Build thread sub-forum

[frijolee]

A request... It seems as though the actual build threads often get lost among the existing forums (modified appears to have one build thread for every 50 posts on some technical detail).

Can a dedicated sub-forum be created for build threads only? On other forums where this happens it makes it a great deal easier to find inspiration on topics you might not know to search for.

For instance, you'd never know from reading my title that I have some over the top skid plate info in the middle of my thread. The point of forums is to share info and we all get ideas by what others are doing. Having all the build threads in one place would be a big help toward that goal.

Anyone else second the motion?

The added bonus would be that the build thread sub-forum specifically could be set up to let user's edit their threads. That would be a huge help in properly documenting a build when some things you learn after the fact. In the past I've put hot links to particular topics all in post #1. There's no good way to do that here.

 

[WB9YZU]

A request... It seems as though the actual build threads often get lost among the existing forums (modified appears to have one build thread for every 50 posts on some technical detail).

Can a dedicated sub-forum be created for build threads only? On other forums where this happens it makes it a great deal easier to find inspiration on topics you might not know to search for.

For instance, you'd never know from reading my title that I have some over the top skid plate info in the middle of my thread. The point of forums is to share info and we all get ideas by what others are doing. Having all the build threads in one place would be a big help toward that goal.

Anyone else second the motion?

The added bonus would be that the build thread sub-forum specifically could be set up to let user's edit their threads. That would be a huge help in properly documenting a build when some things you learn after the fact. In the past I've put hot links to particular topics all in post #1. There's no good way to do that here.

Interesting idea.

Problem I have with build threads is that it appears the majority are made by non-members, who never become Members. Not a huge incentive to make these items easier to view by the XJ Community as a whole

The idea of unlimited editing was kyboshed a while back thanks to a number of folks who abused the privilege.

There is no motion making here.
Motions are brought by Members in the Members area.

However...
Join in March, and you become eligible for one of the prizes that will be given away to people who join in March, and you can post this idea up in the Members area and see if anyone salutes it.

 

[frijolee]

WB9,

Your responce raises a few interesting issues, so let me put on my MBA hat then.

The content of any given forum is what draws folks in.
The more folks who are on a forum the more money that advertizers are willing to pay (and rightly so).

If you're trying to operate your business model as a forum based on user-generated data, then you should be making the ability to generate (and find) information as user friendly as possible (IE organization improvements, ability to edit errors, etc). Access to information is the value proposition you offer your users. If you don't help folks get the info need they simply go elsewhere. CherokeeForum, or Pirate4x4 or whatever.

is a little unique in that it also functions as a club with paying members. That said, if--as you alluded to--you make membership about additional forum rights then you're turning off non paying users who ARE STILL generating value for the forum via content additions (which is me at present). By trying to create a new revenue stream you just created a conflict of interest in maximizing another revenue stream.

Case in point, I didn't even know you had a "members only" area. That sucks. Just knowing that you don't care to listen to the suggestions of well a educated user with good intentions trying to help you make this place better is kind of a turn off. It makes me want to be on here less which is probably not what your advertizers wanted you to do, given I have spent money with folks I found on here.

0.02 but decisions about the business model make a big difference in what requests you choose to honor vs. decline.
-Joel

 

[souske]

its a club with a forum
not a forum with a club.

we are a charity, not a buisiness venture.

hope that clears things up,a bit

 

[*89Laredo*]

opcorn:

 

[frijolee]

So charities don't care about strategic planning? Clubs don't listen to suggestions from non-club members about what might make others want to join said club?

I'm trying to help you out here guys. I like it here. Seems like good folks with some good insight. I'm not yet sure if I want to join the "club" (need to look into that) but I've seen a few things from a usability perspective that could be improved. I own a small business and customer feedback is key to figuring out how to better yourselves is always key (whether for charity or for profit, it works either way).

I just took some time from my busy day to offer you quality advice. FWIW I'm a registered professional engineer, I've had build threads which made stickies because they were so helpful on several forums. I'm a vendor on two rx7 forums so I know the benifits of head count. I like to figure out how things work and also have an MBA with honors from one of the top business schools in the country. Please don't just throw the advice back in my face.

 

[kastein]

I don't think they're throwing it back in your face, so much as wondering why there is a need to fix this. Why do build threads need to be somewhere other than the tech forums?

And yeah, this is a club first, and a forum second.

I'd feel like people offended you and this conversation got off on the wrong foot, but it looks to me like you're the one that started getting argumentative first here.

 

[frijolee]

It's always hard to get someone's intent through a typed word. By "second the motion" I just meant to ask if anyone else thought it was a good idea. I've liked the build thread organization a great deal on forums that do it. Your opinions may vary.

Having that suggestion squashed relatively vigorously because of my choice of words and then followed up by the mention that the only way such a suggestion would be heard was if I paid into a fee structure, well I'll admit, that rubbed me wrong. It also did kind of derail the original intent of my request which was deemed "interesting" when this conversation started.

FWIW, I found this place because of the forum, not because of the club. Is that not true for most folks? I'd like to think I bring good technical content and a different way of looking at things to the table. Heck, some folks are posting in my build thread that it's a "breath of fresh air". Simply stating opinion here, but in this case it felt like a good idea was being brushed off because I wasn't in the "inner circle" of internet clubdom. That may not have really been the intent either but as this escalated, I'm not exactly finding the club very welcoming and that doesn't leave me much incentive to join.

Like you said, it may have just gotten off on the wrong foot.
-Joel Payne

 

[kastein]

I found the place due to the forum as well. I didn't even know what front axle I had when I showed up here. What got me to join was a local meet and greet the club president held at his house.

I think that "you will be listened to if you pay" was more intended as "motions are only accepted in the members forum" which is due to the bylaws, all club business takes place there. WB9ZYU is a somewhat by-the-rules guy... :spin1:

 

[ROBZ95Xj]

If you want a forum with build thread section go to cherokee forum, were a club first not forum first

 

[frijolee]

If you want a forum with build thread section go to cherokee forum, were a club first not forum first

You make my point about the warm welcome most concisely... :worship:

 

[xeroOTG]

As an outsider looking in, and being a jeep guy (jeep guys are typically cheap a$$es) I have little to no incentive to join due to members who reply in threads similar to how frijolee has been replied to. I totally understand the whole club business is to be carried out by members, by bylaws and whatnot, but its also incredibly close-minded to completely blow an idea like that off. Now I bought my first Cherokee because of you guys (the big contributors like kastin who I have endless respect for) and hate to see y'all running a good fellow jeeper off because he is unaware of the rules. I am disappointed.

 

[scottmcneal]

Thank god this is membership drive month. So would you like to join us and bring this to the table?
I see this as a good start for you as a member sir. Fresh eyes always help.

 

[frijolee]

Thanks for the kind words Scott.

I actually did read all the membership info upon joining but pretty much ruled it out since at the time I just figured if I was ever going to join a jeep club, it'd be a local group not a national version there-of. This place does run in some very different ways than the dozen or so other forums I'm on.

I'm actually thinking about trying to make it out for SoCal fest, if I can pull that off, there's double the reason to throw down for membership sooner rather than later given the camping reimbursement planned (even given the slightly sour flavor resulting from this thread there really are some good folks on here and you haven't run me off yet).

 

[Bryan C.]

Dont let yourself get pressured into joining. Naxja is a club of many people with many different personalities and different ideas of how to treat people not just on the forum but in real life. Take what you can from the forum and then come meet some of the members at an event. Then decide if naxja is right for you. Naxja isnt for eveyone, but anyone can join.

 

[frijolee]

Good advice. The bonus is that some of the guys I've found very helpful and whom I want to meet are all in the SoCal group (IE Jeeper John, Goatman, Vanimal).

 

[Lurch]

Good advice. The bonus is that some of the guys I've found very helpful and whom I want to meet are all in the SoCal group (IE Jeeper John, Goatman, Vanimal).

I had your mindset when I first joined as a forum user but quickly turned red after attending my first event.

 

[Ronbo]

I have little to no incentive to join due to members who reply in threads similar to how frijolee has been replied to.

It is what it is.
Do your XJ build and post up the results, or don't post a thing. You should be building your Jeep to meet your needs, not the recognition of a forum. If you need a support group or hand holding session, there are better sites to go to.
I'm sure your skin is thick enough to handle what little flak has come your way.
Either way, supporting is a good way to support our chosen recreation, no matter how you choose to build your rig. Members have more say in what happens around here - or you don't have to say a thing. Hopefully you join.

 

[xeroOTG]

This isn't about my build thread (I don't have one). This is about how outsiders are blown off as unimportant. I do not need recognition, nor hand holding. The request was not for anything other then the organization of the forum, which has been explained to me in painful detail as a resource for the club. Great. Wonderful. I don't care. I don't want to be told I am telling volunteers how to spend their time on their forum.

Joining or not aside, the request stands: would a build sub-forum be beneficial. Logically, yes.

The advantages:
A place to put builds, They litter the forum in various places.
Organization by topic, useful for getting build ideas.
Keeps the question askers happy in the tech section, keeps all the builds out of the middle.

The disadvantages:
someone has to moderate it.
its change, and people seem to dislike change, whether it be for better or worse.

As to supporting four wheeling through , that is a great thing. I am a member of a local club as most are, but this is where I call home to find info. If I need info I look here, and I know I am not alone in the thought that a sub-forum would make finding that easier. I have few reasons to not join but the simple "uuh you aint a member so take a hike" type response that I perceived really put me off as it would anyone. I do not see that as the actual official response of , but as a misunderstanding of the bylaws. AANYWAY, rant over. I hope the members look at this the same way I do.

 

[frijolee]

Just saw that as of April 5, there was now a list of build threads in the FAQ section. It's a start, so thank you. Now hopefully folks can request their threads get referenced so it can be more diverse than just the results of searching for "build" in the title.

FWIW I've actually enjoyed sorting the Modified section by most views and then browsing the first 10 pages or so. There's really some fascinating stuff out there.