Poll !!! Streamline...Adjust...or leave it be.

[athawk11]

The area I am working on now is to try and reduce the redundancy created by multiple places for FAQs, technical questions and advice.  I have already redistributed topics under one FAQ area, then eliminated that board.  Now we come to the bigger chore.

I did some minor re-labeling to the original categories "Tech Talk" and "Modifications".
   
I personally prefer we keep the "modifications from original" separated from the "stock/original" conversations.  I think this helps the newer members and participants find what they want a bit easier. 

Explanation/Clarification on the new Pole: 

Option 1 in the poll would redistribute all the specific FAQ topics currently listed under Body Trim Chassis Brakes, etc  to either the Stock Tech or Modifications Tech.  We would then eliminate the individual FAQ categories.

Option 2 would move all the topics currently under the Stock Tech and Mod Tech sections, to the appropriate individual Body Trim, Chassis Brakes Engine Compartment, etc. categories.  We would then eliminate the Stock and Mod categories.

Option 3 is self explanatory.

Option 4 per the request from aboyandhisdog.  This option would offer both the "Original Standard/Stock" and "Modified Tech" sections a group of split options to include Body Trim, Chassis Brakes, Engine Compartment, etc.. 

This poll is set up to show you the results after you have voted.  You can change your vote.  It will stay active for 7 days.  If you have any questions, or want me to add some additional poll options, let me know.   

 

[aboyandhisdog]

Hey Tim, I can't find the poll.  Where be it?

edit:  *, right in front of my face!  I was looking in more obscure areas...nevermind!

[Rus Curtis]

The choices are difficult.

keep the "modifications from original" separated from the "stock/original" conversations

I agree with this. 

But, sometimes looking for specific threads, it may be easier to go to the individual category, i.e. Body, Brakes, etc. (I suppose this could be accomplished in some way by putting that info in the title).  I don't know.

I also wonder if other options may present themselves as you computer savvy dudes get more comfortable and aware of the boards' mechanics.

Since I have a short time exposure to y'alls board, I will ignorantly vote to leave as is ( for now). 

EDIT:  I've now read and thought more about the options and I've changed my vote!

[oldtime]

I personally prefer we keep the "modifications from original" separated from the "stock/original" conversations.  I think this helps the newer members and participants find what they want a bit easier.

I definitely agree  that we keep the standard and factory options separate from modifications.

The often abused term "stock" really does not mean "standard".
The term Stock merely implies. the goods or merchandise kept on the premises of a business or warehouse and available for sale or distribution.
I think the categories should be 1) Standard and Optional vs. 2) Modifications.

I vote option #1 that we only need the 2 above categories because the other current groupings (Body Trim Chassis Brakes, etc.) are merely a counterfeit of the Willys Group Index .

[aboyandhisdog]

I might propose another option.  It will produce more sections, but may separate the "stock" stuff from the "modified" while allowing for clarity to users.

Eliminate the current  TECH FAQ section and eliminate the current "3A, 3B, DJ, TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE BASE" section.

 And, then replace them with a "STOCK" category, with the subsections of 1) Body, Trim,  2)Chassie, brakes, suspension, etc  3)Electrical,  4) Engine compartment,  5)Gearbox, axles,  6)  Everything else, 
and a "MODIFIED" category, also with the subsections of 1) Body, Trim,  2)Chassie, brakes, suspension, etc  3)Electrical,  4) Engine compartment,  5)Gearbox, axles,  6)  Everything else.

This might eliminate confusion as to where to post and find info.  You want info on a Carter WO, you go to "STOCK" section subsection "engine compartment".   You want info on a Solex, you go to the "MODIFICATION" section, subsection "engine compartment".

  Now, it may confuse folks who don't really know if what they have is stock or a mod, so there's that.  But I believe most could figure it out in time. 

One other comment: the "FOR SALE / WANTED" SECTION...the stuff in there right now, well, you don't know if the item is for sale, or wanted unless you click on the item and read the ad.  I don't think that is very user friendly.

[athawk11]

Hi Tom,
The poll is at the top of this thread.  It's not super highlighted, but you should be able to see it.  I did add your request to the options you can pick.

[athawk11]

Oldtime,
We can certainly label the categories to better represent.  Standard and Original may be a better word choices than "Stock".  Initially, I was just trying to distinctly clarify the differences between the two categories.

[SteveKfl]

At "what point" is it NOT STOCK and/or NOT STANDARD and/or NOT ORIGINAL to determine 'where the post belongs'?  Is it a part, a percentage of parts? or what about safety upgrades?  or materials for seats? or tire sizes/rims? or non-standard/stock/original paint and/or colors?  Then there's...  is it a STANDARD/STOCK/ORIGINAL... CJ3A, CJ3B, or DJ3A as "separations"   Or L-Head vs F-head?  Is it being over-thought?  Is the "title of the section" the priority, or the content of the conversations?  I'll be lucky to have somewhere to go read Willys info with my morning coffee whatever is decided...  Thanks for all your time and efforts.  This must be a big headache to administer with such a varied group now.  Good Luck!     

[SteveKfl]

A lot of contraband inserts in the poll, or... there's some cursing going on...   lol

[athawk11]

Steve,
You have hit on the complexity of the task.  The judgement one way or the other would be difficult on many topics.  Some topics would be quite simple to move.  The chore would fall on the admin that is willing to put in the time and willing to make the choices. 

It's not something I am adamant about doing, but one of the consistent topics of discussion from the 3B DJ group was that we have too many boards/categories.  The original 3A group is pretty easy going, and thus is more than willing to compromise on stuff like this.

Ultimately, we are all now the 3A 3B DJ group and we will try to make this a place where everyone can learn, have some fun and offer assistance to those that need it. 

[SteveKfl]

Whatever admin decides is fine by me.  As long as the flags for "unread" show up, and one stays "current", it is so far easy to see new conversations.  My only problem was with the recent conversion, "every topic went to unread status".  I hope that doesn't happen with new changes.  Thanks for allowing new folks and opinions in to the Willys CJ3A group.  Much appreciated!!!

[johnrb3b]

Whatever we finally decide on, the problem will still be for the poster to determine where to place his post.
On the 3B forum we tried to use the Willys Index and that pretty much failed.
On the old Folbot forum where I was an admin, we had the same problem. We tried to encourage people to place a useful, ie. informative, subject title on their post so the search engine could easily find all posts on a given subject.

But people would use different names for the same part or they would post useful titles like, "Need Help".
The Willys Index should solve the problem of names for parts, but it didn't work on the 3B forum because all too many posters didn't use it.

I would wish that all posters would use informative post titles, including which model and at least the correct category such that the search engine has a fighting chance.

I've found that on most forums, people don't use the search engine because it fails to find all the useful info on the forum. This is actually a labeling problem. Search engines are pretty stupid and literal. If the word you want isn't in a post the search engine won't find what you want.

Keep in mind that whatever we decide, it can always be refined as we grow. We're a pretty creative group. As people come up with ideas, we can try them. If they work, keep 'em. If they don't, try something else.

[Rus Curtis]

.....people don't use the search engine because it fails to find all the useful info on the forum. This is actually a labeling problem......

....whatever we decide, it can always be refined as we grow. We're a pretty creative group. As people come up with ideas, we can try them. If they work, keep 'em. If they don't, try something else.

I think john has more effectively illustrated what I've been trying to say (within multiple threads) - this may be most effective as a process. 

[oldtime]

We can certainly label the categories to better represent.  Standard and Original may be a better word choices than "Stock".  Initially, I was just trying to distinctly clarify the differences between the two categories.

Not trying to be a stickler, just thinking we may avoid future problems by eliminating slang and uncertain terms.

At "what point" is it NOT STOCK and/or NOT STANDARD and/or NOT ORIGINAL to determine 'where the post belongs'?

Jeep provided a publication each year titled  "SERVICE STANDARDS".
It provides details for both Standard and Optional component assembles used on each Jeep model.
Example: 1950 CJ-3A has a Dana 41 rear axle assembly while the 1951 CJ-3A uses a D44 axle assembly.

  Then there's...  is it a STANDARD/STOCK/ORIGINAL...

The term STOCK merely implies a part or component that is stockpiled.
Such as NEW OLD STOCK (NOS) items and OEM STOCK.

There are 4 classes of Jeeps.
1) STANDARD /OPTIONAL JEEPS (Assembled from standard and may include factory optional stock)
2) TRANS- VINTAGE JEEPS (Example: A 1950 CJ3A having a Dana 44 rear axle assembly)
3) TRANS-MODEL JEEPS (Example: A 1950 CJ-3A having a Hurricane engine)
4) TRANS-MAKE JEEPS (Example: A 1950 CJ-3A having Ford Pinto engine which means it contains non Jeep parts)

Whatever we finally decide on, the problem will still be for the poster to determine where to place his post.On the 3B forum we tried to use the Willys Index and that pretty much failed.

Exactly ! As I see it we basically have 2 choices for searching old threads
1) Complete control of the categories by mandating Willys Group Index (WGI) or..
2) Clarify/Simplify the categories and let the search engine sort it out.

Problems with WGI...
None of the existing posts were ever categorized by the WGI
Likely that an admin must make sure topics are in correct category.
Worse yet .. Often times topic starts off with an exhaust leak and ends up with bad connect rod bearings.

At this point I really believe we should keep the forum much as it is with a few simple changes.

Category 1 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Board 1 Announcements and and Board 2 Website feedback can possibly be merged into a single board
I see little difference between those 2 boards.

Category 2 HOW TO JOIN 

No changes.

Category 3 3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base
 
Divide this category into 3 boards, one board for each model.
CJ-3A STANDARD /OPTIONAL
CJ-3B STANDARD /OPTIONAL
DJ-3A STANDARD /OPTIONAL

Possibly add another Board to cover modifications to all models
All MODIFICATIONS

or create a child board for each model
CJ-3A MODIFICATIONS from standard
CJ-3B MODIFICATIONS from standard
DJ-3A MODIFICATIONS from standard



Category 4 TECH FAQ SECTIONS

Eliminate this category and fit into to the Technical Knowledge Base

Category 5 Your Projects

Eliminate the board for Non Jeep Projects

Catergory 6 Rambling, Malarky, Rants, Etc.



Category 7 Classifieds Ads

Change Board from "For Sale, Wanted"... to "JEEP Related BUY/SELL/ TRADE"

Category 8 Clubs and Events

Change to..

UPCOMING EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
International Flat Fender Club (IFFC)
with child board for Other Jeep Clubs

KEN

[athawk11]

Bump...

Please take part in our poll.  We are trying to come to a consensus on how we reorganize and consolidate some of the boards here at the 3A, 3B, DJ Forum.