I have used several that are based on the vBulletin forum software and really like it. It is used by the majority of hobbyist forums for cars, boats, etc. and it's very easy to use. As a relatively recent montgomery owner, I often am looking for advice on how to do things that have already been covered in detail on this list before I joined, but I have no easy way to find them. People often put significant time into writing instructional e-mails which are almost immediately lost. For example, when someone takes time to do a write-up such as how to add reef point hardware, it should be quick and easy to access forever from a list of all such write-ups. vBulletin allows this, as one can have a sub-forum for such posts, and then have a "sticky" post at the top that serves as a "Table of Contents." This way we could gradually build a set of instructions and information, that easy for everyone to search, view, and contribute to. As an example, in a recent e-mail to the list I posted a link to my review on towing my M15 with a VW Golf. As this is posted on the TDIclub vBulletin forum, anyone in the future looking to do something similar will immediately find it. Tyler
On Jan 27, 2016, at 2:54 PM, Dave Scobie <scoobscobie@gmail.com> wrote:
the last time changing from the email system to a forum was discussed, about three or four years ago, it was resoundly 'voted down' by the group members. folks found forums to be difficult and/or not wanting to learn a new system. the other concern was loosing the email list members in the transition to a new location.
currently there is -
* email list (limited photo abilities and no ability to search old posts) * facebook page (lots of folks don't want facebook because of personal date being public and/or 'mined' by facebook) * trailersailor sub-forum (can post pictures, though photos are deleted after a few years) * MSOG - old info in www-pages and how one can join/remove self from email list. no updates to old info currently planned. * MSOGphoto - old info in www-pages. in process of being updated (yes, slowly) and will be available for user-submitted photos and m-boat project reports.
future -
* do we want to go to facebook? * do we want to go to a forum (i can host forum space and create a moderator system that i, as a builder, does control)? * yahoo group? * stay with what we have (see 'currently' above)?
let us share opinions.
-- :: Dave Scobie :: former M15 owner - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com