Input needed on updated format- Thanks

[ehansen007]

As you've probably already noticed, we've got some new categories up above for ease of use and searching. This forum was not formerly categorized and this was also something we saw at ffcars.com. Many workarounds had to be done to try and make things easy to locate and Geoff did a great job over there. However, this forum can do subforums which allows for categorization all on the same page; just like the home page. so, I thought we could make good use of it and this way new builders and lurkers can come in and find things much easier. Not only that, we can make all the build pages easier to locate off the first page too. Hopefully we'll see some more build pages pop up as a result! I've already moved a few posts over and am waiting for some feedback before doing more.

So, please let me know if you think it will help out at all or we should just keep it the way it is.

Erik

[timdks]

Erik, it was a surprise to see the new look, but I think it will be a benefit in the long run. With the categories, won't take as much searching to find a particular topic. Just need to get use to the way I use this forum.

[riptide motorsport]

Mine still looks the same?

[oldguy668]

My personal opinion is that it is way too busy. I have always had a basic misunderstanding of the differences between forum topics, articles and blog posts, and all these subcategories confuse it even more. I feel that the fewer places one has to look for information, the more likely it is that it will be found. I think a much more helpful tool is the use of Google searches within forums (like the "other" forum). The standard forum search tool doesn't like multiple search words.

[ehansen007]

Throwing George's comments in here too.

"Looks like everything is being moved over to these new catagories. Will all the threads be moved eventually? What's the plan?

Doesn't look like the other forums are doing this.

What about the build Wiki on the main page, it's kind of duplicating that format (even though the Wiki hasn't really been developed yet). Will this take the place of the Wiki? "

[Olli]

I have to agree with Joe as it was my first impression as well, too busy. Too many sub-forums. I don't disagree with the concept as a whole, but maybe some consolidation would be better.

Olli

[ehansen007]

Hey everyone,

Thanks very much for the feedback. I was beginning to think no one cared! This is the first forum we're trying this on so we're looking for this kind of feedback. And, we're still playing with the format so all is not set in stone. I'll provide an answer to some of these questions if I can:

To summarize, the idea is not just to make things easier to find, it's to make things easier to browse. Let's face it, we were all browsers before we bought and we didn't even know what we were searching for! (coincidentally, I'm only half browser...on my mothers side) The newbie may not even know what keywords or search words to look for, but by going to the Engine forum they can search and find answers and browse and find options as well. And this in turn, generates interest which helps build the community of people and information. With build categories we encourage people to contribute more by keeping their posts timely, relevant, and easy to find so they're not having to browse back 5 pages just to find and add to their build thread or other update to their topics.

Speaking of build thread, this is also designed to take the place of the wiki as well. While the notion of a build wiki is a good one, it's not possible to do it here effectively and efficiently and I think the number of posts/articles speak to that.

Agreed on the searching and using Google. However with this format you're able to browse sections and find topics or answers that my not be yielded in a search simply because of the phrasing. I'll find out if we can incorporate a google search as I know what your talking about OldGuy!

Migration- As you can see, I've already started moving some stuff over, (some of which you haven't seen in a while) and will add more as we go The plan is to move over the really relevant stuff first and then have people add to that. So please keep the comments and suggestions coming. We're simply trying to improve the forum and use the tools to our advantage to help gain more interest for the customers (future and present).

Erik

[Tim Whittaker]

The FFCars.com forum is a generic template. I would have liked this forum to follow the same format to make it easier to navigate from one to the other. I can appreciate all the hard work and will get used to whatever the end results are though. Most are more computer oriented than I am ......

It would be nice if it was easier to find as well. Many I have spoken to, couldn't even find the access to it. I know FFR isn't in the forum business but it does the novice little good if they can't even find it.

[ursa5000]

I'm with oldguy...

And what is ..er...is there a difference betwwen "New Posts" and "What's New'?

Readers want a clean, simple view that is easy to navigate/ drill down. The also want an easy search. and an advanced search function.

I still mostly post "over there" but visit here every day.

Da Bear

[Arrowhead]

Throwing George's comments in here too.

"Looks like everything is being moved over to these new catagories. Will all the threads be moved eventually? What's the plan?

Doesn't look like the other forums are doing this.

What about the build Wiki on the main page, it's kind of duplicating that format (even though the Wiki hasn't really been developed yet). Will this take the place of the Wiki? "

Opps, sorry I missed this thread when I started my other one.

I really think we need to step back a bit and try to streamline or else it's going to get so diverse people will just loose interest. (think of people that aren't real computer savvy)

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/content.php?5-News

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/content.php?143-wikis

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/forumdisplay.php?5-33-Hot-Rod

plus now there are subforums

It seems to me there the future and current builder might be better served with a FAQs "forum" of sorts that's a clearing house for all the known issues, questions and fixes. This could also be used to inform people of revisions as they come out and any technical alerts. I think that might have been the intent of the Wiki, but it was never open up to be edited as far as I know.

Just my thoughts

[myjones]

Hey everyone,

Thanks very much for the feedback. I was beginning to think no one cared!
Erik

I would suggest putting the daily posts on top of the page and the subtopics/engines elec etc on the bottom half. I think most of the users will follow daily and only occasionally be looking up a specific topic
Kind of like the (obra archives where you scroll further down for tech archives. Like Tim said we will get used to whatever but why not build it like we use it.
thanks
Dale

[ehansen007]

I would suggest putting the daily posts on top of the page and the subtopics/engines elec etc on the bottom half. I think most of the users will follow daily and only occasionally be looking up a specific topic
Kind of like the (obra archives where you scroll further down for tech archives. Like Tim said we will get used to whatever but why not build it like we use it.
thanks
Dale

Yes, this is a a great idea. We may also make is smaller. Still working on it. Just working on structure and format right now. Again this will be a replacement for the wiki and so will get rid of it on the 33 home page. I'll keep you guys posted.

[frankeeski]

Hate to say it Erik, but I too am with Joe on this. Streamlining the format seems the way to go for now. This forum still isn't getting the same kind a traffic as the other one. It's sad but the other forum is slowly declining and more members are starting to post here more often. In time we may be able to add more categories. I think for now we should do what we can to keep things simple, easy to find and easy to use.

[ehansen007]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'll be working with Mad Dog tomorrow to get our format finalized. What i"m trying to do is get more members here by getting a section that will help them with the build and get it organized. What I see is less than half the posts here than on the other forum so we're trying to figure out how to improve to build on that number.

[Arrowhead]

The "other" forum has a section of subforums under the Roadster Section "FFR FAQ - Under Construction" and it's been barely used. I didn't even know it was there until I started looking around at how other forums are setup.

I really don't think there is that much volume to warrant subforums - even factoring in future growth.

Hate to be a naysayer, but I think you'll end up with only a few people posting the subforums and most posts still occuring in the general section. Then you'll have moderators moving posts all the time.

If you really want to attract users - then have a random hot rod kit give away! :)

[Arrowhead]

If we are going to have sub forums like it or not, I would really recommend cutting back.

First off, I'd get rid of the registration forum. Every state is different and that's a very risky thing to be giving advice on. Most people do their research for their own state and when questions do come up, they could go in general.

I'd combine the "suspension, steering and brakes", "wheels and tires", "electrical", "fuel system" and make a "rolling chassis" forum. Call the engine and transmission one "drivetrain"

POM

Customer Builds

Rolling Chassis

Drivetrain

Body and Interior

I'd also have a sticky for finished cars. Over on the "other" forum, the most popular threads are finished car pictures and build threads. We tried to have a finished car thread here but it wasn't a sticky so it got lost.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?465-Finished-33-Hot-Rod-album

Just my opinion - trying to see how it would look to a new user.

[Olli]

Good comments George. I am in agreement with you.

Erik, I posted comments in the "sub forum" thread over in the moderator forum a few days ago.

Olli

[ehansen007]

Guys, FYI, we're trying to do some work to size these subforums down and possibly move them but it's been difficult with Mad Dog's work schedule. We'll continue to work on this to get it narrowed down. Thanks again for your input.

Erik

[j33ptj]

I think it also wuld help if it is clearer when something is posted in a subforum...

I have to keep look at the dates...

RJ

[Arrowhead]

I think it also wuld help if it is clearer when something is posted in a subforum...

I have to keep look at the dates...

RJ

The icons on the left do show up a different color when there is a new post, so that helps.

[ehansen007]

The 33 home page is the best place to go for new posts. You'll see that we removed the wiki which expanded the "Latest Posts" section on the right so you should be able to see a good trail of newer posts. Then you can drill down from there. We're trying to find a way to move the subforums to another place as the new wiki. The software may not allow for it though.

[skullandbones]

I think it is the nature of the beast when these forums get larger it's harder to manage but I hope this one is kept simpe enough to still enjoy. The Cobra forum has so many twists and turns, regions, sub groups it's crazy. Maybe you just have to learn to "live" in one of the niches within and not try to do it all! WEK.

[geoffav]

I agree with Joe. I'm not here enough to really have a preference but when I do visit I like to find things with minimal rabbit trails to follow.