I'm really happy with the site as is; I especially like the recent setup with the newest replies/threads listed at left.  I also dig the build diaries forum; great idea.

If there were anything to add, I would suggest adding an 'articles' section that included anything from the most basic stretching a fiero to a  tutorial on an engine swap, to a tutorial on making a foam body buck and making fiberglass molds.  I'd suggest making it it's own forum, and allowing the initial author to modify the first post (containing the article), with users being able to post replies for feedback, suggested changes, etc.

A lot of noobs join asking 'is a kit available to replicate '________'.  Perhaps a list of actual cars, then links to manufacturers who make those cars would be beneficial?

It would also be nice to be able to link a user to their build diary or photo diary with a mouse click, preferably in the user's brief profile at the left of the posts/replies to threads.  For instance, if they give a website in their profile, you can click a globe icon to get the their homepage.  It would be cool if a similar icon took you to their photos, or somehow listed their cars?

Anyway, it's a great site as is; just my $.02

Ari I posted to this thread when there were no other posts to it, but looks like it went to cyber space. I had a suggestion similar to the one quoted. I have considered starting my own forum dedicated to original builds. My desire was not to be in competition with you or any other site, but to have the dedicated original format. I have a very sick wife and due to lack of time and honestly at them moment, lack of desire, I would much prefer you add another forum here. My thoughts on this is a little different and I have no idea if it would work or not. This particular forum would limited to paid suscribers who would have to sign a confidentialty agreement to not copy/paste or otherwise reveal what is shown behind closed doors. The purpose would be for the builders to have an opportunity to show their work, before making it public so as to have a sounding board and even a place to exchange ideas.

I also wish we had some way to keep the "scammer" alerts private until it was proven that someone is an actual scammer. If someone has burned you in a deal, then they in turn need to be burned, if indeed it is proven they are scammers.

I agree on the search. I've tried it several times and have so many general threads and posts to look through it gets tiresome.

Last but not least is those that try to slip a little "skin" in with their photos. Overall you and Dave have done a great job of keeping this site so I can bring my grandsons and show them photos of great cars, but I'm always a little afraid to open a thread without having already seen it.

Mike

I personally like it just the way it is but, think that adding a little area for either  a directory or a build area could be helpful.  Whether its  forming parts in fiberglass or what parts you can get from a junkyard to build this or that.  But, one feature I think would be awesome is if a newbie registers and tries to make his first post.  That the first login/ posting page has something that either detects or just a pop up window that mentions superreplicas is scam to avoid the daily superreplicas question of the day.

This forum has been instrumental in my build. The only requests to change would be to the search feature. I try to run searches before I post, but I do not get good results. Any improvement to the search engine would be great.

when you ban scammers, do you block there ip address so they cant have duplicate accounts?

Ari it would be even harder for me since I don't use credit cards!

I am curious if you as the admin think the $10 deal is a good idea or not? Do you think it would damage or help the overall health of the site? Would it reduce the numbers of quality posters, or reduce them?

Sorry about the questions instead of answers!

Mike

I really cant recall any spamming problem on this board. Spamming and scamming are 2 totally different issues. If it were to get bad there are a few systems that can be implemented. For instance you can make a 5 day waiting period for posting after you register. Basically you register, you can view all content normally but it takes 5 days to gain posting privileges. Again maybe I have been asleep at the wheel but I cant recall a specific instance of a "troll" or "spammer" on this board.

I just thought of another one besides the search feature... We should implement some sort of member rating system like they have on other site.  Not that we should copy other sites but it does allow people at a quick glance to know if someone is actually helpful or not.  If you see someone with a +500 rating then you can probably trust their comments but on the other hand if it is -100 then you most likely wont.  Also you can then automatically ban someone who goes into the negative to far.    No names mentioned here but some people are on here just to take up space and start trouble...

I do like the idea of having a "how To" section on here where members can write and submit for approval articles that can then get posted in a section.  I think the section should be locked from posting except by a moderator to keep the articles in tact.  If a change is required then anyone can contact the write or moderator and request a change.  There are a lot of talented people on here who would like to put down their "how to's" into an article.