This is true. And I have no idea what Rady's skillset is when it comes to coding (I thought he was a programmer? But I got no idea....)
But, I think there are some free/cost-effective opportunities that would give the biggest boost to the forum, overall.
The biggest thing is what Rady has built the forum upon, and what the backend here looks like. Depending on what solution he initially used, there might be some free (or almost free) plug-ins and expansions that could be useful out of box....or help fulfill a larger task, and save the bulk of time/money.
My :
Have some regular KOL beat writers would be the illest. It would also help grow and really brand the KOL signature stroke: which is to say, the uniqueness of personalities within this community.
The same way Grantland owned and dominated a huge niche of sports writing bc the people behind the ideas had a unique style to the masses....so too does KOL possess this intrinsic distinction to other forums (and intrinsic opportunity).
There are half a dozen prime people I could rattle off top of my head for this.....
How are they "compensated"? It'll obviously be primarily about pride and sense of respect and accomplishment (plus performing work and achieving potential status that could be parlayed into future opportunities...).
But I also think these people could be given special avatars, as well as extra notoriety (their picture? name, etc) in the section where the writing would be getting stored and made public to people.
And on that note, the 2nd big thing I would personally prioritize....which would cost a little money and a lil time....a new design and implementation of this news/blogging/writing area.
Make it simple, intuitive (easy to find articles, and see past articles by given writers, eg), and also some basic features to foster community (users can leave comments on the articles and generate discussion...can neg or +1 opinion pieces, eg).
Rady obviously already has used and built off of a successful forum solution, so I have to imagine the leap to adding such features would be (relatively easy).
I have lots of connections in web design and programming (all located in Central Europe, so extremely competitive pricing too....not to mention many are close friends of mine). And also lots of experience in this area myself.
I'd be happy to offer any helping hands I can; even if it just helping out in brainstorming solutions and doing research into things (which may well yield results were many desirable thing could be accomplished for free, or almost free).
edit -- one more note on the writers and how you get them to write.....personally, whenever I've took the time to create a big post and articulate a particular point of view, I'd have no problem (and might even prefer) if it were just as well made into a legit article/piece of writing. I'm sure many other posters, especially ones who take time to create well-thought out and constructed argumentations, feel the same.
Thanks for the kind words my good sir, the forum is what it is because of the community that has built it! So a lot of credit to all of you!
Secondly, i've been planning this for quite some time but we're working to have the site completely revamped by the start of the season. There are certain things that don't depend strictly on me so in worst case scenario we might get some delay. The forum also is ready to get a fresh new look soon!
This is an idea i've somehow thought at already. A lot of the posts i read from some of you guys are very well written and always thought they might also be some damn good columns. If we could find a way to support this and figure out a compensation system this site might just go to a whole new level!edit -- one more note on the writers and how you get them to write.....personally, whenever I've took the time to create a big post and articulate a particular point of view, I'd have no problem (and might even prefer) if it were just as well made into a legit article/piece of writing. I'm sure many other posters, especially ones who take time to create well-thought out and constructed argumentations, feel the same.
I think it's an awesome idea! There are some top notch, probing minds on here. iSaYughh is absolutely one of them, and a few other names that'd fit the bill would be -
nuckles2k2
KBlack25
Oldtimer
Red
CA7
ronoranina
TR1LL1ON - if he ever comes back.
smokes
CoolClyde - that's bound to be an entertaining read.
and many others that don't immediately come to mind.
Right there, you've got a list of clever names that'll bring to the site. Do it, Rady! Do it to it!!!!!!
whatever you guys need me to do for the site just let me know
weekly blogs
game by game recaps
around the NBA ****
whatever it is
And we know you're one of the reliables to do it, CA7.
I am so keen on this fortnightly blog idea. I nominate first blog to smokes, 2 weeks in to the season - after 6 games. He doesn't often bring it out, but he's a very good, skeptical but an unbiased writer.
The one I'm really waiting for is iSaYughh. Dude's a mad writer, and at times reminds me of someone I've never heard of that is a good writer. I think we should let him take the ASG break midway through the season, so he can reflect on games played, and make prognostications for the 2nd half of the season.
Knicksonline was where I started and its always felt like a "home" when it comes to Knick forums. Admittedly I've spent a lot of time on realgm, but the OT threads are wildly entertaining. I never wanted to bring that here, but I'm making a concerted effort to rejoin the community.
Maybe we should make our own big booty thread?
In all seriousness, I feel like this site will grow no matter what; it's a big season, but you guys laid out some good ideas especially iSay.
If you guys need to me to drop a blog on any topic, just hit me up. You know I'll make it interesting and controversial
I recall that tkrieger made several high quality posts. The one to which you, CA7, responded so dismissively was very complimentary to this site. tkrieger's posts were always thoughtful, interesting and never insulting. Please, do not speak for me. I welcome tkrieger's posts. I understand, however, that others who are decidedly not Knicks fans can be irritating.