That would be cool too. A place where we can get some high resolution pictures of our 4th gen and how other people modded their cars. Like wallpaper material for our desktop.

 

I've seen an Newbie sub forum on celica, supra, 300ZX clubs. It will enable newbies and even people that have been here for a while to ask newbie questions without being flamed for taking up space in the 4th gen forum etc... We need to update some of the stickies because some of the links no longer work. We could use a maxmods type sticky where we have detailed info on exhaust to aero parts. Thats all I can think of for now.

 

I think a huge problem in the 4th gen forum is the ability to search. There is no concise way to search specifics. Sometimes it takes a lot longer than five minutes to read through mounds of drivel to finally come across a constructive answer to a search. There is just too much crap to wade through.(Especially in the 4th gen) I consider myself a fairly intelligent individual, but reading 200 posts that were 'hit' by the search function and coming up with vague and mediocre answers can be very disheartening. Time is valuable. I didn't donate for that. I donated for information.

Perhaps, there is a solution to the sea of irrelevance. A stronger search function that won't lock up when you attempt to specify?

Thanks for taking concern.

 

Some of the links in the FAQ and in the stickies already stoped working. If you can delete them or better yet update the link if you know the URL, it should be better for the most part.

 

appoint a few new moderators. It seems that as of lately, phenryiv1 is the only one that's active on this forum. From what I've read, he's busy and I'm sure he would like a little less work load to handle.

 

Perhaps you missed this thread...http://forum.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=487261 Or are you guys talking about yet another "Free-for-all" thread?

I'll consider this. Do you mean random pics, or only random car/4th gen pics?

I don't have the power to do that, but I would LOVE to make post with a link to a "Sticky Farm" at the top of the 4th gen subforum. I will bring that up with Doug.

Well, we tried to make ADVANCED threads on braking and suspension their own forum, but the basic questions STILL show up here. Tires is the same way. I try to move threads whenever possible.

I am working (slowly) on a sticky for suspension.

I know that as a former 4th gen owner that there is some info that you really want from people who own or drive the same car. Case in point- Tein H-Tech springs for the 4th gen are THE $HIT. The same springs for the 5th gen are COMPLETE $HIT. Discussing them as one would be very confusing. Not everything is like that, but that is an example.

Not trying to be smart (because a lot of people make that request), but what would it gain us? It will be the very top thread, but I would GUESS that 95% of people will skip RIGHT OVER ALL of the Sticky threads the first time that they come here.

That thread has only left page 1 a couple of times in 5-6 months. It gets a TON of visibility. I weant the Sticky threads to be ALL reference material. If there is a lot of demand for it, I MAY stick that thread, but in ALL of the forums where we have that thread, it "floats" to the top without much of a problem.

 

I'll try to hit all of yours at once.

While I am at it, I want 4th gen guys who DON'T know this guy to recognize that he is a true 4th gen OG, and a true innovator to the platform. On with the programming...

I guess that if members see a noobie thread (or even an OT noobie post in another thread), they have 2 real choices, with each choice having an option attached to it. The "option" part is whether or not to report the post to me. Choice 1 is to ignore the repeat post. If everyone does this, I will see the post either on my own or because it is reported, and I will merge, lock, or delete the thread. Choice 2 is to post a helpful link to the correct information, AND to tell the n00bie that next time they need to use the search option. Again, I appreciate being notified of these posts. Today, I had 4 notigfications and 22 subscribed threads with replies. I am pretty busy.

Don't get me started on NICO, either. I tried to get Kevin to merge with them years ago and he declined. Sprint did what has been best for the org, but a partnership with NICO woudl be a great thing...

I am working on the members rides section, but I don't know about the video stuff. I know NOTHING about internet forums except how to post on them.

 

Suggest some new mod help as well

 

I don't think that vBulletin will allow that- at least not on this version. And it would have to be different for EVERY generation. Running the org is a hobby for everyone all the way up the chain- includig Sprint. I don't knwo if the "geeks" have the time to add in those parameters- even if they are available with this software.

Search feature used to be free...but with all of the members that we have, server load was too great with this many users and it made the place run very, very slowly. I really wish that it was free to all users.

Consider this, though...$20 to get search access is LESS than the average lesson learned will save you. For people to NOT donate is almost an insult, since it is $20 for LIFE. Some of my forums want $20-30 a YEAR to be a donor- with no "perks." Grnated, those are smaller sites, but the point is, if you find one good item of info, or find one good, money-saving place to BUY something, you save more than $20. The first time the org saved me that $20 or more, I donated it. I have donated since then- just to keep things going. I am not trying to lay a guilt trip on people, but consider that next time you wonder why search is not free. Few car forums have this many menbers over this many generations and anre not laced with tons of ads and pop ups.

It's in the tool bar. How much more can I do? If I add THAT as a sticky, it just contributes to the clutter. People can link noobies to that or make them aware of it.

I share your frustration. Part of the problem is in vague thread titles and our natural tendency to use abbreviations. "SE" does not show- nor does any 3-letter word. Wildcards normally resuly in error messages. The problem is that without archiving old threads (many of which would result in MORE dead links and the loss of some sticky/FAQ threads ENTIRELY), the search will continue to be a slow, unreliable option. That is due to so many users, so many posts, and other factors beyond my comprnhension (related to the software).

If we had a search that sorted be relevance, that MIGHT help, but even that is not a certainty. I don't know if there is a solution- but better thread titles might help...

 

You do know that that info- decoding vin plates to determine trans type- is in the sticky threads, right?
What do you mean here?
Stickys
Stickys
Stickys
MAY still be in the stickys- I have not looked lately.
THOSE people are free to post about- shifting problems, noises, slipping, etc. Those are great topics for DISCUSSION, thus helping the forum as a whole.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/announcement.php?f=9
We already have it as a Global Announcement so why a sticky?

 

Again, not being smart- I really want opinions on this- would you guys rather see a whole new thread on a subject that has been covered, or would you rather see that someone read and/or searched, found a thread that was related to their question, and then bumped it with a follow-up question that pertains to that subject and now adds to the information in the original thread?

I'd like feedback from all of you on this.

 

Great post. I am cutting the parts that I need, but anyone who has not should go back and read the whole thing.

I am hoping that this dialogue will bring that idea to people's minds. My "dropping the moderating hammer" thread tried to say this, but I was so p!$$ed off when I typed that that it came out sideways.

Agreed!

I am working on revising the Sticky threads right now. I know that some links are dead, but I don''t have the time/energy to remove all of them and to find good links to go in their place.

People often forget that that place exists.

I am trying to 4th gen-ize some of that and to make a new sticky- including pics of some common drops.

Working on that, too!

I posted that thread, but I got the basic concept from another forum. We did it in the I30/35 and 5th gen forums as well. I may delete that one and start a new one. That one has gotten pretty long.

 

I like the idea of having the Sticky threads be as comprehensive as possible. That is what I am working on now. I am about 1/2-way through suspension.
Here is the problem with posting prices- they change all of the time. And other companies have come and gone and have had quality issues and quality successes. Now, I think that a WHOLE exhaust and intake sticky is a great idea, but I want to be sure that all of the info in it is solid and reliable.

After suspension is done, I may tackle exhaust and intakes next.

 

I personally rather see someone bump it up. But up to a point. Look at the 9004-9007 thread. its great seeing people search and bump it up from time to time. I've been here about a year and saw that thread come up to the top once a month or so. But then again you look at the what the noobs are posting and its like they just read 1-3 pages and like the last page and keep reposting the same questions like "which wire do i cross again" That thread has reached it peaked.

 

Lighting (interior and exterior) OR exterior/visual mods (except wheels) WILL be another sticky. Here is the problem- editing that thread to weed out all of the crap posts takes HOURS. If people had not whored it up from the first day, it already would be a sticky. Past mods allowed all of those smileys and useless posts in their old stickys, but I don't want the stickys to have them any longer. It took me almost a whole day to clean up the stickys that we have.

As I edit down the posts, it will be incorporated.

This ties in perfectly to what I was getting at in the reply above. All of the useless whoring and comments, while nice for the original poster, make the thread a nightmare for people actually looking for INFORMATION.

 

Good info all around. I am TRYING to see if there is a way to make an edit like that on here, but I don't know much abotu the software. I don't want to accidentally erase good info for the sake of making it easier to find. Wouldn't that be ironic...?

This may be the best idea in here so far. We have tried to do it with suspension parts, but this is a great idea that I will do my best to incorporate.

 

Tint Sticky is in the works.
Wheel Sticky is in the works.

I posted about this in the Moderator forum. (Yes, there is a whole forum that you guys cannot see where only moderators can see and post.)

I'll update you via PM.

A GREAT idea. We MAY try that on a provisional basis. You may be right- it may not help...but we are considering it.

Turtle: What do you mean, "already?" Some of those threads are 3-4 years old- or older!
As I said before: It takes HOURS to go through some of those threads. Did you see how much of that thread I already edited? It was 8 pages long, and mostly CRAP.

 

We used to have that. What a waste! (no offense, but it flopped)

I made a WHOLE thread for that...
Link?

 

I have seen them in the stickies...randomly. I know you are working your ___ off to clean them up too (your work is much appreciated BTW). What I meant by those examples was to add a consolidated thread in the stickies just for trans information. I know a lot of the info is in there - procedures, mods, et cetera. (The VIN ID is, trans isn't that I could find. But besides the point) I wasn't trying to ask you to add all the info, I just meant to put ALL of the info in 1 dedicated Transmission/ Drivetrain thread. I think it would have more justification then a tint thread. (Not that I am flaming the tint thread idea, please do not misinterpret.)

What I meant by trans id is, on the ID badge under the hood, it has a trans code at the bottom, basically what those 5 or 6 digits mean and how to ID through them if the car has VLSD, for automatics as well as manuals.

I do agree about trans problems questions being good discussion topics for the forum as a whole though, I did not originally consider that.

 

THAT I can fairly easily work on. I am doing this one thread at a time, but you are right- that info is in 3 different threads, and could be consolidated.

 

I'd say bump the old thread, this does two things.
1) Prove that they indeed searched (which will make people far more willing to help, because they are obviously asking for material NOT covered in the old "bumped" thread)
2) Keeps more of the information in one place for the next person who searches

Make a new thread, and bump the old thread with a link to the new one when there is completely new information to share.

 

Let me just also add that if you're going to change some sticky's around, put one for normal maintenence. With some coaching and encouragement from people here on the org, I replaced my rear valve cover gasket myself. Since most of life has been around rotaries, I had never done this before, nor felt I knew what I was getting into.
Simple things like Oil pressure sensors, leaking radiator hoses, clogged EGR tubes, cleaning TB's, alternator replacement, emergency brake cable replacement (and symptoms of problems) could all be included.

Actually, Patrick, is there any way to have an online FSM available for the 4th gen people on here? To be honest, that might be a good idea for all generations if it can be done.

 

I didn't read all the posts for this thread so forgive me if I'm being redundant.

Sticky the noob questions thread, it's a great thread that that may not need to be stickied cuz it always gets bumped, but just in case.

Not every person who comes to this site is guaranteed to be a maxima LOVER. How do we know if the person's car we put a maxima spot card on in the parking lot loves max's the way most of us do? This org has everyone from hard core Nissan/Maxima fanatics/modders to those who like their Max stock but want help with repairs, etc. We need to keep that in mind. I don't believe the attitude should be that of "well, if they don't LOVE their Maxima's like we do then gtfo of here!"

I don't know what other's might think if this, but I'd kinda like the 4th gen parts for sale forum to be linked or in the 4th gen forum, no need to go to a few different areas to find 4th gen stuff.

I also like the sub-forum within the forum idea or sticky's within sticky's on certain subjects.

My .02

 

Sticky a "Great Picture Thread" just like the one in the 5th gen forum.

Actually, the Official Drop pisc thread works just as well. Great idea! Way to revive this forum

 

Debating it. So far market forces have kept it afloat, and I really don't want to clutter the sticky section with anything but reference information. If there is huge demand, I'll do it.

Great point. That may go on the "rules" page.

I will ask Sprint about this option.

Agreed.

 

Ok bare with me on this one, what about drop down menus for the how to section, you know like when your looking for a specific part. With all these great how to guides we have here like many here suggested but in more detail and in drop down form....More details equal less questions

example

How to Guide Forum:

Air Condition-Brakes-Engine-Fuel System-etc.-etc.-etc........

Wheels-
-brake pads(hi-lighted link to take you to thread)
-rotors
-brake lines
-etc........

1-Something a little more organized where the search feature doesnt even have to be used less.

2-less clutter with less questions

3-can be a source of info that Cannot be found on any
Nissan site

4-people will talk about their experiences and share new info more instead of the favorite repeated question, which y-pipe is better or even dumber questions like why cant I use windsheild washer fluid in my radiator?(made up)

I say let this site be the forefront for info here that'll make every maxima owner want to come to this site for whatever problem it is they have solve it and talk about it.

 

I've got a question.

I understand that everyone wants things stickied and it makes sense. I also understand that you are trying to limit repeat posts about things that have been posted a million times.

My question is:

What is the goal for threads/posting?
I mean, when you come into the 4th gen forums what kind of threads are you wanting to see?

 

it may be sacralige to share it here, but....................nycmaximas.org has this neat function in it where at the bottom of each thread it has similar topic posts(usually 4 or 5 ). therefore, if someone searched, for say drop springs, and gets one thread on s-techs, at the bottom of it, it would have similar posts that may lead to a closer answer.

i still dont think it'll fix the newb questions,but i think a simple answer to that would be ignore the question unless you have an answer(even the "do a search" posts should be avoided. this way either the person who posted is too frustrated to wait and starts searching, or someone gives him the answer.
no wasted webspace with bs. anyone who negatively replies gets warned or banned or whatever. have it be a "dont feed the animals" rule.

let's not forget that the way we have come to know alot of people on here has been in the form of a discussion on some subject. a new person looking for answers that isnt allowed to ask a question, is never going to be able to have the ability to get to know their fellow members. what good is finding the answer to the question you needed if the thread is 2 years old and the member that started it is no longer here for you to discuss that topic with them? i'm sure lot of people spend more than an hour a day on here. Its not so that they could have all the maxima knowledge they could have, it's to make friends with similar interests.

as gay as it may sound, my best man at my wedding was someone i became friends with on here. we've both moved on from 3rd gens, but we've made friends with local .org members and still stay in touch with them.


and..........................for anyone who wants a sticky on a certain topic, why not do the research on said topic yourself, create a thread so that all the information you just harnessed is in one place, THEN if mr henry sees it fit to be a sticky, he can make it one and YOU get the credit for it.
why should he search for the answer you want/need?

 

It's a good idea, but we lack the technology.

 

hacim105-
I am able to view your deleted post. You ask a question that I'd like to see people answer. It really gets down to our reason for being here. May I "restore" the post to get some responses?

 

I don't thin that we can do what the other furum does, but it would be cool.

Regarding having this place be a real exchange for information AND to be a place where people with a common interest can shoot the breeze, I agree wholeheartedly.

I am real friends with people who I met on here. We don't discuss Maximas (neither of us have had one in a while) when we talk- we discuss life. You are not alone in your view of what this place can or could be.

 

dont feel like reading all the pages so this may have already been said, but im thinking maybe like a FOLDER or something of the sort for all of the stickies because there is a lot of great info that needs to be stickied but we dont need all that space taken up, so if we could organize it all into a file that would be awesome...

 

Yeah you can restore it.

 

no matter what, both will happen. what my idea provides is a lack of places for newbies to post usless comments,random topoics or stuff for sale, in a thread that is already dead. bumping 4 year old threads gets real annoying.

HERE IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE!!! http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=178127&page=2

I would rather see a thread locked and moved to the faq's if the thread warrants it. the thread you started was a good idea.

But no matter how effecient we want to see the ORG. become it will only last for a short while and then its back to square one with all out clean ups like this.

but ive been here just about as long as you and you know what i mean by this. But whatever help i can offer to the newbies i dont mind. If you need someone to "police call" jacka***es in the threads just say so.

Navfe-

 

I think you've done a lot in just being more active. I would think the help of another mod would allow you to get more done within your time constraints. If none of the current mods are willing or interested in helping you I humbly suggest that you bring the idea to Sprint that Kevlo become a 4th gen mod, the guys contributed boatloads to the site and is still very active. My biggest complaint about the 4th gen forum in the past is that it's been a free for all.

I think the tiered (or linked or whatever) stickies would be nice, they could be expanded upon but not take up the entire first page.

 

I agree with d-bo on this one, the 4th gen forum is quite possibly the largest sub forum on this board and the help of a more active moderator, may be the best thing for this sub forum.

Also I think the stickies should be updated and a little better organized, kevlo did a great job on them, but the could be updated and reorganized a bit.

Also, I saw someone say something about making the stickies required newb reading.

 

Well, getting all the old stickies updated should be first priority.

2. Immediately delete all threads that can be answered by stickies.

3. Make newbies far more aware of their ability to search through google...

4. Mega picture thread
-one for what tints look like, one for wheels, drop etc. Maybe a subforum for this type of thing. Or just a link to their thread in the members ride forum.

5. More active mods
-show them we mean business...repeats wont be tolerated.

Basically we need to find a way to let noobies know that asking the same question over and over again won't be tolerated, and that there is a simple solution. SEARCH. Maybe a mass PM showing people how to do it. If we can get them all to search we could cut back on 75% of the stupid threads.

 

If you think about it all it is is linking but more organized, instead of having to search for the topic in question simply create the link for it in that main thread to takie it to its sub-topic, its already there you just have to create the hyperlink to take the reader to it.

I imagine it might be a little time consuming, alot of "searching" and creating links.

 

I'd like to hear people's answers to the questions below. I have a pretty good feel, but I'd ike to get some responses.