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Carsreunited · #1 Post by **Carsreunited** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:01 pm

As suggested in the 'ads' thread on the main section. This is purely a thread for pooling together ideas on what can and can't be done. ANY IMPLIMENTATION IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CLUBS COMMITTEE. 
 
Right, some of us have been bitching for long enough about how we think ezboard is (add your own expletives here). The time has come to put our money where our mouth is and see if we can make some real improvements. If you have technical expertise in these areas then say so. If you have resources that can be committed to the Club to help any new site run then equally say so. If you can share the burden of admin so that Andy doesn't have to do it all on his own then put your name forward. 
 
My gripes with EZboard are: 
 
1) The search facility doesn't work. We have a well maintained archive that we can't access. I would like to see a search facility that does it's job correctly. 
 
2) Sometimes posts get lost. You submit it and then there is a god awful lag before the 'page cannot be displayed' appears. I'm on 2mb so it can't be me. There are work arounds but it is frustrating. 
 
3) For serious 'smiley-aholics', there is a lack of possible expression. For me, I have a few favourites but a few more could be fun. 
 
4) Sometimes I'm logged out between reading one message and another. I think Mr Nicholas has this problem sometimes. 
 
I'm sure there are more but thats it for now. 
 
I really like <a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/">ww ...  
as a forum. Members profiles are alot more detailed. It's especiaally handy being able to find any post you have made ever! It's very good for linking in a detailed explanation of a job that you have done that is relevent to a new thread. 
 
I've noticed alot of people don't know how to post a link or add an image to a post. A guide on 'how to' or a faq would be useful. 
 
I know its being worked on but a members area for pdf (or whatever format) of past dolly mixtures would be great. Maybe a snapshot of the current issue to help draw in new members. 
 
Over to you guys and girls. 
 
Scott

Edited by: <A HREF=http://p206.ezboard.com/bthetriumphdolo ... eunited</A> at: 24/4/06 11:05 pm

MaddMart · #2 Post by **MaddMart** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:09 am

I have mainly the same gripes, especially the auto logout and the non-existant search feature. 
 
Can we have a members only "For Sale" & "Wanted" section ?

Martin 
 
<a href="http://www.dolomitesprint.com/" target="top">www.dolomitesprint.com</a>

Silvery · #3 Post by **Silvery** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:49 am

Go forth to the thing I've been breaking, go to Knowledgebase. Article linking to a portal page > click the link to "read" the article... 
 
You should see something different if you're logged in to if you're not, meaning that you can put members only online content up pretty easily, and change the viewing permissions at will - Pretty cool <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif ALT="8)"> 
 
Smilies, searching, members only forums etc all very very easy on even the most basic phpbb install (unlike the way too complex thing I'm killing). And the thing that is most important imo is the ability to download a full database backup as often as you like, so the admin has control over the data, not the host/ server provider. 
 
I think Invision, Simple Machines, E-Blah etc all allow the basics of members only, database backups etc too, I just like phpbb based systems as they're so massively supported. 
 
Another thing I think is worth considering is raising money through advertising. Not Slezi type ads, but subtle banner space rented out to the likes of Canley. Rimmers, Quiller etc. Make the website go some way to paying for itself, as it's a resource used by many non-members <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)">

1300dolly · #4 Post by **1300dolly** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:55 pm

there appears to be too many people starting different threads about forum change, maybe the club commitee should nominate one person to do this 'job' as i think it does not look good to new comers logging on and seeing 'this is cr4p' 'xxxx is better' ect. 
 
Justyn

Carsreunited · #5 Post by **Carsreunited** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 11:23 pm

It's only a discussion about the board not a critique of the Club itself. Andy has already stated that we should get on and discuss the other options. It's a restoration rather than a revolution. 
 
Maybe the 'Yes' and 'No' threads could be removed as that seems to have served its purpose. I don't really see what the problem is though Justyn. 
 
Have you got any thoughts on features that you want to see or any problems you have experienced with the present set-up? 
 
Scott

Jon Tilson · #6 Post by **Jon Tilson** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:42 am

computer systems design activity here... 
Its all good cos companies waste millions doing this sort of thing. 
 
Se where we are is an existing inadequate system in need of replacement. 
A working prototype and protototyping activity. (Ongoing) 
User requirements capture. (Ongoing) 
Costing exercise. (Ongoing and no budget allocated) 
 
No management. 
Inadequate programming resources in terms of number of programmers and skill level. (No disprespect to any of the hard work/workers already done. Prototype is great). 
 
So we need management, resources and a plan... 
 
Over to whoever. Probably Andy... 
 
Jonners

Silvery · #7 Post by **Silvery** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:35 am

"Se where we are is an existing inadequate system in need of replacement." 
 
Yet though that seems to be accepted by a fair few, the over-riding feeling seems to be it's too much hassle, or not needed. 14 "yes" votes about looking into change v 0 "no" votes, yet incredibly little serious input as to what the change might be. 
 
"A working prototype and protototyping activity. (Ongoing)" 
 
So far as I'm concerned there are now 2 working prototypes, one fairly stable (Lewis), one very much alpha (mine). And the amount of testing or interest in either from outside of a minute core? Seemingly very little once again. 
 
"User requirements capture. (Ongoing)" 
 
A couple of people have outlined their requirements/ ideas, but I'd go so far as saying to general silence on the matter could easily be seen as actually a negative attitude. 
 
"Costing exercise. (Ongoing and no budget allocated)" 
 
Impossible to fully work out without some figures provided for the existing infrastructure. Certainly the club doesn't see the web presence as worthy of much financial investment (something I personally disagree with as I believe it's a major marketing opportunity if gotten right), but trying to assess hosting and administration costs without knowing current and recent numbers is pure guesswork. And then there's the fact that an improved system would most likely attract more traffic... And the possibility of selling advertising space is there, but at what rates...? 
 
"No management." 
 
Which, to be fair to the commitee, is understandable at present, but leaves any propositions in a mess. 
 
"Inadequate programming resources in terms of number of programmers and skill level. (No disprespect to any of the hard work/workers already done. Prototype is great)." 
 
I agree about numbers (at present - I feel if there was a serious movement for change there'd be many more people willing to get involved), but debatable about skill levels. My own skills are woefully lacking, but there's certainly a high level of competence amongst the posters in general. 
 
"So we need management, resources and a plan..." 
 
Agreed, agreed, and agreed. I think the idea behind this thread was the plan. Which is probably a bit arse backwards, but given the lack of management and slim prospects of there being any in the near future (upper echelons being very busy away from the TDC, web issues low priority) I don't really see how any changes will be made unless the ground level users get together to do something. 
 
Lewis made a start last year, I'm having a crack at it this year, but from my side at least (I don't want to speak for Lewis obviously!) I was hoping for more interest/ input as to whether what I've been doing has been at all worthwhile, and if so what people would want to see happen with it in terms of design, development and running (I'd love to hand it over to someone who could do a better job). What seems to have actually happened is very few looked at the work Lewis did (people have even posted here about not having seen it, yet having an opinion on it!), and even fewer the work I've been doing - What incentive is that for anyone to actually make the effort, yet if nobody makes the effort what change is actually going to happen. Twenty two and catches leaps to mind... 
 
"Over to whoever. Probably Andy..." 
 
Who is, understandably, too busy to get very involved. But I'd really like to see some more input on the matter in general, as well as the validity/ worthwhileness of my own ideas as this has been gathering dust in the background for a long time now, and I'm getting tired of the re-occurring discussions that always amount to nothing in the end. If there is a genuine openness to change, then I'm sure we can all have a reasoned debate and come up with a democratic set of solutions. at least we should be able to...

Carsreunited · #8 Post by **Carsreunited** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 12:26 pm

Totally agree with the above. I can only offer input from a users point of view. This really needs to be co-ordinated or pulled together by someone with technical know-how. I tried to catalyse things as I was getting fed-up of the ball being kicked around.

Jon Tilson · #9 Post by **Jon Tilson** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 12:39 pm

Volunteers needed in a few capacities... 
We need tio be a bit self motivated and self organising here. Its also in ones own interests as anyone with a hint of IT awareness knows that nothing looks better on a CV than a good website. 
 
I'm happy to be involved at any level but I'm not a club member. There is no good reason for that...I'm just a member of another one. I'll change it if necessary...like Lewis I suspect. I don't mind doing it for the club either way. 
 
I propose Scott then to get this started ...he already has really if Andy will give his blessing... We need to formalise the project team, plan, and allocate roles to the resources we have already and any extra volunteers who want to come in board. 
 
Jonners

tinweevil · #10 Post by **tinweevil** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 12:56 pm

Agree with Scott, we've been round and round this. I feel there is little doubt that a considerable number of people want to see change. I felt exactly the same way when we went round this last year and Lewis produced his very promising prototype. I really thought we were going to get somewhere. 
 
I regret what I must type here because the comittee and Andy in particular do excellent work, however.... 
 
Just as it was getting somewhere Andy pointed out that it was all a waste of effort because nothing would change without the say so of the commitee. Quite right too, the club has it's constitution or whatever, volunteers have been appointed to manage the club etc etc. We can't descend into anarchy. 
 
However, here we go again and yet I'm still no wiser about what the correct procedure is to make change. I have looked in the club magazine and I recall no other documentation that may contain said procedure (I'm the first to admit my recall is a long way from perfect). 
 
I for one have kept pretty quiet this time because without the correct procedure being adhered to it's all a waste of time and energy. 
 
So please, could someone on the comittee tell us exactly what must be done to legally make such a significant change to the operation of the club? I dearly want to see this happen and some of the ideas that have come out have been excellent, there are new ideas this time around that stand out so the brain pool isn't exhausted yet. But unless we follow the correct course of action all the effort put in (take a bow Silvery and Lewis) will not achieve anything. Sooner or later all the people in the club will the requisite knowledge will have had enough, wash their hands of the idea and then we'll be stuck. Enthusiasm is a resource that should not be squandered. 
 
Julian 
 
 

1978 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/704">Dolomite Sprint</a> 
1972 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/754">Spitfire IV</a> 
1968 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/705">GT6 II</a> 
1973 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/755">Dolomite Sprint</a> 
1980 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/864">Dolomite 1500HL</a> 
39 anorak points on the Nicholas scale

1300dolly · #11 Post by **1300dolly** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 7:38 pm

problems... the only one ive encountered was a few weeks ago when i couldn't get main page but i belive this was a problem with the site not the message board, ive never had problems posting and i dont have any real gripes about the set up. as already suggested maybe a stuck thread about how to post , put on pictures ( with links to imageshack ect) 
contact details for panels, club spare ect. oh and a back stabbing smilie (that was a joke<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"> ) 
more details on future events would be nice as well, i have a list of meets, shows if needed. 
 
 
 
Justyn

tinweevil · #12 Post by **tinweevil** » Wed May 03, 2006 4:47 pm

If anybody doubts the wisdom of limiting sigs and avatars etc have a look at the <a href="http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/" target="top">Club Arnage forum</a>. You have to search for the text amongst a ton of detritus in every post. Yuk. 
 
Julian 

1978 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/704">Dolomite Sprint</a> 
1972 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/754">Spitfire IV</a> 
1968 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/705">GT6 II</a> 
1973 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/755">Dolomite Sprint</a> 
1980 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/864">Dolomite 1500HL</a>

1300dolly · #13 Post by **1300dolly** » Wed May 03, 2006 10:48 pm

thats very heavy on the eyes with too much in one box. 
 
Justyn

Carsreunited · #14 Post by **Carsreunited** » Thu May 04, 2006 12:27 am

I agree. Absolutely bloody awful. 
 
So, are we going to kick some life back into this thing? I'm suprised at the lack of ideas really, present company excluded of course! 
 
Would it be better to split the thing down the middle? A forum itself can almost be stand alone (much like Lewis's working example). 
 
The other side of things would seem to be the Club's homepage/webiste and additional features that might want to be included in that. 
 
The forum is what I believe we should focus on first otherwise things will just become overly complicated. 
 
I'm feeling tired now. Brain hurts.

dollybird72 · #15 Post by **dollybird72** » Thu May 04, 2006 9:44 am

Hi all 
 
I don't know anything about the technical side to message boards so I am only looking at it from a layman's point of view so excuse my ignorance. 
 
I actually like the Yahoo! setups for their groups. There is a home page to describe what the group has been formed for, you can choose members only or an open forum, there are messages, photos, databases, links and polls plus messages are archived for each month and year and you can perform a search on them. There is also a calendar for events and an option to chat (IM). 
 
Here is an example of a forum: - 
 
<a href="http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/mdi ...  
 
I think it is all free too! 
 
You can check it out here: - 
 
<a href="http://login.yahoo.com/config/login?.in ...  
 
Susie<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)">

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