[Spats]

My Fellow Fiends,

The Master Crypt Keeper (Larry) asked me to start a thread concerning an issue I mentioned to him privately. He wants some input and feedback on the issue from you good ghouls, so I'm gonna post the message I sent him initially. Feel free to add to this, explain why you like it, why it isn't needed, whatever your opinion.

Here's the post...

"Hope life finds you well. I just posted a thread in the Props Forum and noticed I had to choose a prefix. That's when it struck me.

Could we have a prefix for Materials? Lots of questions deal with foam, casting, paint, mache, PVC pipe, chicken wire, monster mud, sealant, bulbs, wire, motor parts, hot glue, drywall compound, that sort of thing.

I hate choosing Other for a paper mache question. I posted it in Props because most of the mache questions and discussions are there, and not the Crafts section. I'd hate to post the same question in both areas.

Thanks,
~Spats"

 

[Mr. Halloween]

sounds great to me

 

[Frankie's Girl]

Sure, makes sense to me.

I am not sure how well it will be used, however. We've got lots of posters that still post party and prop stuff on the general boards.

 

[Spats]

Sure, makes sense to me.

I am not sure how well it will be used, however. We've got lots of posters that still post party and prop stuff on the general boards.

True, but those who do post in the right forum (and that is most people) have to choose a prefix for this one, otherwise they can't write a new thread. I like the system, I just want it a bit more refined so we can choose a prefix for a large and popular topic.

 

[BATFLY]

i'm all for it! i WOULD have used it twice already in the last 2 weeks. and countless times before that and i'm sure in the future!

also, not to hijack anything, how you doing ye ole originator of my signature? =)

 

[MsMeeple]

Yeah, I"ve always found the prefix thing a bit limiting. Especially when your question doesn't fall into the right category. I think its an excellent idea. Either more prefixes or just do away with the prefixes.

MsM

 

[Baron Samedi]

Yes..a very good idea.
I've always felt that the "General Halloween" forum was perhaps a little too...well.. general.

Johnny Thunder recently remarked on the amount of threads posted in the "General" section regarding horror movies, when threads concerning those movies already exist in the "Horror discussion" section.

A more refined list of prefixes would encourage members to post in the appropriate section and thereby stop the general section from becoming swamped.
It's not unusual to find a thread in this section buried 3 pages down, just a day or so after it was first posted.

 

[Guest]

great idea!!

 

[Eyegore]

I wish we had more PROP subcategories. I like the idea of calling one "Prop Media".

Halloween Props
-- Prop Media

1. Sounds of Halloween
a) Sound Effects
b) vocals/routines
c) stories

2. Prop Resources
a) Digital effects ( flash videos, digital puppets, cgi visual effects, etc.)
b) Tools and Templates (patterns, fonts, materials, techniques, and picture props)

 

[Warrant2000]

I'm not sure what the prefix is for. Perhaps to sort the threads for some reason? I know that since I've been here, the only use I've had for prefixes was that I had to select one before posting. Other than that, I don't really pay attention to them.

It would make sense to add several categories under the prop section, since there is so much involved, and most of us are involved with prop making.

 

[Dr Morbius]

I agree that sub forums under the prop section would be best,instead of prefixes, divided into the sections mentioned before, rather than just categories. Would look something like this:

Halloween Props
General Discussion (catchall for topics that don't fit in other catagories)
Electrical ( Motors, controllers, wiring circuits etc)
Pneumatic ( Speaks for itself)
Prop Crafts (Paper Mache' Monstermud, Hot Glue methods, Painting etc)
HELP! ( A seperate section for asking for help with a prop) this last one may be controversial but I personally feel it would be better to separate the questions from the progress threads. Sometimes I read a thread title like "Getting My Skeleton to Walk!" And then I read the post which reads " Anyone know how I can get my Skeleton to walk?" which disappointments me because I think I'm getting a thread about someone who figured it out but turns out no one may really know.
Heres an example ( not picking on anybody, it's a legitimate question ) http://www.halloweenforum.com/hallo...-machine-low-lying-fog-small-large-areas.html

 

[danandmeg]

I agree with everything above. As the brood grows the forums need to become a bit more refined.

 

[Spats]

Glad you guys like the idea. I can't speak for Larry, so keep the suggestions or opinions comin'.