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Thanks for your previous feedback on the top page design. As you can see I've brought back the orange ^^ Mu... ( more » )
Sat 07/26 21:26 comments (17)
Japanese Trains
You get on a train in Japan one day and see this. The doors close behind you. What do you do? Via Neta. ( more » )
Sat 07/26 12:59 comments (109)
WC Gundam
Somebody just raeped Gundam by making a toilet shaped mobile suit... Via Neta. Whats the worst Gundam design... ( more » )
Sat 07/26 07:00 comments (47)
Sun Seto
Never got round to really watching the anime but do like this figure by Orchid Seed. This 1/7 scale figure of... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 23:16 comments (29)
Human Mage
Another one we've spoken about but the better pics are up at GoodSmile and Hobby Stock. Dont know much about ... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 20:44 comments (27)
Shakugan no Shana
Spoke about this earlier but decent pics are now up at GoodSmile and Hobby Stock. I remember when the Nendoro... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 20:36 comments (51)
日本語/Japanese  Thu 11/22 01:04 JST
There have been some great conversations of late (yesterdays Loli Culture was a great one in particular) and I see many requests for a forum.
I have a general idea of what you want but I need your feedback to make it into what you would like it to be.

Was thinking of having a few core categories like Japan, Gundam ,Figures, Anime etc where you could go in and start threads. I plan on having the Japan category a place where you can go in to discuss/ask where to go to/stay/buy etc when in Japan - a place where you can find out more info to help your trip/stay in Japan.

I wont be using any third party software and am going to be using a format close to what you see in the news section - the threading will be close to that including pagination.

Each section will have its own RSS feed and be mobile compatible.

What forums do you regularly visit and what do you specifically want from forums at dannychoo.com ?
Are there any particular pains you have about current forum platforms - technical or otherwise?

Your previous feedback given on the design of Nav2.0 was important to make it what it is now and your feedback will be used to shape the future forums here.

BTW, I haven't forgotten about Figure.fm and will relaunch it by the end of year.
Categories
Polls
PoWeR in Your Spawn
Spawn Camper
Registered on 2007/08/28 05:12
A forum would be a great place to chat -_-
(ID #64442) Posted on 2007/11/22 01:02
21st Century Digital Boy in Virginia Beach
Otaku
Registered on 2007/09/20 03:53
Danny choo Forum - that there's a wordgasm. I'll surely be your top poster XD. My request is that you keep it focused. The forums like music and general discussion should be there, but not prominant. I think AnimeSuki is the perfect example of a more focused forum. 

But hey, it shouldn't really be a problem since I'm sure everyone on your site is an otak, unlike a fw anime forums I frequent that aren't really about anime, just have it as an addition. 
0shift in New Zealand
Student
Registered on 2007/08/13 19:40
Forums would be a great idea. As already forums have to be focused which , mean moderators which are tough but fair. Unfornately this means more work for you. Although anime suki is a good forum, I would hope yours would be a bit better looking, to keep with the standard set by the rest of the blog.
(ID #64444) Posted on 2007/11/22 01:09
Henry in Makati, Philippines
anime/cosplay events organizer
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:17
having a forum would be a great idea to exchange ideas between site visitors ^___^

i guess the top core categories like anime, japan, figures, idols would do ^^
(ID #64445) Posted on 2007/11/22 01:10
Tom in サウス フロリダ
Professional Student
Registered on 2006/12/25 13:44
Hell yeah!  I've been waiting for forums for awhile now.  I'd most certainly visit!
(ID #64446) Posted on 2007/11/22 01:27
cease in UK
Student/Artist/Film-maker
Registered on 2007/06/04 03:57
Yep! I think this sounds like an amazing idea, this site already feels like it has more of a community than any other site ive found. This would just be another extension of an already brilliant site!. 
p.s. Soz i dont post more always very busy with uni work! take it easy...
(ID #64449) Posted on 2007/11/22 01:37
Ken in NYC
Student
Registered on 2007/03/15 22:38
I guess I'll be one of the few that disagrees. There's already plenty of forums out there. I only visit modeling forums to get tips. I usually don't hang around thread discussions too much. You're already posting a lot of content here everyday. A lot of your figure and gundam posts are also passed on to figure.fm with the same pictures and such. Personally, I feel that this is already enough of a discussion. It only lasts for about a day, but it gets us all moving along to other topics. Whether you want a forums or not, it depends on what you want to accomplish.
(ID #64451) Posted on 2007/11/22 01:56
faiyaka in California
Student
Registered on 2007/10/11 08:30
Clubroadster.net and miata.net are the forums that i go to. something simple and  easy to use should be a good idea. editing too is a big plus. editing comments/pics/etc.

Oh and btw looking forward to figure.fm ^_^
(ID #64452) Posted on 2007/11/22 01:57
XSportSeeker in Brazil
Hikikomori
Registered on 2007/08/22 05:30
It's a good idea, specially for a blog with specific content (so people don't deviate too much out of the subjects).

Now, more important then what users want (and I do mean it), is what YOU want Danny.

I had a forum, I currently moderate and own some community forums, and been using them for some time now... about 7+ years.

Funny.. the 1st forum I used and became addict was an Anime related forum (animehorizons).

Ok, the problem with those is:
Either you make a good age restriction, which will shrink the user list, but will avoid problems with parents... or you will have to do some heavy moderation.

Also, rules. Those are always a problem. Spam, discussions that turns into fights, double posting, trolls...

On the plus side, you already have a system... so technical problems are less of an issue.

But forums are a handfull. Comments are okay because most people will usually read some of them, put their own opinions, and bbye.

Forums are more about discussions and real interaction. Someone starts a discussion, someone else disagree, and them it's easy to start flame wars, trolling and general fighting.

I eventually gave up on moderating and having my own forum because it was consuming 6 hours every single day.

And now I'm even giving up moderating some community forums for the same reason.

Anyways, you probably already know about this Danny.. but I think it's worth warning.

If you can get someone to help dealing with the forum as a separate part of the blog though, it's pretty doable without it getting in your way.

Choose the moderator(s) wisely for they will be advocates and judges... and people tends to get a little too much offended if they get banned or dealt in a bad way on forums.

They will also have to have a huge amount of pacience... one of the things that impressed me the most while moderating forums is how much users will whine, cuss, fight and make fuss on little unimportant things. It's understandable, but pretty annoying over time.

Anyways, best of luck! I know I only said bad things about a forum system, but it does have tons of benefits... like the productive discussions, making friends with similar interests, having the best feedback system on your blog... and on a financial point of view, you'll get people who will visit daily, you'll get tons more visitors and regular visitors, and it's always nice to have other points of view on subjects you write on the Blog.

I mean, if it wasn't worth it, I wouldn't have tried in the first place. :P
(ID #64453) Posted on 2007/11/22 01:58
sulk in Toronto, Canada
Director/Technical Director, Cameraman
Registered on 2007/04/02 13:04
Yea I'd have to say that forums would be really nice. 

And it would be cool if you posted on the forums too ;p
(ID #64454) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:00
Hachiko in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Student
Registered on 2006/12/26 11:13
Forums would be nice. Makes things more neat and organized for easy access ^^;
(ID #64455) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:00
Kimari in Argentina
University student
Registered on 2007/06/16 17:04
A Danny choo forum would certainly be something relevant to my interests :3
(ID #64457) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:06
The White Testament in Mexico!!!!!!111oneone
Student, Writer and Graphic/Web Designer
Registered on 2007/11/17 10:08
I actually believe that an Idea of a forum is a brilliant one. It's a different and interesting way of exchanging knowledge between you and your readers. You can bet on one thing: It will be extremely active. And it will become maybe into one of the best forums about Otaku culture in the Internet.
If you want to do the forum as the news section, you should allow the posters to submit an image, to fully imitate the style of the section you are basing the forums on.
Of course, you aren't saved from the ocassional perv that will submit unappropiate image to the posts, but the moderators (or you) can solve that problem very quickly.

Well, in the other hand, I visit mostly forums with a lot of discussion, especially, my hosting forum makes up as a perfect example of it (http://www.trap17.com/forums/). Talking about many things openly and in a correct way is what makes that forum awesome. Also, I visit some anime forums, but sometimes the users or the moderators become so annoying that it becomes difficult to stay there. Above all things, EDUCATION and treating others well is a determinating factor in a forum's success, in my oppinion.

The actual categories of your blog are perfect to the forum. And forums are no that all annoying on the technical aspects because the users get acostumed to it. 

I praise the idea of the forum being made as the news section is made. But in the navigation between sections, maybe there should be a change. Also, I recommend having on some place of the top page of the forum the featured articles and featured members... just a recommendation xD
(ID #64458) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:07
don in Minnesota USA
Engineering Student
Registered on 2007/10/23 00:10
Yeah, I think forums would be nice.  The forums should also include a games section, which would include the Mirai eroge you seem to be working on ^_^
(ID #64459) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:10
Choo in Singapore
Student
Registered on 2007/10/31 21:28
forums FTW. =) 
(ID #64460) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:12
mikenogo in Toronto, Canada
Digital Painting artist
Registered on 2007/11/05 12:03
Yes! A forum will be a great Idea! and you should choose a selection of Mods to keep away the spammers and trolls!

If you ever need a mod assistance to help out organize your forums, I will gladly help since I am on most of the time! almost everyday!

ALso for your new forum, it would be a great addition if you added "creativity" section for people who have talents so that they can post their drawings, Sigs (popular), paintings and CG works etc! We will give fellow users tips and tricks and tutorials on photoshop or paint shop pro on how to draw these stuff! (im digital painter and artist so i know ;D a crappy one though =(

We could also have Contest on who can create the best looking sig, or best anime character design!

I will support you all the way danny!

cheers!
(ID #64461) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:14
skankywonders in California
Student
Registered on 2007/08/09 05:36
Forums? Oh, Now that would make the site perfect. 

I support this idea, we'll have much fun If we have Forums. 
(ID #64463) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:21
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
A few points to consider:

- Will it be a strain for you to create, supervise and feed in the long run? You must be quite busy already with all those daily updates and moderating, among others.

- Isn't there much variety and freedom of speech already? What would be allowed and prohibited?

- Will there be a more personal part? Chatting and messaging in a less formal way (Don't look at me like that, I am not looking for someone to date!), I'd rather say that for the rest of you, fellow regulars and visitors.

Etc., etc.
 
(ID #64464) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:22
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
XSportSeeker, I guess that if there were trolls and flaming issues here, Danny would never propose us the idea of a forum to the all of us.

We are of all ages, both genders and every possible origin. 
Culture can be sometimes a point to consider in discussions (the "loli culture" one was quite an example to remember!), but I don't ever think Danny had to ever use his powers to banish someone to Expel.

Of course there can be some hate mails/messages/trolling-flaming attempts scattered along the place, but otherwise, this place is very stable, warm and comfortable enough (Do I sound like a micro-organism here? Must be Moyashimon. *Ahem*) for me to come here and participate relatively actively everyday.

The question is: "Are blogs that different from forums so the rules must be reinstated?" I feel that if the Dannychoo forum had to see the day, transition and adaptation would be smooth. There would only be minor changes to learn and apply. Remember, many of us form a solid group already.
(ID #64465) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:35
shippoyasha in NYC
NEET
Registered on 2007/06/10 15:34
I like forums, but I wouldn't use one for Dannychoo. I'm afraid it'll get clogged into one of those typical, politically driven types with mudslinging. Casual comment-based 'forum' like the one in place now is good enough I'd say.
(ID #64466) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:42
squee in Singapore
Techie
Registered on 2007/09/27 05:11
The only 2 forums I visit regularly are katoots and bokunojpop.

I won't mind seeing a forum here if it's nicely managed ;)
(ID #64468) Posted on 2007/11/22 02:57
Hangmen13 in Sabah, Malaysia
Aimless Traveler
Registered on 2007/04/21 21:19
An imageboard is a lot better. That'll make it easier not only to start a discussion, but make it more convinient for frequent visitors to share their funny pictures and random finds on the Internet.
(ID #64471) Posted on 2007/11/22 03:10
Gilgamesh in Mexico
Registered on 2007/07/06 13:57
I would really like a forum for figure.fm (or here with a sub-forum for figures) where there can be topics mainly to talk about certain companies like goodsmile or for upcoming figures, cause I see figure.fm more like for personal collections and that you can read how the user ranks it's product, and leave a comment, but I think there could be more discussion with probably most of the figures that are not yet relesed and stuff like that.

I like this site how it is, and to post comments now and then, but probably a forum to discuss certain topics will be more appropriate and comfortable.

^^
(ID #64472) Posted on 2007/11/22 03:10
Barsona in California USA
NEET (no, student...)
Registered on 2007/08/03 08:36
I don't think a forum is really a good way to go at it...  Sure, we get to know the users better, but wouldn't that mean more work for you
=P
(ID #64475) Posted on 2007/11/22 03:32
V1lt R in US
Honda technician, baby.
Registered on 2007/01/05 13:22
Barsona, though you put up a good point but that's what appointed mods are for.


And if we do get a forum, I demand a car forum also for us car junkies like me. :)
(ID #64476) Posted on 2007/11/22 04:11
atr360 in my house...
web surfer (no pay)
Registered on 2007/11/14 00:07
car junkies should so have a section! >:V im right there with you pal! BTW is that a miata or a funky rx-7 bodykit?
(ID #171851) Posted on 2008/04/17 23:17
kazemizuhi in Phobos
/1337
Registered on 2007/11/16 23:54
How about an improved comment system which would allow for a more indepth discussion on articles and news items posted by Danny. So as to keep things strictly on topic, so to speak.

Or you could just go with the forum idea.
(ID #64479) Posted on 2007/11/22 04:22
The White Testament in Mexico!!!!!!111oneone
Student, Writer and Graphic/Web Designer
Registered on 2007/11/17 10:08
Mmmm
Integrating the forum and the site would be perfect. It is actually possible, because we the members are logged in and are able to post comments into your posts. So, we also should be able to make our own posts in the "forum" section of this VERY SAME page. I don't think it needs to be a separate page from this one (in my opinion), it will fit really well, and would not invade your actual blog. The way your page is made allows all this (I think).
(ID #64480) Posted on 2007/11/22 04:47
Uradox in Nagoya / Perth
Procurement officer / Teacher
Registered on 2007/05/12 15:27
Hmm I actually think this site not having a forum in its current state is what makes it that much better than other simular sites.

Forums = trouble that the ‘right’ threads will trigger into flame wars. I think it’s unnecessary.

Although I can see the strong points of one at figure.fm. it doesn’t have the capacity to get out of control unless people go off topic
(ID #64481) Posted on 2007/11/22 04:47
Amstrad in Buffalo, NY
IT
Registered on 2007/09/21 01:39
I'm almost disappointed to hear that you'll just be expanding the existing comments system into a stand-alone forum.

When I saw forum I was hoping you meant something in the style of 2ch. Rather than something so close to what forums have become in the west.
(ID #64484) Posted on 2007/11/22 05:37
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 13:35
the forum I visit everyday is http://the-evil-empire.net/, I think the thread is pretty complete, except they are missing gaming thread. 
(ID #64485) Posted on 2007/11/22 05:39
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 13:35
ugh, forgot to separate the coma, just erase the coma if you wanted to visit the site
(ID #64486) Posted on 2007/11/22 05:42
hiroy_raind in Jakarta, Indonesia
Proud VGI member and IT student...
Registered on 2007/11/20 13:08
I think I'll be ntral in this one (why do I even post LOL)...
A forum wouldn't be so bad, but not having a forum is what makes DannyChoo.com a DannyChoo.com...
(ID #64487) Posted on 2007/11/22 05:48
Neil Duckett in Yoyogi, Tokyo
Software Engineer
Registered on 2007/11/06 13:37
I like the site just the way it is .... probably wouldn't visit a forum on here that much.
(ID #64490) Posted on 2007/11/22 06:36
krapoutchat in tervuren, belgium
daydreaming
Registered on 2007/02/10 15:13
I went from forum to forum over the past few years and kinda got bored and sometimes fed up from it....so I'ld say, nah....this site is just fine the way it is now.....If we need to find something out ...Hey who knows best than you Danny...you're on the spot...our guide...our Section Chief Stormtrooper...but I'ld probably go and visit should you start one...
(ID #64493) Posted on 2007/11/22 06:58
Hatix in Antwerp, Belgium
IT, Programmer, ...
Registered on 2007/04/25 05:14
I wouldn't mind having a forum, but I don't find it absolutely necessary.
The idea of a 2ch-style forum would be nice though.

Also another possible feature for the main site, is to have the possibility to make a list of favorite posts. This way you can keep a list of posts you want to look back at at a later time or not forget about.
(ID #64495) Posted on 2007/11/22 07:13
searching for work T-T
Registered on 2007/10/11 21:54
I haven't  been on forums for a while. but i would certainly go to a dannychoo.com forum.
Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42
a forum sounds like a good addition to your site. although I do have trouble visualizing how you are going to integrate it into DannyChoo.com. also as others already mentioned, you might have trouble moderating or finding responible moderators for it.
(ID #64501) Posted on 2007/11/22 09:31
Frankie in Osaka / Akiba
Magazine Editor
Registered on 2007/09/30 18:19
I think a dannychoo forum should be a "longtail of comments" from new posts. 
I mean a forumn that features only the threads from danny's posts.
This way we wouldn't submerged by new threads and escalation of flame wars, but the comments would not "get lost" after few days like happens right now...  and the discussion on a particular thread could keep going on even after the post is not really new any more...
(ID #64503) Posted on 2007/11/22 09:47
atomusku in Sweden
industrial designer, detaljist, graphic design
Registered on 2007/11/04 00:56
the forums seem like a good idea, but it feels kinda ordinary, whereas the topics, i hope there could be somethings that are not in the usual category's but rather something weird and new. But I would get a lot of answers/questions done on a forum, as long as the rest of the web page doesn't suffer, these articles are the heart and soul!!
(ID #64504) Posted on 2007/11/22 10:12
keats in NL
student
Registered on 2007/09/02 20:42
A forum sounds like a good idea, but, as mentionned before, will give you alot of work. If you make one, at least make it small, and on topic. And make sure people can access it with the same login. 

Maybe it's a better idea to just 'expand' the comments section with a kind of sub-thread thing, and multiple pages, a bit like Engadget. Or, alternatively, try to think up Forum 2.0 :-P  A combination of commenting, chatting, and a forum in one? 
(ID #64508) Posted on 2007/11/22 10:22
Starboykb in Brunei
IT TechGuy
Registered on 2007/05/16 00:05
I don't think having a forum is really a nice idea. I am happy keeping track with users leaving their comments here. I agree what other says "Forum = trouble" and not to mention nowadays forums has become a good place for spamming.
(ID #64513) Posted on 2007/11/22 10:53
kakit in Toronto, Canada
Student
Registered on 2007/04/24 07:45
I check this site daily and a couple other forums daily for Hobby news and stuff =D
(ID #64521) Posted on 2007/11/22 11:49
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:33
I agree with starboykb. Forum = trouble waiting to happen.

At least the conversations within posts are focused on specific topics and easily moderated. If you open a forum, you are opening a platform for many different topics which are much harder to moderate. And once it reaches a certain size, then you will find you have little to no control over the content or anything other than maintenance. That's when all the things you try to avoid in comments really hits things. Then, there's the spam and flamebaiters...
(ID #64525) Posted on 2007/11/22 12:09
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
Registered on 2007/06/11 14:57
i like the site the way it is now. 

although a forum will introduce new features but it will bring along new problems as well. 

not only is it time consuming to mod a forum, like looking through all the threads. lets not forget about trolls, off-topics, flamings etc.

if there's going to be a post count, people might in a bid to get a high post count, start posting non-essential replies like "lol", "hahaha" or just smiley. 

what i suggest is retain the site as it is. what i will like to have is a "edit own post" option as some of us might make spelling mistakes or have additional stuffs to add on.
(ID #64536) Posted on 2007/11/22 13:13
Katharn/Code in Malaysia
Engineer
Registered on 2007/09/16 14:29
forums=drama

baaaaaad idea >_
(ID #64539) Posted on 2007/11/22 13:21
SG in UK
Art/Media Student (Wannabe Illustrator)
Registered on 2006/12/28 05:39
For starters (once the forum is up you'll need to make some rules, find suitable MODS and such.
(Yeah, I know I'm pointing out obvious points but there are lil' forums who started out without any rules...).

But hey, I think its sounds good, but then should Figure.FM go?
In a forum, people could start posting pics too? or should that be seperated?

Theres many choices to make.
(ID #64540) Posted on 2007/11/22 13:35
Sakari in Tokyo
Student
Registered on 2007/06/20 01:24
I would quite like to be able to edit your comment's on the site within a certain time frame, in case you make a spelling mistake or something like that.
(ID #64545) Posted on 2007/11/22 14:19
Archa in England
Registered on 2007/08/09 06:12
You should have a competition section where you hold a monthly competition on say model building/ painting ect ect... and could host a picture of the winners model on the home page of dannychoo.com as there prize for winning. 
and yes u will definatly need to set some ground rules and get some suitable and reliable moderators for different sections.
(ID #64546) Posted on 2007/11/22 14:19
MACdaddy in Earth
Stalker
Registered on 2007/11/10 10:14
I do regularly visit forums, but I see nothing wrong with what you have here. The problems with a site that contains a message board is the amount of work. They are fine, but need to be heavily moderated once they grow to a certain point. I know two people who run some pretty big sites with forums and they both seem to dislike running them now and end up looking to bots and auto responders, but those still don't really do much.

Plus, you become responsable for what's posted, even if you don't post it yourself. I say go for it, but only because I wont be helping you run it [just being honest]. Mayb a text only based forum would be nice, then after a while when you have people who you trust, you could give them permissions to post images and links?
(ID #64549) Posted on 2007/11/22 14:25
ninjascience in Oregon Newtype Labs
NinjaPriestJazzDoctorPilotRobotZombieLuv
Registered on 2007/01/10 01:48
there's a great PHP based forum app called Vanilla.  I think it might be just your style.
(ID #64553) Posted on 2007/11/22 15:06
ninjascience in Oregon Newtype Labs
NinjaPriestJazzDoctorPilotRobotZombieLuv
Registered on 2007/01/10 01:48
after reading through others comments I have to agree with the general consensus.  Forums are a lot of work to maintain and the source for a lot of drama.  Blogs and forums are really quite similar, just different layouts.  Perhaps just taking some of the common forum features and integrating them into comments is the way to go.  Quoting, editing your own comments, etc.
(ID #64554) Posted on 2007/11/22 15:09
MetalSamamon in Michigan, USA
Lowly worker
Registered on 2007/06/16 15:40
I regularly visit forums; since I'm an admin on most of the ones I'm on; but they are a lot of work to maintain and can be a source of drama.

While a forum for this site would be nice; it's just a matter of finding staff to maintain it and to actually make the forum I feel...
(ID #64560) Posted on 2007/11/22 16:29