Lately, people have been sending me more and more ideas on how to make the forum (even) better. For some reason, some of you think I don't want to change anything. Let me first get that out of the way. I've always said that I won't make any changes as long as the majority (of people that give their opinion) vote against it. But if the majority wants it, and it can be done, I [u[will[/u] make the change. In fact, that's how the forum got to be what it is now.

Let me start with a few recurring requests:

Fiero FAQ
This is something that pops up a few times per year. And every time everybody is all for it. But also when it's time for volunteers to step forward to create this project, the silence is deafening, and the idea dies. So maybe we should make this a joint effort. I can start a thread about it and we'll take it from there.

Technicle articles
Again, this pops up regularly. But such a section already exists. It's on the main page on the left. So simply send me your article and I will put it there.

More (technical) sections
I'm all for it. But keep it reasonable. I don't want Technical to be split-up in tons of different sections (like some other car forums do). Maybe 3 or 4 sections in total would be sufficient. Heck, even the workshop manual only has 5 sections. If people have a problem with their car, they shouldn't be spending an hour first to figure out in what section their question belongs. If we agree here we need more sections, I'll start another thread for it to figure out which sections we need.

Ok, thoughts on this? Or any other requests/ideas?

I would like to see a permanent 1/4 mile list of some kind.

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Earl Sessions
1985 Fiero w/ 1998 Supercharged 3.8 V-6
Best ET:3.0 pulley 12.44 @ 109.19mph
2.75 pulley 12.20@ 110.90 mph


"NO Juice....Just BOOST!"

A mod section broken down into categories like quarter panel scoops, tail lights...maybe that sounds dumb. Maybe that's what the entire general fiero chat is for, who knows. I'm just trying to get the ball rolling.

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How about taking advantage (with permission, of course) of some of the stuff other sites have done? (like Fiero Secrets)
There are Fiero FAQ's on other sites that we can link to.

The technical article info is already taken care of - if people will stop bypassing the front page to get here. Maybe put a link to the front page along the top of the Forum? Again, we could ask permission and link to tech articles other clubs etc. have done. It might also make for good word of mouth for their club's website.

As for more technical sections, I agree with you that it doesn't need to be split much. I hate looking for info on my Grand Am, becasue they've got about 15 different sections. I mean, do you really need 5 sections of "For Sale"??
Perhaps split technical into:
-Factory engines
-Engine swaps
-Suspension & everything else.

Moderators. Sorry Cliff (you can't be expected to be on here all the time reading every post). I've seen too many threads get torn apart for no vaild reason. This has gotten worse the last couple of months. Maybe acouple of respected long time members?

How about a registery? Kinda like N-Body.net

http://www.n-body.net/registry/
Just a suggestion

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PontiacJ8@hotmail.com
www.SixNationsPOCI.org
Wanted: 1986-88 GT

quote Originally posted by Red86SEautox: Moderators. Sorry Cliff (you can't be expected to be on here all the time reading every post). I've seen too many threads get torn apart for no vaild reason. This has gotten worse the last couple of months. Maybe acouple of respected long time members?

I think that would be a bad idea, no disrespect to any of the long time members, but a lot of times moderation gets to peoples head and if one person disagrees with a point of view they hold kiss the thread goodbye. It would have to be someone really unbiased, I don't think anyone like that is here that I have seen.

I'll second on the quarter mile list...but it must be from fastest to slowest.....(or least fast)

-Phil

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"Wanna join a...punk band....shave your head and get a tattoo. Don't need intelligence just attitude!"

I personally don't care one way or the other about splitting the Tech section.

What I'd REALLY like to see are:

• Buyer/Seller Review Database -- While the existing rating system is fine and dandy, it doesn't suffice for stuff like "so-and-so sold me a car part 3 months ago and still hasn't shipped it yet". This type of stuff happens frequently. Giving the person a negative rating may or may not help, because we can't read the reasons for everyone's ratings. Maybe making the reasons visible would cover it?

• Sticky Threads -- You accomplish something similar to a FAQ section by putting the answers to frequently asked questions in a thread anchored to the top of the page. This should reduce the number of threads where people ask repetitive questions.

• More Moderators -- I don't doubt your abilities, Cliff. But even you've mentioned that the forum is getting too big for one man to handle. If you allow one or two trusted people to take some of the workload off your back, you can spend some more time with your family.

I have to admit that I'm one of those people who bypass the main page. Maybe put a link to the Tech Articles in the Tech section(s)?

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 07-08-2004).]

The FAQs are desperately needed. I'll help write a few myself. I don't recall this idea ever getting past the "we need one" stage before. But the "how do I get the outer dew wipes off" and similar questions get asked all the times.

And perhaps there should be one section devoted to engine swaps of all kinds. Please don't divide the forums into the 4.9 versus SBC versus 3800SC. I believe we all can get along and share ideas so I'm against having too many sections. But I think maybe two or three more would be helpful. Here's my list of new sections:

1) Engine swaps (all kinds)
2) Body mods, (paint, scoops, everything)
3) Interior mods, (Firebird interior,etc) Could be part of #2 I suppose
4) Kits/rebody (Ferrar!, Lambo, Finale, Fino, etc)
5) FAQs

In addition I think we should keep the general tech section for people to still chat about Fiero Tech stuff, and of course my favorite General Fiero chat should stay the same.

One thing I have noticed missing from this forum that I've found very nice on others, is place saving. What I mean is that if I've read a particular thread a couple times, and go back to check it out, here I have to start at the top, where as on other forums I am taken right to the first post since my last visit. I don't know how easy that would be to implement, but it sure would be nice. Might be tough though with the vast numbers of threads on this forum.

Of course I am very appreciative for all the work you have done to get the forum this far, and thank you ever so much for spending so much time and talent supporting our little Fiero fixation.

Thanks.

Jay
'87 Silver SE V6 5sp

quote Originally posted by Cliff Pennock: Fiero FAQ This is something that pops up a few times per year. And every time everybody is all for it. But also when it's time for volunteers to step forward to create this project, the silence is deafening, and the idea dies. So maybe we should make this a joint effort. I can start a thread about it and we'll take it from there.

Love the idea. I'll help in any way I can.

quote Technicle articles Again, this pops up regularly. But such a section already exists. It's on the main page on the left. So simply send me your article and I will put it there.

Maybe it should be at the top of every page? Or maybe combine it into Ogre's Cave??

quote More (technical) sections I'm all for it. But keep it reasonable. I don't want Technical to be split-up in tons of different sections (like some other car forums do). Maybe 3 or 4 sections in total would be sufficient. Heck, even the workshop manual only has 5 sections. If people have a problem with their car, they shouldn't be spending an hour first to figure out in what section their question belongs. If we agree here we need more sections, I'll start another thread for it to figure out which sections we need.

Also a great idea. I think Technical should be split into:
1)Fiero Technical Qs
2)Engine Swap Qs
Any more might make it more confusing I think... Plus it would cut down a lot of traffic.

Speaking of traffic... Would it even be possible to keep the forum posts "static"? I.e. they cannot be "bumped" back to the top, but just go in order of the date of the first post? I really hate it when some newbie comes here, posts a question, and it gets buried because there are 10 "extremely popular threads" like "What color should I choose?" or "notchies with brunettes or fastbacks with redheads?" Just a thought, everyone will probably shoot it down <shrug>

I'd go for FAQ on technical problems: The daily "My car won't start thread" "My car stalls thread" Like a BIG link to Ogre's cave for these common technical questions and possible solutions, or a link to other off site help pages such as http://floridafieros.org/osg/osg.html

A BIG link to the vendor list may also be helpful. It seems that many don't see that these links exist and ask "Where can I buy muffler barings for my supercharges 4.9 engine"? LOL

[This message has been edited by Old Lar (edited 07-08-2004).]

I agree that we need some sort of a big link to the ogres cave, it is amazing how many people ask how to get to the cave.

quote Originally posted by Old Lar: I'd go for FAQ on technical problems: The daily "My car won't start thread" "My car stalls thread" Like a BIG link to Ogre's cave for these common technical questions and possible solutions, or a link to other off site help pages such as http://floridafieros.org/osg/osg.html

Could we have a corner for the Fiero drivers who do NOT want to modify anything? A restoration section would be, as far as I can tell, the only true restoration forum anywhere on the net...and I have looked plenty. Engine and body mods info abounds, but if anyone wants to put their car back exactly like it was when new, the specs are just about non-existent. I'm talking about underhood placards, correct color and printing for spark plug wires by year, correct color for mechanical components if they were painted, etc. If you want this kind of detail for Camaros and Mustangs, it's easily available, but if you'd like to keep your Fiero true to its origins, the most you can expect is a shrug and an "I don't know". There must be some resto gurus on here, and their input would be valuable to everyone.

No doubt there's an increase in "traffic"on the forum lately. So it is harder to keep track of the threads you're interested in.
That might be a reason why some people want seperate sections. But that might be also a split-up in different groups on the forum(s!) ....

The only suggestion I have: Some kind of:"SOS I need help now" sub-section of the tech Forum (a "sticky"section?), so people with urgent questions can be helped easier, before they end up on page 2 or 3 and not read.
I am not really interested in more moderators, maybe we should moderate ourselves a bit more. And the rating-bar proved to work well so we're moderators already.

edit: Looks like there's a need for an updated version of the old "Online Service Guide"!

[This message has been edited by Fie Ro (edited 07-08-2004).]

My VOTE - FAQ

A local TDI (VW) forum has that, and it's SOO helpful.

I dont see much that needs changed really. Only thing that I might suggest is having a technical stuff broken into two parts, once for mechanical, one for cosmetics. That would seperate the bumper repair stuff from building an engine.

I firmly, wholehardedly, completely disagree with the need for more moderators. I am an active member at another board(I know, but you guys don't like imports and I do...shoot me) and I recently found out what its like to have too many mods. In one section of a board, there were 2 mods that couldn't tell me why my thread was deleted. Finally, I discover that a third moderator deleted the thread. The reason? It had my website address and I wasn't a paying sponsor.

Screw more moderators! What I like is that you can say whats on your mind, and yeah, sometimes a thread gets blown a part because of it. If a person lies, they deserve not to be taken seriously. More moderators are not a solution.

Seriously, can this issue die?

Since the idea of splitting the Tech section seems to be pretty popular, how about this:

1) Stockers -- Maintenance, repairs, and restoration of stock or mostly-stock Fieros, including general tech talk
2) Motorheads -- Engine tweaking/tuning, engine/tranny swaps, and drag racing
3) Turismos -- Suspension/brake/chassis mods and upgrades, plus autocross and road racing
4) Modders -- Body swaps/mods, interior swaps/mods, custom lights, custom wheels, and show prep

The titles probably don't fit the style of the forum, but you get the idea.

How about Headings or titles for members willing to denote thier expertise on a particalur part of the Fiero. I.E. painter, engine builder,electronics, and so on. Maybe more questions could be directed towards this member directly. Just a thought, I have no problem with the way things are now. It's a great site. Just one last thing, Spell Check!!!!
Thanks Gary

quote Originally posted by Red86SEautox: Moderators. Sorry Cliff (you can't be expected to be on here all the time reading every post). I've seen too many threads get torn apart for no vaild reason. This has gotten worse the last couple of months. Maybe acouple of respected long time members?

I don't think that would work well and I think Cliff is right in also thinking that because we would probably see too many complaints constantly about one of the mods being unfair, playing favorites, etc. I think a better idea would be to allow the originator of a thread to block certain people from posting in any given thread. They can block certain members as they felt it necessary to try and keep their thread on track or unblock them as well. This feature already exists for PM. I think certain members here have a pretty good idea when they start a thread which other members will inevitably show up in the thread with insulting posts and flaming so why not allow the owner and originator of the thread to simply avoid the mess ahead of time and block them or worst case after the first insult block their ability to continue and post more insults?
Sort of a "you posted something insulting in my thread so you now lose the ability to post anything more in my thread" kind of thing. Fool me once kind of thing.
I realize the argument against this could be that some of these people that might be blocked might actually submit a post that could be helpful or informative in the thread, but from what we have clearly seen in the past few months or more, that has been slim to none so far. The other argument could be that people should be allowed to speak their minds no matter what. That would work well if some could ignore any threads they don't like or just learn that sometimes no comment at all is better than an insulting one.
I think the advantages of keeping the thread and the forum as calm as possible by being able to do this in your individual thread far outweighs the possible negative?
If someone who has been blocked is upset because they can’t post in a certain persons thread then maybe next time they will think twice about causing problems in certain threads. It could be like a secondary invisible ratings system. I know that the current rating system was put into place because of a few reasons and letting people rate others on their insulting posts was one of them along with of course posting pluses for great posts and information, but I think we can all agree that on too many occasions the rating system is too slow and the damage is usually already done before it really has much time to be effective in many cases. Usually the trouble maker(s) either stops after nicely helping get the thread off course usually before getting too many negs. Though in a few cases they do eventually get banned, but usually only after chasing away many that might have posted something actually helpfull or on topic. The bad posts maybe even make some think twice about starting a thread of their own about their Fiero, or a mod, or an idea which is sad because all of those and more is what this forum is all about after all.
I realize that this idea may then slow down the rating system a bit in the negatives department as less and less negative and insulting posts would probably be posted as people could in effect self moderate their own threads a bit anyway, but isn't keeping this place calm and so more informative posts can be made what we really want here anyway? I don't think anyone is going to want to argue that they truly want the ability to start fights or help keep them going?

Just an idea on the moderator subject.
BTW: I like many of the other ideas. Keep 'em coming

[This message has been edited by Fiero5 (edited 07-08-2004).]

quote Originally posted by ryan.hess: OOH! I love that idea! Make putting a reason down manditory, and have it visible... I wanna see why I got a negative...

YES! Show the reasons But not who from

[This message has been edited by CoryFiero (edited 07-08-2004).]

One thing I would like to see changed is the reply to post it is annoying that you type a reply to a post and you forget something and hit the back button only to come back and have everything disappear ,could you rectify this Cliff ?.

quote Originally posted by Blacktree: Since the idea of splitting the Tech section seems to be pretty popular, how about this: 1) Stockers -- Maintenance, repairs, and restoration of stock or mostly-stock Fieros, including general tech talk 2) Motorheads -- Engine tweaking/tuning, engine/tranny swaps, and drag racing 3) Turismos -- Suspension/brake/chassis mods and upgrades, plus autocross and road racing 4) Modders -- Body swaps/mods, interior swaps/mods, custom lights, custom wheels, and show prep The titles probably don't fit the style of the forum, but you get the idea.

I like this suggestion!

I like the way the Forum is organized.

If I see a particular thread I want to follow, I bookmark it.

When I NEED info on a particular subject, the search function is what really matters. I'd just like a disclaimer at top that says "SEARCH FIRST, ASK QUESTIONS LATER."

I've seen many of the same questions asked repeatedly, and the answer is SEARCH. A FAQ won't solve this.

quote Originally posted by Phil-N: Could we have a corner for the Fiero drivers who do NOT want to modify anything? A restoration section would be, as far as I can tell, the only true restoration forum anywhere on the net...and I have looked plenty. Engine and body mods info abounds, but if anyone wants to put their car back exactly like it was when new, the specs are just about non-existent. I'm talking about underhood placards, correct color and printing for spark plug wires by year, correct color for mechanical components if they were painted, etc. If you want this kind of detail for Camaros and Mustangs, it's easily available, but if you'd like to keep your Fiero true to its origins, the most you can expect is a shrug and an "I don't know". There must be some resto gurus on here, and their input would be valuable to everyone.

I'll second this, as the info really is just about non-existant (on the web anyway). That and a FAQ. I can't count the number of times someone has started a thread on possible engine swaps, this swap vs another, what engines came in the cars, and what years they were made, etc.

quote Originally posted by Blacktree: Since the idea of splitting the Tech section seems to be pretty popular, how about this: 1) Stockers -- Maintenance, repairs, and restoration of stock or mostly-stock Fieros, including general tech talk 2) Motorheads -- Engine tweaking/tuning, engine/tranny swaps, and drag racing 3) Turismos -- Suspension/brake/chassis mods and upgrades, plus autocross and road racing 4) Modders -- Body swaps/mods, interior swaps/mods, custom lights, custom wheels, and show prep The titles probably don't fit the style of the forum, but you get the idea.

Engine
Suspension
Bodywork
Interior

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fourpoint9
87 notchback 4.9L swap in progress

I think technical should be more broken up.

Suspension
Engines 60 degree, 90 degree, V8 etc.

just needs to be broke down a little more http://clubgp.com/newforum might give you a few more ideas, but so far so good

I kind of like this idea lets you follow up what you post, sometimes I can't check the forum and I have a problem finding my posts http://www.clubgp.com/newforum/showprofile.asp?memid=18884

any thing you do will probably work

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quote Originally posted by Phil-N: Could we have a corner for the Fiero drivers who do NOT want to modify anything? A restoration section would be, as far as I can tell, the only true restoration forum anywhere on the net...and I have looked plenty. Engine and body mods info abounds, but if anyone wants to put their car back exactly like it was when new, the specs are just about non-existent. I'm talking about underhood placards, correct color and printing for spark plug wires by year, correct color for mechanical components if they were painted, etc. If you want this kind of detail for Camaros and Mustangs, it's easily available, but if you'd like to keep your Fiero true to its origins, the most you can expect is a shrug and an "I don't know". There must be some resto gurus on here, and their input would be valuable to everyone.

I am for this idea. Keeping a stock Fiero is hard work, a section for this is needed (IMO). Many good ideas listed in this thread.

I also like the idea of splitting the tech into sections. But not more than a few. I'd be perfectly happy with a technical, and an engine swap section. I like the variety in tech as it is now. reading about suspension after suspension after suspension would be like listening to the same cd over and over. Sometimes listening to the radio is nice.
Also, I'm worried that if there's a bunch of sections, people might tend to ignore one, and focus on another anyway. The way it is, everyone looks at at least your suspension thread title. Furthermore, breaking up the tech section will more than likely cause the forum on the tech side to be more dead. there might be the same number of posts, but they'd be distributed differently, which means less coverage.

So, break it up, but not too much (suspension, engine, different engine, interior, exterior, tires, blah, etc.)

quote Originally posted by Master Tuner Akimoto: One thing I would like to see changed is the reply to post it is annoying that you type a reply to a post and you forget something and hit the back button only to come back and have everything disappear ,could you rectify this Cliff ?.

Cliff already has this taken care of. When you're in the "reply window," there is another smaller window below that contains the entire thread. So if you forget something as you're typing a reply, you can see the whole thread from there.

I think the forum needs a new moderator instead of that wierd Euro guy

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Personally, I like it exactly the way it is.

Splitting the tech section into three major parts would be good. just:

Mechanical
Suspension
Body

IF anything, the one thing id like to see changed is the "search" function. It isnt very good IMO. You could know the exact title of a thread, type it in and it gets rejected because one word it to common or something. You go through this several times and before you know if your 8 word title is down to 2 word with 200 matches found in which none of them are the thread you wanted. Also it searches for part words. dunno how to explain it well, but like if you have the word "the" in your search, itll pull up matches of words that have "the" in them like THEater, THEse, THEm. (bad examples but you get the point)

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Carbed 2.9 engine build in progress. forged pistons, crane cam, fully balanced, ARP bolts, double roller timing chain and more
--Adam--
IM AOL: FieroGT5speed

LOL

quote Originally posted by AusFiero: I think the forum needs a new moderator instead of that wierd Euro guy

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'86 Fiero GT

www.KylesFiero.tk www.XoticRydz.tk

Maybe a seperate section for Events? For all the chit-chat about upcoming, and past, events?

I have heard the need for a better search engine but don't know enough to suggest anything that would fix it..

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still plays with cars..