Complaints about the Forum

[George_in_SD]

Having worked as a Server Engineer with nearly 10 years experience among other various combined roles in the IT industry, I feel confident in my assessment of the forum from a technical perspective, as well as that of an avid S&W collector and serious contributor therein, that the forum is an incredibly frustrating medium from any mobile device.

When any page loads from a mobile device I am automatically redirected to numerous spam advertisements. There is no way to navigate back to the forum from such, and I must force-quit any internet application and re-load such to go back to the forum, only to then be redirected to these atrocious ads. This is not an isolated incident, but a pattern of behavior. Other members of the forum have expressed similar complaints.

Please address these entirely factual complaints with the seriousness they are due. Ad revenue is not even of a quaternary importance compared to the willingness of knowledgeable members incredible willingness to contribute.

[Ray1970]

I just use Tapatalk from my mobile devices. Works well for me.

[45Wheelgun]

Anyone with any "real" IT experience wouldn't need to ask these questions.

Ad revenue a 4th order of importance? No ads, no forum. I'd rank that right up there at the top. You probably just donated your time for those 10 years? Those servers you engineered (did they give you a blue and white striped hat?) where donated by Dell?

Of course with your years of expertise you are already aware that for 8-cents per day the ads disappear.

As someone with that level experience, you should know the costs involved.

They would also know how to find out answers to their questions without coming off as a pompous know it all. Tapatalk returns 39,000 hits on this forum alone. "moblie forum app" returns 173000 hits on google with tapatalk being #1. Maybe you have heard of Google?

Where did you spend those 10 years - in your mothers basement?

Please find me in Charlotte - I would love to have you buy me a beer and have this discussion face to face.

[Bullzaye]

I've had no such experiences with Spam ads, or any sort of similar issue, while using my LG phone. I'm not using Tapatalk, but just the Chrome browser.

Tim

[George_in_SD]

Originally Posted by 45Wheelgun

Anyone with any "real" IT experience wouldn't need to ask these questions.

Ad revenue a 4th order of importance? No ads, no forum. I'd rank that right up there at the top. You probably just donated your time for those 10 years? Those servers you engineered (did they give you a blue and white striped hat?) where donated by Dell?

Of course with your years of expertise you are already aware that for 8-cents per day the ads disappear.

As someone with that level experience, you should know the costs involved.

They would also know how to find out answers to their questions without coming off as a pompous know it all. Tapatalk returns 39,000 hits on this forum alone. "moblie forum app" returns 173000 hits on google with tapatalk being #1. Maybe you have heard of Google?

Where did you spend those 10 years - in your mothers basement?

Please find me in Charlotte - I would love to have you buy me a beer and have this discussion face to face.

Mr. Pointer,

My first order of business in Charlotte on Tuesday will be to seek you out to discuss such matters. Hopefully you can refrain from such flaccid personal attacks face-to-face.

Zero technical knowledge is required to recognize a disjointed product. Users flee like roaches from a frustrating experience, a cumbersome interface or belligerent advertisements. Prioritizing ad-revenue over customer satisfaction is penny wise and dollar foolish.

Picture this: you are on an iPhone, you find smith-wessonforum.com from Google, and the first page you visit is automatically redirected to advertisements:



There is no going back to the forum. There is no redirection. Only forcibly quitting your internet browser. Only Einstein's definition of insanity can describe this process. It is a revolving door of frustration. It is only by my extreme dedication to the forum and desire to share my knowledge & learn from others, that I subject myself to such vexation.

Why do you ask for complaints about the forum only to vivisect dissenters?

[ParadiseRoad]

...sounds to me like your browser is getting hijacked...but as an IT expert you would know that...I clear my browser before shut down...and don't have any problems like you described...here or elsewhere...

Browser hijacking - Wikipedia

[rwsmith]

Using any mobile device except for a laptop with full screen are unsuitable for me to use. I tried and quit immediately. I pay my membership and don't worry about ads. Using a network with a reasonably sized screen is the only mobile solution for me.

If I can make any complaint, I think many will agree that the 'search' function here is awful. You can do better going to Google which will give appropriate S&W forum pages.

Even with the ads, this web is the most chock full of experience not only on guns, but about any other subject like photography, history, etc. I have profited so much from being here that I felt it a crime if I DIDN'T support this site

[45Wheelgun]

Originally Posted by George_in_SD

Users flee like roaches...

And yet, you are still here and have been for years.

I will enjoy our conversation over an $8 beer as we enjoy the ambiance of your $150/night hotel suite at our all suite resort property.

That beer would provide you 100 ad free days here. Showing up on Wednesday instead of Tuesday would provide you with 5 years of an ad free experience. It's all about priorities and perceived value.

Please leave your thesaurus at home as even at $8 per can, I am a PBR kind of guy.

Big words aside, you seem to have a reading comprehension problem, or you are deliberately ignoring our provided mobile solution.

Some fun numbers for you to contemplate as you fuel your car on your drive to the Symposium. (For the cost of a single gallon of gasoline you could enjoy 1 month of ad free forum viewing) At various times in a given week there are over 8000 people online here simultaneously. An average month sees 1 million unique IP addresses visiting here.

I look forward to your insights on hardware and infrastructure solutions which are more cost effective than our current implementation of an 8088 processor based model used in conjunction with an acoustic coupling modulator/demodulator. We have contemplated a 14400 baud solution with a more powerful universal asynchronous receiver/transmitters but the 16550 UART is cost prohibitive and there are supply chain issues.

Be advised - like a pole dancer at a strip club when the beer is done our conversation will be over, unless you buy me another. Bring your American Express Card and I promise you a night you will never forget. The resort doesn't take PayPal, but the forum does and a bronze membership will be cheaper and infinitely more satisfying.




Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[gasaman]

This same thing was happening to me yesterday morning.

Originally Posted by George_in_SD

Mr. Pointer,

My first order of business in Charlotte on Tuesday will be to seek you out to discuss such matters. Hopefully you can refrain from such flaccid personal attacks face-to-face.

Zero technical knowledge is required to recognize a disjointed product. Users flee like roaches from a frustrating experience, a cumbersome interface or belligerent advertisements. Prioritizing ad-revenue over customer satisfaction is penny wise and dollar foolish.

Picture this: you are on an iPhone, you find smith-wessonforum.com from Google, and the first page you visit is automatically redirected to advertisements:



There is no going back to the forum. There is no redirection. Only forcibly quitting your internet browser. Only Einstein's definition of insanity can describe this process. It is a revolving door of frustration. It is only by my extreme dedication to the forum and desire to share my knowledge & learn from others, that I subject myself to such vexation.

Why do you ask for complaints about the forum only to vivisect dissenters?

[OLDSTER]

$8.00 beer ? You guys must have deep pockets. I'll enjoy my $4.00 Grain Belt if I can come to your "debate"

[Ranger98]

$8 beer ? Yikes

[pittpa]

It does that exact thing on my iPhone 5s. I fled back to Tapatalk.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dben002]

I must say the problem is with your phone and not the forum and I base that on the fact that on my Android phone I do not have any such problems what so ever. I choose the option on the Android of the Desktop view and I process the forum same as on my laptop...no redirects or ad intrusions what-so-ever.

Me thinks your criticism is mis-directed.

[dben002]

Originally Posted by Ranger98

$8 beer ? Yikes

Does an $8.00 beer taste better than a $2.50 beer in a fancy resort ? Have never tasted an $8.00 beer so I just need the education.

[alwaysoutdoors]

So for dumb southerners like me who prefer no B.S., you're saying Mr. Admin. that the members who buy a bronze membership or above will NOT experience pop up ads? That's good to know (if true) ,but I currently do not have an ad problem here.Im on my Android device in desktop mode. Cheers (no $8 cerveza for me)
Oh, why not enjoy beers at a bar vs. a a guys' hotel suite? Good job overall here with the site management given the volume of members and visitors.

[45Wheelgun]

Originally Posted by alwaysoutdoors

So for dumb southerners like me who prefer no B.S., you're saying Mr. Admin. that the members who buy a bronze membership or above will NOT experience pop up ads? That's good to know (if true) ,but I currently do not have an ad problem here.Im on my Android device in desktop mode. Cheers (no $8 cerveza for me)
Oh, why not enjoy beers at a bar vs. a a guys' hotel suite? Good job overall here with the site management given the volume of members and visitors.

Any paid membership level gets ZERO ads. None at all.

I'm sure we will be at the bar - I was merely trying to point out that he will be staying in a $150/night suite while trying to justify not being a paid member.

RE: Pop-up ads (for that matter audio ads) both are not supposed to happen. We have "ad feedback" links below every ad, and we act on those as well as issues reported here. Our ad quality team is on this issue already.

As with many things in life it is all about how you approach things, and George's approach isn't going to get a positive reaction ever. George's "complaint" is much more about ads in general than a specific ad. He seems to think we purposely have targeted him. The reality is he refuses to use the provided FREE mobile solution while complaining about his way not working the way he wants it to.

If there were actually an issue with a pervasive pop-up browser hijacker this thread would be 500 posts long in about 6 hours. We have seen before.

We have also seen the guy who feels we are blessed to have his wisdom shared with us and should be paying him to offer his vast knowledge to us - the unwashed masses, all while wanting to run the forum their way while complaining loudly that we are not.

To be very clear - no ads equals no forum. I live with the ads everyday. I do it to ensure that I know exactly how the forum behaves to the majority of the users. I don't care if you want to have a paid membership or if you want to see ads, but starting a tread with a title like "Complaints about the forum" isn't going to make any friends around here.

[45Wheelgun]

Originally Posted by OLDSTER

$8.00 beer ? You guys must have deep pockets. I'll enjoy my $4.00 Grain Belt if I can come to your "debate"

You are more than welcome, although I doubt highly there will be $4 anything even Natty Light at the resort.

[M29since14]

Hmmm. Odd little fuss fight. Hope it blows over.

I just had to stop by to say "Thank You!" to all the folks who make this place go. I'm sure there is quite a bunch of you. I can't compliment you all enough.

[rwsmith]

I say 'howdy' to at least 2 or three new members every day. Many have been lurkers for a long time.

[old bear]

I'm all ready ejoying my suite, but if will stop this pis sing contest, I will buy the two combating a beer. All ready met Mr. Jinks.

Sent from my nook, with a mini keyboard

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by OLDSTER

$8.00 beer?

Yeah, really. I wouldn't care if D. B. Wesson and Sam Colt were sittin' at the bar with me...Watchdog ain't drinkin' no $8 beer.

[45Wheelgun]

I'm here, unpacked, made a visit to the Presidential Suite and now sitting on my porch drinking a Miller Lite in a can (from my cooler) and smoking a cigar.

[old bear]

Originally Posted by 45Wheelgun

I'm here, unpacked, made a visit to the Presidential Suite and now sitting on my p
orch drinking a Miller Lite in a can (from my cooler) and smoking a cigar.

Hot damn, I gotta go to the paking lot, to burn one Enjoy the cigar.

Fred

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by 45Wheelgun

[. . .] starting a tread with a title like "Complaints about the forum" isn't going to make any friends around here.

And yet, the very description of this part of the site, under the "Forum Office" title, says:

"This Area is For Any Complaints, Suggestions or Questions That You Might Have about forum operations."

Of course, what it doesn't say is that you won't necessarily receive a polite answer to your complaint. And, I suppose, expecting one is too much to ask, and that's a shame, really.

[vytoland]

ive been here for years and NEVER seen an ad....i aint no IT tech wizard but i know how to make the ads invisible...........last time i saw a roach move was back in the 1960's...............have a nice day.....

[K Frame Keith]

I am so bummed that I read this whole thread.

[BC38]

Originally Posted by dben002

I must say the problem is with your phone and not the forum and I base that on the fact that on my Android phone I do not have any such problems what so ever. I choose the option on the Android of the Desktop view and I process the forum same as on my laptop...no redirects or ad intrusions what-so-ever.

Me thinks your criticism is mis-directed.

Ditto. My experience exactly mirrors yours...

I'm not fond of Mr. Jobs's products

[sbowenjr]

I only have problems with adds until I log in. No complaints here.

[alwaysoutdoors]

Originally Posted by 45Wheelgun

I'm here, unpacked, made a visit to the Presidential Suite and now sitting on my porch drinking a Miller Lite in a can (from my cooler) and smoking a cigar.

I thought George was buying your beer throughout the meeting .......

[markeb]

Hey, Do you by chance have any Budweiser or Coors Banquet beer in that cooler?

[dben002]

Originally Posted by 45Wheelgun

I'm here, unpacked, made a visit to the Presidential Suite and now sitting on my porch drinking a Miller Lite in a can (from my cooler) and smoking a cigar.

And please inform the forum members that you are not carrying while drinking......

[alwaysoutdoors]

I see this getting locked soon just c.u.z.

[Kanewpadle]

Originally Posted by vigil617

And yet, the very description of this part of the site, under the "Forum Office" title, says:

"This Area is For Any Complaints, Suggestions or Questions That You Might Have about forum operations."

Of course, what it doesn't say is that you won't necessarily receive a polite answer to your complaint. And, I suppose, expecting one is too much to ask, and that's a shame, really.

There is a right way and a wrong way to ask for help. And one could also send a PM to ask for help.

[45Wheelgun]

Originally Posted by dben002

And please inform the forum members that you are not carrying while drinking......

I'm not sure I feel the need to announce that I follow all Federal, State and local ordinances as they pertain to firearms possession and use. I would think that would be the default assumption.

I almost never carry. Almost never drink in public. Sitting on the porch of my hotel room with a beer and a cigar? Pretty sure there was a loaded gun with 10'.

Pretty sure it was this one:

[OFT II]

And I'm pretty sure that one is a pretty gun.

[Rustyt1953]

Originally Posted by 45Wheelgun

I've got a wire wheel that will take those tool marks right out.

You're welcome.

[45Wheelgun]

8 rounds of 357 love'n.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[eb07]

Originally Posted by 45Wheelgun

Off topic for this thread but I think I drooled a little

[45Wheelgun]

Drinks were had, we laughted,we cried and generally had a grand time. Issues with I-phone appear to have been resolved.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[4barrel]

Well-- The one on the left looks like he had the best time. In the middle looks like the fastest shot. On the right looks the most laid back. Which one you is?

[45Wheelgun]

George in the middle me in the hat.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[hittman77]

Originally Posted by 45Wheelgun

George in the middle me in the hat.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Wowza......you don't LOOK like an Administrator......more just like your average Joe gun guy!

[regalsc]

I'm as computer tech ignorant as it gets I don't even have a computer. I use my IPhone it's all I have. When that ad happens I touch the bottom right page symbol or tabs whatever & when they accordian I just touch the forum page & back it goes to the forum.