MGS Forum Now and Moving Forward

[ejgaudette]

3 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Important to note there is a new member testing platform being tested by several members that integrates in with the current platform we have. So the questions that follow along with it are in my opinion.

1. With a planned streamlining of the forum (yes I'll start some work on that soon) can we cross place the tests. Example if we have a driver sub forum, can test be placed not just in testing, but also in that sub forum? 

2. The testing platform itself and yes there was talk about moving back, altho signups would remain the same. However the new member reviews (unofficial reviews) is based off the new testing platform (meaning if we got a test for say Stealth, then member reviews would also show in there meaning all Stealth reviews, both official and non official in one page/thread). Will it even be adopted as the new system is disliked so much?

3. SEO... well that is in the hands of another Mod as he does digital marketing so hopefully we see progress with that. 

4. I really can't speak to HQ testing. There is no update there and no tests on the horizon so we will see what happens. 

5. What about more HQ involvement? Say we get member calls (zoom and such) where HQ staff will be on and the forum membership can ask questions about say Most Wanted testing when it comes out or Ball Lab call with Tony? Is that something that could help or be of use to membership?

Streamlining is a great option

Combining unofficial and official tests are great. Just wish maybe there was a way to put reviews at the top in an expandable drop down to read them with comments then right below. That way they are more like a traditional tread maybe (but I am sure this is a system limitation).

Great work on the SEO changes

I know the HQ testing is just a wait and see approach, but the talk was priority for those that advertise on the main site.

I think the last bullet is the type of engagement we would want from HQ. Bring the knowledge and expertise here as well interacting with those on the forums. Getting to ask Tony about layer incursions of golf balls would have to be the best read thread on here right?

[GolfSpy_APH]

3 minutes ago, ejgaudette said:

Streamlining is a great option

Combining unofficial and official tests are great. Just wish maybe there was a way to put reviews at the top in an expandable drop down to read them with comments then right below. That way they are more like a traditional tread maybe (but I am sure this is a system limitation).

Great work on the SEO changes

I know the HQ testing is just a wait and see approach, but the talk was priority for those that advertise on the main site.

I think the last bullet is the type of engagement we would want from HQ. Bring the knowledge and expertise here as well interacting with those on the forums. Getting to ask Tony about layer incursions of golf balls would have to be the best read thread on here right?

I have asked our dev if there is an option to add a more reddit style feature where you can reply to a individual comment or the thread itself. Waiting on a reply for that. 

Bottom line stay tuned for more change and of course I will be here along the way to message or comment at as we go through them. 

[ejgaudette]

7 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

I have asked our dev if there is an option to add a more reddit style feature where you can reply to a individual comment or the thread itself. Waiting on a reply for that. 

Bottom line stay tuned for more change and of course I will be here along the way to message or comment at as we go through them. 

Thanks you and all the mods for the hard work on this.

[GolfSpy_APH]

Quick update: Sent a bunch of stuff off to our dev about doing a site overhaul to make it simpler and more organized. As well as adding in a few new user features friendly features. 

I am hopeful that we will have a restructure of sub forums and organization by the end of the month. There is a little work to be had where some threads go and we are attempting at doing a compromise for the time to hopefully allow testing threads to be located in two locations. Example Sub70 849 driver to be in the testing database as is, but also show in the Driver Sub Forum. 

Anyway the work and progress continues.

[Tom the Golf Nut]

On 6/28/2022 at 10:52 AM, GolfSpy_APH said:

Important to note there is a new member testing platform being tested by several members that integrates in with the current platform we have. 

I was going to do the Motocaddy M7 reviewing in this new section but there isn't a category for electric carts or push or pull carts of any kind. So I just added it to the original testing thread. I kind of like the older system for testing better but do like the new sign up feature boxes. 

[TENBUCK]

Kind of late to the party on this but one of the main reasons that I don't post that much on topics is the navigation of the site.

Seems like there is no direction laid out in the main topics that could filter down into smaller ones.

The other is lack of testing. I was fortunate to be a tester once...but there needs to be a system where all get some kind of a shot at testing...even is it's golf balls!

[GolfSpy_APH]

24 minutes ago, TENBUCK said:

Kind of late to the party on this but one of the main reasons that I don't post that much on topics is the navigation of the site.

Seems like there is no direction laid out in the main topics that could filter down into smaller ones.

The other is lack of testing. I was fortunate to be a tester once...but there needs to be a system where all get some kind of a shot at testing...even is it's golf balls!

Wish we were able to provide more testing opportunities, unfortunately that has been taken out of our hands. 

I'll add it would be great to have all test something, but when we have 5k plus sign up for testing that just doesn't seem possible. 

I believe we had about 150 testers last year which was really cool. We also need to be fair to the OEM that provide it for testing. It looks really bad on us for selecting someone who doesn't finish a review. Plus sucks for membership to not get to see a review. Definitely encourage getting reviews on your own equipment!

[Paul Hedrick]

On 8/1/2022 at 1:20 PM, TENBUCK said:

Kind of late to the party on this but one of the main reasons that I don't post that much on topics is the navigation of the site.

Seems like there is no direction laid out in the main topics that could filter down into smaller ones.

The other is lack of testing. I was fortunate to be a tester once...but there needs to be a system where all get some kind of a shot at testing...even is it's golf balls!

I only post on subjects that interest me.  I have absolutely no interest in 'what kind of sun glasses' someone wears, or other posts like that.

Edited August 14, 2022 by Paul Hedrick

[GolfSpy_APH]

As we move forward in the coming weeks there will be some minor changes.

I'll try and keep everyone updated and informed as they go on. 

I know it's been a up and down year and despite some changes how testing has been we still have more to come this season. 

We have a great community here and together we can continue making this a go to forum for all golfers and be a leader in product reviews for all golfers to enjoy. 

At any point if you have questions, concerns or just want to chat send me a PM and we can discuss what your thoughts are!

[GolfSpy_APH]

Another update for all

As has likely been seen there has been a staff shift. Even with these changes we have a great core group with myself @GolfSpy_APH, Rob @Golfspy_CG2, Bryan @GolfSpy_BOS and Michael @GolfSpy MPR. We will look to go through any and all applications over the next week or so and hopefully have a new mod named within 3 weeks. If anyone has questions please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us to discuss. 

I know it was talked about earlier in other threads, but a big congrats to all who went to the MGS outing and @Golfspy_CG2 for organizing as well as @MDGolfHacker and @Berg Ryman for stepping up in Rob's absence to help run the event on the ground. Wish I could have been there, but maybe next year? The good news is it looks as though this could be a new staple event with the potential to expand in future years with another 1 or 2 across the US. For us EU/UK Folks well PM me and maybe we can have a meetup. I have a few connections with courses in England and could maybe do something there for us. 

With the change at the top of the Moderator Staff I've been asked to step into that role and have graciously accepted. I'm looking forward to taking on this new challenge and working with everything and everyone to aid in growing the forum, bringing it back to its roots and developing this community further to continue making it what it has always been. A fantastic group of golfers around the world who love the game, equipment and more and that want to discuss that here and gain insights into all things golf, life and more. 

For the moment there are some simple tasks we are going to look to improve. Simplify/reorganization of the forum. Essentially make it super simple for any and all to navigate and find the content they want. This may mean some moving around of threads/topics but don't worry everything will be there still and nothing will be removed permanently. 

In previous years there have been focus groups on the forum and if this is something you are interested in/taking part in please send me a PM. This could require testing of new features, questions on directions, some insights into potential avenues for us to go down and overall just creating ideas by/from forum members to improve the site. 

Transition times are never fun and rarely easy and I hope that everyone can stick with us through this as there are some exciting projects for the future as well as more MGS HQ Zoom calls for only our membership to join. Although these are not forum discussions it allows all of us behind the scenes access to a wealth of knowledge and stories that aren't necessarily published in the articles. 

Thank you all and looking forward to what the future has in store for us!

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

6 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Another update for all

As has likely been seen there has been a staff shift. Even with these changes we have a great core group with myself @GolfSpy_APH, Rob @Golfspy_CG2, Bryan @GolfSpy_BOS and Michael @GolfSpy MPR. We will look to go through any and all applications over the next week or so and hopefully have a new mod named within 3 weeks. If anyone has questions please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us to discuss. 

I know it was talked about earlier in other threads, but a big congrats to all who went to the MGS outing and @Golfspy_CG2 for organizing as well as @MDGolfHacker and @Berg Ryman for stepping up in Rob's absence to help run the event on the ground. Wish I could have been there, but maybe next year? The good news is it looks as though this could be a new staple event with the potential to expand in future years with another 1 or 2 across the US. For us EU/UK Folks well PM me and maybe we can have a meetup. I have a few connections with courses in England and could maybe do something there for us. 

With the change at the top of the Moderator Staff I've been asked to step into that role and have graciously accepted. I'm looking forward to taking on this new challenge and working with everything and everyone to aid in growing the forum, bringing it back to its roots and developing this community further to continue making it what it has always been. A fantastic group of golfers around the world who love the game, equipment and more and that want to discuss that here and gain insights into all things golf, life and more. 

For the moment there are some simple tasks we are going to look to improve. Simplify/reorganization of the forum. Essentially make it super simple for any and all to navigate and find the content they want. This may mean some moving around of threads/topics but don't worry everything will be there still and nothing will be removed permanently. 

In previous years there have been focus groups on the forum and if this is something you are interested in/taking part in please send me a PM. This could require testing of new features, questions on directions, some insights into potential avenues for us to go down and overall just creating ideas by/from forum members to improve the site. 

Transition times are never fun and rarely easy and I hope that everyone can stick with us through this as there are some exciting projects for the future as well as more MGS HQ Zoom calls for only our membership to join. Although these are not forum discussions it allows all of us behind the scenes access to a wealth of knowledge and stories that aren't necessarily published in the articles. 

Thank you all and looking forward to what the future has in store for us!

Congrats Jamie, looking forward to some changes and hope they stick.

Bring on the meetups!

[sirchunksalot]

9 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Another update for all

As has likely been seen there has been a staff shift. Even with these changes we have a great core group with myself @GolfSpy_APH, Rob @Golfspy_CG2, Bryan @GolfSpy_BOS and Michael @GolfSpy MPR. We will look to go through any and all applications over the next week or so and hopefully have a new mod named within 3 weeks. If anyone has questions please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us to discuss. 

I know it was talked about earlier in other threads, but a big congrats to all who went to the MGS outing and @Golfspy_CG2 for organizing as well as @MDGolfHacker and @Berg Ryman for stepping up in Rob's absence to help run the event on the ground. Wish I could have been there, but maybe next year? The good news is it looks as though this could be a new staple event with the potential to expand in future years with another 1 or 2 across the US. For us EU/UK Folks well PM me and maybe we can have a meetup. I have a few connections with courses in England and could maybe do something there for us. 

With the change at the top of the Moderator Staff I've been asked to step into that role and have graciously accepted. I'm looking forward to taking on this new challenge and working with everything and everyone to aid in growing the forum, bringing it back to its roots and developing this community further to continue making it what it has always been. A fantastic group of golfers around the world who love the game, equipment and more and that want to discuss that here and gain insights into all things golf, life and more. 

For the moment there are some simple tasks we are going to look to improve. Simplify/reorganization of the forum. Essentially make it super simple for any and all to navigate and find the content they want. This may mean some moving around of threads/topics but don't worry everything will be there still and nothing will be removed permanently. 

In previous years there have been focus groups on the forum and if this is something you are interested in/taking part in please send me a PM. This could require testing of new features, questions on directions, some insights into potential avenues for us to go down and overall just creating ideas by/from forum members to improve the site. 

Transition times are never fun and rarely easy and I hope that everyone can stick with us through this as there are some exciting projects for the future as well as more MGS HQ Zoom calls for only our membership to join. Although these are not forum discussions it allows all of us behind the scenes access to a wealth of knowledge and stories that aren't necessarily published in the articles. 

Thank you all and looking forward to what the future has in store for us!

Congratulations Jamie! I have no doubt you'll do a wonderful job as you've been excellent in your role as a moderator. I just want to thank you and all the current and former mods for the job you've done over the years keeping the forum running smoothly. 

[tommc23]

3 hours ago, Lacassem said:

Congrats Jamie, looking forward to some changes and hope they stick.

Bring on the meetups!

Honestly meetups in the thing that will keep me here. Last weeks meet up was freaking amazing

[Golfspy_CG2]

I’m thrilled that Jamie will leading the forum.  As most are aware he has led the charge in many ways in the little over a year that he came on staff.  

We have a great forum staff group and I will remain on in the role I elected to take on last year. Here as a resource to the other MODS and the members.  Doing more of what I’ve done the past year. 

As mentioned our Mid Atlantic Stay and Play Weekend was a huge success   Read the Live thread if you haven’t already and check out @McGolf Fanatic video of the trip.  
 

I can say there will be at least a couple of these next year.   Locations and dates will be determined later.  But plenty of notice will be given, so arrangements can be made.   They will build upon what we started at Queenstown!  Adam has told me he will support them in anyway We need. But it’s the support of the members that will ultimately make these a special event.    More to come. 
 

Lastly I will join Jamie in asking that everyone stay with us, the forum is not going anywhere and it’s not being controlled by HQ   I can promise you that.  Yes there are some changed in member testing, this yesr may not have been the way it was in the past,  But sometimes a change that seems bad at first turns out to be best in the long run.
 

In the meantime we will continue to focus on great topics about the gsme we love and other things that interest us as a group   That is truly what makes a forum.  Everything else is just gravy! 
 

 

 

[Golfspy_CG2]

5 minutes ago, tommc23 said:

Honestly meetups in the thing that will keep me here. Last weeks meet up was freaking amazing

Then you’ll love the post right after yours

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

1 hour ago, tommc23 said:

Honestly meetups in the thing that will keep me here. Last weeks meet up was freaking amazing

100% hopefully I can make several that are potentially upcoming! Have had the privelidge of doing a few locally with a few members including @ejgaudetteand @GolfSpy Barbajo, not a full weekend but fun nonetheless. Cant wait to see some plans form.

[tommc23]

1 hour ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

Then you’ll love the post right after yours

https://mtvalleygolf.com/ Is the closest thing I have to Queenstown it’s a nice course but doesn’t have housing on site. I do know of a few courses I’m close to that do have housing on site I would do my best to set something like that up. Problem is next year I’ll have puppies on the ground and won’t have much time next year for a meet up with that.

[MattF]

4 hours ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

the forum is not going anywhere and it’s not being controlled by HQ   I can promise you that.  Yes there are some changed in member testing, this yesr may not have been the way it was in the past,  But sometimes a change that seems bad at first turns out to be best in the long run.

Doesn't feel like it to me...I'm almost done.

[Golfspy_CG2]

2 hours ago, MattF said:

Doesn't feel like it to me...I'm almost done.

Matt feel free to PM me your concerns.  I’ll be happy to discuss them.  

[Peaksy68]

10 hours ago, MattF said:

Doesn't feel like it to me...I'm almost done.

Is @The Hat still going to be around?

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

13 hours ago, MattF said:

Doesn't feel like it to me...I'm almost done.

Hate to hear that, hope it turns around.

[MattF]

3 hours ago, Peaksy68 said:

Is @The Hat still going to be around?

For you, in your nightmares. 

[cksurfdude]

Been thinking about this, and may have posted similar thoughts earlier in this thread .. and I know I have elsewhere in the forums ... So...

What initially brought me to *this* forum, earlier in my golfing life (which was not that many years ago) when I didn't know a lot about equipment, including e.g. the different performance characteristics between the same club from different manufacturers, between different types of clubs for different types of players, between different shafts, different golf balls, etc etc etc.

The annual (so-called) test and review presented in one of the major print publications was wholly, totally unsatisfactory - everything was wonderful (of course) and yet it said *nothing* about what might help me with my game...

So a Google search for golf equipment reviews led me here.

Where I found a much fuller description of the player types doing the testing, a much fuller description of the _what_ the equipment is and of the _who_ is the target golfer. 

I enjoyed reading thru the personal experiences .. and not long after joined the forum so I could participate, and not long after that signed up for a club test - and got selected

 

* OK - here's where I finally start getting to my point

 

During that first club test .. again several years back when my swing was waaaay worse than it is now .. I felt like I was struggling with the club. I read thru the other testers personal intros and PMed one of them to ask a question...

... He and I struck up a conversation, which has CONTINUED into the present .. about many things golf-related and not related .. we just chat about life events sometimes .. and this conversation WILL continue into the future..!!

I've learned so much from him, and also from -all- the others who take time to share their knowledge and experience - in a friendly, respectful, cooperative way. To me, that's "Community"

 

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

12 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Been thinking about this, and may have posted similar thoughts earlier in this thread .. and I know I have elsewhere in the forums ... So...

What initially brought me to *this* forum, earlier in my golfing life (which was not that many years ago) when I didn't know a lot about equipment, including e.g. the different performance characteristics between the same club from different manufacturers, between different types of clubs for different types of players, between different shafts, different golf balls, etc etc etc.

The annual (so-called) test and review presented in one of the major print publications was wholly, totally unsatisfactory - everything was wonderful (of course) and yet it said *nothing* about what might help me with my game...

So a Google search for golf equipment reviews led me here.

Where I found a much fuller description of the player types doing the testing, a much fuller description of the _what_ the equipment is and of the _who_ is the target golfer. 

I enjoyed reading thru the personal experiences .. and not long after joined the forum so I could participate, and not long after that signed up for a club test - and got selected

 

* OK - here's where I finally start getting to my point

 

During that first club test .. again several years back when my swing was waaaay worse than it is now .. I felt like I was struggling with the club. I read thru the other testers personal intros and PMed one of them to ask a question...

... He and I struck up a conversation, which has CONTINUED into the present .. about many things golf-related and not related .. we just chat about life events sometimes .. and this conversation WILL continue into the future..!!

I've learned so much from him, and also from -all- the others who take time to share their knowledge and experience - in a friendly, respectful, cooperative way. To me, that's "Community"

 

and how great it is to have you here! So who is it we can thank for keeping you here? 

[cksurfdude]

Alright since that last post was so long and boring, I'm starting out my next set of thoughts into this next long and boring post...

 

Testing.

My opinions on forum member testing:

 

#1. Should be SUBJECTIVE, e.g. I'm a high handicapper and this club definitely [ did | did not ] help me hit a golf ball better towards the hole.

..and of course include here's some info about me as a golfer, here's some info on how I did my testing, here's some info on how I felt about this club vs the thing that's in my bag now, etc etc.

 

2. Should be run IN TANDEM with the more objective / data-driven testing done at HQ (e.g. a club is run thru the lab at HQ and then is handed off to a forum member tester).

Yeah it's a plus if the forum testers can supplement their reviews with hard data, but imho should not necessarily be a hard requirement.

No, you don't want people to take free gear and then whiff on the review, but HQ is in a much better position to collect and publish data .. in a consistent format/presentation .. vs a group of testers (using different testing methods and different data collection / presentation methods).

At HQ this could be a part of .. or completely separate from .. Most Wanted testing.

But in my mind a dual testing protocol could be way more impactful to information seekers, and thus possible would-be forum members.

 

======================

(..forum software combined this post with my prior one...)

 

1 hour ago, Lacassem said:

and how great it is to have you here! So who is it we can thank for keeping you here? 

Haha it's *you* and all your fun doggos!!!

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

10 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Alright since that last post was so long and boring, I'm starting out my next set of thoughts into this next long and boring post...

 

Testing.

My opinions on forum member testing:

 

#1. Should be SUBJECTIVE, e.g. I'm a high handicapper and this club definitely [ did | did not ] help me hit a golf better towards the hole.

..and of course include here's some info about me as a golfer, here's some info on how I did my testing, here's some info on how I felt about this club vs the thing that's in my bag now, etc etc.

 

2. Should be run IN TANDEM with the more objective / data-driven testing done at HQ (e.g. a club is run thru the lab at HQ and then is handed off to a forum member tester).

Yeah it's a plus if the forum testers can supplement their reviews with hard data, but imho should not necessarily be a hard requirement.

No, you don't want people to take free gear and then whiff on the review, but HQ is in a much better position to collect and publish data .. in a consistent format/presentation .. vs a group of testers (using different testing methods and different data collection / presentation methods).

At HQ this could be a part of .. or completely separate from .. Most Wanted testing.

But in my mind a dual testing protocol could be way more impactful to information seekers, and thus possible would-be forum members.

 

======================

(..forum software combined this post with my prior one...)

 

Haha it's *you* and your all your fun doggos!!!

Dogs and golf keep us sane, that I know for a fact.

[GolfSpy_APH]

3 hours ago, Lacassem said:

Dogs and golf keep us sane, that I know for a fact.

Should be a super like for this. 

[GolfSpy BOS]

3 hours ago, Lacassem said:

Dogs and golf keep us sane, that I know for a fact.

 

3 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Should be a super like for this. 

I don't know.... one of mine is actively trying to drive me crazy!

Had me up at 3, 4, and 5:30 this morning to go outside.

I don't have babies anymore, I'm supposed to get to sleep! 

[GolfSpy_APH]

8 minutes ago, GolfSpy_BOS said:

 

I don't know.... one of mine is actively trying to drive me crazy!

Had me up at 3, 4, and 5:30 this morning to go outside.

I don't have babies anymore, I'm supposed to get to sleep! 

Why not just leave it outside? Did that with the dalmatian the other day lol

[GolfSpy BOS]

5 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Why not just leave it outside? Did that with the dalmatian the other day lol

1.  Tempting, but my wife would not approve.

2.  It was also raining.  Which only added the displeasure I had.