Bugs with this board's software

[DCG]

Anyone else notice issues on this board where posts just seem to disappear for a period of time? For example, right now I am trying to find Harry's idea thread. It's nowhere. It does not currently come up for me under 'Investment Ideas', 'General Discusion', Unread Posts or anything. But if I come back in a day or tow, it will reappear. I notice this (among some other bugs) on here pretty frequently.

 

I know good message board software usually isn't free and it's not usually an easy process to migrate everything to new software, but any thoughts on migrating the board to better message board software (such as IP.Board) at some point?

 

Not sure if the advertising covers the hosting fees, but maybe even if a bunch of us on here donate a few bucks each we can help pay for a software upgrade (I think IP board actually even offeres a hosted service for a comparable price to what most hosting companies charge just for hosting).

 

That all being said, Sanjeev, I greatly appreciate everything you do for this site, and you probably don't have a ton of free time to worry about this type of thing, but I just wanted to throw it out there, since this Simple Machines software seems to have some issues.

[gfp]

it was probably deleted

[given2invest]

Yah, I think all of my hard work was deleted.  :-\  I even sent that link to a few people.

 

 

 

[DCG]

Why would that thread have been deleted? You guys had one of the best debates going that this place has had in a long time, and put a lot of time into it.

 

Maybe it's not a forum bug then, but are threads on here just deleted with no notice somewhat frequently, and if so, why not just lock the threads so people can still read them, rather than deleting them entirely?

 

Deleting threads from spammers and trolls is one thing, but I'm confused why an engaging debate on a company from 2 long-time members of this board would just be deleted.

 

-and please don't just delete this thread, as I'm curious about this, and I assume other board members are as well.

[Parsad]

Maybe it's not a forum bug then, but are threads on here just deleted with no notice somewhat frequently, and if so, why not just lock the threads so people can still read them, rather than deleting them entirely?

 

Deleting threads from spammers and trolls is one thing, but I'm confused why an engaging debate on a company from 2 long-time members of this board would just be deleted.

 

Hi Folks,

 

I didn't delete that thread.  I actually let it go, because I thought there was a good debate going on regarding the gaming industry, outside of a couple of odd shots taken by the two combatants.  

 

I don't delete too many threads.  I will delete individual posts that are confrontational or abusive, but not entire threads.  The only way that thread could have been deleted is by the originator of the thread.  Cheers!

[given2invest]

All that I said was #winning, which I thought was pretty funny if I may say so myself.  I never said a single thing about him personally, though the same can't be said about his words towards me.

 

 

[Parsad]

Anyone else notice issues on this board where posts just seem to disappear for a period of time? For example, right now I am trying to find Harry's idea thread. It's nowhere. It does not currently come up for me under 'Investment Ideas', 'General Discusion', Unread Posts or anything. But if I come back in a day or tow, it will reappear. I notice this (among some other bugs) on here pretty frequently.

 

Actually, the Simplemachines software is pretty darn good.  The open source nature of it means regular updates, additional modules and good community support.  There are a limited number of bugs and they are usually fixed pretty quick.

 

In regards to missing posts, the originator of the post can delete the thread they started.  Otherwise, there is no way to delete the thread outside of me doing it.  In this case, it was not me...soooooo...you can come to your own conclusions on who deleted it!

 

As I mentioned in the previous post, I rarely delete entire threads.  What you may see sometimes is me moving a post that was added to the "Investment Ideas" board, but it really belonged on the "General Discussion" forum.  I don't put redirects on those because I don't want to clutter the "Investment Ideas" board with redirect posts.  

 

That board is really supposed to be a resource board, where members can click on the "Subject" bar and get a completely alphabetized library of investment ideas that have been submitted over time.  All ideas on that board should be submitted in this EXACT format:  ticker symbol - company name.  That's it!  

 

If you have anything else in the subject title, it goes into the "General Discussion" board.  If you screw up the order, as often happens, I will fix it and leave it there.  The reason being so that the "Investment Ideas" board actually functions as intended as a resource library for companies.

 

The other thing you may see from time to time, is if anyone doesn't take the time to click on the "Subject" bar in the "Investment Ideas" board before submitting a new post on a duplicate ticker symbol, I will take the latest thread and combine it with the original ticker thread, so that there is only one post on that ticker symbol.  Again, I won't post a redirect as I don't want to clutter the board.

 

Other than that, I only delete abusive, combative, confrontational, racially divisive or overly conspiratorial (Carl) posts.  I've also learned not to engage members when they are overly emotional, so that I don't make emotional decisions in banning them.  Cheers!

[nodnub]

 

In regards to missing posts, the originator of the post can delete the thread they started.  

 

It seems unfair that the person that started the thread can delete the entire conversation and debate that many board members contribute to. A lot of valuable discussion is lost in this manner. 

 

Can this be adjusted so that no one except the forum administrator can delete a thread?

 

[DCG]

Thanks for clarifying Parsad. Didn't realize people could delete their own threads.

 

Very strange that Harry would have deleted that thread.

[StubbleJumper]

Thanks for clarifying Parsad. Didn't realize people could delete their own threads.

 

Very strange that Harry would have deleted that thread.

 

It's not the first thread that he has deleted after board members have crapped on his thesis.  He deleted the Vermont water bottler thread about 6 or 8 weeks ago.

 

The strange thing is that both the gambling thread and the bottled water thread involved board members helping Harry finalize his research.  In particular, the gambling thread had several smart cats contributing their time and expertise to help him out.  There's no real reason to be ashamed of that.

 

 

SJ

[given2invest]

 

In regards to missing posts, the originator of the post can delete the thread they started.  

 

It seems unfair that the person that started the thread can delete the entire conversation and debate that many board members contribute to. A lot of valuable discussion is lost in this manner. 

 

Can this be adjusted so that no one except the forum administrator can delete a thread?

 

 

I'd like to second this.  The only other board I frequent only allows admins to delete a thread.  What if that thread was 50 pages long and could have been a resource to others looking into the gaming industry?  At some point (pretty much when you hit submit), a thread takes on a life of its own and has little to do with the author. 

[Guest VAL9000]

I second (or third now?) nodnub's motion.

 

I've got to agree here, too.  Knowing that you can delete a thread rewards bad behaviour.  It's a free option on opinions.  You can say any insane thing and then if it doesn't work out or you look like a fool, just remove the thread and voila your record is just as good as it was.

 

Plus, as S2S points out, there's a handy dose of survivorship bias here.

[enoch01]

I second (or third now?) nodnub's motion.

 

I've got to agree here, too.  Knowing that you can delete a thread rewards bad behaviour.  It's a free option on opinions.  You can say any insane thing and then if it doesn't work out or you look like a fool, just remove the thread and voila your record is just as good as it was.

 

Plus, as S2S points out, there's a handy dose of survivorship bias here.

 

Agreed!

 

Parsad,

 

Would you consider a policy change here?  I was getting a helpful education on the MTR Gaming thread, and am sorry to see it has all disappeared.  Thanks to Harry and given2invest for that exchange, by the way.

[rmitz]

For those of us who use RSS, every post is logged and permanent.  So if anyone wanted specific comments they can be found if needed.

[Guest HarryLong]

As usual, SJ hasn't done his homework. I have deleted every single thread I have ever originated, except for 1.

 

When people start to impugn my character and my good name, I draw a line in the sand.

 

There were, and continue to be on this thread (given2invest's implication that I mislead retail investors) comments which I consider to be so beyond the pale that I am forced to stop contributing until they are resolved.

 

I could not ever imagine that someone would stoop to what approaches slander. As I have said, if you disagree, say so , but once given2 started making remarks that he going to charge me as a consultant, refuses to engage on the issues, and then impugns my good name, it's just not worth it.

 

I am very proud of my crvp idea and continue to be proud of it. I have erased all of my ideas, Surw, Pvd, Crws, et al. If they're not appreciated and if the admin won't put a stop to statements which approach slander, I can take a hint and understand that my contributions are unappreciated.

[Guest HarryLong]

Harry, this is a forum. The point is to engage in conversation. When you start threads, and then delete them every time someone disagrees with you or challenges your thesis, it almost gives the impression that you are trying to pump & dump stocks (and posting your post on Seeking Alpha sort of gives that impression as well), rather than trying to help people on this board find good ideas.

 

I greatly appreciate the stock ideas you post on here, but look at it from the perspective of readers. It's one thing when you're talking about large companies like Netflix, but posting on seeking alpha about tiny stocks like this gives the impression of pumping the stock after your bought it.

 

I asked you a question in the other thread of 'why are you convinced they will raise their hold %' and am still curious of your response. I didn't see anything in that thread that I'd consider slander. Promoting tiny companies on here, and then deleting the thread when people present an opposite view doesn't make you look good, regardless of what your true intentions are.

 

 

Ethics aren't negotiable. As soon as someone impugns my character. I withdraw. As soon as given2invest started telling me he was going to charge me as a consultant, I repeated multiple times that I asked for the same fair treatment that I showed to him. I warned him multiple times, very clearly, that if he refused to engage on the issues, I would withdraw. Given2invest has gone further and has now implied that I mislead retail investors. That's slanderous. There is absolutely nothing left for me to say until his unfortunate remarks are resolved.

 

I am especially insulted, because after one his first postings, I invited him to call me at the office, so we could discuss the dynamics of jackpots. I would rather help someone privately, than be forced to poke holes in their mathematical assumptions publicly. He told he he didn't have the time to call me, which is fine. But I prefer to handle things in a gentlemanly manner, especially when it appeared that he took my objections to his arguments personally. Who would repeatedley post non-constructive things like "winning" in a baiting manner, when one's debate opponent graciously welcomed your phone call?

 

In addition, Parsad made a comment at the end of the thread which I found to be highly unfortunate.

 

When people do things like that, as I warned previously, I totally withdraw.

 

I've erased my SURW, PVD, EBIX, CRWS, and other threads as well, so you are totally free to draw your own conclusions.

 

If you keep impugning my good name by implying in any way shape or form that I pump stocks, a practice which I abhor, you will get your wish, and I will never post again on this forum.

 

It's your choice.

 

Unlike many people on this forum, I post lots of great ideas under my own name. And I engage on the issues with anyone. If behaving in an upright, transparent, clear way gives others a feeling of license to snipe at my character while remaining anonymous in doing so, I will completely withdraw.

[given2invest]

I'm pretty much speechless.  In no way have I slandered you.  I have absolutely no interest in engaging you on anything ever again.  Feel free to continue posting here because you will never hear a response from me going forward in any thread you make.  I'm not being childish, I just don't have any desire to drive someone from this board or make them feel bad simply by trying to save them money. 

 

This is what an ignore function is used for, in case people were wondering. 

 

I never said you were intentionally misleading retail investors.  You are playing with my words to suit your own agenda.  What you did was post a broken thesis on Seeking Alpha after you were told by numerous people who work in/around the industry that it's broken.  I fully believe that you believe in your thesis and don't think it's broken and did not mean any ill will.  That's beside the point though because the damage is already done, like the guy who bought shares this morning when it gapped up 10% and is now up 1%. 

 

 

[given2invest]

I am especially insulted, because after one his first postings, I invited him to call me at the office, so we could discuss the dynamics of jackpots. I would rather help someone privately, than be forced to poke holes in their mathematical assumptions publicly. He told he he didn't have the time to call me, which is fine. But I prefer to handle things in a gentlemanly manner, especially when it appeared that he took my objections to his arguments personally.

 

Simply fabricated.  He wanted me to call him at 9 PM on a Saturday night and I told him I'd call him on Monday.  That was before I had any idea what I was getting myself into. 

 

You didn't hurt my feelings, Harry.  Unlike you, I'm not threatening to leave the board after being told I was the product of "bad breeding".  Unlike you, I had nothing to gain from entering that discussion.  I have no horse in the MNTG race.  I have no capital on the line. 

 

I was simply trying to help you.  I repeat, I was simply trying to help you. 

[Guest HarryLong]

I'm pretty much speechless.  In no way have I slandered you.  I have absolutely no interest in engaging you on anything ever again.   Feel free to continue posting here because you will never hear a response from me going forward in any thread you make.  I'm not being childish, I just don't have any desire to drive someone from this board or make them feel bad simply by trying to save them money.   

 

This is what an ignore function is used for, in case people were wondering. 

 

I never said you were intentionally misleading retail investors.  You are playing with my words to suit your own agenda.   What you did was post a broken thesis on Seeking Alpha after you were told by numerous people who work in/around the industry that it's broken.  I fully believe that you believe in your thesis and don't think it's broken and did not mean any ill will.   That's beside the point though because the damage is already done, like the guy who bought shares this morning when it gapped up 10% and is now up 1%.   

 

 

 

I posted a thesis which you disagree with. I did not post a "broken thesis."

 

And your "damage is already done" comment is similarly insulting. Just say that you disagree.

 

I do appreciate that your previous comment has been modified.

[Guest HarryLong]

 

If you keep impugning my good name by implying in any way shape or form that I pump stocks, a practice which I abhor, you will get your wish, and I will never post again on this forum.

 

It's your choice.

 

I truly hope and believe you're not trying to pump stocks, but what are you hoping to accomplish by putting your post on seeking alpha if not hoping the post will get other people interested in buying the stock (which seems to be working today). As you saw with Ebix, you are clearly aware of the potential of posts on SA to move small stocks like this.

 

And as I said again, look at this from someone else's view (something you kept telling people to do in the other thread). When you see someone promoting a stock on a forum, and then on Seeking Alpha, it just makes people question how many other places and forums you posted that on as well. Again, I'm not saying you are pumping, but just consider the possible opinions people might get from you doing this, and then deleting the thread after people confronted your thesis.

 

This is just offensive. So now, in your world, the only reason to post on seekingalpha is "to get other people interested in buying the stock." I guess then, that no one can now post on seekingalpha without being subject to your innuendo. That's incredibly insulting. Now you are implying unethical intentions without actually saying so.

 

Some of us actually believe that we have valuable comments which can help improve real businesses in the real world.

 

My record is clear, I spent a great deal of time suggesting ways in which Fremont's underwriting could be improved.

 

I spent a great deal of time with SURW suggesting ways in which a dividend could improve shareholder value.

 

It is quite the opposite. I am trying to help the business operations of these companies improve.

 

Your innuendo is unfair and anyone familiar with my record knows that it is a cheap shot at someone who has worked diligently on behalf of the public to improve the operations and corporate governance of multiple companies.

 

My absolute dream in life is to create win-win situations where everyone benefits. Winning is nothing unless we all win together.

 

 

[given2invest]

I'm pretty much speechless.  In no way have I slandered you.  I have absolutely no interest in engaging you on anything ever again.   Feel free to continue posting here because you will never hear a response from me going forward in any thread you make.  I'm not being childish, I just don't have any desire to drive someone from this board or make them feel bad simply by trying to save them money.   

 

This is what an ignore function is used for, in case people were wondering. 

 

I never said you were intentionally misleading retail investors.  You are playing with my words to suit your own agenda.   What you did was post a broken thesis on Seeking Alpha after you were told by numerous people who work in/around the industry that it's broken.  I fully believe that you believe in your thesis and don't think it's broken and did not mean any ill will.   That's beside the point though because the damage is already done, like the guy who bought shares this morning when it gapped up 10% and is now up 1%.   

 

 

 

I posted a thesis which you disagree with. I did not post a "broken thesis."

 

And your "damage is already done" comment is similarly insulting. Just say that you disagree.

 

I do appreciate that your previous comment has been modified.

 

Saying I don't agree with your thesis vs. saying it's broken is like saying that you don't agree that smoking causes cancer or that 2+2=4.   There aren't two sides to this issue.   You have misunderstood what casino hold is and how it is manipulated by casino management.   I attempted, for 10 pages, to explain this to you.  

 

No activist - not even Carl Icahn - can get MNTG to raise it's hold 1-4% without a decrease in corresponding revenues.   It simply isn't going to happen.   I even pointed out that Jacob's was an activist and owns nearly 20% of the company.   What has stopped him from doing this?  He's on the board and has decades of gaming experience.     I just don't know any other way to explain this to you.  

 

So it's not a matter of opinion, is my point.   We aren't debating the merits of MNTG as a stock pick or whether or not the Heat will win the NBA Finals.  We are (were) debating about whether or not the sky is blue.      

[Guest HarryLong]

I am especially insulted, because after one his first postings, I invited him to call me at the office, so we could discuss the dynamics of jackpots. I would rather help someone privately, than be forced to poke holes in their mathematical assumptions publicly. He told he he didn't have the time to call me, which is fine. But I prefer to handle things in a gentlemanly manner, especially when it appeared that he took my objections to his arguments personally.

 

Simply fabricated.  He wanted me to call him at 9 PM on a Saturday night and I told him I'd call him on Monday.   That was before I had any idea what I was getting myself into.   

 

You didn't hurt my feelings, Harry.   Unlike you, I'm not threatening to leave the board after being told I was the product of "bad breeding".  Unlike you, I had nothing to gain from entering that discussion.   I have no horse in the MNTG race.   I have no capital on the line.   

 

I was simply trying to help you.   I repeat, I was simply trying to help you.   

 

I have not fabricated anything. I am sure the Admin can post my message to you for all to see.

 

Again, you are impugning my character.

[Guest HarryLong]

So again, I wish to be clear:

 

If you keep impugning my good name by implying in any way shape or form that I am unethical, you will get your wish, and I will never post again on this forum.

[given2invest]

I am especially insulted, because after one his first postings, I invited him to call me at the office, so we could discuss the dynamics of jackpots. I would rather help someone privately, than be forced to poke holes in their mathematical assumptions publicly. He told he he didn't have the time to call me, which is fine. But I prefer to handle things in a gentlemanly manner, especially when it appeared that he took my objections to his arguments personally.

 

Simply fabricated.  He wanted me to call him at 9 PM on a Saturday night and I told him I'd call him on Monday.   That was before I had any idea what I was getting myself into.   

 

You didn't hurt my feelings, Harry.   Unlike you, I'm not threatening to leave the board after being told I was the product of "bad breeding".  Unlike you, I had nothing to gain from entering that discussion.   I have no horse in the MNTG race.   I have no capital on the line.   

 

I was simply trying to help you.   I repeat, I was simply trying to help you.   

 

I have not fabricated anything. I am sure the Admin can post my message to you for all to see.

 

Again, you are impugning my character.

 

He told he he didn't have the time to call me, which is fine

 

It was 9 PM on a Saturday.   I told you I would call you on Monday.  

 

Haha this is all so funny.  I feel like I'm in Junior High.   I have better things to do.   Best of luck on your investments Harry.

[DCG]

 

If you keep impugning my good name by implying in any way shape or form that I pump stocks, a practice which I abhor, you will get your wish, and I will never post again on this forum.

 

It's your choice.

 

I truly hope and believe you're not trying to pump stocks, but what are you hoping to accomplish by putting your post on seeking alpha if not hoping the post will get other people interested in buying the stock (which seems to be working today). As you saw with Ebix, you are clearly aware of the potential of posts on SA to move small stocks like this.

 

And as I said again, look at this from someone else's view (something you kept telling people to do in the other thread). When you see someone promoting a stock on a forum, and then on Seeking Alpha, it just makes people question how many other places and forums you posted that on as well. Again, I'm not saying you are pumping, but just consider the possible opinions people might get from you doing this, and then deleting the thread after people confronted your thesis.

 

This is just offensive. So now, in your world, the only reason to post on seekingalpha is "to get other people interested in buying the stock." I guess then, that no one can now post on seekingalpha without being subject to your innuendo. That's incredibly insulting. Now you are implying unethical intentions without actually saying so.

 

Some of us actually believe that we have valuable comments which can help improve real businesses in the real world.

 

My record is clear, I spent a great deal of time suggesting ways in which Fremont's underwriting could be improved.

 

I spent a great deal of time with SURW suggesting ways in which a dividend could improve shareholder value.

 

It is quite the opposite. I am trying to help the business operations of these companies improve.

 

Your innuendo is unfair and anyone familiar with my record knows that it is a cheap shot at someone who has worked diligently on behalf of the public to improve the operations and corporate governance of multiple companies.

 

My absolute dream in life is to create win-win situations where everyone benefits. Winning is nothing unless we all win together.

 

 

 

You're still not answering my questions:

 

-what are you hoping to accomplish by putting your post on seeking alpha if not hoping the post will get other people interested in buying the stock?

 

-What makes you convinced that they will raise the hold %?

 

I do truly appreciate your ideas on here and trying to help people out. What I do not at all understand is you deleting pretty much every thread you start. That defeats the purpose of a forum. How were you slandered in the Ebix thread?

 

Are there are arguably no 'win-win situations in investing, as there is a buyer and a seller to every trade.