Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

Hi Dak,

Yes, you are correct. I recognize your +1 vote for Proposal 7.


Here is the updated vote count:

Proposal Vote Count:
Proposal 1:
Proposal 2: +1
Proposal 3: +3
Proposal 4: +6
Proposal 5: +4
Proposal 6: +1
Proposal 7: +1
Proposal 8: +1

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

swbtm,

First, thank you for the reply and citing an example of locking photos.

Second, I have not recognized your votes on Proposal 6 and Proposal 7 because it looked like you had questions. Do you still wish to support these 2 proposals?

Third, I believe Proposal 5 should address your concern with locking photos to a thread and their long-term storage/display. In the meantime, there could be a way to retrieve those photos by using the internet time machine. Some other members had success with this resource. Once found, the lost photos could be re-introduced to a particular thread.

Fourth, no one has yet to address photo insertion into PMs. There may have been a reason to restrict photos from PMs but I am unfamiliar with that reason. Are you proposing that the forum add the capability to send & receive photos via PM?

Fifth, I primarily interact with the forum via web-based PC. The proposals and forum streamlining we are discussing would first be applied to the web-based interface. The other methods of forum interaction (phone/tablet/etc...) would follow afterwards.

Did I answer your questions? Please let me know how you'd like to vote on Proposals 6 and 7.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

Members,

As we are about 1 week away from the Poll closing, here the list of Proposals that are up for your consideration in addition to voting in the poll.

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 or tinyMCE. This would condense coding on multiple platforms (phone, tablet, desktop, etc...) into one streamlined module. Originator would be available as an advisor. Originator: KansasCity REPU

7. Remove the General Discussion sub-forum from each Generation specific forums (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, etc...), and merge those threads into the main Generation specific section. This would reduce redundant posts - members ask the same questions in the General Discussion section as in the main Generation specific section. Such as, "why won't my car start?" "Which exhaust should I buy?" Or "where does this wire go?"... This removal would reduce the number of sub-forums a member would search (from 2 to 1 forums) and the likelihood of missing a thread would be significantly reduced. Originator: Dak

8. Merge content from the Single Turbo FAQ sub-forum back into the Single Turbo RX-7s sub-forum (found under "Tech & Performance" section). Most of the FAQ content is outdated. Additionally, revise/update the sticky threads in the Single Turbo RX-7s sub-forum. These efforts would reduce the need for additional sub-forums, reduce confusion of relevant threads, and reflect current best practices for single turbo applications. Originator is willing to advise and assist when necessary. Originator: scotty305

Thank you again for all the comments and suggestions. Don't forget to show support or opposition to these 8 proposals. The poll officially closes on 1 Mar.

swbtm

iTrader: (2)

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

swbtm,

Thanks for reply and I respect your decision to abstain from Proposals 6 & 7. Should your decision change, then let me know.

I will ask about different thread edit time-outs. More to follow.

We can work on the verbage for the related threads & infinite scroll proposal. How does this sound?

- Change the default behavior of related threads and infinite scroll to "disabled". Most members, new and old alike, prefer to look at one thread at a time without being bombarded with additional threads that may or may not apply to the specific thread being viewed. Members want to see a definitive start and end to a thread. This would allow a member to absorb pertinent content from a thread and then move on to another thread of his choice. Additionally, the option to disable this function is unavailable to new members because of their low post count. If applicable, remove this restriction for new members.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

swbtm,

I have a partial answer to the time outs when editing a thread. I experienced this error today when attempting to add a new item on a sample part-out thread in the new marketplace. As a reminder, this marketplace is not 100% functional. However, the time out gives good insight.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...34ceae59c0.jpg
Time Out error when editing a thread after 1440min (24hrs) after posting.

JNew

I think that wording is fine. It would be great if you could put it forward and call for a seconder.

Thanks

swbtm

iTrader: (2)

That reads well enough. Can we add the guest user that is not logged in to this proposal as well please? The infinite scroll and related threads when I am not logged in are when I see it the most. Thank you

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

JNew,

Thanks for double checking the phrasing. With that said, here is the next proposal:

Proposal 9: Define guidelines for posting technical content and general content in their respective sub-forums. This may spell out the roles of members and moderators. The result would create a standard for members and moderators to follow, reduce the guess work of where to post, and indicate the consequences of misplacing a thread. Moreover, it would help a moderator quickly move/edit, etc... a thread to its proper place. This could be achieved by means of a sticky thread in each forum or updating the forum's main FAQ page. Originator: JNew

Does anyone, other than the originator, wish to second Proposal 9?

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

swbtm,

Why not remove the function all together? If infinite scroll and related threads remain then it could still be set as a default to ON when a member is not logged in to the forum. I know that you would like it disabled when not logged in, but why not log-in? It doesn't take that long to do it and most browsers have an auto-login feature for sites via a master key or similar procedure.

In an alternate phrasing, the proposal could look like this:

- Remove the related threads and infinite scroll features from the forum. Members, new and old alike, prefer to look at one thread at a time without being bombarded with additional threads that may or may not apply to a specific topic. Members want to see a definitive start and end to a thread. These two features have become an annoyance rather than a helpful tool. It increases the amount of information to sift through instead of showing topics that a member specifically requested. Additionally, the option to disable these functions is unavailable to new members because of their low post count.

Which would you prefer? Does anyone else wish to chime in?

mmcintyre2

As a new member I'd like to at least view the classified prior to needing 10 posts. I understand why they might be there but it would be nice to view, even if you can't post .

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

mmcintyre2,

Thank you for voicing support for removing post restrictions on the classifieds.

swbtm

iTrader: (2)

JNew

That's a harsh assessment of two features that I actually like and use, but I can see how some people could hate them. I like the wording of the earlier proposal where those two features are disabled by default for new users or users not logged in, and settable by even new users. I think the way this forum implements both features is great so please don't remove them.

Infinite scroll can be a headache because you can't easily find where you are in the thread, but rx7club adds a page navigation at the bottom of the browser window that is always visible. So you get a blend of infinite scroll and discrete pages. That, combined with the new post and go to last post buttons makes rx7club's implementation very useful.

The only thing I don't like about the related topic feature is that one of the threads is automatically displayed; if you quickly scroll past the giant "RELATED THREAD" banner, I guess you could get confused. So my only suggestion is to not open that one related topic.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

swbtm & JNew,

Thank you both for the feedback. My concern with setting either function to off by default would most likely mean that no member would know about them. Their use would be underutilized to the point where it could disappear anyway. It would be similar to the "Night Mode" once offered on the forum. For example, out of the thousands of members roughly 300 used the night mode. That feature disappeared without much fuss.

Therefore, we will put the infinite scroll & related threads function up for a vote as Proposal 10.

Proposal 10: Remove the related threads and infinite scroll features from the forum. Members prefer to look at one thread at a time without being bombarded with additional threads that may or may not apply to a specific topic. Members want to see a definitive start and end to a thread. These two features have become an annoyance rather than a helpful tool. It increases the amount of information to sift through instead of showing topics that a member specifically requested. Additionally, the option to disable these functions is unavailable to new members because of their low post count. Originator: swbtm

*Break, Break*

All members,

Proposal 10 is available for a second nomination. Other than the originator, does anyone wish to second this proposal?

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

Here an updated vote count and a list of 10 Proposals:

Proposal Vote Count:
Proposal 1: available for votes
Proposal 2: +1
Proposal 3: +3
Proposal 4: +6
Proposal 5: +4
Proposal 6: +1
Proposal 7: +1
Proposal 8: +1
Proposal 9: requires a second
Proposal 10: requires a second

To summarize, 8 of 10 proposals listed below are open for member voting.

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 or tinyMCE. This would condense coding on multiple platforms (phone, tablet, desktop, etc...) into one streamlined module. Originator would be available as an advisor. Originator: KansasCity REPU

7. Remove the General Discussion sub-forum from each Generation specific forums (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, etc...), and merge those threads into the main Generation specific section. This would reduce redundant posts - members ask the same questions in the General Discussion section as in the main Generation specific section. Such as, "why won't my car start?" "Which exhaust should I buy?" Or "where does this wire go?"... This removal would reduce the number of sub-forums a member would search (from 2 to 1 forums) and the likelihood of missing a thread would be significantly reduced. Originator: Dak

8. Merge content from the Single Turbo FAQ sub-forum back into the Single Turbo RX-7s sub-forum (found under "Tech & Performance" section). Most of the FAQ content is outdated. Additionally, revise/update the sticky threads in the Single Turbo RX-7s sub-forum. These efforts would reduce the need for additional sub-forums, reduce confusion of relevant threads, and reflect current best practices for single turbo applications. Originator is willing to advise and assist when necessary. Originator: scotty305

9. Define guidelines for posting technical content and general content in their respective sub-forums. This may spell out the roles of members and moderators. The result would create a standard for members and moderators to follow, reduce the guess work of where to post, and indicate the consequences of misplacing a thread. Moreover, it would help a moderator quickly move/edit, etc... a thread to its proper place. This could be achieved by means of a sticky thread in each forum or updating the forum's main FAQ page. Originator: JNew

10. Remove the related threads and infinite scroll features from the forum. Members prefer to look at one thread at a time without being bombarded with additional threads that may or may not apply to a specific topic. Members want to see a definitive start and end to a thread. These two features have become an annoyance rather than a helpful tool. It increases the amount of information to sift through instead of showing topics that a member specifically requested. Additionally, the option to disable these functions is unavailable to new members because of their low post count. Originator: swbtm

Thank you again for all the comments and suggestions. The poll will close on 1 Mar, so don't forget to show support or opposition to these 10 proposals by Friday.

JNew

Since the deadline is tomorrow, I'll vote on the rest of the proposals:
Proposal 1:
Proposal 2: +1
Proposal 3: +1
Proposal 4: +1
Proposal 5: +1
Proposal 6: +1
Proposal 7: (Already voted)
Proposal 8:

To all the lurkers, VOTE! Both in the poll and on the 10 proposals (two of which still require seconders).

Gen2n3, thanks for your extensive work with these proposals; your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

JNew,

Thank you for the compliments and for casting your votes. I recognize your +1 votes for Proposals 2 thru 6.

*Break, break*

Here is the list of updated vote counts:

Proposal Vote Count:
Proposal 1: available for votes
Proposal 2: +2
Proposal 3: +4
Proposal 4: +7
Proposal 5: +5
Proposal 6: +2
Proposal 7: +1
Proposal 8: +1
Proposal 9: requires a second
Proposal 10: requires a second

Today and tomorrow are the final days for voting in the Poll and the 10 Proposals. All members are encouraged to participate before the poll thread closes.

Templeton

iTrader: (10)

I second proposal 10.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

Templeton,

Thank you for seconding Proposal 10.

All members in favor of Proposal 10 then please vote +1 for yea and -1 for nay.

Here is the list of updated vote counts:

Proposal Vote Count:
Proposal 1: available for votes
Proposal 2: +2
Proposal 3: +4
Proposal 4: +7
Proposal 5: +5
Proposal 6: +2
Proposal 7: +1
Proposal 8: +1
Proposal 9: requires a second
Proposal 10: available for votes

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

I received a PM from swbtm stating that he couldn't access this thread. To honor his support in Post # 138 and his message via PM, I recognize his +1 vote for Proposition 10.

The current vote count now stands at:

Proposal 1: available for votes
Proposal 2: +2
Proposal 3: +4
Proposal 4: +7
Proposal 5: +5
Proposal 6: +2
Proposal 7: +1
Proposal 8: +1
Proposal 9: requires a second
Proposal 10: +1

Members, tonight and tomorrow are the final moments to register your votes in both the Poll and Proposals. The Poll will close at 8:33pm EST on Friday evening. Once closed, I will provide a summary then feed this information up to our IB representative for further discussion and potential implementation.

Thank you to all the members who participated in the poll and those who expressed additional forum improvements.

JNew

One last vote, I guess:
Proposal 10: -1

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

JNew,

I recognize your vote of -1 for Proposition 10.

*Break, break*

The current vote count now stands at:

Proposal 1: available for votes
Proposal 2: +2
Proposal 3: +4
Proposal 4: +7
Proposal 5: +5
Proposal 6: +2
Proposal 7: +1
Proposal 8: +1
Proposal 9: requires a second
Proposal 10: 0

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

The option to complete the poll is now closed. Additionally, voting for the list of proposals is closed.

The final tally of Proposal Votes:

Proposal 1: received no votes
Proposal 2: +2
Proposal 3: +4
Proposal 4: +7
Proposal 5: +5
Proposal 6: +2
Proposal 7: +1
Proposal 8: +1
Proposal 9: died in committee
Proposal 10: 0

In summary, 68.3% of our membership voted to reduce forum redundancies and remove post restrictions with the exception of the marketplace. Furthermore, the most popular proposals were Proposals 4, 5, and 3. They finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively. I will also bring up Proposals 6 and 9 as honorable mentions because they have the potential to add significant value to the forum as behind-the-scenes improvements.

These results will be brought to the mod team and IB staff for further discussion. Thank you all for the candor, participation, ideas, and positive feedback!