Recommendation: separate forum for mechanical info that

[Tony94]

that applies potentially across all models. Time to recognize that general mechanical knowledge applies across detroit model lifetimes. General mechanics/mechanical know-how/diy-info should have a separate room. I can do a brake job on GM vehicles blindfolded (I have the shortened hex socket in my pocket).

[J Wikoff]

Different than Techinfo?

[00Beast]

I think he means a Techinfo for all makes and models. IMO, if you want to know about a 67 Chevy truck, you go to http://67-72chevytrucks.com . If you want to know about a 1994 Bonneville, you come here. There are so many forums and sites on the internet it's incredible. Why waste our time here worrying about all vehicles, when there are already tons of forums and info elsewhere? That's more repetitive than anything else. Let the staff and Admins on this site worry about making the best site for bonnevilles, and let the staff of other sites worry about their niche. That way you get the most accurate info on each site, not a broad generalization on one site.

[sandrock]

You don't come to Pontiac Bonneville Club looking for info on an Edsel. If that so happens to be the case, it would be posted in the Lounge, which you have to be a member to view anyways, and even then there isn't a great chance it will get answered.

Now, we do somewhat support Buick and Oldsmobile H-bodies since they are the same chassis, and to a small extent W-bodies (but only for drivetrain since that is the only thing shared with the H-bodies), and those questions would go to the "Other 3800 powered cars" forum.

[swampthing]

maybe there is some good idea's in this that could be implemented. not info on specific models but maybe some basic suggestions for self-mechanics that are just starting out so that they know some things that more experienced people may take for granted.

maybe just one thread in Techinfo about it not a whole section of Pontiac Bonneville Club devoted to it.

if it's a stupid idea i apologize

[Tony94]

I think he means a Techinfo for all makes and models.

No. See summary reply below.

You don't come to Pontiac Bonneville Club looking for info on an Edsel.

I thought the site content goals were a bit broader.

maybe there is some good idea's in this that could be implemented. not info on specific models but maybe some basic suggestions for self-mechanics that are just starting out so that they know some things that more experienced people may take for granted.

I was thinking advanced knowledge/best practices rather than Mechanics 101.

*********** Summary Reply

I was noting that most mechanical knowledge and procedures are not model-specific. I didn't know that the site was mainly for "gearheads" like me and I thought there was a goal to be comprehensive outside of that space (that's why I recommended wiki and also because best practices can be gathered and quality of site content could be improved through the evolution). There probably is a site that deals with general automotive knowledge, but doubtfully best practices/advanced knowledge. Maybe then just the best practices portion is applicable here (that's what my lost brake job post was about).

[willwren]

We encourage our members to gain their practical and general knowledge BEFORE attempting any work listed in Techinfo. A primary part of this is suggesting that each member own a service manual of some type for their car before attempting any work. Our Techinfo is not intended as a replacement for a service manual or basic skills.

Again, we will NOT be changing Techinfo to a Wiki format as I stated in another suggestion topic by you. Please read that for an explanation and the history.

Our Gearhead team is constantly working on new ideas and new articles that also touch on some of the basics like tuneups, etc. But they will not typically be considering 'general' automotive articles. We've never had a request for one, so our attention focuses in model-specific directions that this Forum was intended to support.

[Tony94]

We encourage our members to gain their practical and general knowledge BEFORE attempting any work listed in Techinfo. A primary part of this is suggesting that each member own a service manual of some type for their car before attempting any work. Our Techinfo is not intended as a replacement for a service manual or basic skills.

The manuals are hardly the end-all bibles. Especially the non-manufacturer-blessed ones (Haynes, Chilton). The "gotchas" that one only figures out after trying it are one such "above and beyond the common knowledge" that seems hardly a stretch for a site like this. Just food for thought.

Again, we will NOT be changing Techinfo to a Wiki format as I stated in another suggestion topic by you. Please read that for an explanation and the history.

I was not suggesting changing it but rather suggesting considering adjuncting it for reasons given, but not to belabor the point. It's something I may do on a site of my own, but I doubt the topic will be anything automotive. I don't know what level of IT knowledge the admins here have.

Our Gearhead team is constantly working on new ideas and new articles that also touch on some of the basics like tuneups, etc. But they will not typically be considering 'general' automotive articles. We've never had a request for one, so our attention focuses in model-specific directions that this Forum was intended to support.

The gems of information are gotten from places far and wide and good info is good info independent of where it comes from. What I'm wondering, noting that I recently read a general mechanical procedure post in the '94-ish tech area, devoid of anything even remotely H-body-specific, if that user's post will be deleted (?).

Also, you (or another admin) noted something at the bottom of the page where gleaned knowledge is organized and consolidated? Did you mean "the stickies"?

[willwren]

The stuff at the bottom of the main index page is 'Techinfo', Tony.

There are also many 'gems' of information out there that are incorrect. Many people in this connected world attach a badge of credbility to anything they find on the internet. "It must be true, it's on the 'net!".

In this house, our articles are written/and/or screened for accuracy by a proven team of Gearheads that are NOT Moderators as you alluded in another post. They are recognized for their knowledge and skill, and have a track record of accurate posts before selection to that team.

If a post is deemed worth deleting, it will be done so. You are not a Moderator of this site, you are a member and a user. However, we typically don't delete posts. We move them to the proper section. This includes administrative posts, or those that fall in 'bad' categories. They are moved to where the general membership can't see them.




I see from your many posts that you are very unhappy with our format. You have two choices as I see it:

1. Adapt and enjoy the content of this forum.

2. Find somewhere that has the format you prefer (good luck, all forums out there pretty much run one or the other of two major forum packages).




Every one of your suggestions has been clearly answered. What you see in our format today is largely a cumulative effort of a very large group of members over time. Many of the bits and pieces came from suggestions posted here. In other words, this Forum is very much built in this form by the collective membership. We don't make changes will-nilly based on please by individuals. We do consider them, but when they go against the collective needs or wants, we clearly go with the majority.