For some time now I have noticed that there seems to be a lot of repetitive questions on the forum. I have come up with what I think will not only solve this situation, but will be a valuable resource for all the members no matter where they are in their build, or acquisition(?).
What started me thinking of this was two things. The first was that I was seeing a lot of repetitive question, with both helpful responses, and "use the search function" responses. There have been times that I have tried to find information on the forum that I knew was there, but I couldnot find with the search function. Call me search challenged. So my cure was to save threads and add to them whenever they recieved new post. Do you know how long it takes to gothrough a thread for one piece of information? Well I have over 150 or so threads saved.
The second thing was just after I finally got my used partially built car from an owner in Australia, who had worked on his car for 4 years, and the problems I encountered along the way. I found a lot of pitfalls usually by falling into them. I thought, what if someone had outlined these problems ahead of time. It would have saved me weeks and a few bucks. So I sat down and began chronicling my experience, and that led me to my idea.
What I am proposing is a new section on the forum for "Articles Only". This would be a section where members would write and submit articles to the administrators for posting, or the administrators would would call for authors of titled articles ("Someone to write an article on installing a DIS system", for example).These would be articles that the membership could post to, adding their experiences or information. This would keep the article up to date with the latest or aditional information on the subject. It would be purely articles, so no sidebars or kudos. The articles could be on any subject you feel knowledgeable about. I know there are many guys out there who built or acquired their cars who have valuable information they could contribute (you can't drive your GT40 all the time, or can you?). One thread could be a listing of web sites for parts and supplies (panel adhesives, where to find the best deal on Cleco pliers, etc.) that are not kit dealer based.
This would keep the newbies busy (What do you like about your GT40, purchasing and obtaining a used kit), and the veterans informed of complex problems (relocating the engine for better center of gravity and its associated problems, brake upgrading, etc. etc.)
I have run this passed Ron, and he likes the basic idea. I am sure there will be some problems in its placement or operation within the forum. One problem that I can see right off is the size of the "attached file" button. It may have to be bigger if pictures are included, or the submission will have to be private mail. That's why I am putting this out for your comments and ideas, as I don't mean to be the last word on it. Please take time to post your thoughts.
Bill
What started me thinking of this was two things. The first was that I was seeing a lot of repetitive question, with both helpful responses, and "use the search function" responses. There have been times that I have tried to find information on the forum that I knew was there, but I couldnot find with the search function. Call me search challenged. So my cure was to save threads and add to them whenever they recieved new post. Do you know how long it takes to gothrough a thread for one piece of information? Well I have over 150 or so threads saved.
The second thing was just after I finally got my used partially built car from an owner in Australia, who had worked on his car for 4 years, and the problems I encountered along the way. I found a lot of pitfalls usually by falling into them. I thought, what if someone had outlined these problems ahead of time. It would have saved me weeks and a few bucks. So I sat down and began chronicling my experience, and that led me to my idea.
What I am proposing is a new section on the forum for "Articles Only". This would be a section where members would write and submit articles to the administrators for posting, or the administrators would would call for authors of titled articles ("Someone to write an article on installing a DIS system", for example).These would be articles that the membership could post to, adding their experiences or information. This would keep the article up to date with the latest or aditional information on the subject. It would be purely articles, so no sidebars or kudos. The articles could be on any subject you feel knowledgeable about. I know there are many guys out there who built or acquired their cars who have valuable information they could contribute (you can't drive your GT40 all the time, or can you?). One thread could be a listing of web sites for parts and supplies (panel adhesives, where to find the best deal on Cleco pliers, etc.) that are not kit dealer based.
This would keep the newbies busy (What do you like about your GT40, purchasing and obtaining a used kit), and the veterans informed of complex problems (relocating the engine for better center of gravity and its associated problems, brake upgrading, etc. etc.)
I have run this passed Ron, and he likes the basic idea. I am sure there will be some problems in its placement or operation within the forum. One problem that I can see right off is the size of the "attached file" button. It may have to be bigger if pictures are included, or the submission will have to be private mail. That's why I am putting this out for your comments and ideas, as I don't mean to be the last word on it. Please take time to post your thoughts.
Bill
