Design is Everything! Glenn Taylor
in beautiful North Carolina
members.tripod.com/~Walldogg
walldog@cocentral.com
Looking over some recent posts, it is apparent some of you are still not comfortable with our policy of requiring all posts be signed with a valid "signature file." We've posted our thoughts on this subject in replys to individual posts, but it may not hurt to give them a topic of thier own.
A signature file protects all of us. Our 6 years on the Internet have taught us that people are not always who they claim to be. A common form of promoting a business on the Internet is to have paid "representatives" visit all the usenet groups and popular websites posing as one of the participants. Great marketing idea, but we're not about to allow it here for several reasons.
1. When I ask an opinion on a piece of equipment or a product, I want to know I am hearing from a fellow signmaker that actually uses the product or service in their own shop. Paid "goons" may be a great cheap form of advertising, but are they really interested in us as a community?
2. Here's another issue. From time to time we see requests for a certain font or trademark. We've discussed how risky this is many times and the potential legal issues involved. The last thing we want to see is any of you get into hot water as a result of just trying to help someone.
There's a whole new breed of lawyer out there. Instead of chasing ambulances, this character cruises the Internet looking for potential new law suits. Please make sure you know who you are dealing with.
We want to do all we can to protect the users of The Letterhead Website from this sort of crap. Your signature file and a valid e-mail address is just one way to help ensure our BullBoard always remains a safe and credible source of information.
3. This last reason is purely a selfish one. The Letterhead Website is a business. We rely on paid advertising as well as your annual voluntary "memberships" to pay the costs associated with maintaining this website. It's also nice to have a roof over our head and eat.
Let's be honest here. The Letterhead Website is the most popular hangout for signmakers on the Internet. Where else can an advertiser talk to so many of us on a daily basis? A link or ad on The Letterhead Website is the best way to attract one of us to a suppliers website. Why should those that choose not to invest in advertising here get constant free plugs while those who believe and support this forum pay? It's not fair to us and certainly not fair to our supporting advertisers who contribute so much. Is it wrong to encourage you to support the advertisers that offer us group discounts and perks first?
So there you have it. Our reasons for insisting on a signature file. A user can tell at a glance the name of the person and company, as well as their geographical location. Thats all we ask...a name and location. A City and State is fine.
There is one special exception. If you are a single woman concerned about your security, we are willing to bend the rules to accommadate you. Please e-mail us at steve@letterhead.com about your special situation.
Hope this answers most of your questions about signature files. What are we gonna talk about this week? Last weeks Tips & Tricks theme was a great success!
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Steve Shortreed
144 Hill St., E.
Fergus, Ontario
Canada N1M 1G9
519-787-2673
steve@letterhead.com
ICQ 316338
www.letterhead.com/chatpals/signman.html
[This message has been edited by Steve Shortreed (edited April 19, 1999).]
Rick Rokicki makes some valid points in his reply under one of my previous posts. I believe it was Ken Henry who had some wise input a while back on this also on a previous discussion regarding this issue.
I don't think that this last go-around about the signature files had anything to do with the request for them, but more about the delivery of that request. Putting myself in a newcomers shoes, I could see myself being somewhat intimidated by the way this policy was first being pointed out to me, even if the intent was not meant to intimidate. My first days on the internet were scary, and my first times on this site were too. My first post took me forever to push "submit". A big gulp and a sigh, and away I went! I ventured in slowly, and grew to feel more comfortable the more I felt accepted. If someone would have held out giving me information because I didn't have my act together, and I wasn't flying quite right, when I had no idea how to fly to begin with, I'd probably sink back into my hole for awhile, or worst yet, head straight outta dodge feeling rejected.
My point, as I feel many others have made, is simply this. Let's cut some slack and answer the questions of the new folks, and in addition to our answer, kindly slip in the policy for the signature file, along with instruction on how to go about doing it. Some folks may actually have the profile confused with the signature file, and think they are covered, while others just don't have a clue.
Through time we will be able to see the folks that are blatantly ignoring the request, and we can then tactfully bring it to their attention once again.
I'm not one to go around on tip toes, sugar coating my words, but on the internet their is just too much room for the mis-interpretation of a post's tone. I also feel that any newbie on here is probably vulnerable to feelings of insecurity and should be handled with care until they have broken in their wings.
The signature file is a good thing for all the right reasons, but it should be enforced with a helping hand, and not humiliation.
Again... only my take on it.
Nettie
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Janette Balogh
Sign Studio
in Sunny Florida
jbalogh@earthlink.net
Current Pet Profile - Please send us yours!
www.markfair.com/nettie
[This message has been edited by Janette Balogh (edited April 18, 1999).]
I like your idea of welcoming newcomers,answering their questions but ALSO pointing out the requirement of a real first and last name in the signature file or as a user name. As Ken Henry said it IS kinda like going into WalMart and being greeted with a pleasant hello as opposed to being asked for ID at the door.
I have been phoned by a couple of newer members in the last few weeks asking for a "walk-thru" on the process of setting up a signature file and profile. ( in a lot of cases it is a lack of knowledge of "how to do it" that prevents folks from doing what some of us take for granted) I helped them out with no problem and believe that they also realised that i wasn't trying to be mean spirited.
The people that I REALLY object to are the one's who use a nickname, DO fill out the profile section and the signature file section but REFUSE to include their names. In their case it is clearly not a case of not knowing how but rather a case of saying that they WILL NOT abide by the wishes of the moderator. Of course, as Steve mentioned, there could be circumstances where an individual required that their identity not be known but I would think that situation would be a rare exception.
I will, in the future, adopt the method you are suggesting, and hope that others will do the same. But I feel we must be vigilant in asking for this courtesy by our members in order to prevent this BullBoard from degenerating into the laughable fiasco that is happening on another well know Bulletin Board for sign people. It is just too easy to easy to ridicule and humiliate others when your identity is not known and I know that the vast majority of posters would never wish to see that type of posting happen here.
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Dave Grundy #340
AKA applicator on mIRC
"stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!"
in Granton, Ontario, Canada
dave.grundy@odyssey.on.ca
Not only do I know you to be fun-loving and reasonable, but I know you to be a friend.
This much I grew to know about you through time on this BB and chat. Meeting you in person just confirmed it and put a jovial & smiling face on the package!
Yes, you may have come off as over-zealous in your attempt to inform about the sig files, but many of us knew your intent was only to inform and not to humiliate.
Those new to the board are still wearing a cloak of apprehension, and have not yet had the chance to know you, or anyone else for that matter, enough to see past what only sounds like a reprimand. The tendancy when you are insecure about something, is to magnify any less than favourable attention.
We can't always be responsible for how our words are recieved on this board. The only thing we can do is to be more careful with them, and have consideration to the situations of those we are talking to.
I do agree with your ideas on protecting this board, and feel that most would agree once they understand the reasons behind them. Since new people come on here regularily, my guess is we will be explaining these reasons quite alot. It's going to be important for us all to exercise patience in doing so.
Dave, it has been my pleasure knowing you, and hope that everyone here opens themselves up to forming such good friendships as I have on this board.
Nettie
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Janette Balogh
Sign Studio
in Sunny Florida
jbalogh@earthlink.net
Current Pet Profile - Please send us yours!
http://www.markfair.com/nettie
I think that the recent complaints about the signature file has been that some have been acting as the "moderators" other than Steve and Barb. If others have been asked by Steve & Barb to do so, then I think they should be identified as such. This might help prevent the appearent ego bruising. Lets face it....most "creative" people tend to be more emotional than the average person; and tend to take things a bit more personal. Also, the "offender" should be "corrected" privately via e-mail and not openly on the BB. Then if the "offender" doesn't make the necessary corrections, I think it should be up to Steve & Barb to take whatever measures they deem necessary.
Just my thoughts....
Glenn
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Design is Everything!
Glenn Taylor
in beautiful North Carolina
members.tripod.com/~Walldogg
walldog@cocentral.com
[This message has been edited by Glenn Taylor (edited April 18, 1999).]
I can't add any unique solitions that haven't already been stated above, however in my own words, my solution is...
Whoever is delegated to be the official sig. file "cop", what about if they kept their eye open on those without sig files and sent a personal email to them, rather than tell the world they posted wrong? The message could contain info on why a sig file is preferred and showing how to do it with live links. This way, the wording message can be preworded in a delicate way and everyone would get the same message. And the newbie isn't embarrassed in front of everyone.
Just a suggestion meant to be constructive and more user friendly for newcomers visiting this site.
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Donna with Graphic Impact, BC Canada
aka "signmaker" on mirc
gisigns@sprint.ca
All the reasons you mentioned are good But I just love to know who I'm talkin to. After all we're all friends here. Geographic info is very pertenant to a lot of the posts as well.
Thanks steve!
-dan
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Dan Sawatzky
Edmonton, Alberta (for now)
Soon to be
Chemainus British Columbia
imagine2@netcom.ca
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Geo 
Cob
"Outside Rocket City,Al"
(huntsville)
Just my "Thoughts" not the "Rules"
[This message has been edited by geocob (edited April 18, 1999).]
And Steve, what's the deal with "if your a single woman" hey....this is the 90's, how about us single guys?!!!!
So, after all was said & done, setting up everything with a signature should be a must as far as I can see. I think we all oughtta be like Dave Grundy.
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Mike Berry
Concord, NH
"engraving & puttin' sticky stuff all over"
[This message has been edited by Engraving,Awards&Gifts (edited April 18, 1999).]
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[This message has been edited by Butch Chapman (edited April 19, 1999).]
[This message has been edited by Butch Chapman (edited April 19, 1999).]
Up on the right hand area of the page, right under the buttons that let you post, are 5 catagories in smaller type. They say, profile/register/prefs/faq/search
Under profile, fill out any info you want us to know. Near the bottom of that page is an area called "signature file". This is the area that everyone is talking about here.
In this area, Steve and Barb are requesting that you put in some information about yourself. The most important information being ... your real name, (this is especially important for those with nicks) your location, and your email address.
Other info could, if you wish, include, your actual address, phone number, icq number and link to your web page.
There is a link at the top left hand area of the BB page, under the header that gives more specifics on the info desired for your signature file.
Another cool plus is that if you put [email]before your email address and [/email] after it, it will actually be a link to your email that makes it handy for a person to reach you. Note the square brackets, and there is no space before the address and no space after. Also note the / in the last command.
Also if you put [url] before and [/url] after your web address... that becomes a link too.
Check under faq for more info on ubb codes.
If I've missed anything here, I hope someone steps in and adds their 2 cents!
Nettie
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Janette Balogh
Sign Studio
in Sunny Florida
jbalogh@earthlink.net
Current Pet Profile - Please send us yours!
www.markfair.com/nettie
[This message has been edited by Janette Balogh (edited April 19, 1999).]
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Butch Chapman, ID3724
Smithfield, Sydney
Australia. (02)9725 2515 fflions@ideal.net.au}
quote:
Your Signature Profile is added automatically. In an on-line community like this, it is only good manners that
all posts are signed. If you have NOT yet created your own signature file, please click on the Profile link at
the top of this BB and create one right now.
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Dave Grundy #340
AKA applicator on mIRC
"stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!"
in Granton, Ontario, Canada
dave.grundy@odyssey.on.ca
[This message has been edited by Dave Grundy (edited April 19, 1999).]
[This message has been edited by TBUK (edited July 07, 2001).]
I followed your directions to find out where you were reading that message and YES you are reading correctly. BUT what you are reading is the FAQ file that accompanies this program called "The Ultimate Bulletin Board". That file was created by the author of the program to point out the features that are available in it. Obviously he had to use that wording because each administrator that buys the program has the ability to use or not use those various features. To see what the administrator of THIS site requires you just have to read what is written immediatly below the typing box when you type in a message.
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Dave Grundy #340
AKA applicator on mIRC
"stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!"
in Granton, Ontario, Canada
dave.grundy@odyssey.on.ca
[This message has been edited by TBUK (edited July 07, 2001).]
All we are after is a simple signature file that includes a valid name and your City and State. Anything else is optional.
I thought long and hard about the single gal thing. Truth is most of you already have your name, address and telephone numbers listed in telephone directories as well as several other places on the Net. Despite this, I'm still old fashioned enough to respect the wishes of those gals that wish to use an inital instead of their full name as long as we know who they are. A City and State should not pose any risk.
We're just trying to do all we can to replicate a live meet here on-line. Signature files are the "name tags" that allow us to recognize and communicate better with each other. I'm not sure how to inform new people about our policy without someone's feelings being hurt. It's like telling a newbie about typing in Caps. Some say thanks for the info and others feel insulted. We now include sig file instructions with our mailouts to new people registering at The Letterhead Website. I need to look at some of our BullBoard instructions to see if we can make this even easier.
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Steve Shortreed
144 Hill St., E.
Fergus, Ontario
Canada N1M 1G9
519-787-2673
steve@letterhead.com
ICQ 316338
www.letterhead.com/chatpals/signman.html
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Robert Fair(Bamaboy)
Creative Images Studios
Fayette, Al. USA
"Stay Fresh, Be Creative."
With admiration ansd respect,
Jack Jordan
Jordan Sign Co.
Cape Cod, Taxachusetts
signs@mediaone.net
-800-247-4467
Fax 508-771-6658
Age; a hunnert
here?
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signs@mediaone.net
