Should the General Discussion forum be split up?

[John Kennett]

At the moment the General Discussion forum contains a huge mix of different topics, and I was wondering whether it would be easier to use if we had sub forums for some of the common subject areas such as

• getting started
• engines
• trailers

Anything that didn't fit into the sub forums would stay in the main General Discussion section

Possibly some of the other forums (for instance the commercial users section) could become a sub forum of General Discussion which would help declutter the main forum page.

Thoughts?

John

[Louise]

IMVHO this sounds like a good idea. I liked it when the whole forum front page fitted on the screen without a scroll bar. Splitting it into sub-groups should help people find the information/discussion they are interested in more quickly - especially those who, unlike me, do not enjoy browsing through but just want specific info fast!

I guess, if you ever went down the route of selling advertising space on the forum pages, it would enable advertisers to reach their target market more specifically, too!

[Mark Halliday]

John

Sounds good to me.
Other topics?:-
Instruments/electronics
Clothing
Safety & equipment
Oh yes, and one dedicated to the Pacific 22.

Would it be posible to change topics from the tree at the top of the page without having to go back through the main forum? I thought this could be done, but can't seem to make it work.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Louise

I liked it when the whole forum front page fitted on the screen without a scroll bar.

Louise, if you're not using a laptop you may be interested in this software. I've used it for years and recon it's the only way to view.

http://personalcomputing.portrait.com/us/downloads/

[ashbypower]

Originally Posted by Mark Halliday

John

Sounds good to me.
Other topics?:-
Instruments/electronics
Clothing
Safety & equipment
Oh yes, and one dedicated to the Pacific 22.

Would it be posible to change topics from the tree at the top of the page without having to go back through the main forum? I thought this could be done, but can't seem to make it work.

John.
Topic specific seems a good ideat to me.
Go for it!!

Brian

[Hightower]

Not so sure!! If you were a novice Riber and posted on the "Getting started" thread how many experienced Ribers would surf that particular sub title! I like the idea of a "Technical" sub-division though that included trailers as well.

At least the existing way, you know that everyone will see your subject.

[Louise]

Originally Posted by jwalker

if you're not using a laptop you may be interested in this software.

Thanks Jeff. I use a desktop during the day (while Richard's at work ) but then I get demoted to the laptop in the evenings!! I'll try to get Richard to install it on the desktop.

[Searider]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Not so sure!! If you were a novice Riber and posted on the "Getting started" thread how many experienced Ribers would surf that particular sub title! I like the idea of a "Technical" sub-division though that included trailers as well.

At least the existing way, you know that everyone will see your subject.

I agree about not having a getting started bit, it just confuses things as it covers all topics - and means that you need to look in atleast two places for the information you want.


Duncan

[John Kennett]

OK I've created a couple of sub forums, but I'm not sure you're going to like the way it looks on the main General Discussion page . . .

John

[The Jackeens]

One great thread that appeared recently was Bruce's disabled ribbing thread. Any chance this could be singled out as a bit of a fixture as it may appeal to a whole sector of the boating world?


missus

[Jono]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

OK I've created a couple of sub forums, but I'm not sure you're going to like the way it looks on the main General Discussion page . . .

John

Yer quite right there...those of us of an "easily confused persuasion" are not having fun here.. call me a Luddite if you will.. but...

[Mark Halliday]

Jono
You are a Luddite.

[ashbypower]

Originally Posted by The Jackeens

One great thread that appeared recently was Bruce's disabled ribbing thread. Any chance this could be singled out as a bit of a fixture as it may appeal to a whole sector of the boating world?


missus

Top Idea Missus

Have a point!!!

Brian

[Rogue Wave]

I am not so sure Missus The disabled rib thread was very enlightening and informative and is the sort of thing that that should be in the general forum. By putting disabled ribbing in it's own section would give the less enlightened amongst us ( me at least) the opportunity to overlook the subject.

[Colin F]

not being a computer expert, would it be possible to give a choice of preloaded searches for the topics suggested by louise etc?

this way the results of the searches would bring up fresh info. with stuff like electronics they update so often, they will be discussed by the usual posters and the newbies can be steered onto the most current pages. it would also mean people post how they are used to and the newbies pick up the best info.

Also keep the general discussion as is i think, good to look at some stuff, especially as they ramble off topic!

cheers

colin

[The Jackeens]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I am not so sure Missus The disabled rib thread was very enlightening and informative and is the sort of thing that that should be in the general forum. By putting disabled ribbing in it's own section would give the less enlightened amongst us ( me at least) the opportunity to overlook the subject.

I take your point Stu,
However I was trying to think of a way of keeping it always there as it were so forumites and vistors would think about boating for all peeps ...and would realise what an inclusive/welcoming forum RN is.

missus

[Mark Halliday]

Originally Posted by ribnwheels

not being a computer expert, would it be possible to give a choice of preloaded searches for the topics suggested by louise etc?

Do you mean you would like the search loaded by the number of green blobs.

Otherwise a very good point.

[Colin F]

Originally Posted by Mark Halliday

Do you mean you would like the search loaded by the number of green blobs.

Otherwise a very good point.

got to trust the greenies

[The Jackeens]

Originally Posted by ashbypower

Top Idea Missus

Have a point!!!

Brian

Cheers Brian...

(Have strong personal beliefs about boatin for all.) Think it's great that so many professionals in the business are so positive towards all ages, abilities etc.

missus

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Jono

Yer quite right there...those of us of an "easily confused persuasion" are not having fun here.. call me a Luddite if you will.. but...

So that layout didn't last long!

As you'll see I have changed them from sub-forums to "proper" forums. I think it makes sense for Engines and Electronics to be split out, but we'll see. They can always be merged back if it doesn't work out!

John