Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 15, 2018, 07:01:46 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 15, 2018, 07:01:46 AM
...to drum up some more traffic over here?
I've been back on the forum for roughly a year now. Even in that year, I have seen activity decline. I have been making an effort to visit here every few days, and somewhat post w.
A lot of us, just because of our age and scene, are not very good with social media. I have an Instagram account that I'm hardly active on, primarily because I have no clue what the hell I'm doing with it. I started the account with the intention of trying to bring awareness to these cars, and this forum again. I do follow a couple people who I know are/were members of this forum, and they post much more regularly.
While Facebook certainly hurt the forums, I do try to link people back here from time to time.
I know our numbers are dwindling, but do you guys have any ideas on how to maybe reach out, and find some more members to bring in here, or to get people coming back once again? Maybe something to help make the forum more appealing?
I've been back on the forum for roughly a year now. Even in that year, I have seen activity decline. I have been making an effort to visit here every few days, and somewhat post w.
A lot of us, just because of our age and scene, are not very good with social media. I have an Instagram account that I'm hardly active on, primarily because I have no clue what the hell I'm doing with it. I started the account with the intention of trying to bring awareness to these cars, and this forum again. I do follow a couple people who I know are/were members of this forum, and they post much more regularly.
While Facebook certainly hurt the forums, I do try to link people back here from time to time.
I know our numbers are dwindling, but do you guys have any ideas on how to maybe reach out, and find some more members to bring in here, or to get people coming back once again? Maybe something to help make the forum more appealing?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: vinnietbird on September 15, 2018, 08:53:04 AM
Post by: vinnietbird on September 15, 2018, 08:53:04 AM
I think Facebook has taken the population. I say advertise the forum on facebook when we make posts over there. I think the forum is still valid. And I like that we have topics, not just random stuff all over the place, and scrolling forever to find a post.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Loaded87IROC on September 15, 2018, 05:20:37 PM
Post by: Loaded87IROC on September 15, 2018, 05:20:37 PM
Wow, I didn't know this forum was still here!
Just kidding.
I agree that we've lost a lot of people to Facebook. It's just so easy for people to post there and get an almost instant answer without having to do any searching.
Maybe we should stop answering their questions and just direct them here.
Just kidding.
I agree that we've lost a lot of people to Facebook. It's just so easy for people to post there and get an almost instant answer without having to do any searching.
Maybe we should stop answering their questions and just direct them here.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: vinnietbird on September 15, 2018, 08:20:15 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on September 15, 2018, 08:20:15 PM
We need both options. But still direct them here as well
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 15, 2018, 11:18:39 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 15, 2018, 11:18:39 PM
It's not as simple as people are using Facebook now instead of forums. It's also the age and popularity of these cars. They are not particularly popular and they are now OLD. The newest versions are 30 years old. It's not just Facebook but a lack of interest in these cars in general. When this place was really busy these cars were still in the old used car range. Now they are just old, and many need restoration. Our cars are now a small niche market.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 16, 2018, 03:55:59 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 16, 2018, 03:55:59 AM
Quote from: thunderjet302;467080
It's not as simple as people are using Facebook now instead of forums. It's also the age and popularity of these cars. They are not particularly popular and they are now OLD. The newest versions are 30 years old. It's not just Facebook but a lack of interest in these cars in general. When this place was really busy these cars were still in the old used car range. Now they are just old, and many need restoration. Our cars are now a small niche market.
While you are correct, we still do get new members registering here, and new members in the Facebook groups at an "okay" rate. It certainly isn't what it used to be. While the general public isn't as privy to these cars as they once were, there are still a large amount of enthusiasts.
I'm on a forum for live planted aquariums, and that forum booms. It's almost as busy as this place once was. Forums themselves aren't dead for sure and these cars aren't dead. The hard part is drawing the people back in.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Haystack on September 16, 2018, 06:28:56 AM
Post by: Haystack on September 16, 2018, 06:28:56 AM
I don't want to say I've given up on these cars, but they and parts are drying up. When I first joined, I used to call them out on the road driving around every day. Now its pretty rare to see one in a month or two, and i do a ton of driving.
I tried to make a post a day here the last few years, but its the same basic questions over and over again.
I am fairly active on the facebook groups, but usually only when I see something blatantly wrong or misrepresented.
We do get new people from time to time, but interest quickly drops and so do they. 90% of mods are well written on coolcats, and outside of a good code pulling write up, its pretty complete with the basic needs and general fixes.
I thought about trying to do a tour rather then setup a meet. Back east it seems like there are a ton of well grouped members within a few hour drives. I thought it might be cool to just set aside a week or so and just hit the road and meet up with guys from the forums.
But like I said, interest is usually strong at first, then quickly drops off. I also kinda feel like the minority here. My turd bucket isn't polished anywhere. I drive my car daily, and I feel more of our members are in the late 40's and early 50's range. Usually have a bit more money and want to buy an old favorite or first car and take it to shows.
I think our cars are in a lull of popularity. Before they were commonly found both cheap and expensive in good shape. Now every thing left is a well worn death trap or a low mile survivor.
Once all the $500 cars dry up, all that will be left is the low mile grandma cars, or the well maintained show worthy vehicles. Once that happens, I think we will see a bit of a revival.
But, the average person, even some car guys, don't really see our cars as special or rare. They look a bit different, but most people guess my car to be a mid to late 90's car and think its super weird that it doesn't have cup holders. Very few, even kids these days believe me when I say its an 86 and going on 33 years of age.
I tried to make a post a day here the last few years, but its the same basic questions over and over again.
I am fairly active on the facebook groups, but usually only when I see something blatantly wrong or misrepresented.
We do get new people from time to time, but interest quickly drops and so do they. 90% of mods are well written on coolcats, and outside of a good code pulling write up, its pretty complete with the basic needs and general fixes.
I thought about trying to do a tour rather then setup a meet. Back east it seems like there are a ton of well grouped members within a few hour drives. I thought it might be cool to just set aside a week or so and just hit the road and meet up with guys from the forums.
But like I said, interest is usually strong at first, then quickly drops off. I also kinda feel like the minority here. My turd bucket isn't polished anywhere. I drive my car daily, and I feel more of our members are in the late 40's and early 50's range. Usually have a bit more money and want to buy an old favorite or first car and take it to shows.
I think our cars are in a lull of popularity. Before they were commonly found both cheap and expensive in good shape. Now every thing left is a well worn death trap or a low mile survivor.
Once all the $500 cars dry up, all that will be left is the low mile grandma cars, or the well maintained show worthy vehicles. Once that happens, I think we will see a bit of a revival.
But, the average person, even some car guys, don't really see our cars as special or rare. They look a bit different, but most people guess my car to be a mid to late 90's car and think its super weird that it doesn't have cup holders. Very few, even kids these days believe me when I say its an 86 and going on 33 years of age.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 16, 2018, 09:45:15 AM
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 16, 2018, 09:45:15 AM
I think the ones who post here are the enthusiasts. The issue is we know how to fix most of the common problems already, so we don't generate much in the way of new topics. Quite a few of the Facebook posts are from people with clapped out POS cars trying to keep them running for a few months before moving on to something else.
I think car forums in general have been hit harder by Facebook than other discussion forums. Look at the Corral. It's a shadow of what it once was. I'm on a couple of non car forums and they get pretty frequent use.
I think car forums in general have been hit harder by Facebook than other discussion forums. Look at the Corral. It's a shadow of what it once was. I'm on a couple of non car forums and they get pretty frequent use.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on September 16, 2018, 11:59:21 AM
Post by: CougarSE on September 16, 2018, 11:59:21 AM
There is definitely a decline in post activity, some from a change in how people source their information and some from the popularity of these old cars. We are not alone though. Been to pirate4x4 recently? Ghost town. The rangerstation? Ghost town.
However I think one could trace it back to the death of CatJam for this particular group. Several of the active contributing members were avid CatJamers, not taking away from those who never went because many of those I believe were striving to make it to the show. Once there was no show there was no group, People moved on and found cars that had active communities. Every one of the cars I have played with in the past I have always enjoyed most being part of the group, the larger the better. How many years did someone create the "where are the pictures at?" post to get a first glimpse into the show they were missing? I believe that this forum and its members nearly revolved around that show, only every being as large as it was because of the opportunity to attend some day. No show, no forum members.
I personally was disappointed that there was no more show, no more face to face meetings on a large scale and no more collective goal of attending the show. This is by no means a knock on Eric, he worked very hard on making CatJam what it was and when life changed for him we all knew something had to give. Many have tried to step in and create a replacement but nothing has grabbed the attention of the masses like Eric was able too.
Now I don't know facebook and its groups. I am being stubborn and holding steady with not joining despite Gumby trying his hardest. I'm not even sure if there is a group like us there.
However I think one could trace it back to the death of CatJam for this particular group. Several of the active contributing members were avid CatJamers, not taking away from those who never went because many of those I believe were striving to make it to the show. Once there was no show there was no group, People moved on and found cars that had active communities. Every one of the cars I have played with in the past I have always enjoyed most being part of the group, the larger the better. How many years did someone create the "where are the pictures at?" post to get a first glimpse into the show they were missing? I believe that this forum and its members nearly revolved around that show, only every being as large as it was because of the opportunity to attend some day. No show, no forum members.
I personally was disappointed that there was no more show, no more face to face meetings on a large scale and no more collective goal of attending the show. This is by no means a knock on Eric, he worked very hard on making CatJam what it was and when life changed for him we all knew something had to give. Many have tried to step in and create a replacement but nothing has grabbed the attention of the masses like Eric was able too.
Now I don't know facebook and its groups. I am being stubborn and holding steady with not joining despite Gumby trying his hardest. I'm not even sure if there is a group like us there.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 16, 2018, 01:35:43 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 16, 2018, 01:35:43 PM
The reasons for this forum (and many others) shriveling up has pretty much been covered here: Facebook and the relative rarity of the cars. A lot of people have moved on, myself included - I sold my white T-Bird back in 2010 and my "toy" now is a 2015 Mustang GT. Some day I hope to get into a nice four-eye Bird with vent windows, but that is way, wayyyyy down on the list-o-priorities. I still check on this forum daily, but since I don't have one of the cars anymore I generally don't have much to say. I've even floated the idea of signing the forum over to someone else, perhaps Eric or Baxo or Chuck, who at least still has one of these cars.
Facebook has been both a boon and a bust for car fans, but it has definitely put a big hurt on forums. It's good because it allows you to post questions that get answered quickly (and also allows you to answer questions), and it is easy as hell to post pics without worrying about attachments or third party hosts. It's also easy to use on mobile devices. It's bad because information quickly gets buried and the same questions get asked over and over. It's also pretty much unmoderated.
I think one thing that has done a lot of damage to forums of all kinds was the great Photobucket debacle. At the flick of a switch millions of photos all over the internet disappeared and were held hostage by Photobucket, who was now demanding money, and not a small amount of money, to let you share them. Countless Tech articles, user rides, projects, junk yard find threads, etc, suddenly became useless. That drove a LOT of people away from forums and onto social media. Photobucket has since reversed that move, but it's too late. People have lost their trust of the service and won't rely on it anymore.
I think most of the "hangers on" to forums, including this one, are long time users who check in frequently because it's like visiting old friends. I haven't met any of you personally but I've known a lot of you guys for over 20 years. Some of you were teenagers when you joined, some were even too young to drive.
Facebook has been both a boon and a bust for car fans, but it has definitely put a big hurt on forums. It's good because it allows you to post questions that get answered quickly (and also allows you to answer questions), and it is easy as hell to post pics without worrying about attachments or third party hosts. It's also easy to use on mobile devices. It's bad because information quickly gets buried and the same questions get asked over and over. It's also pretty much unmoderated.
I think one thing that has done a lot of damage to forums of all kinds was the great Photobucket debacle. At the flick of a switch millions of photos all over the internet disappeared and were held hostage by Photobucket, who was now demanding money, and not a small amount of money, to let you share them. Countless Tech articles, user rides, projects, junk yard find threads, etc, suddenly became useless. That drove a LOT of people away from forums and onto social media. Photobucket has since reversed that move, but it's too late. People have lost their trust of the service and won't rely on it anymore.
I think most of the "hangers on" to forums, including this one, are long time users who check in frequently because it's like visiting old friends. I haven't met any of you personally but I've known a lot of you guys for over 20 years. Some of you were teenagers when you joined, some were even too young to drive.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Haystack on September 16, 2018, 01:54:50 PM
Post by: Haystack on September 16, 2018, 01:54:50 PM
I would love to see another cat jam like meet. I just always feel left out. I'm kinda in the middle of nowhere on the forum map.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 16, 2018, 03:36:15 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 16, 2018, 03:36:15 PM
I keep coming back here for the cookies and s...
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: rodsterh on September 16, 2018, 11:05:17 PM
Post by: rodsterh on September 16, 2018, 11:05:17 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;467106
I keep coming back here for the cookies and s...
That will generate traffic. ;)
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Chuck W on September 17, 2018, 08:09:16 AM
Post by: Chuck W on September 17, 2018, 08:09:16 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;467110
That will generate traffic. ;)
Depends on whose cookies and s. ;)
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 17, 2018, 10:06:22 AM
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 17, 2018, 10:06:22 AM
Quote from: Chuck W;467112
Depends on whose cookies and s. ;)
Point taken. :mullet:
There are a lot of factors, I think, for the relative declining use of the message board. Carm said it best...Facebook is definitely the biggest obstacle. Age of the cars is another. There just aren't enough of these cars left to pique interest. And the fact that there are no catalogues from which to just call or logon and order parts...that's the killer. Otherwise I think we'd have a more robust board and interest in these cars.
I will say that I really enjoy seeing people's cars and progress pix when their photos pop up in the various Facebook groups. Nothing makes me smile more than to see a bunch of T-Birds and Cougars in my news feed. That was a dream of sorts 20+ years ago for me, and now it's reality and I can't be more ecstatic. Sorry, message board peeps, but that's reality now and I love it.
My site has also seen a decline in traffic. It doesn't stop me from writing new articles and keeping it relatively fresh, but it is a little disheartening to know that there's a very limited audience now. There's also precious little feedback as well. Hopefully someone finds that stuff useful...but I never really know for sure.
That being said...I'd love to point people over here to the board for answers. Most questions on FB are answered here several times over. But that can come off as being a little prudish on social media so I'm not sure if that's such a good idea, although for a lengthy answer it would probably be proper.
Maybe a revamp/refresh/rethink of this board is in order. Social media integration is non-existant here and that should definitely be addressed to make it more likely to be used properly. Combining threads is also a good idea, to keep the thread count down. Any solved issues and popular discussions should go in a library section that is locked, which again keeps those questions from recurring. A few sections could be eliminated. I don't know, that's just my thoughts offhand.
About the car show/Cat Jam thing...I tried my best for 8 years to have a relaxed gathering of these cars and I'm proud to know that some of you look back fondly at those years. It was an honor to have everyone in my hometown. But the truth is, I was getting pretty burned out from having the show yearly because it's an amazing amount of work. My mind and my body were starting to crack. And life itself was starting to change for me. If I tried to have the same show today it would be extremely challenging, as a lot of my local support system just isn't there anymore. When my mom passed it took a big part of my life away. She did a lot of the work for the show, without even flinching, and I could never repay her for all the help she gave. Everyone else is older now (friends, aunts, relatives) that used to help with the show. Even I am not able to do a lot of that stuff anymore. I had thought about a bi-annual show (every 2 years), which would be easier on me for sure. But again it comes down to logistics. TBH, I'd rather meet up with everyone at Carlisle, PA again. It's less time together but no less meaningful either.
I've been out of the car show thing for many years now. Both of my cars are not driven much anymore...and by 'not much' I mean less than 100 miles each per year, and that's just to local cruise-ins. I don't hate the cars; quite the opposite, as it's sometimes fun to work on small projects for them. But I'm very afraid of getting into an accident. With so much invested in each one, it's just my luck that something would happen. And it would be a typical texting teenager, I'm sure. Besides, it's pretty much an all-Chevy show around my parts and no amount of my proselytizing is going to convert anyone.
And I'm kind of tired of some things on the cars also. Tired of dealing with some issues, a lot of them for 20 years now. I'd love to throw a bunch of money at them and be done with the problems...but yeah, there's the life thing getting in the way again. I can never catch up on that stuff. So instead of me looking at the cars and saying, "Hey, let's go for a ride," it's like, "Meh, there's always next year". The biggest issue is ME, I know this, I'm trying to deal with it. Just knowing how much work there really is, that makes me not want to get involved even more. But I'm also trying not to let that spill over into this board or the site because I love them both and would never try to deter anyone from their dreams.
Sorry for the ramble. Just wanted to clarify things from my POV.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 17, 2018, 04:31:39 PM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 17, 2018, 04:31:39 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;467106
I keep coming back here for the cookies and s...
I don't think she has signed onto the forum in many years now.
I do understand exactly why the traffic is down. That writing has been on the wall for years. Many years in fact. I took some quotes from some very old threads. Both of these quotes were from 2007, and they hold true.
Quote from: Cougars 2 go;166573
Generally speaking, this community doesn't have or choose to spend gobs of money on their cars. Lots of first cars, free cars, hand-me-downs, junkyard finds, high school, college, just-starting-out types around here. If it wasn't for limited budgets, I bet a lot of these members wouldn't even be here in the first place. They'd be driving something with a higher purchase price and working on that.
Five to ten years from now, I think our profile will have shifted to a higher percentage of people that really love these cars and a lower percentage of people who settle for them. That will also yield higher prices for parts and cars.
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;166605
As for how most owners of these cars came about owning their cars: I've been saying that for years. Maybe 10-15% of the members of this forum actually really like these cars, and of that 10%, maybe 10% again might have extra money to throw at them. The vast majority bought their fox Birds and Cats because somebody else was practically (or literally) giving them away and it was all they could afford. Most people view these cars as sub-$1k beaters, throwaway cars, and nothing more, and they usually join the forum for the sole purpose of either getting free tech info to keep their hoopties on the road or to make a single post in the "for sale" section. Some people start out with one as a beater and end up really liking the car, (and eventually replacing it with one in better condition, or a better version like from V6 to V8) but not most. If I were to go into the control panel of this message board and delete the accounts of everyone who has joined and made a post or two (or none), then never came back, we'd be back down to about 200 members. 99% of the people whose accounts were deleted would not even notice...
I think at this point, the key is to find a way to offer the public something they can't easily get on social media. Proper write ups, pictures, build threads, and true tech is hard to come by on social media. Getting people to visit the forum isn't difficult. Getting them to want to register and stay is the harder part. It will never be what it used to be, but these forums are still a pillar of our community.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 17, 2018, 10:50:16 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 17, 2018, 10:50:16 PM
I'd agree with the above comments. Most people came here to keep their cheap hooptie on the road. When I got my Thunderbird 16 years ago it was my first car, junior year of high school. Turns out I really liked it and after 2 years it became a car I was able to save and not daily drive. Owing to life opportunities I was able to afford to modify the car extensively and even repaint it last year. At this point the only people who are really going to be into these cars are people who really like them. We're past the point where people are daily driving these cars. What's left are people who are committed to these cars and keeping them around as a second/third/fun car/hobby car. What we have to do is attract those people and keep them coming here. There is never going to be a huge amount of them (unlike Fox Mustangs) but the ones who are interested in these cars will come, no matter how few, since this place offers up a great amount of knowledge.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: tommym on September 19, 2018, 01:29:00 AM
Post by: tommym on September 19, 2018, 01:29:00 AM
I accidentally found this site back in 05 while searching for TBird information. The site and the members have been a godsend for me. I could not have reconstructed my Turbo Coupe without all of the information available on this and Eric's forum.
I agree with Thunderjet- I'm one of those guys who really like these cars ever since they came out. I admit my favorite is the 87-88. The thing is everyone can own a new Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger. I see plenty of them at every car show here in Las Vegas. I think I must have the only 80 anything TBird. I've never seen one at any car show.
Another thing is having the ability to build my own car that no one else has. Again- I couldn't of done it without the help from the members of this site.
These two sites do not bombard you with continuous pop-ups, the members are friendly, and a wealth of good information. I think that if the members start to mention these two sites on their Facebook pages, post a few pictures the effort might bring in a few members. I'm an old guy who quit working, not retired but quit, and I know next to nothing about social media. What the hell is a "tweet"? I voted for President Trump, own a gun, NRA member, and a Army Veteran, eat meat, and cuss. If I can help keep these sites open please let me know. In the meantime I will continue with my Turbo Coupe remodel, get dirty, greasy, open new wounds and continue to try and convince my wife that spending a pile of money on a 30 year old car is worth it.
I agree with Thunderjet- I'm one of those guys who really like these cars ever since they came out. I admit my favorite is the 87-88. The thing is everyone can own a new Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger. I see plenty of them at every car show here in Las Vegas. I think I must have the only 80 anything TBird. I've never seen one at any car show.
Another thing is having the ability to build my own car that no one else has. Again- I couldn't of done it without the help from the members of this site.
These two sites do not bombard you with continuous pop-ups, the members are friendly, and a wealth of good information. I think that if the members start to mention these two sites on their Facebook pages, post a few pictures the effort might bring in a few members. I'm an old guy who quit working, not retired but quit, and I know next to nothing about social media. What the hell is a "tweet"? I voted for President Trump, own a gun, NRA member, and a Army Veteran, eat meat, and cuss. If I can help keep these sites open please let me know. In the meantime I will continue with my Turbo Coupe remodel, get dirty, greasy, open new wounds and continue to try and convince my wife that spending a pile of money on a 30 year old car is worth it.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 19, 2018, 05:05:28 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 19, 2018, 05:05:28 AM
Quote from: tommym;467159
I voted for President Trump, own a gun, NRA member, and a Army Veteran, eat meat, and cuss. If I can help keep these sites open please let me know. In the meantime I will continue with my Turbo Coupe remodel, get dirty, greasy, open new wounds and continue to try and convince my wife that spending a pile of money on a 30 year old car is worth it.
You sound like my kind of people.
Twitter is one of the forms of social media that I never had interest in. I don't know if Twitter would really serve the car community well or not. Instagram seems to work pretty well and Facebook is just okay.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Chuck W on September 19, 2018, 08:05:49 AM
Post by: Chuck W on September 19, 2018, 08:05:49 AM
Facebook appeals to the instant gratification crowd. The problem there is that there's no accountability and no archive of the 1,456,985th times before that a question has been asked/answered.
The forums are a good archive of info. When I go looking for information on a project, or whatever, my searches always send me to a forum, not a FB page. Then again, I'm old and actually like to do research and do the work.
The cars are old, and the community is small, but the information is still invaluable. This and Coolcats.net are pretty much the ONLY reliable sources for these cars, and have been for a long time.
The forums are a good archive of info. When I go looking for information on a project, or whatever, my searches always send me to a forum, not a FB page. Then again, I'm old and actually like to do research and do the work.
The cars are old, and the community is small, but the information is still invaluable. This and Coolcats.net are pretty much the ONLY reliable sources for these cars, and have been for a long time.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Mikey97D on September 19, 2018, 08:39:37 AM
Post by: Mikey97D on September 19, 2018, 08:39:37 AM
I am a new guy here. The first thing I do when I get a "new" car is look for a forum. I like how this forum is run and I do check daily for new posts, but I tend to not post often.
I don't think there is much more to add than what has already been said. I did search on Tapatalk for this forum but didn't find it. Tapatalk does help for posting pictures and what I started using when Photobucket went bad with my dirt bike club forum. I notice a lot of guys inside the club add hashtags to their posts and Facebook posts for Instagram. Does anyone know if it automatically cross posts to add traffic?
edit: does this version of forum allow Tapatalk to be added?
I don't think there is much more to add than what has already been said. I did search on Tapatalk for this forum but didn't find it. Tapatalk does help for posting pictures and what I started using when Photobucket went bad with my dirt bike club forum. I notice a lot of guys inside the club add hashtags to their posts and Facebook posts for Instagram. Does anyone know if it automatically cross posts to add traffic?
edit: does this version of forum allow Tapatalk to be added?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Aerocoupe on September 19, 2018, 09:08:41 AM
Post by: Aerocoupe on September 19, 2018, 09:08:41 AM
I think one of the things that would help would be to start another tech section with something in the title of what these cars share with the Fox Mustangs. There are a lot of parts from the Fox Mustangs that can be used on these cars that if people do not know about it they will not see any kind of after market support when there is in a round about way. We also need to point out what you cannot or should not use from the Mustangs (UCA and LCA's for example) so people do not go down that path and get discouraged. Mostly Eric hit the nail on the head with consolidating some of the posts and getting the site more social media friendly. Me personally I do not have a problem with deleting aging accounts but emailing the user and giving them XX days to respond if they do not want their account deleted would be nice. If there is no benefit in it then no reason to do it but if it makes managing the site easier then I say go for it. I realize there might/would be a cost to this but I am willing to contribute and I am sure others would as well.
One last thought would be to reach out to other sites like 4eyedpride, NATO, etc and see if we cannot cross reference each other so that the locals on those sites still know we are here and we know they are there as they do have good tech that does relate to our cars.
One last thought would be to reach out to other sites like 4eyedpride, NATO, etc and see if we cannot cross reference each other so that the locals on those sites still know we are here and we know they are there as they do have good tech that does relate to our cars.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: JeremyB on September 19, 2018, 10:15:18 AM
Post by: JeremyB on September 19, 2018, 10:15:18 AM
Quote from: Mikey97D;467168
I am a new guy here. The first thing I do when I get a "new" car is look for a forum.
All of the forums for this vehicle are dead except the ramchargercentral forum, but that's for the SUV version. The Facebook group, however, is quite alive and kicking. The search function is nice to find answers without having to ask again. Not as good as a forum, but it does the job.
Same thing for my boat. Forum is basically dead. The manufacturer went under in 2009 due to the recession. (doesn't help the admin thinks he should get $900/yr to run it) However, the FB group is kickin'.
I don't think there is any way to 'revive' the forum. It's a limited quantity item that is constantly decreasing in numbers, as opposed to an 'interest' forum where the idea/product is always available to create or buy. Social media has also put a hurting on it. Heck, look at the Corral. The lounge used to have 50+ people on it and the front page would turn over a few times a day. The oldest post on the 1st page of the Lounge is now from April! Have any old-ish car forums weathered the storm?
The tapatalk thing may be worth looking into though.
On the other hand, the 4Runner forum is still getting lots of traffic (or at least the 5th Gen [2010+]). Helps that it's the only BOF truck in it's class left and social media has made it an extremely desirable vehicle. OMFG, here's a pic of my 'rig' tricked out with #pelfrybilt armor, #nfab sliders, and #budbilt hidden winch mount on my 'gram. Seriously, those people will by a 40k truck and throw another $10-30k on it without blinking! Overlanding is the new car camping! /rant
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 19, 2018, 04:12:37 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 19, 2018, 04:12:37 PM
Well I did a little digging and we could upgrade the vBulletin software to v5.0, which would get us the following:
- Responsive design (for mobile devices)
- Social media integration
- Improved search function*
- Better automatic SEO/keywords
- Tapatalk compatibility
- Lots of appearance and functional updates
- Supposedly easy upgrade from the current version
* We'll see. ;)
We could purchase and install it ourselves for about $250 US, and keep it as long as we wish. Or we could prepay for a year @ $25/month US, and get continuous updates. Either way we'd still be able to keep our current hosting server if that's what we want to do.
This upgrade would likely solve a lot of message board usability issues and keep us relevant, so to speak. And then we can get a bunch of people on Facebook to cross-promote it. That shouldn't be too difficult.
Remember that a lot of people don't use social media (or don't want to) and that's fine. For those people alone, this board can be a godsend so it's worth a little time and effort to keep it relevant IMO. And from my POV, not having to do manual SEO would be a blessing.
It would be a good starting point, at least. Then we can start our library, culling old threads, database cleanup, etc.
Thoughts?
- Responsive design (for mobile devices)
- Social media integration
- Improved search function*
- Better automatic SEO/keywords
- Tapatalk compatibility
- Lots of appearance and functional updates
- Supposedly easy upgrade from the current version
* We'll see. ;)
We could purchase and install it ourselves for about $250 US, and keep it as long as we wish. Or we could prepay for a year @ $25/month US, and get continuous updates. Either way we'd still be able to keep our current hosting server if that's what we want to do.
This upgrade would likely solve a lot of message board usability issues and keep us relevant, so to speak. And then we can get a bunch of people on Facebook to cross-promote it. That shouldn't be too difficult.
Remember that a lot of people don't use social media (or don't want to) and that's fine. For those people alone, this board can be a godsend so it's worth a little time and effort to keep it relevant IMO. And from my POV, not having to do manual SEO would be a blessing.
It would be a good starting point, at least. Then we can start our library, culling old threads, database cleanup, etc.
Thoughts?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Beau on September 19, 2018, 04:31:20 PM
Post by: Beau on September 19, 2018, 04:31:20 PM
Hell yes. The info, laughs, and sheer good times I've had here in the past....man, that shiznit can not have a price tag on it.
I'll throw in 25 bucks or so to help out.. :)
I'll throw in 25 bucks or so to help out.. :)
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on September 19, 2018, 05:16:03 PM
Post by: CougarSE on September 19, 2018, 05:16:03 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;467175
Thoughts?
How have things like this been funded in the past? Who actually pays for the forum?
Mobile formatting alone makes it worth it for me, Tapatalk is a bonus.
Also the point brought up about photobucket having helped ruin forum reputations across the internet for all. How are we with storage, should we go exclusive to hosting our own pictures and not using third party hosting? I always used photobucket in the past but my recent stuff I have been uploading pictures here assuming storage is cheap for us now that it is for the rest of the world.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on September 19, 2018, 05:23:28 PM
Post by: CougarSE on September 19, 2018, 05:23:28 PM
Quote from: JeremyB;467171
I don't think there is any way to 'revive' the forum.
Maybe start posting in your old buddies threads instead of lurking. :hick:
That's right, I caught you lurking. :beatyoass:
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: fordman3 on September 19, 2018, 05:28:43 PM
Post by: fordman3 on September 19, 2018, 05:28:43 PM
Hey, all. I just wanted to throw my .02 in. Let me just say that I am very thankful for this site and CoolCats. I know by reading the majority of the posts here that, if I ever thought I had any mechanical skills, compared to most of you I can't even use a can-opener. I drifted away for several years only because I simply didn't own a car of this type. Truth be told, even when I first signed on back in whenever, I probably never had a drive-able car. I would buy cars that had too many problems or issues for me to ever put on the road, and usually had to s them in the end. I am just simply a fan of these cars. I never got into them because of their great reliability, their resale price, their long-term collectibility, or any of that. I just like them. I'm old enough to remember when the roads were littered with them, and never really imagined a time when they'd almost be extinct. The car I own now still needs a trans to get back on the road, but it's still way closer to being a driver than anything I've had in 10+ years. And I'm also pretty sure that in my little town of about 18,000, there's not another Fox Cougar/T-bird traveling the roads. We have a once-a-month drive-in car show (mostly locals), and I will be happy one day just to take my little simple V6 Cougar there and represent the genre. I live in another very Chevy-oriented area. Everybody's got their Chevelle, Camaro, Corvette, Bel Air, Nova, etc. Once in a while a Fox Mustang shows up, and that's rare. These sites help me a lot, and I hope they never go away. I'd love to meet any of you in person, but I'm like lots of others, I live pretty far from any of the gatherings. I may never have a car I trust to drive across the country. I'll be with you in spirit, if that counts. Just wanted to weigh in.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 19, 2018, 07:03:08 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 19, 2018, 07:03:08 PM
Quote from: CougarSE;467177
How have things like this been funded in the past? Who actually pays for the forum?
Mobile formatting alone makes it worth it for me, Tapatalk is a bonus.
Also the point brought up about photobucket having helped ruin forum reputations across the internet for all. How are we with storage, should we go exclusive to hosting our own pictures and not using third party hosting? I always used photobucket in the past but my recent stuff I have been uploading pictures here assuming storage is cheap for us now that it is for the rest of the world.
Carm had posted about this same situation before, and people here just started donating for the software upgrade. I don’t know if he has any funds left over for that. But typically that’s what’s happened. We need his input first so we know how to proceed.
Photos can be stored on the server...that’s okay with me. That way, if a non-member tries to view a thread with photos, they won’t see them...they’d have to join and login to view the pix, which might be a good way to get people to join again. If we run out of server space we can always move the board. I can likely cover that part. So there are some advantages to going that route. Linking to photo hosting sites would still be fine but if the new board software (and Tapatalk integration) makes it easier to post from a phone or desktop, then people may be more apt to use it.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 19, 2018, 07:58:31 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 19, 2018, 07:58:31 PM
So if 10 of us active members chip in $25 we can upgrade?
Who do I send my $25 to?
Who do I send my $25 to?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Haystack on September 19, 2018, 08:20:56 PM
Post by: Haystack on September 19, 2018, 08:20:56 PM
X2. I get paid tomorrow and can donate. This forum is like a second home to me after all these years. I joined back in the sleazy board days. Even when I don't have a cougarbird I still check the forum almost daily.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: tommym on September 19, 2018, 08:37:09 PM
Post by: tommym on September 19, 2018, 08:37:09 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;467182
So if 10 of us active members chip in $25 we can upgrade?
Who do I send my $25 to?
Same here. Let me know where to send the money. Do you take PayPal?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Mikey97D on September 20, 2018, 08:52:50 AM
Post by: Mikey97D on September 20, 2018, 08:52:50 AM
If Carm is up for it I would be happy to donate in for the upgrade plus whatever else.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 20, 2018, 11:32:09 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 20, 2018, 11:32:09 AM
I will certainly donate.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: QUICKSHIFT on September 20, 2018, 01:34:50 PM
Post by: QUICKSHIFT on September 20, 2018, 01:34:50 PM
Count me in. Some people bitch at having to donate for endless information and sources yet think nothing of spending $20 -$25 bucks at Mickey Dee's only to feed the porcelain God the next morning! :toilet:
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: bodyman on September 20, 2018, 03:52:16 PM
Post by: bodyman on September 20, 2018, 03:52:16 PM
If and when needed I'm in.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 21, 2018, 04:17:29 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 21, 2018, 04:17:29 AM
I'd like to encourage some of the newer members to give some input on this. A lot of us have been here since this forum was created. What would you guys like to see change or be updated?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85CougarCobra on September 21, 2018, 08:32:45 AM
Post by: 85CougarCobra on September 21, 2018, 08:32:45 AM
Not a new member per say, but not overly involved either. I had an account years ago and then just kind of fell out of the scene for 10 years or so due to any number of reasons. I have zero social media presence, just haven't had the overwhelming desire. The wife is all over that stuff, so sometimes she'll clue me in on something. I've always planned to keep the car and have gotten a second wind in the last few years ... unfortunately, I can still have long droughts fitting in time to work on various projects. I've been planning to upgrade the brakes for 2+ years now, but other stuff comes up and I start down some other rabbit hole. Coolcats/Eric and this message board have been great ... doubt I'd ever be where I am today with the car without them (and all of you). I'm more than willing to contribute financially to keep things running or improve upon them if the need exists. I also think it's a great idea to get to a show/gathering. I realize CatJam is a burden and a lot of work for one person or even a small group, but I'd be willing to contribute to something like that as well. I had read the suggestion about trying to do something in tandem with the Carlisle show ... that would be great for me personally, but I'm not sure how well it works for the masses. It was great to see the turnout with the 50th anniversary show at Carlisle, probably the most Fox Cougar (and Thunderbirds) I have seen in one spot in a very very long time ... but is that repeatable? The Turbo Coupes always get a decent turnout there, but the Cougars (and non-Turbo birds) is another story.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on September 21, 2018, 08:27:57 PM
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on September 21, 2018, 08:27:57 PM
Count me in to contribute as well. I wish there was a more “ user friendly “way to upload pictures. FEP has ride of the month... Perhaps this forum could have something similar but since most of our cars are projects it could be determined off that? ( Just thinking out loud here). Still the best forum out there
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: V8Demon on September 22, 2018, 02:50:47 PM
Post by: V8Demon on September 22, 2018, 02:50:47 PM
Quote
the great Photobucket debacle
Ahhhhhh yes.......
That happened RIGHT around the time my desktop computer in the basp00get decided that the hard drive was no longer needed and it wanted to see the afterlife..... I lost a TON of informative photos that I used to post here. I've found almost all of them again through other sources and whatnot, but to host them now is a pain. I'll just link the direct source if there is one..... And even those are disappearing....
I have a Flickr account which is awesome, but hosting from it onto a web forum is a bit of a bitch.
Anyone remember the old Fordfuelinjection site? Thanks Ford corporate for effectively destroying one of the greatest information sources for enthusiasts of cars with the EEC-IV. Really; Thanks.....
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: V8Demon on September 22, 2018, 02:52:56 PM
Post by: V8Demon on September 22, 2018, 02:52:56 PM
.....and Shawn smells like poopies..... Pass it on.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 22, 2018, 05:29:14 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 22, 2018, 05:29:14 PM
Quote from: V8Demon;467214
Ahhhhhh yes.......
That happened RIGHT around the time my desktop computer in the basp00get decided that the hard drive was no longer needed and it wanted to see the afterlife..... I lost a TON of informative photos that I used to post here. I've found almost all of them again through other sources and whatnot, but to host them now is a pain. I'll just link the direct source if there is one..... And even those are disappearing....
I have a Flickr account which is awesome, but hosting from it onto a web forum is a bit of a bitch.
Anyone remember the old Fordfuelinjection site? Thanks Ford corporate for effectively destroying one of the greatest information sources for enthusiasts of cars with the EEC-IV. Really; Thanks.....
Photobucket was bound to do what they did simply because I joined photobucket about a week before they did it. It was all because of me
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Muttwood on September 22, 2018, 05:41:04 PM
Post by: Muttwood on September 22, 2018, 05:41:04 PM
My other car is 49 years old and only one out of a 1004 made.
The forum for that car is very lively because of the rare and hard to find parts.
Canadian Poncho
http://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/p/recent/
The older the Foxbodys get, the more valuable this site will become.
I was a member in the past and rejoined as I started the Red XR-7 rebuild.
Just a note, I drove my Black 88 XR-7 this summer for the first time since 2012.
I got a huge number of people saying "What is that ?"
"Is that a Grand National ?"
"That looks like a BMW"
Just some of the interesting comments I got.
I'm glad I didn't buy an Escort GT in the 80s:rollin:
The forum for that car is very lively because of the rare and hard to find parts.
Canadian Poncho
http://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/p/recent/
The older the Foxbodys get, the more valuable this site will become.
I was a member in the past and rejoined as I started the Red XR-7 rebuild.
Just a note, I drove my Black 88 XR-7 this summer for the first time since 2012.
I got a huge number of people saying "What is that ?"
"Is that a Grand National ?"
"That looks like a BMW"
Just some of the interesting comments I got.
I'm glad I didn't buy an Escort GT in the 80s:rollin:
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 22, 2018, 06:08:25 PM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 22, 2018, 06:08:25 PM
Quote from: V8Demon;467214
Ahhhhhh yes.......
That happened RIGHT around the time my desktop computer in the basp00get decided that the hard drive was no longer needed and it wanted to see the afterlife..... I lost a TON of informative photos that I used to post here. I've found almost all of them again through other sources and whatnot, but to host them now is a pain. I'll just link the direct source if there is one..... And even those are disappearing....
I have a Flickr account which is awesome, but hosting from it onto a web forum is a bit of a bitch.
Anyone remember the old Fordfuelinjection site? Thanks Ford corporate for effectively destroying one of the greatest information sources for enthusiasts of cars with the EEC-IV. Really; Thanks.....
I had a similar issue. I had hundreds of photos pertaining to these cars that were on a hard drive which had a short life span. I no longer have pictures of a few cars I've owned. Kinda heart breaking at this point.
I too use Flickr. It's not too bad. You just need to know how to get rid of the dumbass hyperlink that they use to link back to themselves.
Quote from: V8Demon;467215
.....and Shawn smells like poopies..... Pass it on.
Yet you're still somehow attracted to me.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: V8Demon on September 25, 2018, 12:49:32 AM
Post by: V8Demon on September 25, 2018, 12:49:32 AM
Quote from: Tbird232ci;467223
Yet you're still somehow attracted to me.
Well, it's my kink.....
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on September 27, 2018, 08:30:26 PM
Post by: CougarSE on September 27, 2018, 08:30:26 PM
I feel as if all of the important players have seen this thread yet the elephant in the room has not been addressed.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Haystack on September 27, 2018, 11:11:26 PM
Post by: Haystack on September 27, 2018, 11:11:26 PM
Man, okay. If I bug y'all that much, ill go away.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 28, 2018, 06:10:37 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 28, 2018, 06:10:37 AM
Quote from: CougarSE;467284
I feel as if all of the important players have seen this thread yet the elephant in the room has not been addressed.
Are you calling me fat?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 28, 2018, 06:57:35 AM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 28, 2018, 06:57:35 AM
I just haven't had the time to do much lately - it's deer season, and I'm typing this at the cottage on internet that is barely above dialup speed but less reliable. I will say this about the suggestion to update the forum to a more phone-friendly version: Have any of you ever seen what makes a website "phone friendly"? Because any time I visit a forum on my phone it is ab-so-lutely POLLUTED with advertising. Mobile-friendly seems to do nothing except take a perfectly cromulent website and turn it into clickbait. One thing we admins have been pretty adamant about with this forum, right from day one, is that it would never become one of those annoying places full of ads, and I have that same belief still.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 28, 2018, 09:56:18 AM
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 28, 2018, 09:56:18 AM
Agreed. We don't really need advertising on this site, and even if we wanted it...there aren't too many businesses that would make us their target audience. ;)
So Carm, are you in for the upgrade? If so, who's handling it?
So Carm, are you in for the upgrade? If so, who's handling it?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Beau on September 28, 2018, 12:08:34 PM
Post by: Beau on September 28, 2018, 12:08:34 PM
Carm, have you put an adblocker on your phone browser(s)? It's a thing of joy. ;)
I can take or leave a mobile friendly version as I only ever check forums via PC, but I've certainly nothing against it. Some people do all their online stuff via phone/tablet, and that's good too. Having the ability wouldn't be a detriment..
:)
I can take or leave a mobile friendly version as I only ever check forums via PC, but I've certainly nothing against it. Some people do all their online stuff via phone/tablet, and that's good too. Having the ability wouldn't be a detriment..
:)
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Vintage on September 28, 2018, 03:22:08 PM
Post by: Vintage on September 28, 2018, 03:22:08 PM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;467290
I just haven't had the time to do much lately - it's deer season, and I'm typing this at the cottage on internet that is barely above dialup speed but less reliable. I will say this about the suggestion to update the forum to a more phone-friendly version: Have any of you ever seen what makes a website "phone friendly"? Because any time I visit a forum on my phone it is ab-so-lutely POLLUTED with advertising. Mobile-friendly seems to do nothing except take a perfectly cromulent website and turn it into clickbait. One thing we admins have been pretty adamant about with this forum, right from day one, is that it would never become one of those annoying places full of ads, and I have that same belief still.
This. Seen this happen to several forums, it murdered their traffic with slow page loads, glitches, etc.
As for getting things moving quicker, my suggestion would be to encourage anyone doing mods/repairs/resto stuff to these cars, take pics and post up your progress and finished product impressions whenever feasible. I need to do this myself now that fall is here and I'll finally have some time to get a few things started.
I know its sometimes a mad dash to get stuff done over a brief wknd so the car can be driven to work the next week, so pics and a write up may not be in the cards but try to get some tips or ideas out there for anyone else doing something similar. We have some threads, more would be better.
The other thing would be getting someone from each state to try and get something organized for local meets or shows that nearby members can partite in with obligating themselves to crossing 3 states, hotel bills, etc.
One of the biggest things holding the popularity of these cars back is lack of exposure. On the net and real world. They have always been kinda underground but I know from experience that if people see a nicely done fox bird or cat at a regular car meey or even driving to or from, they will notice or ask about it. Might inspire them to get one.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 28, 2018, 04:43:47 PM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 28, 2018, 04:43:47 PM
Quote from: Vintage;467296
This. Seen this happen to several forums, it murdered their traffic with slow page loads, glitches, etc.
As for getting things moving quicker, my suggestion would be to encourage anyone doing mods/repairs/resto stuff to these cars, take pics and post up your progress and finished product impressions whenever feasible. I need to do this myself now that fall is here and I'll finally have some time to get a few things started.
I know its sometimes a mad dash to get stuff done over a brief wknd so the car can be driven to work the next week, so pics and a write up may not be in the cards but try to get some tips or ideas out there for anyone else doing something similar. We have some threads, more would be better.
The other thing would be getting someone from each state to try and get something organized for local meets or shows that nearby members can partite in with obligating themselves to crossing 3 states, hotel bills, etc.
One of the biggest things holding the popularity of these cars back is lack of exposure. On the net and real world. They have always been kinda underground but I know from experience that if people see a nicely done fox bird or cat at a regular car meey or even driving to or from, they will notice or ask about it. Might inspire them to get one.
This is something I agree with.
A small part of keeping the community alive is the forum itself. If you look at turboford.org, that forum hasn't been updated in at least 15 years. It's not very active, but it's not due to the forum itself.
The larger part of keeping this community alive is the members being willing to share. My car progress has been slow, but I'm currently gathering parts for a 5-lug SN95 conversion. Between my years as research and experience, and now starting fresh with this car, I can put together a very tech heavy article for the forum. While it's a very beaten topic, it comes up frequently enough to where having a solid article can really benefit the community. Rather than bickering with "do a search" or not responding because you're frustrated with repeating yourself, a link can easily be provided.
While I am excited to get the forum software updated at some point, we all still need to do our part if we want to keep this place thriving.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on September 28, 2018, 05:05:46 PM
Post by: CougarSE on September 28, 2018, 05:05:46 PM
Quote from: Tbird232ci;467300
This is something I agree with.
A small part of keeping the community alive is the forum itself. If you look at turboford.org, that forum hasn't been updated in at least 15 years. It's not very active, but it's not due to the forum itself.
The larger part of keeping this community alive is the members being willing to share. My car progress has been slow, but I'm currently gathering parts for a 5-lug SN95 conversion. Between my years as research and experience, and now starting fresh with this car, I can put together a very tech heavy article for the forum. While it's a very beaten topic, it comes up frequently enough to where having a solid article can really benefit the community. Rather than bickering with "do a search" or not responding because you're frustrated with repeating yourself, a link can easily be provided.
While I am excited to get the forum software updated at some point, we all still need to do our part if we want to keep this place thriving.
Is turbo ford the one that holds the breakfast meet and great in Dayton Ohio ? I wonder if they are suffering from the same things and maybe would be open to incorporating some non-turbo foxes? I personally miss the meet and greet environment more than anything. I know Dayton is not good for you, but it seems like a lot of your local people are already trying to organize an event, but another large population of board members is in central Ohio.
Sorry for formatting and grammar But I’m posting from mobile, something I do regularly.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on September 28, 2018, 05:10:12 PM
Post by: CougarSE on September 28, 2018, 05:10:12 PM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;467290
I just haven't had the time to do much lately - it's deer season, and I'm typing this at the cottage on internet that is barely above dialup speed but less reliable. I will say this about the suggestion to update the forum to a more phone-friendly version: Have any of you ever seen what makes a website "phone friendly"? Because any time I visit a forum on my phone it is ab-so-lutely POLLUTED with advertising. Mobile-friendly seems to do nothing except take a perfectly cromulent website and turn it into clickbait. One thing we admins have been pretty adamant about with this forum, right from day one, is that it would never become one of those annoying places full of ads, and I have that same belief still.
I guess I always thought that those ads are something that the forums elected to have to generate revenue. Some formats are absolutely awful like the corral and pirate 4 x 4. However others are actually very useful and ad free like Ford trucks.com and fordification .
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Haystack on September 28, 2018, 09:42:06 PM
Post by: Haystack on September 28, 2018, 09:42:06 PM
You know I think I agree with both the lack of people posting progress and projects, and also a lack of local car club meets. This forms been ad-free since the sleazy boards went away and I was always thankful for that in the early days of the internet. Having dial-up made it really hard to browse forms with video based ads back in the day.
When I did my T5 swap it was ridiculous how much traffic that added to the Forum. Maybe it's time to do stuff like that again. Maybe I'll post progress pics and real time. Going from an aod to T5 all but I could do in about 4 hours now start to finish. Maybe I'll start with my heater core that went out recently in my T-bird take some really good pictures even though Cool Cats is a pretty good write-up.
When I did my T5 swap it was ridiculous how much traffic that added to the Forum. Maybe it's time to do stuff like that again. Maybe I'll post progress pics and real time. Going from an aod to T5 all but I could do in about 4 hours now start to finish. Maybe I'll start with my heater core that went out recently in my T-bird take some really good pictures even though Cool Cats is a pretty good write-up.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Loaded87IROC on September 29, 2018, 01:28:56 AM
Post by: Loaded87IROC on September 29, 2018, 01:28:56 AM
Whoa, there is a Turboford gathering in Dayton?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on September 29, 2018, 07:58:58 AM
Post by: CougarSE on September 29, 2018, 07:58:58 AM
Quote from: Loaded87IROC;467308
Whoa, there is a Turboford gathering in Dayton?
I remember hearing about a turbocoupe picnic/breakfast years ago but now I cannot find any info on it. The only reference is someone on NATO posted an unanswered question about driving in from Indiana last year. I fear I will need to turn to facebook to find answers.
On that note I went hunting for any kind of event to attend, even the Mustang boards. I can't find anything that has happened close by in recent history. It really looks like Carlisle is the biggest showing of cougars and tbirds.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Beau on September 29, 2018, 03:27:39 PM
Post by: Beau on September 29, 2018, 03:27:39 PM
Maybe Graham needs to make another run of FoxTbirdCougarForum decals....though most of us probably still have some. I've got a spare one....just waiting on the day I get another 'Bird...
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 29, 2018, 11:31:50 PM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 29, 2018, 11:31:50 PM
Good luck with that. Graham has been busy running a Facebook group and banning people who don't agree with him.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Loaded87IROC on September 29, 2018, 11:41:40 PM
Post by: Loaded87IROC on September 29, 2018, 11:41:40 PM
Quote from: CougarSE;467310
I remember hearing about a turbocoupe picnic/breakfast years ago but now I cannot find any info on it. The only reference is someone on NATO posted an unanswered question about driving in from Indiana last year. I fear I will need to turn to facebook to find answers.
On that note I went hunting for any kind of event to attend, even the Mustang boards. I can't find anything that has happened close by in recent history. It really looks like Carlisle is the biggest showing of cougars and tbirds.
I found it. It was NATO and it was last weekend. I guess I missed it. There's always next year.
I live in the Dayton area and easily could have made it.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on September 30, 2018, 07:33:25 AM
Post by: CougarSE on September 30, 2018, 07:33:25 AM
Quote from: Loaded87IROC;467332
I found it. It was NATO and it was last weekend. I guess I missed it. There's always next year.
I live in the Dayton area and easily could have made it.
where did you find the info?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Beau on September 30, 2018, 12:42:49 PM
Post by: Beau on September 30, 2018, 12:42:49 PM
Quote from: Tbird232ci;467331
Good luck with that. Graham has been busy running a Facebook group and banning people who don't agree with him.
:rollin:
Only ones that deserve it, surely..lol
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 30, 2018, 03:55:35 PM
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 30, 2018, 03:55:35 PM
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;467343
:rollin:
Only ones that deserve it, surely..lol
In his opinion maybe.
:rollin:
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Beau on September 30, 2018, 05:25:50 PM
Post by: Beau on September 30, 2018, 05:25:50 PM
I went to see what was going on there, to my surprise, I was no longer even a member. Last time I checked, I was an admin..LOL.
It...err...maybe it's been some time since I last..went..there..hmmm. ;)
It...err...maybe it's been some time since I last..went..there..hmmm. ;)
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Loaded87IROC on September 30, 2018, 06:04:06 PM
Post by: Loaded87IROC on September 30, 2018, 06:04:06 PM
Quote from: CougarSE;467340
where did you find the info?
It's a sticky on the NATO message board.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: V8Demon on October 01, 2018, 07:42:50 AM
Post by: V8Demon on October 01, 2018, 07:42:50 AM
Quote
Have any of you ever seen what makes a website "phone friendly"? Because any time I visit a forum on my phone it is ab-so-lutely POLLUTED with advertising. Mobile-friendly seems to do nothing except take a perfectly cromulent website and turn it into clickbait.
THIS...... All CENTURY long THIS.
FWIW -- Flickr allows 1 TB of storage for free accounts..... Maybe have an account setup through a dummy email account and make the User name password accessible to members under the explicit direction that it be for technical photos/diagrams only (builds could be included). Car show photos and shiznitpost kind of stuff would be verboten to upload to it.
Just a suggestion.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: QUICKSHIFT on October 01, 2018, 10:13:45 AM
Post by: QUICKSHIFT on October 01, 2018, 10:13:45 AM
If we were to do a "sticky" section, would it draw more members if the info was readily available rather than do searches? I sometimes link to other sites only because it's easier for me as I don't type worth _ _ _ _.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Loaded87IROC on October 01, 2018, 08:01:48 PM
Post by: Loaded87IROC on October 01, 2018, 08:01:48 PM
The "greatest hits" section has lots of sticky posts with common questions.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: QUICKSHIFT on October 02, 2018, 08:55:17 AM
Post by: QUICKSHIFT on October 02, 2018, 08:55:17 AM
Quote from: Loaded87IROC;467372
The "greatest hits" section has lots of sticky posts with common questions.
My bad........looked right past it.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on October 11, 2018, 05:36:31 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on October 11, 2018, 05:36:31 AM
So has anyone else been trying to do their part to bring activity back?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 11, 2018, 03:52:05 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 11, 2018, 03:52:05 PM
I'm refinishing some rims. About all I can afford, time-wise, at this point LOL.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 11, 2018, 04:32:05 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 11, 2018, 04:32:05 PM
I mean my car is kinda done. I do want to replace the headliner and have the sunvisors recovered but I'll probably do that next year, and I'll most likely farm out the work.
Edit: I had this thread last year: http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?40211-After-29-years-it-s-time-for-some-paint
Now you want me to undertake another major project? :hick:
Edit: I had this thread last year: http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?40211-After-29-years-it-s-time-for-some-paint
Now you want me to undertake another major project? :hick:
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 11, 2018, 06:54:32 PM
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 11, 2018, 06:54:32 PM
Hopefully this doesn't come off as harsh, but being someone who does IT professionally, and runs multiple successful forums, I can see why this forum (and other tbird/cougar/2.3 forums are dead): they're all boring, dated and not feature rich.
for this forum in particular, here's a few things that could use some doing:
1- stop using the default vbulletin theme, or one that's very close to default. that's boring and doesn't set the site apart, and I'm not sure if it works well on mobile devices. this site NEEDS to work well on mobile devices. most people in 2018 visit sites/forums/facebook/twitter on their phones, NOT on a desktop/laptop device.
2- create a section/database/wiki for common DIY stuff for our cars. most forum searches suck bad...ask me how I know.
3- integrate social media style plugins/features on the site: allow people to be tagged using the @ symbol, set up alerts, allow people to create accounts/sign in with facebook and twitter, etc.
4- stop hiding forum sections until after you're logged in. that discourages viewers and people from signing up.
5- why is the default setting to ONLY show threads from the last few days/weeks? that's annoying as hell and forces people to use the search tool to find old threads. did I mention that most forum search engines suck bad? you're exacerbating the problem here.
6- add https to the site. google increases their search engine rankings for sites that uses https. it also loads the pages faster with https rather than http.
there's more that can be done, but that's a start..
for this forum in particular, here's a few things that could use some doing:
1- stop using the default vbulletin theme, or one that's very close to default. that's boring and doesn't set the site apart, and I'm not sure if it works well on mobile devices. this site NEEDS to work well on mobile devices. most people in 2018 visit sites/forums/facebook/twitter on their phones, NOT on a desktop/laptop device.
2- create a section/database/wiki for common DIY stuff for our cars. most forum searches suck bad...ask me how I know.
3- integrate social media style plugins/features on the site: allow people to be tagged using the @ symbol, set up alerts, allow people to create accounts/sign in with facebook and twitter, etc.
4- stop hiding forum sections until after you're logged in. that discourages viewers and people from signing up.
5- why is the default setting to ONLY show threads from the last few days/weeks? that's annoying as hell and forces people to use the search tool to find old threads. did I mention that most forum search engines suck bad? you're exacerbating the problem here.
6- add https to the site. google increases their search engine rankings for sites that uses https. it also loads the pages faster with https rather than http.
there's more that can be done, but that's a start..
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 11, 2018, 08:19:00 PM
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 11, 2018, 08:19:00 PM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;467290
I just haven't had the time to do much lately - it's deer season, and I'm typing this at the cottage on internet that is barely above dialup speed but less reliable. I will say this about the suggestion to update the forum to a more phone-friendly version: Have any of you ever seen what makes a website "phone friendly"? Because any time I visit a forum on my phone it is ab-so-lutely POLLUTED with advertising. Mobile-friendly seems to do nothing except take a perfectly cromulent website and turn it into clickbait. One thing we admins have been pretty adamant about with this forum, right from day one, is that it would never become one of those annoying places full of ads, and I have that same belief still.
a mobile-friendly site is a MUST in 2018. the sites with a million ads are like that because of the way the admins have set it up. you don't need to make your site obtrusive to make it work well on mobile screens.
Quote from: EricCoolCats;467292
Agreed. We don't really need advertising on this site, and even if we wanted it...there aren't too many businesses that would make us their target audience. ;)
So Carm, are you in for the upgrade? If so, who's handling it?
what's wrong with getting people to pay a small fee to list a small banner ad for their site? it helps cover site costs and it directs people looking for parts suppliers for these cars..
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: gumby on October 11, 2018, 08:40:11 PM
Post by: gumby on October 11, 2018, 08:40:11 PM
Quote from: 85turbotbird;467543
a mobile-friendly site is a MUST in 2018. the sites with a million ads are like that because of the way the admins have set it up. you don't need to make your site obtrusive to make it work well on mobile screens.
Check out https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/ as an example of this.
Very mobile friendly, unobtrusive sidebar ads on a desktop which are pushed to the bottom on a mobile screen.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 11, 2018, 10:12:05 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 11, 2018, 10:12:05 PM
Quote from: gumby;467544
Check out https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/ as an example of this.
Very mobile friendly, unobtrusive sidebar ads on a desktop which are pushed to the bottom on a mobile screen.
That is very nice...super clean. Jealous of that software!
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 12, 2018, 04:45:10 PM
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 12, 2018, 04:45:10 PM
Quote from: gumby;467544
Check out https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/ as an example of this.
Very mobile friendly, unobtrusive sidebar ads on a desktop which are pushed to the bottom on a mobile screen.
yes, that's a pretty good representation of what a mobile design should look like. there's a few things that they show on mobile that do not work well, but overall, it's way better than where this forum stands now.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on October 12, 2018, 06:03:15 PM
Post by: CougarSE on October 12, 2018, 06:03:15 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;467546
That is very nice...super clean. Jealous of that software!
Yes it is very nice. What is the next step for this? Set a date? Can it all be done in 30 days? The value buried in here is worth $250 to me alone.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 12, 2018, 07:36:44 PM
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 12, 2018, 07:36:44 PM
Quote from: CougarSE;467561
Yes it is very nice. What is the next step for this? Set a date? Can it all be done in 30 days? The value buried in here is worth $250 to me alone.
it shouldn't take more than a few hours to upgrade the software and make sure everything is working correctly.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Haystack on October 13, 2018, 12:37:51 AM
Post by: Haystack on October 13, 2018, 12:37:51 AM
I'm not trying to argue against a mobile site, but why? I mean, everything works perfectly well on a phone or tablet. I haven't even owned a computer since about 2007.
At least make it so the mobile site is optional. Like a switch to turn it off.
At least make it so the mobile site is optional. Like a switch to turn it off.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Haystack on October 13, 2018, 12:38:16 AM
Post by: Haystack on October 13, 2018, 12:38:16 AM
I'm not trying to argue against a mobile site, but why? I mean, everything works perfectly well on a phone or tablet. I haven't even owned a computer since about 2007.
At least make it so the mobile site is optional. Like a switch to turn it off.
At least make it so the mobile site is optional. Like a switch to turn it off.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 13, 2018, 04:41:07 AM
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 13, 2018, 04:41:07 AM
Quote from: Haystack;467573
I'm not trying to argue against a mobile site, but why? I mean, everything works perfectly well on a phone or tablet. I haven't even owned a computer since about 2007.
At least make it so the mobile site is optional. Like a switch to turn it off.
This site absolutely does not work well on mobile devices..it's terrible. It's 2018, most people browse sites on their phones so making the site as mobile friendly as possible is basically a necessity at this point.
I typed this up on my phone and it was brutal...
Responsive themes work by scaling automatically based on the screen size. Typically anything below 1024 pixels and it'll go into mobile mode.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Haystack on October 13, 2018, 12:01:39 PM
Post by: Haystack on October 13, 2018, 12:01:39 PM
What made it so brutal? My login is saved. I click on new posts and read the new posts. When I feel like posting a response, I post a response. I do not use any sort of mobile mode on any forum I am on, and it all works exactly like it would on a computer. What makes it so brutal?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on October 13, 2018, 12:36:05 PM
Post by: CougarSE on October 13, 2018, 12:36:05 PM
For me when I click in the reply text box it auto sizes to be wider than my phone.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 13, 2018, 05:08:45 PM
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 13, 2018, 05:08:45 PM
Quote from: Haystack;467589
What made it so brutal? My login is saved. I click on new posts and read the new posts. When I feel like posting a response, I post a response. I do not use any sort of mobile mode on any forum I am on, and it all works exactly like it would on a computer. What makes it so brutal?
it does not. you have to constantly zoom in/out on the page just to properly tap buttons and such. that's not how a responsive/mobile theme works.
actually use a properly done, responsive theme on a phone versus this site, for example, and you'll know the differences between the two.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: V8Demon on October 14, 2018, 02:03:09 PM
Post by: V8Demon on October 14, 2018, 02:03:09 PM
The one thing I've noticed is uploading pictures to the site from my phone is IMPOSSIBLE.
I've never been able to do it.
I've never been able to do it.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on October 15, 2018, 04:53:26 PM
Post by: CougarSE on October 15, 2018, 04:53:26 PM
It is impossible, at least on an iPhone.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on October 17, 2018, 04:48:06 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on October 17, 2018, 04:48:06 AM
Quote from: CougarSE;467623
It is impossible, at least on an iPhone.
That was your first mistake.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 17, 2018, 02:22:14 PM
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 17, 2018, 02:22:14 PM
Lets not get into phone brand bashing as I hate android based phones (have an iPhone for personal and an Android for work). What we can all agree on is that our forum needs an upgrade so who would head this up and how much of a headache would it be to do? What I would be curious to know is how much would the software upgrade be and I would also be in for some $$ to donate to the person that heads this up as doing it for free would just suck.
I think enough of us have expressed and interest that we can get the $$$ rounded up in short order we just need to move forward on this and make it happen.
I think enough of us have expressed and interest that we can get the $$$ rounded up in short order we just need to move forward on this and make it happen.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 17, 2018, 03:14:26 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 17, 2018, 03:14:26 PM
Things are in the works...we'll keep everyone posted.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Thunder Chicken on October 17, 2018, 04:42:30 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on October 17, 2018, 04:42:30 PM
We's a-cookin' somethin' up...
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 19, 2018, 03:32:21 PM
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 19, 2018, 03:32:21 PM
great!
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 25, 2018, 10:26:25 AM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 25, 2018, 10:26:25 AM
Alright, we're moving the site to a new server today. You might experience brief outages or some down time...that's normal as the DNS will propagate. Please be patient while the system does its thing. Thanks.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 25, 2018, 11:15:54 AM
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 25, 2018, 11:15:54 AM
Sweet!!! Do we need to take up a collection at this point or later?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 25, 2018, 11:21:49 AM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 25, 2018, 11:21:49 AM
Maybe later would be better...we still have a long way to go here. But in the end we think everyone will appreciate the work.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 25, 2018, 12:44:21 PM
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 25, 2018, 12:44:21 PM
You know we will and thanks for taking this task on. I know jack about it but have buddies that do this kind of thing for a living so I can appreciate what it takes.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 25, 2018, 12:45:00 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 25, 2018, 12:45:00 PM
No problem.
Shutting down for a bit...see y'all on the other side.
Shutting down for a bit...see y'all on the other side.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 25, 2018, 01:44:56 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 25, 2018, 01:44:56 PM
Alright, looks like the server move worked. If you can see this message then that's confirmation of the new server.
Phase I: complete.
Phase II: coming soon....
And BTW...the arcade is turned back on for the first time in ages. Enjoy!
Phase I: complete.
Phase II: coming soon....
And BTW...the arcade is turned back on for the first time in ages. Enjoy!
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Mikey97D on October 25, 2018, 03:09:18 PM
Post by: Mikey97D on October 25, 2018, 03:09:18 PM
Thank you!
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 88BlueBird on October 25, 2018, 05:12:21 PM
Post by: 88BlueBird on October 25, 2018, 05:12:21 PM
Nice work! ... I'm happy to donate $$, just let us know :)
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Beau on October 25, 2018, 07:44:14 PM
Post by: Beau on October 25, 2018, 07:44:14 PM
I actually sought out the arcade a week or so ago, played some tetris. good times :)
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on October 25, 2018, 08:22:22 PM
Post by: CougarSE on October 25, 2018, 08:22:22 PM
Are we going to get a vote on a mobile theme?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 26, 2018, 09:49:50 AM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 26, 2018, 09:49:50 AM
Looks like everything has propagated and is stable now. So this is the new, permanent server for the site and it does seem like things are running a bit quicker. So far so good...the admins are pretty happy with it. Hopefully all of your are, as well.
If you would like to donate...
Paypal - eric@coolcats.net
Expenses will cover hosting for multiple years and time for the switchovers.
Thanks guys, y'all are a great bunch and we really appreciate your patience.
Don't worry...we'll have a cool solution that is natively set up for mobile. Will let everyone know when it's about to go live.
If you would like to donate...
Paypal - eric@coolcats.net
Expenses will cover hosting for multiple years and time for the switchovers.
Thanks guys, y'all are a great bunch and we really appreciate your patience.
Quote from: CougarSE;467774
Are we going to get a vote on a mobile theme?
Don't worry...we'll have a cool solution that is natively set up for mobile. Will let everyone know when it's about to go live.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Mikey97D on October 26, 2018, 10:11:32 AM
Post by: Mikey97D on October 26, 2018, 10:11:32 AM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;467778
Looks like everything has propagated and is stable now. So this is the new, permanent server for the site and it does seem like things are running a bit quicker. So far so good...the admins are pretty happy with it. Hopefully all of your are, as well.
If you would like to donate...
Paypal - eric@coolcats.net
Expenses will cover hosting for multiple years and time for the switchovers.
Thanks guys, y'all are a great bunch and we really appreciate your patience.
Don't worry...we'll have a cool solution that is natively set up for mobile. Will let everyone know when it's about to go live.
You should see a donation from me via Paypal. Please let me know if you don't.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: bodyman on October 26, 2018, 10:22:29 AM
Post by: bodyman on October 26, 2018, 10:22:29 AM
Quote
Mikey97D
Thank you!
You should see a donation from me via Paypal. Please let me know if you don't.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 26, 2018, 11:08:12 AM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 26, 2018, 11:08:12 AM
Got 'em both guys, thanks...appreciate it!
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 26, 2018, 04:16:26 PM
Post by: 85turbotbird on October 26, 2018, 04:16:26 PM
@EricCoolCats, you're going to need to set up an image proxy for https, or else you'll constantly have https mixed content warnings. for example, your signature image is loading from a non-secure url, thus it'll keep throwing mixed content warnings until you update your link or an image proxy is used and it'll automatically secure the non-secure images by passing it through a secure url.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 27, 2018, 10:54:21 AM
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 27, 2018, 10:54:21 AM
Just sent you $$$. Thanks again for making this happen. I do not do FaceBook so can someone be sure to get the word out there about the improvements so we get the traffic count back up on here.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: HAVI on October 27, 2018, 11:33:12 AM
Post by: HAVI on October 27, 2018, 11:33:12 AM
technical information on this forum (or any forum for that matter) is going to always be better than skimming through a facebook page or group, IMO. I don't get on here much anymore due to not working on my car, but I do pop in from time to time to lurk around. Advertising at car shows or something like that may help.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on October 27, 2018, 09:05:42 PM
Post by: Tbird232ci on October 27, 2018, 09:05:42 PM
Quote from: HAVI;467801
technical information on this forum (or any forum for that matter) is going to always be better than skimming through a facebook page or group, IMO. I don't get on here much anymore due to not working on my car, but I do pop in from time to time to lurk around. Advertising at car shows or something like that may help.
Every little bit helps.
I need to become more motivated to make progress on my cars and projects, so people have something to look at when they randomly show up.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: V8Demon on October 28, 2018, 03:13:57 AM
Post by: V8Demon on October 28, 2018, 03:13:57 AM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;467767
Alright, looks like the server move worked. If you can see this message then that's confirmation of the new server.
Phase I: complete.
Phase II: coming soon....
I thought Phase I was "Collect underpants."
Phase III is profit....
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: CougarSE on October 28, 2018, 08:36:18 AM
Post by: CougarSE on October 28, 2018, 08:36:18 AM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;467778
If you would like to donate...
Paypal - eric@coolcats.net ("eric@coolcats.net")
Well if your going to demand money... :hick:
I got you.
If you need to demand more though... I might need a sticker or something .. :rollin:
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: gumby on October 28, 2018, 08:46:12 AM
Post by: gumby on October 28, 2018, 08:46:12 AM
Quote from: V8Demon;467815
Phase I "Collect underpants."
Quote from: EricCoolCats;467778
If you would like to donate...
Paypal - eric@coolcats.net
Gathering my donations now. Good luck on the whole profit thing :shakeass:
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 28, 2018, 12:02:55 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 28, 2018, 12:02:55 PM
Hey thanks everyone! It's much appreciated.
I've met a lot of you guys. Trust me...I will NOT be collecting underwear. :mullet:
I've met a lot of you guys. Trust me...I will NOT be collecting underwear. :mullet:
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Loaded87IROC on October 28, 2018, 02:42:30 PM
Post by: Loaded87IROC on October 28, 2018, 02:42:30 PM
Donation sent.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on October 28, 2018, 04:18:46 PM
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on October 28, 2018, 04:18:46 PM
Just sent my donation.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on October 29, 2018, 05:44:38 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on October 29, 2018, 05:44:38 AM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;467820
Hey thanks everyone! It's much appreciated.
I've met a lot of you guys. Trust me...I will NOT be collecting underwear. :mullet:
Did you ever find the pair I left hidden in your house?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: V8Demon on October 29, 2018, 09:29:31 AM
Post by: V8Demon on October 29, 2018, 09:29:31 AM
Donation sent!
Shawn, that was MY house....
Shawn, that was MY house....
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 29, 2018, 09:41:25 AM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 29, 2018, 09:41:25 AM
Quote from: V8Demon;467838
Shawn, that was MY house....
You too?!?! Man...Shawn gets around...
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 88BlueBird on October 29, 2018, 01:58:32 PM
Post by: 88BlueBird on October 29, 2018, 01:58:32 PM
Hi eric@coolcats. net.... I sent you a PayPal donation today. Hopefully you receive it:)
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 29, 2018, 02:44:02 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 29, 2018, 02:44:02 PM
Donation sent.
Keep us posted if there are any cost overruns.
Keep us posted if there are any cost overruns.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 29, 2018, 03:28:20 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on October 29, 2018, 03:28:20 PM
Man, you guys are awesome :bowdown:
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on October 29, 2018, 04:41:41 PM
Post by: Tbird232ci on October 29, 2018, 04:41:41 PM
Quote from: V8Demon;467838
Donation sent!
Shawn, that was MY house....
And you sniffed them out like a drug dog, didn't you?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: V8Demon on October 29, 2018, 05:20:16 PM
Post by: V8Demon on October 29, 2018, 05:20:16 PM
Quote from: Tbird232ci;467852
And you sniffed them out like a drug dog, didn't you?
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/legomessageboards/images/8/81/And.gif/revision/latest?cb=20150201114959)
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Haystack on October 29, 2018, 08:14:17 PM
Post by: Haystack on October 29, 2018, 08:14:17 PM
Ill send one Thursday.
Thanks for all you guys do for us.
Thanks for all you guys do for us.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 30, 2018, 10:49:12 AM
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 30, 2018, 10:49:12 AM
So maybe we need to start a thread or put a site announcement up about donations? We went through this the last time and there will genuinely be folks that get upset they were not given a chance or did not know that donations were being taken.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85CougarCobra on October 30, 2018, 07:41:36 PM
Post by: 85CougarCobra on October 30, 2018, 07:41:36 PM
Donation sent
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Muttwood on October 31, 2018, 08:33:14 PM
Post by: Muttwood on October 31, 2018, 08:33:14 PM
What we have done in the Canadian Pontiac site is to have parts offered up not for sale but for donation to the site.
For example, I have a very nice trunk rubber that a member is looking for.
I wonder how much of a donation he would give for that ?
For example, I have a very nice trunk rubber that a member is looking for.
I wonder how much of a donation he would give for that ?
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85turbotbird on November 01, 2018, 04:13:38 PM
Post by: 85turbotbird on November 01, 2018, 04:13:38 PM
sent over a few bucks
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Loaded87IROC on November 03, 2018, 05:14:48 AM
Post by: Loaded87IROC on November 03, 2018, 05:14:48 AM
I agree with Aerocoupe that a separate sticky thread with the donation information is a good idea. It could easily be missed in this 13 page thread by a potential donor.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Aerocoupe on November 05, 2018, 05:21:11 PM
Post by: Aerocoupe on November 05, 2018, 05:21:11 PM
Just a heads up now when I log in I get to a page that has "incorrect redirect" on it. I simply went to the forums and no issues but its a glitch none-the-less.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: gumby on November 05, 2018, 06:37:32 PM
Post by: gumby on November 05, 2018, 06:37:32 PM
Quote from: Aerocoupe;467936
Just a heads up now when I log in I get to a page that has "incorrect redirect" on it. I simply went to the forums and no issues but its a glitch none-the-less.
Update your bookmark. I noticed the same thing last time and this time I came to the forum.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Haystack on November 15, 2018, 07:04:58 PM
Post by: Haystack on November 15, 2018, 07:04:58 PM
Sent a few bucks Eric. Not much but hopefully it helps.
I finally used the PayPal account I started in 2005...
I finally used the PayPal account I started in 2005...
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Thunder Chicken on November 16, 2018, 06:59:19 AM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on November 16, 2018, 06:59:19 AM
This was happening to me too. Update your bookmark from "http" to "https"
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: 85turbotbird on November 16, 2018, 05:21:20 PM
Post by: 85turbotbird on November 16, 2018, 05:21:20 PM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;468022
This was happening to me too. Update your bookmark from "http" to "https"
this has been happening for long before any recent changes were made though...at least for me it was.
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Tbird232ci on November 17, 2018, 10:52:02 PM
Post by: Tbird232ci on November 17, 2018, 10:52:02 PM
I've had the same problem also. I don't bookmark the site. I actually type it every time I visit,
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Thunder Chicken on November 18, 2018, 06:28:22 AM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on November 18, 2018, 06:28:22 AM
Might try clearing your cookies & cache - I did that at the same time that I changed the bookmark, so I'm not sure which fixed it. Using Chrome here
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: Kristwitch on January 25, 2019, 12:22:42 AM
Post by: Kristwitch on January 25, 2019, 12:22:42 AM
Luckily Google searching has led me here and to NATO
Title: So what can we do...
Post by: jcassity on January 25, 2019, 09:11:46 PM
Post by: jcassity on January 25, 2019, 09:11:46 PM
im on about everyday ,, out in the garage i tend to just come here but not log in.
ive said it before.. the social media renditions of message boards are not as organized and structured well enough.
a couple years ago someone was busting my chops for using this so called old fashion method.. oh well,, its stable and under the control of people i tend to trust more than the other way.
ive said it before.. the social media renditions of message boards are not as organized and structured well enough.
a couple years ago someone was busting my chops for using this so called old fashion method.. oh well,, its stable and under the control of people i tend to trust more than the other way.
Title: Re: So what can we do...
Post by: HAVI on January 01, 2022, 03:51:39 PM
Post by: HAVI on January 01, 2022, 03:51:39 PM
I'm just lurking.