Autopia 2004 Compass
- Thread starter Bobby G
- Start date
Myles, the single page format has a place. However, as soon as you evolve into a more complex community, it's harder to have all discussions in one room.
I'm glad the majority does not want pics in sigs. It does get pretty old.
Okay... here's a question for you (all)... if you could change/add a rule, what would it be?
db
I'm glad the majority does not want pics in sigs. It does get pretty old.
Okay... here's a question for you (all)... if you could change/add a rule, what would it be?
db
Redcar GUY
New member
I love this place!
PS, no sig pics for this old member as well
PS, no sig pics for this old member as well
imported_Aurora40
New member
jimwh said:
Yes, I agree. Excellent job on this David. I think it is great to have a forum where a person can ask a question directly to a vendor or manufacturer, other people can benefit from that question/answer, and there are no issues with manufacturers spamming other threads with their "opinions" and such. :xyxthumbs
And I agree... No picts in sigs! Sure, you can turn sigs off, but I like seeing them when they are nice and short. I also would say keep the forum PG. I'm not easily offended or anything, but I like that this forum is always so clean.
David,
I was just being a pain in the you know what.
I realise that once the community grows, well, its perfect now.:up
A rule hmmmmmm. Now i know that we have the continuing problem of not using the "search" but i dont think we will ever get that one down to 0%.
The one rule i would have is no abuse of others under any circumstance. But we already have that rule.
Another is to be a open minded as possible on this forum. I say this for i was meguiars struck. But then i discovered S100, and then i discovered Klasse etc etc. In other words dont come on here preaching a brand as your religion, its tiring !!! Im not talking about opinions, more "Klasse rules and P21S SUX" type of stuff.
I was just being a pain in the you know what.
I realise that once the community grows, well, its perfect now.:up
A rule hmmmmmm. Now i know that we have the continuing problem of not using the "search" but i dont think we will ever get that one down to 0%.
The one rule i would have is no abuse of others under any circumstance. But we already have that rule.
Another is to be a open minded as possible on this forum. I say this for i was meguiars struck. But then i discovered S100, and then i discovered Klasse etc etc. In other words dont come on here preaching a brand as your religion, its tiring !!! Im not talking about opinions, more "Klasse rules and P21S SUX" type of stuff.
I'm new to Autopia, having only run into the site a couple of months ago after buying a new car and wanting to take good care of it. I lurk, read, and learn. I'm not a "true Autopian" ... but the good spirit has created a weekly therapy session washing the car and a yearning for a PC A dangerous place to visit!
I participate and follow a number of Internet forums regularly, and I think Autopia is one of the best. There is loads of tutorial content, a passionate yet amazingly civil community, and the best incorporation of for profit/sponsors with community content I've seen (almost always clear which is which, and competing sponsors are thoughtful enough not to badmouth other products). Well done, and kudos to both the leadership and general community members.
Ideas? I can't speak to the original poll question, I'm too new and haven't bumped into any rules. But ... no sig pictures for me, either (keep forums fast and usable). I think there could be some reorganization of forums -- the same general topic (e.g. a polishing question, or the wax du jour) seems to get scattered across all sorts of forums. The "Autopia University" and "Detailing" seem very similar and consequently muddled. The result is that I have to rely on search, or skim a bunch of forums to research a topic of interest and dodge the rest.
Anyway, good stuff! Grabbed a casual visitor and got me hooked!
A dangerous place to visit!I participate and follow a number of Internet forums regularly, and I think Autopia is one of the best. There is loads of tutorial content, a passionate yet amazingly civil community, and the best incorporation of for profit/sponsors with community content I've seen (almost always clear which is which, and competing sponsors are thoughtful enough not to badmouth other products). Well done, and kudos to both the leadership and general community members.
Ideas? I can't speak to the original poll question, I'm too new and haven't bumped into any rules. But ... no sig pictures for me, either (keep forums fast and usable). I think there could be some reorganization of forums -- the same general topic (e.g. a polishing question, or the wax du jour) seems to get scattered across all sorts of forums. The "Autopia University" and "Detailing" seem very similar and consequently muddled. The result is that I have to rely on search, or skim a bunch of forums to research a topic of interest and dodge the rest.
Anyway, good stuff! Grabbed a casual visitor and got me hooked!
I'm a newbie here and have read a lot of the "old timers" mentioning how a lot of discussion used to be more "in depth".
As a newbie I find it's mainly all in depth.........
I don't think some of you guys who have been around for awhile realise how much you know! It's kinda like the Professors at the university revisiting the glory days reminiscing over their past discoveries whilst a new batch of students come through.
The advice here already has been enlightening. In 20 plus years of recreational detailing I've never had a car looking as good as it has in the past few weeks.
This is an awesome, awesome forum and site. If one puts their mind to it they can quickly put this handed down knowledge in practice and see the results. The posts are on the whole courteous with enough humour to keep it interesting which points to some good moderating.
Personal favourite is the Hall of fame section which has most questions answered.
What would I change? As a newbie I find the forums section a little confusing. If I carry out a good detail do I throw a photo on "Autopia University", "The Photos section", "The Car Show and Concours" or the "Click and Brag"?
Having said that thanks once again for a great site & forum.
Johnno
As a newbie I find it's mainly all in depth.........
I don't think some of you guys who have been around for awhile realise how much you know! It's kinda like the Professors at the university revisiting the glory days reminiscing over their past discoveries whilst a new batch of students come through.
The advice here already has been enlightening. In 20 plus years of recreational detailing I've never had a car looking as good as it has in the past few weeks.
This is an awesome, awesome forum and site. If one puts their mind to it they can quickly put this handed down knowledge in practice and see the results. The posts are on the whole courteous with enough humour to keep it interesting which points to some good moderating.
Personal favourite is the Hall of fame section which has most questions answered.
What would I change? As a newbie I find the forums section a little confusing. If I carry out a good detail do I throw a photo on "Autopia University", "The Photos section", "The Car Show and Concours" or the "Click and Brag"?
Having said that thanks once again for a great site & forum.
Johnno
Autopia's changed the way I clean my cars - simple as that really.
I really like the way you are never made to feel stupid and everyone's always quick to offer advice or help you out.
I've made a load of new friends here - all of whom are just as crazy as me when it comes to keeping your car looking good.
I like it just how it is!
Andy
I really like the way you are never made to feel stupid and everyone's always quick to offer advice or help you out.
I've made a load of new friends here - all of whom are just as crazy as me when it comes to keeping your car looking good.
I like it just how it is!
Andy
ultrajim49
New member
another old-timer chiming in
With every change of Autopia , at first I didn't like it,
but I liked it when using it a while.
So,
my input now is : keep it as it is.
I have seen members come , have a 1000posts in no time and dissapear rather fast,
I see members with few posts, but with long-time membership
I'm happy to see that we still daily have new members
I too mis the in-depth reviews , members articles about a product
Are the rules too restrictive?
No, I don't think so, they are fine.
David,
Keep up the good work:bow
Christiaan:wavey
With every change of Autopia , at first I didn't like it,
but I liked it when using it a while.
So,
my input now is : keep it as it is.
I have seen members come , have a 1000posts in no time and dissapear rather fast,
I see members with few posts, but with long-time membership
I'm happy to see that we still daily have new members
I too mis the in-depth reviews , members articles about a product
Are the rules too restrictive?
No, I don't think so, they are fine.
David,
Keep up the good work:bow
Christiaan:wavey
imported_Malachi
New member
I am new to the forum and from what I have been reading the board gurus want to continue learning about the products, which keeps them interested in detailing and I agree. As somebody who appreciates their knowledge base, I want them to keep growing and sharing.
So how do we not clutter the board with common posts? My thoughts are these:
1: I agree with whoever posted that the boards have too much cross over. The Forums should be clear on its target audience.
2: Continue to develop the search engine and guide folks to use it. For instance, If I do a search on "quick detailer", the search should find the posts that address the search without necessarily finding the words "quick detailer". It should find the post that have FI and FD and so forth.
3: People who join the forum should be welcomed with an email that contains the "sticky information links" and encouraged to read through it and mention the search engine. Maybe as part of the initiation they have to use the "Search" feature in order to unlock their password.
4: I agree whoever posted that the acronyms should be highlighted in some way for someone to click on it and find out more about the product. If this feature slows down the entire board, maybe it can added just to search results.
5: I love the vendor forum. It is perfect letting the vendor answer the technical questions on their product for themselves. I don't know how you sell that merchant forum but, I believe it should be priced where all the major vendors are interested in buying into it.
6: It seems to me that we need an "interior detailing" forum. Doing the inside is a whole different world than the outside.
7: The board gurus sometimes make things more confusing but, that is to be expected. The more one know about the subject matter the less absolute answers there are. We know there are no absolutes in terms of best wax, best pad, abbrassiveness levels and so forth but, some of the newbs as myself, we are looking for a clue since we don't have one, some general direction in terms of products that one finds at Target, Walmart, Pep Boys etc., would be appreciated by the newb who is just looking to get started.
8: Your "New Post" tool is awesome!
Thanks for the board and all of you gurus for sharing.
So how do we not clutter the board with common posts? My thoughts are these:
1: I agree with whoever posted that the boards have too much cross over. The Forums should be clear on its target audience.
2: Continue to develop the search engine and guide folks to use it. For instance, If I do a search on "quick detailer", the search should find the posts that address the search without necessarily finding the words "quick detailer". It should find the post that have FI and FD and so forth.
3: People who join the forum should be welcomed with an email that contains the "sticky information links" and encouraged to read through it and mention the search engine. Maybe as part of the initiation they have to use the "Search" feature in order to unlock their password.
4: I agree whoever posted that the acronyms should be highlighted in some way for someone to click on it and find out more about the product. If this feature slows down the entire board, maybe it can added just to search results.
5: I love the vendor forum. It is perfect letting the vendor answer the technical questions on their product for themselves. I don't know how you sell that merchant forum but, I believe it should be priced where all the major vendors are interested in buying into it.
6: It seems to me that we need an "interior detailing" forum. Doing the inside is a whole different world than the outside.
7: The board gurus sometimes make things more confusing but, that is to be expected. The more one know about the subject matter the less absolute answers there are. We know there are no absolutes in terms of best wax, best pad, abbrassiveness levels and so forth but, some of the newbs as myself, we are looking for a clue since we don't have one, some general direction in terms of products that one finds at Target, Walmart, Pep Boys etc., would be appreciated by the newb who is just looking to get started.
8: Your "New Post" tool is awesome!
Thanks for the board and all of you gurus for sharing.
Malachi... I proposed the idea of an "Interior Forum" in the past and it was poo-pooed by the community. I think the feeling was that we were simply getting too compartmentalized.
I will update the welcome email. I don't think I have touched it since July, 2003.
The search engine gets a little better with the next version of vBulletin. We are working on the upgarde.
db
P.S., You know what "guru" means , don't you??? "Good Understanding, Relatively Useless!"
I will update the welcome email. I don't think I have touched it since July, 2003.
The search engine gets a little better with the next version of vBulletin. We are working on the upgarde.
db
P.S., You know what "guru" means , don't you??? "Good Understanding, Relatively Useless!"
Accumulator
Well-known member
David- I'm quite content with Autopia the way it is now. You and the moderators are doing a great job :xyxthumbs
imported_Malachi
New member
DavidB said:
Thanks for the feedback and looking for that stronger search engine.
To go along with your guru statement: "An expert is somebody who knows more and more about less and less."
imported_indy
New member
I've got to say, that this forum and all the wealth of knowledge
it contains has helped me learn more than I could possibly
ever use about detailing my vehicles. I am so thankful to
have found this place. I hope that Autopia will continue to
be around for many, many years to come. With winter here
I've not been able to do much detailing. I can't wait for
spring!
it contains has helped me learn more than I could possibly
ever use about detailing my vehicles. I am so thankful to
have found this place. I hope that Autopia will continue to
be around for many, many years to come. With winter here
I've not been able to do much detailing. I can't wait for
spring!
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
I agree with the comment that a lot of new to the forum people tend to use ‘questions as opposed to the search function. I think this is partly due to unfamiliarity with the web page. I’ve noticed many members try to stress the point in the form of “Search is your friendâ€� and I’ve tried to provide some help in the form of a roadmap type ‘welcome to Autopia’ As an ex University Professor I know what it’s like to be asked the same question over and over again, but we just need to bear in mind that it’s a first time to ask the question for the person who’s asking, although I don’t have a clear (read polite) answer for those who insist an on asking an indefinable question like “What’s the best…?â€�
I’ve found it to be a ‘very user friendly’ place, the people on this forum are very knowledgeable, and are more than willing to share their knowledge. The one thing that seems to stand out here compared to other special interest forums is a spirit of "open mindedness�, no opinion expressed is ‘wrong’ just different.
I haven’t been contributing to this board for very long so it’s difficult for me to suggest any changes, so I’ll leave it to those who have. I would like to express my thanks to DavidB for taking the time to run the forum and for all the contributors that I’ve learned so much from in spite of my 40+ years experience.
I’ve found it to be a ‘very user friendly’ place, the people on this forum are very knowledgeable, and are more than willing to share their knowledge. The one thing that seems to stand out here compared to other special interest forums is a spirit of "open mindedness�, no opinion expressed is ‘wrong’ just different.
I haven’t been contributing to this board for very long so it’s difficult for me to suggest any changes, so I’ll leave it to those who have. I would like to express my thanks to DavidB for taking the time to run the forum and for all the contributors that I’ve learned so much from in spite of my 40+ years experience.
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
It's probably only me who couldn't find it but...FORUM...MEMBERS POLLS....Compass 2004 Poll
Gosh, David! You’re a brave man to ask such an open-ended question. I’ve been out of town (and out of e-contact) for a few days, but am eager to add my few comments.
First, thanks for all the work you put into making this site be what it is. I can’t really imagine how much time and trouble it must take, but I sure am grateful for it. And I’m pretty sure it’s your own gentlemanliness that sets the tone for this site! :up
Amen to the “no threads in sigs� consensus that seems to be emerging!
I agree with tnoy66:
Malachi, you may be onto something with this:
For quite a while, it’s been clear to me that folks log on and start posting with no idea how Autopia operates. If we could do something like you’re suggesting, we could be sure that everybody knows where the acronyms are located, has read the Autopia House Rules, has a basic grasp of why they need to post in Autopia U., etc.
A few folks have noted that there doesn’t seem to be a clean “delineation� between what topics go into what forums. I’ve been pretty strict in enforcing Autopia’s “house rule� that queries go into the Autopia Univ forum til a member has 30 posts. Yes, that does create some overlap between AU and Detailing, but at least I figure that lets the old-timers know to expect newbie-type questions when they open a thread in AU. But even as a moderator, I still sometimes am not sure whether a thread goes in Detailing or Detailing Product Discussion, etc. Not sure there’s anything you can do to make those judgment calls any easier. :nixweiss
If I could wave my magic wand and make one thing happen it would be: All threads would have descriptive “subjectsâ€� – i.e., everybody would post real subjects instead of topics like “A question for you guys.â€� … But, NAAH! That’s too much to ask!
Not sure any of these comments offer much help. I voted to keep Autopia just about as it is. This is a site full of useful information, characterized by civility, and – as others have said – I’ve made lots of good contacts with great people here, and I’m especially grateful for that.
First, thanks for all the work you put into making this site be what it is. I can’t really imagine how much time and trouble it must take, but I sure am grateful for it. And I’m pretty sure it’s your own gentlemanliness that sets the tone for this site! :up
Amen to the “no threads in sigs� consensus that seems to be emerging!
I agree with tnoy66:
But I’d require that folks be required to list not just their country, but also their state/province. It can make a real difference, knowing whether you’re giving advice to somebody in Fla., California, or North Dakota.
Malachi, you may be onto something with this:
For quite a while, it’s been clear to me that folks log on and start posting with no idea how Autopia operates. If we could do something like you’re suggesting, we could be sure that everybody knows where the acronyms are located, has read the Autopia House Rules, has a basic grasp of why they need to post in Autopia U., etc.
A few folks have noted that there doesn’t seem to be a clean “delineation� between what topics go into what forums. I’ve been pretty strict in enforcing Autopia’s “house rule� that queries go into the Autopia Univ forum til a member has 30 posts. Yes, that does create some overlap between AU and Detailing, but at least I figure that lets the old-timers know to expect newbie-type questions when they open a thread in AU. But even as a moderator, I still sometimes am not sure whether a thread goes in Detailing or Detailing Product Discussion, etc. Not sure there’s anything you can do to make those judgment calls any easier. :nixweiss
If I could wave my magic wand and make one thing happen it would be: All threads would have descriptive “subjectsâ€� – i.e., everybody would post real subjects instead of topics like “A question for you guys.â€� … But, NAAH! That’s too much to ask!
Not sure any of these comments offer much help. I voted to keep Autopia just about as it is. This is a site full of useful information, characterized by civility, and – as others have said – I’ve made lots of good contacts with great people here, and I’m especially grateful for that.
ariesu4urlife
New member
I am so glad that I found this place. A friend of mine from another forum showed us his results after he went through some of the advice he got from here. I spent the next two weeks straight reading stuff here..
I like how things are organized and there arent people warring over simple/unimportant stuff. And the extensive information on this site and the links it provides gives car-detailing a whole new perspective.
I am glad I found this place. Hope the place stays the same for a long time to come! Kudos to the guys who run this site.
I like how things are organized and there arent people warring over simple/unimportant stuff. And the extensive information on this site and the links it provides gives car-detailing a whole new perspective.
I am glad I found this place. Hope the place stays the same for a long time to come! Kudos to the guys who run this site.