Website status and concerns ------>

[Jim Oaks]

Hello all,

Forum Stats:

Since turning these new forums on 08/08/07, we've accumulated 688 registered members plus 57 pending members for a total of 745. That meens that right now we're averaging 124 new members a day.

We have 605 topics and 3,807 threads.

I like the header we have at the top of this forum better than what we had before, and I like the additional features on the sites main page. I've added the 'Top 15' posts, a list of who's currently in the forums and a list of the 10 newest members.

Avatars & Smilies:

This forum will not allow linked avatars. There is a hack for it, but Vbulletin doesn't support it because of security issues.

I've added a bunch of avatars and then made it possible for all users to upload their own.

The smilies can be set up in catagories. I've uploaded ones holding signs, but I need to find all the rest.

Regular & Premium Members

I'm going back and forth between other things fixing accounts. I have to keep upgrading Premium Members re-registering and fixing the accounts of those stuck in Users Awaiting Confirmation.

Attachments (concerns):

I have it set to enable eveyone to upload attachments. I'm concerned about what affect this may have on the server. I'm not sure if I want to leave it enabled. I like it for the aspects of uploading tech information to post in the Submit tech forum, but I'm concerned about everyone uploading pics in posts and leaving them on the server. I think it will put a load on the site with forum users downloading the attachments VS following outside links.

Classifieds:

Right now they're free. My biggest concern there were people that may have had pending transactions on the old forum being able to continue their transactions.

Our old policy only allowed Premium Members to post items for sale. You could purchase a 1-month subscription to sell an item. Some people have came only to sell something and then left without ever contributing to the forums. Some people have only ever come here to sell. Our 1-month subscription is now $1.00. After Paypals $0.30 fee and 3% transaction fee it leaves $0.67. I've thought about waiting a few months and then making it so only Premium Members or members over a certain post count can post items for sale. I'm undecided about this.

main Site Search:

There are a lot of pages at TRS. I'm still trying to configure a search feature to search the site.

Adding other features:

I'm still looking at Blog and Photo Gallery options.

Screen Options:

Somewhere down the road I will re-implement a black or blue forum layout option to choose from. This one will always be default.

Getting replies from me:

I'm really busy. When I get emails or PM's about a problem I generally fix it and move on instead of taking time to contact people back. I bounce around, so I may not fix your problem on the exact day you send it. If it's a problem with your profile, you can also contact ryan.

If I can't do anything I'll tell you, so don't assume because you haven't heard from me that I'm not taking care of it. I may be focussed on something else.

[RobbieD]

Thanks for the update. No complaints- ROCK ON!

[06yellowranger]

The sites looking better and better everyday Jim, we appreciate all your and your teams hard work.

[mjonesjr]

or members over a certain post count can post items for sale. I'm undecided about this.
the only bad thing about this is everyone had to re-register, so now they don't have their post count....

everything looks good with the new site...

[JohnnyU]

I've said it before, and I'll continue to stress this point. Post count means nothing, besides proving that someone has so little else to do that they constantly are posting some type of response to any kind of thread that they can find.

I think many people can spot a good tech contributor when they read through their post.

Remember, it's not quantity but quality that counts.

[Jim Oaks]

the only bad thing about this is everyone had to re-register, so now they don't have their post count....

everything looks good with the new site...

I've said it before, and I'll continue to stress this point. Post count means nothing, besides proving that someone has so little else to do that they constantly are posting some type of response to any kind of thread that they can find.

I think many people can spot a good tech contributor when they read through their post.

Remember, it's not quantity but quality that counts.

If I decided to go that route I would wait a few months before doing so in order that people could get their post counts up.

I don't think someone is going to come in here and make 100 posts just to be able to sell something.

[4x4junkie]

Attachments (concerns):

I have it set to enable eveyone to upload attachments. I'm concerned about what affect this may have on the server. I'm not sure if I want to leave it enabled. I like it for the aspects of uploading tech information to post in the Submit tech forum, but I'm concerned about everyone uploading pics in posts and leaving them on the server. I think it will put a load on the site with forum users downloading the attachments VS following outside links.
.

You should be able to set attachment uploads for all users in just that forum only. I've seen this on other vB boards (Pirate IIRC allows it for people posting in the Vendors section, Explorerforum, in their BII and Ranger "Registry" forums)

[Bentwrench]

Well, I think everything could be a lot better. I don't see why it can't be fixed in one day. Time was, a man took pride in keeping his website going, and he didn't even have computers to fall back on. He just used his wits and know-how. But if this is the best you can do, I guess it's fine.

I think one of my vertibrae got turned around backwards while I was dancing with Big Mona last night. Damn. She was dancing with me is more accurate. But I made it home with more money than I went out with. I don't want to know how that happened so I think I'll spent the next couple weeks on the windward side. Know what I mean?

[James Denton]

Things are getting better everyday----Keep up the great work

[Joe_Roofer]

But I made it home with more money than I went out with.

Ha ha, that's what it's all about brother.
I usually get it ($) with my drum kit but big Mona sounds nice...
Good job though, this site is coming along very well!

[JohnnyU]

Well, I think everything could be a lot better. I don't see why it can't be fixed in one day. Time was, a man took pride in keeping his website going, and he didn't even have computers to fall back on. He just used his wits and know-how. But if this is the best you can do, I guess it's fine.


You've got some serious issues bud. No one is twisting your arm to stay here if you are so displeased with Jim and his timeless efforts. Considering all that has happened, I'm very surprised by the progress of the forums.

[baddis]

i love the new home and haven't had any issues yet

[Wicked_Sludge]

i vote that you only allow premium members to post for sale ads, regardless of post count. i know this site isnt about making money, but if someone wants to purchase a premium account just to put up a for sale ad then why not?

another thing ive missed a little is having eveyones vehicle info under their names...i used that a LOT since many people forget to put it in their posts.

[AgPete139]

I agree, and I've already said this, but I think everyone is doing a great job. It's inspiring to see so much work go into something that has become a sort of an online home for me. Thanks Jim and the team for doing what you can. Everything will be taken care of and will work itself out in time...

Post count means nothings, IMO. It shouldn't be something one prides themselves in...I can't diagnose a pinging 2.3L, but I've done smaller work. Help with what you can, and don't be concerned about how much better you are than the bloke in the post above you.

Glad TRS is back...

[Jim Oaks]

i vote that you only allow premium members to post for sale ads, regardless of post count. i know this site isnt about making money, but if someone wants to purchase a premium account just to put up a for sale ad then why not?

another thing ive missed a little is having eveyones vehicle info under their names...i used that a LOT since many people forget to put it in their posts.

I added the vehicle description features. It's in your profile. Click on my name and look at my profile. You'll see a Vehicle Description.

[Wicked_Sludge]

i noticed that you added those..its been screwing with me the last few minutes. it wouldnt let me view anything, would just display a screen that said "you have empty profile fields that are required". filled it out and was good to go untill you switch the tranny option from a dialog box to a drop down, then i had to fill it out again :D

its kinda of entertaining being on a web site while its being updated/modified :cool:

[MAKG]

Well, I think everything could be a lot better. I don't see why it can't be fixed in one day. Time was, a man took pride in keeping his website going, and he didn't even have computers to fall back on. He just used his wits and know-how. But if this is the best you can do, I guess it's fine.


Wow. I guess you're one of those people who thinks IT is trivial.

Let me assure you, it isn't. Not even.

And if you don't like the free service, you have two options:

(1) Help out, or
(2) STFU

Jim has done a massive amount of work, and made a functional site from essentially nothing in a very short time. That there are a couple of features you might want that aren't there is a case of tough poopy. If you don't like it, help out. If you don't want to, shut up or get lost.

You're either tremendously clueless, drunk, or stoned. I don't care which. Fix it.

And I just have to wonder what planet you live on that has websites with no computers.

[DK27]

Wow. I guess you're one of those people who thinks IT is trivial.

Let me assure you, it isn't. Not even.

And if you don't like the free service, you have two options:

(1) Help out, or
(2) STFU

Jim has done a massive amount of work, and made a functional site from essentially nothing in a very short time. That there are a couple of features you might want that aren't there is a case of tough poopy. If you don't like it, help out. If you don't want to, shut up or get lost.

You're either tremendously clueless, drunk, or stoned. I don't care which. Fix it.

And I just have to wonder what planet you live on that has websites with no computers.

Coulnd't have said it better myself (again!). I can't rep you again yet dammit!

[MrE_Powers]

i can though.

[mjonesjr]

If I decided to go that route I would wait a few months before doing so in order that people could get their post counts up.

I don't think someone is going to come in here and make 100 posts just to be able to sell something.
good call:clapping:

[ozzy85]

I thought ol' Mr. Bentwrench was joking.

[JoshT]

I couldn't tell if he was joking or just that stupid. Either way MAKG said it well.

That message: "You have empty profile fields that are required to be filled in. Please visit your profile page to update these fields." Was messing with my mind as well earlier. Doesn't really make sense to me to have it required, but that my be just cause I already have it in my sig.

[almostclueless]

I added the vehicle description features. It's in your profile. Click on my name and look at my profile. You'll see a Vehicle Description.

If I may add here.....it looked like the site FORCED me to update this stuff......was that intentional?

[RobbieD]

If I may add here.....it looked like the site FORCED me to update this stuff......was that intentional?

I saw that this morning, too, and put info into most all of the fields on the page I was taken to. The only addition I see to my ID info afterwards at post left member data block is that my "Location" is now listed (extremely helpful in sell / buy posts).

What I was hoping to see automatically added, too, was vehicle info, but I entered all 3 of my trucks so maybe that screwed things up if the member-entered info was supposed to also show vehicle info at the post left member data. I'll add my vehicle info as a sig note, as soon as I have time and patience to figure it out (caution!- computer illiterate old fart). It kinda looks like if I entered only one vehicle, it would show with my ID data?

I'm making these comments, only in hopes that it's useful to the staff / mods as user input. Obviously there are still small things needing to done, but this new Forum format is much, much better, and you guys doing all of this work have done an incredibly awesome job. You guys rock!

Edit: Cool! I just noticed that my member data took the "Junior Member" that I typed in this morning. So that part works, too.

[Toreadorranger]

I think selling stuff shouldnt be allowed to a certain post count.

[Jim Oaks]

I changed the 'Vehicle Description' in the user profile so it's not mandatory.

[Jim Oaks]

Ok......

In order to limit users posting in the Classifieds, I would have to create a new user group and set the forum to promote members to this group and then give this new group and premium members the options to post in the classifieds. The group can be set up to promote people based on posts, reputation and or date registered.

[baddis]

that seems to be more of a pain in the neck for you and the staff. i think it would be better for you if it was only paid members

[ryan]

that seems to be more of a pain in the neck for you and the staff. i think it would be better for you if it was only paid members

Compared to getting all the "i cant post" emails this is much easier

[JohnnyO]

I'd still suggest limiting For Sale threads to Premium Members. At least for the thread starter, but anyone could respond. If that's possible. Otherwise all kind of people would be checking in just to sell all kind of crap. Like I tell people, "eBay ain't free either". .02.

[DK27]

Is iTrader part of vBulletin or is it a mod?

It's a ranking system that can be implemented for buying and selling stuff through vBulletin. That would be a good system to have.

[DK27]

http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=102965

[DK27]

How about a separate PC section?

[fastpakr]

I'd go for that as well.

[Jim Oaks]

Ok, I downloaded the ITrader and I'm looking at the installation requirements.

Were there any other rating systems that you saw, or have you seen ITrader elsewhere?

[Jim Oaks]

I'm trying to choose between gallery options too.

Here's some things I found:

VB Image Hosting:
http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=123481&highlight=gallery

Photoplog - The Lite Gallery:
http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=101368&highlight=gallery

VB Image Hosting:
http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=106127&highlight=gallery

VBGarage:
http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=109924&highlight=gallery

I think this is an update to:
http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=63681

VBI Gallery:
http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=128598&highlight=gallery

It's an update to:
http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=92875


I need input. I'd like to create a feature here to allow members to show off their rides in a way that's organized and layed out better than just a bunch of pics in a post.

[DK27]

Ok, I downloaded the ITrader and I'm looking at the installation requirements.

Were there any other rating systems that you saw, or have you seen ITrader elsewhere?

I've used it over at www.clubrsx.com

I can look for other rating systems for trades if you don't think you like that one much.

[Jim Oaks]

I was just curious if you stumbled across it, or had experience with it. I'm more prone to use it knowing you've used it before and like it.

[DK27]

Here's a screenie of what it looks lie in the user profile. I think it's a nice system for feedback for buyers and sellers --- kinda like how eBay is setup.

http://kw-studios.com/dk/pics/itrader_dk.jpg

[samsonitesamsonite]

I like that..... alot

[Jim Oaks]

Ok DK27, iTrader is installed here.

Now if I can just get some recommendations about those galleries...........

[DK27]

Ok DK27, iTrader is installed here.

Now if I can just get some recommendations about those galleries...........

I'll take a look around at the galleries. What exactly are you looking for? The VBGarage seems pretty nice so far but maybe a little too simplistic depending on what you want?

[Jim Oaks]

I tried the VBI and didn't like it. I tried the VBgarage, and I'm not to crazy about it either. I'm working on the Photoplog to see what it does.

[warhawk]

VB Garage 3.5 or Gallery for Vbulletin 3.5.X looks good to me