I've said if before and I'll say it again. Go to any F150, Expedition, Mustang, etc etc forum and look at the format. There are different sections for different things AND a general discussion. This forum jams everything into one place, routinely (and I mean several times a day) crashes my internet explorer, takes forever to load on my phone, and is about as convenient as a pre-1995 cell phone.
If you think topics will get "lost" with different sections, you are WRONG. Consider a "coil/magneto" section of the forum. Experts like Ron and John would regularly review the posts and provide insight. Now, if they don't go down through the list and ensure they haven't missed something, an answer may not be given. Same with the engine section, trans section, etc. Different people would check their areas of interest and expertise. Many people, me included, would also post in the general discussion section to talk about stuff that doesn't fit in the other parts. It would be a considerable improvement to NOT have everything in one place.
We can do better. I will help if the powers that be would like me to. Lord, please, I wish this would change (leave my health care the same though).
Craig
And we could even EDIT things when we forget instead of having to post a reply or correction. Just like I had to here.
This form is wonderful. If I need to find a subject, I simply use the search function. Also as a long time volunteer leader, anytime someone complains (constructively) I ask them to give me a plan on how they propose to improve it. Actually, about 1 in ten folks do come up with a better plan!
Personally, I like to browse the posts. I learn a great deal from random posts i never know I knew nothing about! It is fun
If I have difficulty finding something using the forum search, I use Google. I type the keywords I am searching for, then add the letters "MTFCA" on the end. Works like a charm!
My vote is to stand pat too. This Forum works and it works well. I don't know enough about computers to comment on Craig's problems but aside from that change for the sake of change gets a no here.
I agree with Craig.
The MTFCI forum seems to be working well now.
http://www.modelt.org/mtfcivb/
I'm OK with the forum the way it is. But then I use cast iron pistons, crank right handed, don't tuck my thumb and have even been known to run with the scissors.
Rich
If and when we get a better forummat, I will try to adapt.
I try not to complain about anything unless I'm willing to volunteer my time or money. This Forum is just fine, thank you.
I dropped FordForumsOnline because it was loading too much junk into my computer and I had to do a restart about once a week, instead of just hibernate.
I seldom go to the other forums because of how long they take to load,and how seperated the new post are from the old.
This forum works damn good and I hope it stays this way.
I have no idea how to run a forum or I would consider giving a little time to the cause.
But the only 2 improvements I would even consider offereing would be edit function and larger attachments.
Leave well enough alone!Those other forums are for people with high speed connections and the latest of computers and stuff.I tried to use a z phone or whatever you call them things a couple weeks ago to view the forum.Once I got to it,everything was so small.
Not worth the trouble.I can wait till I get to the desktop.
I do use Smokstak. I find it slow to load but I need the info from there and tolerate it.
This forum is just fine the way it is. Please don't change a thing. Thanks. Bob
The forum is fine. Some of the people that use it are a problem though!
If I was to make a change to this forum it would only be the ability to post any size photo. I feel it dose very well as it is.
I'm fairly new to this forum but I too enjoy the present format. I am active on a number of other internet forums (mostly woodworking related), and I find the subdivision annoying. I like being able to scroll through dozens of different topics without having to know exactly what I am looking for. And when I need specific information, it is easy to do a Google search using the term site:mtfca.com "topic of search" to find exactly what I want.
Another +1 to leaving this place as is.
I'm afraid I have to agree with Craig. I'm a moderator on a different forum (forum.guzzitech.com) and we have it broken down by type of bike and so on. The only drawback is the expense of the software and time to administer the site.
I've just begun watching another sight, and the problem I have is the most recent thread posted too doesn't go to the top. In other words, If I see a thread I'm interested, I must go search for that thread (as it falls farther and farther back over time) to see if any new posts were added.
Maybe there is a way to keep a thread I'm interested in at the top of the forum list, but I haven't figured it out yet.
In 2 months, every good technical topic posted this year will go inactive and cannot be brought back to the top for further questions or adding new information.
That IMHO is the biggest drawback to this forum.
Craig, everyone has their own opinion, but I see no problem with the format. That is probably the reason almost everyone in the model T world use this forum.
I have a foot in both camps. I have no gripe at all about the organization. That can stay as it is, without subdivisions, as far as I'm concerned. But I would like a higher limit on picture file size. On my screen, a height of 720 pixels fits just right. But many times that makes the file size over the limit. The big improvement I'd like to see is the addition of editing. Ya rilly haf ta prufrid carfuly, moar then wunce, befor ya hit that POST buton.
720 pixels
Look OK to you?
Craig, have you tried a different browser?
Craig, I've ran this up the flag pole once before, I got the same response. "Blah, this Buggy whip works fine, leave this forum alone" My opinion is this forum has MUCH to be desired. I gave suggestions as how to fix it, I've talked with Chris B a bit about it and he seemed receptive. All I can hope is over time, more people will understand the benefits of changing the format.
"720 pixels
Look OK to you?"
Why so big? That's way more than actual size.
Editing would be nice, especially when you messed up the image insertion.
The good news for Craig and others seeking a better and more modern format is, You have it at MTFCI. Enjoy it's features, capabilities and ease of use.
In the mean time, this forum can remain for the dinosaurs (like me), with it's limitations and disorganized format.
As with mouse traps, cellphones etc, the users will vote with their feet when this site is ready to retire.
Chris, throw another lump of coal in the server!
Majority rules as far as I'm concerned. I think one day, the time will come when we HAVE to have new software, due to lack of support or it just won't work with the newer machines (LIke getting my 15 year old version of AutoCAD to run with Windows 7). But until then, suits me fine to leave it alone. I get on other sites. I've learned to use them, just like I learned to use this one, but I don't care to HAVE to learn to use a new one unless I HAVE to.
The mentality of computer people baffles me. As soon as a new version of something comes out, they seem to think that the old version is totally useless. The software writers are more than happy to oblige. Move all the stuff that was in the lower left corner to the upper right corner, give it new rev level and sell it to all the guys that can no longer live with their stuff in the lower left corner. I'll bet the average computer user uses less than 10% of all the bells and whistles the software guys put into a program. A couple of new bells and whistles goes unnoticed by the majority, but they sure notice when everything that used to be in the lower left is now in the upper right for no apparent reason.
Ricks - I made that offer and am willing to put my money where my mouth is.
Willie - I use it because of the people and subjects and because it seems to be the biggest one, not the format. If all the roads were paved with rocks that made screeching sounds when you drove over them, I'd have to drive on them but I wouldn't like it.
Steve - I really think I'd find a better shackle to use unless it was in a pinch.
As for my browser, I don't know how to download/use others (not that it would be overly hard) and really haven't had a need for one. I've heard of chrome and others but don't think I should have to use that for one forum that stays the same so old people won't navigate around and get lost (admit it, that's what everyone is afraid of). This also won't help smart phone use. With all subjects displayed in one window it simply takes forever to load up when going from one post to another.
Thanks for all the replies but this was basically a rant after it crashed my explorer first thing in the morning.
Forum works fine on all my "devices";
a 2006 HP running xp with Firefox
a 2011 Compaq running 7 with internet explorer
& my Kindle Fire
It loads quick, search works ok, etc.
The forum format works fine for me as well.
Ken T
SOME EYES ARN"T AS GOOD AS THEY ONCE WERE.
Craig
If I were interested in all of the latest confuser equipment, I'd be working on modern cars not the older ones. Although we might try the O'bummer medical confuser program,it works great I hear.
Bob
Bob
Steve Jelf,
There is an easy way to get around your photo size/file size limit problem. If you use a simple photo editing program like Photoshop Elements you can adjust the image display size in pixels completely independently from the file size. You can easily format photos that are 720 pixels high that are well within the 200KB limit. If you look at the photos I posted at:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/394687.html?1382286193
you can see that they range from 500 to 1000 pixels high and all are under the 200KB limit.
If they are too large to displayed on anyone's monitor, they can easily adjust the monitor display size using the Control/Mouse wheel adjustment method in Windows and probably some other trick on a MAC.
Jim
I'll vote for the "leave it alone" crowd.
I have a problem with this Forum, which I'm sure is related to my computer, not the Forum, which makes me re-enter the Forum each time I want to change subjects. Even with that problem, I like this one better than the other one, and always have.
The forum and this overall website works fine for me.
But then I'm not a twitterbug, facebooker, or instagrammer that has my head buried all day long in a I-phone to check out all the new gadgets and what they do.
Yea,just because the geeks have come out with a new soft ware does not Mean you would have to jump knee deep into it.It just means the geeks are going to force it on ye.
Smart phone,just something to distract ye and git ye killed.
From what I read Windows xp will loose support april of 2014.Even though allmost HALF the worlds computers use it and it works well. Why? because they say hard ware sales are down.All about the money.Folks are brainwashed to think they have to have the latest.
I am of the opionion if the old geezers,and the middle age geezers are in the way of the youngan's so called progress, let them move over to the fast lane and leave us alone.
Oh,and I still have my 3 watt output Motorola bag phone in hopes that 1 day I can use it again!
Rob said:
"I've just begun watching another sight, and the problem I have is the most recent thread posted too doesn't go to the top. In other words, If I see a thread I'm interested, I must go search for that thread (as it falls farther and farther back over time) to see if any new posts were added.
Maybe there is a way to keep a thread I'm interested in at the top of the forum list, but I haven't figured it out yet."
My answer (not for everyone, I'll admit)..
.when I see a thread I want to follow, I highlight & copy the address (in the top of the browser....www..etc) then paste it in an email to myself. after a while, I click on the link in the e-mail, and the complete thread comes up, with all the additions and I don't have to go thru all the posts.
One solution -there may be others
I still think this is the best Model T Forum on the internet, and I have no problem with it as it is. When Chris tells us sometime in the future that a change had to be made and it's now different, I'll learn to use the new system (just as I learned to use this one). BTW, I use Explorer, and I can't tell that it's a problem at all. Thanks, Chris!!!
A bit OT - www.irfanview.com is also a great (free) tool for resizing pictures. You can do simple resizing of a single image, format conversions, or stuff like "take all the pictures in this folder, resize them so the max dimension is xxx pixels, rename them by adding a suffix and a sequence number, and write them to a different folder." Not often you have to do something like that, but you can.
Craig, not to worry on the shackle. I don't aim to use it as is. New Figure 8 shackles are $230 a set plus shipping and good originals are mighty scarce and dear, so I'm going to try fixing some. That one's the worst I could find to practice on.
Very good forum, No problems at all
I'm on the same page as Mike Walker(above). . . Best Model T Forum there is, no problems the way it is. Could it be a little better (editing) . . . sure most things can be. As far as the search system, I think that works fine and I like the fact the newest post is always on the top of the page . . no matter what the subject. As for now, I'm fine with the way it works and when our tech Chris says it's time to change, I'll guess I'll just have to learn the new system.
Mabel... ring the diner for Barney... 2 short and 2 long. I fergot ta' tell 'em no mustard on that Po Boy...
It really doesn't matter if you like this forum format, because it will be gone soon for the same reasons the MTFCI had to switch.
Craig, we hope the new forum software will be the same as MTFCI so that everyone can learn a new trick once and be done.
I hope it still be possible to put a rubber format in my coupe?
Adapt, Improvise and Overcome
(I like that saying!)
Well, for the most part I like this forum type, and appreciate all that Chris does to make it run. I believe his work is voluntary, if I'm correct in that, we all need to remember and express our gratitude to all the time he puts in. I'm not sure I really like that other format, I've used it in other forums, and wasn't thrilled with it.
As for editing..I've said this before in other posts, all you have to do is go into the text box, make your changes, and click the "Preview/Post Message" button beneath your username/password area again. Then if you're satisfied with your post, go up above and click "post the message" button. It's not that hard. (I just added things to this post this very way!!!)
It seem's to me we have been this way before! Myself, i do not understand why this must change? Look at the mtfci forum is that better?? I can't even get on it so maby it is better.Bud.
Leading change would be easy except it involves people. Some folks are early adopters (Craig, I suspect you may fall in that category.) Other folks are very late adopters -- and they are not even here on the forum. Folks that love and enjoy Model Ts but who for one reason or another have not been willing to learn to navigate the currently available technology -- even when it is getting older.
That is sort of like when Henry introduced his cars. There were people living at that time who never did adopt the new technology. For that matter a case could be made that some folks such as the Amish, still have not adopted the automobile.
Remember the Forum is not "just the software" or just the "hardware" but the combination of the people (that would be us and those that will join in the future) and the software and hardware.
So yes, switching to a new forum software can be put off a while longer. But eventually I believe it will be prudent to switch. Henry Ford had a great car when he began regular production of the Model T in the fall of 1908. But by 1925 it was clearly dated and people were moving to other brands. (Disclaimer -- new Coke didn't replace Coke Classic.) I want to help as may of you as possible to make the transition when the time comes. A good place to practice would be the MTFCI forum. I know I need to practice posting there. The software and hardware is only one part of the forum. You guys and gals are the reason I enjoy logging on. Looking forward to what the future brings -- especially in discovering and documenting additional information about the early Fords etc.
And for topics from last year to the New Year. You can post a link and you can include a summary of where the discussion was when the change over occurred.
And for Chris -- thank you so much for all you do. Whenever you need to make the change -- let us know and we will do our best to support you.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Unload Internet Explorer, take a few minutes to download and learn Chrome. I used IE from its inception and always had problems with it. Started using Chrome a year or two ago and never looked back.
I'm very new here and it is different than other forums I am on but the part I like best is 'NO POLITICAL SECTION'. It stays on track with what the forum is meant for, Model T's.
Eons ago (well, actually 20 years, but in the world of computers, that is eons), I was a sysop on several CompuServe forums. Each forum was divided into 20 sections, by topic. The biggest problem with this suggestion is humans (okay, I sound like a Liberty Mutual commercial), i.e. thread drift. A thread on, for example, the Coils section might evolve into a discussion of tires, or top boots, or shoes, or ships... well, you get the idea. I agree with those who say that the search function in this forum format enables you to find what you are looking for.
When I log onto the forum, all the messages are together and I can see at a glance what I have read and what I haven't. If I had to click into a bunch of different topic-related sections, I probably wouldn't and could potentially miss something that I might find interesting, but didn't look at because it was in a section I wasn't in principle interested in.
I have always understood that one of the guiding principles of old-car people is, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I usually get into the most trouble trying to fix things that weren't broke in the first place. (Okay, I admit that Craig's post was prompted because he thinks the forum is broke, but count me among those who respectfully disagree.)
An engineer's principle: "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is."
As wonderful as I think I am, I have to admit that even after proofreading multiple times I still occasionally post misteaks. So it will be nice to have editing available when the inevitable change overtakes us. As Royce pointed out, it's coming whether we want it or not. I think the ideal set-up would be like the MTFCI forum, with all the edit functions and the improved picture posting, but without subdivisions.
It was kind of a sad day when I gave up on the MTFCI forum because it was just too difficult to figure out. I sort of shrugged and sighed and took the philosophical view that there wasn't that much traffic there, anyway. On the other hand, the MTFCA is a resource to which I refer every day, not only for technical info and advice, but also to check in with the gang and shoot the breeze.
The beauty of the MTFCA forum is that its as simple to use as a Kodak point-and-shoot Instamatic (the Model T Ford of cameras—over 50-million sold).
Point, click. Done. I love this forum just the way it is.
I read it everyday , NO complaints
I have been on other forums that have the different 'sudivisions'. Some of them go hog wild with the different 'subvisions'. And 'subdivisions' of 'subdivisions'. One of them has 5 sections with 6, 11, 16, 5, and 5 sub-sections respectively. And I'm not positive that there are not some sub-sub-sections under some of those. Some are so similar to each other, you don't know where to post or where to start reading. Couple that with the cutesy names they give the sections and you really have to look closely at the description of what each section is.
Steve,
Omaha Steaks?
At some point it will have to change. Then maybe we can access the Forum via our enhanced safety glasses, while maintaining our timer of choice.
I didn't read all the other posts.
Craig - Speak for yourself. Get a better phone.
The simplicity of this forum is a breath of fresh air.
This whole thread started because someone's computer, for whatever reason, decides to "crash" when on this site...... and has the bright idea to change the Forum's format to fix his problem ????
Go ahead, throw the baby out with the bath water.... and please this guy.
For the ones who don't have 'puters that crash, leave this site's format alone,,,, it's user friendly and hasn't crashed my 'puter, or any one else's that I'm aware.
There are down times that "the powers that be" do maintenance that have slowed the site, but has anyone really bitched about maintenance fixes/upgrades ???
Chris B. is doing a great service to this organization.. let him do his job.
Thank you
Bob Jablonski
If you find it takes ages to load press the button with "Last day" or "Last week" to read all the latest fixes and problems on a model T ford. Less loading time than trying to download all the topics from the past year, Which you get from the normal loading page.
The other forum does not actually exist.
I like this forum and hope it never changes.
This forum is one of the few sites that works in Windows 3.11 and with Netscape. The freedom from unnecessary bloatware is so refreshing, no java or other crap that has to load up in the background and is picky about browsers. And it loads up fast with dial up internet.
I drive a speedster since my touring is still in the shop. I can write anything on this forum and it is just fine with anyone.
If I go to the MTFCI forum and write about speedsters in the main section, someone is going to complain and tell me to post on the speedster section. IF I put it in the speedster section, 90% of the members will never see it. What do I gain by that?
I can access and probably post on the MTFCI forum, but haven't been there in weeks. This forum is just way too FRIENDLY. To all you guys and gals, I enjoy your company.
Dave,
I don't think anyone would complain if you mistakenly posted about speedsters in the MTFCI truck forum. However a Moderator might move you post to the proper forum, so that anyone searching for speedster information at some later date could find it more easily.
The sad thing about this forum is that, like the MTFCI old forum, it will be more difficult to search for topics after it is shut down.
As kep said, the "Last Day" and "Last Week" icons are some of the best features of this Forum's format. I usually check this site every day, so I always use the Last Day link. If I'm away on a tour for a few days, I use the Last Week. It's easy to use, you can skim over the whole site and recognize quickly which posts you have read, and you can see the topic and who is the author of each post, so you can skip the ones you don't care about. I love it!
It works fine for me. I'm over 75 years old and don't really want to learn to use another format when the one we have works. I don't use a cell phone, and doubt whether I could even read this forum on that small a screen. My wife still uses the cell phone which is just a phone. She tried one that does games and finds the weather and does pictures, but had a hard time just to make a phone call on it.
Only thing I have a problem with and it is not usual, is posting pictures. I can usually do it if I change the picture to 72 resolution. This morning I tried to post some pictures and set at 72 and they didn't come up on the post. I will try later after I finish this post. I am first going to try a picture I have posted before to see if it will post. If it doesn't post, I will know the problem is in the forum. If it posts and the new ones won't, then I will know it is a problem with my pictures and not the forum.
I vote to keep it as is.
Norm
Be thankful the forum is as nice as it is....I belong to several yahoo groups and yahoo recently changed the format....it has completely ruined it....I think they did it to chase us all off the band width....it's that bad.
My other ww2 reenactors site also changed format & it stinks now as well....many people have abandoned it. I agree....if it aint broke, don't fix it. I know there are some better sites out there, but this one aint bad!
We are blessed with a great forum here.
We could be like that Mtfci forum and spend all our time trying to fiqure out where to post if we can even get there.
Yea,I am on several of the yahoo groups.
The Planet Jr forum was at 1 time a good source of info on the tractors but now with the new format,noone goes there,it is hard to navigate and SO SLOW to load.To many bells and whistles.
When high speed internet got popular there was talk of chargeing by the amount of data downloaded,which I think some plans do have a set amount at a certain price.But I think it is a good idea to charge for the amount of data downloaded.Once people fiqured out how much all that mess they dont need is costing them,the traffic to the websites with to much crap would reduce.Then the websites would simplify or go down.
This would limit the bells and whistles and keep websites simple and less flashy stuff to take so long to download.
I have a hotmail accout.Which changed to Outlook a while back. It takes a average of 10 minutes now to get the page with my email list loaded and be able to clic on the first email.Before the "great change" 2 minutes tops.
The stuff flashing on the bottom of the screen,shows downloading Facebook and twitter ap's.Stuff I dont need.
Some change is good,some change is not good.
This is a case that major change is not needed.
And for the life of me,how do you view this forum comfortably on a tiny telephone screen??????
I like the diversity of the forum as it is. The only change I would like is a better photo acceptance, Facebook is very good. Facebook allows any sized file to be uploaded and the site changes all the picture to a convenient size. Other than that, this site is purrrfect.
This one is OK, not great, but it works.
As internet browsing is trending more toward mobile devices rather than PC's, the information shared here will become lost to future generations. New technology will be far less likely to be compatible with this forum than a more common vB format.
I'm new to this forum, and I like the format. I usually use the "New Message" option, where it automatically sorts out all the messages that have been posted since you last logged on.
I've been under the impression this forum software is no longer supported....... <shrug>
When forum software support ends it's an open invitation to scammers, spammers, phishers and every other sort of nefarious crapola.
If a software is no longer supported by it's author,is it not possiable for another person or company to assume the support role?
I wish the format we have here would go on forever but that's just wishful thinking.
All things pass. Will you be ready, or will you be the old dog unwilling to learn new tricks?
Derek brings up my biggest fear. I can work with any forum format but to lose the years of posted information on this forum would be a great loss. Over the years there has been thousands and thousands of posts representing hundreds and hundreds of years of varied Model T experience. If a person searches this site they can most always find answers to their questions. I sincerely hope that this "old" forum information will still be available as a resource when a new forum format it required. It would be a real shame to start from scratch again.
Jim
I have learned and use the MTFCI site. I much prefer this site, as it is.
Thank you Chris B!
However, I also recognize that this site may not be able to remain this way forever. Hence, I have learned to use a few others. AACA must have about fifty sections and sub-sections. Sometimes people will post the same message on several of them. Some of those sections haven't been commented in for months. For them, some of that may be necessary. Here, where it is mostly about model T Fords, I prefer just one general area. (Like trooper has said, maybe a "may be offensive to some" section might be a good idea, otherwise I like what we do)
That is still my opinion.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
Wayne,
I forgot about the AACA site when I made my post about the ridiculous number of sections on one of the sites I visit. I don't go to the AACA site much anymore, but you are absolutely right.
Craig A....software support or not, the scammers,phishers, etc. will get through. I've been hit by scammers on virtually every type of classified post I've used on various forums, this one included. Also marine forums. Doesn't matter, they are out there, this is their career, they have better techno knowledge, and we can't avoid them, other than as I've always said, when advertising, demand they send a landline number and house address. That is the only good old fashioned way of stopping them, because they do NOT want to be tracked.
Jay....I hear ya, but I think I'll be one of those ol' dogs for a while!
Jim & Derek...RIGHT ON with the concern for losing valuable past information.
Tim
Chris B., you are DA MAN! Thanks for all you do!
For me it is not all a matter of not willing to learn something new. It is the total stupidity of constant change for the sake of change.Constantly haveing to relearn how to post,how to find,how to do anything. Time that could be spent achieveing other goals,solveing more important problems.
Not going on a rant but I am watching my 80 year old father trying to get a grasp of the new insurance mess.He just learned how to use a basic flip cell phone a year or so ago.
Something that the higher ups wanted to change,has caused unneeded grief and burden on him and millions of others.
Similar situation here. We have alot of problems to solve,goals to achieve,people to help,that we dont need to waste the time to learn new tech for the sake of the few geeks.
Anybody remember "New Coca Cola" ?
That was an attempt to fix Coca Cola.
Did they ever really get the orignal taste back? That was a dumb thing to mess with.
Whoever originally designed this format is/was a genius. It is easy to use and computer dimwit (me) friendly. Also, over the years, thanks to folks like, our late Bruce McCalley (I sure miss him), Chris and Da Gunny, it has evolved to successfully confront many glitches that have occurred over the years, such as spam attacks, and a slew of other problems that failed to crash it. I hope it never changes and I can't imagine why anyone would want it to after all we have been through together to make it possibly the most enduring, friendly, usable, adaptable and trouble free forum in the world. Jim Patrick
Thank you Mack Cole.
You have said what I was thinking.
"For me it is not all a matter of not willing to learn something new. It is the total stupidity of constant change for the sake of change."
I'll second that.
If given the option I think some of you would prefer water boarding over changing the forum software. I'll continue using this clunky forum but It will be nice when it gets updated.
Warning: Thread Drift!
The introduction of "New Coke" which tasted like kerosene to many folks, and the eventual reverting back to "Classic Coke" was one of the cleverest, and sneakiest, campaigns ever waged by a major brand.
The purpose for that exercise was to replace Cane Sugar with Corn Sweetener in Coca-Cola. It was a decision driven by cost, pure and simple.
The company knew that the taste difference, while not discernible by most people, would be obvious to purists, and holy hell would erupt if they simply switched sweeteners. So, they took a chance and gave the purists something awful for more than a year, eventually "knuckling under" and bringing back the "classic." Most people didn't know the new "Classic" was different from the old Coke.
Those who can tell the difference, and care enough, make regular runs to Mexico to buy their Coke, which still comes in 6 1/2 ounce green bottles, and is still sweetened with cane sugar.
By the way, those purists can tell whether Coke served to them in a glass, came in a green bottle, a plastic bottle, or a can. And, strangely enough, they care!
My vote, as if it means anything......leave the current format the same.
Personally, I find the others difficult to navigate.
As I have said I before, I really don't want to see this site change even with all it's warts. However, change is the reason it's not "Ground Hog Day" every day for eternity.
I started my computing with MS-DOS 2.0 and worked up through 6.0. When Windows came out, I hated it and refused to try it. By the time it got to Win 3.1, I considered myself a guru. When Win 95 came out, I hated it and refused to try it. By the time it had evolved to Win98, I considered myself a guru. I love win XP and refuse to mess with Win7 or 8. I'm sure I will eventually buckle and move forward with the rest of the world. Change is inevitable and we're forced to accept it sooner or later if we want to continue to participate. We may not like it, but that's the way it is.
I've been lugging a laptop since 1986. My first was a $4,000 Toshiba that had 10 meg hard drive. That's 10 meg, not 10 Gig. It also had no battery, so had to be plugged in. I've had several computer problems in the last year, and tried W7 in a new one, and found it slowed me down, so I'm sticking to XP and Office 2003. I hit F5 to refresh a webpage. I couldn't even find F keys on a new laptop. XP is mature enough it should work without support.
I am retired and I don't mind cruising through everything, sometimes I learn some things I didn't know. I vote leave as it is. If I wanted something streamlined I would buy a 1936 Chrysler Airflow.
Talk about someone who hates change, that's me all over. That is exactly why I still drive a '27 Ford! When my wife and I walk out to the garage and she asks, which car are we going to take, I say, my machine (the Model T).
I must admit that if we are in a hurry or will be going a long distance, we take my modern car, a '53 Nash!
Her 2012 Ford, whatever it is, sits in the garage for her use.
Well here is my 25 cent worth! I remember some one saying something on this FORUM about it and the replies were many. One of the replies was if you can do it better take over and let Chris (who is a volunteer I think) have more time with his job and Family. I know that I would not want to have a job like this and have all the complaints and gripes as I have been unhappy when the site goes down but that I think has been resolved. Just my 25Cents worth!!!!
So THANK CHRIS for his well done job.
Bill
90 posts in less than 4 hours to a thread on a forum that nobody can navigate and some think This forum format is a gigantic pain in the #@^(!!!!!!
Some of the more modern, upgraded, "easy to navigate" forums would love that much response!
I know of one that made a drastic change recently and does not get that many posts in a month, much less 4 hours.
I started poking computers for a living in '72 and have never grasped the fascination with changes that don't add meaningful and necessary functionality. If a new release is more reliable, secure, or adds features the make the job easier or faster, the change may be great. I was a major fan of products that had been tested and worked. I've never liked having to have a poorly tested new release out just to bump advertising and sales.
As long as the software is stable, I'm happy with what we have here. Most of us are happy without all the lights bells and whistles that some other forum software might provide. If reliability or security become significant issues, then we all need to support Chris as best we can in whatever transition may come our way. He provides a great service for us and I hope he stays with it.
I finally gave up my XP PC when a laptop became more important to me. I now live with Windows 7 and my wife's Vista machine, I'm quite satisfied with both. Not a fan of IE, I switched to Chrome a few years ago and find it faster, more stable, and less of a history of security issues. Of course the best security is keeping protection up to date and being careful with surfing and email.
I love this forum. It has worked fine on my old 64K Timex computer. If it ain't broken doze not fix it.
I accept change, when I have too . . . .
Reminds me of......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I3pSZGCuHA
John Doolittle NAILED IT!
The AACA has many thousands of members, caters to hundreds of makes of cars, and does have more younger members besides. They also have a nice modern , glitzy, site. Without actually counting, they may average a few more posts per day than we do. But they, given their size and scope, should have many times our activity. Maybe this is the better format.
This is one of the best sites on the web. I would hate to lose it.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
Wayne, I would hate to lose it too! That's why I would like to see as many of the people who post here get up to speed by practicing posting over at the MTFCI site BEFORE this format were using here goes dark from old age. If I had to guess I'd say that the vB bulletin being used over at the MTFCI will become what eventually will replace our format here. It would be a real tragedy if this site, the best site on the web for everything Model T, lost it's critical mass of regular posters because they refused to change with the times. If that comes to pass then the overwhelming majority here would become lurkers rather then posters which would be a real sad ending for the dear old friend this site is to many of us, lurkers included.
Wayne.......I think you underestimated AACA a bit.
At the moment at AACA >>> There are currently 1474 users online. 103 members and 1371 guests
Craig, FordForumsOnline has statistics posted. After you subtract all the spiders and other creatures, and people who remain logged on indefinitely, there aren't so many. Better to count the number of posts.
There is a range of quantity of posts that make a good Forum. Too many or too few will turn people away. This one has always seemed about right to me.
Back in late 2001, several of us recommended the creator of this Forum, Gus Stangeland, to receive the Rosenthal award for service to the MTFCA. He had started it in 1997 on his own nickel. I don't know if he ever received acknowledgement for his efforts.
The Board was mostly non-internet savvy, and shut the Forum down after a food fight in early 2002. Gus took his Fordbarn software and added the Model T to his independent sites, which he later sold.
Terry Horlick stepped in to help run the Forum just before the shutdown, and received no thanks. Both he and I stayed away from here until the MTFCI became total trash. Stan Howe and Keith Townsend are among the early ones still here regularly.
Then, as now, I suspect there are about ten lurkers for every poster. I would guess we had a couple of hundred posters then, accompanied by a surge in MTFCA membership from 5,000 to over 8,000. There was no apparent reason for the gain, other than the Forum.
I've been here off and on since July of 1999. Gus deserved a lot more thanks than I think he ever got for making this thing work to begin with.
I would guess your statistic is right on the money. I hear from people all the time who say they lurk but never post. Some don't type very well but read fine, some don't really have anything much to say and some are afraid of being bashed for anything they say. But format wise, I don't know of any real complaints from anybody other than not being able to edit and delete posts.
It works fine for me. When I'm home I usually read it every day, more in the winter than the summer and fall when I'm so busy. The photos are fine with me, websites are so cheap anymore that anybody can have their own web site and link whatever they want to this. Why change it?
I can't make heads or tails out of the other one, gave up on trying to register or post, I probably don't have anything to say they want to hear anyway. Like most Model T things, anything I want to say has been said before and probably said by me at some time or other.
Maybe so, Stan, but you say it much more eloquently!
@ Ricks >>> AACA Forums Statistics
Threads: 217,796 Posts: 1,141,371 Members: 62,981 Active Members: 2,471
It seems a few folks have figured it out.......
Oh......that too >>> Spam-O-Matic Statistics
16264 Spammers Denied Registration
Craig, I don't mean to be sarcastic, but I guess it hard, if not impossible, to change the habits of older members. I, like others, have been on this forum since the original old "MTFCA Forum" days, and I put up with this Forum pretty well. At least one other younger member before you tried to "reinvent the wheel" by starting his own Forum, and it failed miserably because he didn't have any followers. Other Forums have come and gone, but this one just keeps puttering along.
A wise person once said "Love it or leave it"
Was it the same guy who said, "Like it or lump it."?
Or "Lead, follow or get out of the way?"
I appreciate the Forum very much. It is a source of wisdom from a wide variety of people which I could never find in a book. Thanks Chris!
I would not put this forum in the same category as F150, mustang, etc...
It has a personality of its own.
Sorry I couldn't resist. :-)
Why is it people want old cars and new computers?
On guard for tradition. Bone stock original.
It's alive! It's alive!
So, would Mary Shelly be pissed or amused?
Hal, I have a hunch she would be amused........... take my wife please! :-)
I think most of us can agree that not all change is good change.
Splitting this up into several different forums (which is essentially what Chris is suggesting) would destroy the comraderie that comes from a number of like-minded guys talking in a "group" and turn it into another bland multi-board where everything has its own technical page and conversations are all held in fewer numbers spread out over more pages. Bleah.
Change is fine when it improves the situation. What Chris is suggesting would most certainly not be an improvement - just turn this into another cookie-cutter web site with no character.
Why are we not on DOS?
Oops, got the name wrong of the OP. Should have said "What Craig is suggesting..."
And as far as the new forums go, for those who like being able to edit your posts, I've yet to see a forum, that allows you to edit your post after someone has responded to it.
"Why are we not on DOS?"
Progress!
Danial,
I don't know that Craig has a say in the matter. It will be a decision made by the MTFCA and Chris B. when it happens - which inevitably will be very soon.
Understood Royce. Was merely opining on his suggestion. I'm sure Craig is a nice guy, but am glad he isn't making the decisions here.
Turning this site into another cookie-cutter web site will kill it for all intents and purposes. Maybe not forever but it will seriously dent its viability for a long time.
Is it possible That craig would be happier
with a chebby?
kenny g.
The beauty of this format is the lack of structure. Sub-forums on various subjects would suppress thread drift, one of the advantages of this Forum. If you are not interested in the subject of a new thread, look in a few days and it may have drifted into something you find interesting.
Have you seen pix of the two Oarfish washed up on our beaches? 20 of them beached in Japan just before Fukushima.
Ralph, Right on with the beauty of this format, you hit the nail on the head
As for the Oarfish thing are you hinting that it's an Omen for the California coast?
If so you will need to get your neighbors on your dead end street busy building one of these.
Oh and don't forget to load a pair of Model T's.
@ charles kenneth gibbard: Is it possible That craig would be happier
with a chebby?
I don't know which Craig but I LOVE my '59 Chev.......but that doesn't mean I DON'T love my T's too.......
Jay, When the water reaches my doorstep, Sacramento will be under more than 2000 feet of water. Stop by on your way to higher ground!
I did look at AACA's site for the viewer numbers, but I couldn't find a current total number anywhere. At the time I looked, I did find one section that claimed more than 70 viewers, all guests. I found another one that had over 40, and one that was over 10. Now, I did not look into more than ten of their fifty sections, so I don't know what the total may have been. But half the places I looked had one viewer. Me. Then again, it was nearly midnight my time when I looked. I am sure they're much busier at earlier times.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
San Onofre nuke plant is just 40 miles down the coast, Jay, designed for a 5.7, and sitting on a fault.
We do have our share of talent on our street, but not to build an ark. Last night we had a professional chemist helping chlorinate our well, standing in for her rocket scientist husband, who is up north working on a launcher design. We have a school book publisher, a reporter for a big tv outfit, a doctor, a retired lawyer, a nurse, a fireman and a teacher, and a woman who keeps two hybrid cats that each cost more that a brass T. The criminal's house he designed got foreclosed last year, and isn't selling, but the one next door to it just sold for a big pile of cash.
Once upon a time, during the era of discovery, California was depicted as an island. Perhaps those old maps will be relevant one day. Talk about thread drift. There is no category for this . Jim Patrick
Some map. That looks like an airplane symbol off Monterey Bay.
Looks more like a flow chart for our current govt. administration!... uh oh....probably opening up a whole new batch of bantering!!!
Don't start.
Back to the forum discussion -- I would love to have an editing feature, don't much care about photo re-sizing, and would hate to see multiple subject categories.
Another forum I frequent changed to software like that used by MFTCI and went from 3 sub forums to about a dozen. I think traffic is down overall and I know I spend less time there (maybe not a bad thing!) and don't bother with most of the sub forums.
Obamacare revealed! Flowchart reveals all.
I agree that sub-topics would be a bad idea. One can usually easily find a recent topic if the poster uses a good, descriptive title on what the thread is about. On older threads, the keyword search is always successful for me in finding what I need. I'd hate to have to scroll trough a dozen sub-topics to try and locate what I am looking for and if there was a keyword search function for each sub-topic, instead of for the entire forum, it would be virtually impossible to find what you were looking for. Jim Patrick
Well what I've gathered here on this thread is that asking Model T Guy's to change formats would be the equivalent of asking the Pope to say High mass in Hebrew!
I guess by the fact that we all drive and love all things Model T and Old Cars were all anachronistic anyway. :-)
Definition of anachronistic:
Chronologically wrong: belonging to a time other than the one being represented, especially in fiction or drama
not appropriate to times: out-of-date or inappropriate at the time in question
Synonyms: out-of-date , outdated , dated , old-fashioned , old , obsolete , archaic
If we were to redesign the forum, how long would it take to come up with a plan that everyone would agree with?
Rich
I believe that's a lost cause, Rich. Getting all of this bunch to agree on anything is impossible. The good thing is, WE won't need to redesign anything, Chris will handle it for us. Whatever he comes up with is what we'll learn to use. And whatever he comes up with, there will be some snivelers saying it could be better, yada yada.
"You can please all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot please all the people all the time."
What we should do is start a thread on the best posts of all time and just include the last post before the thread died. I'll bet a lot of us would remember those threads.
The one thing I used to like on the old forum format -- one or two before this one -- was that it showed the number of posts. Not a big deal.
Here is my favorite thing I ever posted, this is from years ago when one of the older guys (who was probably younger than I am now) who always insisted you should only post after careful consideration of what you said and absolute accuracy, good grammar, syntax, punctuation and on and on and on posted that it cost $45 to fill the 18 gallon tank on his daughter's BMW at $3 a gallon. I told him it would be $54 etc., etc.,etc. for about a week. There were well over 500 posts on this thread. Most in good fun but like always a few people who missed the humor in it all. Including him.
Finally I wrote this.
It doesn't bother you a bit to pick at someone else's nit,
But when somebody picks at yours you throw a pissy hissy fit,
We knew exactly what you meant
When you were talking about gas,
But you're so easy to excite -- it's fun to peck on your old tail.
Here is another thing I posted probably ten years ago. This is the sign that hangs in my office: They crucified Jesus and shot Abraham Lincoln, what chance have I got?
Chris probably feels like that some days.
Is "AMEN" appropriate now?
I think these threads just make Chris feel appreciated.
Stan, here's my favorite phrase I coined, on the first Forum:
"Wherever I drive is a parade; wherever I park is a car show."
rdr
Ralph, Wherever I drive my T it marks is parking spot.
Ralph:
There is a lot of truth in that.
Here's one I came up with long ago, and have shared here: OT
"Those who deserve an inheritance will probably never need it."
Sadly, inheritances usually cause rivalry and hatred among the heirs. Our family is lucky in that our parents had nothing but memories to leave us.
rdr
Stan
I remember him, but he is no longer
posting on here. I think he is the one that caused me to post SPELLING BE DAMMED in my profile.
I like old school that's why I tinker with
the Model T.
Bob
Orig. railcar
Recreation
From another forum today:
"OK, so here’s the problem.........apparently the transition to the new format
resulted in no transfer of the data from the old format to the new format.........and I’m sorry it’s been a problem."
I'm sure what ever transpires in the future we will always have interesting things to talk about, Model T's or not.
Rich
As long as we are waxing nostalgic about past posts, Stan posted something here years ago that I printed - after asking and getting his permission - in our club newsletter and also included in a brochure about our club:
STEWARDSHIP
On a serious note, we are all just stewards of these cars. Somebody owned them before we did, somebody will own them after we are gone. The money that we pay for them or the money that we take for them is just a way to determine who will steward what car and for how long. It is our obligation to steward not only the physical Model T, but also the knowledge, the folklore, and the spirit of the cars to pass to the next generation of owners. We need to be telling the stories as well as the knowledge of how to set the spark and adjust the gas.
The saying I like is;
After you have pissed off everyone you know get a computer and piss off the entire world.
Tim Moore
Dick, Stan is one of the best writers here and totally right on as usual!!
Tim, That's kinda in the same vain as asking to be buried face down so the whole world can kiss your butt after your gone!
One other thing I will miss about this forum was those great and spirited discussions about bituminous coal tar.
Ahhh...those were the days!
If this forum is a pain in the @$$ your sitting on it wrong!