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View Full Version : Changes & the New ION Forum

Charlie
10-15-2002, 07:40 AM
As some of you may have noticed, I've been making modifications to both the SaturnFans message board skin and to the database structure during the past few weeks. To date most of the changes have been transparent, however beginning today, changes will become more visible. Over the next two weeks you will be seeing a number of changes -- which I hope you will see as improvements -- made to the SaturnFans Forums. These are being made in preparation for a new type of community that I plan to have ready to open in the beginning of November.

One of the first visible changes was the creation of the new ION Forum (http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php3?forumid=18). This was done for two reasons: (1) it will help me set the stage for the next big addition coming to SaturnFans, and (2) it was based on e-mail feedback I've received from visitors and members who wanted a model-specific community where topics wouldn't get buried by threads in the popular General Discussion forum.

Please remember that while the changes may seem out of place today, I think they will make more sense in November. Even with model-specific forums, the General Discussion board will remain for Saturn topics relating to the company and your owner experiences. I understand that there are advantages and disadvantages for both model-specific and one consolidated "general" forum. I hope to be able to balance the pros and cons of each as best I can. For instance, for those members who prefer the current setup, one improvement I'm working on is a one-click search feature that will simulate the look and feel of the General Discussion board. This way visitors can get the same information without have to visit each model-specific forum. At the same time, topics will be more categorized for easier browsing.

Before creating separate forums for each Saturn model, I thought it would be a good idea to test visitor reaction to the change.

Comments?

Charlie :)

PS. Please post all ION-related topics in the ION Forum (http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php3?forumid=18)...
bibliotech
10-15-2002, 09:26 AM
I think the model-specific forum is a good idea.
RedRockerL300
10-15-2002, 10:40 AM
Good idea. Nothing beats a little organization, especially with everything we talk about on here. :) Thanks, Charlie.
vebix
10-15-2002, 11:00 AM
Add my vote for model-specific forums.

:)
s3nfo
10-15-2002, 11:16 AM
Me too! Model specific forums sounds like a great change!
piney
10-15-2002, 12:31 PM
Sounds good to me - after all the L series and the VUE are just wannabe Saturns...

91 SL2 - 5 Speed (traded)
93 SL2 - Auto (sold)
97 SL2 - Auto (still got it w/ 48k miles)

(All are real Saturns!!)
CanVueYes!
10-15-2002, 01:19 PM
Good idea, Charlie.

How soon for the VUE??


Originally posted by piney
Sounds good to me - after all the L series and the VUE are just wannabe Saturns...

91 SL2 - 5 Speed (traded)
93 SL2 - Auto (sold)
97 SL2 - Auto (still got it w/ 48k miles)

(All are real Saturns!!)

Hey, hey, piney!! We're all one big family, no?? Even though I may consider the "L" series as maybe half brother/sister because they are not made in Spring Hill, but we're still family. So no name calling, okay?:ugh:
piney
10-15-2002, 04:47 PM
Originally posted by CanVueYes!
Hey, hey, piney!! We're all one big family, no?? Even though I may consider the "L" series as maybe half brother/sister because they are not made in Spring Hill, but we're still family. So no name calling, okay?:ugh:

Just busting chops - I'll accept those half metal cars as Saturns if I have to :dazed: :dazed:
John10
10-15-2002, 08:56 PM
In most instances on other message boards, I prefer a general discussion format. Given Charlie's great record in developing this site however, I am going to withold my judgement until all the changes are completed. What ever is done, I'll get used to it and will continue to use and appreciate the site.

What I really miss though are some of the old members who no longer participate. Folks like SL2-2NV, Armadillo, Whoop and many others who were always good for something of interest but now are gone or rarely heard from.
03VUEAWDVTI
10-16-2002, 09:18 AM
A model specific forum is great. The snowmobileworld forums that I also frequent does this, although with makers instead of models. I makes it MUCH easier to keep up with your specific product.
RedRockerL300
10-16-2002, 10:54 AM
Where in TX do you ride a snowmobile? :) I see you're in Paradise.
03VUEAWDVTI
10-16-2002, 11:08 AM
Nowhere, I usually drive up to the Rocky Mountains to go ride. The machine that I have doesn't run - locked up from too many years sitting and not "put away" properly. :(

Yup, I live in "Paradise." Actually, between there and Bridgeport, on acreage. I wouldn't trade living out here in the country for the biggest house in the metromess. :o:

It's **** on the cars though, my commute is 50 miles one way.
L300Boy
10-16-2002, 12:17 PM
Just was long as you make an RHD SW2 forum ;) j/k!
teal95sl1
10-16-2002, 12:27 PM
model specific forums are an awesome idea! keep up the great work and good luck Charlie with all the changes you have going on here :yes:
RedRockerL300
10-16-2002, 01:10 PM
Originally posted by 03VUEAWDVTI

It's **** on the cars though, my commute is 50 miles one way.

Me too. I commute from Ft Worth to North Dallas every day, about 50 miles each way.

How about these for additional topics:

S-Series Coupe
S-Series Sedan
L-Series
Vue

Or just combine the S-Series Coupe and Sedan in to one S-Series topic.
socketz
10-16-2002, 06:54 PM
"Sounds good to me - after all the L series and the VUE are just wannabe Saturns... "

Look at Piney talking a little smack :-)
GR898SL2
10-16-2002, 07:52 PM
Originally posted by RedRockerL300
Or just combine the S-Series Coupe and Sedan in to one S-Series topic.

An S-Series Forum sounds good to me, RedRocker! :D

:flag:
DarkAngel
10-17-2002, 02:55 AM
How about these for additional topics:

S-Series Coupe
S-Series Sedan
L-Series
Vue

Or just combine the S-Series Coupe and Sedan in to one S-Series topic.:

That was exactly my idea. I think I will keep things focused and organized as the site grows. I've seen the set up like that on stangnet.com and it seems very effective. But the forum has 5x the people as well.

I'll be here no matter what you decide Charlie! Your doing a great job!
dano92
10-24-2002, 12:30 PM
I like the idea. They did it that way on a Datsun Z site I used to frequent. Thanks for the great work Charlie!
thesaturnvue
10-25-2002, 06:09 PM
The thing I like about Charlie is that no matter how big or great this site gets, he is always looking for ways to make it even better.
Model specific forums sound great to me too.
92saturnsl2
10-26-2002, 04:36 PM
I'm all for it as well. I don't visit the Gen Discussion board very often for that exact reason. It's just a mix and match forum of just about everything under the sun. The model specific forums would definately help.
Bar(long a)
10-26-2002, 09:00 PM
Way cool, Charlie.

I think it will fly just fine. There are many of us who will enjoy the model specific forum as most of us buy a specific model for a reason.

Keep up the great work Charlie, you da man!:grnjump: :redjump:

:sneeze: :sneeze:
Damn fall allergies
Scratch1SL
10-27-2002, 07:16 AM
I really like the idea Charlie, this is a superb board and it just keeps on evolving. As a newcomer I just want to say hats off to all who bring thoughtful and even at times funny if not sligthly twisted reflections hehehe!!!!!! :D

I'm happy to be a part of this board and in a larger way... the Saturn Family. I still believe in Saturn and I'm convinced that the Brand will grow and attract new buyers... and for my wildest dreams... I would love to see Saturn expand it's manufacturing into the Great White North!!!!!! Our factories have a proven track record as far as quality is concerned. Now that would be the ultimate!!!!!:grnjump: :grnjump: :grnjump:
skyhawk53
10-27-2002, 08:25 AM
Your idea sounds good to me. Sounds like we will be able to go right to our interests.

Happy Wrenching,
skyhawk53
Charlie
10-27-2002, 09:21 AM
Thanks everyone for your feedback and kind words. I've been reading and taking notes on all the posts, PMs, and e-mails I've received about the new model-specific forum setup. Right now, I'm trying to incorporate as many of your suggestions in the new design. I may delay the official opening of the upgraded forums for another week or two, because I've got some new features that I want to test a little longer.

Thank you again for all your ideas and suggestions!

Charlie

:flag:
Meridian
10-28-2002, 03:31 PM
I think this forum is great. I am new to the board but have been reading the posts for a few months.... Great work Charlie!!!!!!
McSaturn
10-28-2002, 09:34 PM
As this is THE BEST site on the WWW, I'd say if its your idea....its a good one!

This site ROCKS!
Russ Bellinis
11-13-2002, 10:59 PM
Why is the ION forum separate from the catagories? I would have thought the model specific forums would just be separate catagories.
jmatero
11-15-2002, 01:31 PM
As a current VW owner, check out the VW forums at VWvortex.com

That's a great model for a site like this.

ION
VUE
L-Series
S-Series
JanCan
11-28-2002, 08:21 PM
Let me add my "yes" to more forum categories.
I notice that if thread hasn't had a response in a while, it soon gets pushed down to the next page and forgotten.
If you have more categories (a whole page would be nice) this would split up the number of threads per forum, and threads wouldn't be pushed down so fast.
Geez, that reads badly, but I hope you know what I mean.
SQVue
12-10-2002, 11:43 PM
waiting for vue forum.... :)
Charlie
12-21-2002, 10:59 PM
Originally posted by madbeatz
waiting for vue forum.... :) Done! The VUE and L-Series Forums are now online. More changes are on the way!

:redjump:

Charlie
Charlie
12-22-2002, 02:23 AM
FYI, the upgrade is still in progress... during this time, some features you have seen in the past may not work correctly right now. I will fix everything as soon as possible.

Thanks in advance for your patience!

Charlie
gaf3
12-24-2002, 10:15 AM
I guess I have to be a spoil sport. This makes it harder for me to find things because I have to search two forums. It's also more difficult to keep track of where discussions were. But then, I've long been spoiled by the Delphi (Prospero) system, which is far more powerful than most other bulletin board systems around.

I think that one improvement that needs to be added is a direct link from the saturnfans home page to the model specific forums. Right now, that takes me several more steps, going through the general forum first.

Of course, I'm going to be outvoted, so I won't hold it against anyone (nor should this be taken as a lack of appreciation for the hard work that has gone into making this a great set of forums).

Gary