Couple of changes

[Tommy]

Over the weekend, I made a few changes to the site.

The engine & drivetrain categories were combined into one.
Deleted the video post category. (moved all threads to another category)
Added a feature to the "What's going on" box on the forum homepage.

What's to come...

With the addition of 2 member staff writers, I will be finishing the features and articles area. A new articles system will be in place shortly. More content for the members.

Also, a member suggested adding a chat room type of area to the site. This will give members a way to directly ask a question to another member. I like the idea too because it will be a better way for members get support relating to the site. Registration problems, broken links, etc.

What does everyone think of adding a chat to the site?

Vote your opinion. :)

Thanks,

-Tommy

[Black Ice]

I think its a good idea, real time talk to other members..

[XTREEME]

Is that like having a Private Message button that you would add to each post trailer to allow people to easily PM someone when they want? Most forums do that.

[Tommy]

Is that like having a Private Message button that you would add to each post trailer to allow people to easily PM someone when they want? Most forums do that.

No, this would be chat room software that will integrate into vbulletin and the vbulletin member database. You wouldn't have to register another name and pw, it will use your forum name and pw when you enter the chat. A chat link would be added to the forum nav bar. There is also a mod so the "what's going on" area would indicate who is in chat.

I'll look into the PM button.

-Tommy

[Black Ice]

You covered it. i know what your talking about as far as the PM function though.

[Tommy]

To PM someone right now, all you would have to do is click on there name in the thead that you are reading. The option is right there. No good?

-Tommy

[Black Ice]

Thats the same exact thing.. just have to update the members on it..

[Tommy]

Thats the same exact thing.. just have to update the members on it..

Yeah, LOL...i just realized that was there too. Just over looked it or forgot I guess. :)

[XTREEME]

To PM someone right now, all you would have to do is click on there name in the thead that you are reading. The option is right there. No good?

-Tommy

Yup, that works. As long as you know how to do it ;)

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

Well I guess I'll chime in as the first dissenting vote for the chat room. We just had a conversation about this very same topic on another forum I frequent, and a good point came up which I think needs to be taken into account.

1) People can use PMs to have private conversations
2) People can use IM software to have private conversations
3) People can use e-mail or other communication means to have private conversations
...
When groups congregate to discuss topics in the real-time chatroom, it reduces the number of posts in the forums; not only does this affect the quantity of information archives you have for new members, it also makes it more difficult for people to get questions answered when they don't want to go into a live chat. While we are and will continue working on a comprehensive resource section for permanent articles and tutorials, we don't want to cut the legs out from under us by making it less enticing to post and actively participate in the community. After all, we dont want this to become the "Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Envoy resource site with a chatroom," rather we should be focussed more on being the "Community of Trailblazer and Envoy Owners and Enthusiasts." -- that sense of a unified community is what will really make this site a long-term success and all the more valuable to current and future members.
...
Now, having said that, I do have another idea. On yet another different forum I frequent, they set up a live chatroom for "scheduled chats" -- a live session which lasts for 2-3 hours, two nights a week. Each week, one night has a structured topic (Detailing, mechanical work, etc... but even more specific than that) and the second night is a free-for-all chat which usually is more social than serious. All of the chats, due to their semi-controlled nature, are archived and then transcripts are posted to a subforum to ensure the information is made available on an equal opportunity basis for all members. I can see this method being more effective, personally.

Just my $0.02.... :D

[Dave]

I like Charlie's $.02 idea. At first I liked the idea on having a chat room, but he made a few good points. We can always have meetings in chat rooms at certain time. I'm sure once the ideas get kicking around, we will find new ways to improve this great site.

Dave

[Tommy]

While we are on this subject, I want to get some input for you all. :)

The forums are currently set at 100% width. It will fit the width of your browser window. Do we like it that way? OR should we go to a fixed width like the homepage???

-Tommy

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

While we are on this subject, I want to get some input for you all. :)

The forums are currently set at 100% width. It will fit the width of your browser window. Do we like it that way? OR should we go to a fixed width like the homepage???

-Tommy

I like it as-is. On a 21" monitor set at 1600x1200 resolution, all that white space looks WAY too massive; I definitely prefer to use as much of the screen real-estate as I can.

[Dave]

Tommy,
I like it the way it is now. Someone can post two windows on their monitor and not have to scroll left and right to read the sentences.

Dave

[Black Ice]

Im in agreement leave it the way it is now... i like this way better

[XTREEME]

I agree too. Leave it the way it is. :cool:

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

I agree too, I like it the way it is too. Thats why we all buy big monitors... To see more!! :)

or perhaps we're all just blind!! :p

[Tommy]

Well, we only got 14 votes on that poll. I would of liked to seen more member participation :cry: but anyway, the NO's win!!:cool:

:)