Posting Stats

[Zonda]

Jay C,

Mark S. asked if there is a way to post the stats form so others could revise it and post their own stats. Do you know of a way we can do this? The form is attached.

[RickF]

I can think of two ways of approaching this. The one way that I know would work would be to have a sticky thread for ride stats. Each individual can have a post in that thread where he/she posts his/her ride stats. Each time the individual wants to post a new stat he/she would edit his/her existing post. The moderator(s) would have to merge posts if an individual put a separate post for each ride (and PM the individual to remind him/her that the proper proceedure is to edit the original post in the thread), and the moderator(s) would have to delete any post to that thread that was off topic (i.e., not a ride stat for an individual).

The second way would require some work on Jay's part to set up, and I am not familiar enough with the message board software to even know if it is possible. This way would have a sticky thread for ride stats. Each ride would be a separate post, and each individual would edit that post to add his/her stats. This would require granting permission for users to edit posts that were created by someone else. I would not want to give every user administrator status, and I do not know if it is possible to open a single thread to where anyone can edit any post.

The advantage of the first approach is that I know it can be done within the current message board setup. It also allows individuals to see a snapshot of all of their rides in one spot. The disadvantage is that it is more difficult to see who road on which rides and how the groups broke out.

The advantage of the second approach is that we would get a better feel for who is riding in which groups and how well each ride was attended. The disadvantage is that it would require work on Jay's part to set up, and I am not even sure if it is technically possible.

[Michelle W]

I also do not know too much about the forum setup, but could a spreadsheet (or something similar) be posted on the site and eveyone fills in their information there? Users down the left and stats on the top? Just a thought.

[RickF]

A file lilke the attached would be good, if there is a way that anyone could retrieve the file, edit it, and post it back on the forum. I am not sure how easy that would be, but I think it is a good solution, if it can be made to work.

[skiffrun]

i know nothin bout forums, but i do know somethin about Excel models.

i suggest Excel, but a diff format from Rick
---------------
Seriously, I suspect that there could be serious edit authority issues.

Maybe the ride leader starts by posting the core file, then each person would download the most recent version for the ride being addressed, save and upload a newer version of the data. There still remains the merging of info from separate rides.
------------------
The above won't work. Too much opportunity for user data entry error.
----------------------
Rats! I can't remember how to attach a file to this!
(Rick, I'll email the file to you.)

[RickF]

i know nothin bout forums, but i do know somethin about Excel models.

i suggest Excel, but a diff format from Rick
---------------
Seriously, I suspect that there could be serious edit authority issues.

Maybe the ride leader starts by posting the core file, then each person would download the most recent version for the ride being addressed, save and upload a newer version of the data. There still remains the merging of info from separate rides.
------------------
The above won't work. Too much opportunity for user data entry error.
----------------------
Rats! I can't remember how to attach a file to this!
(Rick, I'll email the file to you.)

I agree that what I have suggested would not work for a verified data management system. There is a great opportunity for corruption of data, either accidently or maliciously. The bonly way to safeguard against this would be for someone to take on the responsibility of maintaining a backup copy of the data base, and replace the file if someone does damage it.

The other options I put forth are also open to errors - both accidental or malicious. The safest option is the one where each user posts his own stats by editing his own post in a ride stats thread. That way, the user can only mess up one riders stats - his own.

[RickF]

Here is the format that Martin (skiffrun) suggested

[Zonda]

Thanks Rick, Martin (skiffrun) and Michelle for the spreadsheets and suggestions. I think Rick's reflects more of the purpose I have in mind by listing stats. It's to show a comparison of riders' paces on a particular ride.

I like providing stats to help us become familiar with members' names, see the actual paces ridden, and help others find people who ride their pace. I post it from slowest to fastest. I also like seeing how people progress from week to week. Since we offer 4 routes or 4 paces on each ride, I feel I have a better understanding of what went on by knowing the paces of the riders. To me, it makes the ride feel more like one group even though we are riding separate distances and paces. I also think it's good for our hammerheads to see the slower paces and remember what this group is about so we don't become just another bunch of hammerheads!! Because our hammerheads continue to be respectful of our goal to mentor beginners, they provide a lot of motivation to new riders to improve their skills. We walk a fine line trying to provide a nurturing environment for beginners and a competitve environment for people who want to ride faster.

We can track our miles individually on My Cycling Log.com, but I want to show results for that particular ride. It gives you an idea what to expect on a ride with our group, which is beneficial to new riders who may be timid about joining us.

If there is something online that can be edited, I would like members to be given rights for editing after they ride with the group vs. having it open to everyone to revise, delete or whatever. I realize this would create more work for Jay, but I think there has to be some kind of control over it. I don't mind to add the names if that is possible.

I agree with Mark S's suggestion to find an easier way, but I think Mr. Jay C will have to tell us if any suggestions will work with this system. Hey, we got the cue sheet section worked out, so maybe we can figure out the stats also.

Where the hell is Jay...;)

[JayC]

The easiest solution is just to create a sticky thread and let everyone post their stats and then compile it all into one past at the end.

You could do the spreadsheet but everyone would have to upload it seperately and you'd still be in a situation where someone would have to compile it.

We really need a custom vBulletin hack that handles this stuff. I may look around for a coder to do it but it probably wont be real cheap (Think $500 or so to get it written) so in the meantime, a sticky is probably your best bet.

Ill continue to look for other solutions tho.

[Zonda]

The easiest solution is just to create a sticky thread and let everyone post their stats and then compile it all into one past at the end.

It sounds like it would be easier to keep doing what I'm doing, getting them after the ride. O.K. thanks.

[KarenG]

here's a thought: why not have a sub-forum or whatever its called like the "cue sheet" forum? name it Ride Stats and make a sticky for each OMV ride date or shop ride date then let everyone post their own stats in there.

guess it would require jay to give members editing ability for that sub-forum. zonda could make the sticky i suppose.