Techtite.com Editorial : My Two Bits, V2

Another year, another look at your web site, wondering what can be done to improve it. Last year spawned something so intriguing, yet so simple; the gray "sidebar," at right, which allows for relevant links, side-commentary, and advertisements relevant for each article. Sometimes, the smallest of concepts can be the most contributive.

However, what should be added to Techtite.com, in 2003? Oddly, it always comes down to one thing: the message board. "Oddly," I call it, because the overall idea is to revamp a web site to look more contemporary, not more classic. The message board has been an online tool since the conception of the PC modem! Yet this seems to be the tool many web sites use, to make even their most meager, one-page teaser into a highly-hit web page. Sometimes, even in computer technology, I guess the classics are best.

Consider Ain't it Cool News. Harry Knowles' web site has always been one with maybe half a dozen new reviews per month, and over three dozen "teasers." Only the peculiarly oversized font sizes make it seem like there's "more" to a simple one-liner that, for example, Tobey Maguire was chosen as Spider-Man. What makes this simple news byte so "hit"-worthy? Simple: the message board underneath, from the site's readership. With simple viewer input, an otherwise half-page blurb becomes a three-page discussion...and that's just the subject headings!

What's so amusing about all this is; the message board isn't that new of a concept. In fact, it's the oldest online device ever conceived. Not too long ago, someone was a happening guy if he owned even a 14 baud modem (yes, kids; there was indeed such a time). At such times, text communication was the only way to go. This was a day and age before "Pentium" was a prefix to all Intel chips. It was also long before 3D accelerators. Furthermore --and hold onto your seats on this one-- sound cards weren't even standard yet, with many computers sold with a simple internal speaker to "system beep" at you.. Furthermore, "Windows" was a mere toy for the business bigwigs to play with. In such a day and age, text was the only form of communication that was quickly uploaded/downloaded, as well as universally compatible. So, the message board was born.

Sure, message boards have come a long way...sort of. Yet it still seems pretty archaic to be surfing through a "folder" of messages, the same way you did back in the 1980's. Near the end of that decade, I had a little computer called the Macintosh SE. It was one of those classic Macs with the built in black and white screen, built in hard drive (again, a big deal at the time), and so on. In college, we communicated via VAX/VMS with classic text-only terminals and text-only messages on green monitors.

So, nearly a decade and a half later, what's changed? Not much. Because while message boards now allow for little smiley faces and miniature pictures of Darth Maul under your name, it's really the same old thing. Not that I'm against the same old thing, mind you, though it really is surprising how little the message board has been updated after so many years.

All that said, will Techtite.com implement a message board option in its reviews...? This is the question of the month, which I've yet to decide. It just seems like a cheap way to get "hits," you know? Consider how often you use such message boards to increase the hits of a web site. Now, consider how very easy it would be for the webmaster of that site to act like a troll and post in their own message board "Lord of the Rings SUCKS! Nyah Nyah!" only to lead to hits galore, flaming their retorts...none of whom realizing they've just been duped. A faux troll would indeed be a very easy way for "hits" on even the lamest of web pages. That said, aside from a lot of one-liners like "This review rules!" or "This review SUX," what other reason is there for a message board...? In my opinion: DIDDLY SQUAT.

However, I am still willing to let you decide, since it is you who'd use such a message board.. A message board only works if people are willing to use it, right? So, if you're looking for a good message board to be added to the reviews here, go to our letters page, and give a one-liner saying in so many words, "Yes" to a message board. Or, just say "nay." I'd say majority rules though in truth, it's a matter of how many want a message board at all. If not many people respond in favor of one --or bother to mention wanting one at all-- then: no message board. Speak and you shall be heard.

I may be deliciously naive when it comes to web sites, though I still believe that the best way for frequent visitors is to just play it cool; NO endless threads involving trolls versus fanboys. However, hits are very important so if the fans want a message board, a message board they shall receive. Will a message board enhance the site, or just drag its reputation through the muck? Let Techtite.com know in letters, and it will be done. Otherwise...no.

Agree? Disagree?

...or perhaps just agree to disagree? Feel free to give your own "two bits," via Techtite's Letters page. Editorial Submissions are also allowed. Editorials do not have to agree with the views of critics at Techtite.com. Entertainment topics are preferred.

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Bulletin Bored.