Forum Suggestions

How about the option of getting the most recent post FIRST. When an old topic "comes back to the top", it takes a while to wade through older reponses. Just an idea-hard to improve on (almost) perfection. cb
 
Ron,
One thing I would like to see. When you post a thread it shows how many replies to that thread but I would like to see it also show how many views. This is because I posted a thread not long ago on building a frame rotisserie. I recieved no replies to this thread. I feel if there were views listed that I could see that the information was being read at least. I only posted it after having recieved 4 e mails on how I built it.

I think you're doing a great job. I have a gret idea for a GT40s.com fundraiser but I
will save that for when I see you in August.

Hersh
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Ron,

I think someone mentioned it before, but how about a photo gallery of 40s. Owners could post them with as much or little information as they like. I am not sure of the technicalities and storage requirements but I personally think it would enhance the site a lot.

David Champ
 
Ron,

I've enjoyed the site immensely and have found it very useful. I think its great as is, but here are a few ideas anyway, just my $.02
grin.gif


As a newbie, I always wonder if I'm asking a question that's been asked a million times (learned about the search option quickly though), and its hard to formulate questions sometimes when you don't know enough about the car in general.

For the newer people that come around,(like me) you could have a "reference" forum which lists websites for things like:

The history of the cars and body styles engine reference/build info & tips
Different manuf.'s
company websites and feedback on quality
photo galleries w/ cars and/or builds
suggested readings or build diary websites
general advice and things a "newbie" to building or GT40's should consider or remember.

I also like the idea mentioned of compiling info on where people got parts. I know some people like to know they got a better bargain than everyone else, (the kind I look for) but it'd be great if we could just build a master list of parts/components and the different options or prices you were able to find, and any experiences with the companies you've used. Heck, you could take the parts list from an invoice and copy it, then just let people add info and parts as they see fit.

Also, I've seen people do build diaries online, so you could track progress and chat with people at the same stage as you, compare digital photos of details you're working on, etc. I dont know how that could be incorporated with the current format of the site, but thought I'd throw it out anyway.

Maybe have a "lookup" section for those who wish to participate? People could list (and edit as appropriate) what city/state they're in, what stage of the build or what cars they have with specs. As a budget man and working all the time, I can't just hop on my private jet out to the west/east coast where a lot of these cars or their companies are, or shows are few and far between tight schedules-itd be great to just get to know and visit some owners/builders closer to home since they'll be the ones I work with anyway. Since I'm not to the build stage but am frothing at the mouth to be so, I would love to help out anyone near me on a weekend here and there with any build work they might want an extra hand for or whatever-It'd be great to learn as much as possible since I dont know of any build schools, etc. for the GT40.

Lastly, What about a customizing section? For people engaged in custom projects, those looking for something new to do could help others with special projects and whatever- the combined effort/advice from the wealth of knowledge on this forum could create some new options or improvements to the safety, reliability, comfort, or overall functionality of the car. Some ideas of customizing I've been considering and have seen on the site include: Stereo systems, improving rear visibility, roll down windows, safety options, custom dashboards or fittings for the interior, t-tops, body flares, and other amenities.

ok, 'nuff said, sorry about the novel.
smile.gif

-MaTT

[ July 24, 2002: Message edited by: MaTTerZ ]
 
Ron,
Are you familiar with ICQ (I See You). It is an instant messanger program (2002A is the latest version) that has or will have computer to computer talk (for free)capabilities as well as typing and other forms of comunication. Users can remain invisible if they wish, or be available for anyone to see their listing. I don't know if it can be linked like on AOL etc. but it could show whos on line so if you wanted to talk (type) to that person, you could. Maybe have listings only for forum members, or be linked to the individual sections of the forum. The listings are numerical with a screen name, and can be set up to prevent spammers and hackers. Don't know if its possible or not, just a thought. I would encourage all members to check it out in any event. Maybe list the number in the individuals profile.
Bill
 

Ron Earp

Admin
Hi Bill,

I am familiar with AOL Instant, ICQ, and MS's own application. However, I am quite conservative when it comes to sharing any information online.

My wife is a professor at NCSU:


http://www.theprivacyplace.org/ and http://ecommerce.ncsu.edu/people/earp.html

She publishes a lot on internet security and privacy dealing with computers and applications. I'm not much one for sharing information - forum email addresses or setting the forum up to be a chat station or anything that allows others to tell who is online, who is here, etc.

I hope that doesn't bother anyone too much, it is just I value my privacy quite a bit (especially with some of the things I've learned from her) and I'll do what I can to make sure people on the board have theirs.

I don't think it is a bad idea and we might do something like that with the new board. But this one I would be reluctant to do anything with.

Ron
 

Ron Earp

Admin
Matt,

there is a Roaring Forties GT40 in your home town! Gordon Levy can provide details.

As for the suggestions, thanks and I will do what I can with them. A move to a different software is planned in September/October and it will make some of these things much easier. We could do them now, but it'd be a pain.

I will do as many of them as I can when we make the move.

Ron
 
As an international member, I would like to see the time of log-in next to my login-id, in a similar way that you have it at the top of each post.

Given the time differences, working out exactly how long ago a reply was posted can flex the mind a little too much, especially when you've had a long hard day at the office
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Some of the forum software out there will show the times current to YOUR location in the world. I am not sure that this software has the capability. Ron?
 

Ron Earp

Admin
Thanks for all the suggestions folks.

Some of the suggestions, such as clocks, logins, times, etc. are software issues. I don't write the software, I just install and maintain. Therefore, when we get new Forum software we might have the capabilities.

What I'm really after are what things do we need that are about the "structure" of the site. Some things I know we need that have been suggested are:

Links page
Photo gallery
Couple more discussion areas

And these I will try to get going with the new software ASAP.

I can use help on the links page though. Anyone care to take this on that has a smattering of HTML/Web knowledge? you don't need much, just a program that will allow you to design. Stick with the logo at the top, similar colors, and start adding links in a logical and non-biased manner. Can be simple - a single page with categories: Manufacturers, Clubs, etc. We'll create a small menu on the front of the forum page that will go to the links and other pages we have coming. Anyone?

Thanks much,

Ron
 
G

Guest

Guest
Ron,

I currently maintain our club web site ( www.okkitcar.org) using Front Page software. If Front Page is compatible with the Links Page(s) you want help with I'd be happy to take it on. It's just that at my age I don't need to be learning anything new.

[ July 25, 2002: Message edited by: Ben Miller ]

[ July 25, 2002: Message edited by: Ben Miller ]
 
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