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Alvin Ward (music_al)
Username: music_al

Registered: 08-2010
Posted on Friday, August 13, 2010 - 12:54 pm:   

I am a new member to the Music Man Amplifier website and after having looked at the Message Board, I would like to offer the following suggestions to improve the message board communications.

1. Get rid of all the DEADWOOD! This would consist of questions or inquiries over a year old to which there has been no reply. Do the Moderators have the power to do this? I think a good rule of thumb would be for the moderators to be able to 'keep the best and trash the rest'. When I first laid eyes on the website I thought it was dormant due to the volumn of old postings.

2. Users need to place their questions or comments in the correct catagory. Come on folks, this catagory is Website Questions, Suggestions, & Problems, but how many threads are there in this catagory pertaining to questions or problems about Music Man Amps? This is where you are supposed to discuss the Website and how it can be improved for all users.

3. Power to the Moderators. Are the moderators able to Edit, Delete, Update, or Move messages on the Message Board? If only the Web Master has this ability, then I think there really is a problem here. This Message Board desperately needs to be refreshed in order to pump new life blood into the Website. The Moderators could do this if they have been delegated the authority. This really is a good Website for Music Man Amp owners, and all of us users need to strive to make it better through good clear communication.
Mike Kaus (mm210)
Username: mm210

Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, August 13, 2010 - 01:08 pm:   

First off, I will say welcome, as you are new guy. THEN, I will say that most of us LIKE the fact that the old stuff is here. This is the ONLY source for MM info OUT THERE. Comments about the equipment, supplies, hell, even just opinions about the screws used in the amp are ALL welcome and invited. This is a a very small group in that the MM amps aren't like Fender amps. They don't have a 60 year lineage and millions upon millions of buyers. These amps weren't around all that long so the numbers are dwindling. It's through the kindness of Steve Kennedy that we have any place at ALL to discuss these amps. I am NOT a moderator of content but if I were, I would want it to stay the way it is. We NEED this information-once it's gone, it's gone. Just my 2c worth.
Bill Traylor (bozzy369)
Username: bozzy369

Registered: 02-2008
Posted on Friday, August 13, 2010 - 02:17 pm:   

mike i've even found kool stuff in that previous message board stuff,you gotta download it all but it's a trove of info.
Alvin Ward (music_al)
Username: music_al

Registered: 08-2010
Posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 - 12:30 pm:   

Didn't mean to offend anyone, but I think the point has been missed. I didn't say trash everything and start over and that all the old stuff needed to go, but what about the where a guy was looking for a part or had a question 6 years ago, and he didn't get an answer? Reckon he has moved on for now or is still seeking the answer after 6 years? I was just trying to inject some common sense into the message board content. If there is an old thread with meaningful content and discussion then it should be left for all to view or research. Sorry I ruffled the feathers, but sounds like we are sticking to the status quo.
Brian M. Watson (mrroundel)
Username: mrroundel

Registered: 06-2007
Posted on Sunday, September 26, 2010 - 07:20 am:   

The subject of this thread shares something in common with the G&L guitars website. For many years there was a small group of very knowledgeable and helpful contributors who, for the most part, liked the original format. There were, however, a few voices who would occasionally complain about the format being antiquated, and suggested that the website be updated. I can't help but suspecting that many of these folks worked in the IT industry, so they were a bit indoctrinated into believe that one must keep up with the "I.T. Times". While they probably really believed that the site would be improved by becoming "New and Improved", it really turned out not to be the case. Or, if it was the case, the site was improved, but the users didn't. Therefore, site visits from the knowledgeable old guard posters rapidly declined. If you go to that site today, and were familiar with the old posters, you'd see that only about 20% of those contributors consistently contribute.
So, while the old G&L site was not perfect, it was set up, and scaled correctly, for the audience. Today, it might look more modern, but it's not as user friendly as it was. It might be higher performance, but the crowd doesn't call for it.
That said, I sympathize somewhat with music_al's position on this, in that there is a fair amount of repetition, and unanswered questions. I believe that the reason for these questions remaining unanswered is that contributors have tired of answering the same questions over and over. Sometimes they'll answer by saying, check out another thread, as the answer lies there, etc. The people who come to these boards for value answers, etc., are probably not tragic to lose, as once they get their answer they generally move on. On the other hand, guys who really dig their MM amp, post a question, and don't get an answer, may sell the amp and move on because they can't get help. While I think that such a situation is unusual, it may happen. So, I do believe the site could be improved without losing the "old guard" posters. However, the big questions are: 1.) How far does one go? 2.) Who will make these improvements?
If a revamp was being considered, one might think about calling administrator Craig at the G&L message board (guitarsbyleo.com), and ask him for a candid assessment of how the site improvement went for him. He put a lot of effort into modernizing the site, yet to claim it as a resounding success would be a stretch, IMHO. It's not Craig's fault at all. It's just the nature of change in a world where too much is changing. The market isn't the only thing that hates uncertainty, and, some of us just want a phone so that we can easily "dial" and talk to people.
'nuff said.
MrR
Bill Traylor (bozzy369)
Username: bozzy369

Registered: 02-2008
Posted on Sunday, September 26, 2010 - 07:35 am:   

If it isn't broke don't fix it,this site works great for what it needs to do.There is also the Music man Amps on Facebook,everything is linked.Between both you should be able to get whatever you want done.