Forum restructuring: Device sections

[Alexander Turcic]

In anticipation of new e-book readers emerging in 2009 (*fingers crossed*), we're considering reorganizing the forum structure for the e-book devices. The suggestion is that we move "out" of the "E-Book Devices" section and sort the device sections by vendor:

Sony Devices

* Sony PRS-700
* Sony PRS-505/500 ( merge "Troubleshooting" )
* Accessories
* Content
* Developer Corner

iRex Devices

* iRex Digital Reader
* iRex iLiad ( merge "Troubleshooting" )
* Accessories
* Content
* Software Releases
* Developer Corner

Amazon Devices

* Amazon Kindle ( merge "Troubleshooting" )
* Accessories
* Content
* Developer Corner

Bookeen Devices

* Bookeen Cybook Gen 3 ( merge "Troubleshooting" )
* Accessories
* Content
* Developer Corner

Other Devices

* Apple iPhone
* HanLin eBook
* BeBook ereader
* eREAD STAReBOOK
* Fictionwise eBookwise
* Polymer Vision Readius
* Legacy Devices
* Others

Before we do so, I would like get as much feedback as possible. Thank you.

[TadW]

Great plan. But does it make sense to give each device its own "Accessories" section? Wouldn't a general e-book device accessories section work, too (reasoning: often accessories for one device work also for another)?

[mjhudston]

Originally Posted by Alexander Turcic

In participation of new e-book readers emerging in 2009 (*fingers crossed*), we're considering reorganizing the forum structure for the e-book devices. The suggestion is that we move "out" of the "E-Book Devices" section and sort the device sections by vendor:

Not to many new ones. Ive only just got my Sony PRC505. However as long as the relevant threads remain easy to find, and the structure is fairly flat I dont see an issue with this at all.

[john07961]

Seems like a good idea to me

[David Munch]

Great idea! Although, I would add 'PDA' to the list of 'Other devices'. Also, make sure that the different models from each vendor, is highlighted in bold or something similar, so that noobs like me, wont have a trouble finding the right forum..

[zelda_pinwheel]

that looks good to me, alex. the only suggestion i have is to give the ebookwise a top-level forum of its own, rather than putting it in the "other devices" forum ; it gets a good bit of activity and people are still buying eb1150 regularly and coming here with lots of questions. a developper corner for the eb1150 might be a good idea as well as nick, ashkultz, et al are quite actively working on new tools and fonctionnalities. i don't think it needs a separate "accessories" forum however an accessories prefix would be a good idea as the question of "where to buy the charger outside the US" comes up regularly ! and there is also the question of where to find smartmedia cards.

[JSWolf]

Can we seperate out the 505 from the 500 please in the Sony forum? The 505 does more then the 500 and not discussion of the 505 is appropriate to the 500.

[Alexander Turcic]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Can we seperate out the 505 from the 500 please in the Sony forum?

It would be rather difficult. Someone would have to go through the forum and sort the related threads out. Given that the 505 replaced the 500 more than one year ago I am not sure if that work would be better spent elsewhere.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Alexander Turcic

It would be rather difficult. Someone would have to go through the forum and sort the related threads out. Given that the 505 replaced the 500 more than one year ago I am not sure if that work would be better spent elsewhere.

I don't think it would be that much work to sort it all out. And it would eventually make things a lot more appropriate in the end.

[Alexander Turcic]

Originally Posted by Krystian Galaj

It seems to me that word "anticipation" would look better in there...

That's right. Thank you.

Originally Posted by Nate the great

Shouldn't the Hanlin/Bebook/EZReader/Walkbook be separate forum section?

In general, I agree. However, we must be careful to keep the number of forum sections in check, or the sheer amount of sections could intimidate our members. We do not want to add forum sections merely based on "what's out there"; rather, it should be based on where the user interest lies and where most discussions are being held.

In particular in regard to OEM devices, which are more or less identical, we should try to keep the number down.

And I concur with Zelda. I think the ebookwise has enough activity to stand on it's own.

When you mean "stand on its own", I assume you mean having its own parent section. This doesn't make sense to me. eBookwise does already have its own section. Adding it to the parent would imply that there are more eBookwise devices out there, now and in the future. I think that would be inappropriate given that its an abandoned product.

[Nate the great]

Originally Posted by Alexander Turcic

In general, I agree. However, we must be careful to keep the number of forum sections in check, or the sheer amount of sections could intimidate our members. We do not want to add forum sections merely based on "what's out there"; rather, it should be based on where the user interest lies and where most discussions are being held.

In particular in regard to OEM devices, which are more or less identical, we should try to keep the number down.

I was suggesting that the V3 and its clones be pulled out of Other Devices and share one forum, not each clone have its own forum. I was thinking that 2 of its sub-forums would be Troubleshooting and Firmware.

And even if you don't move the V3 forum, you should merge the Bebook forum into it. It is a V3 clone after all.

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by Nate the great

I was suggesting that the V3 and its clones be pulled out of Other Devices and share one forum, not each clone have its own forum.

There is no doubt that Jinkie will release new devices next year. We already know about the EZ Reader Plus and Pro (V3-like with WiFi and/or touchscreen), and presumably the V9 will finally see the light of day.

So a Jinkie Devices forum makes sense eventually. However, I think it would currently only include Hankin V3 since it isn't clear to me that BeBook should be a separate forum. Presumably it is separate based on volume of threads, but I can't imagine many of us wanting to read just one of BeBook and Hanlin V3.

[Gudy]

Originally Posted by Nate the great

And even if you don't move the V3 forum, you should merge the Bebook forum into it. It is a V3 clone after all.

Seconded. It may very well be the currently most popular of all the rebranded Hanlin V3's, but it is, in essence as well as in the details, nothing but a rebranded V3.

[Nate the great]

Shouldn't the Hanlin/Bebook/EZReader/Walkbook be separate forum section?

And I concur with Zelda. I think the ebookwise has enough activity to stand on it's own.

I'd also like to suggest one section under "Other Devices" for WinCE, PocketPC, WindowsMobile, etc. I think there might be enough activity to justify it. "Windows Handhelds" might be a good name.


EDIT: David just beat me to it. And his suggested name is better, too.

[Krystian Galaj]

Originally Posted by Alexander Turcic

In participation of new e-book readers emerging in 2009 (*fingers crossed*)

It seems to me that word "anticipation" would look better in there - or did you mean "participation", and I just don't understand the expression?