Ideas for Forum expansion

[gibbo]

As suggested by Emerald Midi here's a new thread to gather any ideas members may have about raising the excitement and interest level here on the MM forum. For those that missed my post, here's what I gave as a suggestion on the earlier thread:
(quote)
I actually do have an idea for building the forum and MM membership.
I've directed a number of people here but one thing that seems to put them off is that they can't really pre-view (pre-listen to) the midi or mp3 files. I think they can just browse the forum and any files here and the archives of what's available on MM (feel free to correct me if I'm misinformed about this).
Most other sites and forums have a midi collection that visitors can just check out to see if they like them before signing up. Now, MM files are as good as anything you can find on the web but how is the first-time visitor going to know that? What I suggest is that you and Glenn work out a way to let visitors access and even download the Top 10 each week. With a page titled "Latest midi/mp3" or some such we'd pick up a lot of newbie midi searchers.
MM would undoubtedly end up with a lot of these people signing up for the complete archive collection and the forum would grow in leaps and bounds.
It's just an idea and maybe you've already considered it but what do you think?
Cheers, Dave.

[Tiny]

hi gibbo
good idea. also as like other site,s iv,e visited
they allow a short preview of a song which give,s
them an idea of what they think to the sound
just another suggestion....... guy,s
rgd,s Tiny

[shyamwestwind]

gibbo, thats a great suggestion, esp. the previewing part of it. As for permitting newbies to download the Top Ten, I think we can arouse their greed by permitting downloads of two or three Top Midis.
Glenn and Pat will need to work on how to implement this, if they accept your suggestion
Good one gibbo.!!!!!

[rosybud1956]

Hi Gibbo. Very good idea and to add to your suggestion. I notice Glenn's comments that members haven't searched the main site well for midis they are seeking. Instead of having a list to search would it be possible to have a search area on the main site. Less time consuming. And again non financial members may be encouraged to join if they can find the midis they are seeking before paying up. Regards Lyn

[midimart]

Now these suggestions I WILL take on board.

As for the taster, there is one on the main home page, and also on the top 10 charts page on the main site.

Top right hand corner, Selected Track Of The Month..... This can be downloaded or just played.....

Now, as for snippets of the files that can be downloaded, seems a very viable addition.....

OK, this I will implement, on the top 10 charts.

I'll have a think on the search engine and see what I can come up with.

[Emerald Midi]

As it stands only those who are registered (and logged in. Important point, that) can actually view certain areas of the forum, for example non registered members cannot read this post.

Are you suggesting Dave we allow non-members to view the forum but not participate on it, so as to allow them the opportunity to see what they're missing, etc?

Well, as I alluded to in a previous post found here the admin team are currently (and constantly) considering different ways of improving the forum and this is one area we are looking into.

Please bare in mind my only input on this issue is in relation to this forum, the main site is Glenn's domain.

[gibbo]

Hi Pat, I think that it would be a good idea to allow non-registered members to view the posts but not to post on a thread until they register. I think that most "guests" would quickly realise that this particular Forum is very well run, administered by some great moderators and hosts many sensible, helpful members who care about music and treat each other with respect. I'm quite sure that just reading some of the threads here would attract many new members of similar persuasion.
Cheers, Dave.

[Emerald Midi]

Thanks Dave. Your input is greatly appreciated.

I will go over this with Glenn, Geraint and the gang and see what they think.

In the meantime, if others have an opinion on this, or indeed some suggestions like Dave, then please don't hesitate to place them here.

Thank you.

[ironbaden]

I've actually joined 2 other forums on the basis of what i've read in the forum posts...i've also not joined forms for the same reason. I think being able to read and not post for non forum members will add to the mebership. Just a thought.

[thingyy]

So everyone will miss out on the "expertise" of folks that dont wish to pay membership for midi files !
Do what Midi Cad did and only allow files to be sent by the " admin" on a request basis and just show a list of available files.
As for requests that are not on this site have a request area for private swaps via emails.
If you dont want to post your address then you miss out.

[gibbo]

Thingyy, I don't quite get what you're saying with, "So everyone will miss out on the "expertise" of folks that dont wish to pay membership for midi files !" If you're talking about the suggestions in this thread I think you must've misunderstood something (unless I misunderstood you ... lol).
There are 2 separate issues; one is registering as a forum member and the other is the paid membership to MM.net for downloading mp3s and midifiles.
Registering as a forum member costs nothing and has always allowed you to avail yourself of all the expertise and advice you want without paying a cent. As a matter of fact, I'm not a paid-up member of MM.net because I don't use mp3s, write my own midifiles for the most part and have more songs than I'll ever need. When someone asks me about getting backing tracks I send 'em here.
I come here because I enjoy helping others and communicating with like-minded musicians.
Cheers, Dave.

[Emerald Midi]

Well said Dave. You are a great example of the midimart spirit.

[thingyy]

I was getting at the being able to read and not post suggestion. I am the same as you gibbo I have over 50,000 pro quality midis. If I want any I buy or make from different demos.
I have now got my own place to live and have set my 'puter'up so I can now participate in filling some of those requests.

[Emerald Midi]

That''s great news thingy. I am sure there will be many who will want to take advantage you your kind offer.

[oldsage]

you could also make it ,that guests could view but not download anything on the forum,until they are registered.also you could have a music sheet/book section where sheet music or plain chords and lyrics of songs.or collection of songs,ie country rock abba beatles all different genres.guest could see what is available,but cant download unless they join.a bit of a teaser you might say.! steve

[JohnG]

Hi All,

Why don't we have a section where members could add their impressions and reviews of equipment they own. Things like midi file players like JazzCat's recent review of the SD2 and we could have all those wonderful sound modules and keyboards from Yamaha and Roland etc. We could have mixers and amps and effects units etc. Even things like pre-made cables, plug types, midi controllers keyboard controllers, speakers amped and unamped. Software including sequencers, VST add-ins, sample sets. Microphones, radio mics. The list is huge.

What I guess we'd need is a way of listing people's pros and cons, what support has been like, if known. Maybe where it was bought if 2nd hand (Hmm dunno). Any setup problems e.g. channel gain isn't good enough for dynamic mics when used at a distance (for a mixer). I guess the reviews don't have to be professional just 1st impressions etc. then maybe added to as they becaome more familiar with them. It could be broken down into sections on sound modules or equivalent, mixers, amps, speakers, fx units etc.

Wadyafink?

JohnG.

[weegeo]

Thats a great idea johnG it would be very interesting to know what setup different folks use,for example people in the states would probably use a different setup to us in europe.

[Tubbs]

Sounds a good idea to me lads, i'll put it to the powers that be and see what happens.

Cheers.
Gerry.

[midimart]

Again - WE DO listen.....

midimart.proboards56.com/index.cgi?board=igg

[JohnG]

D..n, too quick!

Right. I guess the onus is now on me to write at least one. Here's a list:
Yamaha DB50-XG waveblaster daughter board
" SW1000-XG Sound card
" MU1000 - sound module
" MU128 " "
" PLG100-VH - vocal harmoniser plug-in board
" PLG100-DX - FM synthesis " "
" PLG100-VL - virtual acoustic " "
" PLG150-AN - physical modelling " " (Prophet 5 emulator)
" PLG150-PF - piano plug in board
Added today Roland SC-8850 - I need to get to know it first!
Mackie DFX12 mixer.
Yamaha XGworks ver3 sequencer.

Anyone want any of these reviewed?
JohnG