HOATalk Search Fixes

Hi Everyone,

We've fixed a couple things with search on this site:

1 - Search now uses an SSL connection, so you won't see browser errors about security.

2 - The search index is more current now so the searches will be more useful.

Best Regards,
HOATalk Support

there are several free more modern forum softwares that you might consider updating this website too?

WendyM5:

We are aware of the forum software out there and have evaluated many packages over years. We've rejected all but one and are looking further into that one now.

There is also a huge risk and cost to migrating.

The risk is mainly losing Google rank and most of our traffic. HOATalk has a good reputation and ranks well in Google search, bringing a steady stream of new people. When you make massive changes to the format of a site with new software, Google no longer trusts the site for a while and traffic can drop dramatically. It can take several months or a full year to regain rank.

As input to our research, what new or better features would you like to see in a new version of HOATalk?

Thank you.

Your welcome HOATalk. I am very happy with the standards you keep on here. Other HOA websites can go down the rabbit hole of just complaining about their HOA. Have been on a few that turned into dangerous threats against other posters or their HOA's. One website I had to get in contact with their HOA in real life because a unhinged poster threatened to do violence. I was lucky enough not to use my real identity or location that they did not come after me. They had gone so far as to try to post my "real" home address online. (Luckily they could not find it). So those rules of keeping people from using real names or their HOA names is for their and your safety. I witnessed first hand what can happen. (The website got sued I believe and had to shut down). Just wanted to put that out there why certain rules or requests are the way they are.

I also applaud being able to keep this website one that is for the education and a safe place for potential or existing board members. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Even though some may say this is outdated or needs this or that, I still think you have created one of the best and safe places to share and educate about HOA's.

post deleted.

JohnT what I do is watch for the ones that are darker blue versus the lighter blue. The darker blue is usually most current. It helps to follow the threads.

Most new posters don't actually read the posting rules.

On a previous thread, it was suggested that new members acknowledge the posting rules prior to posting their first post.

Thought that was a good idea.