Ethos, Scope, Involvements, etc.

[John Beresford]

The Folk Corporation - it's ethos, it's scope, it's involvements, etc.

This was Barry's original concept in the 'Comments on...' topic. 

I think the Ethos of the Forum is well understood by regular visitors, and soon discerned by new ones.  A big well done to all the team for keeping it friendly and relevant.

The current Scope is clear, too, from the list of topics.  But is the list of Artiste Boards fixed and closed, or is there room for more?  How did the current crop get their Boards?  (Colin has explained the Fairport connexion elsewhere.)

Involvements.  I suppose this is where the focus moves away from the Forum to the Corporation's other interests.  Did someone mention CDs and Publishing?  Anything else?

[Nick]

Big round of applause for John B for the question too!

Probably one of the most challenging, certainly one of the most interesting questions asked on talkawhile to date. This is a question that goes to the heart of the board, its remit and its ambition; where is the board going to indeed?!

Cheers

Nick

[YaBB Master (Colin)]

Scope, that's the one that's changing.

With upheaval at both Woodworm and Leola, I've been messed about something rotten, over the last few months. Communications have ranged from poor to appallingly rude, but let's move on.
What both Leola and Matty Grooves are promising, is a much higher web profile, with loads of fresh content, directly organised by themselves.  I thought that all of this wasn't going to be announced yet, but it seems to be leaking out.

TalkAwhile will continue, much as it is. Unless you've got a better idea.
The deal with the artists sections, is that more may be added and some may be deleted. It all depends on the artist in question, being willing to interact with the board and accept that it's a free forum.
The other sections will evolve, taking up ideas from the members. Just don't expect the moderating to relax. That is what keeps this board friendly.

I've tried to keep that concise. Any comments or questions?

[Andy]

First and foremost: thanks for your hard work.
Second: I'm dam' sure that we'd all be very grateful that you intend to continue Talkawhile.
Lastly: Would you like some suggestions as to other artists?

Meanwhile, the only constant is change.... and we all have to live with that.

[YaBB Master (Colin)]

Involvements?

As I've said elsewhere I do have a serious profession, as a designer of electronics. However I also have a slight reputation for my hobby, which is general entrepreneuring.

This bulletin board and the web sites use about 2GB of bandwidth a day, on a dedicated server. This is not cheap. However it's very successfully funded , by FC Domains. I own over 500 domain names, which I trade and develop.
In previous years, it was funded by photography and before that, pirate satellite decoders. Then there's the lawnmower business. And sometimes we release CD's and publish books.

[John Beresford]

...sometimes we release CD's and publish books.

Who is 'we', Colin?  Is it 'Colin Edwards t/a The Folk Corporation'?

The other sections will evolve, taking up ideas from the members.

Who decides?  Colin?  Or is there a Moderators' Committee? (...appointed by Colin?)

Don't get me wrong, I'm not having a go at Colin!  I just think we need clarity of purpose and direction. It's Colin's website, made by Colin, hosted on Colin's machines, funded by Colin's entrepreneurial skillz, and Colin has every right to do what he likes with it, (including kicking me out if that's his whim).

But, if there is a degree of democracy, let's spell out the Rule Set.

[fat Billy(Bill)]

And whats wrong with a benevolent dictatorship?

[John Beresford]

Nothing whatsoever.  Just wanna know the score...

[Cocker Freeman]

This is very good, John. You keep asking these questions because I think it's fascinating. 

[Steve J W]

TalkAwhile will continue, much as it is. Unless you've got a better idea.
The deal with the artists sections, is that more may be added and some may be deleted. It all depends on the artist in question, being willing to interact with the board and accept that it's a free forum.
The other sections will evolve, taking up ideas from the members. Just don't expect the moderating to relax. That is what keeps this board friendly.

I've tried to keep that concise. Any comments or questions?

No questions (not even about the spull cheker)...only one comment - just thanks for all the hard work you've done so far in creating a very special place for all of us.

Steve

[YaBB Master (Colin)]

Who is 'we', Colin?  Is it 'Colin Edwards t/a The Folk Corporation'?

That's the way it's set up, because I carry the can, for the accounts and all that involves. (VAT, credit card merchant, paying the bills, etc.)
As to what we actually do, is decided by whoever is involved in a particular project. In all cases that will involve David Hughes.

The other sections will evolve, taking up ideas from the members.

Who decides?  Colin?  Or is there a Moderators' Committee? (...appointed by Colin?)

It's a bit more democratic than that and really down to the members.
The topics evolve on their own. For instance several of the musician based 'clubs' were proving very popular, so I made it a full topic, on the main board.

Any policy can be questioned, by starting a thread in the 'Members Feedback' area.

The moderators are selected by the moderators, plus a vigorous series of interviews and psychological analysis.  

[Barry]

The moderators are selected by the moderators, plus a vigorous series of interviews and psychological analysis.  

Just to ensure that we are all totally, utterly and completely off our collective trollies .... 

[Keith]

Then there's the lawnmower business.

Does David service 3 lawnmowers at a time? 

(thanks Andy  )

[John Beresford]

...involve David Hughes.

...selected by the moderators...

Thanks for the explanation, Colin.  I think you've done a grand job with the Trolley Collective...