CAP Talk

General Discussion => The Lobby => Topic started by: whatevah on December 31, 2017, 03:51:32 AM

Title: Your input requested
Post by: whatevah on December 31, 2017, 03:51:32 AM
Greetings cadets, seniors, former members, disgruntleds and others!

I'm looking for your input on ways to improve CAPTalk. As our lucky 13th anniversary approaches, I want to shake things up and put a little fresh air into the site. As the only CAP-focused message board, I think there is a duty to be the best it can be.  I have my own impression of things and ideas I want to implement, but I'm asking for your input.

1. What things do you like about the site?
2. What things do you dislike AND how do you suggest improving them?
3. What would you like to see added?
4. Would you consider helping in CAPTalk 2.0?

Private messages are fine if you don't want to respond publicly.  Please keep this on topic, any drift or personal attacks will be dealt with.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: etodd on December 31, 2017, 04:17:20 AM
I've only been here a couple years, but can't really think of any changes off the top of my head. Everyone here seems to feel quite free to speak their minds. And also feel free to slap down those that need a slap and to high five those who have good things to say. The Mods do a good job of letting things go just far enough before locking a thread.

Technically the site is just fine as it is.

Content is up to the members. Some days better than others. LOL

<<<< My 900th post. Obviously I need better ways to spend my time. ;)
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Holding Pattern on December 31, 2017, 07:39:53 AM
What I don't like are the responses to uniform pictures. Make it a formal rule to praise in public, critique in private. I'm all for feedback, but not the way that certain people here like to deliver it in public (and then forward said complaints on to NHQ to send down the chain rather than sending a simple private message.)

What I like is that I can ask for semi-obscure data questions and get good answers.

I think this could also be improved by banning people from saying "use the search function" unless they are also providing useful information in the post on what the information is.

These items would in my opinion also help reinforce the core value of Respect while also raising the level of discourse.

Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: abdsp51 on December 31, 2017, 12:09:34 PM
I think its good as it is.  The only thing I would suggest is maybe stickys with the regs maybe a cosmetic facelift.

And I think that the suggestion offered by another poster is flawed.  CAP Talk is no different from any other form of social media.  Making a post a user knows there will be criticism and critiquing. 

It's common sense if you don't want any comments or anything said then don't post.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: NIN on December 31, 2017, 03:26:40 PM
Quote from: Mordecai on December 31, 2017, 07:39:53 AM
What I don't like are the responses to uniform pictures. Make it a formal rule to praise in public, critique in private. I'm all for feedback, but not the way that certain people here like to deliver it in public (and then forward said complaints on to NHQ to send down the chain rather than sending a simple private message.)

Trust me when I say this: CAPTalk 2017 is *lightyears* different from CAPTalk 2005, where a stray photo posted on line got picked apart loudly and unmercifully.

Jerry is looking at potentially updating the platform that CAPTalk runs on. The Simple Machines Forum (SMF) that it uses now is dated, not having seen a major update since 2014, and the version presently in use is fairly old, too.

I think there's also some thought to the discussion found here: http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=22459.0  as to things that might need to be "done differently," in terms of moderation, enforcement of the MCOC, etc.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: etodd on December 31, 2017, 04:34:27 PM
Sometimes new folks may be a bit timid about asking particular questions in their squadron. Having a little more anonymity here, gives them the opportunity to ask away ... and not have to feel embarrassed.

Its really good thing. Keep it open, no questions barred, as it is now.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: TheSkyHornet on December 31, 2017, 05:23:32 PM
Quote from: etodd on December 31, 2017, 04:34:27 PM
Sometimes new folks may be a bit timid about asking particular questions in their squadron. Having a little more anonymity here, gives them the opportunity to ask away ... and not have to feel embarrassed.

Its really good thing. Keep it open, no questions barred, as it is now.

This, for sure.

I started off here because I had questions that couldn't be answered at my home unit when I joined. Additionally, I had a lot of things I didn't understand and didn't want to come off being "that new guy who doesn't get it." As it turned out, I think I found that most of my colleagues early on felt similar but never bothered to do their own research and never bothered to ask anyone (maybe not knowing there was anybody to ask).

It's a great forum to come out and share information (whether soliciting or offering). I have three firm requests for everyone, though:

1.) Try looking it up before you ask. "I looked for it, but wasn't sure if this was correct/what this means/where to find out." Now that you've put the effort in, you've demonstrated some worth in being assisted. We're not here to baby you or do your homework.

2.) The above comes with a counterpart---Do your homework before providing an answer. If you don't know, don't answer, or try to assist in finding out the answer with the person. Way too much bad gouge out there in the "real world." Don't add to it.

3.) Fact check what you've been told. If you see an explanation that includes, for example, "According to the regs," find out what regs; then go read them. Don't trust everything you're told and turn it into "Well, according to the people on CAP Talk."


Really, though, despite some of the bickering (and it's not always a bad thing), I appreciate the fact that this forum does exist. It doesn't just help me find answers, but also come up with my own questions that I didn't know to ask---a lot of it, I'd never even think about/of until I saw it posted here. There's so much going on in CAP, it's hard to keep up. This forum is a huge convenience on that because everyone seems to have a different focus area that they monitor and a different perspective to offer in the discussion.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Holding Pattern on December 31, 2017, 11:48:17 PM
On the technical side, TLS and 2FA would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Alaric on January 01, 2018, 12:30:14 AM
Quote from: whatevah on December 31, 2017, 03:51:32 AM
Greetings cadets, seniors, former members, disgruntleds and others!

I'm looking for your input on ways to improve CAPTalk. As our lucky 13th anniversary approaches, I want to shake things up and put a little fresh air into the site. As the only CAP-focused message board, I think there is a duty to be the best it can be.  I have my own impression of things and ideas I want to implement, but I'm asking for your input.

1. What things do you like about the site?
2. What things do you dislike AND how do you suggest improving them?
3. What would you like to see added?
4. Would you consider helping in CAPTalk 2.0?

Private messages are fine if you don't want to respond publicly.  Please keep this on topic, any drift or personal attacks will be dealt with.

I like the exchange of ideas, even if it gets vociferous at times

I don't like how simple question threads are allowed to go on and off into tangents before the moderators stop those threads, whereas some controversial topics are cut off as soon as someone gets a little inflammatory

Nothing really

Yes
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: whatevah on January 01, 2018, 01:01:42 AM
Trolling/drift posts deleted.  Thanks for the posts and PMs so far!  Keep it coming!
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: TX CAP Mom on January 01, 2018, 07:46:17 AM
Quote from: etodd on December 31, 2017, 04:34:27 PM
Sometimes new folks may be a bit timid about asking particular questions in their squadron. Having a little more anonymity here, gives them the opportunity to ask away ... and not have to feel embarrassed.

Its really good thing. Keep it open, no questions barred, as it is now.
Sometimes, unfortunately, the squadron is not always timely in their response (or knows the answer). So one looks somewhere else for the answer. And, it's 2018 now. For Pete's sake, there is no need to say "search first you moron!" because duh, we've done that. Not a one of us doesn't already search forums or google for answers. It's time to put that to rest. JMHO.

Overall I'm glad Captalk exists but I wish it wasn't sometimes so negative toward newbies, cadets asking questions, or just CAP in general. But you take the good with the bad, right?  ;D
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: MDMike2017 on January 01, 2018, 04:45:48 PM
As a new Senior Member, both to CAP and CAPTalk, I've found the information here to be very informative! Just like any other form of social media, there will always be pros/cons, but I think as a message board/forum, it does what it should!
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: etodd on January 01, 2018, 05:31:52 PM
Quote from: TX CAP Mom on January 01, 2018, 07:46:17 AM

Overall I'm glad Captalk exists but I wish it wasn't sometimes so negative toward newbies, cadets asking questions, or just CAP in general.

Online, everyone can be an expert. Folks that don't get enough high fives in their squadron can come here and pontificate. Many here have used me as a punching bag at times. It can be amusing.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: West MI-CAP-Ret on September 02, 2018, 07:55:11 PM
The things I like about this site is that it's very professional (I believe someone wrote me that there are several wing and region commanders, past and present, that 'troll' the site, keeping the remarks civil, etc.)


What might be helpful is that perhaps, if some members would agree to be listed by expertise, to have a spot on this site that people with questions could contact if they have a question (maybe listing the persons with their expertise by years of experience and level, etc).


For example, I know there's a few IGs on this site, who could point someone to the correct manual, or offer to write off-blog to get more information that would not be helpful to be made public.


Finally, since there doesn't seem to be a benchline level of knowledge, especially if a rated pilot, new to the program, asked what should be a simple question, when someone responds with "you're a captain and you don't know that question or where to find it?" etc.


Just a thought.


Warmly, Dave
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Blanding on September 04, 2018, 01:58:52 PM
Quote from: abdsp51 on December 31, 2017, 12:09:34 PM
And I think that the suggestion offered by another poster is flawed.  CAP Talk is no different from any other form of social media.  Making a post a user knows there will be criticism and critiquing. 

It's common sense if you don't want any comments or anything said then don't post.

User feedback: I think sometimes people here criticize opinions different from their own too much.

Response: Your opinion is flawed and if you had any common sense you'd expect to be criticized!

Check it out CT - let's operate a community based on values that reflect our program's.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: CAPed Crusader on September 04, 2018, 10:15:12 PM
Let's have a captalk app!
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Nick on September 05, 2018, 03:26:27 AM
Quote from: francisderosa16 on September 04, 2018, 10:15:12 PM
Let's have a captalk app!
It's a good idea but takes a lot of development time and effort. Instead you can use Tapatalk to interface with the forum via an app.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: DakRadz on September 05, 2018, 03:53:21 PM
Quote from: Nick on September 05, 2018, 03:26:27 AM
Quote from: francisderosa16 on September 04, 2018, 10:15:12 PM
Let's have a captalk app!
It's a good idea but takes a lot of development time and effort. Instead you can use Tapatalk to interface with the forum via an app.
This.

Except Tapatalk is a gateway app to many other forums. Terrible timesuck. [emoji2962]

Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Holding Pattern on September 05, 2018, 04:14:57 PM
I'll put in another plug for HTTPS.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Eclipse on September 05, 2018, 04:28:48 PM
With no commerce on a public site, what's the need for HTTPS?
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Holding Pattern on September 05, 2018, 04:30:27 PM
Google Developers Web Fundamentals:

https://developers.google.com/web/fundamentals/security/encrypt-in-transit/why-https

The question is no longer "why https" the question is "why aren't you following best practices?"
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Eclipse on September 05, 2018, 04:39:33 PM
No, the question is and was why is it necessary?

This site doesn't do anything that requires the additional overhead of HTTPS, nor the expense of the certificate(s) themselves.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Blanding on September 05, 2018, 04:53:28 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on September 05, 2018, 04:39:33 PM
No, the question is and was why is it necessary?

This site doesn't do anything that requires the additional overhead of HTTPS, nor the expense of the certificate(s) themselves.

Emphasis mine:

Quote from: The above linked articleOne common misconception about HTTPS is that the only websites that need HTTPS are those that handle sensitive communications. Every unprotected HTTP request can potentially reveal information about the behaviors and identities of your users. Although a single visit to one of your unprotected websites may seem benign, some intruders look at the aggregate browsing activities of your users to make inferences about their behaviors and intentions...
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Eclipse on September 05, 2018, 05:08:32 PM
Yes, thank you - I read the same article cited.

What, exactly, would be "revealed" from a public, free site?

I'm not arguing that it's not a best practice, but when there is cost involved, either soft or hard,
you have to look at what you're protecting, which in this case isn't anything (that I know of).

Making "aggregate inferences about intentions an behaviors?"  Seriously?
And how would one do that with just compromised data streams?

The intentions and behaviors are publicly published.

And using HTTPS doesn't necessarily protect the webserver or CMS from being compromised
with malware, it just protects the streams from being read in transit.

This site is free for users.  Who will pay for the certs?
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: chuckmilam on September 05, 2018, 05:13:20 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on September 05, 2018, 05:08:32 PM
This site is free for users.  Who will pay for the certs?

Pay for certs?  Why?  There's this:  https://letsencrypt.org/
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Holding Pattern on September 05, 2018, 05:14:11 PM
There is no cost anymore.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Eclipse on September 05, 2018, 05:25:07 PM
Excellent - assert "security" is needed, then implement it from a free service that is the first one that pops up in Google.

FWIW, they are fine, but their certs expire on a regular basis, which is a PITA.

One that is unnecessary.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: chuckmilam on September 05, 2018, 06:55:24 PM
The certs will auto-renew via the Automatic Certificate Management Environment (ACME) clients.  I don't know the specifics of the CAP Talk hosting, but I imagine there's something that will fit the environment:  https://letsencrypt.org/docs/client-options/

HTTPS is becoming less of an option and more of a requirement, so it would be good to get ahead of the curve.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Holding Pattern on September 05, 2018, 07:11:43 PM
Quote from: chuckmilam on September 05, 2018, 06:55:24 PM
The certs will auto-renew via the Automatic Certificate Management Environment (ACME) clients.  I don't know the specifics of the CAP Talk hosting, but I imagine there's something that will fit the environment:  https://letsencrypt.org/docs/client-options/

HTTPS is becoming less of an option and more of a requirement, so it would be good to get ahead of the curve.

Trust me, captalk is behind the curve.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Nick on September 05, 2018, 07:48:42 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on September 05, 2018, 05:08:32 PM
What, exactly, would be "revealed" from a public, free site?
Usernames and passwords. And, if the user is anything like the other 65% of users out there, they've reused the password here on other, arguably more important sites. So capture the user's username and password, log in as them, find their email address from their profile, then go hit their mailbox with that same password, profit.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Holding Pattern on September 05, 2018, 10:51:12 PM
Quote from: Nick on September 05, 2018, 07:48:42 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on September 05, 2018, 05:08:32 PM
What, exactly, would be "revealed" from a public, free site?
Usernames and passwords. And, if the user is anything like the other 65% of users out there, they've reused the password here on other, arguably more important sites. So capture the user's username and password, log in as them, find their email address from their profile, then go hit their mailbox with that same password, profit.

Or for bonus points, got the user's CAPID from an ill-advised thread that got a stack of members to post their CAPIDs or a reversible reference to them, got into capnhq, got into WMIRS, Member Reports, etc.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: Cole on September 21, 2019, 05:05:48 PM
I would suggest that you try to make the site look cleaner. Maybe just make things look a little sharper and clean up some menu directories. I like the whole "this is a CAP only message board". This site is great and I would be willing to help with anything you guys need.
Title: Re: Your input requested
Post by: JohhnyD on September 22, 2019, 03:42:21 AM
I like that obscure questions get answers, not so happy about the occasional flaming, but this is the internet.