Discussions

As most might have noticed, we've had some pretty significant growth in the discussion groups since Christmas (an average day is seeing twice as many member posts and eBrandon's visitor numbers are up another 15%).  
 
With these new discussions (which have been great), there is a greatever diversity than ever of discussion topics. Some that really interest specific people, and some that are for everyone. With diversity comes choice... and with that in mind I've rolled out a pretty significant update to the discussion section of the site this afternoon. This update gives you as a member of eBrandon more power than ever before to determine what information is on the site, and how important each thread is.  
 
On each discussion thread right below the first post, you'll now see a small box that lets you answer a simple question about that discussion topic.. picking from one of three options:  
- I like it  
- I'm neutral  
- Bury it  
 
Here's where it gets fun for anyone that's an eBrandon member.  
 
For each discussion that you "Like," you are helping to decide which are the most popular discussions on the site... all the while teaching the site what YOU like to read personally.  
 
Based on your answers, each of the following are done:  
- Your vote helps towards ranking the most popular discussions of the past two days, seven days and month (roll your mouse over top of "Discussions" in the top menu and pick popular to see). Popular threads are also ranked from the Popular tab in the main front page discussion box.  
- Helps to determine what the front page "Hot topic" is  
- Helps to reward those that have started new and interesting discussion topics. Each thread now has a "Likes" number in the top-right corner.  
- As I said, teaches eBrandon what you like. Each time you submit a like, it learns a little more about the groups you like to read threads in the most. Based on that, you get a list of "suggested" threads on the Popular Threads page as well as your personal profile  
- Allows you to basically "Bookmark" threads. Each thread that you Like is added to your personal profile. As you add more, you basically build your own personalized discussion forum from your profile.  
- Allows you to contribute to "burying" threads that are very specific and many not as generally interesting to your average person (This part is an ongoing thing.. I will be keeping an eye on the bury numbers to make sure that popular discussions are not buried)  
 
The more that regularly submit their preferences on threads, the better this system and site will be for all... and the more room we'll have to keep growing to accomodate more Western Manitobans.  
 
In case the book I've typed in this thread isn't enough You can read more, including a Q and A, at http://www.ebrandon.ca/aboutliked.aspx  
:)  
 
Another update to how site moderation works will be coming over the next week or so. Feel free to ask any other questions you might have in this thread.  
 
thanks for reading, and enjoy!