Anyone know Steve Cirian from http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/ ??
02-28-05, 02:32 PM
#27
Originally Posted by BlueRex
Wasn't coming after you at all just stating that Mahjik and Scotty305 have organized a lot of useful content in the FAQ's.
Just because the content is external doesn't negate the fact that the content contained is important and should still be saved. But I see your point that your originial question was about saving threads on the forum. And I guess you could look at the content of the FAQ's as important threads that have already been saved. However, that doesn't mean that the info there is permanent.
For example the my "Question about 12v relay fix" in the FAQ's has several pictures posted by me and spooledup7 clarifying the 12v relay fix. Once we stop hosting those pictures they will be gone again and the next person confused about the relay fix will have to post again asking for clarification.
)
BTW if you need any more help (seems like you have enough) recovering and organizing the content, you know who to ask. 
But Jason, trust me, I'll def bark up your alley. You've been incredibly helpful in the Group Buy. In fact, you're getting most of the thanks in that thread, and rightfully so, since you've done the bulk of the work. I know we can def. depend on you for good quality work
Last edited by FDNewbie; 02-28-05 at 02:35 PM.
02-28-05, 03:20 PM
#28
RX-7 Bad Ass
iTrader: (55)
I've been heavily involved with RX-7's since '96 or so, and one thing I've learned is nothing is permanent. This is an unfortunate side effect of having an enthusiast-driven hobby - people sell cars, lose interest, move on, etc. and resources come and go.
Even the forum we're on right now won't necessarily be around in, say, 5 years. The "big" RX-7 list back in the day was THE resource for any RX-7 owner, high traffic, etc. - it's gone the way of the dodo. People like Rob Robinette, Brooks Weisblat, and others that had big websites back in the day with tons of information sold their cars, moved on, the people that took over their site hosting moved on...you get my drift.
I'm not say we shouldn't try and save old writeups, how-tos, and information - lord knows there's quite a few methods, techniques, and more that have been re-discovered over the years. There's a TON to know about this car, and trying to compile it all in one place is a daunting task. The Forum has a helluva lot of information, but as you've seen a lot of it is broken, hard to find, outdated, whatever. Not to mention a LOT of the stuff on the forum is cluttered, so you really have to dig sometimes.
Dale
Even the forum we're on right now won't necessarily be around in, say, 5 years. The "big" RX-7 list back in the day was THE resource for any RX-7 owner, high traffic, etc. - it's gone the way of the dodo. People like Rob Robinette, Brooks Weisblat, and others that had big websites back in the day with tons of information sold their cars, moved on, the people that took over their site hosting moved on...you get my drift.
I'm not say we shouldn't try and save old writeups, how-tos, and information - lord knows there's quite a few methods, techniques, and more that have been re-discovered over the years. There's a TON to know about this car, and trying to compile it all in one place is a daunting task
. The Forum has a helluva lot of information, but as you've seen a lot of it is broken, hard to find, outdated, whatever. Not to mention a LOT of the stuff on the forum is cluttered, so you really have to dig sometimes.Dale
02-28-05, 03:30 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by DaleClark
I've been heavily involved with RX-7's since '96 or so, and one thing I've learned is nothing is permanent. This is an unfortunate side effect of having an enthusiast-driven hobby - people sell cars, lose interest, move on, etc. and resources come and go.
So I think I have those bases covered there. I can't predict the future but I honestly don't see myself or the registry site I've created going anywhere in the next couple years. And as long as there are other FD owners out there willing to help submit and gather information for the site I think it can continue to thrive.
Jon
02-28-05, 06:21 PM
#30
Yes, I am still here, and so is the site. It has moved to FD3S.net, although the old URL is still there until I get around to posting a "Moved to" page.
I have sort of been acquiring old sites along the way and have incorporated at least 3 old ones into FD3S.net so as to preserve the hard work and knowledge of those who have sold their cars or just don't have time any more.
I have been talking to a couple of other sites that may be getting out of the RX-7 web site mode, and if they decide to do so will hopefully be able to pursuade them to contrbute their site to the FD3S.net collection.
I am trying to open up my site for volunteer participation so not only is it a good info site, but is something others can help improve and enjoy working on. I just had no plan on where to start or hwat skills I needed to bring in for the first step. Now after some good input from severla people I think I have a better idea of what to do and in what order. Check this out:
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...54#post4086254
Cheers,
Steve
I have sort of been acquiring old sites along the way and have incorporated at least 3 old ones into FD3S.net so as to preserve the hard work and knowledge of those who have sold their cars or just don't have time any more.
I have been talking to a couple of other sites that may be getting out of the RX-7 web site mode, and if they decide to do so will hopefully be able to pursuade them to contrbute their site to the FD3S.net collection.
I am trying to open up my site for volunteer participation so not only is it a good info site, but is something others can help improve and enjoy working on. I just had no plan on where to start or hwat skills I needed to bring in for the first step. Now after some good input from severla people I think I have a better idea of what to do and in what order. Check this out:
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...54#post4086254
Cheers,
Steve
02-28-05, 07:03 PM
#32
Steve, no BS, it's an honor to finally have you on this thread And I don't know how often you get thanked for the enormous effort you've already put forth, but either way, THANK YOU. Really. I remember several times my friends and I were in the middle of an install, thing were just NOT working out right, and after about an hour of trying and getting nowhere, we'd run inside, get on your site, and in about 10 min or so, boom, there was the answer
It's ironic (in a good way) that you picked fd3s.net, and Jon's got fd3s.cc hehe. Why don't you take a look at the site, www.fd3s.cc, and see if it's possibly what you have in mind, whether it be as a general framework, or something that could be tweaked into what you have in mind. I personally don't care WHO'S website everything ends up on, my ultimate goal/desire is consolidation, one big huge collaborative effort to benefit all (aww, don'tcha feel all warm inside? ) But no seriously...I think it would be counterproductive to have 5 websites all trying to do the same thing.
Keep in mind plz that the How-To page is pretty much underdeveloped due to the lack of "how-to's" there. So we can pretty much go anyway we want w/ that respect. And I'm sure Jon agrees w/ me that we're all ears for suggesstions. Jon also told me in the past (coincidentally) that he has things set up to run it like a forum as well, so he's def. your man when it comes to formatting in various methods.
I believe he already has a "database-driven or content management system" set, the graphics part is pretty much taken care of (not only in the forum of the site graphics, but I was discussing w/ him having the pic of the FD on the top banner rotating/changing, and in addition we're putting together the searchable image database), and we def. wanna break up things by subject matter. Jon seems to have a great foundation on the site IMO, and seems very flexible. I know I am, and I'd love to hear your ideas and thoughts.
In short, I think we can use the best and positives of each site, and combine efforts to build, tweak, and update one badass site. I have no doubt Jon will chime in saying how flexible he is in working with you and others regarding what format you guys have in mind. Hopefully you like the idea?
And I don't know how often you get thanked for the enormous effort you've already put forth, but either way, THANK YOU. Really. I remember several times my friends and I were in the middle of an install, thing were just NOT working out right, and after about an hour of trying and getting nowhere, we'd run inside, get on your site, and in about 10 min or so, boom, there was the answer It's ironic (in a good way) that you picked fd3s.net, and Jon's got fd3s.cc hehe. Why don't you take a look at the site, www.fd3s.cc, and see if it's possibly what you have in mind, whether it be as a general framework, or something that could be tweaked into what you have in mind. I personally don't care WHO'S website everything ends up on, my ultimate goal/desire is consolidation, one big huge collaborative effort to benefit all (aww, don'tcha feel all warm inside?
) But no seriously...I think it would be counterproductive to have 5 websites all trying to do the same thing.Keep in mind plz that the How-To page is pretty much underdeveloped due to the lack of "how-to's" there. So we can pretty much go anyway we want w/ that respect. And I'm sure Jon agrees w/ me that we're all ears for suggesstions. Jon also told me in the past (coincidentally) that he has things set up to run it like a forum as well, so he's def. your man when it comes to formatting in various methods.
I believe he already has a "database-driven or content management system" set, the graphics part is pretty much taken care of (not only in the forum of the site graphics, but I was discussing w/ him having the pic of the FD on the top banner rotating/changing, and in addition we're putting together the searchable image database), and we def. wanna break up things by subject matter. Jon seems to have a great foundation on the site IMO, and seems very flexible. I know I am, and I'd love to hear your ideas and thoughts.
In short, I think we can use the best and positives of each site, and combine efforts to build, tweak, and update one badass site. I have no doubt Jon will chime in saying how flexible he is in working with you and others regarding what format you guys have in mind. Hopefully you like the idea?
Last edited by FDNewbie; 02-28-05 at 07:13 PM.
02-28-05, 10:15 PM
#33
Originally Posted by scotty305
Here is an old FAQ that I helped set up over 3 years ago, still being used & updated over at http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=758609
That is the scope that I want this RX-7 FAQ to eventually have.
The absolute best way to do things would be to have one big FAQ post, with anyone able to post a reply to help add topics and info to the FAQ list, and delete the new posts after the new info is added to the FAQ, to keep things as uncluttered as possible.
That is the scope that I want this RX-7 FAQ to eventually have.
The absolute best way to do things would be to have one big FAQ post, with anyone able to post a reply to help add topics and info to the FAQ list, and delete the new posts after the new info is added to the FAQ, to keep things as uncluttered as possible.
Here are a couple Subaru-specific websites focused mostly on how-to mods. I like the dynamic nature of www.scoobymods.com , but prefer the organized look of http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com/m...fications.html
A nice blend of both would be great. I just signed up for an account over at www.FD3S.cc , and am interested in submitting how-to's , but there doesn't seem to be a method for uploading photos yet.
-s-
02-28-05, 10:38 PM
#34
Scott, I'm w/ you 100%. The question I have is, just how much categorization do you go w/? Eg, that second Subaru site was very nice, very organized. But how many sublevels is ideal? I personally think one is too shallow (interior). Two wold prob work fine in most cases (interior --> seats). Three MAY be helpful in some cases (interior --> gauges --> defi). You see where I'm going w/ it?
Regarding your FAQ post organization (sorry Jon for all the work lol) I'm thinking a Table of Contents or Alphabetized List would be excellent, but not sufficient. I still think we should ALSO allow ppl to search via the organization scheme above (performance --> exhaust --> downpipe --> downpipe removal, or O2 bung install, etc).
The trick for the organization scheme really comes down to getting what is organized to facilitate ease of access, but not too structured to get frustrating. I think a simple poll of the two types may be all that's necessary to see what's better. Also, in the pictures, for example, you might need to cross-reference/organize stuff twice. Example, in the C-west folder, it woul have bumper, skirts, hoods, wings, etc. So you can see all the wings by one manufacturer. But at the same time, you may also want one general category called "wings." Which is better, I don't know. I'm probably leaning toward both, but now I think I'm starting to be an a$$, since I'm not Mr. Programming, and I don't know what all this entails, so I'm not trying to sign up ppl for in emmense amount of work.
Jon, ya listening?
Regarding your FAQ post organization (sorry Jon for all the work lol) I'm thinking a Table of Contents or Alphabetized List would be excellent, but not sufficient. I still think we should ALSO allow ppl to search via the organization scheme above (performance --> exhaust --> downpipe --> downpipe removal, or O2 bung install, etc).
The trick for the organization scheme really comes down to getting what is organized to facilitate ease of access, but not too structured to get frustrating. I think a simple poll of the two types may be all that's necessary to see what's better. Also, in the pictures, for example, you might need to cross-reference/organize stuff twice. Example, in the C-west folder, it woul have bumper, skirts, hoods, wings, etc. So you can see all the wings by one manufacturer. But at the same time, you may also want one general category called "wings." Which is better, I don't know. I'm probably leaning toward both, but now I think I'm starting to be an a$$, since I'm not Mr. Programming, and I don't know what all this entails, so I'm not trying to sign up ppl for in emmense amount of work.
Originally Posted by scotty305
A nice blend of both would be great. I just signed up for an account over at www.FD3S.cc , and am interested in submitting how-to's , but there doesn't seem to be a method for uploading photos yet.
-s-
-s-
03-01-05, 08:34 AM
#35
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Originally Posted by scotty305
A nice blend of both would be great. I just signed up for an account over at www.FD3S.cc , and am interested in submitting how-to's , but there doesn't seem to be a method for uploading photos yet.
-s-
Anyway, look for that to be on the site shortly. I'll provide details soon.
03-01-05, 08:38 AM
#36
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Originally Posted by MilesBFree
Jon,
Forgot to add - I would be happy to have you help out, and we could discuss merging in the registry or your hosting offer.
Sorry for not getting back sooner, but work and personal life are taking up all my time.
Cheers,
Steve
Forgot to add - I would be happy to have you help out, and we could discuss merging in the registry or your hosting offer.
Sorry for not getting back sooner, but work and personal life are taking up all my time.
Cheers,
Steve
Steve,
I just sent you a decent sized PM. So please check that and get back to me when you can. Thanks
03-01-05, 10:28 AM
#37
After some more thinking, I feel that the forum-style uploading of new content is a good idea, similar to what is on scoobymods.com . The site admin(s) could be responsible for creating a table (or tables) of links, you could have a few of these, so you could sort them by different categories. Update the links once every month or so, and you'll have a rockin' site in no time, assuming you have plenty of content uploaded.
For the table of links, I'm picturing something like an Excel spreadsheet, with columns for various types of info :
---------------
CATEGORY: Interior, Reliability, Engine Accessory
BRAND: Autometer
COMPONENT: boost gauge
PART NUMBER: (insert part number here)
PRICE: $80-100 including gauge, all hoses & custom mounting hardware.
TIME SPENT: 2-5 hours
HOWTO: http:// (link here)
NOTES: video footage of gauge reading and response time
-------------------
You could sort the list by the various columns, if you wanted to find all mods related to Autometer , sort by brand and they'll all show up.
What you need is a software guy who's good at database management. This sounds like an application for XML. Unfortuneately that's the extent of my knowledge right now. I'll see if I can learn a bit more in the future.
-s-
For the table of links, I'm picturing something like an Excel spreadsheet, with columns for various types of info :
---------------
CATEGORY: Interior, Reliability, Engine Accessory
BRAND: Autometer
COMPONENT: boost gauge
PART NUMBER: (insert part number here)
PRICE: $80-100 including gauge, all hoses & custom mounting hardware.
TIME SPENT: 2-5 hours
HOWTO: http:// (link here)
NOTES: video footage of gauge reading and response time
-------------------
You could sort the list by the various columns, if you wanted to find all mods related to Autometer , sort by brand and they'll all show up.
What you need is a software guy who's good at database management. This sounds like an application for XML. Unfortuneately that's the extent of my knowledge right now. I'll see if I can learn a bit more in the future.
-s-
Last edited by scotty305; 03-01-05 at 10:35 AM.
03-01-05, 10:59 AM
#38
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Originally Posted by scotty305
After some more thinking, I feel that the forum-style uploading of new content is a good idea, similar to what is on scoobymods.com . The site admin(s) could be responsible for creating a table (or tables) of links, you could have a few of these, so you could sort them by different categories. Update the links once every month or so, and you'll have a rockin' site in no time, assuming you have plenty of content uploaded.
For the table of links, I'm picturing something like an Excel spreadsheet, with columns for various types of info :
---------------
CATEGORY: Interior, Reliability, Engine Accessory
BRAND: Autometer
COMPONENT: boost gauge
PART NUMBER: (insert part number here)
PRICE: $80-100 including gauge, all hoses & custom mounting hardware.
TIME SPENT: 2-5 hours
HOWTO: http:// (link here)
NOTES: video footage of gauge reading and response time
-------------------
You could sort the list by the various columns, if you wanted to find all mods related to Autometer , sort by brand and they'll all show up.
What you need is a software guy who's good at database management. This sounds like an application for XML. Unfortuneately that's the extent of my knowledge right now. I'll see if I can learn a bit more in the future.
-s-
For the table of links, I'm picturing something like an Excel spreadsheet, with columns for various types of info :
---------------
CATEGORY: Interior, Reliability, Engine Accessory
BRAND: Autometer
COMPONENT: boost gauge
PART NUMBER: (insert part number here)
PRICE: $80-100 including gauge, all hoses & custom mounting hardware.
TIME SPENT: 2-5 hours
HOWTO: http:// (link here)
NOTES: video footage of gauge reading and response time
-------------------
You could sort the list by the various columns, if you wanted to find all mods related to Autometer , sort by brand and they'll all show up.
What you need is a software guy who's good at database management. This sounds like an application for XML. Unfortuneately that's the extent of my knowledge right now. I'll see if I can learn a bit more in the future.
-s-
Users can first select the number of steps in the HOWTO. Then are directed to a page where they fill in the author, title, category, background information and then the actual instructional steps and images for each step of the howto process.
Basically just image how the HOWTO's are displayed on the site now and envision the ability to just add information in the same exact format.
The searching aspect of HOWTO's has not really been added to the site as of yet due to the limited number of total howto's but that is something that I can code in 15 minutes.
Jon
03-01-05, 03:57 PM
#39
I used the current webform, and when you click the "preview" button, there's no way to get back to the previous page except for the [back] button on the browser. This erases all the text.
I really like the vbulletin forum-style uploading, if your server has the ability. It's what most of us are familiar with; the webform method didn't feel as comfortable to me.
-s-
I really like the vbulletin forum-style uploading, if your server has the ability. It's what most of us are familiar with; the webform method didn't feel as comfortable to me.
-s-
03-01-05, 04:08 PM
#40
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Originally Posted by scotty305
I used the current webform, and when you click the "preview" button, there's no way to get back to the previous page except for the [back] button on the browser. This erases all the text.
I really like the vbulletin forum-style uploading, if your server has the ability. It's what most of us are familiar with; the webform method didn't feel as comfortable to me.
-s-
I really like the vbulletin forum-style uploading, if your server has the ability. It's what most of us are familiar with; the webform method didn't feel as comfortable to me.
-s-
I really would rather never use vbulletin, I don't want to pay for it, it's a hog and the last thing this community needs is something else that could be perceived to be a forum.
Last edited by jsplit; 03-01-05 at 04:11 PM.
03-01-05, 04:19 PM
#41
Originally Posted by scotty305
I used the current webform, and when you click the "preview" button, there's no way to get back to the previous page except for the [back] button on the browser. This erases all the text.
03-01-05, 04:32 PM
#43
Originally Posted by jsplit
I'm guessing you're talking about the current "Submit a howto" thing that's on the site now? That isn't what I was describing above, the new code I did isn't even live on the site right now. I'm well aware that the small textbox that is there is junk
I really would rather never use vbulletin, I don't want to pay for it, it's a hog and the last thing this community needs is something else that could be perceived to be a forum.
I really would rather never use vbulletin, I don't want to pay for it, it's a hog and the last thing this community needs is something else that could be perceived to be a forum.
Got it. I'm guessing that this textbox is what prompted you to write your own code? Let me know when it's ready to be tested. Also, if it's not too tough, I'd prefer not to have to choose the number of steps beforehand, unless there's some sort of ability to add more steps later.
Thanks,
-s-
03-01-05, 04:40 PM
#44
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Originally Posted by scotty305
Got it. I'm guessing that this textbox is what prompted you to write your own code? Let me know when it's ready to be tested. Also, if it's not too tough, I'd prefer not to have to choose the number of steps beforehand, unless there's some sort of ability to add more steps later.
Thanks,
-s-
Thanks,
-s-
Prolly be a couple days till I'm actually finished and satisfied with what I've done before I let anyone try it out. But I'll make sure to post here so you can test it out.
03-01-05, 04:51 PM
#45
The FD3S.net site is one giant FAQ. It is organized as a few high level categories such as Upgrades, How-To procedures, etc. Under each of those the next level contains more granular categories, such as Engine, Suspension, etc. Then the next level or two has all of the individual files. e.g.-
Upgrades --> Engine --> Cooling System --> Radiator Upgrades.
I have an alphabetic listing my site too, but have not updated that in a LONG time (like 4+ years), but I have a shell script that automagically generates that list:
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/a...tic_index.html
I also organized it in book format a while ago:
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/t..._contents.html
FD3S.net also has a search engine but I think the old hosting provider did away with my ability to run that... Hopefully the new ISP will allow it.
And here is a list of other people's FAQs:
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/FAQ.html
>>https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=321980
Great effort! I think pretty much all of that is already on the FD3S.net site (and a lot of it came from my site...) The remaining ones we can add to FD3S.net.
I was thinkinking along the lines of the scooby site and using something like vBulletin, but haven't had time to research that.
Cheers,
Steve
Upgrades --> Engine --> Cooling System --> Radiator Upgrades.
I have an alphabetic listing my site too, but have not updated that in a LONG time (like 4+ years), but I have a shell script that automagically generates that list:
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/a...tic_index.html
I also organized it in book format a while ago:
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/t..._contents.html
FD3S.net also has a search engine but I think the old hosting provider did away with my ability to run that... Hopefully the new ISP will allow it.
And here is a list of other people's FAQs:
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/FAQ.html
>>https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=321980
Great effort! I think pretty much all of that is already on the FD3S.net site (and a lot of it came from my site...) The remaining ones we can add to FD3S.net.
I was thinkinking along the lines of the scooby site and using something like vBulletin, but haven't had time to research that.
Cheers,
Steve
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