How should XMTS grow and improve?

[Panache]

A few days ago Alan H. posed a thread to our forum that "XMTS has changed".

As Brian noted in that thread "The only constant is change"

I think it would be a very constructive thread for our members to suggest some ways that they would like to see this forum grow.

Last year we added forums for Dance, Musicians, and Heavy Athletics as our group became more interested / involved in Scottish and Celtic Heritage Activities. But we can do more.

Do some areas of XMTS need updating?

Are we missing some forums?

Speaking with Hank, the owner of XMTS, he wants it to be clear that XMTS is to remain an international and family friendly site. Our rules concerning Politics, Religion, and weapons are not going to be changed. Likewise adult material, links to adult sites (i.e. not family friendly per the Mod Squad) will not be permitted regardless of subject matter.

So for those of our membership that call XMTS their online home, the ones that are proud to be members here I ask for your suggestions for this forum.

Let's continue to grow together and continue to make this forum one of the very best on the world wide web!

Cheers

Jamie

[Jock Scot]

Apart from the odd touch on the tiller from time to time,I think things will change of their own accord.I can see why the Mods. and of course Hank want to keep off the "tricky" subjects, we only need to see the "flat hat,white hose" discussions to demonstrate that even on these very minor items,things can get very heated.

I find the firearms embargo more than a little frustrating as I know that there are a lot of people on this site that would love to see a part of our Scots lifestyle that I cannot show. Deer stalking, grouse shooting in magnificent scenery, for example. Now I quite accept that firearms and "dead things" are not to every one's taste, but no one is forcing anybody to look at the pictures and read the words, every one has the right to ignore it and click onto something else. I am not being given any option, if I want to stay here. However I do accept that is the way it is. I just wish it could change a wee tad.

Thank you for asking.

[The Wizard of BC]

Jamie,

You already have my thoughts in a lengthy and wordy email but I'll paraphrase here for our members.

There is only so much you can say about the Kilt. We all say hi to new members just for something to post. So I stand behind my comment that X Marks is no longer a discussion forum.

Therefore I believe we should re-structure the forum to become the world's greatest Information Forum.

Every new person who happens upon this site has come here with questions. It should be our job to answer those questions as concisely, completely, and factually as possible.
However, the current structure of the forum does not suit that purpose.

I suggest that we do such things as;

1) Increase the tutorials section by having our resident experts such as Barb, Matt, Rocky, etc. write tutorials on the subjects they know better than anyone else.

Then when a new person comes here and asks (for the 435,666,229,123,483 time) "Can anyone wear any Tartan?". The answer can be a simple, "Matt Newsome has written a very authoritative article on that subject. Please click this link to be taken to that article".

2) Have a way, by having a paid administrator perhaps, to keep this site up to date. For example we currently have a comparison in the tutorials section on the different Kiltmakers. This article was written over four years ago and has never been updated since.
Timely information in this internet world is very important.

3) Change the design of the site to make this information easy to find by a new guest or member.
How many of our members have never known that we have a tutorials section or have never read them? How many times has someone come on with the suggestion such as "We should have a map of where everyone lives" or the question "How do I post a photo"
It's usually because they can't find the applicable section where those answers already exist.

4) We should then accept that we are not a discussion forum, we are an information forum. When a new guest or member asks about where he can go to discuss concealed weapons in his Kilt or where he can post "up the Kilt" photos we can openly and honestly direct him to those forums that are out there, that do discuss those things.

5) We need to get our Mod Squad out from behind the "Tweed Curtain" of anonymity. Let's set up a "Meet the Mod Squad" section. There you can read a bio of the Mods, learn how to contact them directly, and find out which one to contact when you have a Mod sort of question such as "What section of the forum should this question be posted in?". or "Is this subject relevant to this forum?",
This could also include the "Duty Mod". The Moderator that is on-line right now and ready to answer these sort of questions.

To be an Information Forum we need to insure that the information we present is;

a. Timely, up to date, and quickly updated.
b. Accurate, and backed with confirmed facts.
c. Is easily found and referenced.


All of these are easy changes to our Clan. It will make this a place to be proud of and where we freely contribute our collective knowledge.
It also in no way stifles the ability to voice a complaint of a bad vendor, or praise a good one.
It also still allows us to talk about those things we wish to discuss but in a more open and honest way.
Information is the key to everything in this world, and I, for one, think we need to start collecting that information from our members and sharing it with the world.

[Phil]

Everything evolves and the direction of the forum depends entirely upon those who contribute. If one interest group have exhausted their subject and have no wish to participate in those of others then they will fall away and others, hopefully, will take their place. If not then the whole forum will eventually wither and die, although I hope not. There always seem to be new recruits keen to find out more about kilt-wearing and heritage generally.
I agree wholeheartedly with the decision to ban discussion on religion, politics and weapons, subjects all of which are likely to encourage the expression of extremist views. Likewise there is no shortage of "adult" material on the internet without any need for it here and it is refreshing to find a site where there is none.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Well, an internet forum, like X-Marks, is really like a TV network. Each thread is exactly like a television program, and each thread rises and falls on the strength of cast and writing. So, a forum with lots of popular threads is exactly like a network with lots of popular shows. It is successful.

But even the most successful network has some duff programming. And even the best program occasionally turns in a dull script. X-Marks is no exception. Some of the threads are informative and some are highly amusing. Once in a while something pops up that is positively inane. The good threads have legs-- they tend to run for quite a while, while the inane postings are... well, let me put it this way: if they were TV programs they wouldn't make it past being a pilot.

I think it is time to try out some new programming, and maybe re-shuffle some of the old "time slots". So, here's what I'd propose:

"STRICTLY TRAD" just for those questions and comments concerning the traditional kilt. Mods could check the questions in "GENERAL KILT TALK" and move them over to "STRICTLY TRAD" if that would provide a better home for them.

"HISTORICAL" for all of those threads about reenacting-- there is a wealth of info on the site, but it is scattered.

"SCOTTISH ARMS & ARMOUR" yes, we have a "no weapons" policy, and I'm fine with that-- I don't care what tartan goes with your Glock. But we have a whole range of historic stuff to talk about, as well as the work of the folks like Rab Gordon, et al, too.

By and large X-Marks is doing better than other minor interest sites, but it is facing a change in audience. No doubt about that. Part of this is due to the economic and political climate in North America, the UK, and in Commonwealth Countries; part of it is down to a maturing process-- a significant majority of members are are over 40-- and part of it is down to the fact that many of the members have "said their piece" and feel no need to repeat themselves, time after time.

So, like Jock Scot has just said, I think that what is needed is expansion, not radical change. X Marks has an audience, and has pretty good programming. Let's keep the audience, and grow the audience size, by giving them a bit more programming.

[Bugbear]

I'm still studying the options for my social group, but it seems a little disconnected from the rest of the features of the site like notifications. That is all right with me, but I am wondering if there should be a forum for threads on the social groups to tie them back into the overall site. It seems like they have potential for growth and expantion.

Just a thought.

[csbdr]

You know, as a fan of the "sporting lifestyle" here in the States, I would have to agree. There are other places where firearms are discussed pretty liberally, and that isn't needed, but it would seem fitting that there might be a small corner where folks could discuss this aspect of the Scottish lifestyle, be it days in the field, or spey casting for salmon (my personal interest.) or antique scottish firearms and blades. Granted, there are other boards where such things can be discussed, but not specific to Scotland. I think this still fits the family friendly aspect as well. One of the things I look forward to, as my son is getting older, is taking him into the field with me. This is particularly true of fly casting. I don't see a conflict here.

Apart from the odd touch on the tiller from time to time,I think things will change of their own accord.I can see why the Mods. and of course Hank want to keep off the "tricky" subjects, we only need to see the "flat hat,white hose" discussions to demonstrate that even on these very minor items,things can get very heated.

I find the firearms embargo more than a little frustrating as I know that there are a lot of people on this site that would love to see a part of our Scots lifestyle that I cannot show. Deer stalking, grouse shooting in magnificent scenery, for example. Now I quite accept that firearms and "dead things" are not to every one's taste, but no one is forcing anybody to look at the pictures and read the words, every one has the right to ignore it and click onto something else. I am not being given any option, if I want to stay here. However I do accept that is the way it is. I just wish it could change a wee tad.

Thank you for asking.

[Panache]

...I find the firearms embargo more than a little frustrating as I know that there are a lot of people on this site that would love to see a part of our Scots lifestyle that I cannot show. Deer stalking, grouse shooting in magnificent scenery, for example.

Jock,

Not meaning to disagree with you here, but we have had sportsmen post and post pictures before about hunting. In general if weapons are going to be involved in photos it is a good idea to check with the Mods first.

If the thread/post/picture is about an event that relates to kilts, highland apparel, Scotland, or things Celtic the mods tend to be fine with it. I haven't seen any objections from our members about this in my time here as a Moderator.

The problem is that some threads/posts/photos can be only marginally about the activity and mainly about the hardware involved.

I personally would be really interested in you taking us along a grouse shoot.

Cheers

Jamie

[Panache]

Here are a few of my ideas


I would like to see a prominent "Links" area with three separate sub areas for "Clan Societies" , "Scottish Groups and Organizations" , and "Scottish and Celtic Heritage Activities" (i.e. SCD, Piping, and Heavy Athletics). We have a number of X Marker pipers active on the Bob Dunsmire forum, SCD dancers who are members of the RSCDS, not to mention our mighty Highland throwers.

Under the "General Kilt Talk" forum I would like to see sub forums for

"Traditional Highland Attire" (Where people can get really detailed information about the history and conventions of traditional Highland wear)

"Historical Highland Apparel and Accessories" (Re-enactors rejoice!)

"Better Living through Kilting" (For all those great stories / anecdotes about our kilted adventures when we strap on our kilts and sally forth out into the world.)


Cheers

Jamie

[csbdr]

Jamie, i don't know if you fish or hunt, but part of the joy is in the hardware, to be honest. I agree with what you are saying in concept (some folks get carried away with modern weaponry), but if the activity is also linked with a wonderful scottish manufacture over-and-under, or 14 foot bamboo Spey rod, i don't see the harm in that and the sports reading the thread would want to see IT as much as the days catch or the scenery.

Jock,

Not meaning to argue with you here, but we have had sportsmen post and post pictures before about hunting. In general if weapons are going to be involved in photos it is a good idea to check with the Mods first.

If the thread/post/picture is about an event that relates to kilts, highland apparel, Scotland, or things Celtic the mods tend to be fine with it. I haven't seen any objections from our members about this in my time here as a Moderator.

The problem is that some threads/posts/photos can be only marginally about the activity and mainly about the hardware involved.

I personally would be really interested in you taking us along a grouse shoot.

Cheers

Jamie