| Author | Message | ||
| Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
Member Username: Pupz308 Post Number: 596 Registered: 10-2002 |
Nice. Rob, what I think was meant by links opening in new windows, is the (I presume common) use case of selecting "Open in new Window" for multiple threads, especially doing research, from one set of search results or a single thread list... When searching especially, if you click back--it seems the search is performed again to get back to the search results list (not good!). One last little thing--searches all over the world have generally converged on multiple search terms being ANDed together (say, like Google), not ORed... On this board, the current search defaults to OR, which gets too many results  . This should probably default to AND (saves mouseclicks for 90% of the times it's used?). Glad you enjoy running the site. Ups and downs, but a very rich community--one that I realized, on the way home the other night in the 308--that I'm a part of . | ||
| Roberto (Cuore_rosso)
New member Username: Cuore_rosso Post Number: 33 Registered: 8-2003 |
:-) Rob, Sponsor links do open up in a new window. I should have been more clear - links within discussion threads do not. At least on my browser, they open in the same window. Currently, it just reads the html, but if we could post links with a "link" button, you could insert the coding automatically to open in a new window. Intellectual property? I guess however intellectual it is or not, a copyright exists. I too have wondered who would own the content? With appropriate terms of use, probably Rob. William? | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6710 Registered: 12-2000 |
There are intellectuals on FC?  That would be a question for Mr. Hart. I know that I have every right to keep FerrariChat.com open or closed if that answers anything. Luckily for everyone I really enjoy it and plan on doing it as long as I'm alive and then pass it on for someone else to continue. | ||
| luciano favero (Ontogenetic1007)
Junior Member Username: Ontogenetic1007 Post Number: 62 Registered: 11-2002 |
Does everyone own the intellectual property on Fchat or? | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6707 Registered: 12-2000 |
I really try to do that Roberto, all the Sponsor links should open up in a new window. I probably haven't done it for all the other links though. | ||
| Roberto (Cuore_rosso)
New member Username: Cuore_rosso Post Number: 32 Registered: 8-2003 |
Rob, A bit off topic, and you may be already implementing it in FChat 2.0, but could we have links open up in a different window by default? I almost always use it this way. Maybe others can chime in. But I have wished for a while that links to external sites or arhived articles open in a separate window, to make return easy. (I do this manually currently) :-) In my experience, it is more convenient to "check out" the link, close the window, and get on with reading/discussing/chatting. What do you think? | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6693 Registered: 12-2000 |
OK, here's my current thoughts... 1) Leave GFD and Tech section alone, actually the new board won't have any new categories at all. Except new regional areas. I will also be creating a Tech and other sections for the Vintage cars to try out. Seems to be a different user base for Vintage section. 2) New board will have more functionality to display FAQ's and will automatically provide links to similar threads. There will be several more options to organize the old tech threads. 3) The best way to find anything is always the search functionality. I will do better at training users on using it. 4) Users should post better titles. I think Robertos idea is great and we'll look into that. When you submit a new thread, there will be a drop down that will ammend text to the title for easier and standardized organization. Again, using better titles is a training issue. No "look here" or "help me!" titles. A good title will let you know exactly what the thread is about. | ||
| Ken Sullender (Sulley)
Junior Member Username: Sulley Post Number: 153 Registered: 9-2003 |
What if you leave the GD and Tech the way it is but add a tech section with the model break down and sub section of interior/engine/trans, etc. Then have the qualified tech guys review and post the best and most qualified threads into this new section. Wouldn't this provide the best of both. You can maintain the current benefits of having GD and Tech threads, but when you need to search for a solution in a matter of a few clicks you can isolate your model and area of concern. If it is not there, then you can post a new question on the Tech discussion. | ||
| Thomas I (Wax)
Member Username: Wax Post Number: 672 Registered: 7-2003 |
You guys are lucky you're not on another fantastic site I've been on for several years. 13 categories with 96, 112, 137, 155, 74, 101, 45, 85, 117, 50, 287, 145 and 38 sub-categories respectively, for a total of 1442 sub-categories - *and* Category Pedants lurking. Oh, and all 13 categories and their 1442 total subcategories are on 1 (one) and only 1 (one) pull-down menu to scroll through before posting a new topic which *must* be an original idea without duplicity in any form, fact or fiction, earth or space - otherwise, it gets criticized - big time - *and* deleted. We've come up with over 15,000 originals. Boo-yah! | ||
| luciano favero (Ontogenetic1007)
Junior Member Username: Ontogenetic1007 Post Number: 59 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hard wired categories, which is what the request is for, are inherently inferior to dynamic and self defined categories, which is what a search accomplishes. Secondly, asking a question previously answered (searching the participants' neural databases) embellishes both the social rapport in the community and the database. If desired, the search functions may always be improved, eg. by adding natural language parsers etc. One always learns/discovers more when one is exploring as opposed to searching. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 3509 Registered: 6-2001 |
I think a tech archives by model would be a good idea for references. Common problems and fixes could be moved to this area for reference and trouble shooting. the tech section should otherwise stay the way it is. when you start dividingf the board up to much then some people may not see all the threads that they would want to see. | ||
| Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
Member Username: Pupz308 Post Number: 590 Registered: 10-2002 |
I like the general Technical Q&A section as it is. I've learned a lot from reading about other models, as well as from reading posts applicable to all models. As a software engineer myself, I've found that there is always the decision to make between how much to "break down" a view--in other words, how general (encompassing) to make it. I worry that further division would reduce both the effectiveness and the richness of the Q&A section. It's like a family in there, after all . And if you're in a hurry, the convention of putting the model in the topic is perfect; futher, it makes for very effective searching (how many thousands of threads are we up to now with 308 in subject line?). Just my thoughts. | ||
| Roberto (Cuore_rosso)
New member Username: Cuore_rosso Post Number: 31 Registered: 8-2003 |
Rob, If it is entirely database driven, could you add a field for model, year, issue, i.e. Drivetrain Electrical Suspension/Brakes Body/Paint to the database? Instead of separating into different subject areas, this would enable us to perform searches not only on the languange used in the description or body, but by predetermined areas of interest. I.E. carb jets, 308, 1976-1979, Subject: "hi-comp rebuild" + "p6 cams". My 2p again is that the dynamism of a board might be compromised, unless membership grew ten fold. There is a need for a certain amount of traffic in almost every area. Sometimes I stop by several times a day to see what is happening at FChat. It is rewarding to do this often because content often changes, and something that I would not have guessed to be of any interest to me, suddently peaks my interest because of a thread subject. But if the area is less frequented, I will only look into it once in a while. Some distinctions are necessary. For example, different geographic regions for specific events. But for tech and general, I think it would be better to have a database with pre-determined categories that are searchable. Again, my 2p - YMMV. | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 629 Registered: 2-2003 |
As a confirmed Techie, it would be best to leave the board the way it is for now as you can get through the whole list faster to see if you can help or if something perks your interest than just jumping around between sections. I think many if not most of the tech guys like a WIDE variety of subjects from 308 radiator caps to Testarossa engine outs to supercharging. And don't forget our special monthly diatribe on timing belts! Agree with Rob that the post names we could do a bit better on. Search works great - use it all the time. Just my 2 Yen | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6692 Registered: 12-2000 |
yep Ron, you won't have that problem anymore with the new software, this board is html based, which is a little quicker reading, but posting you might get the locking error. The new software is 100% database driven and won't have locking problems, but I'm sure other bugs we'll have to resolve I haven't found yet. | ||
| Ron R (Ronr)
Junior Member Username: Ronr Post Number: 237 Registered: 10-2002 |
I think a problem with having subsystem areas in tech, is that most people with lots of knowledge aren't going to be reading through there just looking for people who might want their help. An expert on engines might only spend his time in the general section and never see a specific item that only HE knows the answer to. I agree that useful thread titles, i.e. Model, Component, Issue would help people who may only have time to scan through the titles. I kinda like model-specific tech areas (308/328, 348/355...), but for the same reason as above, somebody that has moved up to a 348 might not bother to read about 308s anymore. hmmm... File Locking Error | ||
| Ron R (Ronr)
Junior Member Username: Ronr Post Number: 236 Registered: 10-2002 |
I think a problem with having subsystem areas in tech, is that most people with lots of knowledge aren't going to be reading through there just looking for people who might want their help. An expert on engines might only spend his time in the general section and never see a specific item that only HE knows the answer to. I agree that useful thread titles, i.e. Model, Component, Issue would help people who may only have time to scan through the titles. I kinda like model-specific tech areas (308/328, 348/355...), but for the same reason as above, somebody that has moved up to a 348 might not bother to read about 308s anymore. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6691 Registered: 12-2000 |
Why wouldn't it work to have the following areas in Tech... Drivetrain Electrical Suspension/Brakes Body/Paint ??? | ||
| Roberto (Cuore_rosso)
New member Username: Cuore_rosso Post Number: 30 Registered: 8-2003 |
My 2p. Separate areas for separate models would be easier to scroll though, but deprive many of us of the insight of knowledgeable people who might not frequent it due to it being a less desirable model to that person! I think of how much great info there is that is generally applicable to all models but in a 308GT4 thread, or a 348 thread, which could become a side line! But I agree with you Rob, education to include model names in the subject of every thread (where applicable) would solve this problem. Thereafter, a simple search of the title would yield the same results. BTW - Thanks for the site Rob! You have built an incredible community! It is energetic and full of wisdom. | ||
| Erik (Teenferrarifan)
Member Username: Teenferrarifan Post Number: 402 Registered: 2-2003 |
I think there should be a general chat area instead of individual chat areas. The tech section should be divided that would make it much easier to search through. But, the general discussion is where I am always checking then the other areas later. Being I don't own a ferrari myself I would have to check like 5 diff boards. Just my 2cents rob. Erik | ||
| Don Perlick (Don_xvi)
New member Username: Don_xvi Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2003 |
I'm with the majority opinion here. Have a general chat section, and then tech areas divided by model. Not a bad idea to pair up similar models as suggested above, 308/328, 348/355, etc. I doubt it would really pay off to divide the tech sections into engine, wheel/tire, etc sections... probably not enough traffic to justify it; instead you wind up clicking a lot of extra times to go back & forth between the subdivisions! Just my 2c worth... | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6674 Registered: 12-2000 |
Well, the best might just be user training. I don't think enough use the Search functionality. Don't use "or" either, say "308 spring" and select "and" from the dropdown. Also, users can work on how they title their threads. Always put the model in the title, if it is model specific. | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Intermediate Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 1169 Registered: 2-2002 |
Maybe a different color on model specif threads. IE: 308/328=blue F40/F50/GTO=Rossa Corsa Red Testarossa/512=Yellow (see bruce always thinking) 550/575=Silver Enzo=Green (for alot of money) Vintage=Purple You get the idea Just a thought | ||
| John Perry (Perryaviation)
Junior Member Username: Perryaviation Post Number: 84 Registered: 6-2003 |
Rob, my two cents: I think that instead of having every model spread out in diff GFD areas, (it would require way to much checking of other areas), It would though be nice to have model specific tech areas. That way you can read all models GFD in one area, but can get specific tech info, (which most of the questions and post that are model specific are tech based) under the appropriate model tech area. Make sense ?? (it's been a long day)  FORZA F-CHAT !!! | ||
| Sean F (Agracer)
Member Username: Agracer Post Number: 413 Registered: 2-2003 |
To keep the model specifics to a minum, I would only do it in the tech section. Maybe separate them 308/328 348/355 F-40/GTO Boxer/Testarossa Front Engine V-12's (you could call it Frank Parker Chat ! ha) just keep the general board the way it is. | ||
| Richanton (Richanton)
New member Username: Richanton Post Number: 31 Registered: 8-2003 |
This seems unneccessary. I own a 308, but I enjoy reading about other models as well. I don't think it would be good to spread everyone out into different areas. | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
Member Username: Dom Post Number: 506 Registered: 11-2002 |
I'm not sure we need a model specific section. Sometimes, you may learn something about the 328 that may be relevant to the 308, etc. Also, ferrarichat has an EXCELLENT archive that you can search to find the answer to just about any question you may have. Dom Dom | ||
| Ken Sullender (Sulley)
Junior Member Username: Sulley Post Number: 152 Registered: 9-2003 |
Rob, being a first time new 308 owner what I have experienced is that #1 this is an extremely informative and great site. But when I look into Tech it is hard to find answers to questions I have that may have already been posted. It would be nice to have under Tech sections for models and under the model you can have categories for engine/trans/interior/drivetrain/etc, etc. Then it would be easy to hit Tech, 308, then the catagory to see if it had been posted. Maybe your tech volunteers review and post those that are the best. A dedicated 308 or other model discussion would be nice in meeting and talking to owners with 308's for general topics. My 2 cents. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6665 Registered: 12-2000 |
LOL, I think we'll do this on the new board, I want to implement new areas to spread everyone out. Do you recomend... Area for each model under GFD and Tech? A model section with area for each? A model section with area for GFD and Tech for each? | ||
| Ron Thomas (Ronsupercar)
Intermediate Member Username: Ronsupercar Post Number: 1091 Registered: 5-2002 |
Do for one, you must do for all. | ||
| Ken Sullender (Sulley)
Junior Member Username: Sulley Post Number: 151 Registered: 9-2003 |
Rob, it seems like there are a large number of 308 owners on this site. Do you think it warrants a dedicated discussion for 308's? I think it would be a nice resource to have all 308 related topics in one area, but then again, I could be bias since I own a 308. Thanks. |