So when will PETS get the same priority that reps did?

[USNavyBlueAngel]

I noticed that a week or so ago, the people in the rep forum kept after the staff until their section was completely fixed. As best as I'm aware, that rep repair came even before the board itself was completely fixed (which it still isn't):

http://christianforums.com/showthread.php?t=7232232

Since the reps were given such a high priority, are we next? What do the pet owners have to do to get what they want?

Come on staff - tell us how the reppers did it so we can do it also. Then maybe we can get our pets back in record time too.

I've only put this in the pet section so far - I'll put it in other sections if that will help. So, how about it???

[CelticGrace]

There are many things that need to be worked on to make the site run smoothly. It may be that the reps thing was something that was easy to fix and the pets are a bit more complex and therefore will take more time. In any case, please be patient, as the techs have a lot on their plates. The pets will be turned back on but it will still take time.

[ladyt28]

But I want my turtle back! I miss Elkan!! It seemed that others were somehow able to help the techies get the reps going again - is there anything we can do to help get the pets back? What can we do to make the pets a priority and keep them near the top of the "to-do" list? I know we need patience but the squeeky wheel DOES get the oil!

As a site supporter, I vote this as a MAJOR priority!

[cfFosterANGEL31]

also as a site supporter, I would like more of a answer than "as soon as possible"!! the rep people kept at it and finally you all bent to them---how about us supporters???? don't we count??? I also have a grandson who just joined for a year, and that was a lot of money for a young kid!!! We all at the pet forum have been quiete and polite but as many of you mods know that doesn't seem to get anyone anywhere, where are our pets, and WHEN will they be coming back????

[nanajojothatsme]

But I want my turtle back! I miss Elkan!! It seemed that others were somehow able to help the techies get the reps going again - is there anything we can do to help get the pets back? What can we do to make the pets a priority and keep them near the top of the "to-do" list? I know we need patience but the squeeky wheel DOES get the oil!

As a site supporter, I vote this as a MAJOR priority!

absolutely, I agree as a sitesupporter we sure have been left in the dark on a few things here.

[RoseyK]

I agree.....It would be nice to have a better answer to give everyone than "soon" or "maybe next week"

Where exactly does getting the pets back fit in the grand scheme of things....

[CelticGrace]

I've put in a request for anyone who knows about the technical aspect of stuff and how the pets might fit into that to come give an answer, as I honestly don't know any more than you do.

[cfFosterANGEL31]

We know Celti you are not our mod, we were told professormom and geocajun are is this true???We are not going to get into a shouting match with you or anyone else, but as the reps so well put it we do need to be kept in the loop!!! We were trying to handle the situation Christian like, so are asking for some kind of time line, where do we rank???

[ladyt28]

Celtic - bless you for being our link but please let the PTB know this: my willingness to continue being a site supporter or in sponsoring others to become SS rests more on these pets than little emotion or religion icons next to my name. If the server or hardware is struggling with supporting this feature, then I have to question the decision-making of the ones in charge.

The pets make this site stand out for me - no one else has them. At first I felt silly caring about them but I have developed an entire sub-system of fellowship that is associated with them. Give me enough time away from them and I will loose interest in them and will subsequently loose a LOT of fellowship right along with them. Without them, this becomes just like any other Christian forum.

[ravenscape]

As far as I know the next two highest priority items are:

- Reopening the Ask a Pastor forum (requires some heavy duty coding to make all member posts anonymous in that forum).

- Fixing the reporting system, which has the site pretty much crippled in terms of dealing with trolls, flame wars, etc.

Somewhere after those two top priorities come both the pets, and fixing the multitude of bugs with our Living Avatars.

I miss my cat, Lenore, but I think the priorities are correct.

One difference between the reps and the pets is this: Reps could be fixed by a non-programmer, though it was tedious and took a lot of work on Geocajun's part. Installing the pets will require an expert programmer, and THEN us non-tech types can help with getting members' prior pets reinstated.

Hope this helps explain the delays.

Raven

[ravenscape]

Huh...are posts out of order in this thread? Maybe so. I'm not showing up on the index as the most recent poster.

[cfFosterANGEL31]

Thanks raven but it shows that we are still pretty far down on the list!! I thought nexialys was a programmer and that rep daddy helped him with it, now he's gone, so where does that leave us.?? And why didn't they just stay with the pets we had?? I know the site where they got them from but couldn't they just have left them alone and leave all like it was??? And how are the pets going to be???? Do we still need pet workers, abandoned room, or what please will we be all just making new ones or what??? Please tell us a little about how it will be, thanks

[ravenscape]

We have a new programmer who's on the job today. My understanding is that the old pets program wasn't going to work in the new system, much like the CF Characters wouldn't. It wasn't a choice of old or new, but of none or new.

There's a sort of shelter house for pets who are "abandoned", and someone whose pet dies from lack of feeding can actually get them back (though it costs blessings) if they wish. So, in some ways it will make the pet rescuers jobs easier once we get there.

[cfFosterANGEL31]

so why then were we told to save evrything??? Was all the hard work WE did in the last two weeks for nothing???? Should we delete everyting we saved to our computers from the old cf???And why weren't we TOLD this, i was told that some mods knew at least two weeks ahead of the shut down, that the old pets were not going to be used, so why not tell us??? Where did the break down of communication go???

[ravenscape]

so why then were we told to save evrything??? Was all the hard work WE did in the last two weeks for nothing???? Should we delete everyting we saved to our computers from the old cf???And why weren't we TOLD this, i was told that some mods knew at least two weeks ahead of the shut down, that the old pets were not going to be used, so why not tell us??? Where did the break down of communication go???
The reason for saving the info is so that the pet can be re-created in the new system, since you'll know all the vital stats about the pet's age, color, species, and stage of development, etc.

Although I wasn't up-to-the-minute on the pets situation because I was working on the migration of the CF Characters, I thought the pets would be coming back up almost immediately, too.

[drstevej]

Thanks raven but it shows that we are still pretty far down on the list!! I thought nexialys was a programmer and that rep daddy helped him with it, now he's gone, so where does that leave us.?? And why didn't they just stay with the pets we had?? I know the site where they got them from but couldn't they just have left them alone and leave all like it was??? And how are the pets going to be???? Do we still need pet workers, abandoned room, or what please will we be all just making new ones or what??? Please tell us a little about how it will be, thanks

Just a clarification. Nexia began working with me but resigned midstream. Geocajun completed the work. This did not require any coding. Nexia left after he had begun installing a rep engine that did not do the job. Geo removed it and adjusted the rep settings.

Now, I personally consider Pets a high priority for the same reason I did the reps... that is it serves a sizeable community here and is consistent with CF's mission (ie a place for community). So I agree with you guys. But I am not on staff.

I can imagine the report feature is very critical to prevent chaos on the debate side. Doing this manually is really very taxing on staffd and can hardly handle what needs handling.

During the rep saga I urged patience and at the same time found it hard to be patient. So I can relate to the frustrations.

BTW, I really always wanted a Pet Peeve but that was never acted on. Bummer.

[mnphysicist]

We were expecting a conversion script to go from the old to the new..... however, 1 day before the site was to come back up, I was informed it was not going to occur. Thus apart from coding which is needed to make this happen, pets data will need to be manually transfered from the old to the new. Thats going to require a few days for the folks with acp access to manually load all the data. This is time above and beyond the software update.

Ravenscape was correct, reps were easy, as they could be handled without coding for the most part.... pet's on the other hand, not only requires coding, but also a significant amount of manual data entry. It will happen, it may however be a while.

[cfFosterANGEL31]

Well then rep daddy how do we get put on the TOP of the list???? We have waited even longer than you guys and not even a mention of it no one even comes on and says HI, although that is not what we want, we want to be a priority just for once!! never were with erwin how about here??? should we tell our workers to hold on for how long????? they are getting discouraged and have already lost some, and the site supporters the only reason you don't hear a lot from them is the admin has quickly got "other" things going to keep them "happy" but some are beginning to WANT the pets, so how about a priority(pets)

[cfFosterANGEL31]

We were expecting a conversion script to go from the old to the new..... however, 1 day before the site was to come back up, I was informed it was not going to occur. Thus apart from coding which is needed to make this happen, pets data will need to be manually transfered from the old to the new. Thats going to require a few days for the folks with acp access to manually load all the data. This is time above and beyond the software update.

Ravenscape was correct, reps were easy, as they could be handled without coding for the most part.... pet's on the other hand, not only requires coding, but also a significant amount of manual data entry. It will happen, it may however be a while.

WOW you are the only one who has been honest. But "it may however be a while" may have just discouraged the few pet workers we have left!!!! May 5 till the 20, didn't anyone know about the problems before starting this all. And why couldn't anyone be honest with at least our leader and say just what you said???
That would have helped a lot.

[meh]

Thanks raven but it shows that we are still pretty far down on the list!! I thought nexialys was a programmer and that rep daddy helped him with it, now he's gone, so where does that leave us.?? And why didn't they just stay with the pets we had?? I know the site where they got them from but couldn't they just have left them alone and leave all like it was??? And how are the pets going to be???? Do we still need pet workers, abandoned room, or what please will we be all just making new ones or what??? Please tell us a little about how it will be, thanks

It *is* a high priority on any list we make up of the order to do things. It is not as easy as the reps were to fix. As mnphysicist said, this requires an entire new program and someone is going to spend dozens and dozens of hours inputting data manually. I apologize we didn't come by an assure people it's a high priority. Sometimes we assume that people know and I apologize we didn't come here personally and say anything to assure you guys it was. But it certainly is and it's going to be a rather large undertaking and I think people will enjoy the new system. Fingers crossed, at least :)

[Gwenyfur]

It *is* a high priority on any list we make up of the order to do things. It is not as easy as the reps were to fix. As mnphysicist said, this requires an entire new program and someone is going to spend dozens and dozens of hours inputting data manually. I apologize we didn't come by an assure people it's a high priority. Sometimes we assume that people know and I apologize we didn't come here personally and say anything to assure you guys it was. But it certainly is and it's going to be a rather large undertaking and I think people will enjoy the new system. Fingers crossed, at least :)

Well said meh...

Along with that let me just reiterate that when Nexia resigned, it really did leave us in the lurch, with no coder working on anything since last week...

Yes, we are way behind schedule, yes, the members, the pet workers, the Angels, the site supporters, the staff and well...just about everyone is *tired* overworked, stressed and tired of waiting for their special features to be available up and running again.

All I can say is please, be patient, the new coder started working today, he's making progress...but again...coming into the middle like this is like having a mechanic go behind another 3 months after the car was taken apart...it's difficult...

Please, my inbox is always open, I've stressed this before and after the upgrades...if I don't have an answer, I will get an answer and get back to you.

:hug:

Prayer would be awesome :prayer: for our new coder

[USNavyBlueAngel]

If you answered before, I may not have understood, so I just need clarification.

When the initial coding that you need done gets finished by this new worker, can I please ask you what the priority list is for features to be done right after that?

Pets are a VERY popular feature on here, with members from every forum on here enjoying it. Putting that at the top of the list right after this coding would show that the staff cares about the majority!! :thumbsup:

Also, can we please can a better idea on the timeline we're talking about here??

Thanks!

[Breezy3]

Thanks Ravenscape, that helps get a clearer perspective. Many just want to be updated with what is happening. There are a lot of things that need fixing. I was just experiencing the out of order posting which is happening more than ever and is very confusing both to people trying to carry on conversation and those doing the counting threads. Our pets are so missed and so much more delayed than anyone expected given what we were told. I think the biggest thing is we were led to believe one thing and something totally different happened. We love this place. We are still here in spite of everything. Having communication about the status of things would be extremely helpful otherwise people have a tendency to wait and wonder.

[cfFosterANGEL31]

thanks meh any time when it will get started??? then about when it should be up and running?? any chance you could ask Leed and maybe he could just one time come here and tell us himself or the new programmer??? be nice to see some of the big guys give us pet workers a little "hello" some time.

[Gwenyfur]

If you answered before, I may not have understood, so I just need clarification.

When the initial coding that you need done gets finished by this new worker, can I please ask you what the priority list is for features to be done right after that?

Pets are a VERY popular feature on here, with members from every forum on here enjoying it. Putting that at the top of the list right after this coding would show that the staff cares about the majority!! :thumbsup:

Also, can we please can a better idea on the timeline we're talking about here??

Thanks!


Timeline...well that really depends on a few things...
What kind of a mess things were left in ... or even if there is a mess, how well he can relate to another's coding...every programmer has a "style"

as for staff caring abou the majority...at this point in all honesty, my personal preference would be to get the Chaplain's forum straightened out and opened up again for those members who rely on their help to make it through...or those new christians who need guidance, or for those lost souls seeking a Savior and can't find anywhere else to ask, but the Chaplain's area...

but that's my personal first priority, what the big guys' is...????

2nd on my list would be getting staff controls and reports fixed...tired of stumbling over porn, and perverted postings, spam and other junk that really downgrade the site...because members aren't able to report it... :sigh:

After that I think then I'd work on pets and dollies and blessings...

then the profile customizations
then the icons for faith, features, Teams, groups etc...

now mind you these are my personal preferences...and I really haven't gotten a clue on what the list order is on the coder's table...

but ...again...patience would be appreciated...

[cfFosterANGEL31]

well could someone please at least make our "PRIVATE PET FORUM" private???? we asked for this about the second day of the new cf, and still as far as I know this has not been handled??? How many programmers would it take to do this???? this has always been a safe place for us, and now it has been opened up for ALL to see and read!! it has already caused problems and also caused us pet workers not to be able to keep in touch with each other, so could we at least have this one feature fixed???? (as I know right now it is still not fixed) thanks

[arborvita]

The forum private sections such as pets is affecting all areas of the board. The Paper, Pets, Armory, forums are all affected by this issue. It is on the docket to be done. We do not have a time line as of now as the coder is working as hard and as fast as he can. Please be patient with us and pray that the Lord will annoint the coder to move quickly and that he wont run into problems. The enemy is really fighting us at every step with this upgrade. We really need to band together as a family and pray for each other and this site. Thank you for your dedication to the site and to our members you help make this community great. Please I ask again... Please Pray.

God Bless,

AV

[Lel]

They would probably never ever in a minute consider this, but what about giving someone access to the ACP and the ACP only to work on the Pets data entry?

[JoyforJESUS]

CF Pet Friends, Owners, and "The Powers to Be!"

I do want my pet back. I miss Spitz! I adopted him, and I want him to come "home".

I, however, first want a site free from smut, porn, flaming, etc. I understand this MUST be a FIRST priority.

There are quite a few things that MUST be fixed.

I am sure that there are people working on it, and we Pray that this will be handled on a high priority.

Before the change we were told to "put our pets in day care if we were concerned that they would die in the change". I DID! I paid blessings to have him fed to find out that the systems were completely incompatible.

I think this is one of the MAJOR frustrations. I was not told to "save pets data" so he could be re-created. I was told to "put him in daycare". Consequently I did NOT save his information, because I put him in daycare before I saved my information.

With that being said. How about someone giving us a list of priorities on the upgrade of the different areas? How about a daily list of where we are?

I am a site supporter, my support does Not rest on if we have pets. That being said, it doesn't mean I don't "love" my pet and want him back.

Please understand, that at this time CF is not a FUN as it was before.

I want the FUN back.

Joy

Praying that this will be handled :
1. in a timely fashion,
2. with the utmost professionalism,
3. in a Christian fashion,
4. in a manner that "pet owners" are treated with respect.

[Tiffanya]

to step in, but let's be realistic. CF has far too many features which I believe has made it extremely difficult if not impossible, for new owner, new techs to program everything the way CF "was originally."

I have come to terms that CF2, will NEVER be the same way, it once was.

Just think back when it was said that once we migrated from CF1 to CF2 "ALL BUGS" would be gone - I ask myself, where? They (bugs) have come to CF2!! :D And it appears that they are very much at home too (comfy). ;)

Let's pray for the techs, that the Lord may give them widsom to rectify the many "little & big" issues, after all....it will be God's will.

[Gwenyfur]

...
I want the FUN back.

Joy

...
me too!

With the new coder just starting it'll start moving along again...
:hug:
Hang in there...the fun will be back....soon I hope :prayer:

[Tristan3]

Good Morning :wave:

I read the whole thread and share the frustrations of the pet peeps.

I also understand that thier needs to be priorities and from what I have read elsewhere and here the Chaplain forum and Reports should clearly be higher on the *list* if one actually exists.

I also support a once a day communication announcement in a locked thread telling us all what is being worked on today please.

Thanks,
Tristan

Praying Here :pray:

[Avatar]

I also support a once a day communication announcement in a locked thread telling us all what is being worked on today please.


Second that.

[clairefish]

Please forgive me if this has already been asked and/or answered, but do our precious pets keep 'growing' while they are somewhere out there in la la land? My grand daughters desperately want to know...

[Angeldove97]

Please forgive me if this has already been asked and/or answered, but do our precious pets keep 'growing' while they are somewhere out there in la la land? My grand daughters desperately want to know...

Since the system is not installed yet, the information is not yet installed, etc the answer to your question is no (I think). The pets' information is saved, so I guess staff could always just input the extra days later on--- once the whole system is up and running and the staff working on this get a break because it seriously is going to take a long long long time to input all the pets.

[~ Gig ~]

Longing to have our pets back

[Gifts4You]

We need pets. :)

[cfFosterANGEL31]

Since the system is not installed yet, the information is not yet installed, etc the answer to your question is no (I think). The pets' information is saved, so I guess staff could always just input the extra days later on--- once the whole system is up and running and the staff working on this get a break because it seriously is going to take a long long long time to input all the pets.

Ok so WHY were we not told this upfront???? "going to take long long time to input all the pets"??? Little communication goes a long way here, if we were told this upfront this whole thread would not have been necessary!!!!

[Avatar]

I miss Lillith (my 1200+ day old kittycat).

[cfFosterANGEL31]

Let me see if I have all this straight!! Pets will take a LONG time in coming back, will NOT be the OLD pets, are NOT a priority, and our second request, our private chat will take a LONG time, and is not a priority???? Ummmm seems we are not a priority at all here!!! We to pray for this sit, how do you all think we have been quiet for so long, been praying and reading , looking for any kind of hope that maybe someone will get to US!!!! So yes we do pray for the site, and all the areas BEFORE us, but we don't seem to get moved up on the list, no matter what!! But we will go back to praying!!

[arborvita]

I think its time to restate this is a priority and is on the list to be completed. 3 of the site advisors including myself have come into this thread to assure this team that this is a priority. I would like to share with everyone Phil 4:13 please take a moment to read it also might follow it up with Romans 8:28.

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

Good Morning :wave:

I read the whole thread and share the frustrations of the pet peeps.

I also understand that thier needs to be priorities and from what I have read elsewhere and here the Chaplain forum and Reports should clearly be higher on the *list* if one actually exists.

I also support a once a day communication announcement in a locked thread telling us all what is being worked on today please.

Thanks,
Tristan

Praying Here :pray:
i agree.. a list of the order things r being worked on would b awesome.. i hate feeling in the dark

[Breezy3]

Amidst it all, I think the main concern is the lack of ongoing communications with the people who come to this site. People want to know what is going on and why, if that is possible, so that we are not left in the dark. I think if the people were informed of what was being done day to day, it would be very helpful information because then we would know things are being handled whether or not we agree with the priorities. This has obviously been a much bigger project than was expected. Everyone of the programmer are in my prayers and we do appreciate the work that you have put into making CF2 happen and all that you are doing now to update it with the things the forum members hope to see happen. God bless you all.

[drstevej]

Amidst it all, I think the main concern is the lack of ongoing communications with the people who come to this site and what is going on as it is happening and why, if that is possible, so that we are not left in the dark. I think if the people were informed of what was being done day to day, it would be very helpful information because then we would know things are being handled whether or not we agree with the priorities. This has obviously been a much bigger project than was expected. Everyone of the programmer are in my prayers and we do appreciate the work that you have put into making CF2 happen and all that you are doing now to update it with the things the forum members hope to see happen. God bless you all.

BINGO

And it would be simple. A locked thread (so no debate) where TPTB can on at LEAST a daily basis post progress reports.

Minimal effort needed yet folks would know what's up.

[Redstiletto]

Hello everyone!

I know we are all frustrated at this time. Believe me, I dont think there is a person on this board that is missing some aspect of the boards that was their favorites.

But we all just need to be patient and know that the advisors, Lee and the new programmer have our best interests in mind as they set their priority lists. They are not trying to push anything down the list, they just want to make sure that first off this site is safe and excepting to all Christians and non-Christians. To help build back the community. And they want to make sure its safe for children and adults.

They are working very hard to get everything up and running, and the best thing anyone can do is to just pray for things to go smoother. You will get your pets back, but you need to be patient. Just as the rest of us are for our favorite features.

Staff is missing key features that make running this board go smoothly, different groups are missing features to get things up and looking pretty. We all miss our pets, but they will be back, that is the one thing to keep in mind. It is a programming thing, so on top of everything else that needs to be programmed, it is on a list, and one by one the things get checked off.

So pray for the new programmer and the advisors and Lee so that they can get the board up and running. And keep in mind, your pets will be back.

[arborvita]

The Announcements (http://christianforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=3) area is where things are communicated.

[drstevej]

The Announcements (http://christianforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=3) area is where things are communicated.

Nice area to do it. Problem is it isn't getting done very regularly.

[arborvita]

I am not sure that there is more to communicate than it is on the list at the moment and it is a priority.

[drstevej]

Fine. Hope there is a new era underway in communication. That was one of Erwin's strengths. The Advisors could serve Lee andthe members well in this area, IMO>

Just a thought

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

I am not sure that there is more to communicate than it is on the list at the moment and it is a priority.
how about a list of the order of things being done and a check off of each completed item so we can see the progress?? Rep daddy is right, Erwins strength was communication and the communication has been very lacking since LeeD took over and its really frustrating

[meh]

Let me see if I have all this straight!! Pets will take a LONG time in coming back, will NOT be the OLD pets, are NOT a priority, and our second request, our private chat will take a LONG time, and is not a priority???? Ummmm seems we are not a priority at all here!!! We to pray for this sit, how do you all think we have been quiet for so long, been praying and reading , looking for any kind of hope that maybe someone will get to US!!!! So yes we do pray for the site, and all the areas BEFORE us, but we don't seem to get moved up on the list, no matter what!! But we will go back to praying!!

Let me make this clear again- you are the first feature on any list *after* the non-negotiable-we-have-to-have-these-tools-to-run-this-board things like staff tools.

Reps were easy to fix once we got the info to Geo.

Pets are an entirely new system and will require many, many hours of manual data entry including the inputting of your old pet details, if I am correct.

Our tech resigned in the middle of all this coding. In between getting a bunch of new data sorted for the new coder coming in, we're also trying to keep the board running as smoothly as possible for as many members as possible.

Pets are the first feature on the list after the non-negotiable technical tools needed. We've now said that repeatedly in this thread. We've apologized for the fact it's taking so long. And we're working on everything having to do with this board for hours a day.

Now, if the assurance that this is a high priority isn't enough, I don't know what will be. The new coder is up to his neck in stuff needing done, so are the advisors and so is the staff.

And I repeat again- reps were easy to fix. The Pets are an entirely different issue that will take dozens of manpower hours. Patience would be nice.

[CelticGrace]

Let me make this clear again- you are the first feature on any list *after* the non-negotiable-we-have-to-have-these-tools-to-run-this-board things like staff tools.

Reps were easy to fix once we got the info to Geo.

Pets are an entirely new system and will require many, many hours of manual data entry including the inputting of your old pet details, if I am correct.

Our tech resigned in the middle of all this coding. In between getting a bunch of new data sorted for the new coder coming in, we're also trying to keep the board running as smoothly as possible for as many members as possible.

Pets are the first feature on the list after the non-negotiable technical tools needed. We've now said that repeatedly in this thread. We've apologized for the fact it's taking so long. And we're working on everything having to do with this board for hours a day.

Now, if the assurance that this is a high priority isn't enough, I don't know what will be. The new coder is up to his neck in stuff needing done, so are the advisors and so is the staff.

And I repeat again- reps were easy to fix. The Pets are an entirely different issue that will take dozens of manpower hours. Patience would be nice.

QFT

[USNavyBlueAngel]

I agree 100% with that, Breezy3! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I know that idea would go a LONG way in helping the people who are "regulars" on CF to know what exactly is happening!

I do realize & appreciate that you are continuously working behind the scenes fixing things...we didn't know where the pets fell into place, and that's the reason we started this thread.

I can pretty much guarantee there are members who never have gone into the rep section or our section, but are very much wondering what is happening as well.

It appears there are numerous people on staff. Just so these problems wouldn't keep arising, can we please have a sticky at the top of every board (like we have now). But it would be a daily update saying something like, "OK, today the main programmer finished more work on the Chaplain area today. He made more progress, and thinks he might be able to have it running by this Saturday. After that is running, we're going to work on CF Angels" (just making up sections ~ not actually assigning priorities here)

Can we have one member of the staff who would do that for us? Give us a daily board wide sticky?

:pray: :prayer:






Amidst it all, I think the main concern is the lack of ongoing communications with the people who come to this site. People want to know what is going on and why, if that is possible, so that we are not left in the dark. I think if the people were informed of what was being done day to day, it would be very helpful information because then we would know things are being handled whether or not we agree with the priorities. This has obviously been a much bigger project than was expected. Everyone of the programmer are in my prayers and we do appreciate the work that you have put into making CF2 happen and all that you are doing now to update it with the things the forum members hope to see happen. God bless you all.

[Tweetie]

I miss " LITTLE ONE "

[MeekOne]

Let me make this clear again- you are the first feature on any list *after* the non-negotiable-we-have-to-have-these-tools-to-run-this-board things like staff tools.

Reps were easy to fix once we got the info to Geo.

Pets are an entirely new system and will require many, many hours of manual data entry including the inputting of your old pet details, if I am correct.

Our tech resigned in the middle of all this coding. In between getting a bunch of new data sorted for the new coder coming in, we're also trying to keep the board running as smoothly as possible for as many members as possible.

Pets are the first feature on the list after the non-negotiable technical tools needed. We've now said that repeatedly in this thread. We've apologized for the fact it's taking so long. And we're working on everything having to do with this board for hours a day.

Now, if the assurance that this is a high priority isn't enough, I don't know what will be. The new coder is up to his neck in stuff needing done, so are the advisors and so is the staff.

And I repeat again- reps were easy to fix. The Pets are an entirely different issue that will take dozens of manpower hours. Patience would be nice.On that note, and I'm not getting on anyone here, really I'm not. I miss my pet rock, Rocco, a lot. I really do. While reading this though a thought occurred to me....we didn't get pets on CF for quite some time after the old site was up, running, and had many other features in place before pets. It took quite some time before we were able to have them, and it may take a while before we can have them here again.

I'm with you all, I miss my pet, but at the same time, we have to be realistic about this and realize that we just have to wait until that privilege of having a pet can be given back to us again. It takes a lot of time to enter in all those codes and stuff to make this place work. Lets be happy that we have a CF to come to and fellowship with each other as Christians in the love of Christ.

I miss the old CF too, a lot, but also am realistic enough to know that it is going to take quite a long time to get it somewhat looking like it used to, and that would include pets, etc. Please be happy for what we have and find something fun to do in the meantime while we wait for our pets.

Here's a website (http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3) that gives real pets food that they need just by a click of a mouse...its free and really helps in a real big way if you'd like to check it out.

I give a click 5 times a week...it doesn't register more than one click a day...I found that out after clicking 12 times a day for months...hope this puts a smile on someone's face today. :)

[USNavyBlueAngel]

Pets are an entirely new system and will require many, many hours of manual data entry including the inputting of your old pet details, if I am correct.




Thank you for your response, Meh... I hope you understand that we are not trying to attack you or anyone else on staff. It probably did appear that way because we are all so frustrated that we don't understand or know what is happening. That's where the daily stickies I mentioned above would go a LONG way in helping these "problems" between staff & members.

I noticed you said it would be a manual re-entry for the previous pets. Just a question ~ will they simply recreate those that request it (preferable, because that means the owner wants their pet, and more importantly (to the pet rescuers anyway) will actually take care of that pet), or will they just manually recreate every single "live" pet there was, thereby including the ones who had been neglected the whole time along?

Thanks!!

[CelticGrace]

Thank you for your response, Meh... I hope you understand that we are not trying to attack you or anyone else on staff. It probably did appear that way because we are all so frustrated that we don't understand or know what is happening. That's were the daily stickies I mentioned above would go a LONG way in helping these "problems" between staff & members.

I noticed you said it would be a manual re-entry for the previous pets. Just a question ~ will they simply recreate those that request it (preferable, because that means the owner wants there pet, and more importantly (to the pet rescuers anyway) will actually take care of that pet), or will they just manually recreate every single "live" pet there was, thereby including the ones who had been neglected the whole time along?

Thanks!!


It should be that each individual owner sends their pet's info to be recreated; that's what I was told when I asked exactly what I should tell owners who want to know what happened to their pet.

[USNavyBlueAngel]

Here's a website (http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3) that gives real pets food that they need just by a click of a mouse...its free and really helps in a real big way if you'd like to check it out.

I give a click 5 times a week...it doesn't register more than one click a day...I found that out after clicking 12 times a day for months...hope this puts a smile on someone's face today. :)


I go to that site too!! I like feeling like I made a difference, no matter how small!

Again, we DO realize that some things (sections of the board) will take first priority. We are simply all just growing increasingly frustrated because we don't know what's happening on a daily basis. So without that information, the frustrations will continue to grow (not just in this section...in others, I'm sure).

That's why I seriously do hope the staff will have someone do a quick daily update in a sticky on top of all the boards, that shouldn't take even take 5 minutes of their time to type out. I can guarantee that will settle the minds of almost everyone on CF in general, and will free up their time to work on the coding instead of having to come to these threads to try to explain to frustrated people.

Doing it that way will help CF members, while they at the same time they fix the CF board!!

Win/win situation!

To the staff that posts on here ~ does that solution sound good to you? Again, it wouldn't even take 5 minutes of your day to help avoid these frustrations.

:pray: :pray: :crossrc: :crossrc:

[USNavyBlueAngel]

It should be that each individual owner sends their pet's info to be recreated; that's what I was told when I asked exactly what I should tell owners who want to know what happened to their pet.


Excellent ~ that's what I was hoping would happen. I seriously believe that would be best for everyone. Thanks!!! :thumbsup:

[MeekOne]

I go to that site too!! I like feeling like I made a difference, no matter how small!Cool! :cool: A lot of people I know do it, every little bit helps! :clap:

That's why I seriously do hope the staff will have someone do a quick daily update in a sticky on top of all the boards, that shouldn't take even take 5 minutes of their time to type out.This sounds like a great idea, although I also think it would take a little bit of time away from Adrian the programmer as he tries to do his job, so things may even take a little longer if he has to report everything he does to us...I know I wouldn't want to be micro-managed like that, but hey....if he wants to appease us, maybe he can tell a higher up in a PM what's going on and have them get back to the members within a sticky...its not a bad idea...in fact its a good idea, but it would take a little planning. :)

[heavensangelwv]

Although I have never owned a pet, I am excited to see what the new additions will be!! I do hope that they come back soon... :D Perhaps I will even get one ;)

[warrrior4him007]

oka NOW im spilling OUT what Iknow NOTAS A PET WORKER BUT AS A CLIENT OF CF
andas a sight supporter we have the cf pet angels taken care of as i se it they have thre privet communty BUT wjhat bout our pet rescuers and they have there wings on we as pet rescuers dont we have ppl asking us bought when the pets well be finished i understand it takes time i make graphics im being patient but ppl have spent loads of times as a pet worker and loads of hours AS A SITE SUPPORTER TOO WHAT DO WE DO WHAT DO WE SAY BOUT WHRES THERE PETS WHERES UNO WHAT IM TRYING TO SAY AND I AM NOT SPEAKING FOR ANY BODY IM DIFFENTLY NOT RESPENTING ALL PET WORKES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM SPEAKING ON MY BE HALF AS SOME ONE WHO PUTS THERE MONEY ON THIS SITE

[zfawnz]

Celtic - bless you for being our link but please let the PTB know this: my willingness to continue being a site supporter or in sponsoring others to become SS rests more on these pets than little emotion or religion icons next to my name. If the server or hardware is struggling with supporting this feature, then I have to question the decision-making of the ones in charge.

The pets make this site stand out for me - no one else has them. At first I felt silly caring about them but I have developed an entire sub-system of fellowship that is associated with them. Give me enough time away from them and I will loose interest in them and will subsequently loose a LOT of fellowship right along with them. Without them, this becomes just like any other Christian forum.


I also feel this exact same way - the longer the pets are away the less and LESS I am involved with the site in general and that is sad because I too am a SS - for a fulll year on 2 accounts (this one and cffosterangel43) and with a VERY LIMITED budget (less than $100 per month after JUST rent, electric, and phone/internet - and I do not live 'beyond my means' I choose what is priority in life and having purchased $40 in support for this site was a huge decision - my monthly income is less than $700 on disabilty. If it werent for the fellowship of the Pet Forums staff, I may not have even been here this long - let alone consider SS on even one account! and besides - about that SS - we get NO current perks other than an ad-free version of the site - still have to wait between posts - though it is nice that this has dropped to 10 seconds - but is the same for everyone none the less - we have no banking no interest no jobs no functional way to 'bless' gifts to others or even spend blessings on anything (nice to have free armory but would be nicer if we could give gifts to our friends - it is part of ministry after all) all of these things go hand in hand - it costs blessings to create or adopt pets - and to feed them - and keep them happy - so when can we at least expect some of these 'smaller details' to even come on line to prepare the way? yes we all have blessings to speak of galore now but that is because there is nothing to spend them on and they aer simply idle numbers on a page -useless.

sorry went on a spree there - just very disappointed in many aspects of this site not functioning in general as well as and most importantly yes where are our pets?- what exactly am I paying for with my SS?

under Erwin our concerns were always last after this or that - things as simple perhaps as rearranging a list of the pet store items to 'make sense' (ie dog food and treats together, cat food and treats together - food for all types at the top and noticeable etcetcetc) we had asked for years to increase the number of items we could keep in inventory at one time so we didnt have to keep running back to the store between feeidings, we have diligently and tirelessly bent and twisted under what limited means we have to comply with the limited control of the pets that we had and provided assistance to many regular members (individually and in groups - by PMs and by threads of how tos and expalining how things work so the mods and administrators didnt have to contend with all this) yet the whole time there were things that came up that we still had little control of (like aforementioned items in inventory has ALWAYS been a BIGGEY) and we apologized for the admin each time that someone new would ask why why why. we labored lovingly over pets that Erwin wanted to maintain on the site even long after the profile owner was long gone and perhaps never returning - just in case they did - and also to make the site more attractive. all this we VOLUNTEER to this site as well as our SS $. I think with this being a minisitry of sorts (and yes we have even counseled other members once we got to know them through thier pets and we do keep up with the owners and the people onthe other side of the internet waves) I feel that this section IS a higher PRIORITY than reputation. I hve not yet read the rest of this thread but at the very least I feel that we need to be more included in the decisions about what aspects are giving the tech team problems and/or what progress is being made. there is no communication whatsoever - OUR WORKERS FORUM IS STILL PUBLIC!!!!!!!! how would the mods feel if thier areas of the board where they discuss 'ISSUES" were left wide open to be viewed by those that may have caused said issues - hence multiplying exponentially the problems!! if we had some communication (especially where it comes to chosing the various options from the P3TZ website to engage or disable - maybe we could find a way to resolve some things - perhaps they are working on a specific option that would not work and is causing a hang up in the process - yet what if we as pet forum workers who know the best what may be best to enable or disable of the options - perhaps we dont even feel that option is necessary or even pheasable for this site - or maybe they are trying to opt out of various options (such as the arena) that maybe we could come to an agreement to resolve by working a different angle if it were to be left intact if disabling something is posing a problem - but when the techies and those of us that stand behind the scenes of PET FORUMS dont have communication there can and likely is going to be al ot more problems and we may have to resolve even more later than if there was discussion. - at the very least please make our area private again and we can invite the techies there to discuss options and progress.

[Gwenyfur]

WE went a week without a coder to even work on teh site, Adrian's been here 2 days...

Lee could not control that our former coder resigned, but he did do a good job in finding a replacement as quickly as he could...

Murphy has had full reign on this upgrade since it began...and while I know it's been rough on members and staff alike...keep fellowshipping, the pets will be back in time...just as the blessings are back...and yes you can bless others now...

This site is amazingly huge, the 3rd largest vb site on the web...that's a *LOT* of work for just 1 guy...

[RoseyK]

okay.....I have read the entire thread......I understand the problems, the change of programmers mid stream etc.....But I am wondering......

WHY IS THERE ONLY ONE PROGRAMMER.......

A site this large should have more than one programmer working on it, especially with an upgrade.....Shouldn't there be programmers assigned to particular areas. At least that is how it works in big businesses.

There was lots of talk and suggestion about a daily update. Will this happen.... A daily progress update giving expected time frames for things to be in place would really answer a lot of questions.

Praying for our new programmer and CF2.

And yes.....I do miss Little Jack and have had numerous pms from those whose pets I have taken care of asking when the pets will be back. Us pet workers have been taking a lot of slack from the members because the members think we know what is going on with the pets and we don't.

Being a pet worker is a ministry. Many times when we feed a pet we receive a PM from a member thanking us and explaining why they couldn't be on the site due to health issues, family issues etc. We do more than take care of the pets, we offer prayer and support to many of the CF members.

[Gwenyfur]

okay.....I have read the entire thread......I understand the problems, the change of programmers mid stream etc.....But I am wondering......

WHY IS THERE ONLY ONE PROGRAMMER.......

A site this large should have more than one programmer working on it, especially with an upgrade.....Shouldn't there be programmers assigned to particular areas. At least that is how it works in big businesses.

There was lots of talk and suggestion about a daily update. Will this happen.... A daily progress update giving expected time frames for things to be in place would really answer a lot of questions.

Praying for our new programmer and CF2. yup...there should be more than 1 for a site this large...

And yes.....I do miss Little Jack and have had numerous pms from those whose pets I have taken care of asking when the pets will be back. Us pet workers have been taking a lot of slack from the members because the members think we know what is going on with the pets and we don't.

Being a pet worker is a ministry. Many times when we feed a pet we receive a PM from a member thanking us and explaining why they couldn't be on the site due to health issues, family issues etc. We do more than take care of the pets, we offer prayer and support to many of the CF members.
I know it's a ministry hun, and believe me...if I had answers, you'd have 'em too...:sigh:
At this point all we can do is pray Adrian figures it out quick like and G-d cages up Murphy so it will start progressing smoothly...

I'm sorry :(

[sacerdote]

There is no more powerful tool in anyone's spiritual arsenal than prayer. Let's all pray that this and all the other upgrades are done as soon as possible, well, and for the glory of our living God and the benefit of His kingdom.

[pgp_protector]

Bump & Posting

I also miss my pets (Me & My Socks)

We so need a CF leasion (sp)

[arborvita]

CelticGrace is the liaison for the Pets.

[pgp_protector]

CelticGrace is the liaison for the Pets.

True, I was just thinking we need a liaison for CF as a whole.
Someone who talks to the tech / admins / Lee Ect and can pass on the info in a filtered manner.

Has enough skill to understand & act as a buffer between the coders & the management & the General Populous.

[zfawnz]

ok had to take a break since the last post I made. now I am going back through the thread from the beginning and as I go I have some 2 cents to throw in the middle here, if at all possible........and even if the top guns dont want to hear it, at least I am voicing what some others may be thinking or questioning but may not know how to ask/say. I have always been an assertive type and not one to just shut up and let things go all that easy. I think until now we (pet forums workers) HAVE BEEN patient - even without bweing told a single bit of this information and trying to JUST HAVE FAITH!! but the following things are very true and in the past we have been overlooked many times and undervalued as well for the HOURS - DOZENS AND DOZENS of HOURS that we put in EVERY WEEK!!


We were expecting a conversion script to go from the old to the new..... however, 1 day before the site was to come back up, I was informed it was not going to occur. Thus apart from coding which is needed to make this happen, pets data will need to be manually transfered from the old to the new. Thats going to require a few days for the folks with acp access to manually load all the data. This is time above and beyond the software update.

Ravenscape was correct, reps were easy, as they could be handled without coding for the most part.... pet's on the other hand, not only requires coding, but also a significant amount of manual data entry. It will happen, it may however be a while.

Is there anything that we workers can assist with in this regard - many of us are very savvy when it comes to learning new things and willing to spend hours in order to get up and runing - a cluster of us, thopugh not really 'techies' have recently been learning a lot of various tech stuff - and I am sure at least a few of us would rather offer some time to help load the data if possible than sit around doing nothing - or even worse - moving on to other activites which will have our time consumed by the time that CF2 has the pets up - each of us have committed a given alloted time to do this job - it would be better for some of us to be INCLUDED in GETTING CF2 P3ETZ UP than sitting around idly by and frustrated.


Well then rep daddy how do we get put on the TOP of the list???? We have waited even longer than you guys and not even a mention of it no one even comes on and says HI, although that is not what we want, we want to be a priority just for once!! never were with erwin how about here??? should we tell our workers to hold on for how long????? they are getting discouraged and have already lost some, and the site supporters the only reason you don't hear a lot from them is the admin has quickly got "other" things going to keep them "happy" but some are beginning to WANT the pets, so how about a priority(pets)

Exactly my point about never having been heard before and trying to figure out in my own life - where do I now volunteer my time and ministry if CF2 dont want us -(or wont even let us know anything in the mean while) - perhaps I should take my hours and hours a day that I would offer to help here and move on to another site or mission in life all together - because I for one certainly am beginning to feel VERY UNDERVALUED.

WOW you are the only one who has been honest. But "it may however be a while" may have just discouraged the few pet workers we have left!!!! May 5 till the 20, didn't anyone know about the problems before starting this all. And why couldn't anyone be honest with at least our leader and say just what you said???
That would have helped a lot.

VERY TRUE AGAIN!!

It *is* a high priority on any list we make up of the order to do things. It is not as easy as the reps were to fix. As mnphysicist said, this requires an entire new program and someone is going to spend dozens and dozens of hours inputting data manually. I apologize we didn't come by an assure people it's a high priority. Sometimes we assume that people know and I apologize we didn't come here personally and say anything to assure you guys it was. But it certainly is and it's going to be a rather large undertaking and I think people will enjoy the new system. Fingers crossed, at least :)

how can we know if there is no communication we have been 'trained' so to say like dogs under Erwin to just "sit" "stay" and "be quiet" but at least he got back to us and informed us what HE was GOING TO DO - how about this time the tech/admins/AND pet workers come together on this in some way and work as a team - at least with our Leaders (Doc and Nurse CF at the bare minimum)

Well said meh...

Along with that let me just reiterate that when Nexia resigned, it really did leave us in the lurch, with no coder working on anything since last week...

Yes, we are way behind schedule, yes, the members, the pet workers, the Angels, the site supporters, the staff and well...just about everyone is *tired* overworked, stressed and tired of waiting for their special features to be available up and running again.

All I can say is please, be patient, the new coder started working today, he's making progress...but again...coming into the middle like this is like having a mechanic go behind another 3 months after the car was taken apart...it's difficult...

Please, my inbox is always open, I've stressed this before and after the upgrades...if I don't have an answer, I will get an answer and get back to you.

:hug:

Prayer would be awesome :prayer: for our new coder

again if some are overworked and others like us are just sitting around - is there anything we can do (input data) to help this run a little better/sooner or at least can we have more communication with the progress and perhaps some VOICE in these NEW PETS.

oh and one other thing - as to all the data we all rushed to "preserve" about the individual pets - my understanding is that when a pet is created it is defaulted to having been generated at the date it was created - so why would we need to GO BACKWARDS in order to go forward - we pet workers did spend much time downloading the information and "preparing' ahead of time - but once it was known that the old pets were not going to be available - I would rather have an apology for the time we already lost and be offered a BRAND NEW AND IMPROVED system than to make believe we can somehow convert the old stats into the new pets - after all this is CF2 - and sometimes change is exactly that -change - so why shall we go in and 'recreate' stats for old pets to cover over the new ones - wouldnt it make more sense to simply let the community (and by this I mean everyone on CF) know that due to circumstances beyond our control we are not going to be able to reload the old pets but will offer anyone needing the blessings to create a new one the option of submitting a request for said blessings - or even make them free for the first month like the armory - if we are to just accept the changes in other areas of the board - then cwhy cant we also 'just move forward' with the new pets and dismiss the old ones. I understand that there is an option of a pet cemetery - perhaps a thread of rememberance can be dedicated to the old pets and onyone that did own the old pets can contribute ther memorials and say thier good bys there?

[Melancholy]

Just thought I would show my support and I hope you get your pets back soon.

[CelticGrace]

oh and one other thing - as to all the data we all rushed to "preserve" about the individual pets - my understanding is that when a pet is created it is defaulted to having been generated at the date it was created - so why would we need to GO BACKWARDS in order to go forward - we pet workers did spend much time downloading the information and "preparing' ahead of time - but once it was known that the old pets were not going to be available - I would rather have an apology for the time we already lost and be offered a BRAND NEW AND IMPROVED system than to make believe we can somehow convert the old stats into the new pets - after all this is CF2 - and sometimes change is exactly that -change - so why shall we go in and 'recreate' stats for old pets to cover over the new ones - wouldnt it make more sense to simply let the community (and by this I mean everyone on CF) know that due to circumstances beyond our control we are not going to be able to reload the old pets but will offer anyone needing the blessings to create a new one the option of submitting a request for said blessings - or even make them free for the first month like the armory - if we are to just accept the changes in other areas of the board - then cwhy cant we also 'just move forward' with the new pets and dismiss the old ones. I understand that there is an option of a pet cemetery - perhaps a thread of rememberance can be dedicated to the old pets and onyone that did own the old pets can contribute ther memorials and say thier good bys there?

I'm confused... are you saying members should not have the option of recreating their old pet if they don't wish to start over on a brand new one?

[ladyt28]

I think a lot of what I am reading in this thread is frustration from being kept in the dark for so long. Please don't get me wrong when I express the following as I am VERY appreciative of all the effort going into things, we Have demonstrated great patience and we ALL pray for the people working on getting things up and running to full speed again, however....I can't help but feel the info NOW being shared is kinda like "a day late and a dollar short".

And I feel that we, as a group, have kinda been told that it isn't very Christian to question things or to express our frustration. I have never had the impression from all my years as a Christian that it is unacceptable to criticize - it's all in HOW it is done and the frustration of being kept in the dark for SO long may have escalated that frustration and may have resulted in objections that Feel badly but the frustrations are legitimate all the same.

I also agree that this site should have more than one programmer - at least during this transition. There are paying members. There are paying advertisers. The owner does own more than one site. When all of those factors are put together it seems to me at least that more than one programmer could be hired to at least get things up and running to full speed. (I TOTALLY agree with the one request to extend SS status for a month after things are up and running at full speed - I'd ask no less from my cable, Internet or satellite server if things had been this screwed up for this long.)

To the PTB: consider this a lesson learned: keep communication to site members a priority and maybe the troops won't revolt as much.

To the members, especially the pet rescuers and pet owners: I do believe the message has been sent. Continuing to repeat the same sentiment is only going to make us bitter. Let's go back to praying for the programmers and providing the same Excellent Christian love and support to each other that we do so very well!!

I LOVE you guys!! And frustrated or not, I still want to be here more than anywhere else on the Internet.

[ladyt28]

I just had to bury my real-life kitty of 15 years - I do not want to bury my virtual pet right now too.

[Kristen.NewCreation]

Hi All,

This has turned out to be a bit long winded, but from my heart, so please bear with me.

I have mixed feelings on this thread. I have been a pet worker since right after I joined this site. I have been a faithful worker, and pet owner, and I miss my pet. I fully support the return of pets so we can once again enjoy them.

The other side of my thoughts is my concerns that if the site isn't stable (able to stay up while adding various features), if it isn't safe (all the perps and trolls coming to visit with no way to report them and remove them), then we end up not only without pets, but without a safe site to come to be here on.

I know it's frustrating to feel like you aren't heard, but I can promise you, you have been heard, and you are being heard. I know the staff is wanting to get the site up to par as quickly as possible, including pets. As a petworker, and a staff member, I am personally invested in the pets returning. I have been in contact with CelticGrace to discuss the ease of members learning the new pets in preparation for them to be back online when that happens.

Please let me give an example of why you may feel you haven't had honest reports about pets. The last training I went to at my job, most of us went to different weeks of training so we'd still have staff at the office. When I went, it was early on, and it was a new software program we were learning. They taught us what they knew, told us how to do things and I spent several days there. By the time each of us had attended the training, some staff went several weeks later, the training had MAJORLY changed. Things I was taught to do were now wrong. Things we shouldn't do, now we should. We were DEFINATELY frustrated, and our boss was kind enough to let us vent. In spite of all this, the trainers taught us what they knew at the time, but until we started to work with software on a regular basis, we had no clue about the glitches we would face (and you can ask Mickeyk72 about that craziness!) Now, a couple (maybe three :scratch:) years later we know how to use it, but there are definitely still glitches that frustrate us - but it's workable.

This upgrade is a lot like the training that I went to for work. We learn something and pass it on. By the time we learn more about it, things have changed, only since we aren't at the point of using some things yet, we have no clue yet what glitches are going to be seen. This backs up the time it takes to get things running and online.

I'm sorry if you feel like you haven't had good communication. I believe we can work on improving that, and I've seen here that several admin/superadmins have already attempted to help with this at this point. I know I've attempted to answer your questions as quickly as possible as we've gone, and I'm sure CelticGrace has as well. There is no intent to be dishonest with you, and again, would apologize if you feel this is so.

What to do during the time pets is down: How about seeing if you can participate in another ministry in CF? What about meeting new members in the New Member Intro (http://christianforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=124)area (if you don't already) and help them to feel at home and welcomed into an awesome community? What about getting to know some other members that you don't know yet who may have similar interests (http://christianforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=936)that you have? What about praying with members in the prayer request (http://christianforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=10) forum? How about just being here to reassure members that pets will be back at some point and help to comfort them in the meantime?

Just because we aren't functioning right now, doesn't mean we aren't a ministry. We will get through this transition - and we will get pets again. Hang in there. :hug:

Kristen

[zfawnz]

I think somene somewhere on this site stated it this way "and the saga continues'.......

Good Morning :wave:

I read the whole thread and share the frustrations of the pet peeps.

I also understand that thier needs to be priorities and from what I have read elsewhere and here the Chaplain forum and Reports should clearly be higher on the *list* if one actually exists.

I also support a once a day communication announcement in a locked thread telling us all what is being worked on today please.

Thanks,
Tristan

Praying Here :pray:

communication communication communication that is all we need and ask for. we are so feeling left out here yes a daily update would be very nice - and in a locked thread so that we hear 'from the horses mouth' instead of having to read a thread that is hundreds of pages long trying to sift through and pick and choose what is truely the state of the site or what is heresay or what is ASSUMTION or what is OLD INFO vs NEW / CURRENT info. In fact, a single post which can be edited and modified as issues are resoled or as priorities work thier way through the list would be nice.

as to these priorities yes I so agree the chaplains ought to be ahead of the pack - but reports? oh come on? are we talking about people that report posts? having gone through the 07-07-07 change I know that this kind of chaotic environment most likely is or would be leading to a lot of bogus reports from people who are stressed and getting their feelings hurt (just as I was reported several times for 'speaking my mind' and others did not like what I had to say so they reported me as 'flaming' when it was not - it was simply a very stressful chaotic environment - one that getting too involved with these 'reports' can go on forever if these 'reports' are allowed to muck up the progress of real and actual change. I am certain if a huge violation or extreme situation needed to actually be reported (such as someone posting porn or swaring every other word or something big like that) that mods and admins would be notified immediately via a PM. you gotta agree that some of these 'flaning' reports are just a lot of people feeling that thier toes are getting stepped on and they need to vent - or misunderstandings incrued by stress of the site frustrations which would be better aided by investing the time into getting the site up and running.
Ok so WHY were we not told this upfront???? "going to take long long time to input all the pets"??? Little communication goes a long way here, if we were told this upfront this whole thread would not have been necessary!!!!

Let me see if I have all this straight!! Pets will take a LONG time in coming back, will NOT be the OLD pets, are NOT a priority, and our second request, our private chat will take a LONG time, and is not a priority???? Ummmm seems we are not a priority at all here!!! We to pray for this sit, how do you all think we have been quiet for so long, been praying and reading , looking for any kind of hope that maybe someone will get to US!!!! So yes we do pray for the site, and all the areas BEFORE us, but we don't seem to get moved up on the list, no matter what!! But we will go back to praying!!

did I mention that I was feeling undervalued as a member as well as a volunteer here? oh yeah in the last post already said, definately agree here - feeling like we are just getting the run around and kicked while we are down.

somewhere in what I read so far and I dont know if I picked it up on multiquote or not - but someone says that other areas one the board are MORE NECESSARY than pets because they offer support and ministry..... as for me I am a high functioning yet mentally imparied person living on disability for mental illness myself and if it were not for the pet ministry I may not have made it through this last winter. it may seem like a small thing compared to say a crisis hotline but it allowed me to have somehting that had 1) structure 2) fellowship 3) something to care about and a reason for continuing to not only live but to actually get out of bed when my depression would keep me down for days on end - because if I didnt have a obligation to turn on the computer, log in to the internet, come to this site, sign in, go to the proper page, and feed my pet then it would likely become very hungry and unhappy and I am the type of person (as many of us who are mental health impaired) need something as simple as this (and the structure it provides) to be able to maintain our daily living pattern. not to mention that it was the pet area that I withdrew into when other areas of the board did not seem to want me around (because every post I made was being 'reported') and they welcomed me with safe and loving arms - it is a very caring environment and we do 'minister' to one another and members of CF in ways that many people would or could hardly imagine. simply by seeing a members pet getting hungry that normally would be well cared for alerts us as workers that something is going on in that members personal life - be it technical problems or otherwise, and many times these doors open into even deeper areas of support than 'merely feeding a 'irtual cyber pet'

just needed to say these things because I for one DO VALUE this PET MINISTRY and on at least one instance it connected me to the person I needed to talk to on a day that I desperately wanted to die at my own hand - and allowed me to reach out to the person and talk with them on the phone and get through the day and LIVE ON!! so please dont minimize our ministry here, PLEASE!!! it matters to us - some of us deeper than others but a few of us really have relyed on it as perhaps a lifeline and fellowship that is safe and comfortable to share iwith others here.

Timeline...well that really depends on a few things...
What kind of a mess things were left in ... or even if there is a mess, how well he can relate to another's coding...every programmer has a "style"

as for staff caring abou the majority...at this point in all honesty, my personal preference would be to get the Chaplain's forum straightened out and opened up again for those members who rely on their help to make it through...or those new christians who need guidance, or for those lost souls seeking a Savior and can't find anywhere else to ask, but the Chaplain's area...

but that's my personal first priority, what the big guys' is...????

2nd on my list would be getting staff controls and reports fixed...tired of stumbling over porn, and perverted postings, spam and other junk that really downgrade the site...because members aren't able to report it... :sigh:

After that I think then I'd work on pets and dollies and blessings...

then the profile customizations
then the icons for faith, features, Teams, groups etc...

now mind you these are my personal preferences...and I really haven't gotten a clue on what the list order is on the coder's table...

but ...again...patience would be appreciated...

Yes this is the post that I was just refering to about personal preferences as to what one person may call a priority and what another may see as being just as important to them - it is a matter of personal preference but just because we human beings think in the way that is to our own individual likeing - let us not close our mind to the opportunity to believe that something as 'simple and noncircumstantial' as the pets cant to another person be seen as a 'lifeline'

The forum private sections such as pets is affecting all areas of the board. The Paper, Pets, Armory, forums are all affected by this issue. It is on the docket to be done. We do not have a time line as of now as the coder is working as hard and as fast as he can. Please be patient with us and pray that the Lord will annoint the coder to move quickly and that he wont run into problems. The enemy is really fighting us at every step with this upgrade. We really need to band together as a family and pray for each other and this site. Thank you for your dedication to the site and to our members you help make this community great. Please I ask again... Please Pray.

God Bless,

AV


thanks for this answer - I understand now a little better - and my prayers remain with getting these things all caught up - but again just because there are other priorites - PLEASE dont continue to exclude us from the communicatin of what is going on so that we can feel less UNDERVALUED we pet workers volunteer hours and hours a day some of us and as I said before this ministry has 'branches' that reach our in ways that the average person would not think of ordinarily and so we are brushed off - but if indeed admin feels that pets are just a 'game' and hence not a part of the MINISTRY here let me for one know because I always felt I was a part of God's Love and ministry here and I felt valued - if CF2 wont value our effotts I would just as soon be told I am crazy and 'please go away' than to stick around and be made a joke of.

[zfawnz]

I'm confused... are you saying members should not have the option of recreating their old pet if they don't wish to start over on a brand new one?


no what I am saying is that there can be other ways of looking at the technical problems at this stage and if we are such a low priority here and so little valued why 'waste your precious time' entering old data - why not just pick up with a new chapter if pets are so trivial and little valued - and if there is just too much of an overload on the already stressed tech workers to 'deal with it' then if it is easier to just move on in thier mind there ought to be a way to make it simpler for them and for us to have SOMETHING - even if it means that the old pets are 'memorialized' so that the new pets can get started.


AND YES if any of the old pets are 'resurected' it should be by request of the owner - there are several pets that prior to the shut down were either abandoned or the owners never fed them anyway and left it to us as pet workers to do thier work and spend our blessings (as az forum) to tend to thier pets - so YES it should be an OPTION - and we in pet forums should have a say in wether at least the abandoned pets will be restored - as we are going to be the ones to 'deal with them' on an ongoing basis once the techs have reinstated them.

[zfawnz]

I think a lot of what I am reading in this thread is frustration from being kept in the dark for so long. Please don't get me wrong when I express the following as I am VERY appreciative of all the effort going into things, we Have demonstrated great patience and we ALL pray for the people working on getting things up and running to full speed again, however....I can't help but feel the info NOW being shared is kinda like "a day late and a dollar short".

And I feel that we, as a group, have kinda been told that it isn't very Christian to question things or to express our frustration. I have never had the impression from all my years as a Christian that it is unacceptable to criticize - it's all in HOW it is done and the frustration of being kept in the dark for SO long may have escalated that frustration and may have resulted in objections that Feel badly but the frustrations are legitimate all the same.

I also agree that this site should have more than one programmer - at least during this transition. There are paying members. There are paying advertisers. The owner does own more than one site. When all of those factors are put together it seems to me at least that more than one programmer could be hired to at least get things up and running to full speed. (I TOTALLY agree with the one request to extend SS status for a month after things are up and running at full speed - I'd ask no less from my cable, Internet or satellite server if things had been this screwed up for this long.)

To the PTB: consider this a lesson learned: keep communication to site members a priority and maybe the troops won't revolt as much.

To the members, especially the pet rescuers and pet owners: I do believe the message has been sent. Continuing to repeat the same sentiment is only going to make us bitter. Let's go back to praying for the programmers and providing the same Excellent Christian love and support to each other that we do so very well!!

I LOVE you guys!! And frustrated or not, I still want to be here more than anywhere else on the Internet.

well said yet I still think we as a group are still being treated as the low man on the totem pole and we are 'talked to' it is just that - as if they talk DOWN to us 'little folks' and I for one am not a little folk and netiher would I regard the fellowhisp that is PET RESCUERS to be so SMALL. as CFFA31 has said a few times we have been TALKED DOWN TO forever - even under Erwin - and I am trying to not criticize here as much as CONTINUE COMMUNICATIONS rather than feel as if I should just 'be content ot have said what I needed to' and then quietly go back yonder into the darkness of the closet. yes I am frustrated but I see need for continued communication as opposed to 'venting' which is what we would all be saying that that was what this whole thread was about if we simply concede to have said our say and now we shut our mouths again.

I am not disagreeing with you, dont get me wrong you are a valued friend and a big part of my fellowship here - and I miss elkan as well and I would think of you each day I opened my list and would see your name come up as 'owner'turtle'elkan' and I knew there was a real person behind that small little picture of a cyber animal - and I knew you took great care of him - and I wondered how you were doing if ever I gave elkan a treat because maybe you were away for a day - and THIS is the REALITY that I am trying to get the word out about - these are not 'just little virtual pets' they represent a loving affection given from and showed by the person behind the profile.

[ladyt28]

zfawnz - you are a blessing in EVERY area you go in!

[CFpetRESCUER18]

I can see where you are coming from zfawz. If it is too much of a struggle to make it so the pet info can be transfered over why not just get the new pet system up and running so we can make our pet however we want to. If someone wants a new one fine. If someone wants to create their new pet to be like their old one then fine. Everyone knows their pets name, color and type.

I guess I'm just tired of all the arguing about the whole thing. Yeah, we were left in the dark about a bunch of stuff for a long time, and yes the pets are very important to a lot of us around here. But there are many priorities that need to be cared for in order for this site to run properly. I miss Holly and Oscar dearly, but I'm willing to hold of on seeing them for a while if it will get the pervs and trollers off of CF asap.

Let's just all keep the techies and staff in our prayers for God to give them the strength and the wisdom to deal with everything in His best timing. And in the meantime, have some fun exploring the rest that CF has to offer. I have been hanging around back in my old stompin' grounds on my Sushi account. Its been great not having so much junk to keep me too busy to do stuff for myself.

[meh]

why 'waste your precious time' entering old data


Why input old data? Because people wanted their old pets. That is the data that has to be entered by hand. Do you want your old pet or not?

[~free~]

My turtle was (sort of) a gift therefore has sentimental value to me...I do miss her as well as taking care of pets and as a pet worker, I do think this is a priority.

However, today when I signed on, I had a message on my homepage and when I looked at it, was totally disgusted at the filth. I couldn't delete it or report it, I had to hunt down a mod and go through them. I think it is definately a priority to fix the reports.

Regular progress reports would be appreciated, as others have said.

[meh]

Regular progress reports would be appreciated, as others have said.

Getting a system going for that is being talked about as I type here. Should be coming very soon.

[zfawnz]

Why input old data? Because people wanted their old pets. That is the data that has to be entered by hand. Do you want your old pet or not?

yes as I stated if old pets can be recreated it ought to be an option - if plausable - but the owner should perhaps submit a request AFTER the new system is up and THEN the data for those pets that are requested can be netered as opposed to entering ALL of the data for ALL of the pets ALL at one time -there could be a first come first served thread for requests once the new system is set up and the techs can go in the order they are requested ni line as opposed to trying to do it all at once. lie I said several of the old pets were abandoned and/or not cared for by the owners - and that burden was put upon the pet workers to care for those pets. by submitting the requests and entering the data on a case by case basis this not only weeds out the abandoned pets but also elicits the owners to take responsibility for the pets that are recreated as well.

[ProfessorMom]

I have received many requests from pet owners regarding their pets. When the new P3TZ engine is up and running, we can work on them. :)

Thank you all for being so patient and kind about this. We understand how hard this is for you, and we apologize. We highly value everyone of our members and hold special fondness for all our pet owners. God bless you all.

[zfawnz]

I just had to bury my real-life kitty of 15 years - I do not want to bury my virtual pet right now too.


this is understandable - one of the reasons I was first drawn to this area of the board was because Ihad to put 2 of my living cats down last summer. However if it means that we must grieve the old to b eable to love a new pet (and to have a pet) then though it may sound harsh it is not intended BUT life does move on - it cycles around. to some degree we would be being irresponsible to perpetuate the idea that pets could live forever and ever - as we were trying to do in maintaining the abandoned list. it would be tragic to have to concede to lossing the old pets but it will allow more room and efficeincy to the site I believe than trying to reinstate backdated materials (which trying to do this in itself can lead to glitches and tech problems) than to being able to starta again. perhaps rather than seeing the old pets as having passed away we could view it as they have all been given a second chance in life to start over. if cats have 9 lives - how many lives dio the rest of the pets have - at least 2? so can this be the beginning of their second life just as it is the 'new generation' of the site? I have just got a bad feeling about trying to mesh the backdated data into the new system - will it mesh? - can it be done without creating new stress on the new servers? - is it a responsible use of time management on the tech staff - knowning that we are only a fraction of the board in total? - these are just a few of the questions that come to mind - I am trying to be a good steward and be realistic at the same time - and trying as I said to maintain open communication by offering different ways to view things - outside the box perhaps but I have always been told by those that love me most that I have good ideas and the only bad ideas are those selfishly kept secret and not at least explored to put to good use - I may not have the ins and outs or all the how tos but I have a very gifted mind - both intellectually and creatively speaking and I just wish I could contribute my ideas somewhere. perhapx this is not the right space - maybe I am all wrong to be again investing time and energy into PET FORUMS in general but if I decide to stay I know I would later regret never having spoken up 'in the beginning' of CF2. I still have not decided if I am staying or leaving but a lot of my decision will be based on wether or not I still feel that my contribution of my time, energy, and affection is being valued and put to the most constructive use.

[cfFosterANGEL31]

WOW!!! If the hold up for the pets is programming the old pets into this site, please do it LAST!!! Give us the new petz!!! Do any of you know how many hours we spent taking care of ABANDONED pets???? Some have been abandoned for YEARS!!!! Erwin said keep them they may be back. We had to go through lists of pets to see if they were really abandoned or dead!!!! This is why it would be nice to get some input from cfpetrescuer6(our LEADER) or Nurse CF. We don't WANT these pets back!!!! Come on just do the new program first then let members ask to have there old LIVING not ABANDONED pet back!! You never know maybe after they see the NEW pets they won't want the old ones, and new members would never even know about the OLD ones. Communication with some pet workers here sure would be great, we do actually know what is going on.!!

[Angeldove97]

Redstiletto (Nicole) should be helping out with updates now on features. Please don't swamp her with pms on the pet system, but we'll post in here when she has an update about the pets or a thread with the update information for you all :)

[USNavyBlueAngel]

AWESOME!!! Thank you, AngelDove97 ~ that's what we've been wanting all along.... frequent updates! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Thank you again so much, and I will watch this thread on a regular basis now for Nicole's update posts!

Can't wait to read them....

:thumbsup: :amen: :clap: :pray:








Redstiletto (Nicole) should be helping out with updates now on features. Please don't swamp her with pms on the pet system, but we'll post in here when she has an update about the pets or a thread with the update information for you all :)

[Gwenyfur]

Mod Hat On
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/ooorah_album/mod%20hats/marine1.gif

While staff does understand and appreciate your concerns, you have been given the answers that we have at this time. No amount of continuing to hammer can speed up the process.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding.
Mod Hat Off