Maybe a new forum...?

[saumon]

Hi everyone,<br /><br />first, let me thank you for all the precious informations and time you all gave us.<br /><br />When i look at all the forums in the "Repair and Maintenance" section, i could see that a lot of the threads in each of them were from people looking for the year of their engine.<br /><br />Maybe it could be nice to create a "Date your engine" forum?<br /><br />Just an idea...<br /><br />Bye<br />Steve

 

[llfish]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

Sounds like a good idea. Or maybe place a hot button to the link that has the information on dating an engine.

 

[lawyertob]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

Hmmm...or maybe just better instructions on how to search so that people can read one of the hundreds of posts that already explain how to determine the year of their engine.<br /><br />Seriously, there almost needs to be a part of registration that explains forum etiquette and how to search first, etc....complete with a test to prove that you read it before people are allowed to post.<br /><br />Just my $0.02 worth,<br />Joe

 

[llfish]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

Joe, I hope the powers to be read your post Great idea!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

I'm also with Joe. Many if not most questions posted here have been asked and answered scores of times. Often I get tired of responding "Go to the red Search at the top of the page and enter" - - - " as a search argument. I'm sure some posters get frustrated when no one responds promptly to their problem without realizing that they could quickly get the answer themselves.

 

[wtrojan]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

Well, there is already the “what year is my motor?” topic in the Engines FAQs forum. <br />Links cover most of the cases. Though a button or link to that thread could prove useful for new users.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

I think alot of people feel more "Involved" by posting, and I think they learn more specifics as well, vs. just using the "search", which is great, but sometimes it's better to get more one on one.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

Yep, gives the new (sometimes shy) guy/gal a way to start a conversation. An icebreaker so to speak...

 

[prolinews]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

It would answer alot of my questions I always seem to have a powerhead that doesn't match the mid section In fact I have a collection of powerheads I'm not sure of the year close but not exact . I have a v/6 merc that is driving me nuts.

 

[DJ]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

proline wrote:<br /><br />

I have a v/6 merc that is driving me nuts.

Most of them do. Ha ha, couldn't resist. <br /><br />I think that most folks posting an "identifier" question always have more questions that are related. I see the identifier as an icebreaker.

 

[lawyertob]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

Originally posted by Dhadley:<br /> Yep, gives the new (sometimes shy) guy/gal a way to start a conversation. An icebreaker so to speak...

I don't want to sound like I am arguing with Dhadley or DJ in any way, shape, or form. . . I can see how the identifier question could be used as an ice breaker; however, I also think that the poster would get more respect if he had at least shown the initiative to have searched first. Granted, there are many questions that aren't answered fully by searching...but engine identification has definitely been covered.<br /><br />Okay, here is my idea for at least exposing users to the search function... As part of the registration process, forum etiquette and the search function should be explained...then the new user should have to actually USE the search function to find some key/code/button/idunnowhat in order to complete registration. For instance they could be directed to search for a search term like "activation code" and that search should turn up a posting that would contain said code. Of course the mods might have to trim all the extra postings that would have "activation code" somewhere within them. It might not even be something that is possible with the software. <br /><br />At the very least maybe we should have a post that contains the etiquette, searching, the infamous "how do I put a picture on here" and the ever popular "how do I put one of the picture thingies by my name (avatars, of course)." It would be a simple matter to keep that message bumped up somewhere near the top all the time...I think the mods even have a way to keep it at the top all the time. Speaking of mods, I wonder what JB thinks about all this... <br /><br />Just another $0.02 worth,<br />Joe

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Maybe a new forum...?

I agree about the posting of pics and avatars. But I would bet that if someone seeks out this board and is wanting to know what year his motor is, there's a reason. Maybe hes buying the motor. Maybe he needs to order a part. But he needs the info rather quickly. If hes in that much of a hurry he may not want to spend the time to search. Maybe he cant spend the time. If he gets his answer then he's likely to come back and spend the time when he can.<br /><br />At any rate I think the "icebreaker" gives the new member a chance to start participating. And whoever answers has a chance to;<br />1- Welcome the new member<br />2- Answer the simplest of questions<br />3- Start a dialog, which prompts more participation. Perhaps from another new member.<br /><br />Searching other peoples posts or some "required reading" really doesnt make a person feel like he's participating. After all your 1979 115 Bussthissle might be different than my 1979 115 Bussthissle because I really have a 1976.<br /><br />Plus, if hes looking to verify the year and exact model, hes not sure of what he's dealing with to start with. So he might be searching for the wrong data altogether. I'll bet most folks do indeed search and read quite a bit before they write. I did.