15 replies to this topic

[Carole Faithorn]

Happy Birthday to the Forum!

4 today.

I think/hope/believe I am right in saying that this Forum first came online 4 years ago, though there was, briefly, a History Teachers' Discussion Forum using far less satisfactory software prior to that.

Just thought this was a good opportunity to celebrate our existence and to thank Andrew for all that he does behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Without his vision 4+ years ago I doubt whether what strikes me as 'the best thing since sliced bread' in the History teaching world would exist and without all those who contribute it would not exist in such a vibrant form

So .... a toast, "The Forum and long may it flourish!"

[Andrew Field]

Thanks Carole - it is good to remember such things. It is indeed a very happy birthday to this forum

As I've explained before, we've actually got the now defunct National Grid for Learning website to thank for it. Originally it was a Bravenet forum - a free online, really basic tool. I actually paid to become a Bravenet Pro member which withdrew most of the ads. Yet as it included some text ads right at the bottom the NGfL branded my entire SchoolHistory.co.uk website as unsuitable for children.

Thus, I looked for an alternative and selected the Invision forum software. The main reason at that time was that it was free. Things have come a long way since then and I'd just like to say thanks to everyone who helps make this forum what it is.

Congratulations to the History Teachers' Discussion Forum

[Andrew Field]

Here is the original e-mail too:

-----Original Message-----
From: GridWatch [mailto:******@becta.org.uk]
Sent: 13 August 2002 14:07
To: 'MrField'
Subject: National Grid for Learning (NGfL) - GridWatch issue

Dear Mr Field

We are writing to you concerning the age appropriate rating of the SchoolHistory.co.uk web site. The NGfL caters for all age groups, and the label takes into account the presence of chat rooms, open web searching, and online purchasing facilities. The age appropriate labels are to indicate to adults which sites are suitable for that age group to use on their own.

I understand that you have previously removed links to open web searches from your site to ensure that your site could be marked as suitable for users from age 7 upwards.

This was in accordance with the requirement of the NGfL Ground Rules that approved sites do not expose young people to unsuitable material. Thank you very much for your co-operation in that case.

Unfortunately, there is an age appropriate issue with some of the links from your site. You provide a discussion forum for teachers which in itself is entirely suitable as it is moderated and does not display e-mail addresses. However, there are links on that page to Bravenet.com and a Yahoo discussion group, which provide open forums, gambling links and an open web search. We have rated your site as age appropriate for 16+, therefore, at the moment.

We would be able to reinstate the age 7 age appropriate rating if these links were not present, but realise that you may be obliged to link to Bravenet as the provider of your forum facility. Perhaps it would be possible for you to provide a forum which is individual to your site. Apologies for presenting you with another difficulty, and do contact us if you wish to discuss the matter further.

Regards,
GridWatch

[Ed Waller]

Cooo... 4 years old... We'll be in Reception Class soon!

Well done to those who organise this space, and thanks for same

[A Finemess]

Well done Andrew. You deserve a gong! Quick, start donating to TBs retirement fund!

[Nichola Boughey]

MANY HAPPY RETURNS!!!!

4th Birthday - about my mental age at the moment!

[Elle]

Wow! So this makes it four years that this site has been saving my life!

Thanks Andrew, and happy birthday site.

[neil mcdonald]

Ah I remember the old Bravenet forum - strange old forum. Many happy returns!!!

[Andrew Field]

Ah I remember the old Bravenet forum - strange old forum. Many happy returns!!!

The old forum doesn't actually exist any more as it became a haven for spam postings. However, you can still find it on the web archive:
http://web.archive.o.../...38260&cpv=1

The posts don't actually work but you can at least see the original one. What this does allow you to see is quite how ridiculous the request from the NGfL was. There was a tiny little text link to Bravenet.com and it was thus deemed unsuitable for children. Compare that to today's educational websites with all sorts of adverts on. Anyway, we have them to thank for getting us onto this much superior software at such an early stage.

[Ginny B]

Congratulations and a VERY BIG THANK YOU!!!!

[DAJ Belshaw]

Excellent - a big thank you to all who work 'behind the scenes': not just Andrew but all the admins. I've found this to be a very friendly and useful place, and it's even better when you meet people in the flesh!

Doug

[Dan Moorhouse]

Thanks need to be directed to Dave Wallbanks for e-mailing several of the current admin team about starting and promoting yahoogroups and joint forums about 5 years ago. Sowed a seed that has germinated quite nicely...

[DaveStacey]

Just to echo what everyone's said already. Many thanks and...

Many Happy Returns!!!

[Lesley Ann]

Happy Birthday! Where have the last 4 years gone?