Sub-forums and the main forum. Input requested.

[Shpyder]

The sub-forums have been an excellent addition to our forum. Not only have they effectively regulated traffic since their implementation, but they have also helped make surfing our E/T/L forums less of a headache and more of a pleasure.

The new system, though working much better than what we had before, is still in it's nascency, however, and could use improvements. I have outlined two major areas where I think we are having the most issues:

1) Confusion as to which sub-forums to use:

Granted, not everything is easily catagorizable, and some things can actually fit into more than one category, so it creates some problems. How about we rename the "Appearance" sub-forum "Non-performance" so that there is less confusion: apparently, the "appearance" name itself gives off an idea of 'body kits only" sort of vibe, whereas "Non-performance" would be slightly more all-encompassing, catering to misc. stuff not related to engine/tranny/support performance and/or maintenence.

2) Main forum:

A long time ago I told you we were thinking about doing something to the main forum. Apparently, the meets/gatherings idea didn't work out too well, since there arent many that get posted. How about we move all the stuff from the "Off-topic" sub-forum into the main forum, and let the main forum become a hangout area, and delete the OT sub-forum? I have thought a lot about what sort of "filler" to use to hole up the vaccum on the main, and OT seems to be the most feasable choice.

Well, what say ye? Give me some suggestions on how to edit/make the sub-forums better (by either additions, deletions, or renaming). Be reasonable and let's keep the number of sub-forums in check: too many sub-forums and things will get messy. And, as always, admin has the final say in the revamping of a forum layout, but I'll do my best to see we get any good changes you guys come up with implemented soon.

-Shpyder

[Blackcrow64]

I agree with renaming the Appearance section to Non-performance. There have been a lot of threads posted in the main area that could go under that subject... I have also been thinking a lot about what should be placed in the main forum as it is too empty now. lol

[gthompson97]

I agree with changing Appearance to NP, and I also think that the off-topic should more or less be the structure of the main forum.

[Blackcrow64]

I don't know if the OT in the main forum is a good idea or bad... It could end up looking pretty cluttered at times and also the newbs might get the impression that everything is posted there instead of using the sub-forums... I just think that it should be utilized for something more than OT.

[E-Klips]

I suggest talking to TS or Mike and have them lock the main forum so people cant post new threads anymore. That way you dont have to worry about moving it.

As far as titles, that would work to but some people might put body kits and stuff in "Performance" due to the fact that people are idiots. What would work nice is to get Non-performance/Apearance for the name. Then even the complete morons couldnt screw up by putting shit elsewhere.

[clipse_thumper]

Originally Posted by Blackcrow64

I don't know if the OT in the main forum is a good idea or bad... It could end up looking pretty cluttered at times and also the newbs might get the impression that everything is posted there instead of using the sub-forums... I just think that it should be utilized for something more than OT.

Blackcrow does have a point with the newbies in the main

[l_eclipse_l]

Delete the main forum. Allow no threads to be posted there, but have the stickey's appear at the top of the page. Under the stickey's should be the sub-forums.

This will do two things. There will be no ugly main forum to glare at, but we will still keep the stickey's easily viewable for newbs so they can read (we hope) before they post into one of the sub-forums. Hopefully it will also keep things orderly and distinguish the "this is where such and such gets posted" area. People will not have the option to post in the main forum, so they will have to think and make a decision which subforum to post in. If it's still not quite right, it can always be moved.

I also like the Appearance/Non-Performance title.

Also, get rid of the "AF Eclipse project car" subforum. Nothing EVER gets posted in it, and the stuff inside that subforum can just be moved to Performance or something as a sticky if everyone still thinks it's useful information. I personally think it can just fall off the face of the website and noone would notice or care because it's so old and was never complete.

[Thor06]

Shpyder, doesnt this belong in the OT forum?

Now that someone brought up locking the main forum, I think that would be the way to go along with changing the appearnce to non performance. If the main forum were OT it would be easier for newbies to post there.

[gthompson97]

I agree with everything _eclipse_ said, except don't just delete the project eclipse, move it out of the subforums and put it underneath the stickies and lock the thread. It's got good info in it so don't delete it, but make it so people can't post stupid shit in it.

[Blackcrow64]

Ya know what should go in the main forum? Project cars, AF meets, and huge/major write-ups.

[ned032002]

I agree about the main forum becoming off topic and deleting the off-topic category.

[Thor06]

Originally Posted by Blackcrow64

Ya know what should go in the main forum? Project cars, AF meets, and huge/major write-ups.

Write ups should get stickied in the correct subforum, AF meets are pretty OT, and a project car thread can be in any forum depending on the nature of the thread. I dont think we should make it over complicated to figure out where to put something...

[NOFX0617]

I like the idea of changing the appearance forum to Non-Performance/Appearance....and I really think it would be a good idea to just lock the main forum....it seems that everything that is posted there gets moved anyway...so may as well make less work for the mods....and we wouldnt have as many people to tell to post in the right sub-forum

[E-Klips]

For those who stated deleting the main forum, that would be a bad idea. We would lose everything anyone ever posted before the subforum was installed. All the important posts that people get when they search.

[sganc4life_4]

I think the main forum should be more of a sticky page, everything covered a billion times already should be on it for people to search through instead of going to the correct subforums and asking the same questions over and over again. I agree with the name change though.

Edit:

Maybe switch the off topic and main forum spots on the list and change main to Important Stickies/Archives or something of this nature.