As per title...
I have plans to change a few things around here and a member on here just reminded me about one of them, so lets hear it... what would you like to see changed about passionford in 2011?

Please Note:
To participate in this topic you need to do the following:

1) State clearly what you would like to see changed.
2) State clearly a structured reason why you think your idea is valid and for the good of the community.

Be aware, any personal attacks or baiting on this topic will result in infractions and or bans, its a serious topic requiring serious input only.

 

I'd like to see trade usernames allowed for people who arent paying to be traders.
I believe that people would be more likely to give good valuable information to the forum if it was against the name of their company and that by forcing them to essentially post anonymously so no one knows what company they are from it makes them less likely to post (Karl for example IMHO probably would include not being allowed to use his company name as part of the reason for not posting anymore)


I realise the downside to this is that paid traders would gain less of a commerical advantage over non paid traders, and that consequently would probably result in a drop of revenue for IB, but personally I care more about the forum being more useful than about it being more profitable.

I realise the commercial implications will no doubt mean my suggestion is ignored, but you asked what people want so was just replying with what I want and my reason for wanting it.


Other than that, I dont actually think there are many big problems with PF in terms of how its run, it seems to work quite well in the main.

 

Get rid of the banners/adverts as when Im on my mobile or IPad on a shyte, non 3g connection this is the slowest site Ive ever seen. I prefer to use the "Website" version instead of apps as for me its easier to use.

If this is how the site is being paid for then scrap the traders fees. They don't need to be so expensive and a lot of users are loosing out as too many people don't bother posting on this profit driven website anymore.

 

It would be nice to be able to see the pics when using a mobile phone to look on passionford.

 

Conversely, have you seen the MLR? They have SO many traders it's untrue and makes it very difficult to do business, with traders falling over themselves and each other to beat each other by a pound.

 

Honestly never been on MLR and have no idea what it is

www.EscortRSCosworth.com has quite a few traders that have been on PassionFord who can post parts when/if they want, but they are there if people need to contact them without issue and do offer advice/help without getting banned or accused of "Selling items without membership"

 

Sounds good for users TBH based on that description
Although being too price driven can lead to a fall in quality of course.

 

I'd like to see Moderators being more visible and participating more on the Forums.

This would be useful because if/when problem arise and bans/infractions are handed out... it wont seem like someone who doesn't give a toss about joining in the banter or adding to the forum has come along and just used the 'cool tools' on the problem and then taken off again.


I'd like to see the tag system re-instated.

From a members point of view, the fact its been disabled has massively reduced the banter and fun on the forum... which was a big part of coming on here IMO. I understand that it might not be great from a commercial point of view, but surely there has to be a balance between commercial/social and reducing the social aspect of the forum by such a degree wasn't a good move and will commercially affect the turnover of the site because a lot of members were willing to pay gold membership because of the priviledge of tagging on the forum.


Cheers,
Grant

 

I suppose in some ways it is, depending on whether you want to buy one product from whoever can do it for the very cheapest, or if you want a base of reliable traders who will be able to offer you an ongoing service.

What it has ended up with are traders backed into a corner of making next-to-bugger-all on everything they sell, none of them being happy with it, but nobody willing to break the mould and put a stop to it. It's good for the consumer right now, but if you want the cheapest prices regardless of service and ongoing support, then I'm sure there are countless bedroom traders to be found on Google that can do that.

 

I think its daft that we seem to mainly have people moderating the forum who dont still visit reguarly and rarely participate, would make more sense to just get some new blood in I think.

 

bring back TAGS!!!!

my reasoning: because they're funny as feck. lost count of the amount of times i've almost spat tea over my screen reading them!

 

I don't think that will happen. Too many people just want serious car discussion on here, no fun or banter.

 

Most the banners/adverts on this site is american google ads or sponsors or MSD adverts. I don't click links from this or any other forums adverts, would rather google the cheapest price or use trusted people I have met through this and other sites.

One of the reasons many traders dont trade here anymore is paying Ł300 odd and getting stitched up by bedroom traders. So if the traders were paying Ł10-Ł50 they would be more inclined to keep trading, which would mean more parts available for the users of this site and a better, secure, common people to buy from.

Charging people Ł10 for Gold membership to sell their parts (Which is what most use it for) has not stopped the fraud, etc that it was meant to do. Was people not meant to supply name, address, etc when they signed up originally to stop fraud? Its just an extra way for the owners to get cash, no one cares about the users of this site anymore

 

1) PICK NEW MODERATORS WHO ACTUALLY USE THE FORUM AND HAVE ENTHUSIASM FOR FORDS.
We hardly ever see mods online let alone participate in discussions normally other than hand out threats/bans etc...
(I realise they do work behind the scenes too)
Surely, the site should actively promote itself rather than rely on a few core non admin users.
Who the hell was/is Neo ? I have never seen him post in the 7 years of me being here

2) MODERATORS SHOULD NOT BE OFFICIAL TRADERS
All too often, we have seen blatent use of the rules by admin team to suit their individual business's.

3) TRADER RULES
Allow legitimate sole traders who are not VAT registered to join.

4) FIX THE MOBILE PF PROBLEM
When using a normal computer, alot of users get PF mobile intermittantly.
This issue has been going on for at least a year despite being reported.




Never going to happen despite the obvious advantages to everyone except the site owners !!!


Agreed IMO..... Wether this is true or not... it is the impression most users have !

 

Couldn't agree more... the banner should be changed, because IMO its no longer an enthusiast site.

It feels very much like its turned into something with the sole aim of making money and the people in charge (Admin/Admins Superiors) couldn't care less about whether the members are happy or not. True or not, that's how I see it and unfortunately where I think we've got to in the past 7 years or so that I've been on here...


Cheers,
Grant

 

Allow people to advertise cars for other people with a restriction of 3 cars per year for every user or you have to become trader paying Ł100 per year for car sales and Ł50 per year for parts (With a restriction of 10 cars for traders and 20 posts for parts), then you can pay an extra Ł100 or Ł50 to advertise more if you need it.

How many opportunities are available, but being missed by us users due to some of these rules

also un-ban some of the people due to personal issues. If a moderator has a personal problem with someone this should not involve in this website. A moderator can use the ignore button and inform other mods that he cannot moderate that person.

 

I assume you're of the same opinion as me? I don't think the two are mutually exclusive... you can have banter and fun as well as keeping things on the general car discussion theme.

Plus, if people don't like the tags, then surely there could be an option to view/not view the tags at the bottom of a thread?? ...although, personally I don't see that its REALLY that difficult to ignore a couple of lines of very small text at the bottom of a post and people that raise it as a problem are just sad wankers that like to make issues/problems just for the sake of it.


Cheers,
Grant

 

Holy shit I may as well be between Grant's legs sucking him off because I agree 100% with all he said!!!!

Here lies the problem

People that only rock up do dish out punishment boil my piss. A lot of the mods barely use the site now and NEVER contribute. THey in turn have no idea where the fine line of banter between friends lies.

Moderation is extremely inconsistent too


1. EXACTLY. No offence but who the fuck is Neo?! I have asked this before! I spend a small() amount of time on here and reckon I know a fair chunk of the regulars and he is and has never been one!

2. AGREED. Also traders friends/mods adjusting topics to suit.

 

[quote=ECU Monitor Enthusiast;5246665]1) PICK NEW MODERATORS WHO ACTUALLY USE THE FORUM AND HAVE ENTHUSIASM FOR FORDS.
We hardly ever see mods online let alone participate in discussions normally other than hand out threats/bans etc...
(I realise they do work behind the scenes too)
Surely, the site should actively promote itself rather than rely on a few core non admin users.
Who the hell was/is Neo ? I have never seen him post in the 7 years of me being here

yes I can agree with that

2) MODERATORS SHOULD NOT BE OFFICIAL TRADERS
All too often, we have seen blatent use of the rules by admin team to suit their individual business's.

can you show any thread were this has happened ??? as it never has

3) TRADER RULES
Allow legitimate sole traders who are not VAT registered to join.

traders dont have to be VAT registered to join the site and never have been

4) FIX THE MOBILE PF PROBLEM
When using a normal computer, alot of users get PF mobile intermittantly.
This issue has been going on for at least a year despite being reported.

no idea on this one

 

2. AGREED. Also traders friends/mods adjusting topics to suit.

That should be looked at asap imho it happens alot

 

[quote=RS Specialist;5246706]mate thats the bigest load of shit ever regarding traders bending rules.. Im sure paul had his car for sale with no price? but when I did my post got removed straight away with no explanation?

 

Agreed, not taking shots at the current mods, but you dont see a lot of them post on a regular basis, and get involved in the banter. that said, maybe there busy working behind the scenes, so dont have the time to post a great deal. plus with mod responsibilities, you cant act/post as a 'regular' member in certain circumstances, because it may be seen as not taking your responsibilty 'serious' enough. ive had that as a member of staff on another forum, was told 'being a member of staff, you should know better', when all i was doing was taking the pi*s out of someone, and joining in the 'banter'. so i can appreciate that side of it. a lot see mods as boring, but in reality, as easy as people think it is, you do have to take a step back and view certain things as a mod, not a 'normal' member, because as easy as people think it is, you do actually have a job to do.

 

Appreciate the thought, but I'm going to politely refuse... I've got this mate who might be interested though, he's been unlucky in love recently so has a hard time trusting new lads but he's a solid gold guy, his name is Stupid Gay Mal. and he'd love to hear from you.

Stu offered him a red pill and a blue pill, to cut a long story short, Neo took the blue pill and fucked off back to his old life.


Cheers,
Grant

 

I queried this and apparently traders don't need a price.

[/quote]

 

Pete,
Given the preconditions Stu has attatched to this thread I am unable to do so besides this isnt the place to go over old ground yet again !
I have been on the receiving end myself several times in the distant past and recently but who and what isnt the subject here.
Excluding myself, Its more to do with the perception other users have for example...

Why is an (ex) car parts trader the main moderator who moderates car parts rules breaches etc... ?
Whilst he/she may do a good job on the whole, it will create a situation of mistrust and the air of self interest... !!!!

No disrespect to anyone

 

biggest load of shite ever why dont they need a price?

And pete it was you who moderated that post so again

 

Sorry to hijack the thread.. In no way a dig at paul just seems one rule for one and aother for someone else

 

I like Paul linfoot alot he is a very nice chap so im not directing this at him ! but why stu / admin dont do anything about rs specialist giving paul special treatment is out of order imho! Its clear to see this happening.

 

with regards to the comment about the site feeling like its about making money, it IS so it is bound to feel like that, its not a hobby site anymore or an enthusiast site, its an asset belonging to a company and all they care about is the shareholders, but that said they realise im sure (as otherwise this thread wouldnt exist) that the way to maximise revenue is to maximise use of the site.

 

already paul and rs specialist have been mentioned, and we havnt even got to page two yet

 

Yea, that was my point Chip. I can see its a commercial money making asset, but, the money it makes will reduce if it doesn't give the members some of the things which they want... although folding and giving in to all requests would be crazy, there has to be a little give and take on the part of the people in control, otherwise members form the opinion that nobody gives a toss about what we want and will be very unlikely to contribute to the site in the future.


Cheers,
Grant

 

agree with that also, its a business, and its here to make money for the share holders. but with out the members, they dont have a business, so to maximise revenue, you need to give the members what they want (to a certain extent obviously, not just bend over and give them what they want)

 

Excellent, I'll look him up

 

[quote=R5FORD;5246722]trade members "dont have to state a price" never have done,so sorry not a load of shit,as to your advert I have no idea but if you care to make a post in the policies room it will be looked into

 

I suspect IB know exactly what they are doing in terms of extracting the most money possible they can from us in terms of directly in fees and indirectly in adverts etc, that is their business after all

 

Genuine question mate, but why's that??


Cheers,
Grant

 

sorry to dissapoint you ,no speical treatment at all,people DIDNT read what was put and the post turned to shit,people posts get cleared up all the time if they ask or we see the post turning to shit,which obvioulsy this ones going to

 

because anyone showing interest on open forum then gets a PM undercutting the traders price who has paid to use this site,plus people do get annoyed if they see there car or parts being sold for profit

 

as above why is that then? As tbh its no diffrent to me putting m car for sale and saying please ring for a price.. obviously the benefit is if i want 20k and someone offers me 25k then im at a profit of 5k thats the only benefit i can see why traders dont have to put a price up?

 

pete put a poll up then n we will see who all thinks the same as i do ! Its the old mates routine. I just think you go well over the top there was a lad selling a clio as well in the advert one lady owner ! your on it like a tramp eating hot chips demanding to kow if the guy selling it is actually a female thats just for starters nearly all of they threads in the policy room are aimed at you & your removal of threads ! its like its your sole purpose in life to stop anyone selling something to make a quick buck.