The Direction In Which The Site Is Going, And what to do about it Options

[Coomer]

Recently,
I've became fairly discouraged with this site. I get on the site multiple times every day, and each time I get on, I find all kinds of new stuff that irritates me.

Mindless, completely-useless posts in off-topic; non-related, stupid, or mean posts that ruin what would be good threads; topic titles that don't follow the rules in buying/selling that have been there for well over a year; people who only come to the site to cause trouble or irritate people; It all irritates me, along with the rest of the site's management.

We, the management of the site, think that lately the forums as a whole have gone a bit downhill, but we're curious what all of you think.

We're also curious as to what you all think should be done. Pete's in Japan and couldn't get in on the discussion of this idea, but Tim and I are considering changing the off-topic forum to be an "other cars" forum. That most likely won't happen, but we're sick of the completely pointless posts in off-topic. We all also are considering what to do about the people who constantly question others such as in the Lori Ann thread, and what to do about the people who constantly post pointless, off-topic stuff in the Celica forums, and what to do about the people who always post mean stuff on the site, and what to do about people who are mean to girls and treat them as if they've never talked to a girl before. I've had at least four girls talk to me and say that they didn't want to join the site or post in the forums, simply because of the way girls are treated on the site.

Tim is sick of it. John is sick of it. Pete is sick of it. I'm sick of it. Tim put it well when he said, "i feel like i havent left highschool yet when i go on 6gc..."

We're just wondering, what do you all think about what's happened lately, and what do you think should be done?

[initialdrift55]

I totally agree with Chris on this one.....especially when it comes to the way most of the people here treat girls, i see people post a pic of a car and it has a pic of their g/f's next to it and everyone hounds the girl or the user to show pics of his own g/f..IMO that's disrespect..and with the pointless posts as much as i hate it coom i think it's always gonna be there. Face it there are some idiots that come here to just mess around and get nothing accomplished, especially on a off topic section. I dont think you should change it to the "other cars" section because this is a 6gen site only. I think there should be some action taken on the people who do talk crap,insult everyone,mess w/the girls etc...unfortunately it has to be done cuz sadly everyone has not grown up. Maybe if theres a way to give somewhat of a 3 strike warning and if u mess up ure ip or somethin get's banned..this should go as well for the bad sellers.

Well thats just my 2 cents.

-Chris-

[Andason]

Nothing personal coomer: this may be a car site, but it is one of the "nicer" forums I've been to. If members don't want to join because of people being unfriend tell them to go to celica.net and see how nice they are there. I have learned a lot from this site, and I am greatful for that. I think people are serious when they need to be. There is only so much that can be said about the 6gc though. No one wants to talk cars 24/7. I can promise you that my rediculous posts have made people smile on bad days. I just think a lot of us here ARE adults or are moderatly appropriate. I understand that there needs to be som censorship, which I think is appropriately done as is. I feel safe to browse at work and sure there is a few exceptional threads, but browse the internet for 10 minutes where anyone else talks and see if you can avoid it.

I agree that the b/s thread violations were bs, but thats something you should use that warning system you came up with. Rules are supposed to be read blah blah blah.

Once again, as pointless as some of the off-topic posts are, I like to see them. I don't want to hear about how your you need your EGR for emissions every day. I like seeing how other people live and everything. Its like touring someone elses house.

EDIT: And I also see that some of those comments are directed towards some of my actions. If I came on here and said I was Wesley snipes how many people would believe me? I asked for her to do a simple thing and she agreed to do it. If the girls thing is directed at me, I really dont care. They want equal rights, so they get them. I'll treat them how I treat other guys.

This post has been edited by Andason: Jun 9, 2004 - 11:43 PM

[Akimbo]

The quality of posts has definately been knocked down a few pegs. A year ago nobody would recognize this 6GC. It was totally different. It was a gateway to information. Recently, it has reminded me of Celica.net. Lots of inappropriate posts in the wrong forums, lots of repeated questions. Yes, B&S forums do not have appropriate tags. Nobody takes time to read the rules.

There are people here who seem to have a large superiority complex and enjoy dragging down posts of others. However, there are many people that are extremely knowledgeable about the Celica. I would imagine these people hesitate to post because of the immaturity of some members of the board.

The useless posts in off-topic. Well, it's off-topic. It's a zoo in there. I'm not sure what you would really expect it to be. It's bad, I'll admit. There's a lot of bashing in there, and a lot of confrontations. However I am not sure where that is going to lead. Making rules for the off-topic forum? What rules are there? No porn, no cussing, keep posts ON-TOPIC? How? What are appropriate threads for off-topic. The members of 6gc.net are just a large group of people. Large groups of people tend to talk about whatever is on their minds. Think about it, when you shoot the shat with your friends, what do you talk about? Probably a lot of random things. That's how I see it here.

I feel particularly bad for the females of the site. Most people DO act like they are the first girls they have ever interacted with. It's just above being in an AOL chatroom. We've got photoshopped pics of girls saying things. We've got battles between males and females. I don't get it. It seems like when a female posts, and gets more attention, it ticks someone off, and a battle begins.

I love 6gc.net. But, it could use a few changes. I'll post more when I read what other people have to say.

The "State of the Union" thread is a good topic. It's constructive. I think we should all express ourselves now. Try and keep names out of it.

[saleeka]

personally, I think that this site as a whole is very good in terms of people being respectful towards one another, following rules, ect... but lately it seems that the off topic is getting flooded with garbage. Honelsty there have been times where I have read some of the things in there and thought to myself 'what a waste of space..." before anybody complains 'free speech" remember coomer pays for the hosting on this site. I also have noticed some people treating the forums as a place to get gratificaton in one's life by trying to make others look stupid. not cool... i dunno how that could eaisly be solved, but i have noticed some things getting a little on the rude side. if anything i'd like to see the off topic posts be a little bit more in depth than say the "post somthing im bored" type thred, and weed out the bull. other than that i think that this is a really high quality place, i can see you worked really hard on this site coomer, and it shows

[moltar]

Compared to other places I've posted on, 6GC is definitely a lot more tame. As far as immaturity goes, that's to be expected. I've only been here since March, so I can't compare to the old 6GC, but I'm happy here! Thanks for making such a wealth of information possible Coomer.

[FoREpLayAX]

As a long time reader and short time member of this site i also see the disrespect and immaturity in some of the members. I, though, see it only in a few and it seems to be the same few that are constantly attempting to make others feel inferior. In general i think most know who these "few" are as well as the moderators. Personally when i read a post by one of these "few" i am often times so irritated i leave the site for hours. (which is big for me since i work 5 days a week and spend 6/8 work hours on the net) regarding the off topic sections i do find some of them humorous but once again i see the same immaturity in the "few" who choose to act like they are 5 yrs old. Yet i also see the off topic as an essential part of the site b/c it tends to attract the "few" and leaves the informational forums to what they were designed for. ANd regarding the girls....well i dont frequent the off topic much and i guess thats where most of this female sematism is stemming from. in conclusion i feel it would be in the sites best interest for the moderators to take an active initiative to gain a handle on these "few"

not that it matters but andason you are not in the "few" i refer too....i actually enjoy most of your posts...lol

[Andason]

[Defgeph]

I dont like how newbs are treated. Look at this thread zebt66 He's talking about his 7afe and what he has done to it. Everybody chimes in how 7a's suck get a 3s. It very discouraging for newbs to post after that. I know I would have been like well, screw you guys. I think that the people here should help keep this place above the rest. We should keep the regular forums clean and helpful not aggrivating to a new user thats wants to learn about his car.

OT - Was created for worthless threads let face it. But, I think you should limit the number of new topics started by a member in OT. We all can remember a certain someone posting at least 15 worthless threads in a row. Thats just not right, Alot of very interesting constructive threads were bumped down be cause of it. For the most part the threads are kept porn,cuss,ware free. Which is great ! but people are always gonna argue and disagree there is nothing you can do to stop it.

I think thus far, we have been very mature about dealing with conflicts. Well for the most part anyway.
If this doesnt make any sense sorry I was on the phone while I typed this

thanks for this great site
DEF

[brianforster]

get rid of off topic completely ,its useless and taking up space, use AIM for that.

create a forum for trouble makers and make it so they cant view/post in any other forum except that for X amount of days if they mess up

be STRICTER, stop being so nice coom

personally, i dont liek to read or post in off topic, no offense, but i dont come here to chit chat, i come here to read about other celicas, and share enthusiast opinions and discussion.

get more moderators!

get a FAQ for each section, I.E. "What springs are best" for suspension forum, "what size speakers do we have" for audio forum, "who makes CAI for the GT" for the engine forum..

all in all, i love this forum, but i use it for what it is, an information database, not the high school cafeteria.

keep up the good work coom, i really respect what your doing

[FallenHero]

I have and still do post on Many boards of different subjects and such. 6GC is BY FAR the nicest I have ever worked with. Granted, some stupid things do happen, but we will never be rid of that. The best we can do is regulate it...which you guys have done quite well at.

The only thing that really irritates me is the posting of Multiple threads in OT by the same members. It's like I go in, see that, and leave. Who wants to sort through 20 mindless BS threads by the the same member to get to the two or three that actually have a point?

My .02

Jon

[brianforster]

thats the point, none of the off topic threads have a point, chat rooms, aim, email are all based around chit chat.

theres absolutely no reason for it IMO

[Andason]

[Andason]

[brianforster]

ok maybe getting rid of off topic is out of hand, i just really dont see the point of it..

i just get so annoyed every time i go in there

i like the idea of it just being a other car forum

[95STHATCH]

I've said something very rude and inapropriate to a girl/woman on here. She called me out on it and I am truely sorry for saying what I said.I understand why a girl might not want to become part of this site after seeing some of the topics and posts. I like the way the site is after seeing the celica.net off topic forum. Out of all the forums I've ever been a part of in the past I feel I've learned more about my car from this one than any others.I just hope this site always stays around and every person,no matter what gender or race, can continue to enjoy and learn from this site.

[shid]

(I should be at a car meet right now, but instead I'm bogged down at work doing NOTHING)


I agree, and I think the only way to fix a lot of these problems is simply more modding. The current number of mods can't be everywhere at once; so thats why a lot of the incorrect B/S threads etc are staying- the mods only have time to police the major infractions (like Mustang Man) This is my 7th forum since I started on the net (like, regular, checking every single day) and I'd have to say that it's the 2nd best. Sure, a lot of the bad stuff goes on that coomer is pointing out, but it's still very clean, and hasn't degraded yet.


But thats not the point, the point is, something should be done to keep the side from degrading! Sexist activity-

ok I can go to the meet now! I hope jiri and joe are still there.. I'll post more thoughts later! bye

[macavely]

i think there are a few people that should be kick off this site.. we all know who they are .. i might even be one of them..

also the O/T is out of hand.. maybe the O/T should have subtopics to control the kinda threads that are started..

and there is a lot of BS that goes on in the forums.. people ask questions and many times don't get a stright answer.... which is really stupid if you know the answer just answer and if its something you have answered already just don't post and let someon else answer it..

Coomer check the search funtions .. cause the last few times i tried useing.. it hasn't worked that well.. or maybe i'm just using wrong..

[BigEdge169]

Maybe there needs to be a forum added entitled Garbage for the completly useless, mindless topics that are started, but then again that would just a total waste of the sites bandwidth...

[neoklis]

Well its time i post my views as well:
1. Cant see the reason for offtopic. IF there isnt one, people that psot there will be posting on another site.
2. some immature posts have been appearing, thats true. The only way to minimise this, is to just not reply to this post. If you dont pay attention to them they will just go away.
3. the FAQ for each section is an excellent idea. I usually learn most of the things from FAQ posts and then i go for more info.
4. On immaturity again, most of the U.S. members are teenagers and highschool kids that have the Celi as their first car. Just imagine how immature these highschool kids are in a HONDA forum. In general, i find them quite mature for their age and personally i can understand them sometimes as i am not very knowledgable about the Celi and sometimes i am even afraid to post in order to avoid people getting on me.

I really did not find this tread needed but i don't visit the off topic section so i dont know how bad things are in there. As for some people posting without following the rules in the B/S section, thats because nobody read the rules. I think if you have a pop up thingy to come up everytime a person starts a new topic in this section would solve this problem in a large degree.

[boosted_K2]

i didnt think we would actually have to clean this thread up...

[Cragspider]

Coomer, I don't know what to say. Maybe you could use a couple of more mods that can help out? But Lately I have been just checking on the site. I post when the new guy needs a question answered that I can help with. Now some of the other members could be a little more mature about things and be helpful or not post anything at all. But there are some members that probably need to be delt with severly, and we all know of a couple. I duno if you started this thread because of what Clayton posted in C.net. But I will say this about your site that you created. It is by far my fav place to come when I hop on the net. Maybe if the original guys who first came here that still post/lurk the site could help out the little guys when they need the questions answered instead of telling them to use the search opion, which is a great thing by the way, they could tell them what they are looking for and mention to them about using the search option also. I think at this point in time the amount of info that is coming into the site has slowed down a lot since a year ago. Yes this is a great place for info on our generation of car. However we realy haven't had a lot of new things/people coming into the site to add some new things.
Bryan

[Tweek]

I'd just like to say that I really like this site. The moderators do a good job from what I can see. I am kind of disappointed when I hear people saying that this engine or that engine sucks and you should get a new one.

I have yet to go into the off topic, and the only point I can see for it is to keep it out of the real forums. Maybe you should delete the off topic forum but keep the button and link it to some other site's forums.

I guess I must be missing out on the degrading, sexist comments cause I don't go in the OT discussions. I don't have to read mindless chit chat from you just because you have the same car as me. I've got a girlfriend who gives me all the mindless chit chat I need. Just kidding, geez don't ban me.

I don't know how to solve all that high-school immaturities, but if you figure it out let me know so I can apply it to every placed I've ever worked. And if you figure out how to get rid of the stupid, degrading, or mean comments, let me know so I can apply that to the rest of my everyday life.

Thanks for the site. Nice work. Maybe you should have a small membership fee for your trouble. And anyone that did'nt have it can only post like 1 topic a month, and only reply a certain amount of times. Then they would think about what they're posting.

[jontechie]

I don't even bother to go in the Off Topic Forum anymore, it just doesn't interest
me, now to use it as a discussion on other cars, that would be more useful.
None of us are so blinkered that we only see the Celi as the be all and end all
of cars. Some of us do like other cars aswell but are afraid to reveal this in case
they get dissed on the forum. A forum where you can do this without being made to
feel small would be cool.

As for feeling this site is becoming more "teeny", I have to agree but you
can't barr people out on age or make them feel unwelcome, "this opinion
from an oldie"

This post has been edited by jontechie: Jun 10, 2004 - 2:47 AM

[Coomer]

Thanks for all of your comments so far. I'll take all of them(that weren't deleted ) into consideration.

I had a bit of time to cool down and just work on my Celica with no distractions and I was feeling better, but then I came in and found out that Tim had to remove some posts from this thread already. It's really, really sad when we have to remove posts from a thread such as this. But anyway, enough about that.

I think that for now we'll probably keep the off-topic forum, and we'll work on some new rules for the forums, and emphasize them more once they're done. And once those rules are completed, which should be soon, we won't hesitate to ban people who won't follow the rules, and contact their ISP and take legal action if need be.

I'm still curious to hear what everyone else thinks though.

[van95st]

i don't no if it's cause i log on after later than most and y'all have edited out the majority of stuff but I haven't seen anything too bad. my only suggestion would be to set up a warning system like on aol im and if they have reached a certain warning level give 'em the boot.

as far as OT goes if i go in there it's useually cause i'm just trying to pass the time and i'm looking for mindless chit chat. This is the only forum that i visit and i'm lazy so i don't wanna have to go looking for other sources of banter.

overall coom i think the site is great what questions i've asked have gotten reasonable answers and what little knowledge i have i've tried to help others.

[celicaofsin]

I am the newest member I think, and as I said in my profile I love it here, I checked this site out a few times before becoming a member and learned more in 2 or 3 days than I have in 2 months from any other source. This is my first Celica and just from this site alone I already have like half a note book of info and notes just by reading other peoples posts. I my self have only posted one time, till now. While I'm on the subject of posting maybe I'm just dumb but I could not find like a rule page or something along those lines, if someone could hook me up with a link or something that would be cool, I will do my best to follow the guide lines once I read them. I would also like to ad, if you had not noticed my enthusism I really appreciate this site and all the work anyone who is involved in managing this site puts into it, and that I plan to learn a lot thanx- bobby threat

[creis]

i really like this site, i have not seen anything that is disrespectful to girls, however if its there it need to be removed, and those people need to be delt with. I happen to really like the "off topic" section, I think that most of us have fun just talking abour random stuff and while i love my car sometimes it just get to be to much, and i get board with it. (rare but happens)

value of "off topic"
the off topic section is very valuable to alot of people here, its a great way to hear about things that are going on it peoples lives other then there car, and its cool to discover things that we have in common with other people, maybe make new friends. it has brought a good smile to my face when people post "useless" things there, and a great way to get things off your mind.

what to do.
I think that it would be a good idea to limit the threads down, when i enter a section it has like 1000+ topics, when people only use the first 100 if that. after some time they sould be droped, not only to save server space, but to clear up some junk.
as for the censor stuff, i think that people try to do there best, and i have noticed that many members are still in high school. but there should be a 3 striks your out think, if you offend someone, disrespect someone, or anything inapropriate, than you get a strike. that stuff is not cool. (as far as i know i have not done anything like that but if i have then i'm a good example) maybe people dont know what that they have said something rong, this site is very wide spread to many differant countries (very cool) and there are differant standards in every one, so something that may sound fine to one person may not be to another, its hard to draw that line. and i think that if there warned they can understand it better.

note: your doing a great job on this site, dont beat yourself up over the little things that are not workin out. the overall thing is better than most if not all the ones i have gone to. you and all the management should be very proud

[94gts]

These are the same reasons I left celica.net, childish attitudes. But then I guess when you get this many people together your bound to attract a few loosers.

[Supersprynt]

I have noticed a downhill slide with the entire site. But OT feels like its dropped off a cliff. Theres times where i've gone in there and found that the same person has started 5 or 6 new threads. And they arent good threads that people want to talk about, they're completely worthless. Its a waste of space and money. And what tops it off is these people hardly ever post something informative or worth reading. Its really irritating.

Limit the thread count on OT, or limit the time span on the threads. Its totally outta control

[Guest_Jason_*]

What are you people bitching about!?!?

I don't understand this. 2 years ago when I first got my 6G Celica, I was able to talk about my car in any of the "Celica" related threads and got answers right away, if not immediatly. Too this day, I can still get those same answers immediatly. I don't see where anything went downhill in those Forums, are you people just crazy?

Off-Topic is SUPPOSE to be "Off-topic". I thought the Topic was 6G Celica's, am I right? So why is it a hassle to have "off-topic" conversation in the "off-topic" forum? So OT creates a little controversy, it would be completely boring to visit this site and not have anything else to talk about - alot of times I visit and there are no questions in the 6G Celica related Forums. Then I navigate to OT and find something to jump in on. No matter WHERE you go, OT is a no-holds-bar Forum. Thats the POINT to OT, its ALWAYS going to be the POINT to OT. You have to deal with it as long as its there, and you can't get irritated about it. If it does get out of hand, you simply do what needs to be done about it and forget about it. Thats how OT is, thats how it should be.

Also, I admit that i've made some stupid comments in the 6G Celica related forums just to get a rise out of people, but that's maybe 5% of the time I do post in the Celica Related forums. I've helped ALOT of people in those Forums, and I still do. 95% of the time i'm completely serious in trying to help them, if I go from being stupid and silly in OT, i'll go to being serious and trying to help people in the Related Forums. I've helped alot more people on the Forums than most of you, i've been a member since before we even had body kits. And look, I don't even have a 6G Celica anymore (<3 my GT-S), and i'm still here - because alot of the people here are good friends/family.

Leave Off-Topic to OT people. It gets opinions out, it gets controversy going, which gets very good opinions from people, and lets people share their honest views on some things. It creates arguments, arguments are good as long as its healthy, and not "**** you, **** your mom, and **** your wife.. twice and we are having a condom baby.". The world is based on arguing and debating, and thats what OT is 50% of the time.

This post has been edited by Jason: Jun 10, 2004 - 8:46 AM

[jgreening]

Here is my $.02.

Although I agree with the comments about O.T., I also think its harmless - its off topic. People that do not want some mindless distraction need not visit that section of the site.

The real problem from my perspective is the hostility in the on-topic sections. We need to recognize that not everyone has the same level of expertise with these cars. The longer you are on these forums, do other research, and talk to others, the more you learn. However, we all start with knowing nothing. What is really discouraging to me is that the most knowledgeable and talented members are often times the ones who are the most critical of questions from new people. Quite frankly, this site needs you guys. That is what automotive enthusiast forums are for - to obtain and share information. If the answer to a question is "this has been asked a million times, use your search button you idiot", a number of things happen. (1) the guy will probably not come back - and if you dont care about that then; (2) you sound harsh and mean; (3) no useful information was shared; and (4) others that have a similar question in the future will find this thread when they are searching and not get any useful information.

I have noticed that when a question is asked that has been asked dozens of times before, it usually comes from someone very new to the site. These people simply do not know the importance of searching yet. Also, it can be difficult at first to even know the proper terms (e.g. whats the difference between a strut and a shock?). If a guy needs to learn to use the search button, lets tell him but not degrade him. Better yet, lets get him started with the answer and point him in the right direction.

[presure2]

[BlackCelicaGT94]

As a girl its hard to go to any Car site cuz it feels like "hey forget waht your car looks like. Show a picture of yourself first"

ill admit ive staged selling my car cuz i didnt wanna be on the boards so that maybe a month later i could sign on as someone else most likely a guy from oregon and people wouldnt know. it feels like im the most mistreated girl on the site. How bad is that that i would think of doing that so then i could maybe get a lil respect??!!
Ive also thought about PMing coomer a few times int he past week to just erase my account cuz some guys get pretty rude with their comments. Im not the only one who feels that i get the most crap. I have people form this site I IM with who also recognize that i get the most trash talked to.



i also recognize that some of the downright OT topics stem from me. I.E. my day of 15 topics. I think a lil bit better moderating needs to be done. if its down right OUT THERE - please see DO YOU IRON YOUR MONEY! then erase it!!!

i know the moderators sometimes shouldnt have to go in and moderate. Most of us are over the age 16 if not over the age of 18 and should be a lil more mature even though it is off topic (me included)

also i think we need a delete your own topic button. I know a lot of my topics would be gone cuz they start to get out of control

This post has been edited by BlackCelicaGT94: Jun 10, 2004 - 10:12 AM

[Sh0gunkid8721]

This is just a suggestion, but maybe you should have a 3 strikes and you're out rule or suspended or somethin. If Coomer or a Moderator sees a member on the site that is being disrespectful to another, you give him 3 strikes and depending on the severity of the penalty, you guys could either kick that member off the site or just suspend him for a week or so. Each member could have a lil bar under their name that keeps count of their warning status or something. Its just a suggestion that i think could help keep things under check.

The main reason why i think that the off-topic section is gettin out of hand is simply because more and more people are getting more knowledgable of the 6g celicas and cant find much to talk about in the other sections of the forum, so you should feel good about that Coomer cuz that means your website is doing its job. Just my suggestions.

[Pali_playa]

ive been to alot of forums and this forum is def one of my fav's

mainly b/c of the people. i now got to a integra form b/c i have one and everytime you post something you get flamed for not searching. you search then post, you still get flamed for not searching "enough". in my opionon some new topics are stupid....but sometimes they go too far. here tis not like that. we help them out THEN suggest using the search.

just put some restriction on OT.....

uhh yea some people on here really need to get some a$$ for themselves, b/c u cant live off of 6gc girl posts....

[amysmojo]

I love this web site.....

The off-topic forum to me should have "off topic" things in there....isn't that the whole point? If you don't want random things being posted in there...then it should be called "off-topic, BUT dont post anything off-topic!" or something like that lol...Someone mentioned labeling it "garbage"...um thats the same thing as off-topic! lol

Anyway, aren't web forums a place for people to express their ideas & opinions w/ eachother?.....If ya dont want to hear peoples random,helpless, AND OR pointless (but entertaining ) opinions then you mind as well just get rid of the site

With that being said....Coomer.... please forgive us for our childish/highschool ways, I agree that the fighting & "my car is better than your eveything" needs to stop....But I think that has to do w/ a lot of the members on here being teenagers......(i guess thats where acting like high school kids comes from lol) Yet I agree, there is still no excuse for any of it!


I like the 3 strikes idea! I was thinkin the same thing
OK......thats my opinion..... lol

[celicaman96]

I don't post much, but I read and am entertained by this site religiously on a daily basis. Personally, this site is incredible. Questions can be easily answered, most people are friendly and cool and know tons of information. I've both bought and sold stuff to people I've met in the forums - the whole concept is amazing. A couple things I've picked up on that kinda bother me are:

1. Reposts. Please read the stickys in each forum. People post a lot of the same question and a good majority of them can be answered in the stickys or in the databases.

2. Newbies and how they're treated. We all had to be one at one point! Most of #1 comes from new people and the way that they're answered with trite one-liners, ie "learn how to use the search function" really gets old. Understand that people aren't as well versed with the etiquette or abilities of the site when they're new...it happens, don't jump all over people for making a mistake.

3. "Photochopping." For God's sake! Quit telling people that their stuff is photoshopped. I can't count how many times somebody posts pics of something cool they've done or found and then their post gets all ripped to shreds with people attempting to figure out if its real or not.

4. I was waiting for someone to bring up the female situation. I also noticed most new females who come to the site aren't greeted very nicely. Yeah most of us are guys (my guess is just about everyone is 23 and below or so) and we all know how we can get. But yeah, most of the time a girl joins or posts a topic or a pic is posted of a girlfriend or a meet with a girl happening to be in a photo etc. the topic gets kinda out of control.

5. We can't hear each other. You've got to take just about everything with a grain of salt. We can't hear how people are saying things or what mood they're in when they type something. I'm extremely sarcastic, but that's way hard to pick up in just typing. It helps with escalating problems to not retaliate, just move on...or better yet, if you think you might be posting something hostile...maybe refrain???

Anyway, I agree we need some cleanup around here, hope those can help a bit. For the most part though, I tip my hat to Coomer for the awesome Celica community he and other's have created. Keep up the good work.

[Andason]

[boosted_K2]

we do have a warning system, but i guess only the mods see it, is that right coomer?

i agree OT has its purpose, but the posts in it need a purpose. just because its off-topic doesnt mean it doesnt need a topic, if you want to mindless chitchat hop on the chat room. Off topic is for topics other than a 6th gen celica. just because the forum is named off topic does not mean it will be run like every other messageboards' off topic forum.

[boosted_K2]

[Kwanza26]

Honestly speaking Coomer... I think there are many areas of the site that are fine. I'm willing to say that the engine/performance forum and the suspension forums are great, in that there are knowledgeable people there trying to help out. In my honest opinion, OT isn't a necessity, it's more like a privledge you're allowing the fellow members who post their drivel there, however correct or incorrect that term may imply. In other words... enforce reprecussions onto those who blantantly take advantage of that privledge. I personally have stopped visiting there, mostly because I'm sometimes the confrontational type... and would rather not piss off other members. I'll be another to say, that there are many many knowledgeable people here in many difference aspects relating to our cars and this site is by far, one of the best in terms of relating information on our generation of Celicas, and beyond. Overall, perhaps a slight decline, but that comes with growth in the community. More people, more different opinions and ideas...

[Jeremy1210]

I have been on this site almost 2 years now. I have to agree with coomer that there are many more pointless topics arising. I don't read half of them b/c they sounds stupid. I think there should be a limit to the number of OT related posts b/c they do take up space on the server.

People have been mean to some newbies in the past few months. I figure we can tell them the answer then tell them to use the search function next time. Just don't be an ass about it

As far as degrading the few females that we have here. I haven't seen it(prolly b/c its deleted before I get on), but that is down right asinine. Why would you degrade females on this site. People should be happy that there are females that like cars and celicas and want to know more about it. STOP being a cocky pig when it comes to talking to females. (you know who you are)

I just think that the maturity level needs to increase much more when it comes to replying to posts and being nice to people.

Jeremy

[amysmojo]

[bufferdan]

Well i think the age of most of the users here explains it To me though this board is pretty tame. I like it here

[moltar]

On the point of telling people to use the search function - the hostility of it to newbies, I believe, could be lessened with a reply like:

"Next time, use the search function, but here you go: LINK TO THREAD"

Just a quick search and all can be good from both ends of the tunnel. Just an idea

[bufferdan]

yeah...man i hated when on 3si all i saw were people yelling "search newbie!!" thats all you ever saw!! it was freakin retarded. There would be virtually no posts if thats the case. Now for topics like "whats the best struts for me?" JESSHH!! how many times has that been on here? Maybe we need some more sticky threads?

[shid]

molt, somtimes it's not a single thread, sometimes it's almost eveyr single thread in the engine forum. Like: what information is there on the 3sgte swap?

I fully stand behind my bashing of the newb who asked that question- first I just said politely: You should do a search and you'll find the answers.

everyone else did too

then he asked the question again

then I bashed, and I was justified. the end.

[LatinKraze]

I do see your point Shid, but I think that if someone has the time to post: "You should do a search and you'll find the answers" then you might as well link the forum, which contains the needed information, to the end of the your post. It's simple, helps the newbie, and lets him know about the search function. Not to start a debate but its just my opinion.

EDIT: In answer to cooms question......dont be affraid to use the warning system. I've seen you type to people to have them to follow rules but i dont think any warnings have been issued. If you feel necessary to issue the warnings then by all means, please do so.

This post has been edited by LatinKraze: Jun 10, 2004 - 2:31 PM

[Defgeph]

We should have a FAQ sticky in every on topic forum. If you want I cant start writing one up.

Otherwise, you'll still have people saying search. I think it would be great to have a thread like the bodykit guide in other forums. The suspension guide, The engine guide, The interior guide so on and so on.


Sorry for my statement earlier It was immature. I was provoked but did manage to work out the disagreement.

[SlowCelica94]

I come from a forum called www.indycarz.com I've never met ruder people. You can register and check it out. People on that forum make fun of you for whatever you do, and really hate on you if you have a S13 cuyz youre a "bandwagon jumper". When I came to this site, I was so impressed with how nice everyone was, and how laidback it was. A little guff and arugments makes this interesting. But there should be a limit. Coomer, You've done a fin job with this site. If this site wasnt avaible with all the info it has, i wouldnt have bought 6g due to lack of support.

[Crzybakerdog]

Coomer i would not worry in which way the site is going. I just love how the site is setup especially how the fourms are. its hard to explain but whenever i goto another form other than this one i feel like im in a cage and cant really navigate easily either. plus the colors are traditonal and easy for everyone to see and read no matter what computer they log in from. as far as how the off topic goes just be a little more aware of whats going on in there like pics and videos that could be taking up large amounts of space and just delete them or lock them up so they dont get out of control. As far as people bashing others for not searching, i personally am not a huge fan of searching for old fourms and would rather just have someone with the knowledge just politly tell me the answers then say crap such as go search and what not. What you could do is for a time where a guestion has been asked a million times, make a faq page that would answer it for every new person that comes to the site as they can be directed twords that or have the thread be answered and delete the old one where it was answered earlier that way you dont have 18 threads on how to find the fuse boxes or what not. Other than that i would say keep it like it is now and remember that everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions.

[orvillescelica]

inherently this site is perpetuating the import car culture. And one of the main aspects of that culture is socializing, interacting, and meeting new people you would normally never get to meet. This is what i believe the O/T is there for. Sure, some of the topics and posts may be stupid, but people are stupid as a whole, its bound to happen.

The problem as i see it is not the site, but rather the people in it. The site has stayed true to what it was founded to be, but the problem is that many of the members have been around for so long that the posts in most of the topics have been covered. theyve read the arguements of turbo vs swap a thousand times over, theyve read what people think of 'X' brand shocks and 'Y' brand pads. Some of the people have gotten bored, and thus they have unfortunatly turned to making immature comments and harrassing others without provocation just for, the only reason i can see, attention. I do not think the site needs more policing, i just think that people need to think before they post. Its as simple as that.

Although i also believe the behavior of some of the members here to be delporable, i am glad to see that the majority of the site remains true to the reason it was created. Look at all the information that this site has, the knowledge that it contains, the influnce it has had in bringing together people from all over the world and bringing light to the wonderful cars we all have and love.

[OrbitalGT95]

I love this place there way that it is.....u want a bad site go to dgtrials, man..those guys will really make u feel unwanted...if people are tried of **** then dont log on anymore....things change..in fact in that constate thing in life is change..forums will change people will change, doesn't mean that it's a bad thing

[Coomer]

First off, I read Shawn's post in the Off Topic forum rules thread, and it made me realize that what doesn't irritate me the most is the garbage threads in off-topic, but rather the threads that are just plain inappropriate. Posts that reference sexual stuff, drugs, cussing, posts with inappropriate images, posts attacking others, etc.

Again, we'll begin working on some new rules for the site, and more strict ways of enforcing them. Hopefully we'll have those online sometime during the weekend. Also, we'll make new registering members read the rules before they register, and we'll emphasize the rules more on the site.

[Defgeph]

what about some sort of FAQ section coomer ? can we get that going too

This post has been edited by defgeph: Jun 10, 2004 - 3:30 PM

[Coomer]

[CelicaQT]

[Defgeph]

[Coomer]

Yeah, FAQs like that would be nice...if you're willing to make a quality FAQ, then feel free to do so, and then we can sticky it and lock it once it's done.

[reborn0323]

[Defgeph]

[Andason]

[Drocay]

i like Andasons idea, that way it wouldn't busy up each forum with giant stickys and new members would see it when they first come into the site, because i know when i first joined a long while back i would miss the stickys even though they were so obvious.

[jgreening]

[SpedToe169]

[CelicaQT]

[orvillescelica]

[LatinKraze]

^^^

There is an area within the parts data base for members to leave comments and what not.

[orvillescelica]

[Coomer]

I've mentioned it a couple times in the past, but perhaps it's time to work hard on this and add a form where if users have the part on their car, they can enter the place where they bought it, price(for the product itself, and also for installation, if applicable), and comments regarding the part. This info would show up on the page for the part, and then people could see who has it, and click a link to their profile to see more pictures and stuff.

My main concern is that after that's done, people won't use it, like the group buy feature that I spent 80+ hours of work on it. Granted, the group buy feature was poorly designed by me, but I still worry...would a lot of you guys use a feature such as this?

[slipgun]

Thats one feature I would actualy use, I utterly forgot about the group buy feature.... I have many times wished for that and scrolled through peoples profiles to see items they had installed.

[playr158]

there is a group buy feature!??!?!! i didn't even KNOW that and i'm running a group buy dang i feel stupid

oh and i don't doubt i've broken rules so sorry coomer

[Coomer]

[6gcs3nz]

I'm in New Zealand and there is literally NO 6gc support around here. When I first came to this site I had nothing but praise for it and I still have nothing but praise. The strongest point about this website is that it creates community. Every community has its bad eggs - comes with having a population base. But I respect Coomers decision is strengthening the rules etc.

On another perspective, as adults we know better than to let worthless comments affect us IMO. But we should also know how best to deal with it (Ban/delete/block) - although would that pose as a logistic nightmare if trying to moderate accounts/dynamic IP blocks ?? - sorry.. think out loud

[spunky393]

Well, i didn't read ALL the pages, to much. But, basically, this is a 6TH GENERATION CELICA site. For our cars, the CELICA. There is no reason for these other forums. They can get on yahoo, or aol, or whatever they want and write and bit** about stupid crap there. They're taking up space, and give the site a bad name. This is a home for the 6TH GENERATION CELICA, and nothing else. And that kid discrimination thing, back off, that's the biggest bunch of bull i've heard in a while, and it really got my head steamed up.

[playr158]

OK well since i've had time to sit down and read page 1, half of page 2, and page 4...i've gotten a pretty good sense of everything... i still consider myself a tiny bit of a noobie....i've been here for a lil over a year and i have learned 80% of what i know about the celica here...i've made friends here...i've learned to view other views that people have...basically i've learned ALOT here...that said i'm goin to get to the bone......
The off topic forum is pretty crazy i'll admit that but you can expect that craziness. But what one person thinks is crap another finds value...but yes there are those blatant STUPID posts....and people need to be held accountable.
Then as SPEEDTOE has mentioned...age limit of 16.......THIS WILL DO NOTHING AT ALL...if you really look at it the issue of immaturity...its people that are OLDER than 16....i'm 18 right now but i remember getting bashed on just for being younger but thats not the answer age has nothing to do with it.
The FAQ section is the best idea yet..i think that it should be on the forum "opening" page when you select the forum option from the side menu. GO defgeph!
Coomer- this section is for you....I'm amazed at what you have done here. Your what 19?! and look at this crazy accomplishment of bring thousands of people from around the world together for one soul purpose...the celica....how many of us can say that? If you look at the forums as a whole then your doing really really really good....and i can understand your disappointment because this site is your baby...but we should really use that warning feature on here...does it work even?i see the lil warning bar but never seen it move on anyones thing...
The Female issue......YES GIRLS GET BASHED ON....personally thats wrong....not cause they are girls and SHOULD BE treated nicely for that reason, but because they are part of the "family of celica owners" is why they should be treated nice...especially for Lori Ann since she IMMEDIATLY got bashed soon as she came here..i give her props for still being here. and the rest of you girls ROCK shoot i think the few of you have helped me just as much as the million guys here...but keep rockin on...and if a guy nails you hard then call him out to coomer or sumone...get it fixed
All in all this is the only forum i've really been with....i'd never leave it cause i learn soo much and this place is like my online "home" and we should be like family.....not the leave it to beaver fam...but more of a that 70's show family...yea theres bickering and fighting heck thats human nature but we should all get along *GROUP HUG* lol jk on that one

peace i'm out,
YANG

[R-03]

i did know alot if not everything about my celica before i learned about this site from my cousin dansst. but i did learn more about all celicas because of this site. i'm in the middle of my 3sgte swap right now, which i probably would not have began if it wasn't for this site. it is obvious that this site has done wonders for everyone here, so we should all be more thoughtful and greatful towards others seeing as how the people are what make this thing go. i totally respect Coomer and his dedication to this site, he slaves for all of us. and i don't think he goes to bed at night after reading the insults/bashing/degrating comments and thinks " damn i'm really glad i put all my time and effort towards creating a place for inconsiderate, self-absorbed jerks to express their rude and insulting thoughts and attitudes. yes!" do you?

i'm not picking on anyone in particular, but let me explain something.
i've not posted a few times when i wanted because of the attitude around the topic at the time. i'm not afriad to argue, but that isn't what this site is about, i respect Coomers' wishes, so i say nothing. i also have not posted any picks of me and my G/F because of the disrespect towards girls. she is very beautiful and cute, so i do get the occassional " damn, that's your chic?" or "she's awesome" which i don't mind too much, comes with the territory. but the leg humping would really piss me off. so i just avoid it. by the way, i hope loriann does stay on board, she could really give the site some credibility, nationally.
the OT forum has it's purpose, it makes me laugh sometimes, but it does get out of hand. warning system needs to be used more frequently. i also hope spedtoe stays, i'm actually going to put 7th gen brake setup on my 6cg because of his testament. this is a little long, and trust me i could go on but you get the point.
Coomer- do as you wish, i'll still be here........R-03.

[Andason]

Yeah some type of age limit restriction does nothing. I'm older then 3/4s the people here.

Also about the whole group buy thing the problem with that is that it was part of the main page which I visited maybe 3-4 times out of all the times I've come here. There is SO much more info in the forums which should be brought over to the main page.

[94gts]

[Uppitycracker]

Personally I see off-topic as a medium for members of the site to get to know one another. I talk to many people from this site on a regular basis and Im sure in the future will have the pleasure of meeting them in person. I came here originally because I wanted to buy a 6th gen celica, though I've strayed from that path Ive stayed here for the community, the fact that the site isn't to large makes it easier to bond with people but at the same time makes it easier to single out and pick fights.

I know Im probably a small part of the problem, I know some of my posts can be border-line and/or offensive but thats just me, and the same goes with alot of people on this site, why should we suffer and lose an entertaining part of the site on account of sensative people that maybe should have the internet if so easily offended. I mean why should we be singled out as the wrong people, I can understand finding a happy medium but to take rash action is a little over the top.

This site is a community and everyone should have the right to express them selves within reason and I think you guys have done a great job thus far in deciding what is allowable and what isn't. While I find some of the recent off-topic threads to be useless and no more then a waste of band-width, I find it hard to take it upon my self and decide that. Its not in my place to say what is and what isn't, I think thats for the mods to decide alone, but when you offer an off-topic forum then you will get the odd boredom driven thread that just wastes space. I have noticed that over the last few months the off-topic section has been busy, and what used to be a a few threads a day about somewhat interesting topics has turned into a womens magazine survey.

So anyways I would vote to leave off-topic as it is, like I say to people that bitch about there work "you chose the job, it didn't choose you". So if you dont find managing a online forum with members of diverse personalities to your liking, then dont. After all it is your site Chris and yours to do with what you want. I for one am greatful for its existance, 8 months, and the following 5 months would be infinately more boring if I didnt look forward to seeing whats going on here, otherwise Id just be twiddling my thumbs waiting to start my life over down south.

6GC RULESSSS!!!!!1!!111!one!111!


Oh and just an after thought, a suggestion for the people that bicker about new people asking about engine swaps and other topics thay have been dicusted at length, ask for faq's! I know there is the feasible swap thread and what not, but no database of 3s information. If you search for it you'll find conflicting information, and people whining about reposts. And quite honestly if you dont think the thread is worthy of your seemingly endless knowledge than dont post in it period! Because one, you make people stupid and unwelcome, and two, in the time you take to write your self-righteous display of mental masturbation you could have answered the question.

This post has been edited by Uppitycracker: Jun 11, 2004 - 3:59 AM

[Hanyo]

I don't have much to say, since I have to admit I'm probably one of lesser active members of the site.

I think the off topic part of the site is great, sometime it can be annoying, but i just don't bother reading the posts. The off topic part of the site offers news flashes and current issues that have sprung up. It give members that post there personality and lets you know what they are thinking. It lets people vent when they have something bothering them. One of the suggestions I have is to limit the off topic forum to one page, once a thread has gotten old and pushed on to the second page it will be deleted. Another suggestion is about the warning system, i think it would be nice if the moderator PMs you with a quote of what you said and how it is unappropriate.

[sinner96ST]

There are no dyno sheets on this site, I see no discussion of serious legal racing. Hell, look at one of the stickies in the engine/performance section. It's pretty obvious that there are bunch of kids asking stupid questions, if somebody has to make a sticky entitled "QUIT ASKING ABOUT SWAPPING YOUR ENGINE WITH THE ONE IN THE MOVIE FAST & FURIOUS". That is a direct indication as to what is wrong with the forums.

Lack of GT-FOUR information. The GT-4 crowd seems to be more mild mannered, more technically inclined, and generally over in other countries. Some stuff they do will not apply to us, but some of it will. I think you should cater to these people as well. Getting them on here would help us, immensely.

Archives. Stickies. FAQ's I don't see any archive here of any information, posts that were supposed to be stickied, or anything like that. It would be a massive help if we had a repository of information on here to reference when we wanted to.

When you have 9 different tutorials explaining what to do with side markers / tail lights, there is a lack of good, solid information. I know aftermarket on our cars suck, but really, come on. What would make me come to this site? You need a hook, something that other sites dont have.

Thanks for reading, i know it was a long post but i don't want to see this site go down. Sorry for the BOLD, but I want to illustrate the points i'm trying to make, so you don't just skim over the thing.

This post has been edited by sinner96ST: Jun 11, 2004 - 8:48 AM

[sinner96ST]

oh, i'd also like to add.. since i was somewhat critical of the site, that i have absolutely no problem putting my money where my mouth is. if you need help, or whatever, feel free to ask.

the site is great, coomer. it really is. you've done a lot to help us out here, more so than anyone else in regards to 6th gen celicas. i'm just trying to help you guys decide what you want to do, and giving my 2 cents. i'm not bashing the site, or the general user population.. just a certain small minority of people who believe this is a study hall period.

[shid]

Oh god, the lack of how toos..

Coomer, I hereby volunteer to manage and do the approvals for every single how too0 with an emphasis on getting many many many out there.

[orvillescelica]

[hioctane]

Most of the new members are annoying and never use the "SEARCH" tool. Some of the current members love to talk about their life in the off-topic section like single everyday; go use livejournal for that Then we have members who bash on other cars like celicas are god's gift. They go on talking about how slow hondas and disrespect other car communities. It's a pretty much a bad rep for the 6gc.net community because you never know when other car enthusists post on their forum on how much our celicas suck.

[sinner96ST]

[slipgun]

I certanly feel the nonsearching newbies need to stop being bashed... when I first came here however long ago it was a year or something, I had no clue what a search function was for forums. This is the first forum ive ever been in, and im addicted to it. Yes its not the same as it used to be, but I think this also stems from the lack of new information comming out... which since there isnt always something new to find out, its hard to find stuff to post about. The off topic keeps the forums alive while we wait for new info, though I agree half of it is utterly useless, but I found the rasor thread funny . Also I think what contributes to the lack of topics is no one wants to mod their engine, because everyone says its not worth it unless your gona swap. Some of us dont want to swap! Let them research, let them get info without your waisting your time and money, hell I wana turbo, anyone wana know the research ive gone through the last year tryna figure that out whats right for me? There is no ultimatum on that question, so let people figure it out for themselves!

[celicarocker]

i love the site, its a great place. like everyone else said, this is mild compared to other threads. i think being overly rude and disrespectful should be dealt with though... nobody likes an ass... as far as O/T goes, well thats what its there for... its meant to be a meaningless forum, where you just go to chat and whatnot... ive made some cool friends from the forum, most of it stemming from O/T threads. while i have disagreeded with some of the stuff being deleted in the O/T forum, ive never really said anything just becuase i keep the mindset of "its coomers site, he can do whatever he wants...." make some stricter rules for the O/T if you dont want to see that stuff there.... but man, dont change the site too much... its a great place...

[jgreening]

Is it me or does it seem like alot of the knowledgeable members are not posting here anymore? If so, why?

[uzthedentist]

This forum seems quite pleasant in general but one thing always annoys me and its the way that some people cut down others with the lower spec engines/ autos etc. I havent been on this website long but I have seen a few people laughed at for trying to modify their lower spec cars and told to get a 3sge instead. WHY? Do the GT4 boys go around telling the GT boys their cars are crap? NO. Also other posts like 'the celica is not a sports car' etc dont really have any benefit.

Im all for healthy debate, but outright insulting our own cars puts the reputation of the 6GC down

[Tressa95]

I saw this topic and thought that I would throw some input into it. Although I just joined the board I have been reading on it for a while. I decided to start posting when I was ready to start on my engine. I thought it would be the best way to find out information since there is really nobody or any shops that modify these cars. I think the majority of everyone on here are all really nice and want to help. The problem that I see is that everyones questions turn into a debate on if they should do it or not. people are asking questions for answers not for approval. I just think that eventually the people who have questions are going to think twice about asking. Also I'm sure it does get old having the same questions asked over and over agian but if you attack someone the first time they post they wont post again and they most likely will not tell people about the site. Remember first impressions are everything and if one person comes off as an irrigant a** it's hard to reverse it. Sorry the post is so long and I really want to make it clear that I think the site is great and just very nice overall but just wanted to point out what make someone not want to come back

Tressa

[97Celica]

For the most part I get along with everyone,yet,like in any community there are going to be fights here and there..It's really not a big deal..and as far as how females are treated.. I think it's cool if chicks are into cars.. I am just getting my girl into them..too bad she drives a 2003 Saturn ION ..ehe

[madmods]

Guys the solution is to close down the whole site

[shid]

The Lori Ann thread...

[Jdog1385]

just modify the off topic section. strictly celica info. if you wanna chat about off topic stuff, just instant message someone.

[Andason]

[mikew04]

Im never in OT, but what i do see is bashing, and girls and coomer being treated like gods. I agree with the others who have commented about posting a link if you tell someone to search, and those who have suggested FAQ, and leaving comments on parts and what not. The bashing and inappropriateness of things annoy me the most, but the way coomer and the girls are being treated is almost as bad. Yes, coomer, you've done alot for me and others, i thank and applaud you for that. But it seems like everyone has to suck up to you (and every female on the site.) People need to think about what they say. Its the internet, yah, but still we need to act mature and talk to others as we would face to face.

[Eddo456]

I know I am not too active of a member, in the sense of replying too often, however this is probably the site I visit the most on the internet, and I have read hundreds of posts. My 2 cents: In regards to the bashing comment on cars and their stock specks, I remember when I first got my celica and soon after found this site, I had a limited edition 97 st, and I was some what embarrassed to post that under my membership info, just the fact that it was an st. However after reading the site for about a month and seeing how people freely gave out this information, and were only given respect, I soon followed and posted the info, feeling confident in my car and my status on the site as a legitimate member. This was a little more than a year ago. However currently it has seemed to me like the disrespect for everyone, no matter their car or their intentions for it, is a bit too much. It reminds me of a friend of mine, who has a Camaro, and bashes on any import just because it is an import and regardless of what potential it has. It is just a complete display of ignorance, and that is that. I doubt that this helps to your decision, Coomer, or any of the other moderators for that matter, but I just figured that as a member I should give my contribution. And again, thanks for a great site that I have been always able to rely on for good information.

-Eddie