appointed executive in charge of DLC! (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38531)" and "Pick 5 Albums for DLC (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44694)" stickies belong here as well. This is pretty much a catchall for everything not covered by the other two sections.


This would require some additional rules to govern this new system:


New Forum Rules
Do not post repeat topics (check the sticky to see what topics do exist)
Post topics in the correct subforum of Ultimate Setlist.
Report topics that are in violation of this using the 'Report' Function


This would require at least a couple of new Moderators to keep track of everything. But putting up a sticky encouraging (and explaining how) use of the report function to get Moderator attention would make it far easier on them. All they would need is merge/move/close power.



An example:
You get on the forums, check the Ultimate Setlist "Bands" section to see what people are suggesting. You see that the Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Muse threads are still at the top, and wait, whats this, a new thread for led Zeppelin?

So you go into that thread, click on the report button, type "Repeat topic", and the moderator quickly merges relevant content to the correct thread.

Less clutter, more Ultimate Setlist. You could also report threads in the wrong section to get them moved to the correct place. Repeat rule-breakers would get warnings and/or temporary bannings if the Admins wanted to enforce it.

For those who are interested; The following comes from the Forum Rules (for the whole Rock Band forum).
Duplicate Threads: Many questions people bring to the forums have actually already been answered. By using a search engine, the forum search tool, or even a quick scan of the various sticky and announcement threads should actually be able to quickly answer the vast majority of frequently asked questions. Duplicate threads can and will be:
- Merged with existing topics
- Moved to the appropriate forum
- Closed
- Deleted
Generally this is not done enough on the Ultimate Setlist. My suggestion would really tighten up this aspect of the forum.


Yes, I know, wall of text.

If you vote no, explain why. Don't "TL-DR thumbs-down" on this.

[TheKrazyKatzzz]

But that would destroy the whole appeal of making a thread for a band that already has seventeen threads dedicated to them.

[Plan B]

I am all for this idea! It would make things a lot less chaotic...

[Sveppi]

That is just brilliant :) Community team take note!

[TakeABow]

But that would destroy the whole appeal of making a thread for a band that already has seventeen threads dedicated to them.

I see you understand the crux of my argument.

[BuRn7 CaK3]

That is a really really good idea.

now, to actually get HMX people to look at this. PM Them.

[Jixzer]

Agreed...fabulous idea.

[TakeABow]

That is a really really good idea.

now, to actually get HMX people to look at this. PM Them.

I would like to get some votes/posts in this thread before I call direct attention to it.

[ThrobingCane]

I think it would still be chaos in your bands forum tho,

so i think it sould be divided in to sub genra and then band. so that you can just go into the sub genra forum and find a band your interested in instead of looking through an entire forum dedicated to just bands.

[BuRn7 CaK3]

omg. you'd realize that to move all the threads from this main sub-forum to those three would be a pain in the rear end?!!

[TakeABow]

I think it would still be chaos in your bands forum tho,

so i think it sould be divided in to sub genra and then band. so that you can just go into the sub genra forum and find a band your interested in instead of looking through an entire forum dedicated to just bands.

There will be one thread per band. Multiples will be merged/deleted.

There will be an alphabetized sticky with links to all the band threads. It will not be hard to find anything.

[kingtonyx]

I like it

I'd even volunteer to help out

[TakeABow]

omg. you'd realize that to move all the threads from this main sub-forum to those three would be a pain in the rear end?!!

Yes, this will take some time. Is the end result worth it? Probably. Especially if we only move one thread per band to the new subforum.

I'm sure plenty of people would gladly help out to make Ultimate Setlist a better place. I know I would.

[kingtonyx]

I'd even resist temptation to sticky my RB3 list topics :cool:

[BuRn7 CaK3]

So would i. And then they should just have a few extra mods just for this section. just so everything stays neat.

[BuRn7 CaK3]

I'd even resist temptation to sticky my RB3 list topics :cool:

i think that would totally cover up the whole front page.

[ThrobingCane]

There will be one thread per band. Multiples will be merged/deleted.

There will be an alphabetized sticky with links to all the band threads. It will not be hard to find anything.

OK, I guess my thinking was that if you already want a sub genra forum then you could put a band forum there so people could see what bands fit in to the genra and reply there in stead of going back to the bands forum to reply. it would be like a "one stop shopping forum"

but i like your idea as well would still be more organized then the current way of doing it.

[kingtonyx]

i think that would totally cover up the whole front page.

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

:D

well IF I DID, it would obviously only be the main topic and the latest DLC one

[TakeABow]

OK, I guess my thinking was that if you already want a sub genra forum then you could put a band forum there so people could see what bands fit in to the genra and reply there in stead of going back to the bands forum to reply. it would be like a "one stop shopping forum"

but i like your idea as well would still be more organized then the current way of doing it.

The issue then becomes: What genre is band X. Do we make distinctions Metal, Pop, Alternative, Progressive, Classic?

Where does King Crimson go? Progressive/Classic? Dream Theater? Progressive/Metal?

This opens a whole new can of worms.

[kingtonyx]

I think the Genres thing would have to be like the very top broadest genres

Pop
Metal
Alternative
Rock
Punk

Other? (for hip-hop, country... things not widely accepted as being "Rock Band" material)

[Doughoef]

Great idea!!! This would limit the obnoxiousness of a lot of posters leaving a trail of multiple threads. I think we can all take guesses at who the 2 who voted 'no' are.

[TakeABow]

Great idea!!! This would limit the obnoxiousness of a lot of posters leaving a trail of multiple threads. I think we can all take guesses at who the 2 who voted 'no' are.

TheClashTheClashTheClash, ThrobingCane.

Its a public poll, you can see who voted which way.



I don't think genre's is the way to go. There will still be overlap, and sometime it is hard to classify a band into whatever groups you have. And what happens when a band has different styles on different records, and fits in two categories? Classify Jane's Addiction: are they Punk? Alternative?

It just isn't worth the effort in the long run to keep track of genre's. Let the genre subforum deal with sorting who belongs in which group.

Moderators will have enough on their plate just handling multiple threads and moving them to the correct section. Making them judge the genre of a band is too much.

[Doughoef]

Jane's Addiction clearly belongs in the pop, punk, alternative, indie, goth, funk, metal category ;)

[ThrobingCane]

I only voted no because i didnt think (at the time) that it would help. because having a bands forum is just to broad.

i guess if it was alphebitized it would be more organized.

I still like my idea better. but thats only because i am to arogant. so i will change my vote of no to yes.

[TakeABow]

Jane's Addiction clearly belongs in the pop, punk, alternative, indie, goth, funk, metal category ;)

Which is a clear illustration of why genre categories aren't the best idea for this.

[Bonez]

It would simplify so many things.

[TakeABow]

Two people voted no without saying anything...

[ThrobingCane]

Two people voted no without saying anything...

Gasp, how dare they.

[Bonez]

This may have been a perfect time to suggest this...looks like the Band Wanted section has been divided into PS3 and Xbox. I swear that wasn't there this morning.

[TakeABow]

This may have been a perfect time to suggest this...looks like the Band Wanted section has been divided into PS3 and Xbox. I swear that wasn't there this morning.

The announcement for that went up today.

[Bonez]

The announcement for that went up today.

That would explain why I didn't see it this morning!

[TakeABow]

I expect a moderator devoted exclusively to the Bands section of Ultimate Setlist would be necessary, as well as having at least one other mod + admin police all three sections.

[BuRn7 CaK3]

^ Looks like you have a great idea going.

[TakeABow]

Great idea or not, it needs to get quite a bit more support than this before it can really go anywhere, unless a forum admin happens upon it and enjoys it.

[TakeABow]

Anyone else have any comments? Is this needed? Would this fix (somewhat) the chaos of Ultimate Setlist?

[BuRn7 CaK3]

well the fact that its 25:3 would be a pretty good reason to take it to them. if it was closer like 16:12 then of course i'd wait a while.

[Bubblegum]

I fully support this idea.
Organization in this forum is much, much needed.

[TakeABow]

I PM'ed HMXSean(The Big Cheese) and HMXHenry(Ultimate Setlist King). Lets see what they think of this.

[deevineh8tred]

sounds good to me

[clashcityrocker10]

I think it's a very good idea, would help organize this forum into nice, neat sections, and help people trying to get their ideas out.

[TakeABow]

I think it's a very good idea, would help organize this forum into nice, neat sections, and help people trying to get their ideas out.

Exactly what I am trying to achieve!

[BuRn7 CaK3]

I think it's a very good idea, would help organize this forum into nice, neat sections, and help people trying to get their ideas out.

exactly, and its something that is Def. needed.

[Alright_Computer]

Great idea, hopefully something like this gets put into action. It would clear up a lot of the clutter in the Ultimate Setlist.

[TakeABow]

Thanks for all the positive comments!

[BuRn7 CaK3]

Your Never Welcome...

erm. I mean. Sure, Your Welcome!

[BuRn7 CaK3]

anyhoo, how is this doing lad?

[BuRn7 CaK3]

More people?

[TakeABow]

Still waiting on some official response to this.

We don't have a forum section for suggestions, and this gets lost in Ultimate Setlist.

But if it isn't here, it won't get seen.

[StormPhoenix2]

This is a brilliant idea. It would help people out and stop the trend of repeat threads, which is a trend that has gotten quite annoying over the past several weeks.

I support this notion, and have voted in favor of it in the poll.

[TakeABow]

This is a brilliant idea. It would help people out and stop the trend of repeat threads, which is a trend that has gotten quite annoying over the past several weeks.

I support this notion, and have voted in favor of it in the poll.

Thanks for the support!

[BuRn7 CaK3]

yeah, im also trying to keep it up here too.

[TakeABow]

I made some major visual changes to the first post (to make it more easily read).

And I posted this in the "Thread of Threads", hopefully Rock_Band_Over will put a link in there for me.

[BuRn7 CaK3]

wow. that's even better. Good work Mate!

[Wedge19]

This would be great. I would love better organization.

[BuRn7 CaK3]

i sent a message to Sean, Henry, and Johnlok.

[TakeABow]

i sent a message to Sean, Henry, and Johnlok.

Thanks for that. Hopefully somebody will take notice of this.

[BuRn7 CaK3]

No problem. 0 replies so far. but we'll see!

[BuRn7 CaK3]

gosh, just seen more threads pop up that already have a main one 2. sheesh

this needs to be done!

[Rock_Band_Over]

I made some major visual changes to the first post (to make it more easily read).

And I posted this in the "Thread of Threads", hopefully Rock_Band_Over will put a link in there for me.

I've added this and of course I think it's a great idea and well-devised plan but everyone who agrees probably isn't part of the problem, anyway.

My guess is that it's going to be a huge chore for the people that monitor it (although I know you'd be more than willing :p). But it doesn't seem right that they'll have to do all that extra work just because some people don't pay attention or don't care to. I know you're suggesting warning/banning repeat offenders but that's probably a bit drastic.

I vote "yes", but I'm not sure that you can force common sense :p

[BuRn7 CaK3]

So i got a reply from John. And this is what it was.


Hey BuRn7 (nice puppy profile picture, awwwww),

Nice suggestion! Did you pass this on to Sean or Henry? They might be interested in looking at this.

Best,
John

*Edit* Proof - http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n96/lpu_04/john.jpg

[TakeABow]

Awesome. We are part of the Sticky!, and we have been acknowledged by an admin.

Thanks for the help everyone.

[hmxhenry]

I think there are some really cool suggestions contained in this thread as well as some suggestions that would be incredibly difficult to implement. So in the interest of being diplomatic I haven't voted either way, but I am, of course, always open to ideas that will make these forums easier to navigate.

I'm of two minds when it comes to dividing forums into more specific sub forums. On one hand I suspect that it may help keep like suggestions with like suggestions and give Ultimate Set List less of a "free for all" feel... but on the other hand I'm hesitant to break USL down into sub groups that would be too specific, too sequestered, and too destination driven.

One of my favorite parts of the USL forum is that it's such a mixed bag and I sometimes come across stuff I never expected or learn about a band I've never heard of before. This becomes much less likely if USL is broken down into sub forums, since the odds of me poking around in, say, the Goth genre sub forum become much smaller. Genre definition, as TakeABow has mentioned, is a whole 'nother ball of wax to consider.

That said, I love some of the improvements that posters have already made with USL. The Find Your Band Thread was a stroke of genius and I applaud everyone involved with its creation and upkeep. I think a few helpful shortcuts like this would go a long way to streamline the USL, especially if posters are willing to make use of the existing tools (Find Your Band, the Search function, reason and understanding, etc).

This doesn't mean that none of these changes will ever come about, it's just not a change we're looking to make in the immediate future. All the suggestions have been noted though and will definitely be brought up at the next super secret HMX Community / Web Team lodge meeting. We definitely appreciate the feedback too. We're all for making the forums a more fun and more accessible place to visit.

[TakeABow]

OK. Since you are aware of this, this thread has nothing really left to accomplish - go ahead and lock this up.

[hmxhenry]

I'd love to leave this thread open to encourage discussion. I certainly don't think that the system we have in place right now is perfect (not by any stretch of the imagination) and using this thread to generate constructive feedback would be a huge step in finding ways to make improvements.

[TakeABow]

I'd love to leave this thread open to encourage discussion. I certainly don't think that the system we have in place right now is perfect (not by any stretch of the imagination) and using this thread to generate constructive feedback would be a huge step in finding ways to make improvements.

A more general "How can we improve the 'Your Ultimate Setlist' thread (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1247399#post1247399)" would accomplish far more than this to that end.

[BuRn7 CaK3]

yay, Henry Replied!

[TakeABow]

90% support thus far. I really wish people that voted 'no' would post something.

[TakeABow]

Bump for more input - Since HMXHenry would like there to be more discussion.

[kingtonyx]

the massive amount of RB3 setlists makes me love this idea more and more

hopefully we'll see what sort of thing the future has in store for USL

something that I think would be good for the whole forum would be if you could only RATE a thread once you've posted in it

[sweet-t310]

Soooo many people get on Ultimate Setlist and never even look at the Thread of Threads and see if the band they want has been mentioned. I fully support your proposal.

[TakeABow]

Thanks for the support.

[BuRn7 CaK3]

Soooo many people get on Ultimate Setlist and never even look at the Thread of Threads and see if the band they want has been mentioned. I fully support your proposal.

so totally true.

[Coldplayer]

Wow, why did I never see this thread until now??

I think that's a great idea TakeABow!! Did HMX already respond to this?

EDIT: Ah, just saw Henrys respond on the last page. Too bad this won't happen now, but I think it would be a very good idea.

[TakeABow]

Wow, why did I never see this thread until now??

I think that's a great idea TakeABow!! Did HMX already respond to this?

EDIT: Ah, just saw Henrys respond on the last page. Too bad this won't happen now, but I think it would be a very good idea.

I really wish something would happen to fix up Ultimate Setlist. It is chaotic and there are literally thousands of duplicate threads (against the forum rules), which really should be dealt with.

Thanks for the support.

[kylerownsx62]

Agree with 90% of everything said here. Now here's my own personal touch on the situation if I may be so bold...No nay-sayers yet so I'll continue. My USL subcategory ideas include those already mentioned, Favorite Genre, Favorite Band, DLC Voting, AND my choice, Game Voting (AKA RB3). Or I think a better idea would be to combine DLC Voting and Game Voting into one thread...Song Voting, which instead of being random threads could be one huge thread similar to the Thread of Threads which counts everyone, ya I said everyone's song and album votes, and combines them into one huge poll in which everyone can only vote once, but can edit their vote as much as they want and vote for as much as they want. And once everyone votes they can either chat all they want about their favorite artists or genres in those threads or stop using up their time here all together and have fun actually playing the game. Whew, I'm done!

[TakeABow]

Agree with 90% of everything said here. Now here's my own personal touch on the situation if I may be so bold...No nay-sayers yet so I'll continue. My USL subcategory ideas include those already mentioned, Favorite Genre, Favorite Band, DLC Voting, AND my choice, Game Voting (AKA RB3). Or I think a better idea would be to combine DLC Voting and Game Voting into one thread...Song Voting, which instead of being random threads could be one huge thread similar to the Thread of Threads which counts everyone, ya I said everyone's song and album votes, and combines them into one huge poll in which everyone can only vote once, but can edit their vote as much as they want and vote for as much as they want. And once everyone votes they can either chat all they want about their favorite artists or genres in those threads or stop using up their time here all together and have fun actually playing the game. Whew, I'm done!

There is a whole can of worms that goes along with merging multiple wishlists into some sort of coherent thread.
What you mean isn't a thread at all, but instead an entire voting system (massive scripting required), which also has related forums.

And while this could be an excellent addition to the website, it isn't really going to need forum space unless it was implemented. A huge thread full of everyones (dare I say Millions?) of requests will be so unweildy that it will be impossible to find anything in it or even keep with the discussion.

[kylerownsx62]

Or you could just have someone manually do it...ya who has that kind of time, right. Idk it could be like a Wikipedia type thing where everyone contributes.

[TakeABow]

Or you could just have someone manually do it...ya who has that kind of time, right. Idk it could be like a Wikipedia type thing where everyone contributes.

As soon as it stops being a thread, it falls outside this suggestion;

I DO think that some kind of master request database would be a really great thing.

[kylerownsx62]

I had so many other ideas, but I keep forgetting because my brain keeps exploding from the enormity of this topic.

[kylerownsx62]

Okay while my brain has settled down, I'll give a few of my other ideas. Now one of the main causes of traffic in the USL is new ppl to the site. Most of them don't know how the site works, where to post what, or whether what they've posted has already been posted a million times. I suggest that we give them links in the Forum Home Page to tell them where to go to post what, such as the links after new DLC is posted "to discuss DLC go <here=link>". Instead these will direct them to the new different sub forums "to discuss your favorite bands go here" "to discuss your favorite genres go here" "to discuss songs you want for DLC go here" etc. Also if possible, it would be convenient if everytime before someone posted a new thread, the words were automatically searched through the forum database and the user is told if and how many times this subject has been posted. That way things would not be repeatedly posted. What do you think?

[TakeABow]

Okay while my brain has settled down, I'll give a few of my other ideas. Now one of the main causes of traffic in the USL is new ppl to the site. Most of them don't know how the site works, where to post what, or whether what they've posted has already been posted a million times. I suggest that we give them links in the Forum Home Page to tell them where to go to post what, such as the links after new DLC is posted "to discuss DLC go <here=link>". Instead these will direct them to the new different sub forums "to discuss your favorite bands go here" "to discuss your favorite genres go here" "to discuss songs you want for DLC go here" etc. Also if possible, it would be convenient if everytime before someone posted a new thread, the words were automatically searched through the forum database and the user is told if and how many times this subject has been posted. That way things would not be repeatedly posted. What do you think?

Well, a very obvious sticky titled:

READ FIRST: Ultimate Setlist rules and regulations.

And another titled:

NEW POSTER FAQ

and one more:

USEFUL LINKS

Those threads would contain exactly what it sounds like they should, as header information for Ultimate Setlist;

Then the sub-forums would be links from that page (there would be no 'new thread' button for the USL general forum, just in the three categories.

A warning when creating a new thread with a checkbox "I agree to the rules/regulations of this forum (Note: duplicate topics are not allowed and creating them has consequences)" would be a great thing. vBulletin can do that, It is implemented in another forum I used to visit.

[CantStopTheHopp]

Aww, I won't be able to start a new thread every day about a band nobody has ever heard of?

/sarcasm

[TakeABow]

Aww, I won't be able to start a new thread every day about a band nobody has ever heard of?

/sarcasm

Unless I completely missed the point - (yes I was looking for sarcasm), but nothing about making threads about obscure bands would change (unless you make more than one about the same band?), so I don't see what you're being sarcastic about).

[kylerownsx62]

I still think that there are new users who jump right in without reading anything, but I suppose the idea about merging/deleting similar threads will discontinue the repeated threads problem. Looks like you have just about every realistic option covered. Hmmm I have nothing left to add. Disappointing.

[EvilestEvil]

Amon Amarth and Testament are missing!

[TakeABow]

Amon Amarth and Testament are missing!

This has nothing to do with this thread.

[jayou521]

I love this idea so much. It would be absolutely excellent. You have my FULL support! :D

[TakeABow]

I love this idea so much. It would be absolutely excellent. You have my FULL support! :D

Thanks!

Maybe if enough people back this we will see some changes;

(We should see something different when these forums stop being "beta" again.

[Kariodude]

I can't believe 6 people voted against this. The level of organization now is dismal. (It's zero by the way.)

[timmay9]

Absolutely brilliant idea.

[TakeABow]

Thanks for the continued support. Maybe they will implement something about this when the forums are no longer 'beta'. (We can only hope).

[holy diver 1993]

i hope HMX actually look at some of these, 'cos they need to see you idea! I think this would be a great idea, as u'll only need 1 thread per band, then in the catagorys HMX can see who has the most active thread look at that one and try and get some songs from that band!

[obsoleteshock]

Great idea! I would say that there should also be an "Albums" subforum where people can voice their support for a particular album or rattle off lists of the best albums of all time. A best album discussion can go quite differently than a best artist discussion and which albums are "worthy" of addition to Rock Band is a quite relevant topic.

[Tom Imp]

I am all for this, 100%.

It really is ridiculous how dumb some people on these forums are that they can't do a simple search to see if the bands, that they moronically think they are the first to ever mention, have been posted before.

And not for nothing, but the mods should also be merging all the duplicates into the main band threads that can be found here (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40679). I've been a moderator on numerous boards. It's not that hard.

[Dracoris]

Can't believe im the first but:

Sister Hazel

[BuRn7 CaK3]

Can't believe im the first but:

Sister Hazel

What?

[ElMartillo]

great idea, hope something like this gets implemented

[TakeABow]

Thanks for the support!

[Mikachu]

I know the last post was almost a year ago, but I'd like to bring this thread back to the top because the Ultimate Setlist could use some serious improvement.

I stand behind this idea two hundred percent. I'd love to see the forum broken down into the suggested sub-forums if it means cleaning up the place.

[The_Spleen]

I know the last post was almost a year ago, but I'd like to bring this thread back to the top because the Ultimate Setlist could use some serious improvement.

I stand behind this idea two hundred percent. I'd love to see the forum broken down into the suggested sub-forums if it means cleaning up the place.

I agree with you, the disorganization in here is ridiculous. Everyday there are new threads made for bands already listed in the Thread of Threads, we (the select few who care) try to direct people to the proper thread - only to be told by other people "you're getting annoying, you're not a mod", or the thread continually gets bumped by someone who should know better.

The amount of "wishlist" or "here's my better version of the setlist" threads are flooding this forum to the point where it's nearly impossible for any request thread to stay on the first page longer than a day.

If nothing else is done I would at least like to have wishlists and requests split into sub-forums, or have the mods come in here once in a while to lock repeat threads.

EDIT: If people would spend half the time it takes them to concoct some of these setlists, and instead post their desire for those same bands to be included in the game - the whole notion of request threads would work MUCH better.

[Mikachu]

we (the select few who care) try to direct people to the proper thread - only to be told by other people "you're getting annoying, you're not a mod", or the thread continually gets bumped by someone who should know better.
You forgot "you're a troll."

[TheRollingBones]

I agree too. Too many threads around here, we need to get some subforums.

[cherokeesam]

It would help if there was an enterprising mod or two with some time on their hands who'd take the time to just merge new band requests into "official" request threads(via ThreadofThreads) once a day or so.

Also, I agree 110% that the "RB4 Setlists" have gotten out of hand and are annoying as crap. Jesus, people, we just got the official RB3 set last week, and you ADD-types are already three years into the future.

[Mikachu]

It would help if there was an enterprising mod or two with some time on their hands who'd take the time to just merge new band requests into "official" request threads(via ThreadofThreads) once a day or so.

Also, I agree 110% that the "RB4 Setlists" have gotten out of hand and are annoying as crap. Jesus, people, we just got the official RB3 set last week, and you ADD-types are already three years into the future.
I was hoping a mod could monitor these threads every now and then, too. To quote sean, "I'll be in here a lot more now. (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3108)" That was three years ago, and I'm not upset that he doesn't stay true to that word today; I realize there are more important things than patrolling a request thread for three years. But it shouldn't take a flame war and a report to turn the mods' attentions this way.

[The_Spleen]

I was hoping a mod could monitor these threads every now and then, too. To quote sean, "I'll be in here a lot more now. (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3108)" That was three years ago, and I'm not upset that he doesn't stay true to that word today; I realize there are more important things than patrolling a request thread for three years. But it shouldn't take a flame war and a report to turn the mods' attentions this way.

There could be a full-time mod just for this forum and their hands would be full. Although I must admit - I felt damn special when HMXHenry replied in my Hall & Oates thread...highlight of my time on the forum, right next to the ridiculous post in my signature.

[kylerownsx62]

There could be a full-time mod just for this forum and their hands would be full. Although I must admit - I felt damn special when HMXHenry replied in my Hall & Oates thread...highlight of my time on the forum, right next to the ridiculous post in my signature.

Haha I just lmaoed at your sig.

On topic, I agree that a full-time mod (volunteer maybe?) in this forum would be extraordinarily helpful...or atleast some mod support of those that try to keep everything organized.

For example: 1 billionth Avenged Sevenfold thread is created.
Me: I suggest you post in the official thread *link*.
OP: *Snappy remark*
Mod: Listen to the man, he's giving you good advice in keeping the forum organized.
OP: Either - A. Okay, thank you for setting me on the righteous path of uncluttering the forums.
or B. *Snappy remark #2*.....*Banned*

[Mikachu]

On topic, I agree that a full-time mod (volunteer maybe?) in this forum would extraordinarily helpful
I humbly accept and support your nomination of Mikachu as this forum's guardian angel and protector.

[The-Dude1212]

I could only imagine the massive undertaking required to relocate +14,000 threads into three subforums. The Ultimate Setlist would probably need to be taken down for this kind of maintenance, if not all of the RB forums.

But for that kind of organization would be fantastic.

Also, rather than hand out more mod powers...perhaps a tiered mod system...these lesser mods known as "custodians"...not dissimilar to that of a certain imageboard...sneakily cleaning up messes on the side, and only rule is not to reveal your position. It's really just pointing out threads to be linked to the master thread to make a true mod's job that slightest bit easier.

There's me two cents. Hopefully this motion is passed through to make this section of the RB forums a much more streamlined/less headache-inducing experience for the newcomers and us old farts :p

[kylerownsx62]

I could only imagine the massive undertaking required to relocate +14,000 threads into three subforums. The Ultimate Setlist would probably need to be taken down for this kind of maintenance, if not all of the RB forums.

But for that kind of organization would be fantastic.

Also, rather than hand out more mod powers...perhaps a tiered mod system...these lesser mods known as "custodians"...not dissimilar to that of a certain imageboard...sneakily cleaning up messes on the side, and only rule is not to reveal your position. It's really just pointing out threads to be linked to the master thread to make a true mod's job that slightest bit easier.

There's me two cents. Hopefully this motion is passed through to make this section of the RB forums a much more streamlined/less headache-inducing experience for the newcomers and us old farts :p

A tiering system sounds like a great idea. Such as every post that helps the mods in one way or another is one step to promotion (and more powers, which you are expected to use responsibly) and every time you "hassle the mods" in some way you are demoted.

[The_Spleen]

Any form of change would be an improvement over what we currently have - chaos. I don't care if the idea of lesser-mods is implemented, and I doubt it would take down the forum (for very long), but something needs to be done to address the clutter in this forum.

Everyday there are numerous repeat threads created, people are becoming very beligerent to those who attempt to direct people to the proper threads, and people who've been around for a while (and know better) constantly post in threads which shouldn't be posted in anymore.

There are many things which should be done - anything is better than nothing, but we need to get HMX or a moderator's attention before we can make any headway.

I like this forum a lot, it's fun seeing people opinions and thoughts about artist requests, but so many of them get lost in the shuffle (creating new threads, but never posting in the suggested ones) that it can be hard for people to share their opinions with like-minded people. I think any semblence of organization will help everyone participate and enjoy the USL forum more.

[Mikachu]

I honestly think the biggest problems are:

1. Ignorance and hostility towards users who try to enforce some kind of order. "**** you, you're not a mod." Sick of it.
2. Impulse posting. If there's such a thing as impulse shopping, then the same can be said about the forums. "i want moar a7x!!!1!" "Use the official thread, let this die, kthx." Three days later from a veteran member, "i agree we need more avenged sevenfold but i also agree with mikachu that we should let this thread die and post i the official thread." Then let it die, guys...
3. Every good speech has three points. I can't think of a third, so I'll instead distract you with a picture of a dancing bear (http://www.punkintheclown.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/dancing_bear.103211207_std.jpg).

[The_Spleen]

I honestly think the biggest problems are:

1. Ignorance and hostility towards users who try to enforce some kind of order. "**** you, you're not a mod." Sick of it.
2. Impulse posting. If there's such a thing as impulse shopping, then the same can be said about the forums. "i want moar a7x!!!1!" "Use the official thread, let this die, kthx." Three days later from a veteran member, "i agree we need more avenged sevenfold but i also agree with mikachu that we should let this thread die and post i the official thread." Then let it die, guys...
3. Every good speech has three points. I can't think of a third, so I'll instead distract you with a picture of a dancing bear (http://www.punkintheclown.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/dancing_bear.103211207_std.jpg).

When in doubt, reiterate your thesis - no better conclusion.

But I'll be damned if that isn't a dancing bear.

[Mega-Tallica]

I'm just gonna quote what I said in another thread:


The USL forum is never gonna get cleaned up. There's too many people who don't know or don't follow the unwritten rules of the forums (and don't bother checking them either).

Not pointing out the OP in particular, there's just gonna be a bunch of new guys (especially with RB3 right around the corner) that are going to sign up and request their favorite band by making a new thread in the USL forum like "Muse! Muse! Muse!", or "We need more of Band X" or whatever. It's going to get worse before it gets better I'm afraid.

That's what I think. It's awesome that you guys are trying to clean it up and make it more organized, but it's impossible to completely control it. Like I said, it'll get worse before it gets better especially with RB3 looming there's going to be a on of new users here who have no clue what they are doing and are going to be posting threads whenever they have a new idea. It's starting already if you look at it. It's a nice thought, but it's never going to happen. The USL forum may get a little better, but it'll never be completely "cleaned up".

[The_Spleen]

The USL forum may get a little better, but it'll never be completely "cleaned up".

I believe that if a sub-forum system could be implemented and moderators would help enforce rules (or even just lock repeat threads) it would be much cleaner. There would be less 'filler' among the requests.

Face it, this forum is mainly full of daily setlist creations by the same people more so than it is requests. With that section of the forum split off from the request threads...it will and should be a lot tidier.

[Mikachu]

It's awesome that you guys are trying to clean it up and make it more organized, but it's impossible to completely control it. Like I said, it'll get worse before it gets better especially with RB3 looming there's going to be a on of new users here who have no clue what they are doing and are going to be posting threads whenever they have a new idea. It's starting already if you look at it. It's a nice thought, but it's never going to happen. The USL forum may get a little better, but it'll never be completely "cleaned up".
Think of us as the community's makeshift police force. We will never stop crime forever, but we'll be damned if we don't do a thing to stop it.

[Der_Lex]

I was hoping a mod could monitor these threads every now and then, too. To quote sean, "I'll be in here a lot more now. (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3108)" That was three years ago, and I'm not upset that he doesn't stay true to that word today; I realize there are more important things than patrolling a request thread for three years. But it shouldn't take a flame war and a report to turn the mods' attentions this way.

The reason why Sean doesn't check in regularly is because he's been away on sick leave for quite a while now after major surgery.

We actually do check in on this forum section regularly (and that includes the HMXers who, contrary to what some think, do use this section as one of the tools to see what people truly want), but I have to admit that we don't instantly jump on every duplicate request thread that gets posted, simply because it's a major time sink (and all of us have other jobs and responsibilities as well) and because, if ignored, those will fall off the main page quickly enough anyway. In this section, some amount of chaos is to be expected.

That doesn't mean we don't applaud any efforts to organize it a little more, though. It's absolutely fine if you direct someone who posts a new Muse thread to the main thread with a link. Personally I've found that adding the argument 'tons of replies in one thread make more of an impression than a bazillion smaller threads (which is true).

If people respond like a jerk to a civil request to join a main thread, feel free to report that post and we'll see what we can do. Reports shouldn't be reserved for only the most dire situations (although they shouldn't be used frivolously either), and are the quickest way to get a moderator's attention. Otherwise you'll have to wait until we accidentally stumble upon a thread instead.

As for 'mini-mods' (who have the power to lock and merge threads in one particular forum section), this is actually a possibility and an idea that's been implemented in the past in other forum sections, to very varying degrees of success. If someone is willing and responsible enough to take on that chore, I can bring it up with the HMX guys and see if we can get someone from the Web team to take some time out of their über-busy schedule to assign one.

[Mega-Tallica]

I believe that if a sub-forum system could be implemented and moderators would help enforce rules (or even just lock repeat threads) it would be much cleaner. There would be less 'filler' among the requests.

Face it, this forum is mainly full of daily setlist creations by the same people more so than it is requests. With that section of the forum split off from the request threads...it will and should be a lot tidier.


Think of us as the community's makeshift police force. We will never stop crime forever, but we'll be damned if we don't do a thing to stop it.

I respect what you guys are doing, I really do because it gets annoying to me at times to, so good luck with getting this to happen and making all our forum experiences that much better. :)

[The_Spleen]

As for 'mini-mods' (who have the power to lock and merge threads in one particular forum section), this is actually a possibility and an idea that's been implemented in the past in other forum sections, to very varying degrees of success. If someone is willing and responsible enough to take on that chore, I can bring it up with the HMX guys and see if we can get someone from the Web team to take some time out of their über-busy schedule to assign one.

Thank you SO much Der_Lex for reading and taking the time for an in-depth response. You have no idea how happy this makes Mikachu and myself, any attention at all to this topic is fantastic.

If the HMX guys approve of this idea, it would go a long way towards helping to clean up this forum. Out of all my posts I'm pretty sure 200+ have been just redirecting people in here...it can become tedious, but it serves a good purpose.

Do you think it's possible/rational to split USL into sub-forums as some of us have mentioned or do you think potential 'mini-mods' would suffice?

[Der_Lex]

Sub-forums isn't going to happen. With RB3 coming up, we'll probably start trimming down those rather than creating new ones.

I think having a mini-mod in here (we've never had more than one per forum section) who can merge threads and, in extreme cases, lock them down would probably already help quite a bit.

On the other hand, I think you'll have to accept that there will always be some loose/repeat threads in here, though. Requests often come from the heart, not the head, and etiquette quickly flies out the window. We've realized this a long time ago, and that's why the only thing we really try to crack down on in here is people who go into a request thread to bash the band in question.

I'll bring up the mini-mod idea with the rest of the guys.

[The_Spleen]

I think having a mini-mod in here (we've never had more than one per forum section) who can merge threads and, in extreme cases, lock them down would probably already help quite a bit.

On the other hand, I think you'll have to accept that there will always be some loose/repeat threads in here, though. Requests often come from the heart, not the head, and etiquette quickly flies out the window. We've realized this a long time ago, and that's why the only thing we really try to crack down on in here is people who go into a request thread to bash the band in question.

I'll bring up the mini-mod idea with the rest of the guys.

Awesome, thank you. I never expect this forum to be chaos free, I'm just looking to be able to trim some of the "fat" and to help cut down on the extra threads by merging them before they attract the wrong kind of attention.

[Mikachu]

Thank you SO much Der_Lex for reading and taking the time for an in-depth response. You have no idea how happy this makes Mikachu and myself, any attention at all to this topic is fantastic.
Just came here to say almost this exact same thing. The fact that mods are at least listening makes me a happy camper. And that's why I love you guys. :)

As for Sean, I knew he took his sick leave a while ago, but I didn't know he was still out. Hope he gets better soon.

[The_Spleen]

As for Sean, I knew he took his sick leave a while ago, but I didn't know he was still out. Hope he gets better soon.

I too hope he gets better soon, we need our Love Machine back (http://www.gamespot.com/users/TRY2KPUP/video_player?id=cHEwkTWq5bkFvzbc).

[The_Spleen]

Der_Lex might you have an update on this?

With the ever increasing traffic due to RB3's release a mod for this forum might be needed. Unless the current ones will be able to split time between the main forum and merging, closing, and deleting threads in here?

Thanks again for taking the time Lex.

[LegendofRock3021]

As for 'mini-mods' (who have the power to lock and merge threads in one particular forum section), this is actually a possibility and an idea that's been implemented in the past in other forum sections, to very varying degrees of success. If someone is willing and responsible enough to take on that chore, I can bring it up with the HMX guys and see if we can get someone from the Web team to take some time out of their über-busy schedule to assign one.

I'm bringing this thread back to see if we have an update on the situation. It would be very beneficial to have someone monitor this sub-forum and organize it to the best of their ability. I browse this sub-forum multiple times every day and I'd be more than willing to shoulder the responsibility of becoming a mod to help reduce the clutter. I know it will take a tremendous amount of time and effort, but the end result would be well worth it considering the amount of threads.

I just have a few questions if I were to become a mod for this sub-forum. First, there's a thread that contains links for a lot of posters Rock Band selists and DLC wishlists that was unstickied and unsuccessfully attempted to re-sticky. Would I be able to sticky that thread, or is it beyond my power to do so? Second, I know there are a few fairly large threads in particular that are closed/locked for various reasons. Would I be able to open those threads once again and only have them remain open if no bumping/irrelevant posting occurs? Next, if I discover links for bands/albums that should be added to the Thread of Threads thread and Thread of Requested Albums thread, would I be able to add them the OP's myself, or is it something that shouldn't be done unless the OP's take care of it themselves? I can't think of anymore essential questions at the moment, but I won't hesitate to bring them up if there's something else I'd like to address. I know time is valuable, so this may not receive a response for a while, but thanks for reading and considering it.



I think there are some really cool suggestions contained in this thread as well as some suggestions that would be incredibly difficult to implement. So in the interest of being diplomatic I haven't voted either way, but I am, of course, always open to ideas that will make these forums easier to navigate.

I'm of two minds when it comes to dividing forums into more specific sub forums. On one hand I suspect that it may help keep like suggestions with like suggestions and give Ultimate Set List less of a "free for all" feel... but on the other hand I'm hesitant to break USL down into sub groups that would be too specific, too sequestered, and too destination driven.

One of my favorite parts of the USL forum is that it's such a mixed bag and I sometimes come across stuff I never expected or learn about a band I've never heard of before. This becomes much less likely if USL is broken down into sub forums, since the odds of me poking around in, say, the Goth genre sub forum become much smaller. Genre definition, as TakeABow has mentioned, is a whole 'nother ball of wax to consider.

That said, I love some of the improvements that posters have already made with USL. The Find Your Band Thread was a stroke of genius and I applaud everyone involved with its creation and upkeep. I think a few helpful shortcuts like this would go a long way to streamline the USL, especially if posters are willing to make use of the existing tools (Find Your Band, the Search function, reason and understanding, etc).

This doesn't mean that none of these changes will ever come about, it's just not a change we're looking to make in the immediate future. All the suggestions have been noted though and will definitely be brought up at the next super secret HMX Community / Web Team lodge meeting. We definitely appreciate the feedback too. We're all for making the forums a more fun and more accessible place to visit.

I couldn't agree more, I'd much rather keep all the threads contained in the same sub-forum instead of splitting up Your Ultimate Setlist into multiple sub-forums. We have a good system with the OK, pick five albums you would like to see..., Thread of Requested Albums, and Thread of Threads threads stickied at the top, which should be newcomers' top priority in viewing first. That way it's just a matter of merging duplicate threads into one master band thread and having those edited in the Thread of Threads if it's not the earliest date a specific band's thread was posted. I'm assuming when merging threads together, that the earliest posts will show up first, so the earliest thread made will become the master band thread that I was talking about earlier.

[LegendofRock3021]

Sorry to bring this thread back once again, but I'd like to know if there are any updates or any of these ideas been discussed. The possibility of someone becoming a moderator of this sub-forum in particular.

[LegendofRock3021]

Apologies on bringing this thread back again, but I think it would be beneficial to have someone monitor this section with all the repeat band threads that pop up occasionally. I would like to do that if it is possible to have someone who is in charge of keeping this section in tact.

I don't think it's necessary to split up YUS into separate sub-forums like TakeABow proposed in the OP years ago, and don't think it would've ever happened with the forum change, but do think that it's necessary to have a moderator here to keep things in check. Again, sorry to bump this topic again, I'm just very eager to help keep this section organized since I spend quite a bit of my time on the forum browsing YUS.

[LiveHomeVideo]

Add another section for "Dream RBx setlist" and I'm all for it.

[LegendofRock3021]

Add another section for "Dream RBx setlist" and I'm all for it.

I don't agree, those aren't the problem and having separate sections in YUS is a bad idea in general. It's the repeat band threads that appear every so often when people should be looking at the stickied threads and supporting the threads included in those instead. At the moment, there are 6 repeat threads on the first page that could've been avoided, which is why it's important to have someone in here to merge those with the official ones, or lock them if need be.

[Der_Lex]

No changes in forum structure or additional moderators are planned at this point in time, nor do I see either happening in the (near) future.

[LegendofRock3021]

That's unfortunate, but I appreciate the update, Lex.