Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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.

WondrousBread

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.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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?

Toruki

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!!

WondrousBread

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.

FührerTüner

iTrader: (5)

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

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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?

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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?

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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?

Toruki

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.

chuyler1

iTrader: (1)

DivinDriver

iTrader: (15)

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.

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

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.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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!

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

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.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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?

chuyler1

iTrader: (1)

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.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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?

j a r o d

iTrader: (2)

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".

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

yes - I would be will to be an adviser.

yes - you summed this up correctly.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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!

Molotovman

iTrader: (49)

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.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

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?

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

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.