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subego · Mar 3, 2013, 01:15 PM

Why aren't we doing this again?

I'm not asking to be a dick. I just forgot what the issue was and want to dedicate some processor cycles in my brain towards solving the problem.

This assumes there's a general consensus some merging is a good idea. I get the feeling there is.

turtle777 · Mar 3, 2013, 02:13 PM

Let's merge the Feedback Lounge and the PWL.

-t

reader50 · Mar 3, 2013, 02:34 PM

We're still considering merging GUI Customization into another forum. It's gotten very hard to skin OS X, traffic there is very low, and it has no assigned mods. However, agreement has not been reached on which forum it would be merged into.

It looks like other mergers are off the table, unless people speak up. We may fiddle with categories a bit. ie - Networking may move from Enthusiast to Hardware.

shifuimam · Mar 5, 2013, 08:31 AM

What about merging hardware hacking and GUI customization into a single Hacking/Customization forum?

subego · Mar 5, 2013, 11:46 AM

Not a bad idea. Maybe the "Hack Your Mac" forum.

Shit. There goes the whackadoodle star signal.

reader50 · Mar 5, 2013, 01:00 PM

Enthusiast Zone
----------------
Gaming
Classic Macs and Mac OS
~~hardware~~ Hacking
Art & Graphic Design
Networking

subego · Mar 5, 2013, 01:04 PM

I originally thought "Hacking", but that word has baggage.

To be clear though, I don't mind it personally.

The Final Dakar · Mar 5, 2013, 01:07 PM

Hardware and software liberation?

Brien · Mar 6, 2013, 12:10 AM

Just 'Customization' would work. Or 'Modding'.

andi*pandi · Mar 6, 2013, 07:48 AM

Mac modification?

Networking doesn't belong in enthusiast. It's not a hobby or use case... When I have a networky/devicey thread to post,, I waver between it and consumer devices, so it would be helpful to group these so people can see the descriptions closer together.

subego · Mar 6, 2013, 11:28 AM

Should we still have a network forum, or just fold that into consumer hardware? Networking is definitely on the low traffic side of things, and the split is mildly confusing.

The only reason I wouldn't say this isn't a flat-out obvious merge is the Glenn factor.

Spheric Harlot · Mar 6, 2013, 03:00 PM

Networking has absolutely ZERO to do with "enthusiasm".

It is primarily a necessary evil that needs to be dealt with when troubleshooting or buying equipment, and as such belongs with defective hardware and boneheaded software questions.

The only reason it's in Enthusiast, I'd guess, is because it generally involves both hard- and software, and as such, isn't directly assignable to one of the more appropriate discussion forums.

reader50 · Mar 6, 2013, 03:51 PM

Enthusiast used to be Other Topics. Since networking involves both hardware and software, it fit well there. Since the rename, we've discussed where it might go instead. Hardware section probably.

subego · Mar 8, 2013, 04:39 AM

I'd say networking issues these days mostly boil down to hardware/firmware.

Spheric Harlot · Mar 8, 2013, 04:48 AM

Originally Posted by subego

I'd say networking issues these days mostly boil down to hardware/firmware.

^ There's a guy who hasn't tried to connect to a server via SMB since upgrading to 10.7...

subego · Mar 8, 2013, 08:30 AM

Fair enough.

subego · Mar 9, 2013, 12:49 PM

I think the two 800 pound gorillas are merging Laptops and Desktops into one as well as iPhoad and iPhoad Apps.

That last one hurts. I've been trying.

subego · Mar 12, 2013, 10:46 AM

Judging by the overwhelming response, I'd say this measure passes.

ShortcutToMoncton · Mar 12, 2013, 12:12 PM

NEWS

HARDWARE: TROUBLESHOOTING/DISCUSSION
Macs
iDevices
Peripherals

SOFTWARE: TROUBLESHOOTING/DISCUSSION
OS X & Apps
Classic Mac OS
iOS & Appls
Other OSes
Developer

HOBBIES
Gaming
Hardware Mods
Art & Graphic Design

COMMUNITY
Lounge
Feedback
Marketplace

Spheric Harlot · Mar 12, 2013, 01:09 PM

I'd put the Classic Macs in the Hobbies category.

And you forgot Networking.

The Final Dakar · Mar 12, 2013, 01:23 PM

Networking & Peripherals?

ShortcutToMoncton · Mar 12, 2013, 02:15 PM

Yeah exactly. It's a forum that probably sees less than 10 posts a month, and most seem to be about printers or routers (i.e. peripherals). I've stated my opinion on this subject many times; why these forums still exist is a total mystery to me. IMO, there should be a general rule where if a forum gets less than 10 legitimate posts and/or 3 threads in a month for more than 3 straight months, it should immediately disappear. (I would not have a Graphic Design subforum, either...what's wrong with rolling that into Applications, other than some mod/MacNN Person of Influence decided it was their pet project at some point?)

I'm against the Classic OS forum in general - it's destined to be an increasingly dead forum as time passes - but no harm in the enthusiast section, I suppose.