I've thought of this in the past, and a thread I just opened (and wish I hadn't) caused me to consider the idea again. Would it be helpful to add the author of a thread to the title?
There are many threads where the title doesn't (or is not able to) really describe what the thread is about. However, if the originator's name is tagged on, then readers might be more apt to open the thread (or not).
For instance, if Hap was "tagged" with a thread, I would always open it because of his tremendous posts (sorry if you read this Hap, but I chose an example that I think everyone will agree with).
What do you think?
Rob
Following is an example of what I'm suggesting. On the Early Ford Registry forum, the originator is listed, and even the last poster.
With a modern forum format - like all other forums the last 10 years or so, you can see both who posted the original post + who has added the last. There are also possibilities to divide the postings in a few categories, like technical issues, social/historical discussion including old photos and totally off topic posts so those who don't like to see either of these categories won't have to risk clicking/reading any "offensive" posts
Rob,
I will not comment on whether a posting be tagged or not.
But I agree 100% thread titles be specific as to topic. A thread titled 'wow' will be ignored by myself.
Steve
We are getting to the point of moving to new forum software. I have setup a matrix to review what we need and would like to have in the new software.
Rob, I have (obviously from above) just been on the EFR forum and noticed how the topics are listed. I also noticed I could find all my own posts which I liked.
One thing that is not on there which I saw on another forum was it highlighted within a thread the original poster. Sometimes on long posts it is hard to follow who originally asked what question.
We also need the software to have the ability to turn certain features off for the users who are on slower internet connections.
Chris
Chris,
Thanks for the quick reply. Are you on your way to Spearfish yet?
Unfortunately I won't be able to make it. Looks like a great place for us old Ford guys to congregate.
Rob
I'm in the Matrix ?? !!!!! I don't even remember taking the red pill. Or was it the blue one?
I'm sure that Chris has great things in store for us, and I'm looking forward to the new setup.
But in the meantime, Rob, you can use the "Last Day" and "Last Week" icons at the top of the Forum which will show you the originator of each post and the first few words of each post. I use them all the time and like them a lot. I can click on posts by folks whose opinions I value and skip some of the others.
Thanks Mike. I didn't realize that. Also, hope the title for Charlie showed up.
I like the way this one works, being unique is fun. I belong to a dozen of the other type and do way more clicking going thru the threads. If I didn't come here nearly every day it might be different. Because if the way the others work I do not visit as often as I do here. In fact I kinda miss the old way when you posted you got an icon showing if the post had a picture, could get the post as an e-mail, and could leave a mid-thread post to a posting rather only to the bottom of t he thread.
Great idea. I like it. Rob, you're a man ahead of your times.
If there is change in the cards,I sure do hope it is as easy to load and use as this forum.I couldnt ask for a forum to be quicker to load and read and enjoy as this 1.
I'm partial to vBulletin as that is what I am most used to over there >>> http://www.smokstak.com/forum/index.php
When someone else is running the show, I am quite happy with whatever they choose to offer. Running even the simplest of forums/web sites presents a slew of ongoing challenges and I very much appreciate those folks like Chris who make this happen for all of us.
However...having said that, if I were given the option, I would stick with a single menu type forum like this. I avoid those forums that have multiple categories and subcategories like the plague. Far too much clicking to hold convenient conversations for my tastes.
I am on tool forums mostly, and they seem to use Vbulletin or Simple Machines platforms. SMF seems to be more resistant to malware and spammers than the others I've seen. With all the right plug-ins of course.
The single catagory forum has its charms too, it is less navigating with only the scroll down thing going.
For me its less the platform/format than the member generated content. This site and all the contributing members have given me more info than I thought possible on my T tool kit quest. Where I started out looking for one kit I came to realize there were 6 distinct versions at least.
Words cannot give enough thanks to this crew but I'll try.
Thanks guys!
Brian
A big no to any kind of mid posting. In the past, I think it might have been the International site but could have been this one, had that. It was a nightmare to read. The lay out at Fordbarn looks about the same as the one shown above. Easy to add photos to both the forum and ad's. They have been having some spam problems, but Ryan keeps on top or it.
http://fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=2
But I am sure what ever now system we will make it work.
I gave up on Ford Barn just a short while after the change of format. WAY too complicated for me. Dave
What do you find complicated over there, Dave?
It works much like here - click on a post, scroll down to read the replies and add one at the bottom if you like. Only the picture posting is easier - much easier if you find a pic on another site you wants to share.
If they switch to another forum style I hope they have one topic called 'Daily topics' which would work something like this one. If other members want to post under engines, tranny's, etc., they can do so, but I prefer to stick to this style of forum.
I just scroll down to the topics I want to read and don't have to constantly change topics to read what might be there.
Thank you Chris for all you do.
I agree I like the format. Sometimes I just would like to know who the poster is because the topic line may tell me enough for me to open the thread.
I'd guess I only open 10 to 20 % of threads.
Rob
vBulletin can be configured to be as simple or complicated as one wants.
I DO like the simplicity of THIS forum but DON'T like the search function or the way the threads display after making a new post.
Once a new post has been submitted it should reopen to the LAST post, not the first one.
At the site I mod the Classifieds are hosted on an entirely different platform.
For simple For Sale ads, such as those posted here, I can't see why a category just for ads couldn't be added.
FWIW if we do switch forum software, I hope we retain some of the good points of this software such as the ease with which we can post pictures.
I recently became a member of the Wooden Boat Forum and its so much trouble to post pictures, hardly anyone does it.
schuh
I'm glad you're aware that everyone doesn't have high speed internet! Don't forget us.
Yea,alot of folks that talk about how easy other sites are to use have high speed internet and all those bells,whistles and things just make it near impossiable to use on dial up.
I think it is silly to have alot of divided categories .If the forum is on model T,then that is all there needs to be.Having to go back and read the transmission section,later go to the electrical section,before long you have cliced on 12 categories and still aint done.Where would you draw the line on the different sections?.This setup,you scroll down and see what is new from your last visit and and read what interest you.
Cant get any simpler than this.
Mack,
I agree on categories. If there were several categories I'd probably miss more than I do now. Also, because we are "all on one page", we catch new topics (and respond) quickly, keeping the forum "fresh".
Rob
I'm with you too Mack and Rob.....TWO forums.
THIS one and FOR SALES.
KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid.......
G'day,
Why fix what ain't broken. This site works well.
Peter
This forum lets you open a thread at the newest post i do it all the time. You click on the last posters name when they show after pressing "Last 7 days".
Roger, I don't like it because you have to go through several steps to get to the Model T section. Then, after you get there, almost everyone of the posters have some stupid username that they use instead of their own name. I also avoid other forums because of that. I like to know who I am communicating with.JMHO. Dave
Ok, the "problem" with anonymous users can be dealt with just like it has been here - if the board owner & the users wants it that way.
Most "modern" forums has a feature "latest postings" or "today's postings" to click on - then you have all the postings in a row just like here without categories. I don't think anybody wants separate sections for transmission, electrical etc. anyway - but some posters has complained about too many photos & too many political rantings - so putting them in separate categories would perhaps help a few without disturbing the purpose of the board?
I think it's mostly graphic bells & whistles that takes time for dial up users - extra text not so much. Perhaps it's possible to limit the amount of graphic on a improved board?
And yes, the board needs some improvement since it has to move to another provider - and the old tech/platform can't be used with a new provider, I think?
Ok, a separate "For sale" and "wanted" section at the forum would also help. The classifieds here doesn't work too well now, it seems.
Chris, please make any changes carefully. I REALLY LIKE the ease of this forum--its great. Don.
Another advantage of every other current forum platform is once you log in.......you stay logged in for the duration.
Most, if not all, current platforms also will automatically resize photos for attachments making photo posting much easier.......
My two cents,..
I'm happy the way it is,
I read it everyday
and why fix what ain't broke"
it's like sitting at a swap meet talking and listening to the guys talk shop
and swapping stories
Shawn, I'm with you. JMHO. Dave
I like it like it is because it works (except when it goes down). I have wireless internet in SC, but the signal is so poor that it's little better than dialup. I can see pictures and everything fairly quickly except the youtube videos some of you post. I'm afraid that the "upgrades" may leave some of us out altogether. Many sites have so much "fluff" trying to look great, that my impatience makes me move on rather than wait on each page to load.
Hey...Who wrote this thread anyhow?
Thank you, Chris, for all you do.
I agree, I like this. But changes will have to be made. One of my pet peeves is too much glitz on any web site.
We have "almost" high speed internet. I have just about given up on Yahoo News because whether I want it or not, they want to show me news videos surrounded by too much garbage. About half of it jambs up the internet. My computer then freezes. And I can't find out what I was trying to. I can't imagine what dial-up is like anymore. Madison Avenue and most of Silicon Valley seems to be incapable of understanding that many millions of people live where they do not have better options for internet service.
Just my pennies worth.
Again, Chris, thank you.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2