sub forum for build threads

[troyboy162]

I can only speak for the 3rd gen forum, but I think a sub forum would be useful. There is extreme amount of build threads. Some build threads are no more then someone adding new tires and floor mats.

The problem is two fold:
-meaningless build threads cluttering the forum and diluting the scattered tech threads.
-tech knowledge gets posted and lost in the better build threads. IE page 103 of so and so's build may have the answers to a commonly asked question.

Its a T4r phenomena since the volume of build threads encourages more build threads. These are users that I assume would not feel they have done enough "building" to warrant a build thread on another forum.

 

[Doc2012]

I think the first problem that needs to be addressed are the viruses and sh!t that clog up this forum. Those are causing more problems than people posting up build threads that have nothing but floor mats in them.

Having said that:

I second the motion.

I know that there are a few people out there that are strapped for cash, and mats and such are what they can afford.

If they build it, then go ahead and put those in when you actually do some BUILDING. There's nothing wrong with floor mats, but there are ALOT of build threads where that's all they do.

Maybe there can be something like on the TTORA forum, where there is a garage with the reply function disabled except for the OP.

 

[KidVermicious]

Psst... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/127934-dedicated-build-thread-forum.html

 

[troyboy162]

I skimmed that post and I'm glad others are talking about the build threads, but I read you all turned in favor of a sticky? I would rather they had there own section away from tech talk/problem solving.

I coudlnt tell someone they dont need a build thread to post up there led dome light because that has become the accepted norm here. I would rather have them all off somewhere else so I can keep up to date on the great DIY posts and problem solving this forum does better then other forums. After the tedious task of moving threads, it will run it self.

The garage function mentioned above does work well. I'm torn on the part where no one can respond to them because alot of good questions are asked on build threads. Of course if no responses were allowed then it would hopefully lead to tech being posted outside the build threads where its more useful and searchable.

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

I love the idea. I am sick to death of clicking on a "build" thread to see a member that had someone else install a receiver hitch for them, floor mats, camo seat covers or a T4R.org sticker. Guess what, you didn't build $h!t, and your minimal mods don't warrant a build thread

I think this is probably why the garage function was created, but no one uses it to chronicle their "fake" builds. They think because they added 1 or 2 accessories to their 4R that warrants a full on build thread. Hell, add that type of stuff to your signature if you want to show it off, but don't waste space by creating another useless thread.
Just my .02

If some clutter can be consolidated and organized you may find fewer threads about "will this tire fit" or "V6 or V8" etc. Then again, if people would post threads in the appropriate sub forum, this website would be 10x better than it is now. It never fails, every time there is holiday, there are like 3-4 different Happy Thanksgiving threads. One in general discussion, one in 5th Gen, one in classics, etc. I'm not a grinch, but I am very fond of organization

 

[troyboy162]

I actually didnt even realize this forum had a garage until just now. looks like its just a moderator function to coral the build threads into their

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I am not a huge fan of the garage feature... personally I never use it.

I am not the T4R authority, I'm just a mod. However, for starters, there is no such thing as a "meaningless build thread." Floor mats, tires, or hello kitty seat covers, anyone with a 4Runner is welcome to post their own modifications. Doesn't matter if you have 5 posts and one mod or 5,000 posts and 1,000 mods. This is a community that welcomes others.

I'm looking at the 3rd gen subforum right now, 6 of the front page threads are builds. Cluttering? Diluting? If anything, the build threads save from a million other "look at my new clear corners!" threads.

Tech knowledge being posted in the middle of large builds is going to happen regardless of subforum... I don't see what you want done about it. What is your proposed solution? Maybe that's something you should bring up with the OP to repost that info into a separate thread. If you feel so inclined to gather information on a certain topic, you can always combine your findings into your own thread. Using others info and photos with their permission, of course.

I could see a Build Thread section, with KidV's master build thread library top sticky. We could even vote to sticky those builds so worthy. However, it will be difficult to pull off. You're talking about a hell of lot of link breaking. Imagine how many links lead to different build threads. All of those will stop working. I've got hundreds of links to different posts in my build.

Now, if the moved threads could still be accessed via old links, say with a redirect, I'd jump on the bandwagon right away.

 

[troyboy162]

I see the garage here is different then I am used to at my home forum. Thats a shame since its a little less versatile

no need to get rid of new build threads since its the culture. I'm not sure why everyone needs to feel important, but the fix would be to move them to another section of the forum. My guess is that once out of the lime light frivolous build thread posting will dry up. Links will be broken and that is a shame. Carrying the new link to your build thread in your sig would help that out some

Again the tech would be best off in their own posts instead of one run on post of multiple topics. Just MY opinion and off topic, but if the 3rd gen forum wasn't a off topic/general chit chat/pic request section, then maybe people wouldn't feel that their own build threads is the only thing to isolate and organize what they have accomplished. tech coming out of the build threads is just a culture change that may or may not happen. No way to force it or enforce it.

Take a look at the organization of more successful forums for ways to cut down "look at my clear corners" posts. A sub forum called exterior mods holds those types of posts and again the frequency drops due to not being front page news.

There are really several things cluttering and diluting the 3rd gen forum. Off topic and general chit chat posts are a mod function thats not being accomplished. Build threads having there own forum will hopefully run itself after people are aware of it, so I chose to zero in on that issue.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Perhaps you may find your needs better suited at Yotatech. Many members here are members of both. Different strokes for different folks.

And by the way, the report function is for spam and other unwanted garbage. That does not mean reporting your own posts to get moderator attention. Don't let that happen again.

This is ONLY to be used to report spam, advertising messages, and problematic (harassment, fighting, or rude) posts.

 

[KidVermicious]

Guys here like their build threads, and people are going to post about their clear corners and blingy rims where they're going to get the most attention for it (ie, not in a build thread sub-forum stuck in a corner nobody ever visits). Take away their "build thread" in the main forums, and instead of confining the posts you don't like to a single thread per poster, they'll start a new one every time they get a new window tint or sub box... exactly the opposite of what you're trying to accomplish.

You know what might help the OP, though, is the new advanced Ignore stuff? Not sure what it's called but I've seen it on other vB forums, it allows for ignoring users or threads or entire subforums, it completely vanishes posts from the user you're ignoring (instead of inserting a blank post), and vanishes the threads they start too. It's very cool.

 

[troyboy162]

Perhaps you may find your needs better suited at Yotatech. Many members here are members of both. Different strokes for different folks.

And by the way, the report function is for spam and other unwanted garbage. That does not mean reporting your own posts to get moderator attention. Don't let that happen again.

Moderators at this forum taking action is not very threatening when normal moderator functions are not being completed, but you're correct. It was only abused because this (previously)and several other forum improvement posts go without response. I would hope disciplinary action rates lower on the list then moving off topic posts.

My needs are better suited at other forums and that is the point of this post. I just figured I would throw my two cents in to try and make suggestions here. The tone of the post shows some common frustrations between all of us of how things are versus how they could be. There is a member base and knowledge base here to be a much better forum with some effort from admin/mods. Talking about it would seem to be the first steps.

I will check into the ignore feature. It would be a lot of work for me to set up my own organized view of the forum that way, but it sure would do the trick.

 

[steezemcqueen]

Just so most people know, Mods cannot change the forum itself in anyway. Mods only control posts, threads, stickys, bannings, etc. To add subforums and stuff like that requires admin power.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Moderators at this forum taking action is not very threatening when normal moderator functions are not being completed, but you're correct. It was only abused because this (previously)and several other forum improvement posts go without response. I would hope disciplinary action rates lower on the list then moving off topic posts.

My needs are better suited at other forums and that is the point of this post. I just figured I would throw my two cents in to try and make suggestions here. The tone of the post shows some common frustrations between all of us of how things are versus how they could be. There is a member base and knowledge base here to be a much better forum with some effort from admin/mods. Talking about it would seem to be the first steps.

I will check into the ignore feature. It would be a lot of work for me to set up my own organized view of the forum that way, but it sure would do the trick.

Stop there Troyboy, we're normal people with jobs, school, families, and lives. I can't spend all afternoon looking through different forums trying to find stuff that you criticize about this forum. We have a PM system, use it to send a mod a PM. Reporting posts the wrong way has no excuse. There are thousands of other members on here per day, including spammers, that we have to keep in line.

We volunteer to help on our own free time. We are humans, not machines or all knowing beings. It is YOUR responsibility to PM a mod when you need some help!

I've been a member of this forum for almost 5 years. I know what you're talking about, this isn't news to me. We caught on to the whole build thread idea way back to avoid the millions of "New head unit" and "Tint done today!!" threads, as mentioned before by me and KidV. Another subforum for builds will only mean a million more of what we wanted to prevent. Broken links will only make it worse.

You're talking HOURS of moving threads. Then, we have to move every single new thread that's created in any other subforum to the build thread subforum. Sorry troyboy, it's just not in the works right now. Utilize the ignore feature, it's there for folks who need it.

If anyone has any reasonable ideas for a build thread subforum, please post another thread detailing your proposition.

Oh, and Troyboy,
You have broken 2 rules so far. False reports of spam posts and dreadful whining in your last post. Our #1 rule is no whining. Normally I would issue a ban and infraction points. I am feeling merciful, so I will leave you with a closed thread and a warning. Any further rule breaking will result in banishment.

1. No Whining
This includes, but is not limited to, whining about other members, whining about the mods, whining about the admins, whining about the forum in general, whining about other forums, etc. Determinations on the issue of whining shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of the admins / mods.

 

[admin]

Gents, I'm here if you need help restructuring things a bit.

1. First of all, I like the idea of creating a "Build Threads" sub-forum for every gen we currently have listed. Perhaps this could be a sub-forum where threads cannot be started, but can be moved from the parent forum by mods, while cleaning up the titles on the way, etc. Another rule we can impose on the sub-forum is not to hide old threads. So the way I see it work is a) someone starts their build thread, b) either a mod notices and decides to move it to the sub-forum or c) members respond to the thread suggesting it should be moved.

2. As far as moving existing threads, that shouldn't be a problem. When moving a thread, one can leave a permanent or temporary redirect in its original forum.

3. I also like the idea of having a summary thread in each sub-forum. That shouldn't be hard to do, since we'll be moving the threads manually.

Thoughts?

 

[SV_Dude]

I don't really think that another sub forum is key. All it is going to do is separate a build thread from the rest of the tech in the general section of the forum. What we can do which is done in the general discussion sub forum is create a thread and sticky it. Then put a link to all the builds of that generation 4runner in that thread. I like the idea of keeping build threads in the tech area of the forum. When you do a search for something, the search will easily cover the build threads too without having to go into the details of an advanced search.

If someone creates a build thread for their floor mats and window tint, great! Let them. That's what this forum is for... partially. But it hardly clutters anything up. If no one replies to it, it will fall to the bottom and get shoved 100 pages down. Unless you need to do a search on floor mats and window tint, it will stay unseen.