The H.A.M.B. and your opinion - a new index?

The difference between fordsix.com and the HAMB is the fordsix has umptyleven different series' of engines to discuss. My theory with message boards and mailing lists is that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I've seen both attempt "changes for the better', then fall apart because of those changes.

 

my vote is for change.

 

Separating the BUY and SELL in the classified section is a great idea.
The HAMB itself should stay as it is.

I like the simplicity of old cars and I like the HAMB the same way.
Just floating the cursor over the title tells you enough to see if your interested in opening the post anyway...if the title itself didn't make it clear.

I lurk on a couple of boards where everything is separated and I hate the additional screwing around you need to do...to the point that I seldom visit them.

I can see it splitting the user group into totally separate factions at worst.

How does it go?
"United we stand...divided we fall."

 

Well, I don't think I'd like the seperate section format. One of the things I love about this place is that I don't come here with a pre-concieved notion of what I'll find. I open it up, an am exposed to all kinds ofstuff. I browse the titles, pick the ones that sound interesting, and check 'em out. I've learned so much here that I wouldn't have searched for, because I didn't know anything about the subject before. Tech articles, for instance. I won't go searching out tech stuff unless I need to know something specific. But I've come across tech articles in the main board that blew me away, and made me think "I can use that!". I like the jumble, and vote to leave it as is. But, Ryan, you're the man that needs to do what's best for you. If it gets diluted, broken up, etc., I'll still be here. I just imagine that I won't find nearly as many cool posts by "accident" as I have in the past.

 

Ryan, I've given your suggestion some thought and believe, in my case at least, that I like things just the way they are. When I get on the HAMB I never really have an idea of what it is that I am looking for. Sooo, I spend my time just cruising around and checking all the posts. Those that interest me, I read. Those that don't I just slip on by. Seems to work great for me, as in many instances I have found things that I'm certain would have evaded me if the posts were divided up into categories.

So, I guess I vote for status quo, although if you change the setup, I'll adapt!

 

I like the way it is. It doesn't take that long for me to scan through the titles and pick things that are of interest to me. I am amazed at how many things I look at that I wouldn't look at if they were in a subforum.

 

Wassup Ryan, can you keep count on those who like and dont like? I lost it!! But I´m definately in for a new menu!!

 

I vote for leaving it... Its Tradition! Seriously though, It seems to be working so far. I mean, almost 12,000 members cant be wrong. I like the single page format, to me it is just part of the character of the forum.

 

Keeping it simple seems to work in old hot rods, while changing things up works for customs. I like the simple format of one list. I usually don't even look at the classified ads because they are separate. One list allows me to see everything and maybe I will be exposed to something that I never thought of before. Multible lists may also work as I will spend less time sifting through stuff that does not pertain to me. Searching for events may be easier. Having a list that allows you to see members rides is a great idea. Nice to know what everyone has, I am better with cars than names! So I guess I am saying whatever you choose, you do a kick ass job and I am sure you will hit it out of the park. The HAMB has changed the way I use my computor. Thank you!

 

I'm O.K. with everything as it is. Of course, old farts HATE change !

The only addition I would suggest is a library of CAD drawings that those of us who design and fab in that medium would be able to access and share our crap with others.

 

I like the HAMB how it is now...all in one. I find that on other forums that have more than one category I usually just select the 'See all new posts' option/link that groups them all together anyways. Whatever works for you though. Thanks!

 

keep it simple.

I wanna be all profound and shit but I know change is good...

The diversity of this place has kept me here.

This place feels like my garage... and we don't always talk hot rods in my garage. The OT posts can get annoying but the are a necessity.... its good for people to know theres 8 gazillion people in their "cyber garage" that have been there... done that.... or just let em know they're there to help.

I like the tech archieves... thats a good time right there.

I think we need to push the "self moderation" aspect of this place a little more... that used to work.... but there wasn't 8 gazillion people here either.

Have you noticed the "waves" of new people have stopped? Just seems people stay now... I wonder why that is???

Post counts don't matter but the people do... how do you let Joe Kindergarden Cuffs know he's talking smack to the Flathead Guru of all time??? Or the dude who's been welding since the dawn of time???

Sometimes I miss the ramblings of excited hot rodders at 3am.

Tech week is a good idea but I always wonder how many people keep that shit till it happens cause they want a fuckin t shirt???

Blah... I'm ramblin man... I ain't goin nowhere.

When you change it, I want a full custom fancy title under my name....

 

There are some good points for seperating it, but I think the way it is now give you an easier way to scan multiple topic items and look at some that you may not usually have seen if you had to look through a sub section you wouldnt really look through.
In my looser opinion, leave it as it is.

 

I would like to see the For Sale and Wanted stay together. Most people look at the classifieds to see what they can buy, but when you spot that someone is looking for something you've got, it's easy for the person looking to get a reply.

I think the "Wanted" board would not get as much traffic anymore if it was separated.

 

I think this is a great idea. This should please everyone.

 

I second this. Put the FS and WTB back together. I wouldn't give much hope for a Wanted ad being read. Like Elrod, I think most are answered by folks that stumbled upon the ad.

 

I like this idea
maybe even as one thread in the Archives

can we save .dwg files?

 

Ryan-
I replied earlier about the Garage stuff sounds like you got my interests covered. Keep us posted on this GarageJournal stuff. I'm all ears!

Also, I finally got a chance this morning to delve into the Classifieds.
I like that the FS and WTB's have been separated. I like on the root section each thread lists "ITEM" & "PRICE". But the no Reply's, and all correspondence is pushed to PM's....I HATE!
I sat here and thought about the pro's and con's of the old vs. the new. And I believe it will push everything to eBay. Maybe that’s the goal. I know it would be less hassle for you guys, but hurt the HAMB community.
Seems like the server space and the padded post counts with the "BTTT's" and "Wish you were closer" posts do not out weight the market knowledge given up by locking the threads. Some of the best information on the HAMB is in the classifieds. I like the Dynamic multi-feed system of the old classifieds, vs. this new Ubber Strict Structure.

IDS

 

GARAGE journal? OH yes...that could be an excellent addition to what we have now!!! VERY good idea.

 

Change is good- if you're a freakin butterfly!

 

Ahhhh...gotcha!

I assumed it was gonna be an offshoot of the HAMB itself. (NEVER assume! )

 

...just thinking out loud here....

what about having a little box (like the new classified's price) as to where YOU label your own threads category; tech, art, etc......(still all in general discussion) then, when someone wants to read ALL tech, they can sort it by that.....i know if i do a search for just "tech" i think it comes up as not enough characters.....

i know some threads would fall into multiple categories, but this could help....

 

This is so far down Ryan will probably never see it but I'll weigh in anyway.

I say don't change it.

We already have general discussion, tech, art, HAMB-o-dex, intros, classifieds, and questions & suggestions sections as it is. Is there really a need to split it up more? Each of the above sections make sense to me but adding more I think will just split us up.

I never ready the intros or questions & suggestions forums.

I see art every Friday on the main board & love it. Don't remember ever checking the art archive though.

The tech section is good but should be updated/added to more often. I check it first whenever I have a question about a project. I don't hang out there though. Same for the HAMB-o-dex.

Just like the swap meet at a big show. I hit the classifieds first - everytime I log on. Love the new format.

The main board is great as-is because of its diversity. I mean everything is there. From good tech to event pics to the discovery of the Hilborn Streamliner. Are we going to designate seperate areas of our "garage" to discuss only certain topics? Its too stiff. Too structured.

The new classifieds are super. Delete more OT posts. Move good tech to the Tech-o-matic on a monthly basis & arrange it into body, chassis, interior, etc... sections. Keep the art archive & keep HAMB-o-dex - let people review under each post. Event photos, pics of my car, etc.. leave all that for the main board. It's why I log on. I don't need a section to "showcase" my car. Regular readers know what I'm driving anyway.

Whatever happens please do not add an OT forum. It would make the entire site look like a f'in joke with the bullshit that would go on there. Dirty jokes, NSFW pics, drunken rants, how do I repair my dishwasher questions, etc.... It would get ugly in a hurry.

...or do whatever you want. I'll still be here.

Thanks for all you do Ryan. JH

 

I kinda like that idea. I still don't like the idea of splitting it up. I really don't want to see more OT posts, or a section for them. Seems it would take away from what we're about here. I like being exposed to all the different things the hamb has to offer all in one place. Things like sunday models and art show friday are cool I think. Tech week is always great, and every week is usually like tech week in some way.

I agree that splitting the classifieds might make the want adds less visible, I've been watching both so far though.

 

I would like to see a section for reference books maybe in the tech section. We always are referring to this book or that for required reading. i.e. the complete chrysler hemi book by tex smith etc. The books could fall under categories like engine, chassis, body, and paint etc. If it is not in a tech article then a book to reference would help. I don't mean the whole book just the name and type of info.