complicated forum

I do not know the process which determines functionality changes to the MGExperience forum, but to me it seems to be getting overly complicated. I spent most of my career as a manager of a large IT organization and know how techies love to development new enhancements to their software. Unfortunately, these "enhancements" occasionally overly complicate a system leading to inefficiency, user confusion and higher maintenance costs.
I enjoy this forum immensely, but it is starting to remind me a bit of Facebook. Just my two cents worth.

Sorry Cap'n Rog, I don't get it. You speak on the forum and people speak back. Seems like Skye has done a reasonable job of putting the extras on the far left of the page where you can use them or ignore them.

Are you alluding to ever more Off Topic items creeping onto the main page? If so, I'm with you on that one. As you said, just my two cents.

Dennis

X2 on Dennis, Roger.:)

Now, if you want to see some complicated, out of control, user Unfriendly forums and site, I can show you a few or many, your call. The one that I have never figured out is the MGB Yahoo group, but I hang there, mostly as a lurker, sometimes.

This one is a piece of cake.

Jack

Even tho this topic is essentially OT I recall sometime ago posting that I thought MGE (for Bs) was like MG Facebook. The fact that invariably a topic elicits quick comments (good,bad,ugly)is fine by me.

PS Twig you got a whole new bunch of avatars to keep us amused - she gave us the mini-skirt you know!

If everyone who participates on this forum took a computer test - I would come in dead last. What I know about computers you could put in the bellybutton of a gnat. That said, while I appreciate the new gizmos Skye adds from time to time, I use none of them. I come, I see, I read, I comment, I learn, I go.

Now, as far as OT topics on the MG forum - that's another matter for another time.

I think it is only as complicated as you make it. If you are a site geek, and want to try every little thing that comes along, then, yes, it could get a little complicated. But if you use it like Ed does, and for the most part like I do, then it's really quite simple.

Roger, which functionally changes are you specifically talking about? All the topics are listed to the left and can be accessed directly at any time. Like any community, the folks that are longtimers get to know each other over the years, so a post about toothpaste preferences can go for a week and end up being about college tuition costs, but that's not related to the administrator at all- plus it's entertaining.

I tend to agree with Roger (roger that, Roger!). I like the KISS principle, and this is WAY better than FB.

This was the MGBExperience when I got on board. Now there's almost every MG ever concieved. I feel it tends to dilute the "experience," but hell, I'm still here!

Just pick & choose. I use MGB & GT, OT, and lately "Other Vehicles."

Type in the big box, click "post message".

Can you see me now? Never took a computer lesson in my life. I can even add pictures too.

I don't like vague blasts with no particulars. It's like you're saying "I'm mad/unhappy - now guess why".

Most options are a matter of choice, so what I've seen is increasing choice. The complexity for most of us is not very much, altho it probably has given Skye some IT nightmares on occasion. Lots of options, but the real point is probably how many folks actually use them or are even aware of them in their usual use of this site. Probably need to ask Skye for the stats on those issues.

Bob, you've hit on a good point. If I may elaborate, maybe Skye could set up a Survey where we let him know what we use and don't use, what we like an don't like, etc. Then he could make up his mind what should or shouldn't be on this site. FWIW

Since I don't go to the other MG pages unless someone puts up a specific link, my experience isn't diluted. I do sometimes go to the TR pages but I look at it as enhanced rather than diluted.

Although I joined the MGeperience some time ago, I have only been really on the site for the past year. I have found it to be the best site that I have ever been on. Certainly better than BetaNews or WindowsSecrets or any of the "techie" sites to which I belong and which should have the expertise to have a well run site.
I have learned a great deal from the forums and from the library (which I greatly enjoy) and from dropping in to read on some of the other forums.
How could you improve this site? As was already mentioned, there are all those great resources available on the left pane and even newbies to the site such as myself can post and ask questions and WONDER OF WONDERS, actually get answers and not be ridiculed for our lack of knowledge!
I recently emailed several used MGB part sites about whether it was possible to mount the later RB sway bars to my '76 RB - wanting to purchase one of them. I know now that this isn't a bolt on conversion. NOT because those sites were helpful and because they emailed me back, but because of the wonderful people on these forums.
I love this site and am thankful for all the great people on it and for the great work Skye has done in setting it up and running it.
Gary

I was mad when the Trader went away, then I noticed the BSnT section.

IMHO, this is probably the best MG site, anywhere. Keep it up, Skye, and thanks

X2 Gary. Since finding this site, I have enjoyed every experience, even the snide comments. Everyone on here is human and everyone can have a bad day.

Skye is obviously a genius.

x several. I really, really enjoy this site and learn something every day. Once in a rare while I get to share something I learned. I think people police themselves pretty well and respect everyone's input, whether newbie or seasoned vet, whether a new topic or one we've seen a hundred times. I paid to subscribe because I've saved myself a lot of money listening to the experts on here ("Dave, don't buy the aluminum, baffled oil pan for a street car! Don't do it man! hahahaha)

Great work, Skye (and posters!)

David

I don't find this forum to be at all complex. I have not been on it long, but have found it to be the most helpful and responsive forum I have participated in. Thanks to all of you who have given articles to the library, and for your help when asked.

It sure is much better than the three Mercedes sites I tread.

Skye, you can please all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all the people all the time!!! I'm one of the some you can please all the time. Keep up the excellent work.

Unless the OP wants to talk more, let's just let this one drift off the first page. Thanks