08-25-2010, 04:52 PM
I rarely have reason to visit other forums. Even though I own 2 Toyotas they’re pretty much just commuter cars and rarely does anything go wrong where I would need a DIY and I’m not interested in modding them.
However during my search for a BMW and now as an owner, I find myself looking through other forums searching for answers. What a rude awakening.
Problem one - Organization. I was amazed to find that one site didn’t even have a classified section. Oh, people were selling stuff. It was in the general section. I left quickly. I found another site and was searching “common problems” with the car. Though I found the thread titled as such, It took about 9 replies before anyone actually gave a list of common problems. The OP listed like 2 items. From there people chimed in with nothing of relevance. The page was several pages long as members continued to add comments that gave no support to the title of the thread. There were about 13 post that read. The E46 has no common problems. SIGH
Problem 2 - titling. When you get members who title threads “ Never do this” or “WTF” or “I’m Pissed” You hae to open the thread to find that its about removing your stereo, a bad ebay purchase or a broken brakeline. If these things were in the general discussion area because someone wanted to rant that one thing. But when they are in a particular sub-category the problem is 2 fold.
1, Even though you start a thread and post the problem, other members carry on the discussion and the thread becomes a resource tool. So when they are properly titled, like “a bad ebay intake” others are able to post in harmony with the title and weigh in on good and bad experiences, list brands and price etc.
2, The guy using the forum to search “intakes” is actually able to find the thread. No one searching brakeline issues is typing in “WTF”.
My final rant would be against lazy moderators/board owners. Ones who allow nasty attitudes, foul business practices and could care less about the organization of their site. If a post on “repairing the AC” is put in the suspension section so be it. If a new member asking for help gets verbally assaulted with all sorts of obscenities, that’s OK too. But should you post something negative about their sponsors your banned.
I use to note how people would often post a thread stating that they need a good Bimmer forum here on the 68 site. Now I understand why. I fully understand.
However during my search for a BMW and now as an owner, I find myself looking through other forums searching for answers. What a rude awakening.
Problem one - Organization. I was amazed to find that one site didn’t even have a classified section. Oh, people were selling stuff. It was in the general section. I left quickly. I found another site and was searching “common problems” with the car. Though I found the thread titled as such, It took about 9 replies before anyone actually gave a list of common problems. The OP listed like 2 items. From there people chimed in with nothing of relevance. The page was several pages long as members continued to add comments that gave no support to the title of the thread. There were about 13 post that read. The E46 has no common problems. SIGH
Problem 2 - titling. When you get members who title threads “ Never do this” or “WTF” or “I’m Pissed” You hae to open the thread to find that its about removing your stereo, a bad ebay purchase or a broken brakeline. If these things were in the general discussion area because someone wanted to rant that one thing. But when they are in a particular sub-category the problem is 2 fold.
1, Even though you start a thread and post the problem, other members carry on the discussion and the thread becomes a resource tool. So when they are properly titled, like “a bad ebay intake” others are able to post in harmony with the title and weigh in on good and bad experiences, list brands and price etc.
2, The guy using the forum to search “intakes” is actually able to find the thread. No one searching brakeline issues is typing in “WTF”.
My final rant would be against lazy moderators/board owners. Ones who allow nasty attitudes, foul business practices and could care less about the organization of their site. If a post on “repairing the AC” is put in the suspension section so be it. If a new member asking for help gets verbally assaulted with all sorts of obscenities, that’s OK too. But should you post something negative about their sponsors your banned.
I use to note how people would often post a thread stating that they need a good Bimmer forum here on the 68 site. Now I understand why. I fully understand.
