Poll to choose the new layout structure

Arvo, read my post to DMCO a minute ago. My thoughts on brand & format were offered simply because choices were being offered to select 1 or the other as the top choice. If forced into making a pick, sure, I’ll pick one (& I have). But I’d rather a bit of flexibility thru which to view the content (yes, tags would do it - but I doubt that’ll happen for quite a while). Eg, the existing site already has some flexibility: we can view the union of all posts, or select a variety of subsets - great. But it doesn’t allow a variety of subsets people are discussing in this thread. I’m simply suggesting an imperfect alternative that might address some of those requests, in the absence of the perfect flexibility that designs like tags might provide.

It seems to me that the goal is not (should not) be to “get free of some gear-based forums” … but, rather, the goal should be to NOT be “gear-centric”. That said, one cannot do photography without gear of course, so the thought of creating a photography site without some discussion of gear seems a bit unrealistic to me.

I don‘t think you‘re wrong with your other points, but this is a simple numbers game: It‘s not possible because there are not enough users here for that. Per brand? Maybe but barely (at least from what I‘ve seen so far), per mount? I highly doubt it. Per specific Camera type? (a la "Full Frame Mirrorless Nikon" - not a chance, as it currently stands. Maybe I‘m wrong but that‘s my perception at least.

I think @BillFerris is right. The announcement of making it "less gear centric" is probably not something which is going to happen with the changes as they‘re proposed. And because many people don‘t want that anyway, it doesn‘t even seem like a problem to me. In my eyes the goal is (and probably should be at this stage) to reduce the number of subforums significantly in order to create more visibility by having fewer levels/specific subs to accidentally hide away stuff and - where possible - create a couple of connections/bridges between areas where there is some overlap.

I like take 3 best. But, I think since there's an Oly M43 there should also be the corresponding group for Panasonic. Or did I miss it?

SimpleJoy is right. The numbers just aren't here to support all the separate subsections and have meaningful interactions contained within them. More subsections, regardless of of they are layered, will still create potentially more empty storefronts and ghost towns. Yet you are confronted with your customer base's preference for that type of division, understandable since almost all came here from DPR under the threat of its closure, not because they were seeking a less brand-driven forum. The success of this move to the photocentric will depend largely on getting the member base more comfortable with conversations that cross the lines of brand and format and go past the boundaries of equipment talk.

There are ways to encourage this in addition to compression: adding a landing page with engaging photocentric editorial content, new forum features like tags and threaded view, a member recruitment/retention effort. But members have a role in this too: we can look beyond brand in deciding which content to interact with, and in developing/posting inclusive and interesting threads that will attract others to engage across those lines. When we go to an art museum, or plan a trip to a beautiful location, or choose a photographer to take a course from, we are not usually accessing that product through the lens of camera brand, but through results we admire or aspire to. We can approach our forum the same way.

I recommend keeping it as simple as possible, a minimalist version like "Photographic equipment" could suffice.
Personally, I never look at the Home forums, only the Threads section.

This summer, you’ll be traversing Big Sur at about the same speed in the Yugo and a La Ferrari. And if you’re going south you’ll have to turn around a few miles south of Nepenthe.

1. I signed in and came to this thread.
2. I tried to view the various options.
3. It asked me to sign in.
4. When I once AGAIN tried to sign in, it said my username and password were not correct.

CONCLUSION: This board is not ready for prime time. I do wish you luck, but I am OUT of here.

There have been a total of 36 votes in 19 hours.

Based on that volume, I'd suggest just two forums are required - Open Talk and Dumpster.

@Peano

As mentioned, it’s a (dummy) test website.
You can view only.

dev2.dprevived.com

I voted for number one: I like the existing one

the try 2 opiton with draconian enforcement of a rule specifying that the theme title must be specific.

p.

Draconian rules were considered unfair, excessively harsh and cruel.

Hi,

My choice for such places: a Lotus Seven. Totally open roadster with plenty of track capability should you get a stretch. Also happy to putter along as if it were a tractor.

Usually stuffed into a race trailer hung on the back of a Dually Diesel to get from here to near there. The Interstate Highway is zero fun in a Seven. ;)

Plenty of room in the boot for photo equipment.

Stan