It's That Time Again, I Need Your 6GC Feature Suggestions! Options

[Coomer]

Even though I'm selling the Celica, this site is gonna stay alive, and hopefully be better than ever. It's summer and I plan on stocking up on diet Coke and spending another weekend at my office working on the site.

So what I need from you all are feature suggestions. Anything and everything that you can think of should be posted.

Here's what I'm thinking about so far:

• Making the warning system easier to understand(You guys have no idea how many people PM me wondering why their warning level is at zero percent)
• Enhanced member profile display page
• Alternate photo reduction algorithms should the native PHP functions not work(it occasionally happens)
• A new administration area for moderators to use to authorize how-tos, parts, and high-res photos, add new featured rides, etc.(I don't have time to do it)
• Improvements to the new member verification system(Another subject that I have to deal with several times a week)
• New features and improvements to the home page(upcoming events thanks to Jeff), featured downloads, etc.
• Forum redesign and upgrade to Invision Board 2.1

So now I want to hear what you guys want.

[jgreening]

I would like to see an archive forum where the mods can dump very informative threads. It was one of my favorite places to just browse on the old celica.net. For those threads that aren't good enough for a sticky, such a forum is easy to direct people who have common, recurring questions.

Also, and I know you get sick of hearing this, but I would love to search on three letter words.... (you asked)

[Jen]

Better moderation of Off Topic discussions..

[Consynx]

unlimited PMs, i still dont understand the archiving thing

[1900WattCelica]

Also, and I know you get sick of hearing this, but I would love to search on three letter words....   (you asked)
[right][snapback]295666[/snapback][/right]

I second that!

Oh, and I submitted a Hi-Res photo in my profile a week ago and I havent heard anything of it. Not necessarily an enhancement, but it is a function of the site.

Maybe adding 1 additional photo spot for newer profiles for the purpose of posting a self portrait.

This is a pretty intense suggestion: When you build your profile and list modifications, you type them into a text box. In addition to that, how about making it so that you can link to the parts database and pick from a list, and then type in the box for anything custom. Then, when other users are in the parts database, they can see who has it installed, so they can look at that users photos or ask them questions.

[Coomer]

I would like to see an archive forum where the mods can dump very informative threads.  It was one of my favorite places to just browse on the old celica.net.  For those threads that aren't good enough for a sticky, such a forum is easy to direct people who have common, recurring questions.

Also, and I know you get sick of hearing this, but I would love to search on three letter words....   (you asked)
[right][snapback]295666[/snapback][/right]

Were the archived threads locked when they were moved? I can't remember, but the benefit is that people wouldn't go to all the threads, not read them, and then ask stupid questions.

Oh, and I'll talk to my host and see what can be done about the three-letter word searches. I don't think anything will be able to be done unless the site is moved to a dedicated server though.

Better moderation of Off Topic discussions..
[right][snapback]295669[/snapback][/right]

I'd like to add a couple moderators. I just don't know who.

unlimited PMs, i still dont understand the archiving thing
[right][snapback]295715[/snapback][/right]

How can you not understand how it works? The form is self-explanatory, and then you get the archived messages emailed to you.

Also, and I know you get sick of hearing this, but I would love to search on three letter words....   (you asked)
[right][snapback]295666[/snapback][/right]

I second that!

Oh, and I submitted a Hi-Res photo in my profile a week ago and I havent heard anything of it. Not necessarily an enhancement, but it is a function of the site.

Maybe adding 1 additional photo spot for newer profiles for the purpose of posting a self portrait.

This is a pretty intense suggestion: When you build your profile and list modifications, you type them into a text box. In addition to that, how about making it so that you can link to the parts database and pick from a list, and then type in the box for anything custom. Then, when other users are in the parts database, they can see who has it installed, so they can look at that users photos or ask them questions.
[right][snapback]295886[/snapback][/right]

Like I said, moderators will be able to approve high-res photos. I think self-portraits are best hosted elsewhere though.

I would love to have the modifications list setup that way, but very few people would use it, I guarantee it. Almost no-one uses the "Add Your Part Info" feature already.

[jgreening]

Were the archived threads locked when they were moved? I can't remember, but the benefit is that people wouldn't go to all the threads, not read them, and then ask stupid questions.

Yes, they were locked. Obviously, you wouldn't want to place a thread in the archive when it was still "active". However, there are plenty of dead threads on here that are very very good that could be placed in an archive. Here are a couple of examples:

Tranny's worthy of power

Making wheels look flush with outside of car

Sure some people won't read the archives. But some people will and it will be really beneficial so those people don't have to search through countless meaningless threads with the same search terms to find some good information. This feature is really designed to help the people who use the search function.

[1900WattCelica]

Like I said, moderators will be able to approve high-res photos. I think self-portraits are best hosted elsewhere though.

I would love to have the modifications list setup that way, but very few people would use it, I guarantee it. Almost no-one uses the "Add Your Part Info" feature already.
[right][snapback]295909[/snapback][/right]

Oh...right...I must have skimmed that section about moderators approving hi-res pics. Whoops.

Check this out Coomer though: Most everyone checks out peoples profiles. You see a cool car, you click the profile and you see the guys car. I guarantee most people do that now. Now, you look at their list of modifications. Instead of plain text, there is a hyperlink that will take you to the parts database (from which the profile owner originally linked to when they set up their profile). From there they see pricing, where to get it, etc...etc... People realize how cool this feature is. If there generous, they will then know to add where they purchased an item next time they do a modification. Even if they dont, It will still add links to the profiles of everyone who has that part. Presto...you have not only made the site as a whole more functional, but you have promoted the parts database.

Im in global marketing at my company, what can i say

[Coomer]

I know exactly what you're talking about. I'd love to have it. I can program up something like that in a matter of hours.

The problem is that people are lazy and won't want to go to the trouble of doing this. I implemented the "Post your Part Info" section so people could add information about their parts in the database that they have on their car, including where to buy it, purchase cost, installation cost, and comments, but almost no-one uses it.

[darksecret]

I think that most people don't use the parts database because nobody reviews the parts they have or have custom stuff.

[1900WattCelica]

Oh ok. I was just thinking that if you were able to create your mods in your profile by picking it off of a list from the parts database, then every time someone did that, It would add that persons name to that part and a link to their profile. In a sense, It would automatically maintain itself. Instead of counting on users to physically type in that they have that part, it would be done with a few mouse clicks.

[Coomer]

Oh ok.  I was just thinking that if you were able to create your mods in your profile by picking it off of a list from the parts database, then every time someone did that, It would add that persons name to that part and a link to their profile.  In a sense, It would automatically maintain itself. Instead of counting on users to physically type in that they have that part, it would be done with a few mouse clicks.
[right][snapback]295992[/snapback][/right]

But they'd still have to select the part, and optionally type in where they got it, how much they paid for it and installation, and any comments. And I don't think most people would do this.

[jgreening]

Oh ok.  I was just thinking that if you were able to create your mods in your profile by picking it off of a list from the parts database, then every time someone did that, It would add that persons name to that part and a link to their profile.  In a sense, It would automatically maintain itself. Instead of counting on users to physically type in that they have that part, it would be done with a few mouse clicks.
[right][snapback]295992[/snapback][/right]

I think this is an excellent idea and people would do it if it came up at the time they had to edit their profile. The problem with the current system is that you can only add your information from the parts database. I guarantee most people do not look there on a regular basis.

[ghostdog]

whooo for new features. I also second Jay's archive idea

[Defgeph]

I agree with with the archive (this website has needed it since day one). I also think we should have have a multimedia forum. Update feasable swaps thread.
I would like to see a Forced Induction forum open up.
Engine/Transmission/ Performance forum should be left for the N/A ST & GT engines.

DEF

This post has been edited by defgeph: Jun 7, 2005 - 6:53 PM

[playr158]

i would like a GROUP BUY specific thread

[Defgeph]

Been there and done it. The group buy section went down in flames.

[Andason]

I'd like to add a couple moderators. I just don't know who.

cough cough

i think ive calmed down over the past year

This post has been edited by Andason: Jun 8, 2005 - 7:22 PM

[lagos]

how about updating the links section. i tried to go to celica.net and topshelf racing hahaha
throw celicatech.com in there! (shameless plug)

i like the parts database idea

[1900WattCelica]

Yeah the reason I thought of it was that I am contemplating getting a C-One knockoff bumper cover from cyberbestbuy, and then 404 sides and rear bumper lip. I was looking in the parts database to get ideas, and when I went to the C-One body kit there was only one person who had info on it. Well, I knew off the top of my head that Itchy_B and Tufy had them, and I wanted to get ideas on what it actually looks like in reality. Im sure more than just those two have it, but I dont remember their names off the top of my head.

So Im imagining in my head being able to just go to the parts database and seeing all of the people who have the c-one bumper, then seeing a list of people who have it installed. Then I can get an idea whether I like it on the color car I have if enough people have it.

Coomer, when you first sign into the forums on a day, could you make a message that pops up saying "hey theres a new feature available, please go into your profile and update your information using the new parts selector for your modifications". That may help get it kicked off, because it really doesnt take that much effort for a user to do something like that. Hopefully make it laziness free.

Sorry if Im being a pain in the butt, just makign sure my idea is represented and clear