My thoughts on Forum Changes and Improvements. What do you think?

***system admin*** · 10-18-2011, 09:13 AM

What about the following:

-Improve Speed of forum

-Find a reputation system that ONLY gives reputation to a member when OTHER members "Like" a post the member left? The amount of reputation gives you NO other powers and does not make your vote better or more powerful than any other member, but it will show other members that the member is productive and produces good posts?

-Allow talking about sources, but NOT allow any sort of source posting, source spamming, or ANYTHING about a source openly other than quality, reputation, and questions about the brand. This will NOT allow discussing prices, delivery times, etc... (I think our rule about not talking about sources has been GREAT for the forum, BUT I also think it is time to start being realistic and allowing people to talk about the different sources (as long as its within reason **rules to be determined**). Most boards are either open source or have grown over the years SIMPLY because WE DONT allow it and members go elsewhere to discuss this topic.

-MORE STAFF to enforce a positive inviroment as well as the rules. It will become a bit more work if we allow discussion of sources and the rules will have to be strict. NO SOURCING ON THIS FORUM. Basically... if it happens and we dont know about it, we dont know about it. If it happens and we FIND out about it (soliciting, open sourcing, or any other BS) That member is given ONE STRONG warning and is banned if they dont get the hint.

-Improve the Spam filter so that the forum does not moderate legit posts **looking into this now and think its only a program adjustment that needs to be made**

-Ensure that the members here treat everyone with respect. We understand heated discussions, but telling a newbie he is a dumb fuk is stupid. Yelling at him to read the rules is like telling your 2 year old not to piss their pants... it doesnt work. If the member cant be helpful... NO PROBLEM, but DONT post anything to the Newbie at all! (our site gets over 60k unique viewers every day... WE WILL have a shit load of newbies. Its just the way of the world....

-Find some forum leaders to help monitor some of the larger forums.... I still do NOT like the idea of giving members "Power" to moderate posts or other members (for GOOD reasons, from power hungry members, to abuse and misuse.) This will help to keep things moving and they can let the admin know when there is a problem and we can take care of them.

These are my thoughts.... What do you all think?

Bc

**qal92** · 10-18-2011, 09:42 AM

I thought the like idea was great, i was thinking about that a few days ago, most ppl likke facebook, could be a huge hit for us.

**SlimmerMe** · 10-18-2011, 09:49 AM

Agree with all of it except the "like" part. This could potentially create a divide. Lots of games could be played with this IMO.

Looking forward to the other new improvements. Thanks for your insights and desire to keep this forum fabulous.

SM

**Matt** · 10-18-2011, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by system admin

What about the following:

-Improve Speed of forum

Can only make everyones viewing better..

-Find a reputation system that ONLY gives reputation to a member when OTHER members "Like" a post the member left? The amount of reputation gives you NO other powers and does not make your vote better or more powerful than any other member, but it will show other members that the member is productive and produces good posts?

Love this idea and long overdue imo, gives everyone a good idea of who posts good useful information..

-Allow talking about sources, but NOT allow any sort of source posting, source spamming, or ANYTHING about a source openly other than quality, reputation, and questions about the brand. This will NOT allow discussing prices, delivery times, etc... (I think our rule about not talking about sources has been GREAT for the forum, BUT I also think it is time to start being realistic and allowing people to talk about the different sources (as long as its within reason **rules to be determined**). Most boards are either open source or have grown over the years SIMPLY because WE DONT allow it and members go elsewhere to discuss this topic.

Again, great idea imo, but as gbrice said in the other thread, this needs to be monitor very carefully to stop abuse..

-MORE STAFF to enforce a positive inviroment as well as the rules. It will become a bit more work if we allow discussion of sources and the rules will have to be strict. NO SOURCING ON THIS FORUM. Basically... if it happens and we dont know about it, we dont know about it. If it happens and we FIND out about it (soliciting, open sourcing, or any other BS) That member is given ONE STRONG warning and is banned if they dont get the hint.

Another solid move in the right direction...

-Improve the Spam filter so that the forum does not moderate legit posts **looking into this now and think its only a program adjustment that needs to be made**

I hate spam, lmao....

-Ensure that the members here treat everyone with respect. We understand heated discussions, but telling a newbie he is a dumb fuk is stupid. Yelling at him to read the rules is like telling your 2 year old not to piss their pants... it doesnt work. If the member cant be helpful... NO PROBLEM, but DONT post anything to the Newbie at all! (our site gets over 60k unique viewers every day... WE WILL have a shit load of newbies. Its just the way of the world....

This is so important imo, we all started somewhere and unless we treat new members with respect we'll never increase numbers and imo those that talk to new members in this way have no place here..

-Find some forum leaders to help monitor some of the larger forums.... I still do NOT like the idea of giving members "Power" to moderate posts or other members (for GOOD reasons, from power hungry members, to abuse and misuse.) This will help to keep things moving and they can let the admin know when there is a problem and we can take care of them.

Agreed as along as the violations reported are delt with immediately...

These are my thoughts.... What do you all think?

Bc

Looking forward to these changes...

**Times Roman** · 10-18-2011, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by SlimmerMe

Agree with all of it except the "like" part. This could potentially create a divide. Lots of games could be played with this IMO.

Looking forward to the other new improvements. Thanks for your insights and desire to keep this forum fabulous.

SM

I'm not sure SM. If I were to go rogue, and start slamming someone real hard, I'm thinking that if I got 5 "thumbs down" all in the same hour, each from a different member, that should mean something. If we limit a members ability to only allowing a member from rating another member once in a 24 hour period, it would mean that if i'm accumulating some serious negative reps in a short time, something is wrong, and therefore I would need a time out so that I can cool off. A time out would be a short period of time, possibly an hour or two.

Or am I missing something I haven't considered?

**Matt** · 10-18-2011, 10:22 AM

^^ There are always ways of abusing it but we have Admin that can always stop those abusing the system...

***system admin*** · 10-18-2011, 10:25 AM

We have a solution for the "like" abuse. If the staff find that a member or members are abusing the reputation system... they will get a stern warning and if they continue, their reputation points will be "adjusted"

We will NOT have a NEGATIVE reputation system. ONLY positive posts will get positive reputation. You will either HAVE reputation... or you wont because your posts are not productive or liked.

**dec11** · 10-18-2011, 10:30 AM

not so sure on the source thing tbh. ppl will just slate sources in order to promote another source and it will just be the same conundrum as it is on established source boards. no one will be any further forward as far as legitimacy is concerned and it would just be alot of pointless posts imo

**SlimmerMe** · 10-18-2011, 10:32 AM

It all depends on how "like" is set up. Regardless it "could" turn into a popularity contest.

"Like" could also back fire. What happens when someone goes off the deep end with their temper trying to get the OP to listen and then everyone chimes in with a "like" under the bashing post thus encouraging newbies to follow suit. Can't change the stripes of a tiger.

**JohnnyVegas** · 10-18-2011, 10:33 AM

I will give rep for anyone that approves the ideas above.

Plus, rep for anyone that reps me.

I hate rep systems. They seem like a good idea, but without guidance on how members should use them, they are either ignored or misused. I am a member of several car forums where long time, popular members have massive negative rep because they get in the occasional scuffle with other members. THINK OF WHAT THIS WOULD DO TO DEC11...Heh.

***system admin*** · 10-18-2011, 10:34 AM

Staff will be there to handle issues. The purpose is to show newbies who is a helpful poster and who is not. We could just allow STAFF to choose who is helpful and who is not and give a special title.

that may work a whole lot better

**Matt** · 10-18-2011, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by dec11

not so sure on the source thing tbh. ppl will just slate sources in order to promote another source and it will just be the same conundrum as it is on established source boards. no one will be any further forward as far as legitimacy is concerned and it would just be alot of pointless posts imo

Theres no way id let that happen mate, if theres one thing im exceptionally good at its being on top of which ugls are good and which arnt and i know swifto also spends a lot of time reading and researching ugl's, so we'd spot anyone with an agenda from a mile...

And trust me, the only agenda swifto or i have is to make this the best board on the net...

**dec11** · 10-18-2011, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Matt

Theres no way id let that happen mate, if theres one thing im exceptionally good at its being on top of which ugls are good and which arnt and i know swifto also spends a lot of time reading and researching ugl's, so we'd spot anyone with an agenda from a mile...

And trust me, the only agenda swifto or i have is to make this the best board on the net...

would the sourcing be on its own forum rather than saturating the Q&A? if its going to be in Q&A, that would put me off going in there for def, because it would become the major posting topic

**RaginCajun** · 10-18-2011, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by JohnnyVegas

I will give rep for anyone that approves the ideas above.

Plus, rep for anyone that reps me.

I hate rep systems. They seem like a good idea, but without guidance on how members should use them, they are either ignored or misused. I am a member of several car forums where long time, popular members have massive negative rep because they get in the occasional scuffle with other members. THINK OF WHAT THIS WOULD DO TO DEC11...Heh.

hahahaha on the last part! i don't think that would work either. i get the idea, but it would be difficult to implement that type of system without some type of controversy.

**Matt** · 10-18-2011, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by dec11

would the sourcing be on its own forum rather than saturating the Q&A? if its going to be in Q&A, that would put me off going in there for def, because it would become the major posting topic

Thats a good point dec11 and maybe something that Brian/Admin needs to think about, maybe a new forum or keep it in the lounge and picture forums..

**jasc** · 10-18-2011, 10:42 AM

All of the new ideas sound good except the "like/reputation" system... It reminds me of other lesser sites. I've seen other sites affected negatively by this as people figure out ways to exploit the system or feel the need to have a strong rep # n begin things like trading pts or starting other accts to improve their primary acct.
I agree that it would be beneficial to be able to gauge a members credibilty, that way new members would have an idea of who provides solid information, but I don't think this is it.
It kind of runs along the same basis as 45days/100 posts for a source check. In theory its good, but as a result people just post any crap they can to raise their post count.

**SlimmerMe** · 10-18-2011, 10:42 AM

Think of this. The unregistered lurkers get their info re: ugls without hanging around with a dangling carrot to get their post count up to find out. Kinda a catch 22.

**Matt** · 10-18-2011, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by system admin

Staff will be there to handle issues. The purpose is to show newbies who is a helpful poster and who is not. We could just allow STAFF to choose who is helpful and who is not and give a special title.

that may work a whole lot better

This imo would be the way to go, when all this is done we should have enough active staff to be in every forum 24/7 and give reps when there earned, and if staff abuse this or are unfair with it then get rid...

**gixxerboy1** · 10-18-2011, 10:44 AM

i like all the changes.
I think the source section should be on its own. And maybe make it like pm's you dont have access until so many days as a member

**qal92** · 10-18-2011, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by gixxerboy1

i like all the changes.
I think the source section should be on its own. And maybe make it like pm's you dont have access until so many days as a member

maybe even so many quality posts too? so they just dont come and put up 50 worthless post just to get a source

**Matt** · 10-18-2011, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by qal92

maybe even so many quality posts too? so they just dont come and put up 50 worthless post just to get a source

How about a vip section??

**gixxerboy1** · 10-18-2011, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by Matt

How about a vip section??

there is one. You didnt qualify

i agree i like the idea of the vip section

**SlimmerMe** · 10-18-2011, 10:55 AM

VIP is a great carrot.

**qal92** · 10-18-2011, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Matt

How about a vip section??

check

**dec11** · 10-18-2011, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Matt

Thats a good point dec11 and maybe something that Brian/Admin needs to think about, maybe a new forum or keep it in the lounge and picture forums..

good idea, to those of us that have local sources it would be very off putting to see Q&A become a sourcing point rather than steroid Q&A's

**dec11** · 10-18-2011, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by Matt

How about a vip section??

yep, i'll do the door if yous want

**qal92** · 10-18-2011, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by dec11

yep, i'll do the door if yous want

Since its a VIP section, ill run the bar

**Matt** · 10-18-2011, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by gixxerboy1

there is one. You didnt qualify

i agree i like the idea of the vip section

I knew your fvckers kept leaving me to go somewhere lol....

BG · 10-18-2011, 11:06 AM

They all seem like good ideas.

A VIP section for members that are granted access from staff would be good. That's where the source talk could go on without the general public seeing it. Would help keep members around and make themstrive to be a bigger part of the board.

**marcus300** · 10-18-2011, 11:14 AM

All good points, agreed.

**Swifto** · 10-18-2011, 11:26 AM

If we have a VIP section it should only be for members with a certain reputation level? Also not available to guests.

I like the changes and support them 100%.

**JohnnyVegas** · 10-18-2011, 11:32 AM

Adding any sort of sourcing info to this site seems like a BAD idea. I am not super anonymous...I have posted pics of my car, which is rare and highly trackable. Regardless, I assume my IP address alone would be trackable. If this became a source board, I would be gone. This may sound paranoid, but I don't want this place to become offensive to law enforcement while it has any information about me on it. This forum is high-profile enough, and if it became a place where illegal activity was out in the open it would be exposed to more risk.

**Swifto** · 10-18-2011, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by JohnnyVegas

Adding any sort of sourcing info to this site seems like a BAD idea. I am not super anonymous...I have posted pics of my car, which is rare and highly trackable. Regardless, I assume my IP address alone would be trackable. If this became a source board, I would be gone. This may sound paranoid, but I don't want this place to become offensive to law enforcement while it has any information about me on it. This forum is high-profile enough, and if it became a place where illegal activity was out in the open it would be exposed to more risk.

Its not illegal to discuss a steroid source on the internet. LE dont go after long steroid user's, they go after dealers and the big fish. I wouldnt worry.

Plent of members post on open source boards and they get more heat than this place.

If your concerned, get a proxy and change your screename.

**rockinred** · 10-18-2011, 11:55 AM

Wow, sounds awesome!! Looking forward to it.

**jasc** · 10-18-2011, 12:20 PM

What about splitting up the Q&A in to 2 seperate forums? Beginner and Advanced?
I have only been here a few months and have found myself spending less time in the Q&A and more time in the lounge lately. The Q&A is 90% beginners asking the same few questions 20 times a day. After you have a basic knowledge of use, most of the threads are irrelevant. I think many regular members would spend considerably more time in the Q&A if they didn't have to scroll through multiple pages just to find a post of interest.

**Matt** · 10-18-2011, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by JohnnyVegas

Adding any sort of sourcing info to this site seems like a BAD idea. I am not super anonymous...I have posted pics of my car, which is rare and highly trackable. Regardless, I assume my IP address alone would be trackable. If this became a source board, I would be gone. This may sound paranoid, but I don't want this place to become offensive to law enforcement while it has any information about me on it. This forum is high-profile enough, and if it became a place where illegal activity was out in the open it would be exposed to more risk.

No has said this board will become a source board period...

However i think its a great idea to have a private/vip forum where members can discuss their sources, quality of gear, reliability ect, we need to implement these types of things to move forward....

**jasc** · 10-18-2011, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by Matt

No has said this board will become a source board period...

However i think its a great idea to have a private/vip forum where members can discuss their sources, quality of gear, reliability ect, we need to implement these types of things to move forward....

x2

As long as there was a way to control who had access to this it would be a great benefit to the board. Being able to share info about reliability and quality would help many members to make more informed decisions. As long as noone had an agenda, the opinions/satisfaction of many would be much more beneficial than just a couple pm's from vets.

**jimmyinkedup** · 10-18-2011, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by Matt

No has said this board will become a source board period...

However i think its a great idea to have a private/vip forum where members can discuss their sources, quality of gear, reliability ect, we need to implement these types of things to move forward....

I agree....
Great changes IMO...
Exctiting Stuff....

**scorpion62** · 10-18-2011, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by dec11

good idea, to those of us that have local sources it would be very off putting to see Q&A become a sourcing point rather than steroid Q&A's

I agree with dec you wouldnt want Q&A getting swamped with this, the sources should have its own forum if its getting looked at,as for the rest of the ideas sound good

***system admin*** · 10-18-2011, 01:56 PM

I have an idea that would also keep the conversation about sourcing in one place and can be monitored easier:

When a person hits 50 posts, he will have access to a simi-private forum where you can ask questions **WHILE FOLLOWING ALL RULES** This will not only keep people from posting 3 posts and get into a serious discussion, but it will show that a person is here for more than just a quick membership. The rules would still be quite strict on certain areas, but it will be monitored very closely by our staff and it will be kept in order, or action will be taken.

REPUTATION idea has been swept.... We (the staff) will select members as they become active and supportive of the site and will be given titles (instead of rep points) as one of the following: (dont freak about titles... just an example)

Knowledgeable Member
or
Helpful Member

This will allow all visitors and members to see who has a reputation for being helpful or knowledgeable.

thoughts?

Bc