New Layout

[Clouds]

So how does everyone feel about the new layout? I personally don't like it all that much.

[LongGrain]

meh. I only use the "new posts" button anyway.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

What exactly don't you like?

[Clouds]

What exactly don't you like?

Everything just seems awkwardly placed. I'm just a bit unhappy with the change because things were moved around and I can't just navigate on autopilot like I used to be able to. I don't have much of a problem with it, but the one I do have is because I'm lazy.

[jondee86]

There shouldn't be a day that goes by where you don't learn something new.

Look on it as an opportunity

Cheers... jondee86

[Grant]

I like how the important stuff is first (the tech section). Most forums put general chit-chat at the bottom.

Who are the forum moderators here anyway?

[jondee86]

Who are the forum moderators here anyway?

I don't think that there are any moderators. Least it seems that
way, as I can't get the Tech FAQ stickied no way no how. Gets to the
point where there does not seem to be much point in maintaining
the FAQ if it just keeps sliding down the page into oblivion.

It needs to be at the top of the forum so that it catches people
before they make another post about a subject that is well covered
in the FAQ. But what do I know... I'm not a mod

Cheers... jondee86

[yoshimitsuspeed]

I actually and quite surprisingly got promoted to mod at some point in the last couple weeks.
It's been over a decade since I played with phpbb and I still haven't talked to anyone as far as what I should be doing here but jondee86 I would feel pretty confident in stickying that thread as I think it's very good info. Not that I think that anyone will read it in this day and age but at least it gives us the ability to say

hey dumbass did you even try reading the tech and info thread stickied at the top?

.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

What exactly don't you like?

Everything just seems awkwardly placed. I'm just a bit unhappy with the change because things were moved around and I can't just navigate on autopilot like I used to be able to. I don't have much of a problem with it, but the one I do have is because I'm lazy.

You can blame much of that on me.
They redid the layout a few weeks ago and put the fun talk at the top, sales in the middle and tech at the bottom. I did speak up because every forum I have ever respected had the tech at the top and the fun talk at the bottom.
Because it's a pretty standard layout I always found myself confused and annoyed here.
On top of that I believe that is how a forum like this should be prioritized.
Information and technical discussions should be at the top and easiest to find.

I am definitely open to suggestions but I do kind of believe in keeping consistency with the traditional forum layout unless it can be improved upon for a good reason.

[PDB]

I personally am liking it, mostly access the site through tapatalk and it's very easy to see.

[Deuce Cam]

This layout makes more sense to me. I like it. Plus I'm glad the classic topics forum got the axed.

[Clouds]

There shouldn't be a day that goes by where you don't learn something new.

Look on it as an opportunity

Cheers... jondee86

Clever..

[Clouds]

On a side note, I understand why people might prefer this layout over the previous one.

[Grant]

I actually and quite surprisingly got promoted to mod at some point in the last couple weeks.
It's been over a decade since I played with phpbb and I still haven't talked to anyone as far as what I should be doing here but jondee86 I would feel pretty confident in stickying that thread as I think it's very good info. Not that I think that anyone will read it in this day and age but at least it gives us the ability to say

hey dumbass did you even try reading the tech and info thread stickied at the top?

.

Definitely sticky it.

I haven't done much with phpBB in years either, but I'm a software engineer by trade, and the industry has mostly moved past PHP except for larger legacy systems.
phpBB is still being developed though, so as long as someone stays on top of updates it should be fine.

[jondee86]

[off-topic]
For the first time this year

In the 15 or more years that I have been a member of Club4AG I have
read many thousands of posts, and a number of things become clear...
Almost every question that can be asked about the AE86 or 4AGE engine
has already been asked... and answered.
Generally speaking, newer members either don't understand how to use
the SEARCH function... or can't be bothered.
Once a topic slips down and disappears off the front page of a forum,
it is effectively lost for reference purposes, and whatever valuable advice
was offered in reply to the question will be lost also.
Simply replacing parts at random remains a popular diagnostic method.
Many people have little understanding of how an engine functions, or it's
electrical system, fuel supply or timing mechanisms.
A significant percentage of all answers offered up in response to "Help Me"
posts are either factually incorrect, unhelpful or simply spam.
An even higher percentage of posts are repeats of questions that have
already asked, sometimes even just days previously.

These are just my observations, not criticisms. People are people and
have to be accepted for who they are. The questions asked in the forums
and answers provided are a resource. And it seems to me that the best
way to make use of this resource is to use the Q&A data to populate a
comprehensive FAQ section.

Prominently located on the site, indexed, edited and validated as being
technically correct, the FAQ would not only help new members gain some
understanding of their car, but may also answer their questions. The DIY
and build threads with pics are invaluable to anyone contemplating an
engine swap or SR5=>GTS conversion. They need to be out where people
can find them !!

Cheers... jondee86
[/off-topic]

[Moto_Club4AG]

Very good inputs. Thanks so much for your support!! I'm still researching other features for phpBB and employing them as I test it.
Let me know your ideas too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jondee86]

And while I am on my anti-internet anonymity campaign, how about
making it mandatory for members to show a location ? Helps to know
what part of the country/world people are in when responding to posts.
Especially when someone is crying out for help on a wiring issue, and
needs a housecall. Or in BUY or SELL posting when you need to know
how far you have to go to pick up that engine or gearbox.

Cheers... jondee86

[MtLemmon86]

Jondee you hit the nail right on the head with your posts, the amount of information on here and the previous forum that's archived is substantial. It was an invaluable resource while I finished the restoration on my Corolla, literally every question I had during the process had been answered on here in depth before so I had absolutely no need to make a new thread about it. Although peoples inability to use a search function is prevalent in most forums these days unfortunately. But you don't even need to use the search function within the forum, although it's a great tool, for people who can't find it or refuse to use it even if I just googled an issue I had 99% of the time it would redirect me to an awesome thread which covered in depth what ever I needed to know. Thanks to all you guys who contribute all this awesome info, making it easy on those of us who use search functions, I added my location too

[jondee86]

I added my location too

Excellent... you can expect to receive an envelope full of unmarked bills

Cheers... jondee86

[Jinsoku]

i'm okay with it, just happy we're still here..
I wish I kept my post count and the background was still dark, that's all im picky about.

I know what you mean jondee86
all the multiple posts without properly searching, spread of incorrect information, threads lacking needed info and all the other stuff can get old really fast after dealing with it for over a decade.

I left for awhile cause I needed to get away from all the failness that was going on but who better to positively influence, guide and regulate this site than the "lifetime" members? we're on a new layout that is being worked on(like our cars) so im happy to see people like you still here contributing.

I just look through stuff, give a quick reply and help where I can.

[Grant]

i'm okay with it, just happy we're still here..
I wish I kept my post count and the background was still dark, that's all im picky about.

If there are multiple styles installed with phpBB then users can use whichever one they like (https://www.phpbb.com/community/viewtop ... &t=1856815).

I also like a bit darker of a color scheme.
There are a lot of free pre-made board styles here: https://www.phpbb.com/customise/db/styl ... _styles-12
Maybe some can be added to give users a choice.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

i'm okay with it, just happy we're still here..
I wish I kept my post count and the background was still dark, that's all im picky about.

If there are multiple styles installed with phpBB then users can use whichever one they like (https://www.phpbb.com/community/viewtop ... &t=1856815).

I also like a bit darker of a color scheme.
There are a lot of free pre-made board styles here: https://www.phpbb.com/customise/db/styl ... _styles-12
Maybe some can be added to give users a choice.

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