forum changes

DouglasLive · Post by **DouglasLive** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 8:59 pm

Just curious....why does this forum languish in disorganization? A lot of positive changes have been suggested in the past only to fall on barren soil. For example, how come Corsair's excellent "For All New Members/Owners" post still hasn't been made sticky? Day after day the same questions are answered over and over, making MB a less than exciting bookmark. I swear, if I read one more post about "engine break in methods" or "oil change how tos" I'm gonna scream!

Seriously, though, why can't ericalm be made an administrator? He's on here daily and sees what needs to be done. I love MB, but it's time for someone to do a little housekeeping and help the forum grow up a bit. A little bit of organization never hurt no one.

(ready for the flames as I have less than 50 posts to my name!)

ScooterDave · Post by **ScooterDave** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:24 pm

DouglasLive wrote:Just curious....why does this forum languish in disorganization? A lot of positive changes have been suggested in the past only to fall on barren soil. For example, how come Corsair's excellent "For All New Members/Owners" post still hasn't been made sticky? Day after day the same questions are answered over and over, making MB a less than exciting bookmark. I swear, if I read one more post about "engine break in methods" or "oil change how tos" I'm gonna scream!

Because I am not allowed to have an avatar.

Dave

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:40 pm

We get ignored over here may because we're the step child of Modern Vespa and there isn't that many of us vs. MV.

The reason this is a quiet board is because we don't have the arguments that they have at MV. We don't have the Mods vs. the Vintage folk. That argument doesn't exist over here because we all ride modern scooters. Most of the people here a very civil and repectful

of each other. We even let people who own Vespa's contribute (Quick, where's the bug spray?).
(For those of you who live in Oregon, Vespa=Wasp=Bug=kill'em with bug spray.

)

So all you lurkers, i.e. those of you who don't post, stop lurking around, get on here, put your 2 cents worth in.

Come on Jess, Help us out here!

vitaminC · Post by **vitaminC** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 10:15 pm

Day after day the same questions are answered over and over

How else am I supposed to elevate my post count?

SteMer · Post by **SteMer** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 12:59 am

pcbikedude wrote:We get ignored over here may because we're the step child of Modern Vespa and there isn't that many of us vs. MV.

The reason this is a quiet board is because we don't have the arguments that they have at MV. We don't have the Mods vs. the Vintage folk. That argument doesn't exist over here because we all ride modern scooters...

So maybe we should start a bunch of '06 vs. '07 Buddy arguments to get some attention. I'll start...my headlight is smaller than yours, making mine more aerodynamic (I think).

ScooterDave · Post by **ScooterDave** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 1:38 am

Pink Buddies are faster than black Buddies. I am ok with my small headlight as it is in all in how you aim it.

Dave

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 1:51 am

You all are pokies next my red hot red Buddy. Plus, rear rack rocks over those girlie front racks....wait that sounded obscene.

DouglasLive · Post by **DouglasLive** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 1:54 am

So much for a semi-serious discussion...

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:08 am

Since Ericalm is the only moderator that seems to be around, I PM'd him about this thread.

Get your ideas in.

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:27 am

Well. Howdy.

Thanks for the votes of confidence, guys. While I think it's a bit of an overstatement to say MB is languishing in disorganization, the forum is long overdue for some upgrades and TLC.

The other MB moderators are here as much as i am; they just don't share my need for constant validation so don't post as much. They're also aware of and concerned about these very problems.

MV does get more attention, but part of the reason for that is that it's bigger, frequently requires intervention from Jess, and is generally more time-consuming to administer. That said, there are some very easy fixes that would make many of us happy.

So... I'll try to see what I can do. Get back to you.

DouglasLive · Post by **DouglasLive** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:51 am

Thanks, Eric.

I think one only need look to modernvespa.com for a good example:

http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/index.html

Separate forums for mods, rallies, picture gallery, technical library, etc. would help target postings and give a sense of order to the place. Sticky posts within those forums would help everyone (newbies especially) to find what they need without having to search. It would be nice if the existing "General Discussion" forum could go back to being just that -- a place to shoot the breeze about all things PGO, Buddy, Blur, Stella, etc.

Sure, it'll take a little work to police the posts and make sure they wind up in the appropriate forum, but any effort put forth will go a long way to make MB a true *resource* and not just a place we go to waste time when not riding our Buds.

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 3:15 am

The truth is, the red ones with small headlights are the best. Wait a minute...there is only ONE of those. Oh yeah...it's mine!!

--Keys

SteMer · Post by **SteMer** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 4:51 am

Keys wrote:The truth is, the red ones with small headlights are the best. Wait a minute...there is only ONE of those. Oh yeah...it's mine!!

--Keys

But wait, your very hardy scooter is just posing as a red one, is it not? I ask you, did you not have an original black and silver one that you painted red?

Your honor, I'd like to direct your attention to exhibit A:
http://skutergruven.blogspot.com/2006_0 ... chive.html

and exhibit B:
http://skutergruven.blogspot.com/2006_1 ... chive.html

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 5:01 am

Crap. I can't get away with ANYthing, can I?

--Keys

JeremyZ · Post by **JeremyZ** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 6:03 am

I just sent Jess a PM over at ModernVespa.

Rather than bitch about it to deaf ears here, why don't the rest of you of like mind do what I did.

That way, if we languish, at least we did something about it.

ellen · Post by **ellen** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 12:48 pm

There are a few of us moderators floating around, but unfortunately, we don't have administrative rights to make changes to the forum.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:35 pm

Keys wrote:Crap. I can't get away with ANYthing, can I?

--Keys

Of course you can't! But you do have a custom painted "innagural year" Buddy 125!!! These things are going to be collectors items!!!!! "DUDE!!!! an 06??? thats like having a 64 1/2 stang! Where did you find one? Original owner? no way dude!"

NotDavid

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:38 pm

DouglasLive wrote: I swear, if I read one more post about "engine break in methods" or "oil change how tos" I'm gonna scream!

OK I won't ask how to change oil. But can someone tell me why those turn lights on the front dont work?

NotDavid

ellen · Post by **ellen** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:40 pm

BuddyRaton wrote: OK I won't ask how to change oil. But can someone tell me why those turn lights on the front dont work?

DouglasLive · Post by **DouglasLive** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:47 pm

ellen wrote:...unfortunately, we don't have administrative rights to make changes to the forum.

Is this a big deal? Seems Jess (or whoever) would welcome giving someone else responsibility for changes to MB, especially if MV consumes so much time.

Not complaining, just trying to understand the situation.

awfulshot · Post by **awfulshot** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 2:11 am

<lurk>

But really, I don't have 2 cents yet, I just completed the 2nd day of three in the motorcycle safety program. First time on a cycle, and it was amazing!@ i cant wait to get something, not sure if i want a scoot or something bigger now.

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 6:54 pm

I PM'd Jess also. So far no response.......(Jeparody's final question tune playing softly in the background.....)

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:08 pm

awfulshot wrote: But really, I don't have 2 cents yet, I just completed the 2nd day of three in the motorcycle safety program. First time on a cycle, and it was amazing!@ i cant wait to get something, not sure if i want a scoot or something bigger now.

The question you want to ask yourself, "What am I going to use a scooter or motorcycle for?"

Freeway riding---->Get a MC
City errand/commute riding (no freeways)--->Get the Buddy
Speed---->MC
Fun---->Buddy
Don't like to shift---->Buddy

Encinitas is a great place to ride a scooter like the Buddy. Go and test drive one after your class.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:52 pm

pcbikedude wrote:Freeway riding---->Get a MC
City errand/commute riding (no freeways)--->Get the Buddy
Speed---->MC
Fun---->Buddy
Don't like to shift---->Buddy

Hey, there are scooters that'll do all those MC things... Just not a Buddy!

bicyclerider · Post by **bicyclerider** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:29 pm

I brought this up a few months back myself.

Then there's always the idea to start up your own GS forum. The site could be named something that represents all the GS brands, but still un-affiliated with the Company itself.

Funny part is, these forums are so easy to use and set up on a server.
So, so easy to just add sub-forums under other main ones etc. Might take someone 10 min to add all the things that need to be done.

It does requires one to pay for the domain and have the time to sit and moderate and keep up with all that is going on. Right?

so, it was never really stated.
Who is running MB? I guess I could look it up on register.com

but hey, I don't want to complain, if it wasn't for this forum, I might not have ever bought my Blur!

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:52 pm

bicyclerider wrote:I brought this up a few months back myself.

Then there's always the idea to start up your own GS forum. The site could be named something that represents all the GS brands, but still un-affiliated with the Company itself.

Funny part is, these forums are so easy to use and set up on a server.
So, so easy to just add sub-forums under other main ones etc. Might take someone 10 min to add all the things that need to be done.

It does requires one to pay for the domain and have the time to sit and moderate and keep up with all that is going on. Right?

so, it was never really stated.
Who is running MB? I guess I could look it up on register.com

but hey, I don't want to complain, if it wasn't for this forum, I might not have ever bought my Blur!

MB is "owned" and registered to Jess, who also admins ModernVespa.

While it's easy to set up a forum yourself, establishing one, attracting members, and administering the site are not so easy. MB has 4 moderators tasked with helping keep spam off the site, providing support to members, and maintaining the peace by preventing flames and enforcing posting guidelines.

For those who don't know the history, MV was started out of frustration with the flaming, negativity and tone encountered on other scooter forums. That's the primary reason that we're more stringent about our posting guidelines—we want to have a welcoming, constructive and positive environment. The active members, for the most part, appreciate this and everyone benefits from it. Both MV and MB have been successful in this regard.

The only major issue facing this forum is that we need to upgrade it, add features and make it easier to find certain types of content, more attractive to new members, and encourage more from those who seldom (or never) post. But we do have 1241 members, which I think is a pretty good foundation to build on. Building and maintaining a community of any kind always comes with some growing pains—MV has certainly had quite a few. Ours simply stem from a desire to improve the site—not from infighting and flaming. I for, one, think that's a very positive sign.

Unless you (meaning everyone) have fundamental disagreements with the content and management of this forum, I encourage you to have a little patience. Well, a little more than we've already asked of you. I'm serious about addressing these problems and am doing what I can to make it work. I'll also be honest and open about how this progresses along the way.

Thanks to everyone for chipping in, keeping this a constructive thread, and not giving up on us.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:03 am

pcbikedude wrote:
awfulshot wrote: But really, I don't have 2 cents yet, I just completed the 2nd day of three in the motorcycle safety program. First time on a cycle, and it was amazing!@ i cant wait to get something, not sure if i want a scoot or something bigger now.
The question you want to ask yourself, "What am I going to use a scooter or motorcycle for?"

Freeway riding---->Get a MC
City errand/commute riding (no freeways)--->Get the Buddy
Speed---->MC
Fun---->Buddy
Don't like to shift---->Buddy

Encinitas is a great place to ride a scooter like the Buddy. Go and test drive one after your class.

Oh there is a scooter for every occasion and use!

Freeway riding - Get a Burgman 650, 400, Silverwing, Majesty, etc etc
City errand/commute riding (no freeways)--->Get the Buddy, or a big ruckus, Morpheous, etc. etc I do prefer the Buddy!
Speed---->Burgman 650 Ex
Fun---->What ever gives you the biggest grin!
Don't like to shift---->Any CVT or SECVT scooter

Not David

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:12 am

ericalm wrote:[... I encourage you to have a little patience. Well, a little more than we've already asked of you. I'm serious about addressing these problems and am doing what I can to make it work.

so what your sayin is that everything will be perfect in the proverbial Buddy 2 weeks!

Actually this place is just fine with me the way it is! I love the jungle!

And I just noticed...Today I have been a member of MB for exactly one year!

Not David

awfulshot · Post by **awfulshot** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 3:24 am

pcbikedude wrote: Freeway riding---->Get a MC
City errand/commute riding (no freeways)--->Get the Buddy
Speed---->MC
Fun---->Buddy
Don't like to shift---->Buddy
Encinitas is a great place to ride a scooter like the Buddy. Go and test drive one after your class.

ooh, but shifting is fun! i guess il have to go take a test ride and see.

id probably be using it for local things, the farthest away would be to go to la jolla, but the coast would be fine for that. does the buddy have any trouble going up that hill by UCSD?

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:17 am

awfulshot wrote: ooh, but shifting is fun! i guess il have to go take a test ride and see.

id probably be using it for local things, the farthest away would be to go to la jolla, but the coast would be fine for that. does the buddy have any trouble going up that by UCSD?

The answer is probably, yes. I've never taken my Buddy on that particular hill. But I have to climb the hill that comes out of the "Q" on Mission Village Drive. The Buddy on do about 42 mph (indicated, reality about 35mph). The speed limit is 40. I also climb Fletcher Parkway from El Cajon to San Diego which is longer but not as steep. I can manage 45mph. Yes, you will go slower but not dog slow.

I am considering the SD to Tecate ride in a few weeks. Lots of hills and twisties. If I decide to do it, it will be very interesting to find out how well the Buddy will do.

Some of the scooters that people are mentioning on this thread a great scooters but very pricey. I would suggest you test drive both MC and scooter. See which fills your needs the best. Then buy the best you can afford.

nonsense · Post by **nonsense** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 2:10 pm

we want to have a welcoming, constructive and positive environment. The active members, for the most part, appreciate this and everyone benefits from it. Both MV and MB have been successful in this regard.

Here, here!

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 4:22 pm

O, am I glad to see this thread after my return from an MB hiatus! These are all very good points. Extra thanks to our moderators for not letting y'all break the internet while I was away.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 10:22 pm

OKay, folks, your patience has been rewarded. Changes are forthcoming, but we're working out some particulars. We'll announce it all in the General Discussion forum.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 11:26 pm

polianarchy wrote:O, am I glad to see this thread after my return from an MB hiatus! These are all very good points. Extra thanks to our moderators for not letting y'all break the internet while I was away.

Welcome back! (see signature)

smorris · Post by **smorris** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 11:34 pm

ericalm wrote:OKay, folks, your patience has been rewarded. Changes are forthcoming, but we're working out some particulars. We'll announce it all in the General Discussion forum.

Sounds promising. I know this will work out great!

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:46 am

Dig it:

topic2312.html

Eddy Merckx · Post by **Eddy Merckx** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 1:06 am

ScooterDave wrote:Pink Buddies are faster than black Buddies. I am ok with my small headlight as it is in all in how you aim it.

Dave

Thats because Pink is the new Black...................

its about how bright it shines, not how big it is..........

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:50 pm

Hey Eric, totally minor but I just used the Search tool to find an older posting. I had done the same over at MV. In the Search tool area on MV there's 3 options:
Search Title & Text
Search Text
Search Title

We only have the top 2: Title & Text or Text. It'd be nice to have all 3.

smorris · Post by **smorris** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:22 am

Tbone wrote:Hey Eric, totally minor but I just used the Search tool to find an older posting. I had done the same over at MV. In the Search tool area on MV there's 3 options:
Search Title & Text
Search Text
Search Title

We only have the top 2: Title & Text or Text. It'd be nice to have all 3.

"Search Title" was a forum mod I found that I asked Jess to add. It is not a normal part of phpBB build. PM Jess to find out what it was called. They've changed the mod forum so much at phpBB it is hard to find anything...

Steve

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:50 am

probably one of the bet things about the forum is the respectful attitudes. I am a fairly cynical and direct person, yet not w/o manners. this is one thing I hope will never change;: people being on good behavior. Hats off to you all!

Now that said I can never find certain threads on the how to's. not that I can do anything, but I like to know.

Modern Buddy

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