Bahamas Chatter

I find it interesting that there is more traffic on this subject than the list
has seen in a while. *grin*

sail fast, dave
S/V Auspicious

Bill, This is an honest question. How is the new better?

Several of us have listed reasons why the old email based list is better
(for us, anyway). Please enlighten.

It has nothing to do with resisting change. I can understand why the
owners of the list would like it better as people are directed towards
their web site. But for users, I cannot see any advantage. I don't care
if it is hosted on yahoo/google or private site, I just find the email
to post/reply MUCH better. As others have said, I have watched other
lists suffer when they tried to change from email to web forum based.

wayne
flukeblog.blogspot.com

Bill Carlson, Sr. wrote:
>
>
> wow - - it's always suprising how much people resist change - - even a
> change for the better!
>

Perfect may be too strong of a word.

Unless I am wrong this system has 3 distinct disadvantages.

1. Cannot reply to this email to respond to posting. Must log on to web
site. People with SSB email cannot contribute. Also extra effort will
keep some from offering their input.

2. Cannot initiate discussion by email. See above.

3. emails are only sent out periodically, so instant response is not
possible.

The Krogen Cruisers group went down this same path earlier this year and
ended up paying someone to modify the free forum software to mimic the
email list. ????

wayne

ps: note how easy it was for me to reply to this. Just Click Reply and
type away!

McClintock wrote:
>
>
> Perfect. Thanks!
>

I don't post much, but I am coming down in favor of the RSS feed (and yes, I'm
over 40!). I use Google Reader to subscribe to and consolidate feeds so I still
receive everything "passively."

Arlene Yu
S/V 2 2 Tango

--- In BahamasExplorer@yahoogroups.com, sailoc@... wrote:
>
> The current (old) Email system is passive in nature - I do not have to do
> anything but check my mail as I do often to see questions and info and
> participate and be kept up to date - the new system will require that I
> remember to initiate something if I want to play -chances are I will not
> do this often ... may be loosing a lot of "local knowledge" from those
> who having spent years cruising the Bahamas but no longer do so are not
> looking for info but still have an interest ....
>
> Who says humans do not like change ... :-)
>
>  John - once of Knockatoone
> ____________________________________________________________
> Medical Insurance Quotes
> Compare medical insurance companies and save money now.
>
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=kJXy_qz8XowNmekF7GGxSAAAJ1AIlfi1H4\
c2ZHLciargGUWlAAQAAAAFAAAAAC99Zz4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAiWIAAAAAA=
>

----- Original Message -----

From: kdfears

To: BahamasExplorer@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:57 AM

Subject: [BahamasExplorer] Re: Question about Bahamas-Explorer Yahoo Group vs.       new Bahamas Chatter Blog

 

We're listening with great interest to your comments and have come up with what hopefully will serve the greater group.

You can now subscribe to emails from our new Bahamas Chatter blog. Please visit http://chatter.explorercharts.com/. In the gray column you'll see a link to link so that you can "subscribe to Bahamas Chatter by Email.

Thanks for all of your feedback as we fine-tune this transition so that we can provide up-to-date content to the widest audience possible.

Happy Exploring,
Kate Fears

--- In BahamasExplorer@yahoogroups.com, sailoc@... wrote:
>
> The current (old) Email system is passive in nature - I do not have to do
> anything but check my mail as I do often to see questions and info and
> participate and be kept up to date - the new system will require that I
> remember to initiate something if I want to play -chances are I will not
> do this often ... may be loosing a lot of "local knowledge" from those
> who having spent years cruising the Bahamas but no longer do so are not
> looking for info but still have an interest ....
>
> Who says humans do not like change ... :-)
>
> John - once of Knockatoone
> __________________________________________________________
> Medical Insurance Quotes
> Compare medical insurance companies and save money now.
> http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=kJXy_qz8XowNmekF7GGxSAAAJ1AIlfi1H4c2ZHLciargGUWlAAQAAAAFAAAAAC99Zz4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAiWIAAAAAA=
>

We're listening with great interest to your comments and have come up with what
hopefully will serve the greater group.

You can now subscribe to emails from our new Bahamas Chatter blog.  Please visit
http://chatter.explorercharts.com/.  In the gray column you'll see a link to
link so that you can "subscribe to Bahamas Chatter by Email.

Thanks for all of your feedback as we fine-tune this transition so that we can
provide up-to-date content to the widest audience possible.

Happy Exploring,
Kate Fears

--- In BahamasExplorer@yahoogroups.com, sailoc@... wrote:
>
> The current (old) Email system is passive in nature - I do not have to do
> anything but check my mail as I do often to see questions and info and
> participate and be kept up to date - the new system will require that I
> remember to initiate something if I want to play -chances are I will not
> do this often ... may be loosing a lot of "local knowledge" from those
> who having spent years cruising the Bahamas but no longer do so are not
> looking for info but still have an interest ....
>
> Who says humans do not like change ... :-)
>
>  John - once of Knockatoone
> ____________________________________________________________
> Medical Insurance Quotes
> Compare medical insurance companies and save money now.
>
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=kJXy_qz8XowNmekF7GGxSAAAJ1AIlfi1H4\
c2ZHLciargGUWlAAQAAAAFAAAAAC99Zz4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAiWIAAAAAA=
>

The current (old) Email system is passive in nature - I do not have to do
anything but check my mail as I do often to see questions and info and
participate and be kept up to date - the new system will require that I
remember to initiate something if I want to play -chances are I will not
do this often ... may be loosing a lot of "local knowledge" from those
who having spent years cruising the Bahamas but no longer do so are not
looking for info but still have an interest ....

Who says humans do not like change ... :-)

  John - once of Knockatoone
____________________________________________________________
Medical Insurance Quotes
Compare medical insurance companies and save money now.
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=kJXy_qz8XowNmekF7GGxSAAAJ1AIlfi1H4\
c2ZHLciargGUWlAAQAAAAFAAAAAC99Zz4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAiWIAAAAAA=

----- Original Message -----

From: Sara Lewis

To: BahamasExplorer@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 6:27 AM

Subject: [BahamasExplorer] Question about Bahamas-Explorer Yahoo Group vs. new Bahamas Chatter Blog

 

Lee,

Thanks for being one of our faithful contributors to the Bahamas-Explorer Yahoo Group over the years.  We appreciate your comments and interest and also your point of view.  Since your suggestion below might be of interest to the entire group, I will reply to everyone.

Here�s why we have launched the Bahamas Chatter blog on our website and will be phasing out the Bahamas-Explorer Yahoo Group: First of all, the new �chat group� can be accessed from our website www.explorercharts.com on our Home Page, rather than as a group set apart from our core of information.  That will make it much easier for you, the reader/cruiser, to access information from a single website where you can find our articles on �Latest Bahamas News� plus the Bahamas Chatter blog and chartbook updates.  In addition, that one website will also give you a link to our latest survey of current Bahamas Fuel Prices and dockage rates for selected marinas, plus all the other helpful information on our website, such as updates on navigational changes on the charts, clearing Customs, flight services, new businesses, closed businesses, and much more.  

The Bahamas Chatter is set up to make it easy for postings and comments on postings so that real-time cruisers can ask questions and supply on-the-spot information to others.  As we link our members together in helping each other, our chain of current data gets stronger and the ability to share gets easier.  We�re excited about the growth possibilities of this new network.

We would like the kind of information that has been posted on the Bahamas-Explorer to be more widely available, and we think it will be more readily at hand from our Home Page with its frequent hits and central location.  If you would like the Bahamas Chatter to come directly to your email address, you can select the RSS button on the Chatter Home Page and set it up that way.

We hope that you will take the few minutes necessary to become a Contributor or a Subscriber to our latest effort to make the most up-to-date and accurate information available possible to Bahamas cruisers.

Cordially,
Sara Lewis
Explorer Chartbooks

On 11/17/09 2:20 PM, "Lee Haefele" <Lee@...> wrote:

The Yahoo group was easy to access, but still rarely used.  I don't understand the need to make things more complex with the need to sign into a web site.  More people would see the Yahoo list.   It would be nice to have a regular newsletter posting from you there, that would start more conversations.
Lee Haefele

--
Kate Fears
Lewis Offshore Ltd
Publisher of the Explorer Chartbook� Series
kate@explorercharts.com
Ph: 202-543-8178
Fx: 202-543-8179


------ End of Forwarded Message

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.72/2511 - Release Date: 11/18/09 07:50:00

I don't see any email option under the RSS button. Would much prefer
email notice and well as the ability to reply to a post by email. It is
much easier to hit reply than log on to the website. I have seen this
type of change on other boating groups and people always have the same
complaint. It seems to reduce traffic, not increase it.

wayne
flukeblog.blogspot.com

I don't see any email option under the RSS button. Would much prefer
email notice and well as the ability to reply to a post by email. It is
much easier to hit reply than log on to the website. I have seen this
type of change on other boating groups and people always have the same
complaint. It seems to reduce traffic, not increase it.

wayne
flukeblog.blogspot.com

Sara Lewis wrote:
>
>     If you would like the Bahamas Chatter to come
>     directly to your email address, you can select the RSS button on the
>     Chatter Home Page and set it up that way.

Lee,

Thanks for being one of our faithful contributors to the Bahamas-Explorer Yahoo Group over the years.  We appreciate your comments and interest and also your point of view.  Since your suggestion below might be of interest to the entire group, I will reply to everyone.

Here’s why we have launched the Bahamas Chatter blog on our website and will be phasing out the Bahamas-Explorer Yahoo Group: First of all, the new “chat group” can be accessed from our website www.explorercharts.com on our Home Page, rather than as a group set apart from our core of information.  That will make it much easier for you, the reader/cruiser, to access information from a single website where you can find our articles on “Latest Bahamas News” plus the Bahamas Chatter blog and chartbook updates.  In addition, that one website will also give you a link to our latest survey of current Bahamas Fuel Prices and dockage rates for selected marinas, plus all the other helpful information on our website, such as updates on navigational changes on the charts, clearing Customs, flight services, new businesses, closed businesses, and much more.  

The Bahamas Chatter is set up to make it easy for postings and comments on postings so that real-time cruisers can ask questions and supply on-the-spot information to others.  As we link our members together in helping each other, our chain of current data gets stronger and the ability to share gets easier.  We’re excited about the growth possibilities of this new network.

We would like the kind of information that has been posted on the Bahamas-Explorer to be more widely available, and we think it will be more readily at hand from our Home Page with its frequent hits and central location.  If you would like the Bahamas Chatter to come directly to your email address, you can select the RSS button on the Chatter Home Page and set it up that way.

We hope that you will take the few minutes necessary to become a Contributor or a Subscriber to our latest effort to make the most up-to-date and accurate information available possible to Bahamas cruisers.

Cordially,
Sara Lewis
Explorer Chartbooks

On 11/17/09 2:20 PM, "Lee Haefele" <Lee@...> wrote:

The Yahoo group was easy to access, but still rarely used.  I don't understand the need to make things more complex with the need to sign into a web site.  More people would see the Yahoo list.   It would be nice to have a regular newsletter posting from you there, that would start more conversations.
Lee Haefele

 
 
   

If such a "list" exists, I'll be happy to add to it in 2 months when I  
start 3 months of snorkeling / diving in the area. Let me know.

 
   

 
 
   

Seriously?? -the water is so clear you can just watch off the bow and drop the anchor when you see some thing worth investigating -your question is like asking for a good deli in NYC !! :-) When you cross from Nassau to the Exumas you will go over the "Yellow Banks" and you will see (and try to avoid) lots of "Coral Heads" -they look like black oil slicks on the surface till you get close - any of these would be worth a look and of course if you do get to Stanial Cay the Thuderball "cave" from James Bond fame is a must ... in general the "ocean side of the Exuma chain has lots of great reefs with even the occasional wall - the banks side tends to be less exciting -  but anchor on the banks side and dink around to the ocean side. With a little time and practice you will be able to tell the difference between a reef and grass from the bow of your boat. One last thought is to find a "looky bucket" - usually a smallish wooden bucket with a Plexiglass bottom in it - great for checking out a reef before going over the side of the dink -and good for checking you anchor after it has been set ..... enjoy some of the clearest waters in the world !!!
 
John-once of Knockatoone
 
On Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:21:39 -0000 "G P" <CAPTAINSSBN@...> writes:

   
 

Hi all:

Does anyone have a list of good snorkling locations in the  bahamas. Eleuthra and exumas. LAT & LON would be greatly  appreciated.

Even some great anchorage spots would helpfull.

We  have a charter that will leave Nassua soon and they want to get in some great  snorkling. I see many names listed but can't find these marked on any  charts.

Capt Gary
EMAIL IS:
tranquilitycharters@... <mailto:tranquilitycharters%40yahoo.com>

 
 

____________________________________________________________
Hotel
Hotel pics, info and virtual tours.  Click here to book a hotel online. <http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2142/c?cp=Dlfi6Cy3bHomth_TULHS8wAAJ1AIlfi1H4c2ZHLciargGUWlAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATRAAAAAA=>
 
   

 
 
   

Don't miss Cambridge Cay (Little Bell Cay), especially the site known as the "Sea Aquarium" north of nearby Obrien's Cay.  Spectacular!
Cut and paste the following link into your browser's address window:

http://www.exumapark.info/Portals/0/Snorkeling%20Guide%20-%20Cambridge%20v1.pdf

If the link doesn't work, do a search for "snorkeling guide" + "cambridge cay"

Hope to see you there this winter.

Peter
s/v Now or Never!

---

From: "Bill Carlson, Sr." <bcarlson@...>
To: BahamasExplorer@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, November 16, 2009 5:29:27 PM
Subject: [BahamasExplorer] Lat Lon for snorkling locations in Bahamas

  
   

If such a "list" exists, I'll be happy to add to it in 2 months when I  
start 3 months of snorkeling / diving in the area. Let me know.

 
 

 
 
   

 

Hi all:

Does anyone have a list of good snorkling locations in the bahamas. Eleuthra and exumas. LAT & LON would be greatly appreciated.

Even some great anchorage spots would helpfull.

We have a charter that will leave Nassua soon and they want to get in some great snorkling. I see many names listed but can't find these marked on any charts.

Capt Gary
EMAIL IS:
tranquilitycharters@yahoo.com

 

If such a "list" exists, I'll be happy to add to it in 2 months when I
start 3 months of snorkeling / diving in the area. Let me know.

Announcing New Bahamas Chatter Cruisers' Blog

The Explorer Chartbook team is launching a new blog as a site for the most
up-to-date information on the Bahamas for cruising yachtsmen.  We will publish
breaking news, corrections, and changes as soon as we find them.  We also invite
you to post information that you think other cruisers would want to know.  In
addition, you will be able to comment on other postings.

Check out our Explorer website under Bahamas Chatter.  You have two choices:

1) You can become a *Contributor* by registering with a User Name and Password
or

2) You can become a *Subscriber* by supplying an email address.  This allows you
to comment on other postings but not to contribute.

Go to our http://www.explorercharts.com/ Home Page Menu and click on Bahamas
Chatter.  The Bahamas Chatter Home Page will direct you to make your choice as a
Contributor or Subscriber.

NOTE: Our Bahamas-Explorer Yahoo Group will be replaced by the new Bahamas
Chatter found directly on our website.  If you are a member of Yahoo Group, as
of December 1, 2009, you will no longer be able to post and receive comments by
email.  We encourage you to sign up for the Bahamas Chatter so that you can keep
abreast of changes in the Bahamas and also let us know what you are finding as
you cruise those beautiful islands.  We look forward to your postings!

Hi all:

  Does anyone have a list of good snorkling locations in the bahamas.  Eleuthra
and exumas.  LAT & LON would be greatly appreciated.

Even some great anchorage spots would helpfull.

We have a charter that will leave Nassua soon and they want to get in some great
snorkling.  I see many names listed but can't find these marked on any charts.

Capt Gary
EMAIL IS:
tranquilitycharters@...

First time post.  Has anyone ever found the well on the south end of Hawksbill
cay (exumas)?