Proposed Changes to RX-7 Club – Member Input Needed
 

The staff at Internet Brands and the Administration-Moderation Team at RX-7Club plan to make changes to the forum. Some changes will take effect soon while others may take some additional time.

The first of many changes is a new marketplace that uses a graphical interface. It is nearly completed and will be released VERY soon. Other changes such as removing post restrictions, a reduction of redundant sub-forums and streamlining sub-forums is open for debate and would come later.

We previously created a poll during the month of December that a small group of members had a chance to participate in. We thank the members who participated in that poll! Moreover, we believe that this small group didn't represent the majority of the forum membership. Your opinion matters so please use this thread to make your voice heard. The discussion and this poll will help shape the way in which you interact with other members and find information on the RX-7Club forum.

Regarding forum streamlining, please refer to the attached file to see what sub-forums will stay, realign, or become an archive (read-only).

We ask that members who wish to add suggestions to please include the benefit(s) of that suggestion.

The poll will close on 28 Feb 2019 for member input.

I think a useful addition would be a sub-forum for "turbocharged NA" Rx-7s. As it stands, searching for threads on the topic is somewhat fragmented as turbocharged NA engines are referred to by a few different names, and the topic is complex enough that I feel it would benefit from having a centralized sub-forum. This would also de-clutter some of the "Can I turbocharge my Rx7?" and "Where can I find a turbo kit for my N/A?" threads that appear frequently in the tech sections. Lastly it gives a good place to have dedicated stickies on the topic, to answer the most common questions (where to tap for oil & coolant, what to do about the AUX ports, options for manifold / turbo clearance).

Thanks, Chris.

Hello Chris,

Thank you for posting your suggestion. Where would such a sub-forum go - in a general tech section or one in each generation, minus FDs (since they were all turbos)? I would imagine that the circumstances would be different for an FB, FC, or other old school rotary.

***Brake, brake***

I would like to briefly pause for a moment to address one thing to help keep the conversation on track and on-topic. We will use a parliamentary procedure for proposing ideas, known as making a motion. Without digging too far into the weeds, here is a brief outline for this type of procedure.

In parliamentary procedure the proper way for an individual to propose that the group take a certain action is by "making a motion." The following is the process for handling a motion.

1. A member addresses the thread with a proposal. Simply post a suggestion with its benefits will do the job.
2. Myself or another Mod/Admin would ask for clarification then may restate the proposal into a question for a motion.
3. Another member must second the motion. Simply state, "I second the motion" (or specify which one for clarity).
4. Myself or another Mod/Admin would post the motion under "Other Items for Consideration". Here is an example: Other Proposals Post 27.
5. Other members may show support or oppose a proposal by commenting "+1" or "-1". If a member opposes a proposal then please state your opposition with constructive criticism. Please avoid expressing an opinion without substance - "that idea sucks" (or similar) would be far less effective.
6. We will prioritize these additional motions after all are made.

I digress. Chris, are you proposing that we add a sub-forum under the FC section that would be titled: "Turbocharge a NA motor"? Are there other sections this would apply to?

1. I'd love to see a "view first unread" link right in the message list for the new threads. Something like one of these:
   
   https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a9b611f12a.jpg
   
2. It would be great to be able to export an entire thread (pictures and all) as a PDF or alternatively a well structured print function. This would be super useful for storing threads for later consumption while protecting against broken URL's.
   
3. Paste images directly into the editor composition window.

Thanks for checking with us. GREAT FORUM!!

I was suggesting it as an FC sub-forum (apologies for not clarifying it), however as you mention the topic is also applicable to FB/SA's, and Old-School Rotary. As such I think it would be more all-encompassing to make it a sub-forum under the "Tech and Performance" section.

Much like the "V-8 Powered RX-7's" section, it can cover all three Generations of Rx-7 (or rather, the two relevant ones for this topic). It could be called "Turbocharge a NA Motor" (as you mentioned) so that Old-School Rotary is included.

How about upping the zip file attachment size which is currently 5mb, for like maps and datalog uploads.

Toruki,

Thanks for your post! Let me do my best to address each of your talking points.

1. What benefit does using the "First Unread" link have? Are you suggesting that each thread have this feature? What advantage would this feature have over the "View last post" aka the ">" button in the last post block?

2. You would like the ability to export a thread into an external document, like a PDF file? That is an interesting request. That may be useful for how-to's but it would have some pitfalls, for example, updated information corrects an error. If you have a local copy then you would be unaware of that change and may inadvertently duplicate that error.

3. What benefit does pasting photos directly to the composition window have? Do you want to be able to paste it while creating a new thread or post? I suspect the reason that feature is limited comes from the website's limit on the size of each photo. Nonetheless, shall we explore that possibility?

Chris,

Thanks for the additional feedback. Do you have any supporting data on the popularity of this subject? For example, how many threads in the FC forum are dedicated to this topic? Does this go beyond performing a turbo swap? Does this also have the same traction in the FB/SA22 and other rotary forums?

You propose the following motion:

Create a sub-forum titled "Turbocharge a NA motor" in the "Tech and Performance" section. This would be useful to FB/SA22, FC, and Old School Rotary members.

Does anyone wish to second this motion?

FührerTüner,

Thank you for the question! My concern with increasing the ZIP file limitation would be server storage space. That may have an indirect effect on server storage costs. We are looking to streamline and reduce the size of the forum's footprint. In all fairness, how much of an increase are you proposing? Additionally, what is the average size of fuel map and datalog files? How big are they uncompressed vs compressed?

Thanks again for soliciting opinions. Here are the pros as I see them. You guys already run an excellent forum here!! I check it most every day.

1. View first unread link at message list: Yes each thread would have a first unread link in one of those spots (or wherever fits best). The final post is not always the first unread post. Usually I click open the thread and then click the first unread link. Such a link in the header just saves a click/load time. Not a big deal just more convenient. To be clear, I am not suggesting to show 2 "first unread" links in the header. The screenshot is just to illustrate a couple of possible spots.

2. Save a whole thread as a pdf. Maybe better, an enhanced thread print view that includes photos: A lot of times I run across an old and inactive but useful thread. In that case I'll bookmark it but there is occasionally the nasty surprise where the 3rd party hosted photos disappear (like the whole photobucket debacle).

Also, the "Show printable Version" is useful but does not include forum photos, just links:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...921dbaaaad.jpg click printable https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...23684d54c0.jpgsame post becomes text only https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5e25bd8c83.jpg

Maybe the easiest upgrade would be to include inline photos into the Printable Version. That would make it easy to print to PDF. There is also a permalink already in the Printable View, so that would be clickable in a PDF.

3. Paste photos directly into the post composition/reply editor: I add a lot of photos in my posts, screenshotting them. Pasting in would condense 6 steps into 2.

Present Method
screenshot> save shot to image file on disk> click the 'image insert' button in the forum> navigate to the photo file(s) on disk> wait for them to load> click upload.

Suggested Paste Method
screenshot> paste into forum composition window

Thanks so much for reading this.

I for one would love to see a better and more reliable method for linking or including images in-line into posts.

Photobucket's 'betrayal' proved that trusting offsite image hosting for something as supposedly persistent as a forum is just not viable. Many thousands of hours of people's valuable posts became nigh useless when the images were locked out by Photobucket's desire to monetize what had supposedly been a 'perpetually free' service. Nothing stopping the other services people are using now from doing the same thing any day they choose.

The vbb native method of attaching photos is, on the other hand, cumbersome and extremely limiting (yes, I understand the server space issue hosting images creates) to the point where creating "how to" threads, the meat and potatoes of this forum for many, are simply too much work to bother with.

I know my relative lack of posting the last couple years stems mainly from the sense of futility created by seeing most of my posts crippled by the PB collapse, and a lack of faith the other current 3rd-party services will do any better.

I'm not doing less projects, I'm just posting about them less.

I wish I could propose a specific solution, but I'm too many years out of the forum-admin game to know the current art.

I just see the need.

Along with better photo handling, it would be nice to to have a photo repository for each gens area. This would help users find a reference photo but also be able to post these in threads. Users could tag each photo and search them based on tag. You could also show each thread/post the image is used. It would also help the sites SEO on Google.

The sites format is also outdated. Try switching to Twitter Bootstrap 4.0 for a cleaner format and user experience.

My apologies for not responding sooner. Thanks to all who posted thus far!

Before I address these new comments, I first would like to remind our members that there is a motion floored by WondrousBread.

It simply requests: Create a sub-forum titled "Turbocharge a NA motor" in the "Tech and Performance" section. This would be useful to FB/SA22, FC, and Old School Rotary members who wish to add turbos to a naturally aspirated rotary.

Does anyone wish to second this motion?

Toruki,

Thank you for the compliments and continued use of the forum. And again, my thanks for explaining more about your proposals. In short, you propose 3 changes:

1. Add a "First Unread Message" button/link in the header, similar to the "Go to Last Post" button. This would enable members to quickly view the first unread post of a thread without the need to open the thread first. Maybe the button could have an icon that shows "1st" and an envelope? The button design may not be important; I'm illustrating an option that would be different than the ">" button.

2. Add a PDF Export function and/or improve the "Show Printable Version" capability of a thread to include photos, instead of displaying a link to them. I like your train of thought here! It gives members the ability and options to print a thread (or relevant segments of it) and/or export it as a PDF for reference. You are correct that the photobucket debacle was a huge mess. There are several threads on this forum that still suffer from it. This ability does have merit, especially in how-to or build threads.

3. Add the ability to "drag and drop" photos into the text editor. This reduces the amount of time and steps it takes to import a photo into a post. I understand your frustration because of the labor involved in adding a photo to a post. Currently, members have the ability to add a comment/description under a photo. This is commonly done during the import process. Does that have any usefulness or could that be dropped?

This is also a good point to piggy back on KC REPU's suggestion regarding photo handling and the composition window.

KansasCity REPU,

Could you explain more about having a photo repository for each generation? How would that be indexed or organized? For example, overall car pics, engine bay pics, etc...? How do members currently find reference photos? Wouldn't a search engine external to the forum better handle that? I may not understand that portion of your suggestion, so please forgive my ignorance and help explain more about it.

Isn't there currently a method to tag photos during the import process? That ability should remain if the drag and drop function is incorporated.

Most importantly, I like your suggestion to improve the composition window. I believe there is room for its improvement. Whether it is upgraded to the Bootstrap format, as you suggested, or similar product then it may inherently address Toruki's improvements for photo importation. Thank you for providing a link to it. I believe its open source nature is a positive attribute because it would keep the cost of implementation down.

Did I address your comments properly?

Chuyler1,

Thanks for your comment regarding the GarageTalk (GT) application. I understand your frustration when viewing links in GT. The changes that we propose will have an indirect affect in GT. From what I understand, there is a separate team that handles GT. As such, my contact at Internet Brands is focused on improving our club from a website perspective only. However, to seek clarification, are you proposing that the GT app recognize a link that is internal to the forum?

Could you explain why the TapaTalk app may provide a better experience on mobile devices? FWIW, Internet Brands has several other car club forums on the GT app. For example, a person owns a Corvette, RX-7, and MINI Cooper. That person also has membership in each respective car club forum online. With the GT app, it is a 1-stop place to get updates/follow threads from each forum while out-and-about.

DivinDriver,

Thanks for your support and comments regarding photo importation. Maybe these proposals would change your opinion on adding more value to the forum with more how-to's? Additionally, would you care to amplify on these proposals thus far? Maybe you could "second" a proposal?

I believe that our discussions have a positive value. I look forward to reading replies and hearing more ways to improve our forum!

Being a Web Programmer working with C#, Razor JavaScript, SQL, etc my world revolves around data and how to best use it in a visual way.

The idea of an image repository for each gen would make it easies for a user to search, for lets say, an 12A oil pan or 12A rotor. Yes, they could search the internet and find one, but the RX7Club could be the authority. A place someone could trust the data. If a new user asks me a question about an item, I either have to search the internet to find an image or take one myself. With the repository, the image will be readily available and users could see where this image has been used in other threads. It would also allow users to tag the image, even if they we're not the one that uploaded it.

I'm not a fan of replying on external tools such as search engines to get data from a site. If the site has the data, there isn't a good reason why it can't dserver it up itself.

I use Bootstrap everyday in programming and it also adds Responsive Design when resizing or to adapt to different screen sizes. No more having to code one view for phone and another for tablet or desktop.

I'm glad this is an open discussion and our suggestions are at least being heard.

KansasCity REPU,

You are welcome and thanks for the compliments along with the added explanation. Based upon my experience, some of the best ideas to improve something typically comes from within. Now, you propose the following motions:

1. Create an image repository by generation for entire vehicles and its various sub-assemblies. This would enable the forum to become an authority and a place where members (or outsiders) could trust the imagery and associated data. In addition, images would be readily available and members could see the original thread(s) where it was used.

2. Improve the composition window by replacing the current method with Bootstrap. This would condense coding on multiple platforms (phone, tablet, desktop, etc...) into one streamlined module. This also has the potential to streamline drag-and-drop functions for photos, as proposed by Toruki.

When appropriate, would you be willing to be an advisor or point of contact for both proposals?

Did I get this right?

I belong to a bunch of forums, this is the only one that uses GarageTalk. Most use TapaTalk. It's just overall a better experience.

Attaching photos works better, allowing me to open my own albums to find the photos instead of scrolling through my entire camera roll.

Notifications work better. I can click on one new thread, click back, then click on the next new thread. Mentions and quotes are separated so I can check the important stuff first. Items in the list stay highlighted until I have clicked them.

Viewing threads is smoother. In-line photos display without hiccups and text doesn't get cropped. Ads don't block content.

I don't know, spend a few days with Garage Talk then try logging into any forum that supports TapaTalk. It's not that hard to see that one is better than the other. I imagine it's just a few plugins on the server side and some licensing to get it up and running.

chuyler1,

Could you prioritize how you consume content? For example, 90% of time spent on the RX-7Club is on PC (desktop or traditional laptop), 5% spent on tablet, and 5% spent on phone.

As I mentioned earlier, we are focused on improving the web version of the forum, as used on desktops and traditional laptops. Any improvements that address the GarageTalk app may be addressed at a later point in time. Could we address your GT comments when time permits?

As the population of the forum dwindles, removing sub forums helps immensely. Also, the ability to exclude a sub-forum from search would be nice. Most of the good info on this site is 10+ years old, and a search only returns page of 10,000 reply "build threads".

yes - I would be will to be an adviser.

yes - you summed this up correctly.

jarod,

What are you proposing? Currently, members have the ability to select discrete sub-forums in the advanced search tab by using CTRL+left mouse click for multiple sub-forums.

Forum Members,

We have a few proposals currently open to be nominated for forum improvements. Other than the originator who proposed each item, does anyone wish to second the following proposals?

1. Create a sub-forum titled "Turbocharge a NA motor" in the "Tech and Performance" section. This would be useful to FB/SA22, FC, and Old School Rotary members who wish to add turbos to a naturally aspirated rotary. Originator: WondrousBread

2. Add a "First Unread Message" button/link in the header, similar to the "Go to Last Post" button. This would enable members to quickly view the first unread post of a thread without the need to open the thread first. Maybe the button could have an icon that shows "1st" and an envelope? The button design may not be important; it's illustrating an option that would be different than the ">" button. Originator: Toruki

3. Add a PDF Export function and/or improve the "Show Printable Version" capability of a thread to include photos, instead of displaying a link to them. It gives members the ability and options to print a thread (or relevant segments of it) and/or export it as a PDF for reference. This ability does have merit, especially in how-to or build threads. Originator: Toruki

4. Add the ability to "drag and drop" photos into the text editor. This would reduce the amount of time and steps it takes to import a photo into a post. Originator: Toruki

5. Create an image repository by generation for entire vehicles and its various sub-assemblies. This would enable the forum to become an authority and a place where members (or outsiders) could trust the imagery and associated data. In addition, images would be readily available and members could see the original thread(s) where it was used. Originator would be available as an advisor. Originator: KansasCity REPU

6. Improve the composition window by replacing the current method with Bootstrap. This would condense coding on multiple platforms (phone, tablet, desktop, etc...) into one streamlined module. This also has the potential to streamline drag-and-drop functions for photos, as proposed by Toruki. Originator would be available as an advisor. Originator: KansasCity REPU

As a reminder of parliamentary procedure, these proposals require support from our members. It takes one member to say, "I second proposal x". Afterwards, it is put up for a vote by the membership. For example, I would say, "All in favor of proposal x then vote +1 (for yea) or -1 (for nay). These steps help send a message of importance or priority to staff members at Internet Brands. Otherwise, these proposals would die on the vine without YOUR support.

Thank you again for all the comments and suggestions. Shall we keep them coming? Don't forget to show support on these 6 proposals with a "second" nomination!

A couple suggestions

• Bring back the "My recent threads" feature under "Quick Links" in the ribbon
• If post count requirements are kept for the classifieds add a WTB parts section to the newbie/introduction section of the forum with no post count requirement. That way established sellers can sell to them easily. Many people just show up to buy parts because they are getting harder to find.
• Eliminate the "WTB" section of the standard classifieds section and encourage WTB tagged posts in the generation specific sections. The current WTB section receives low traffic.

Molotovman,

Thanks for the suggestions.

Could you tell me more about the "My Recent Threads" feature? Do you remember when it was removed or perhaps why it was removed? What benefit would members gain by bringing this feature back?

Regarding both ideas for the classifieds, the new marketplace would eliminate the use of the WTB section. Instead, the use of WTB tags will be used. Second, if there are post count restrictions for the new marketplace then there would be no separate area for members under 10 posts to buy, sell, or trade. One would have to reach the minimum post count in order to participate in the new marketplace.

Did I address your suggestions properly? Do you have any other suggestions?

Another thing you might consider is resizing (compressing) the image size when someone uploads and image. Doing this will help decrease load times when others view a page heavy in images.

Minor clarification, sorry late to the responses here: I personally am more interested in copy/paste for photo insertion rather than drag/drop (although that too would be welcome as an alternative to the uploader). With copy/paste you can tactically grab a cropped section of a photo (screenshot) as you view your album side by side with the composition window. It's so much easier than finding a file like "\\storage\Pictures\Nexus6P\Camera\IMG_20151108_23 1208\Burst_stack_97899705998401_4.jpg" and dragging it in.

A good example is the GMail composition window. It also compresses inline images into PNG format, related to KansasCityREPU's point earlier regarding storage optimization.

Thanks Gen2n3!

Toruki,

Thanks for the clarification. Unless I am "blind", the drag & drop feature in gmail retains the image format. That would be a topic for another discussion. However, I understand your point. As such, the proposal is modified to read:

"Overhaul the method of image insertion to the composition window (text editor). Add the ability to "drag and drop" and/or "copy and paste" photos into the composition window. For example, the gmail composition window functions in this manner. This would reduce the amount of time and steps it takes to import a photo into a post. Originator: Toruki"

Is this acceptable or what would you recommend?

That's perfect, thank you.

Forum Members,

We have an updated list of proposals currently open to be nominated for forum improvements. Thank you, Toruki for the update to Proposal 4! Other than the originator who proposed each item, does anyone wish to second the following proposals?

1. Create a sub-forum titled "Turbocharge a NA motor" in the "Tech and Performance" section. This would be useful to FB/SA22, FC, and Old School Rotary members who wish to add turbos to a naturally aspirated rotary. Originator: WondrousBread

2. Add a "First Unread Message" button/link in the header, similar to the "Go to Last Post" button. This would enable members to quickly view the first unread post of a thread without the need to open the thread first. Maybe the button could have an icon that shows "1st" and an envelope? The button design may not be important; it's illustrating an option that would be different than the ">" button. Originator: Toruki

3. Add a PDF Export function and/or improve the "Show Printable Version" capability of a thread to include photos, instead of displaying a link to them. It gives members the ability and options to print a thread (or relevant segments of it) and/or export it as a PDF for reference. This ability does have merit, especially in how-to or build threads. Originator: Toruki

4. Overhaul the method of image insertion to the composition window (text editor). Add the ability to "drag and drop" and/or "copy and paste" photos into the composition window. For example, the gmail composition window functions in this manner. This would reduce the amount of time and steps it takes to import a photo into a post. Originator: Toruki

5. Create an image repository by generation for entire vehicles and its various sub-assemblies. This would enable the forum to become an authority and a place where members (or outsiders) could trust the imagery and associated data. In addition, images would be readily available and members could see the original thread(s) where it was used. Originator would be available as an advisor. Originator: KansasCity REPU

6. Improve the composition window by replacing the current method with Bootstrap. This would condense coding on multiple platforms (phone, tablet, desktop, etc...) into one streamlined module. This also has the potential to streamline image copy/paste functions, as proposed by Toruki (refer to Proposal 4). Originator would be available as an advisor. Originator: KansasCity REPU

As a reminder of parliamentary procedure, these proposals require support from our members. It takes one member to say, "I second proposal x". Afterwards, it is put up for a vote by the membership. For example, I would say, "All in favor of proposal x then vote +1 (for yea) or -1 (for nay). These steps help prioritize the importance of changes to our forum. Otherwise, these proposals would die on the vine without YOUR support.

Thank you again for all the comments and suggestions. Shall we keep them coming? Don't forget to show support on these 6 proposals with a "second" nomination!

This feature was previously found under the "Quick links" drop down on the ribbon. It was a link that took you to the list of threads you ad most recently replied to and they were arrange by latest activity.

I transitioned to just using the "Today's Posts" feature which is acceptable to me now but the "My recent Threads" was nice because you could see if someone commented on a post after you quickly so you could jump back into the discussion.

I'm talking about keeping the new marketplace as is with no WTB section and keeping post restrictions for the section. My suggestion is creating a sub-forum in the "new member" section for new members to post WTB's with no post restrictions, it would be strictly for WTB requests only. Many people stop in looking for parts and don't engage in discussion in other parts of the forum, it would facilitate sales for established members who wanted to scour the section.

No other suggestions at this time.

Include pictures in the printable version

Add a stupid post filter (wait, is this a stupid post :scratch:)

Tapatalk is a terrible app and has security vulnerabilities, which is why I've never implemented it on my forum. I don't use GarageTalk either. I prefer navigating to rx7club.com with my browser, which works well, as the theme is mobile responsive.

Does VBulletin support push notifications to mobile device without a secondary app? There is now an extension to do this for phpBB (but only works for Android due to restrictive iOS API). I imagine VBulletin would offer something similar. Push notifications are a great way to make you aware of PMs, someone quoting your post etc.

TomU,

Are you nominating Proposal 3 with a "second"?

Molotovman,

Thank you for the additional information on the "My Recent Threads" function. It seems that the "Subscribed Threads" function in the "Quick Links" ribbon does the same function as you described. That function displays all of the threads a member subscribed to and sorts them by last activity date. Could I be mistaken?

Again, thanks for explaining the WTB section for new members. If our classified section remained as-is then your suggestion would be entertained. However, the new marketplace will be a new module, similar to the Rennlist mode (referenced here: Post ). This new marketplace has no allowance for a separate section to reside in the new user sub-forums.

Kypreo,

Currently, we are not addressing any issues with external apps such as GarageTalk or Tapatalk. Our focus is centered on improving the browser-based format and content of the RX-7Club. To answer your question about push notifications, I only know of push deliveries via GarageTalk. You should also receive an email when subscribed to a given thread. The email push notifications would depend upon your email preferences set on your mobile device(s).

Does that answer your questions?

It is not the same function, for "My Recent Threads" you did not have to subscribe to any threads. It was just a list of the most recent threads you commented on arranged by newest to oldest activity.

Molotovman,

Posting a comment on a thread (or starting one) automatically subscribes you to that thread. As such, the "Subscribed Threads" link should fit the need you describe. For example, when I used this function, it listed 112 threads that I'm subscribed to, and sorted from newest thread to oldest thread. Many of these threads ended with another member's comment as its last post.

Forgive my ignorance here...did the "My Recent Threads" link show all threads you commented on, whether or not you still subscribed to those threads?

You must have your forum settings set up to subscribe you to all threads you comment on which I don't think is a default setting. If I hit "Subscribed Threads" it takes me to the page where I have no subscribed threads.

Correct! The list was limited to posts that you had commented on in the last week or two though.
It was a very convenient feature.

Eurox,

Thanks for asking the question about removing post restrictions. Simply put, the New Member section would mostly be reduced to an archive (read-only area) and all members, regardless of post count, would have full access to the forum. I understand your concern regarding bot attacks. Those incidents appear to be very small. If a member suspects a post to be spam, malicious, etc... then use the "Report Post" button (see photo below).

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...fac60235a0.jpg
If you see something then say something!

I've seen new members attempt to quickly plus up their post counts with nonsense posts and thread jacking. In fact, I reported on 2 posts within the past 2hrs. Additionally, Internet Brands staff indicate the incidents of scammers and bot attacks against their other club forums are very low. And those forums do not impose the same restrictions as we do on RX-7Club.

Did I answer your question?

Molotovman,

First, I'd like to thank you for keeping me on my toes! Second, I believe the function you describe was moved from Quick Links into a pull-down menu next to your username. It will list all of your posts in threads, whether subscribed or not. See below.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e05d0593f5.jpg
My Recent Posts relocated to the Username pull-down menu.

Does that answer your question?

Forum Members,

It's been 1 week since we started this thread. We have great ideas proposed thus far. Perhaps many more will follow? Please review these proposals currently open to be nominated for forum improvements. Other than the originator who proposed each item, does anyone wish to second the following proposals?

1. Create a sub-forum titled "Turbocharge a NA motor" in the "Tech and Performance" section. This would be useful to FB/SA22, FC, and Old School Rotary members who wish to add turbos to a naturally aspirated rotary. Originator: WondrousBread

2. Add a "First Unread Message" button/link in the header, similar to the "Go to Last Post" button. This would enable members to quickly view the first unread post of a thread without the need to open the thread first. Maybe the button could have an icon that shows "1st" and an envelope? The button design may not be important; it's illustrating an option that would be different than the ">" button. Originator: Toruki

3. Add a PDF Export function and/or improve the "Show Printable Version" capability of a thread to include photos, instead of displaying a link to them. It gives members the ability and options to print a thread (or relevant segments of it) and/or export it as a PDF for reference. This ability does have merit, especially in how-to or build threads. Originator: Toruki

4. Overhaul the method of image insertion to the composition window (text editor). Add the ability to "drag and drop" and/or "copy and paste" photos into the composition window. For example, the gmail composition window functions in this manner. This would reduce the amount of time and steps it takes to import a photo into a post. Originator: Toruki

5. Create an image repository by generation for entire vehicles and its various sub-assemblies. This would enable the forum to become an authority and a place where members (or outsiders) could trust the imagery and associated data. In addition, images would be readily available and members could see the original thread(s) where it was used. Originator would be available as an advisor. Originator: KansasCity REPU

6. Improve the composition window by replacing the current method with Bootstrap. This would condense coding on multiple platforms (phone, tablet, desktop, etc...) into one streamlined module. This also has the potential to streamline image copy/paste functions, as proposed by Toruki (refer to Proposal 4). Originator would be available as an advisor. Originator: KansasCity REPU

As a reminder of parliamentary procedure, these proposals require support from RX-7Club members. It takes one member to say, "I second proposal x". Afterwards, it is put up for a vote by the membership. For example, I would say, "All in favor of proposal x then vote +1 (for yea) or -1 (for nay). These steps help prioritize the importance of changes to our forum. Otherwise, these proposals would die on the vine without YOUR support.

Thank you again for all the comments and suggestions. Shall we keep them coming? Don't forget to show support on these 6 proposals with a "second" nomination!

D'oh! I never knew it moved.
Thanks!

Molotovman,

It's all good! I too learned something about the forum today.

Ok, I second number 4 and 5.

Clarification on 6, are we talking about replacing the Post Editor with something that supports Bootstrap? Or, re-skinning the website using bootstrap?

I would have reservations with a full html post editor (which is what bootstrap would need). These should be posts, not content zones.

Augment the thread Rating feature such that along with the thread general or overall rating, threads are Rated across a few key categories (with categories visible in thread list view). This would give new-comers (everyone really) a means of exploring for forum's "best" content (while avoiding the worst) without the need of the user to be looking for something specific.

Category sample suggestion and rating examples:
• Overall [ 2.9 - 5 ]
•• Educational/Instructional [ 3.6 - 5 ]
•• Entertaining [4.8 - 5 ]
•• Media [ 2.3 - 5 ]
•• Civil [ 1 - 5 ]

A user could sort threads in a section (or Forum Search results) by highest (or lowest) score in a specific category in order to browse threads based on a criteria that means something to them, without the need of requiring the user to have a specific topic of interest.
There are obvious pitfalls, but this is the internet.

toddk042,

I am not an expert on Bootstrap so I would defer any expertise to the originator. I would argue that a re-skin may not be a bad idea if it affords us the ability to import images and input text with greater ease. Not to mention, if the members vote to see its implementation then it would be hard to argue against updating the composition window.

Thank you for nominating Proposals 4 and 5.

***Break, Break***

All members in favor of Proposals 4 and 5: Please vote +1 or -1 on each. A +1 means that you vote "yea" and a -1 means that you vote "nay". Voting may now include the originator of each proposal.

Since I am overseeing this thread, I abstain from the voting process unless there is a tie or dispute regarding a particular proposal's nomination.

Let the votes begin for:
Proposal 4:

Proposal 5:

cloud9,

You have an interesting suggestion. How do you propose a thread earns a rating? My concern is that thread ratings are subjective. Additionally, not all threads are rated. Another concern is rated threads may turn into a popularity contest and may be easily perverted into something that has artificial value or inflated value.

My personal opinion - not just as a mod or thread overseer - thread ratings are under utilized and deliver very little value. If one finds value in a thread then subscribe to it because there are multiple ways to find "Subscribed Threads". Refer to that discussion between Molotovman and me for more. Again, that is just my personal opinion. Could I be wrong? Maybe yes...maybe no.

Again, you have an interesting concept. Do you have other ideas, maybe some way to streamline the forum?

Proposal 4: +

Proposal 5: +

Proposal 4: +1

Proposal 5: +1

Thank you, toddk042 for nominating these 2 proposals and casting your vote.