[Tim]

So I've been trying to decide which system to use for arrangements on the site, and I can't decide. There are two to choose from, and right now, both are installed and functional. Since I can't decide, I thought I'd get the community's opinion. Please take a few minutes to try out both. Post a file, click around, etc. It's just in testing mode so it doesn't matter where you post things, and they don't actually have to be arrangements. Once you've tested them out, please vote in the poll and post your opinions here. Here is the rundown of the two choices from my perspective:

System 1 - Click to Access

Pros:
+ Very good interface
+ Integrates well with new site design
+ Lots of modules for showing newest, top rated arrangements, etc.
+ Search Engine Friendly
+ Good search options (you can search by things like instruments, difficulty, etc.)

Cons:
- Not compatible with reward points system, so points will need to be added manually

System 2 - Click to Access

Pros:
+ Compatible with reward points system - users get points for posting arrangements automatically
+ Lots of add-ons available for things like sending PMs to moderators when new arrangements are added and automatically creating threads for new arrangements
+ I can upload arrangements for people who aren't around anymore to join the forums and post them under their names in case they come and register later.
+ Search Engine Friendly

Cons:
- Interface not as nice looking or nearly as intuitive
- Rating system is ugly
- Limited search options, no custom fields for things like instruments

What do you think?

[Joseph Perkins]

I definitely say system 1. If points are the only problem, it really isn't a problem. Would you have to manually put in the points?

[CarloCrizaldo]

System one.

[Bahamut]

Personally i think the integration is more important than the points system. if that becomes a problem, you could also designate some people to help with points... if that's possible. So i go with system 1

[CarloCrizaldo]

If manually inputting reward points is tiresome, you can have some members do it instead.

[Nicol Armarfi]

I prefer system one specifically for the reason that people may abuse the rewards point system by uploading duplicate or substantially sub-par arrangements for the express purpose of earning points. It wouldn't be hard to moderate the arrangements though, as most of it could be done easily through the members commenting on arrangements.

I wouldn't worry about making the rewards point system perfect at the moment, as 1) there aren't that many people around to use it, and 2) it's more comfortable for the people who do use it to have a more intuitive interface.

[Saruto]

Seeing as the point system is the only problem with system 1, I'll have to go with that one.

[skaplz]

I say system one. If people are here to arrange then arrange, not to get points...

[Tim]

Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate it. Did you all check out the systems at all, or are you just going on the pros and cons I mentioned? Those are the pros and cons that I see, but I realize every person has different tastes.

As for the reward points, I think it's definitely something to consider. I'm going to "hire" some dedicated forum members to help moderate the arrangements, and that, along with the comment system should help prevent abuse of the system. I think the point system will definitely be a factor in people submitting more arrangements. At least that is my hope.

It seems pretty clear which is the winner though, so I think we'll go with the first option. I'll continue adding all the categories so people can start posting their arrangements there.

[skaplz]

Originally Posted by Tim

Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate it. Did you all check out the systems at all, or are you just going on the pros and cons I mentioned? Those are the pros and cons that I see, but I realize every person has different tastes.

As for the reward points, I think it's definitely something to consider. I'm going to "hire" some dedicated forum members to help moderate the arrangements, and that, along with the comment system should help prevent abuse of the system. I think the point system will definitely be a factor in people submitting more arrangements. At least that is my hope.

It seems pretty clear which is the winner though, so I think we'll go with the first option. I'll continue adding all the categories so people can start posting their arrangements there.

Although I'm new to the forums and everything i would definitely be interested in helping moderate the new system.