Can I ask that a captcha is put in place on the register page? Lately, we've had a lot of spam accounts on the forums and I think I can speak on behalf of the full community and say it's becoming increasingly annoying.

If one already is in place, does anyone know any other methods on keeping these bots out?

(15 Dec 2012, 10:45 am)Daniel wrote Can I ask that a captcha is put in place on the register page? Lately, we've had a lot of spam accounts on the forums and I think I can speak on behalf of the full community and say it's becoming increasingly annoying.

If one already is in place, does anyone know any other methods on keeping these bots out?

I agree with you, I can get this sorted now...

(16 Dec 2012, 11:47 am)W179SCU wrote

(15 Dec 2012, 10:45 am)Daniel wrote Can I ask that a captcha is put in place on the register page? Lately, we've had a lot of spam accounts on the forums and I think I can speak on behalf of the full community and say it's becoming increasingly annoying.

If one already is in place, does anyone know any other methods on keeping these bots out?

I agree with you, I can get this sorted now...

Cheers Tom! Those pesky bots have been really irritating me over the past few weeks or so. Glad to see the posts have been removed and the users banned.

With all of the changes going on behind the scenes, is it possible to integrate a 'like' button on posts or a 'thumbs up/thumbs down' option?

Ocassionally I might see a post/comment and agree with what has been said, but there isn't really the opportunity or need to add to it.

(22 Jun 2013, 8:37 am)Andreos1 wrote With all of the changes going on behind the scenes, is it possible to integrate a 'like' button on posts or a 'thumbs up/thumbs down' option?

Ocassionally I might see a post/comment and agree with what has been said, but there isn't really the opportunity or need to add to it.

Hi.

We have actually tried to incorporate this function to cease the need of general appreciation posts which are so frequent on the forum.
If I recall correctly, the plugin that was tested by forum management was not appropriate and did not fulfil the purpose we wanted the plugin for.
I'll speak to Liam again to see if he did find an appropriate alternative, as it is a feature I am keen on too.

Cheers!

The likes are appearing when on the full site, but when on the phone or tablet, they dont appear.
Is this deliberate or just a glitch?

(26 Jun 2013, 6:47 pm)Liam wrote

(26 Jun 2013, 6:40 pm)Andreos1 wrote The likes are appearing when on the full site, but when on the phone or tablet, they dont appear.
Is this deliberate or just a glitch?

This should now be working. It was temporary disabled on the mobile version while the function was being tested. It does appear to be working successfully, so I have now enabled the feature.

The quotes are back too!

Just a quicky - the like button is appearing when I am using my phone, but nothing happens when I click on it.

Using Opera Mini and I have cleared the cache, switched it on/off, closed the browser etc.

If in doubt, always switch it off and back on again.
Seems to be working now - didn't know if it was a glitch at my end or not.

As currently there is only fleet lists for the "Big 3" and the Tyne and Wear Metro, what about expanding this area to include the Independents, so for example for Kingsley's/Weardale and Perrymans. I wouldn't expect all them to have individual Fleet Lists, but some of the more Major Ones as listed above.

This could be expanded further with a Service Suggestions page for a few of the more Major Independents also or just one individual page for the entire Independents Section. Another thought was to add Timetables for the Independents to the Bygone Era, if there isn't already.

(25 Aug 2013, 4:22 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote As currently there is only fleet lists for the "Big 3" and the Tyne and Wear Metro, what about expanding this area to include the Independents, so for example for Kingsley's/Weardale and Perrymans. I wouldn't expect all them to have individual Fleet Lists, but some of the more Major Ones as listed above.

Whilst the coding is in place to allow for further expansion of the fleet lists, we're not looking to expand that far just yet.
When the Fleet Lists have all had their images added as well as individual history completed, we may look to expand further - but I doubt it.

I have said to Scott that, when his purchased domain expires, we would be more than willing to add his fleet lists to our site if he chooses not to renew the domain and provide everything he does on his site at the moment, on NEB.

Until then, you can view all independent fleet lists on Scott's website here.

(25 Aug 2013, 4:44 pm)Daniel wrote Whilst the coding is in place to allow for further expansion of the fleet lists, we're not looking to expand that far just yet.
When the Fleet Lists have all had their images added as well as individual history completed, we may look to expand further - but I doubt it.

I have said to Scott that, when his purchased domain expires, we would be more than willing to add his fleet lists to our site if he chooses not to renew the domain and provide everything he does on his site at the moment, on NEB.

Until then, you can view all independent fleet lists on Scott's website here.

Fingers Crossed then as I think it would be an excellent addition to the Forum in the Future.

To avoid spammers may I suggest that every new registration be validated by an administrator or moderator prior to posting.

The process doesn't have to be invasive, just a simple IP check or whatever.

We have systems in place to prevent spammers from coming in. Why they're suddenly failing, I do not know.
A workaround does need to be put in place whilst the systems are failing though, because spam is incredibly annoying.

Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to create an automated system to spammers. Like other 'Cyber-Offenders', they're always one step ahead. People who spamming filters such systems are nearly always playing catch-up.

I do (or used to) frequent forums which have high levels of traffic yet have no spamming problems. These forums are all registration moderated. I know it's not ideal, but at least you're not relying on filters.

Monthly Photo Competition

For the Month of December I the Topic should be "Photo of Year" as chosen by all members, with Novembers winner picking the Topic for January instead. I know this may over complicate things for how the competition is run. But think it is a good idea, if it isn't already in place.

A Blast From The Past or On this Day in e.g. 1992

This could be anything from an Odd Working Photo from GNE or a News Article regarding the Quality Contracts or something like that, I think this would a great addition to the Forum under the Bygone Era possibly unless it can fit into other Areas.

The News

Now I personally love this New Addition to the Forum as it is very smartly laid out and is also very informative, Now this thought may only work on the GNE side but I'm not sure. What about a summary of Odd Workings Captured by NEB Flickr Members over the course of the week as not everyone posts links to there photos for people to view on say the GNE Page.

(06 Sep 2013, 12:43 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote A Blast From The Past or On this Day in e.g. 1992

I'm very much in favour of this.

(06 Sep 2013, 12:43 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote A Blast From The Past or On this Day in e.g. 1992

This could be anything from an Odd Working Photo from GNE or a News Article regarding the Quality Contracts or something like that, I think this would a great addition to the Forum under the Bygone Era possibly unless it can fit into other Areas.

On this day in 1992, Andreos1 got asked by the driver for his Under 16 pass - unfortunately, he didn't have it and had to walk home in the rain. He got wrong off his mother and sent to bed early.

On this day in 1998, AdamMalarkey was left in limbo as the bus to the Galleries broke down, causing chaos on the approach roads.

I love the idea too - but what is newsworthy and is there enough to do 365 news stories over the course of a year?

(06 Sep 2013, 2:58 pm)Andreos1 wrote On this day in 1992, Andreos1 got asked by the driver for his Under 16 pass - unfortunately, he didn't have it and had to walk home in the rain. He got wrong off his mother and sent to bed early.

On this day in 1998, AdamMalarkey was left in limbo as the bus to the Galleries broke down, causing chaos on the approach roads.

I love the idea too - but what is newsworthy and is there enough to do 365 news stories over the course of a year?

Obviously there won't be enough news-worthy items to cover all 365 days of the year. But there may be one or two over the course of each month which will hopefully provoke a little more debate. October 26th, for example, might provide an opportunity for some to look for articles in local libraries regarding public perception of deregulation in 1986. Forum members could then post anything notable that they've come across etc.

(06 Sep 2013, 3:10 pm)AdamY wrote Obviously there won't be enough news-worthy items to cover all 365 days of the year. But there may be one or two over the course of each month which will hopefully provoke a little more debate. October 26th, for example, might provide an opportunity for some to look for articles in local libraries regarding public perception of deregulation in 1986. Forum members could then post anything notable that they've come across etc.

Come to think of it (this did actually happen - but we will have to keep it until next year.
On September 3rd 1999, I had to get off the last 638 (or might have been the 777) 3 stops early after a night on the pop, for obvious reasons.
I tried hanging on, but once you pop....

It's doesn't have to be just for Buses or the North East Specifically, It would obviously have to have more depth to it so example Trains/Planes, even if it was just a weekly or monthly thing, as Daily would be rather excessive and quite boring would be better than nothing.

Here's a thought - Flash Back Fridays on NEB - Every Friday there would be a News Article or a Photo or Something Posted which relates to a Certain Topic from that specific week. I think that would be actually than my original Idea.

I read through these posts at school earlier, but have been really pushed for time all day - didn't realise how busy my Friday timetable was! :p

(06 Sep 2013, 12:43 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote Monthly Photo Competition

For the Month of December I the Topic should be "Photo of Year" as chosen by all members, with Novembers winner picking the Topic for January instead. I know this may over complicate things for how the competition is run. But think it is a good idea, if it isn't already in place.

I was a bit pushed for themes this month, hence the lenient title of 'ANYTHING!'
October, November and December have obvious themes that could be chosen based upon holidays celebrated in those months. Of course it is ultimately dependent on the winner of the previous month's competition and they may not suggest a theme related to a holiday celebrated within that month, but hopefully someone will pick a good theme if they win!
I do want to hear suggestions for the Monthly Comp though. I appreciate not all of our members take photographs, but those that do often don't enter; nor do they vote... 'Tis a great shame really, as I think discussions that aren't necessarily related to current bus events should be more active. There are various other communities that serve the same purpose as this website, but their discussion is somewhat limited and it all seems very much forced to me.

(06 Sep 2013, 12:43 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote A Blast From The Past or On this Day in e.g. 1992

This could be anything from an Odd Working Photo from GNE or a News Article regarding the Quality Contracts or something like that, I think this would a great addition to the Forum under the Bygone Era possibly unless it can fit into other Areas.

The administrators (past and present) of this forum have set up the forum so that the community can expand it how they would like to. I have recently noticed more threads popping up in our off topic sections (both bus and non-bus related) and members hosting their own competitions to run alongside our more frequently used, "Guess The Bus" and of course, Monthly Comp.
Other members have shown interest in your above suggestion already, which proves that it is a good idea and the thread wouldn't die straight away. I see potential for this to occur on Thursdays/Fridays, under the name of "Throwback Thursday" or "Flashback Friday".
The above (more so the former from experience) are quite common on social media websites such as Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr, when content from the past is shared. The trend is being adapted on other social media websites too, so why not have it on North East Buses?

What I would suggest, however, is that this thread does emerge in the off-topic bus section rather than the Bygone Era.

(06 Sep 2013, 12:43 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote The News

Now I personally love this New Addition to the Forum as it is very smartly laid out and is also very informative, Now this thought may only work on the GNE side but I'm not sure. What about a summary of Odd Workings Captured by NEB Flickr Members over the course of the week as not everyone posts links to there photos for people to view on say the GNE Page.

At present, news will only be submitted on a fortnightly basis. When originally setting up the news, I decided that I didn't want anyone to tie themselves down with a job that had to be done weekly. Despite this, I have said to the site's admin team that I am more than happy to provide a weekly update in the event of a great deal of transfers happening. I'm looking at Sunday's update now, and there has just been so many things happening over the past two weeks. It really wouldn't be logical to include incorrect allocations when so many happen daily. We are containing loans (even if they are just daily), and I do think that is as lenient as we can become.


Thanks for your ideas, Adam.

Just a bit of fun, but what would be the possibility of NEB running an annual awards with categories? Could be something as simple as taking nominations for the whole of November, with a two week voting period in December? Winners being announced on Christmas Eve or something like that.

(09 Sep 2013, 9:09 pm)aureolin wrote Just a bit of fun, but what would be the possibility of NEB running an annual awards with categories? Could be something as simple as taking nominations for the whole of November, with a two week voting period in December? Winners being announced on Christmas Eve or something like that.

What sort of categories should there be?

How about:
* The David Bailey Trophy for making the most referrals to their Flickr page?
* The Fencehouses Popular Front Award to the member who made the most mentions of Fencehouses?
* The Silverlink Retail Park Certificate for the most mentions of the Coast Road & Formica in a route suggestion thread?
* The Ian Hignett Shield for the person who owned up to being a GNE Facebook character?

Any others?

I've done it on plenty of other small community groups I've managed but that's when there has mostly been some sort of multiplayer simulator involved so coming up with categories was relatively easy as there were lots of things you could comment on. Not sure how it would work on here - unless you can give us a few more categories (in addition to Andreos1's fantastic few ).

* The Ian Hignett Shield for the person who owned up to being a GNE Facebook character?

I love the idea of a Ian Hignett Shield. The whole concept just sounds like something you'd compete for in a pool tournament at a youth club.

(10 Sep 2013, 5:29 am)Daniel wrote I've done it on plenty of other small community groups I've managed but that's when there has mostly been some sort of multiplayer simulator involved so coming up with categories was relatively easy as there were lots of things you could comment on. Not sure how it would work on here - unless you can give us a few more categories (in addition to Andreos1's fantastic few ).

I was thinking along the lines of what the Jeff's Bus Lane site used to do. With that site being no more, it may be something worth carrying on with NEB.

• Best performing large company
  
• Best Performing Small Company
  
• Most Improved Company
  
• Most Under-whelming Company
  
• The Most Impressive New Purchase by a North East Company
  
• The Most Impressive Second Hand Purchase by a North East Company
  
• The Most Missed Withdrawal of the Year
  
• The Least Missed Withdrawal of the Year
  

That's probably a good start, but I'd possibly add the following to it:

• Route of the year
  
• Bus of the year
  
• Customer Service award
  
• Social Media award
  

(10 Sep 2013, 3:15 pm)aureolin wrote I was thinking along the lines of what the Jeff's Bus Lane site used to do. With that site being no more, it may be something worth carrying on with NEB.

• Best performing large company
  
• Best Performing Small Company
  
• Most Improved Company
  
• Most Under-whelming Company
  
• The Most Impressive New Purchase by a North East Company
  
• The Most Impressive Second Hand Purchase by a North East Company
  
• The Most Missed Withdrawal of the Year
  
• The Least Missed Withdrawal of the Year
  

That's probably a good start, but I'd possibly add the following to it:

• Route of the year
  
• Bus of the year
  
• Customer Service award
  
• Social Media award
  

Ah, haha. Sorry about that.
Thought you were wanting an awards ceremony for us members! Whoops!

(10 Sep 2013, 3:27 pm)Andreos1 wrote Ah, haha. Sorry about that.
Thought you were wanting an awards ceremony for us members! Whoops!

So did I!
Does anyone know if that sort of awards ceremony was successful on JBL?

(10 Sep 2013, 4:11 pm)Daniel wrote So did I!
Does anyone know if that sort of awards ceremony was successful on JBL?

Seems to have ran from 2004-2011, so it must have attracted enough interest. I'm not entirely sure how the nominations or voting worked though!