DIY section restructuring... who wants to lend a hand?

[lucifer1]

I don't see a need for subsections in the diy forum. I think the first thread should list/link all popular diy organized by categories. The existing sub forums could get a sticky at the top with the diys relevant to that section as well as the full master list in the diy section.

I can help out with whatever is needed.

[deevergote]

I think at this point, weeding through looking for "eng", "susp", etc... gets a bit tedious. Subforums will help in searching, and they will also help keep relevant threads floating around the top of the appropriate section.
Some of your DIYs, lucifer1, I've never even seen until I clicked on the links in your sig! A lot of those things that you do are things that many people probably haven't even though of (like your puddle lights). Those kinds of things would be great in a more concentrated subforum, where people can just browse and say "oh, that looks like fun!"


A master list is a great idea, though. Much like we have in most of the other forums... a list of commonly asked questions, links to the most common threads, etc...

[Stoner51]

Is it possible to upload pics to this server?

Another problem I see is when members sell their cars or move on they usually have a limited photobucket or whatever account when they need space they delete those pics

Steve

[deevergote]

It is, but with the limited bandwidth I have, it would end up being a very expensive endeavor. Each time a picture is viewed, it's essentially downloaded.

[sonikaccord]

What about a dedicated image hosting space just for the site?

[deevergote]

Thought about it. The only issue would be making it so users could upload content, but not manipulate content (so nobody maliciously deletes it.) And then we'd have to monitor it so someone doesn't use it for their own private image hosting.

[Turbo617]

how about this. For the DIY section.

We make a photobucket ( unless someone knows a better host ) just for it, have the mods (or just one person) have access to it. We keep that photobucket alive. the pictures stay in the threads.

[uslspct]

I second that. Send pictures to the mod in charge. If we want these pictures to last longer than a few months a central location is key. What about Google Drive?

[deevergote]

Google would probably be wise. I don't see them going anywhere. Ever.


It would require a good deal of effort on the moderator's part, though. And, as I've experienced, many moderators just disappear without telling anyone... leaving their duties neglected (and I'm often not aware of that.)


What we COULD do is allow threads to be submitted as usual... then the moderator can copy the pictures from that thread and put them on a dedicated hosting account. Then change all the URLs.
It would be tedious, however. Although all the current surviving images could be transferred in this way as well. It will take a lot of time...

[sunburn]

I am down to help check through the DIY section.

[Turbo617]

I can help with managing the hosting account. Granted I don't know 100%, I'm still learning. so pretty much use me for worst case scenario. Unless there is atleast two or three who can manage it.

I check forums every other day, usually signed off unless I need to comment ( as after a short amount of time of inactivity I automatically get signed off so I pretty much just stay signed off)

btw I'm Jesus R Vega on FB ( to help identify who I am)

[deevergote]

I expect to have 4-5 subforums, and therefore that many section moderators.
Hopefully by having one person per section, we can keep anyone from getting overwhelmed.

Given the amount of traffic we have now, it shouldn't be all that difficult to keep up with new DIYs. However, it's going to be quite a project cleaning up all the old stuff. Especially if we decide to move everything over to a dedicated image host.

[Turbo617]

we can start the remaking/remodeling with the essential DIYs. For example.

anything related involving full engine rebuild. ( headgasket, timing belt, etc etc)

suspension system/ brake system. inbetween remaking each DIY we do the none essential DIY ( black housing headlights, etc etc). I'm allover the place hopefully you understand where I'm coming from.

You can even start making them on the Premium forum , and once completed move them to the appropriate section.

[Turbo617]

I realize this is no overnight project to do and this may not attract members as someone definetly pointed out, people these days are lazy, but we WILL attract the serious CB7 enthusiasts. ( even some CD5 enthusiasts)

since CD5tuner is practically dead but refusing to die, guess we combine into one?

[deevergote]

Nah. The whole purpose of CD5tuner was to get them away from this site!
Combining the databases is difficult, if not impossible. It would make a mess of things.
I need to get in touch with the guy that's hosting CD5tuner and get him to help me install a new version of vBulletin. That will clear up the software conflict and make that site right again. It's just hard to tie him down anymore, and I've never been good about maintaining that site!