[ Follow Ups ]
Posted by Sergei on November 21, 1999 at 11:09:13:
In Reply to: Nov. 13 issue of BMJ posted by Jim Till on November 16, 1999 at 08:24:23:
: There are no comments in the editorial about roles for an online discussion
forum like this one.
: But (maybe?) as it evolves, it might become one "part of a rich web that
will cater simultaneously...
Yes, I believe that there is a strong possibility for that to occur. That is why I feel, along with other reasons, that we have to reorganize the HBG web page. Here are my suggestions, and I would like everyone to comment on them:
1. Rename Heraclitean Biology Group into Heraclitean Biology Forum. Indeed, there is no real group. There are only from five to seven of us who do really participate in discussions and collaborations. Besides, we are connected very losely. Thus, there is no real group as a structure. But the Forum is clearly there. The name "Forum" sounds very inviting to everyone who visits the web site and wants to participate, yet the name "Group" sounds almost as "sect," and thus can repel. Forum has become the core of this web site, and it has to be clearly reflected in the name.
2. I would like to redesign the HBG's (HBF's ?) appearance. It does look OK now, but involves some graphics, so can load slowly on some networks. In a new outlook, a would like to implement purely text-based structures, which might look not as good, but will load with a ligtning speed.
3. I would like to implement a new forum software. I offers more advanced functions, although will take time, effort, and some money to implement. Particularly, each of us will be able in fact to have his own forum within the HBG forum, or we will have separate forums for separate subjects. It also offers search function by time, title, etc. How does that sound?
4. I feel a strong need for redesigning the "People" page. How many of those listed on the page do really participate or are around? I am NOT saying that one MUST participate in the Forum, we all know that some people are around and exchange with us, although they are almost never on the Forum. That is fine. But there are others who are formally listed, but we never, never heard from them. Thus, I suggest that everyone who is interested, irrelevant to their participation in the Forum, send me their information, like e-mail, address, phone and fax, abstract of research, etc., for posting on the new "People" page.
Please express your opinions.