Just an observation

[Motorhead]

Carl,

I recall the same question being asked a while ago by someone new to the Cayman forum (Martin_Davis) who had a GT4 on order and had owned a few 911s (maybe you should PM Martin and put the question to him?). My opinion and that of a number of others was that there’s little or nothing to be gained in fragmenting the forum and it’s preferable to have Cayman issues - many of which are common in and across ranges - located in one place. And you have to ask what a fragmented forum would look like: 987, 981, 718, S, GTS, GT4? That sounds a bit messy to me, and I’d point out that postings on something like the GT3 forum look a bit sparse compared with the Cayman’s.

As a final (historical) shot I have to say that the 911 forums have had more time to get it wrong! []

Jeff

 

[Ryan9729]

As the title states, just an observation, why do all the 911's have sub forums to the actual model including a GT3 forum but the Cayman and Boxster just have one?

Not rocking the apple cart just curious was this a conscious decision or has this been overlooked and would it be useful to have specific model forums?

 

[AndrewCS]

Carl,

The `apple cart` needs rocking ... , I well recall a previous, same / similar discussion (GT4 relative) which was discounted on 1. the grounds noted by Jeff and 2. by another who enjoyed the melee of `all models as one`

Back then, I supported the creation of a GT4 specific section and still do

The whole `process of relativity` [:'(] could be best assisted / improved by us contributors and the Forum search function. Much model specific information is hidden / lost by the manner in which it is described / noted in the original [strike]post[/strike] thread title

 

[Martin_Davis]

Hi Carl,

Congratulations on your GTS order, when is it due to arrive?

I did indeed raise the same question when I was ordering my GT4 and recall that this subject did generate some healthy debate at the time. Whilst I understand and respect both Jeff and Andrew’s points of view, I am personally still of the view that a GT4 section would be sensible and helpful.

Ultimately, I think that the problem is that the forum itself is too outdated, clunky and difficult to navigate around with a poor search facility. Unfortunately, given all of the other issues that the club is currently facing, I guess that a forum upgrade is probably not at the top of the Board of Director’s list of things to do right now.

What I would add is that from my personal experience, I found the Cayman Register forum to be really helpful, friendly and fun. I enjoyed the conversations, banter and engaging with like minded people. There are some very knowledgeable and helpful people on this section of the forum, that can really make a difference to your Cayman ownership.

Just don’t get them started on the virtues of the dual zone climate control option...

I look forward to hearing more about your new GTS and seeing some pictures when it arrives.

Martin

 

[Scrounger]

I completely agree with Martin's points. The website is indeed outdated and needs a complete refresh. Maybe the Club management should look at spending our subs on doing some needed upgrades by paying a company to sort it rather than asking volunteers to give up their time to do it for free!

WRT model specific sections, I kind of agree and don't agree but as Jeff said, most issues and solutions (squeaks, rattles etc) are common in all models. A specific GT4 page?? I'm not so sure. It leads to an elitist page for the fortunate.

Dan

 

[Ryan9729]

Hi Martin,

The car is built I got an update of that last week, so should be here this month and then on to Topaz for PPF. Cant wait!

Fully agree the forum platform is outdated, honestly one of the worst forum platforms I've had the pleasure to navigate around, but I know there is sentiment amongst the members to get an update rolled out and this I believe has some traction now with the directors. I did fill in a forum specific questionnaire about a forum upgrade a few months back.

I think Jeff has some really good points regarding similarities between platforms, and in this regard that includes the Boxster too, and I'm just thinking out loud here but perhaps amalgamating the Cayman and Boxster forums and then having something like the list below subforums:

[ul][*]Getting Started/FAQ's - stuff like ordering questions, configurator questions/guides, running in, insurances, recommendations. etc [*]General Discussion - General chit chat[*]Technical & DIYs - with perhaps access to Electronic parts catalogues, engines technical information on the different powerplants, DIY guides for things like Grilles, FAQ's for oils etc. [*]GT4/Spyder - Specific GT information & chat. [/ul]Assuming there will be an upgrade in the future should we be looking to put a structure in place now? The better we make the forum the more members will use it.

 

[AndrewT]

I’ve made suggestions in the past too……. nothing!

 

[ralphmusic]

Carl,

I recall the same question being asked a while ago by someone new to the Cayman forum (Martin_Davis) who had a GT4 on order and had owned a few 911s (maybe you should PM Martin and put the question to him?). My opinion and that of a number of others was that there’s little or nothing to be gained in fragmenting the forum and it’s preferable to have Cayman issues - many of which are common in and across ranges - located in one place. And you have to ask what a fragmented forum would look like: 987, 981, 718, S, GTS, GT4? That sounds a bit messy to me, and I’d point out that postings on something like the GT3 forum look a bit sparse compared with the Cayman’s.

As a final (historical) shot I have to say that the 911 forums have had more time to get it wrong! []

Jeff

Going even further back Jeff, we (me + others) suggested joint Cayman and Boxster by generation because Registers are more about things technical.

 

[Motorhead]

Ha! Nothing new under the sun Ralph … what goes around comes around?

Good to see that Martin has joined the conversation, and if the forum had a decent SEARCH function I’d be able to find his original post on the subject and save us all repeating ourselves. And, as others have commented, that’s the main problem: the forum’s outdated and needs a drastic modernisation/revamp and there’s little point in just tinkering with it, and I speak as an extensive user for more than 11-years.

Historically I’ve no idea when it was originally set-up (maybe Peter Bull can help us there?) but it must predate the Cayman and maybe the 987 Boxster? If it was set-up predominantly for 911 owners I can understand the proliferation of generations on there but I’m sure many are little used.

Accepting the current trends for offering lots of choice in everything I’m not convinced that more choice means a better experience.

Just my tuppence worth, as usual.

Jeff

 

[AndrewCS]

if the forum had a decent SEARCH function

Here you go ... GT4 Register? | Porsche Forum from Porsche Club GB

 

[Scrounger]

[ul][*]GT4/Spyder - Specific GT information & chat. [/ul]

You need to remember Jase, that the GTS has the same engine/gearbox/exhaust as the GT4/Spyder so would be worth adding this to the GT specific area should it come to fruition same as it is on Rennlist. The only difference being the engine map, suspension and some body panels. Admittedly the 2.5 GTS is different against the GT cars in everything bar gearbox and some body panels I think, and this is where it gets a bit tricky. You could argue that the S and GTS 2.5 are the same car for the same reasons as mentioned above and that's when it gets into a bit of a bun fight and some caution is needed.

Dan

 

[CLIFFWILKINS]

Carl,

I recall the same question being asked a while ago by someone new to the Cayman forum (Martin_Davis) who had a GT4 on order and had owned a few 911s (maybe you should PM Martin and put the question to him?). My opinion and that of a number of others was that there’s little or nothing to be gained in fragmenting the forum and it’s preferable to have Cayman issues - many of which are common in and across ranges - located in one place. And you have to ask what a fragmented forum would look like: 987, 981, 718, S, GTS, GT4? That sounds a bit messy to me, and I’d point out that postings on something like the GT3 forum look a bit sparse compared with the Cayman’s.

As a final (historical) shot I have to say that the 911 forums have had more time to get it wrong! []

Jeff

Don't forget the Cayman S Sport

Seriously where would it all end up

We would end up with literally loads of sub forums.

 

[Motorhead]

Thanks to Andrew for his persistence in finding Martin’s post going back almost 2-years. [Typically, the “Quote” function doesn’t work for his post! []].

It’s worth a read and I can’t say that my opinions on the topic have changed. With the current forum format, with a general Cayman notification you can just choose whether or not to have a look at it. Fragmentation would mean setting-up multiple notifications, and speaking as someone who has an interest in all things Cayman I can’t see any significant advantage in that.

However, a comprehensive forum revamp, maybe something along the lines that Carl has outlined above, would have its merits but we would all need to consider carefully what we want to get out of the forum: general chit-chat, technical issues (including archiving), etc. I hope that you’ve all completed your questionnaire on the subject, and let’s hope that the new Board takes some long-overdue action.

Jeff

 

[Peter_Bull]

Thanks to Andrew for his persistence in finding Martin’s post going back almost 2-years. [Typically, the “Quote” function doesn’t work for his post! []].

Jeff

To be fair Jeff, this is more to do with user input rather than the forum functionality.

 

[Motorhead]

A fair point Peter, although my comment was rather tongue-in-cheek! []

While you’re here perhaps you can answer the question I posed earlier: when was the forum started?

Jeff

 

[Peter_Bull]

A fair point Peter, although my comment was rather tongue-in-cheek! []

While you’re here perhaps you can answer the question I posed earlier: when was the forum started?

Jeff

if memory serves me correctly, we started work on the forum in 2001 and it was launched for member use in January 2002. Many detractors at the time said it wouldn’t stand the test of time, but while other forums have fallen by the wayside, ours has stood firm. That’s despite its obvious failings and restrictions.

 

[BrianJ]

I always look at “latest posts” rather than any model, register or region. That way I flash through everything. It’s amazing how much commonality there is across the cars and the club - I would have missed lots of great events I wouldn’t otherwise have known about and not learned many things about cars, people and regions by looking only at some microscopic subsection. Even if you have a specific interest, there is a high chance relevant content will be posted elsewhere, which is why “latest posts” is so useful. Several other forums (fora?) in which& I participate don’t have this function, so the PCGB forum isn’t all bad.

 

[Scrounger]

How do you find the latest posts? Not easy I can tell you that!!

I’ve just spent the last 10 minutes trying to find it and am still searching. Probably can’t see for looking.

Dan.

 

[Motorhead]

Just go to the top of the Forum drop-down menu Dan. It’s one of three options.

Simples!

Jeff

 

[ralphmusic]

Just go to the top of the Forum drop-down menu Dan. It’s one of three options.

Simples!

Jeff

…and save it as a favourite