EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

[hondon]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

For those of us old timers that can still remember the days when you could post your topic,and not have it roll over for at least a day,this new format could be a breath of fresh air.The way things were going ,it became hard for the posters to keep up and hard for the postees to keep track.Alot of information shared.This sounds like a good idea and steamlines thing immensely.

 

[JB]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

^

 

[moderator1]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

^

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

This change was needed. Good move.

 

[roscoe]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

Seems like most(not all) of the people liking this have relatively new posts. <br /><br />Personally, I think members are going to miss out on tons and tons of valuable information, because they don't have to read all the other topics that are posted. <br /><br />Also, confusion on where to post. If they don't know what the problem is, how do they know if it is a general outboard or specific brand topic?<br /><br />Many first time users had a difficult time in posting to the correct forum before, now it will be more confusing for them.<br /><br />Example: Look how many people couldn't find the drop down menu to locate the other forums, in the past.<br /><br />Maybe the drop down menu should be at the top of the page.<br /><br />Also, instead of being labeled "HOP TO" ,<br />it could be labeled " Select Proper Forum Here".<br /><br />We will be seeing many more topics posted in the wrong forum, and many more moved to the right forum, and many more members that can't find the answers to their questions. Resulting in more duplicate posts of the same question.<br /><br />This forum has to cater to and simplify things for the new member/visitor in order to get them to return. Very simple marketing. Ease of use is number one in todays fast paced click the mouse world we live in. <br /><br />A positive first experience is key in getting them to return, and returning members are much more likely to make the iboats purchases that keep the big wheel turning.<br /><br />It would also be better if all the links and tabs at the top of the page, would open in a new window. And the "Fake" drop down menu for the custom covers, is the kind of thing that people don't like. <br /><br />Still reserving my final opinion on new forums setup.

 

[zj-jeepster]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

I mightt get flamed for this but I think the "general outboard discussion" should be archived and then the link to "general outboard discussion" should be completely removed. People could still search the archives but only post in the brand specific areas.

 

[MurdockJr]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

I agree with Roscoe. Well said

 

[roscoe]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

Good idea zj.<br />MurdockJr, got water? How are the launches in the area? or around Green Bay?

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

I commend Admin for the change, and being a relatively new member i think that the new and old members will like this better, if they get used to it. Now if I am having a problem with my Johnson, I can come in and go right to where I can expect to accomplish something, without having too weed through a lot of stuff I am not interested in at the moment.

 

[JB]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

^

 

[millerpdt]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

good choice admin. maybe the regulars will have a problem, but for normal new boaters like me it will make things alot easier. don't get me wrong guys, this forum is AWESOME. you folks have helped me immensely, but narrowing it down is even better. you can't please everyone, that is the price we pay. hehehe. good job guys keep up the good work. mules

 

[sharkcat]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

I agree Roscoe.You are more eloquent than I.I have a question for the gurus are they going to read & reply to the posts in the sections that arent their speciality?I think not...The only people that this change will help is those that didnt know how to do a search & find their post or were to impatient to look thru a couple of pages...& to be quite honest they probably wont be able to find the correct forum anyway.Which will result in more work for the moderators,more frustration for the users.

 

[zj-jeepster]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

I still think the search function is all important thus "general outboard discussion" can be archived and eliminated from the list. People can still search their particular questions in the archives if they choose to. True, the guru's with multi brand experience will have a harder time helping people but I think they'll just get used to it

 

[andrewi]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

How about a category for pontoon boats, or did I miss it.

 

[moderator1]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

Pontoons are handled in the Boat section.

 

[Bear]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

"True, the guru's with multi brand experience will have a harder time helping people but I think they'll just get used to it"<br /><br />We had this discussion about a year ago(?) and Admin5 decided against it. Now it is a fact.<br />So the "gurus" will have a harder time to help people. A few days ago all questions where at the same place. Now the q's are all over the place. I'm against it. I'll try to find my questions, but it was easier before.<br /><br />As I see it the people who are willing to help others for free/fun have got to go more places, the members who have a question will post in the wrong section time after time. More posts to move... <br /><br />The Mercury/Mariner answer: check for spark and gas. <br />The Evinrude/Johnson answer: check for spark and gas.<br />The Yamaha/Suzuki answer: check for spark and gas.<br />The Tohatsu/Nissan answer: check for spark and gas.<br />The Chrysler/Force answer: check for spark and gas.<br />The Others answer: check for spark and gas.<br /><br />Fuel pump? Squeeze the bulb and see if she picks up. (All brands.)<br />Cooling? Check tell tale, change the impeller, get a manual (link below), thermostat and so on. (All brands.)<br /><br />Maybe it will work after a while. I just can't see the point. Yet.<br /><br />No I'm not grumpy. No I don't think I'm a guru. Not at all. <br />I just don't get it. <br /><br />There is a bigger difference between a four cycle vs a two cycle outboard than between a Mercury 70 hp vs a Evinrude 70 hp. Why not just a four stroke outboars repair forum and one for two cycle ouboards? <br />Still check for spark, gas, cooling etc.<br /><br />But then again - there is a lot of members who know stuff and can answer all these questions where ever the questions are. <br /><br />I'm just trying to help. I'm learning a lot at while I'm here. Most of us do.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

I liked it the old way (not with separate brands). I pop in just for a second (I'm at work) & answer something if I feel like I have a good shot at it. I won't have time to hit several boards. I'm certainly not a 'guru' but do post with some quantity if not quality.

 

[JB]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

Hi, Bear and Ledgefinder.<br /><br />I appreciate your concern. <br /><br />We set out to find a way to have fora that did not run to 3-5 PAGES a day. Posts were getting repeated and repeated because people thought their original posts were lost.<br /><br />Moderators and many helpers read almost every post. When you have a couple of hundred to read you tend to skip many that you would have otherwise responded to, or you get short with the poster because you feel pressured.<br /><br />Posters who don't know how to use the Forum are still, and will always be, with us. We will have to edit, relocate and even delete posts. That is not new.<br /><br />As a moderator, nothing is new except the confusion due to change. As a helper I find it much less stressful to go through posts a dozen or so at a time, rather than by the hundreds.<br /><br />We could have used any of several ways to break down the Menu into more Fora. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. We debated and argued, then chose to segregate by brands. <br /><br />If it doesn't work, we can change it again but please give it a chance to work for the majority of users. . . .the guys who need advice and help.<br /><br />Thanks for your input.

 

[rolmops]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

Change is good.

 

[Bear]

Re: EVERYONE-PLEASE READ!!

Hi JB! <br /><br />This is how I see it:<br /><br />"We set out to find a way to have fora that did not run to 3-5 PAGES a day. Posts were getting repeated and repeated because people thought their original posts were lost."<br /><br />3-5 pages a day, easy to find, easy to follow. I read them all. Or nearly all. I know how this works and I know that new members not always post where they are supposed to. That is where the moderators come in, right? (Not have to, but it will sure help the poster to get some decent answers if you moderators move it to the proper section.)<br /><br />"Moderators and many helpers read almost every post."<br /><br />Yes. <br /><br />"When you have a couple of hundred to read you tend to skip many that you would have otherwise responded to, or you get short with the poster because you feel pressured."<br /><br />Yes, probably. Do you have to read them all? And reply to them all or most of them? Take it easy JB. There is a lot of people who can contribute if you feel pressured. Meant in a friendly way. No sarcasm or so.<br /><br />"Posters who don't know how to use the Forum are still, and will always be, with us. We will have to edit, relocate and even delete posts. That is not new."<br /><br />No it isn't. And getting worse now I guess.<br /><br />"As a moderator, nothing is new except the confusion due to change. As a helper I find it much less stressful to go through posts a dozen or so at a time, rather than by the hundreds."<br /><br />Yes, but that is depending on how you spend your time. The total number of posts is the same.<br /><br />"We could have used any of several ways to break down the Menu into more Fora. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. We debated and argued, then chose to segregate by brands." <br /><br />I know you had thoght about it for some time before you decided to go this way. That doesn't mean I'll accept it just like that. <br /><br />"If it doesn't work, we can change it again but please give it a chance to work for the majority of users. . . .the guys who need advice and help."<br /><br />The majority IS my concern. I'm glad there might be a way to go back. I'm also concerned of the moderators. AND all these people who put their .02 or more to help others. I'll give it a chance.<br /><br />We can't argue about it. Let's just see in a few weeks or months if it was the right move. (The majority again.) I have said my piece. <br /><br />Keep up the good work JB!