| Author | Message | ||
| Ron Thomas (Ronsupercar)
Member Username: Ronsupercar Post Number: 405 Registered: 5-2002 |
People, places and things section.. With pics of what you've done with your car this weekend.. We need more pitures and less talk.. Talking somethimes means trouble.. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1515 Registered: 8-2002 |
 | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1512 Registered: 8-2002 |
DES Filter.... NOW!!!! | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2411 Registered: 9-2001 |
dont change -!!!! | ||
| Nick (True)
New member Username: True Post Number: 22 Registered: 6-2002 |
1. Top to Bottom posts. -I've said it a few other times, but it only makes sense if you read EVERY post in every thread...and it just doesn't happen like that. How many posts can you get on a page.....only a few. I'd guess I visit more then the average user and about EVERY post I click I have to scroll DOWN to find where I last read, and then start scrolling back up to read. -When there are pictures attached in the post...trying to read up just scrolls you back in the other direction as the images load. -You read a thread from bottom to top, but the post from bottom to top.....IF you want to post, you have to scroll all the way back to the bottom of the page? Erm. -Double work. If I'm on vacation and don't get to see the site for a week (i'd imagine that happens a lot more then someone who refreshs and reads every post) or so you run into this: Click on a fresh to me thread with 50 posts. Scroll all the way to the bottom, and then scroll BACK to the top to read all the posts. That was 50% efficient. It's hard to change, especially when you want to be unique....but this is definitely the thing that bothers me the most at FC.com. I have a feeling the people who think it is so 'logical' to have it this way just don't have enough experience with other message boards....there is a reason they are all reversed. 2. Show the username of the originator of the thread, not last poster. 3. Avatars!!!!!!! 4. I've tried to bring a thread back to life from an archive and it doesn't pop it up to the current board...it just goes to the top of the archive which never gets any play. My thoughts.......the best ferrari site on the net though. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2068 Registered: 6-2001 |
The bottom to top design is what makes this unique. Its always been this way, even since the old old forum format. That was just a page with topics, no dates on the topic page, no names either, no tech section, etc. if i remeber correctly. this was all like 2 years ago. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1506 Registered: 8-2002 |
i agree with Jim... | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 1223 Registered: 7-2001 |
I find it interesting that everyone asking to switch to top to bottom posting is relatively new to the board. I prefer it the way it is, that way when I return to a thread, I don't have to scroll through the stuff I've already seen. Don't cave Rob! | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3314 Registered: 12-2000 |
Several people have registries, the best are the ones that are dedicated to a certain model that someone loves. To show you what a big job it is, the 330 registry has about 20 updates a week. I imagine all the updates required for all Ferraris, not just 330's. Andrew has set up a good design and mine will be similar. I'm really doing it for myself, because entering the data will help me learn more about Ferrari. If it goes beyond just that, then that's fine. The most comprehensive information is not public unfortunately, you have to be part of a small tight group like Wayne. I wish there was one single source that was 100% public, but I doubt it would ever happen. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 826 Registered: 4-2002 |
1. The large 'FerrariChat' banner looks bad at work. Maybe "Important Research Web Site"? 2. Registry is a totally needed idea, whether it's done here or elsewhere. Huge task, tho, to do it right. 3. Comprehensive FAQ. (Tell me once again: Why are my windows so damn slow?) 4. Trivia is fun, but not high priority. 5. Basic organization is EXCELLENT, but maybe time has come for a split for V8 and V12 (sorry V6 <jk>). This recommendation is just suggested based upon current posting volume. | ||
| Tom RM (Tgitom)
New member Username: Tgitom Post Number: 20 Registered: 8-2002 |
Please Please go to Top to Bottom!! Please.. better in my opinion.. and i agree with several other responses. tom | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Intermediate Member Username: Jay Post Number: 1004 Registered: 10-2001 |
Since we're talking filters, How about a Horsefly filter to go along with the DES filter | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3311 Registered: 12-2000 |
BTW, the board looks really good at 1600 by 1200 resolution. If your computer doesn't go that high, try at the highest it will go. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1451 Registered: 8-2002 |
What, no DES filter...? sigh... Rob, the board is awesome... | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3307 Registered: 12-2000 |
Ok, here's my responses. I didn't expect so much feedback. Most of these things I've covered my reasons in the past. There are a few good new ideas. In most cases I can't please everyone, but try to. Overall I want the board to be fairly stable, so I'm more likely not to make changes. - Smaller title graphic won't decrease screen height because banner is still same size. Might possibly go with a shorter banner and then we can make the title smaller. - Top to bottom vs. bottom to top has been ongoing. I know every other board does oldest to newest. I think they're all wrong, but since you want me to conform I'll consider it more. - The registry and other databases are high on my list, but I might as well accomplish a few quick ones first. The database will be a year long project, but it will be awesome when done. - Can't view users posts by month yet. - You can view all of your messages with the "Search" functionality. - Several of the sponsors have offered coupons and special deals, for example, Player's Run currently has a $500 discount to FC users. - Member of month is good idea. - Portal view is good idea and eventually this is where we'll end up. I have a couple software limitations and the load time would be slower. This would be a 3-5 year target though, but I'm patient, FC is around forever. - FerrariAds.com is FC's classifieds section. - Right now I can't display original poster. - What is more intuitive than Topics, Search, Register, Edit Profile, Help/Instructions, Sponsors, Links, and etc.? - Being able to "create a message" from the top would be better. - I'll look around for some better banner ad software, please recommend some and not $1,000 software. I know that's not the only reason you don't advertise with us Randy. You're always in good on the freebie's. ;) - I personally don't like the multiple page format of other boards. - I like how uncluttered and simple our board is compared to others. - FAQ is on my to do list, however, search functionality is more efficient. Who uses search though? Who calls up their help desk the second they have a problem before doing even a brief search in the search index or internet? - I've always been nervous about legal liabilities with "rate the dealer" type stuff. - Haven't created specific model pages yet, but may consider it more because of our high traffic. - I don't think there's any need to clutter each page up more with every topic link. It's only one more click to go FerrariChat.com and then back down into what you want. - I don't like live chat rooms for our board because it doesn't retain content. - I think signatures would just clutter the pages more and would require longer load times. The persons name is to the left and the profile is one click away Thanks for the feedback and don't take personally offense if I'm not 100% onboard with each idea. I have to pick my battles with the limited resources I have. Right now I think the most value would be updating the links, bringing trivia back, and working towards a database. Thanks, rob | ||
| Russ Fairbanks (Russf)
Junior Member Username: Russf Post Number: 89 Registered: 3-2002 |
It would be nice if the posts could be categorized by Ferrari model so that you could just browse/search all posts relating to say a 328. Also if people would put the model in the title to their post it would make it much more user friendly. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2388 Registered: 9-2001 |
how about showing the thread orginator as well as the last poster - that we allow me to avoid some threads | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 1000 Registered: 10-2001 |
How about being able to put a "signature" in your post or beside your name? I like the idea of "hits" rather than pages. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1786 Registered: 2-2001 |
How about a Ferrari Encyclopedia where you list ALL the models with photos even the most esoteric ones with all the specs ? That would be way cool. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2387 Registered: 9-2001 |
thats ok Frank, I won't hold it against you. I am still looking forward to that fishing trip - hopefully be down that way in the late fall or early next year - a ride in that nice car of yours would be nice too regards | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
Junior Member Username: Kaz Post Number: 115 Registered: 11-2002 |
Sorry Tom...can't agree with you..but I still owe you a fishing trip on my boat when you come down here. FL | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
Junior Member Username: Kaz Post Number: 114 Registered: 11-2002 |
Ditto....Top to Bottom  ....and the Topics/Search/etc menu that is on the bottom to also be shown on the top... ...and of course, the infamous "Wax & Mats" Catagory..detailing tips, concourse stuff..  | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2386 Registered: 9-2001 |
do not change bottom to top | ||
| Tazio Nuvolari (Nuvolari)
Junior Member Username: Nuvolari Post Number: 106 Registered: 9-2002 |
Two things would be nice: 1. I hate to sound like a broken record but top to bottom posts are nice. 2. I say that the 'pages'column be eliminated and replaced with 'reads' or 'hits'. Even the races with Lambos post never cracked 1 page so I think that it is better to know how many reads a page is getting to judge its popularity. Other than that the site is great. Thank you for the opportunity to voice our opinions. | ||
| Dr. George Petito (Doc18015)
Junior Member Username: Doc18015 Post Number: 78 Registered: 12-2001 |
I concur with Mark....in addition a ratings guide for dealers and parts. The Rennlist for P-cars is more user friendly ...offering some of the topics already discussed here. | ||
| Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
Junior Member Username: Qferrari Post Number: 193 Registered: 2-2002 |
Ratings for dealers and parts suppliers. Aside from that, its wonderful as it is. | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 496 Registered: 4-2002 |
Agree with Jim E, that HUGE banner is a pain in the butt, I have to do a quick down scroll the first time I open each page! | ||
| Mark (Marvellous_mark)
New member Username: Marvellous_mark Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2002 |
I would suggest: 1. Top to Bottom posts 2. Thumbnail images in the profile underneath the main photo. Click the thumbs to make the big pic change 3. Give people the opportunity to donate to help pay for bandwidth etc. People that donate get an icon next to their name (prancing horse or something similar) 4. Make all links to outside sites open in a new window so that you dont loose traffic 5. Change the icons on the topic lists so that busy topics (ie ones with a lot of posts during that day) are marked out with different icons 6. Have a site of the week/month feature and let the owner of the other site know what you are doing so you can get reciprocal links - good for search engines 7. Let us use proper HTML in our messages - its much easier than whats there at the moment ;o) Cant really think of much else really - its a great site as it stands already | ||
| Ernie Bonilla (Ernie)
Member Username: Ernie Post Number: 512 Registered: 11-2001 |
Rob, I think these would be a good addition to the site: 1) Live chat room 2) Picture gallery with thumb nails 3) Video gallery of Ferrari's in action | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 282 Registered: 9-2002 |
a reply button next to edit where when you click, it automaticly tales you to a post page and already has that message in the /quote{...} you know what I mean. This would get rid of posts starting with xxx, blah blah...and I would not have to hunt sown to see what it was in response to. What are your thoughts Rob? You kinda left this thread alone also,
I like that idea alot! | ||
| L. Wayne Ausbrooks (Lwausbrooks)
Member Username: Lwausbrooks Post Number: 668 Registered: 8-2002 |
Rob, I was going to agree with the "DES Filter" idea , but DES's last post was actually the only suggestion here that I agree with! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1437 Registered: 8-2002 |
Rob... how about a section on each forum's page for links to other forums. For example, if i'm in General Ferrari Discussion and wish to go to Off Topic, have a link somewhere on the General Ferrari Discussion page that would take me straight to Off Topic and vice versa- along with links to all the other forums, as well, in each forum. This way, users don't have to click on FerrariChat.com each time they want to navigate to another forum- they can simply go from one to another... Just a thought... | ||
| PSk (Psk)
New member Username: Psk Post Number: 50 Registered: 11-2002 |
Message boards work better when the latest posting is at the top. Why? Because often the topic wanders miles away from the original post thus looking at the old posts has little relevance to what is really going on. Thus I would stick with the latest at the top, or if must be, make it an option. I also like the single page format as other boards you have to click pages to travel back and that is a pain performance wise One good idea would be to spawn a new screen for links ... You could split per model type, ie. 3 series, 12 cylinders ... Pete BTW: Rob you should really do it the way you want, but can understand in the quest for perfection you are interested in other peoples ideas ... but in the end be a little Hitler and say this is how it is going to be , otherwise you will have some whinging and moaning about why not do it this way, etc. ... | ||
| Randall Booth (Randall)
New member Username: Randall Post Number: 11 Registered: 1-2003 |
I would agree with splitting it up between V-8 and V-12 models. Maybe even a 308 section because there are so many of them... or because I have one . But a lot of questions are repeated, so maybe if the cars were split up a bit more, people might review previous posts more often. | ||
| Rikky Alessi (Ralessi)
New member Username: Ralessi Post Number: 44 Registered: 5-2002 |
Top to bottom posting or at least an option for it would be great, multipage format would also be neat, and also make links in messages spawn in new windows when clicked | ||
| James Selevan (Jselevan)
Member Username: Jselevan Post Number: 309 Registered: 6-2002 |
Rob - I believe that it would be more efficient for a FerrariChat member to see Model-specific conferences. It could start off with engine type, and as these became full, subdivide by model. For example, 12-cylinder Ferraris, 8-cylinder Ferraris, 6-cylinder .... When cluttered, subdivide the 12 cylinders by model - Boxer, 365, 330, etc. This would provide opportunity for one to go directly to areas of interest. My thoughts. Keep up the good work. Jim S. | ||
| Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member Username: Kennyh Post Number: 525 Registered: 8-2001 |
Maybe a "rate the dealer" section where you can hit 1-5 on the stars and give a reason why- like amazon.com | ||
| Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Junior Member Username: Rickyn_f355 Post Number: 189 Registered: 8-2002 |
only problem with top to bottom is then you need to sort through pages of stuff to get somewhere whereas now all the latest and greates is at the top, no? | ||
| Stan Kidd (Pocketbikeracer)
New member Username: Pocketbikeracer Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2002 |
Top to bottom posts | ||
| Ron R (Ronr)
Junior Member Username: Ronr Post Number: 93 Registered: 10-2002 |
Some sort of FAQ someday, I think I prefer top to bottom too, I like having the original poster shown. Babe(s) of the Day thread... (off topic, of course) | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1433 Registered: 8-2002 |
LMAO...! a DES filter is great...! Only if it says "This site is equipped with a DES filter." on the front page... | ||
| Randy (Schatten)
Member Username: Schatten Post Number: 601 Registered: 4-2001 |
one of the most important items I feel that should be added - 'who posted the thread'. for example, there are certain people that just flame or cause nonsense traffic in which its useless to read - so if you know who originated the thread, you can avoid those threads. other database driven bb software impliments ignore, so you do not see that users' posts. better links for the top and bottom menus - very unintuitive right now. better link for creating a new post - something at the top of the page or near some response. or else, I read the latest post at the top but need to scroll all the way down to the bottom to hit reply. get rid of the java applet for sponsors and impliment a better system for sponsors' banners. I'd consider sponsoring the site, however the java applet doesn't offer any tracking ability for click throughs or any other info. also the java app - when you load up a page with it, it takes "top" position - so when I click on 'general chat' I cannot scroll down with a mouse with a scrolling button, I must click first on the screen or use the scroll bar to allow that to function correctly. get rid of 'pages' index or impliment a multipage forum so you don't need to load up '144 messages on one page'. when posting links - open up in new window (personal preference). Have a 'classifieds/for sale forum' that automatically links you to ferrariads.com. push tech/howto section and model information with details/pictures/data etc. I'd certainly be able to lend a hand on this Rob in exchange for a discount on sponsorship fees for a few months or so (neg.). =D I have a few more ideas, I'll post them later and give you some screen shots of what is possible in some advanced forums out there. It might not be to your liking/taste or possibilities with porting this software into something else, but it would give you an idea of what is possible out there. | ||
| Jason Williams (Pristines4)
New member Username: Pristines4 Post Number: 25 Registered: 12-2002 |
What about a classifieds section? Jason- | ||
| Rob Schermerhorn (Rexrcr)
Junior Member Username: Rexrcr Post Number: 150 Registered: 11-2002 |
Welcome, Bob, I hope you enjoy your stay. I have to say I was very warmly welcomed myself a few months ago, and I agree with your statements, though I've witnessed a couple of exceptions (no postmortems! ). | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
Junior Member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 169 Registered: 8-2002 |
I'd vote for top-to-bottom post order. | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Junior Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 173 Registered: 10-2002 |
My votes are for: - top-to-bottom posts - smaller, less obvious banner - since the newsletters are monthly, the top users should be displayed by the month as well - I like the raffle idea, only for something more reasonable like Ferrari apparel, accessories, racing tickets (e.g., LB Grand Prix or something... a gutted 308 is outrageous.. ) - ability to track all the threads that you've posted on (or a "favorites" list of threads) - Coupons/Specials from our sponsors? - Maybe a "member of the month"... showcase a picture of their car, a profile of the member, etc.... - Perhaps more of a portal view of Ferrari Chat? Sorry 'bout the long list... just a few wish-list items... and maybe some nice to haves... B. | ||
| Rob Schermerhorn (Rexrcr)
Junior Member Username: Rexrcr Post Number: 149 Registered: 11-2002 |
I volunteered to write up and edit a technical resource guide for Rob L. Which is why I started the thread under "...technical resources, let's work up a list". So if you guys have time, look on your shelves at what you refer to frequently for problem solving resources. I'll group them into various categories as appropriate depending on the volume of information contributed. Just post and I'll do the edit. I will include a little "contributed by" line, too. | ||
| Robert J. Steinhagen (Bob)
New member Username: Bob Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2003 |
This is my first post and I am currently looking for my first Ferrari. What has impressed me about this site is the high regard that you all have for each other and the respect that you show each other regarding opinions. I currently own a Viper GTS, a Z06 and a few other toys...but the web sites associated with those groups do not possess the class that you have on this site. Absolutely nothing needs to be changed. Reading what people say is a very enjoyable experience! | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1483 Registered: 8-2002 |
Make it a pay site | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 995 Registered: 10-2001 |
How about being able to choose which way I see the posts? I prefer going oldest at the top, newest at the bottom. A des filter would be great. He's only been here a few months and already has 1400 posts! While your at it, how about a lambo filter too! I really like the idea of the registries though, I would place that higher on the list. Maybe something where people fill out a form and you are automatically put into the database by order of your serial number. That way you can see who's car was built along with your own. | ||
| Ron Shirley (Easy_rider)
New member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 41 Registered: 12-2002 |
I would echo the sentiment to read from top to the bottom. Most other forums do it this way and it is definitely easier to follow (IMHO). | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1482 Registered: 8-2002 |
Add a DES filter. | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1479 Registered: 8-2002 |
Drop the top banner. Move 4 and 5 to replace 1 and 3 IMHO | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Junior Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 143 Registered: 11-2002 |
How about doing a raffle for a cheap F-car? You know, a 308 GT4 with body damage, a 308 without motor or trans. Something cool like that. | ||
| Robin Overcash (Robin)
New member Username: Robin Post Number: 10 Registered: 1-2003 |
How about resurrecting an old heated debate and get the threads to read from top to bottom like most human beings in the Western world read? Otherwise, great site.. can't really think of anything to change. -R | ||
| PSk (Psk)
New member Username: Psk Post Number: 47 Registered: 11-2002 |
Ditto:
Very important for some of us , bugger this open plan office structure Pete ps: How about and Alfachat.com too. I have yet to find a good Alfa Romeo chat site ... huge web ring but no chat/message board and there are a huge number of Alfisti that love to talk about Ferrari's Mummy. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1424 Registered: 8-2002 |
Rob, you need to be more like the fascist government to which we bow down and send money: get someone ELSE to do these things for you... Put Mr. Ausbrooks in charge of vintage Ferraris... Put Mr. Glickenhaus in charge of racing stuff... Put me in charge of completely flooding the board with posts, thus pissing everyone off... Put Jim & Mike in charge of links to hooters and other sites dedicated to, well... hooters Put William in charge of funny stuff ('cause everytime i see the term 'big jumblies', i choke on my own spittle, laughing my ass off...) Seriously (Jerry, that's the first one), the board is awesome and now with a LamborghiniChat (ingenius), you've taken some of the heat from here and moved it and cooled it down a bit... i'm very particular in my tastes- an epicure, if you will, and i'm here all the time... If i like it, what could possibly be wrong with it...? | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1780 Registered: 2-2001 |
put some vintage race cars on the banner & how about some naked chicks with Big jumblies too ? | ||
| Mike Clark (Vipersrt)
New member Username: Vipersrt Post Number: 20 Registered: 10-2002 |
HOOTERS LINK Here, to help you out ---> www.hooters.com | ||
| Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Junior Member Username: Rickyn_f355 Post Number: 187 Registered: 8-2002 |
get rid of the huge ferrari chat banner at top of page so it's less obvious when viewing at work!! | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 1205 Registered: 7-2001 |
Include links to Hooters. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3301 Registered: 12-2000 |
Well, I have very little to no time available and a long list, so help me prioritize and generate even a longer list. Here's what has been accomplished the last 2-3 months... 1) Moved to the new and improved server, while saving me money. 2) Updated the FerrariAds.com software. 3) Created the real time and searchable "Member List". 4) Updated the "Model List" with recent Cavallino model counts and prices. Here's my to do list and my perception of priorities... 1) Get application server back up to get "Trivia" working again. 2) Update the "Links" page. 3) Create some new Trivia quizzes. 4) Create a model database and registry. 5) Create a reference database and registry. 6) Create a "who's who" database and registry. 1-3 should be doable over the next couple weeks. 4-6 may be a year long project, but I think they'll be very valuable when done. What other ideas do you have? Something like a parts cross reference may be doable, but it has been attempted by others before. I don't know if there's a good one out there or not. Thanks, rob |