I'm probably not the first to think about this but, I wonder if it would be possible to have a membership map, one that shows the city and state of Fiero owners/drivers/members.
I would think it could be developed based on the data base already out there. I'm not much of a computer person so, I'm definitely not able to produce it but, I think it would be interesting to be able to look and look at the Fiero Density on a US map. Yeah, I know Fieros are other places but, I'm not likely to be there. Just something I thought of, may not be a popular idea and may be more work than it's worth. Don't know but, if you don't ask, you'll never know.
There might be other Fiero folks near us that we don't know about. Just an idea.
Then again, there's some folks that don't want their where abouts known. Not sure why if it's only showing city and state but, it is, what it is.
Rams
------------------ Rams Intelligent people speak because they have something to say, fools speak because they have to say something. Consider that before telling anyone what's on your mind.
I think it would be interesting to be able to look and look at the Fiero Density on a US map. Yeah, I know Fieros are other places but, I'm not likely to be there.
Oh yeah, asking the Dutch administrator of this site for a Fiero Density map limited to the US because you "aren't likely to be" in other countries should go over well. Sure, just ignore all the PFF members located in Canada, the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, France, Mexico, etc. Geez man...
Oh yeah, asking the Dutch administrator of this site for a Fiero Density map limited to the US because you "aren't likely to be" in other countries should go over well. Sure, just ignore all the PFF members located in Canada, the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, France, Mexico, etc. Geez man...
I believe that it's been stated - maybe even by Cliff - that the vast majority of Fiero owners, and members of this forum, reside in the US, followed closely by Canada. I'd like to see such a map, too, but it may not be worth Cliff's trouble. Especially since he doesn't live here. (Hey... it is what it is.)
With that said... I have seen similar maps, created at different times. People had to register, themselves. Once they registered, they "became a dot on a map". (One was a sort of "virtual railroad", where people could "relay" parts from one point to another, through several volunteers.) They all just kind of fell into dis-use.
Oh yeah, asking the Dutch administrator of this site for a Fiero Density map limited to the US because you "aren't likely to be" in other countries should go over well. Sure, just ignore all the PFF members located in Canada, the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, France, Mexico, etc. Geez man...
Patrick, This time, I'll admit, I was only thinking of myself and some of the folks I consider Fiero friends, the vast majority of whom are here in the US. I hope that clears the air. If, that's something you want, then I suggest you petition Cliff. Been to Canada, it's a beautiful scenic country (for the most part). As I indicated, a lot of folks have their location listed, quite a few don't but, I wouldn't think if would be all that difficult to include the whole planet if one was thinking of doing the USA. Personally speaking, if it was my forum (which it isn't) location would be a mandatory fill in the blank to be a member.
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 11-16-2021).]
I wouldn't think if would be all that difficult to include the whole planet if one was thinking of doing the USA.
Ron, why would Cliff even consider doing a membership Density Map of the US, just the US? Makes no sense for an international forum. I cannot fathom why you wouldn't have simply requested a world-wide membership Density Map in the first place. Wouldn't it be interesting to see every location on the planet where PFF members reside? Just because you never expect to visit these other countries seems like somewhat of selfish reason not to want to include them in a PFF membership Density Map request.
[EDIT] I wrote this post before Ron edited/clarified his previous post.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 11-16-2021).]
Ron, why would Cliff even consider doing a membership Density Map of the US, just the US? Makes no sense for an international forum. I cannot fathom why you wouldn't have simply requested a world-wide membership Density Map in the first place. Wouldn't it be interesting to see every location on the planet where PFF members reside? Just because you never expect to visit these other countries seems like somewhat of selfish reason not to want to include them in a PFF membership Density Map request.
You ignore many to a lot of members do not own a Fiero now.
Since PFF started, Many join only to ask a few Q's... Then find out too much Work, too much Time, too much $ or all 3 to fix 10 to 30 year old car and sold or junk the car. Big Example: Fixing or Restoring Fiero Brakes alone can cost Hundreds of $ to do it right but many still want or pushes cheap fixes or worse crap "upgrades." Then Can take many hours to Days or longer to do that job and that can cause problems w/ Police, Code Enforcement and HOAs in many places. If they can't DIY then paying a shop can cost way more.
Not just here but other sites have inflated member counts for similar reasons.
Plus any site in the EU must comply EU Privacy Laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on top of whatever laws a County have.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
You ignore many to a lot of members do not own a Fiero now.
Since PFF started, Many join only to ask a few Q's... Then find out too much Work, too much Time, too much $ or all 3 to fix 10 to 30 year old car and sold or junk the car. Big Example: Fixing or Restoring Fiero Brakes alone can cost Hundreds of $ to do it right but many still want or pushes cheap fixes or worse crap "upgrades." Then Can take many hours to Days or longer to do that job and that can cause problems w/ Police, Code Enforcement and HOAs in many places. If they can't DIY then paying a shop can cost way more.
Not just here but other sites have inflated member counts for similar reasons.
Plus any site in the EU must comply EU Privacy Laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on top of whatever laws a County have.
Upon second thought, theogre is correct, although folks (that I know personally) tend to be long term Fiero owners, such a list would probably not be accurate from the start. So, with that, I withdraw the idea/suggestion.
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 11-17-2021).]
Originally posted by css9450: I'm just impressed this wholly unrelated discussion managed to pull a rant about cheap brake upgrades out of the woodwork.
100%
Unlike you, blackrams and some others can read the whole post. Many can switch that example to any other problems get same result that sold or junk the car and for same reasons.
Many to most get Used Cars and when have any problems that will cost a lot, Often same or more $ then they paid for the car, then they sold traded or junk them. Maybe Some old PFF members was first owner but for most... car not worth spending a lot $ to fix 15+ years car in 2000 and later.
Replacing Duke Timing Gear cost time, money, and when owner can't DIY expect to pay $500 $1000 or more. Many posted w/ Fiero V6 low Oil Pressure... Told to check w/ a real gauge, if has real low pressure then have problems. Yet many still push that is Normal. Shop dropping the oil pan for any reason cost money. Replacing oil pump is often not the problem but many will try and charge you. Most shops now won't replace crack/rod bearings etc. or replacing the engine either on 20+ year old car because most won't pay.
If an owner could do the work... Often can't keep disable cars or work on them on the street or in your driveway even for a day in many places. Parked in driveway can get legal headaches from HOA City or County. More so if parts are off over night or no current tags. Parked on street can get the car ticketed or towed in a few hours to next day. Worse if you live in cities w/ alternate side street parking like some sections of Syracuse NY.
So a lot join to post one or few Q's then gone for these and more reasons and many sold or junk the car soon after And why this map idea is fairly useless. Many people never intended to do anything else or bother w/ TO/T or other new sections. Some joined just to sell their Fiero.
Other Forums have similar issues and not just for cars.
This actually isn't a bad idea. If Cliff has the time and ability it is a good suggestion for addition. A option to make the list somewhat accurate is to place a timer on a the registered location. Say that every location placed done by a member, will expire and fall off the map after a year. Yes, this would mean a member would have to re-up every year, but with a reminder email it is doable and would provide a more accurate list of active members.
This actually isn't a bad idea. If Cliff has the time and ability it is a good suggestion for addition. A option to make the list somewhat accurate is to place a timer on a the registered location. Say that every location placed done by a member, will expire and fall off the map after a year. Yes, this would mean a member would have to re-up every year, but with a reminder email it is doable and would provide a more accurate list of active members.
My idea was to some how tie it into a time clock that reset whenever a member posted. After a certain time frame (Cliff would decide on) if the member didn't post, the marker on the map would vanish. But, I'm not computer literate enough to build such a map or connection to posting. Doesn't matter, the distraction already brought up in this thread was enough for me to not go forward with any other suggestions.
Oh yeah, asking the Dutch administrator of this site for a Fiero Density map limited to the US because you "aren't likely to be" in other countries should go over well. Sure, just ignore all the PFF members located in Canada, the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, France, Mexico, etc. Geez man...
Well considering GM only sold Fieros in US and Canada it would make a lot of sense. Also I don't have the exact number but it was probably like 97 percent US and 3 percent Canada. So basically 97 percent of Fieros were sold in the US. Those in Europe and overseas would be extremely rare as it would be expensive to ship and do conversions to make compliant. A US heat map would likely cover 95 percent of all Fieros around today.
The vintage air-cooled VW community (which is 100,000 times bigger than the Fiero community) used to have a member listing network, and each member was able to voluntarily choose the options they wanted to share and offer, for example...
- Member XXXXXXX - City, State - Email - Phone Number - Lodging - Tools - Etc
...so any community members who lived in same area/region, or if a member was traveling in that region and had trouble, could access the database and see who and where and what they are capable of offering.
Those were the days.
[This message has been edited by Skybax (edited 11-18-2021).]
What might makes sense is a density map by State or Province but it would be a big job. It appears that the Euro membership may be very small. The overall membership list is large and available to all members, but it represents an accumulation of those who joined over a 22 year period. I'd venture to say less than half are still Fiero owners so the ACTIVE membership would probably be far smaller. If you notice Fiero owners actively posting here, that might represent most of the people that still own Fieros in your area.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
What might makes sense is a density map by State or Province but it would be a big job. It appears that the Euro membership may be very small. The overall membership list is large and available to all members, but it represents an accumulation of those who joined over a 22 year period. I'd venture to say less than half are still Fiero owners so the ACTIVE membership would probably be far smaller. If you notice Fiero owners actively posting here, that might represent most of the people that still own Fieros in your area.
I'm sure you're probably correct. But the reason this idea came into my head is because, I have a lot of friends in other states I'd like to visit. Doesn't really matter, I don't see it happening anyway. But, as I said before, if somehow linked to active posting, then those no longer into the passion would quickly drop off the map. No, I don't have a clue how that would work.
As I can remember, years ago there was just such a map on this forum. I remember that I was surprised at how many members were in the Beaumont, Tx area because I lived in that area at the time, but seldom saw a Fiero on the road around there. The map may have been deleted at some point due to inactivity.
------------------ ____________________________________________ "Of all the things I have lost during my lifetime, I miss my mind the most."
(Hey... it is what it is.)
