Should we get the old the car thread names back?

[raymondu999]

Hey all. During 2009, the threads in this forum were labelled as "(Car name) aero-mech development thread" or something like that. I was thinking, could we get those thread titles back? Change the thread titles this year and maybe next year to that again? Some people like to read up on the cars technically and their development progress, rather than about drivers, and about a car's pace.

For those who vote, let's also discuss the idea and not just vote

[N12ck]

I agree this will clean up threads alot (keeping mods happier) stop people going off at tangents in the car threads, example you could have a link saying for example :

RedBull RB6 Renault

then click that and creates 3 subsections:

RB6 AeroMech Development

RB6 Performance

RB6 Other


The idea is certainly there I think

[raymondu999]

I never though to go into such a level of segmentation, but that could work. Basically I miss having the days of purely technical threads, which in effect became a blog of developments.

[mx_tifoso]

Multiple threads for a single car would be very confusing for those who aren't regulars, and probably even for some regulars based on what goes on in here. And I don't see why a title should make a difference, the idea has always been to purely discuss the development, whether mechanical or aerodynamic. If that point hasn't been gotten out to everyone by now there's not much we can do shy of adopting a system where the mods have to "approve" posts (which would not be adapted, so don't worry).

Remember that we also have some team specific threads already up and running for those who don't want to just discuss technical aspects (hint hint).

And don't forget the topic for car comparisons:
Comparison of all 2011 cars

[raymondu999]

However, some people would be talking about the car, rather than its development, based on the current thread titles.

[Caito]

Divide and conquer!

Aero-mech subforums, and general subforums

Each of these subforums would have a thread for each car.



Would it be better?

[Just_a_fan]

I'm guessing that the reason there is a perceived need for this sort of thing is because the population of the forum is moving ever more towards "fans" rather than "engineering fans" (trying to put it as politely as possible).

This change in demographic has altered the tone and contents of most race/car related threads. The specialist threads are still fairly free from this.

I don't think changing the structure of the forum will help at all - the population is changing and with it the social rules that are followed.

Effectively, the mods (although doing an excellent job) are swimming against the tide - the forum's members are changing the rules to suit themselves in effect. I think that what will happen is that the mods' role will change from moving OT stuff from topics in to an ever growing list of side topics to a role of extracting the tech stuff from the drivel and putting that in to archive topics. Perhaps even read-only topics at that.

I'm not suggesting this is what should happen but, unless the technical nature of the forum is rigidly (oppressively?) enforced, the forum will evolve as the membership evolves.

Perhaps the mods need to enforce the technical nature by having a yellow card/sin bin system for serial "drivel" offenders?

[Richard]

please don't have umpteen categories it gets too confusing. There are 3 types of thread:

Car - strictly technical and on topic. I'd support the mods in being repressive in enforcing that. Repression is good in the right place!

Race - Would be nice to be technical, but inevitably a bit of fan input too.

Team threads - The place where certain member are allowed to let out their repressed desire to support "their" team.

[Ciro Pabón]

Mods are like referees: happy when unnoticed.

[raymondu999]

I stick with my hypothesis that a return to the 2009-style car thread names would be the best for everyone.

[wesley123]

It makes it more clear though it wil increase mod activity. One is more likely to go off topic when it is something small to be discussed.

Apart from that, I think there are bigger issues to take care of.

[donskar]

please don't have umpteen categories it gets too confusing. There are 3 types of thread:

Car - strictly technical and on topic. I'd support the mods in being repressive in enforcing that. Repression is good in the right place!

Race - Would be nice to be technical, but inevitably a bit of fan input too.

Team threads - The place where certain member are allowed to let out their repressed desire to support "their" team.

I think Richard has got it. One thing I'd add: participants ought to do more to police the threads -- call out people going OT, being fan-boys, etc. Mods should seldom be the first to have anything to say about those going beyond the bounds.

[raymondu999]

I agree; but change "team threads" to "team and driver threads."

That way we could segregate the fanboy stuff and those who don't want to see it can just choose to not visit those forums

[Richard]

To be honest I barely look at the race threads any more. Its a good thing if they are a sponge to mop up the less technical posts.