I've been thinking for quite a while now about adding more sections to the forum. This has been discussed in several threads. The first idea I had was to split up the TD&Q section into 3 or 4 different sections. The problem with this is that a thread that starts in one section might very well become very on-topic for another section as well. In other words, it will not get the full exposure.
But then I realised we don't have to split up the TD&Q section. The reason the TD&Q and the GFC sections are so flooded with new messages is because we are actually missing one important section. A section where people could ask questions that neither fit in the TD&Q section nor the GFC section. I'm talking about questions that are Fiero related but aren't technical (technical = mechanical, engine, electronics, etc) in nature nor are they "general". Questions like interior- and exterior mods, or how to install a stereo or subwoofer, or what the best paint is to use for your engine.
I want to create an extra section for this. Hopefully this will clean up the other sections a bit. Let me know what you think of this idea. Also, if you have a good name for it, bring it on!
I would be very careful adding new topics to the forum. In my experience, the forums that are heavily divided up (like probetalk.com has become) tend to loose some of the sense of community that they generate. A lot of members also do not participate in every topic, and the whole forum then looses their imput on certain topics. I don't think this forum is in danger of that, but I would not really like to see many more than one, or maybe two new topics at most.
Maybe a new Asthetics forum for exterior/interior questions and comments, stereo stuff etc. This would draw from both topics in question, so it may be the best way to go. Or another thought might be a strictly performance forum to seperate the engine swaps and suspension mod topics from the repair and maintenance stuff in TD.
However, If the topic is right I am all for it!
------------------ John 1988 Fiero Formula 1997 Ford Probe SE AOL IM: Fformula88
I think it's a good idea, but you might want to tell everyone which specific things fall under the categories. There still will be some posts that don't belong if nobody knows where they go.
------------------ Fuzz busters are for those who are worried about being caught.
i think the forum could use another topic section. there are over 1800 people registered, now, which probably translates to something like 1000-1100 "active" users. this can lead to clutter in the main sections.
i might also suggest that you mention the search functions, when people first join. this can help to eliminate some of the repeat questions that we have been getting. don't missunderstand me, i fully realize that everyone believes that there question is unique and important, however, check the search... then if your questions still aren't answered, ask.
it also might be nice to have a section that list some of the active vendors, such as: Rodney and George.
and lastly, the upgrade that i would probably like as much, if not more than anyone... spell check
I don't want a lot of new sections too. I actually only want one new section to accomodate questions that doesn't really fit the other sections.
I do want a list of vendors. But this would not be a seperate section but a seperate page (a link to this page would be at the bottom of each page). Sort of like the "Fiero Yellow Pages". I'm working on this already (an announcement about this will be made soon).
. I'm talking about questions that are Fiero related but aren't technical (technical = mechanical, engine, electronics, etc) in nature nor are they "general". Questions like interior- and exterior mods, or how to install a stereo or subwoofer, or what the best paint is to use for your engine.
Cliff,I'm somewhat confused.What other questions are there?
cliff thanks for doing this forum. I am sure any changes you make will improve an all ready wonderful and useful site. links list or yellow pages good addition. ray
Technical: Mechanical, electrical, engine, etc. General: "Saw a cool Fiero!", "How many do you own?", "How fast is yours?" New: "What is the best place for a subwoofer?", "What paint should I use?", "How should I clean my rims?", "Got a great idea for ... (insert your great idea here)!"
Hey Cliff.I really enjoy the Forum.I'm sorta new here , but it's been real informative.I'm not sure how to split it up , but a section just for modifications and improvements would be nice. How bout "The Mod Squad" Just a thought
I kind of like it the way it is Cliff but if you want to trim the Technical Discussions section a little how about the Non Mechanical Technical Discussions section or Miscellaneous Technical Discussions section?
Hows bout sort of our own on-line service guide type thingy,or more correctly a FAQ section on the common problems/mods ie: 3.1/3.4 swaps, headlighs don't go down-that kind of stuff. I'm sure some of our more literary types could whip some Ogre's cave type material. No postings to the section just info to give folks some background. I have noticed that the same questions do get asked more than once. Of course since the answer to the question has already been given and I learned it and if I am the first one to spit it back out to a new member they think "Wow that Phil guy really knows his stuff". Just a thought
I like the idea for the split, but I think there should be one more split. I think there should be a topic for "Engine Swaps". Just an Idea. I relize most hate forums with tons of topics, there really wont be very many topics, compared to most other forums.
------------------ Sean's Fiero Page Sean Heberly Silver 86 GT 2.8 Auto (3.4 Conversion in Progress) "It's always in the last place you look." Of course it is. Why would you keep looking after you've found it? Do people do this? Who and where are they?
Just my two cents worth, but I quite like the forum the way things are right now. I think modifications and stereo questions seem belong in the general Fiero chat section, and all the engine swaps, techy questions in the technical area. A couple of other forums (AutoCAD and 3D Studio forums) I used to frequent expanded from three sections to over 10(!) and I found it very confusing to help others out and found that a lot of my posts went unnoticed. Like I said tho, just my opinion. I'm not too worried tho, whatever you do Cliff it will still be great!
The current division seems reasonable to me. Granted, the Technical section contains a grab-bag of subjects; however, this may reflect the diversity of Forum members' interest and experience rather than illogical categories. For instance, some members may perceive sound systems as "fluff", while others (e.g. Oreif) take a serious and professional interest. There may be no objective way to categorize all technical and quasi-technical questions.
A greater number of categories probably increases the likelihood that a given thread will be mis-categorized. Does that mean I'm a realist or a cynic?
However, if we're going to devise arbitrary but agreed-upon categories, it does seem reasonable to segregate cosmetics from mechanical/electrical technical questions. Maybe you could call the cosmetic/interior/audio section Sight and Sound.
Just kidding, I couldn't come up with a good name, but I think everyone is on the right track with the modifications idea. It takes a lot of unneccesary talk out of TD&Q and GFC and deserves it's own category.
Also appreciate Cliffs neverening maintenance on this forum but also his desire to keep it the BEST Fiero site in the World. I mean it, thanks.
I like the idea of a miscelaneous tech. Perhaps even a "Non-Fiero Specific Tech." I think it would be nice to have a place to ask/answer questions about other cars, stereos, painting, polishing, etc. I know this is Pennock's FIERO Forum, but a section where we could discuss other vehicles would be cool.
Sometimes the threads spill over or get started in what you might think is the wrong section, but I don't think that it's really a big deal. In fact, when I'm looking for a discussion on something I want to know about, that's what makes me check all of the sections.
I think if this forum gets too structured, it will lose something.
I think the Fiero Forum is just right the way you have it now.
[This message has been edited by William Federle (edited 01-17-2001).]
I'd rather not break up the forum any more than it already is. I don't mind any kind of question in any topic area. What's the big deal if someone asks an off topic question? We learn from it all.
I would like to be able to see the original message while in the reply screen. Something has changed and I don't seem to be able to do that anymore.
I like the idea of separating the mechanics of the car from the body/interior/cosmetic discussions. A section just for modifications is not necessary as the mods would fit in the two catagories.
How about changing the Tech section to "Mechanical Mods". Then add "Interior/Exterior Mods". Then change General chat to "My Fiero is better than yours" and watch the flame wars roll in. (That last one was just a joke) That ought to let people know where to post and still keep the number of topics low.
The Fiero Yellow Pages would make this incredible resource more powerful. If readers could have review threads for each vendor, then it would be a dream come true.
The name of the interior/exterior/audio section should be "Cosmetics and Audio"
Another idea is to organize the search features of the forum archives to search across categories and to include a hyper-link hot list of the major categories of information:
For example: 2.5 Duke engine and sensors, 2.8 V6 engine and sensors, Engine Swaps, automatic transmission, manual transmissions, electrical, etc.
This list would be like a top ten . . .
Then, it would be easy to ask the database many of the questions. As a result, the Forum could become much more effective as a feeder for the archives. The archives should be one of the major menu choices along with each of the Forum categories.
The Fiero Forum can continue to be the absolute best Fiero resource on the web by improving it's ability to acquire and organize information. Users should start by looking in the archives and move to the Forums for new subjects.
This way, the experts can look only at new posts. The "newbies" can get answers to their questions in real time without waiting for answers to post. If they need more info, then they can post with the benefit of reading the previous posts first.
The qaulity of answers depends to a large degree on the quality of the questions you ask.
yeah I know, corny
'86 GT 4-speed, leather interior
