IMPORTANT: the future of our forum.

[Feedthewolf 5,885]

As I said in the Part 4 thread, Archant's future is far from certain after its takeover by a private equity firm last year. The daily papers have been making a loss for years, so the company is almost completely reliant on digital advertising/innovation to make itself viable.

The new CEO, Lorna Willis, is a very unconventional choice... she's a real wild card, a fierce innovator and only 45. I met her many times during my time at Archant, and although she's very much a 'Marmite' kind of character, I really bought into her passion, positivity and digital nous. More about her here: https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/archant-ceo-lorna-willis-mission-to-save-local-journalism/

The bottom line, though, is that the company is shrinking and streamlining, so we shouldn't discount the possibility that this forum may become a lower priority and potentially one day disappear altogether.

I hope @Pete Raven and the other moderators can see that my purpose for starting this thread is not to criticise Archant or the sterling work that Pete has put into this forum over many years, but simply to ensure that the community we've built up here can continue irrespective of the fluctuating fortunes of Archant.

So, what should we do? How much would it cost to set up and maintain a 'mirror' Pinkun forum, where everyone can sign up with their current usernames/details, but just leave it 'dormant' until such time as we need it? Who would be happy in principle to make a donation towards crowdfunding it if we go down this route? Should this forum go down the tubes, would we be able to preserve the existing post database and transfer it from Archant's servers? My tech knowledge is seriously limited, but I know there are a fair few posters who are quite to suggest potential solution to tech/hosting issues.

This is very much a brain dump, but we've got literally millions of posts of NCFC history on here (some more instructive than others!), and I think that as a community we should have a sensible discussion about how best to ensure its future. Imagine waking up one morning and the forum has just gone! This is the biggest and longest-standing NCFC forum on the internet, and as we embark upon another season as a Premier League club, it's imperative that we maintain the integrity of our spiritual online home.

All thoughts welcomed.

 

Edited August 8, 2021 by Feedthewolf
Editing.

[FatCanary 249]

6 minutes ago, Feedthewolf said:

As I said in the Part 4 thread, Archant's future is far from certain after its takeover by a private equity firm last year. The daily papers have been making a loss for years, so the company is almost completely reliant on digital advertising/innovation to make itself viable.

The new CEO, Lorna Willis, is a very unconventional choice... she's a real wild card, a fierce innovator and only 45. I met her many times during my time at Archant, and although she's very much a 'Marmite' kind of character, I really bought into her passion, positivity and digital nous. More about her here: https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/archant-ceo-lorna-willis-mission-to-save-local-journalism/

The bottom line, though, is that the company is shrinking and streamlining, so we shouldn't discount the possibility that this forum may become a lower priority and potentially one day disappear altogether.

I hope @Pete Raven and the other moderators can see that my purpose for starting this thread is not to criticise Archant or the sterling work that Pete has put into this forum over many years, but simply to ensure that the community we've built up here can continue irrespective of the fluctuating fortunes of Archant.

So, what should we do? How much would it cost to set up and maintain a 'mirror' Pinkun forum, where everyone can sign up with their current usernames/details, but just leave it 'dormant' until such time as we need it? Who would be happy in principle to make a donation towards crowdfunding it if we go down this route? Should this forum go down the tubes, would we be able to preserve the existing post database and transfer it from Archant's servers? My tech knowledge is seriously limited, but I know there are a fair few posters who are quite to suggest potential solution to tech/hosting issues.

This is very much a brain dump, but we've got literally millions of posts of NCFC history on here (some more instructive than others!), and I think that as a community we should have a sensible discussion about how best to ensure its future. Imagine waking up one morning and the forum has just gone! This is the biggest and longest-standing NCFC forum on the internet, and as we embark upon another season as a Premier League club, it's imperative that we maintain the integrity of our spiritual online home.

All thoughts welcomed.

 

 I don't know much about the situation with Archant, but site migration is definitely something I can do. Anyone who wants to reach out to me for help with this kind of thing should it be needed, please do. Keeps me sharp.

[Midlands Yellow 4,682]

12 minutes ago, Feedthewolf said:

As I said in the Part 4 thread, Archant's future is far from certain after its takeover by a private equity firm last year. The daily papers have been making a loss for years, so the company is almost completely reliant on digital advertising/innovation to make itself viable.

The new CEO, Lorna Willis, is a very unconventional choice... she's a real wild card, a fierce innovator and only 45. I met her many times during my time at Archant, and although she's very much a 'Marmite' kind of character, I really bought into her passion, positivity and digital nous. More about her here: https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/archant-ceo-lorna-willis-mission-to-save-local-journalism/

The bottom line, though, is that the company is shrinking and streamlining, so we shouldn't discount the possibility that this forum may become a lower priority and potentially one day disappear altogether.

I hope @Pete Raven and the other moderators can see that my purpose for starting this thread is not to criticise Archant or the sterling work that Pete has put into this forum over many years, but simply to ensure that the community we've built up here can continue irrespective of the fluctuating fortunes of Archant.

So, what should we do? How much would it cost to set up and maintain a 'mirror' Pinkun forum, where everyone can sign up with their current usernames/details, but just leave it 'dormant' until such time as we need it? Who would be happy in principle to make a donation towards crowdfunding it if we go down this route? Should this forum go down the tubes, would we be able to preserve the existing post database and transfer it from Archant's servers? My tech knowledge is seriously limited, but I know there are a fair few posters who are quite to suggest potential solution to tech/hosting issues.

This is very much a brain dump, but we've got literally millions of posts of NCFC history on here (some more instructive than others!), and I think that as a community we should have a sensible discussion about how best to ensure its future. Imagine waking up one morning and the forum has just gone! This is the biggest and longest-standing NCFC forum on the internet, and as we embark upon another season as a Premier League club, it's imperative that we maintain the integrity of our spiritual online home.

All thoughts welcomed.

 

A bit like Brassed Off? Good film if anyone hasn’t seen it. 

[Wings of a Sparrow 1,708]

Good post.

I would be happy to contribute funds (depending on how much obviously) to continue the good community going that we currently have.

[Disco Dales Jockstrap 1,959]

3 minutes ago, Feedthewolf said:

...so we shouldn't discount the possibility that this forum may become a lower priority...

If this forum becomes any less of a priority, they'll be using it to clean the toilets...

 

Data protection would be an issue with transferring data from Archant to another forum run by somebody else.

I don't think it would be massively difficult to set up another forum, it would be whether you could get the numbers to run it (moderation, IT support etc) properly or the funds for someone else to run it on your behalf.

OTBC

[Herman 11,136]

Thanks Wolfy for this.

Yes it is easy to mock this forum sometimes but it is a good community on the whole, with a lot of great posters, interesting debates and a lot of useful tips and news, especially welcomed by exiled fans like myself.

My only other experience of forums is another that is entirely self funded (voluntary) to cover server costs etc. This maybe a way to go forward.

 

 

[Midlands Yellow 4,682]

4 minutes ago, Herman said:

Thanks Wolfy for this.

Yes it is easy to mock this forum sometimes but it is a good community on the whole, with a lot of great posters, interesting debates and a lot of useful tips and news, especially welcomed by exiled fans like myself.

My only other experience of forums is another that is entirely self funded (voluntary) to cover server costs etc. This maybe a way to go forward.

 

 

If it’s self funded count me in. We could just sell the best poster every summer to maintain costs. 

[Fuzzar 1,861]

I'd be very happy to chip in.

But would we have to invite all current posters to migrate? I'll start getting a list together of non-desirables if you like. 

And I'd like any new forum to have a more relaxed approach to swearing. I'd particularly like to say **** and **** more often. 

[Feedthewolf 5,885]

3 minutes ago, Disco Dales Jockstrap said:

If this forum becomes any less of a priority, they'll be using it to clean the toilets...

Data protection would be an issue with transferring data from Archant to another forum run by somebody else.

I don't think it would be massively difficult to set up another forum, it would be whether you could get the numbers to run it (moderation, IT support etc) properly or the funds for someone else to run it on your behalf.

OTBC

Not sure how much you know about GDPR, but I don't think the forum holds personal details that can identify an individual, does it? If it was just usernames and email addresses with a clear 'opt out' ability, would that work?

10 minutes ago, FatCanary said:

 I don't know much about the situation with Archant, but site migration is definitely something I can do. Anyone who wants to reach out to me for help with this kind of thing should it be needed, please do. Keeps me sharp.

Much obliged!

[Midlands Yellow 4,682]

1 minute ago, Fuzzar said:

I'd be very happy to chip in.

But would we have to invite all current posters to migrate? I'll start getting a list together of non-desirables if you like. 

And I'd like any new forum to have a more relaxed approach to swearing. I'd particularly like to say **** and **** more often. 

List please. 

[hogesar 10,763]

Happy to help with migration. Can probably host on one of my local servers in Norwich too, which we'd do all for free as part of our local community stuff to be honest.

[Fuzzar 1,861]

1 minute ago, Midlands Yellow said:

List please. 

1. Midlands Yellow... 😉

[dylanisabaddog 6,143]

I'll cough up. I tried to send you a personal message with a pledge of funds but the site wouldn't let me..... 

[Feedthewolf 5,885]

2 minutes ago, hogesar said:

Happy to help with migration. Can probably host on one of my local servers in Norwich too, which we'd do all for free as part of our local community stuff to be honest.

Cheers Hoggy. Totally going to run out of reactions soon, so thanks in advance to anyone else who offers their help/advice/support on here!

[Mr Angry 2,017]

Happy to contribute financially.

[Bill 1,788]

28 minutes ago, Feedthewolf said:

As I said in the Part 4 thread, Archant's future is far from certain after its takeover by a private equity firm last year. The daily papers have been making a loss for years, so the company is almost completely reliant on digital advertising/innovation to make itself viable.

The new CEO, Lorna Willis, is a very unconventional choice... she's a real wild card, a fierce innovator and only 45. I met her many times during my time at Archant, and although she's very much a 'Marmite' kind of character, I really bought into her passion, positivity and digital nous. More about her here: https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/archant-ceo-lorna-willis-mission-to-save-local-journalism/

The bottom line, though, is that the company is shrinking and streamlining, so we shouldn't discount the possibility that this forum may become a lower priority and potentially one day disappear altogether.

I hope @Pete Raven and the other moderators can see that my purpose for starting this thread is not to criticise Archant or the sterling work that Pete has put into this forum over many years, but simply to ensure that the community we've built up here can continue irrespective of the fluctuating fortunes of Archant.

So, what should we do? How much would it cost to set up and maintain a 'mirror' Pinkun forum, where everyone can sign up with their current usernames/details, but just leave it 'dormant' until such time as we need it? Who would be happy in principle to make a donation towards crowdfunding it if we go down this route? Should this forum go down the tubes, would we be able to preserve the existing post database and transfer it from Archant's servers? My tech knowledge is seriously limited, but I know there are a fair few posters who are quite to suggest potential solution to tech/hosting issues.

This is very much a brain dump, but we've got literally millions of posts of NCFC history on here (some more instructive than others!), and I think that as a community we should have a sensible discussion about how best to ensure its future. Imagine waking up one morning and the forum has just gone! This is the biggest and longest-standing NCFC forum on the internet, and as we embark upon another season as a Premier League club, it's imperative that we maintain the integrity of our spiritual online home.

All thoughts welcomed.

 

I have nothing to add, but I would like to use the quote button so as to clog up the thread

as seems the wont of the not too bright

[Fuzzar 1,861]

2. Bill. 

[Disco Dales Jockstrap 1,959]

14 minutes ago, Feedthewolf said:

Not sure how much you know about GDPR, but I don't think the forum holds personal details that can identify an individual, does it? If it was just usernames and email addresses with a clear 'opt out' ability, would that work?

Much obliged!

Names and email addresses are classified as personal data. If you were pulling across just the forum messages and not the personal data behind it, I guess that would be ok; if you wanted to move actual user accounts across, I think you'd need individual users permissions to move their data to another organisation.

I'm by no means an expect so the above would need to be checked - I used to be involved in Data Protection/Freedom of Information in a previous work life but that was a while back.

OTBC

[Badger 2,745]

Happy to make a contribution.

[Midlands Yellow 4,682]

27 minutes ago, Fuzzar said:

1. Midlands Yellow... 😉

I’d have been narked not to make the list 🙂

[Capt. Pants 5,008]

Anyone knows how 'Norwich Talk' works; is it funded in some way or just maintained through the goodwill of whoever owns the site?

In terms of funding the Pinkun, for me it would have to be the case if one pays then we all pay. I would then take a view as whether for me the Pinkun adds any value to my life. Bluntly, in its current format then 'no' - too much bickering, snidiness etc. 

It would also have to be a football only forum, I have little or no interest in the toxic environment of the non football section and certainly wouldn't contribute to having the content transferred over!

 

[Chippy Minton 10]

Happy to contribute. I know I don’t post much but love reading all (well, most) of the threads. 

[Disco Dales Jockstrap 1,959]

I'd settle for a forum that actually lets me post and also see other posts. Something this one seems to be struggling with lately (including today).

OTBC 

[Peanuts 154]

I'd be surprised if Archant agreed to hand over the forum data to a third party as there are potential issues with GDPR and copyright.

Another option would be to scrape the post data from this forum and reproduce it on a new forum as a kind of archive. This is technically non-trivial but I'm sure someone has done it before and it has the advantage that it could be done without any cooperation from Archant.

Id' prefer it if Archant just fixed this forum though. The white screen thing is usually php out of memory. If it's a question of cost then why not monetize this a bit better? They could introduce a paid member tier (one off or subscription) with a few perks (no ads, supporter flair etc.) that should raise some money to keep the lights on a bit longer.

[Uncle Fred 526]

I would hope that a stinking rich Chinese owner would come along to set up a new forum 

[Nuff Said 5,962]

1 hour ago, Midlands Yellow said:

A bit like Brassed Off? Good film if anyone hasn’t seen it. 

Made me cry. I don’t want to spoil it, but it gets me just thinking about it.

I’m not particularly patriotic, love my country but don’t make a fuss about it. But there’s something about a brass band that seems to stir something in me. It feels deeply British (English?). Probably English on reflection, because I feel very similar listening to a Welsh male voice choir.

Anyway, back on topic, many have tried an alternative PinkUn forum, but I think they’ve all failed, or limp on at best. It’s a laudable idea, but feels a bit premature. Although I guess that’s the point, it will feel premature until suddenly it’s too late.

[TIL 1010 5,246]

2 hours ago, Feedthewolf said:

As I said in the Part 4 thread, Archant's future is far from certain after its takeover by a private equity firm last year. The daily papers have been making a loss for years, so the company is almost completely reliant on digital advertising/innovation to make itself viable.

The new CEO, Lorna Willis, is a very unconventional choice... she's a real wild card, a fierce innovator and only 45. I met her many times during my time at Archant, and although she's very much a 'Marmite' kind of character, I really bought into her passion, positivity and digital nous. More about her here: https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/archant-ceo-lorna-willis-mission-to-save-local-journalism/

The bottom line, though, is that the company is shrinking and streamlining, so we shouldn't discount the possibility that this forum may become a lower priority and potentially one day disappear altogether.

I hope @Pete Raven and the other moderators can see that my purpose for starting this thread is not to criticise Archant or the sterling work that Pete has put into this forum over many years, but simply to ensure that the community we've built up here can continue irrespective of the fluctuating fortunes of Archant.

So, what should we do? How much would it cost to set up and maintain a 'mirror' Pinkun forum, where everyone can sign up with their current usernames/details, but just leave it 'dormant' until such time as we need it? Who would be happy in principle to make a donation towards crowdfunding it if we go down this route? Should this forum go down the tubes, would we be able to preserve the existing post database and transfer it from Archant's servers? My tech knowledge is seriously limited, but I know there are a fair few posters who are quite to suggest potential solution to tech/hosting issues.

This is very much a brain dump, but we've got literally millions of posts of NCFC history on here (some more instructive than others!), and I think that as a community we should have a sensible discussion about how best to ensure its future. Imagine waking up one morning and the forum has just gone! This is the biggest and longest-standing NCFC forum on the internet, and as we embark upon another season as a Premier League club, it's imperative that we maintain the integrity of our spiritual online home.

All thoughts welcomed.

 

How about the OSP get the club to bring back their forum ?

[The Great Mass Debater 1,202]

About 4-5 years ago somebody, cant remember his username, went to the effort of creating a new forum. It was far better in terms of format than Pinkun with all it's quoting problems etc, but, though a number of us moved over, it didnt last long

[Big Vince 423]

I will put money in, but there will have to be a commitment from Delia to abandon the hereditary principle of ownership and commit to a £5 billion takeover package.

[Essjayess 307]

Obviously hoping never to see this forum or its name disappear as its been synonymous with reporting the fortunes of our beloved club  down thru so many generations and indeed with local football in all its guises, but should it ever sadly happen then i to would happily contribute financially as best i could to keep it alive in some format.