2024 Improvement Ideas - "Off Topic" - 14 day poll

[Luap McKeever]

I've received several responses to suggested changes for 2024. One of those would be the creation of an "Off Topic" board. Of course there'd still be some guidelines, but how do you feel about me setting up a section for that?

[blu guzz]

my 2 cents.  it's the fastest way to get people angry at each other, then not talking to each other and then leaving the board.  there are so many other boards that discuss all of topics that people may want to discuss that do not involve Guzzi motorcycles.

[Caffeineo]

How about combining all the "202* donor"  emblems into a 5/10/15....year badge. Kind of like Roman numerals they keep adding up to a better image. Something ;like Guzzi wings for 5 years of donations and something bigger, better for 10 years. Might even motivate people to donate.... Hope I have explained this well enough that you can understand it.

[John A]

How about combining all the "202* donor"  emblems into a 5/10/15....year badge. Kind of like Roman numerals they keep adding up to a better image. Something ;like Guzzi wings for 5 years of donations and something bigger, better for 10 years. Might even motivate people to donate.... Hope I have explained this well enough that you can understand it.

Good idea except my donation markers got deleted during one of the attacks of a few years ago. I was told they were not recoverable. Nothing to get wrapped around the axel over, I’m grateful for such a fine board.

[Shorty]

I dunno. I've heard this forum being called "Mild Guzzi" by folks on a now defunct forum because of the lack of racy pics, political "Jog-piles" and posts on "why communism is great."   I admit I don't mind a wee bit of flavor and good natured banter, but I hate to see WG go the way of that other miserable place. IF the other sector could be well insulated from WG, it might be fun. Could just as easily be a PIA in the making. 

[Tom H]

I did a Either Way vote.

I like the way the main board is overall. But at times it's to constraining.

It used to be that you "could" ask a question about Guzzi, or another brand, or what is the best water heater, dryer, new car or the like. Or how to fix a home appliance. Now it's quite a bit more restrained.

There is a wealth of knowledge here that you can trust. Not many places can be said the same. I do like to be able to ask an OT question, and get a real, not hyped answer from someone who has been there.

So.. If it takes another board to be able to ask an OT question and keep the main board "Guzzi Only". Then so be it.

JMHO,
Tom

[Ncdan]

I did a Either Way vote.

I like the way the main board is overall. But at times it's to constraining.

It used to be that you "could" ask a question about Guzzi, or another brand, or what is the best water heater, dryer, new car or the like. Or how to fix a home appliance. Now it's quite a bit more restrained.

There is a wealth of knowledge here that you can trust. Not many places can be said the same. I do like to be able to ask an OT question, and get a real, not hyped answer from someone who has been there.

So.. If it takes another board to be able to ask an OT question and keep the main board "Guzzi Only". Then so be it.

JMHO,
Tom

Moderator message sent MAY 2022
Members of WGC

We have been experiencing an increased number of threads that are completely motorcycle unrelated.
This practice may be acceptable when members are requesting assistance or information from fellow members regardless of content such as help in diagnosing an issue such as an appliance, car, mower, home issue, etc. That is the “campfire” type discussion that the administration has welcomed and encouraged on this forum, even though it seems somewhat contrary to rule #2, which requests motorcycle subject matter only. It’s understood that can produce a boring forum.

However with some of these threads that are started (for the most part), the authors know beforehand they will be controversial and subjective. They most always lead to argumentative and divisive outcomes, as well as a headache for the moderators.
Subject matter such as aliens from other planets, UFO’s, the cost of rising fuel, big foot, laws against loud mufflers, EVs and on and on and most of which have already been posted several times in the recent past, causing issues each time, needs to stop.

In the future if one must start one of these controversial threads be advised they will be short lived. If these threads continue be advised the first post response that is argumentative will result in the entire thread being  taken down.

Thanks to the members for your participation and loyalty to WGC Motorcycle Forum.

Dan

[Scout63]

I like the idea. I came to the board for help with my G5.   Everyone was so helpful and the forum has become something I check every morning and night. It feels to me that being able to share other aspects of our lives makes us more real.

[1down5up]

I've mentioned it previously but the adds on this forum are the worst of just about any forum (or Web page) on the internet from my experience.

They take up huge amounts of space and even act as a pop up I between selecting threads. I'm using Chrome on PC and Mobile so I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue.

How about a "ad free" experience for paying members, or even an add free tier.....?

And now thta I type this I realise I missed my 2023 donation.... Dang

[Huzo]

I've mentioned it previously but the adds on this forum are the worst of just about any forum (or Web page) on the internet from my experience.

They take up huge amounts of space and even act as a pop up I between selecting threads. I'm using Chrome on PC and Mobile so I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue.

How about a "ad free" experience for paying members, or even an add free tier.....?

And now thta I type this I realise I missed my 2023 donation.... Dang

That’s ok mate..
You can add it to this year’s and it’ll be all square.
So pay up and speak up…

[SIR REAL ED]

I think an "Off-Topic" thread would be great!

There is a HUGE knowledge base in the participants here.  Why not share whatever anyone may be interested in posting or reading?

The moderators and administrators do an amazing job here.  I've never seen even a single offensive post at Wild Guzzi.

The rules are obvious.  No one other than the reader himself/herself can control whether the reader gets "offended" by something that is posted.  Opinions vary, always have, always will.

Parapharasing Smokey the Bear: "Only you can prevent forest fires..... in your brain!"

Millions of other fora exist.  So both arguments of:
"We should specialize and the moderators are responsible for protecting me from my feelings!"
and
"If you find something offensive, ignore it, or change the channel!"
are easy arguments to make.

Just my opinion, which really should not influence the moderators much at all.  I think the moderators should so whatever makes their lives easier and their interaction with the forum posters more enjoyable.  They are volunteers.  Our opinions should not cause them grief.

thanks again for your efforts!

[cliffrod]

It’s another can-do vs should-do situation.

I would like an off-topic section because I would like to think WG is populated by self-managing accountable & responsible adults who won’t do or post stupid stuff just because they can.  It’s a pleasant thought, but not very realistic. So an off-topic section will likely become an example of my favorite sayings that everything one does and says being “an opportunity to demonstrate character.”

Ultimately, everything off-topic (or even on-topic that goes awry) becomes one more thankless task for the admin and mods to resolve.  I enjoy WG as is and have no interest in making WG more work for the generous volunteers who do ALL of the work so we can play.  They already tolerate enough of our stuff. No need to obligate them to do even more.

There’s already a huge off-topic section.  It’s called the rest of the Internet.

[Luap McKeever]

I've mentioned it previously but the adds on this forum are the worst of just about any forum (or Web page) on the internet from my experience.

They take up huge amounts of space and even act as a pop up I between selecting threads. I'm using Chrome on PC and Mobile so I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue.

How about a "ad free" experience for paying members, or even an add free tier.....?

And now thta I type this I realise I missed my 2023 donation.... Dang

A couple things come to mind immediately.

1. Without ads, this board would have died many years ago. Ad revenue makes up the 35% or so that we never meet. We've been barely meeting the yearly goal as is, so the ads are there to keep me from begging for more money the last quarter of every year.

2. Turning off ads for donors is a great idea and I'll put that on my list of things to look into. Right off the top of my head, I don't know if it's possible. But I can for sure ask one of the developers that I use for needs that are covered by any extra funds outside of the regular donations.

Thanks,
Luap

[Luap McKeever]

How about combining all the "202* donor"  emblems into a 5/10/15....year badge. Kind of like Roman numerals they keep adding up to a better image. Something ;like Guzzi wings for 5 years of donations and something bigger, better for 10 years. Might even motivate people to donate.... Hope I have explained this well enough that you can understand it.

Great idea. But, it will not work for many reasons.

Luap

[Luap McKeever]

my 2 cents.  it's the fastest way to get people angry at each other, then not talking to each other and then leaving the board.  there are so many other boards that discuss all of topics that people may want to discuss that do not involve Guzzi motorcycles.

There'd still be common sense adult guidelines. It wouldn't be a "free for all" IF it happens.

[Pescatore]

I voted no because it feels like a double edged sword.

Asking for help to fix a mower or chain saw is NGC, but might be interesting.
A separate board would invite postings about politics or other explosive topics, which only makes more work for the moderators.
The moderators do a great job keeping the forum clean and tidy.
To me there are enough side topic posts that make the forum not boring.


It also depends on the boundaries of Off Topic.
Yes, there is a wealth of knowledge among a large sample of people.  I would search the internet.
For example, I just got a new oil tank.  WildGuzzi would not be my first choice to ask about Roth vs Granby tanks.
However, I know there is a sculptor among us.  So I might send a PM.
It's nice to know something about each other, but I wouldn't want to dilute the content of this forum.

[Luap McKeever]

I voted no because it feels like a double edged sword.

Asking for help to fix a mower or chain saw is NGC, but might be interesting.
A separate board would invite postings about politics or other explosive topics, which only makes more work for the moderators.
The moderators do a great job keeping the forum clean and tidy.
To me there are enough side topic posts that make the forum not boring.


It also depends on the boundaries of Off Topic.
Yes, there is a wealth of knowledge among a large sample of people.  I would search the internet.
For example, I just got a new oil tank.  WildGuzzi would not be my first choice to ask about Roth vs Granby tanks.
However, I know there is a sculptor among us.  So I might send a PM.
It's nice to know something about each other, but I wouldn't want to dilute the content of this forum.

IF implemented, politics or other explosive topics would still be a no-go. Those type of things will always be a no-go while I'm involved.

Thanks for your input,
Luap

[AJ Huff]

An off topic section would be one more headache for moderators moving posts in the wrong section. People still can't stop putting general questions in the bikes and builds sections or for sale posts in the general discussion section. There's already an NGC tag that few people even use. It'll just bog things down more for everyone. Hard no.

-AJ

[Pescatore]

Quote from: Luap McKeever on Today at 09:10:00 AM

A couple things come to mind immediately

2. Turning off ads for donors is a great idea and I'll put that on my list of things to look into. Right off the top of my head, I don't know if it's possible. But I can for sure ask one of the developers that I use for needs that are covered by any extra funds outside of the regular donations.

Thanks,
Luap

If I were a new subscriber, not having decided whether to contribute or not, and get bombarded by ads, I might not stick around. ... (but would be hard to resist).
Perhaps there is a way to throttle the ads the longer people use it without  paying contributing.
When I first joined I took a few months to realize the value of this forum.
Responses are usually quick and makes this forum engaging.   I would try to get people hooked first.
Sounds deceiving, but a free lunch is a myth.

[Shiny Hat]

Not sure what you are asking.
You already have off topic posts mixed in with Guzzi/motorcycle posts. Some use NGC, some don’t.
If you are asking should you have a separate section to discuss religion, guns, politics that’s up to you. There are already adds on the above mentioned that saturate this site.

This is a small post site, 7500 members, but pretty much the same 20 something who actually post.
If you want to increase that number then have a separate off topic section. I believe you’ll have more traffic but it will be from the current members, it’s not going to pull people in who aren’t already members just for an off topic section.

I have many interests and a one stop shop would be nice. I already ignore threads that don’t interest me and I can do the same with off topic. I’m 63 and been around enough that nothing offends me bit still young enough to learn something new.
You can try it and if it turns to shit, delete.

[blackcat]

An off topic section would be one more headache for moderators moving posts in the wrong section. People still can't stop putting general questions in the bikes and builds sections or for sale posts in the general discussion section. There's already an NGC tag that few people even use. It'll just bog things down more for everyone. Hard no.

-AJ

I agree, why make it harder for the moderators?

[Luap McKeever]

I agree, why make it harder for the moderators?

Not the intention. Again, there'd be common sense guidelines and probably only one moderator who is willing to take on the task. Again, IF it's even implemented. I'm just holding up my end of the bargain by visiting this suggestion that I asked for. Nothing is set in stone at this point. Just testing the waters. If implemented and proves useless, I can completely remove it in 1.5 seconds.

[Luap McKeever]

Not sure what you are asking.
You already have off topic posts mixed in with Guzzi/motorcycle posts. Some use NGC, some don’t.
If you are asking should you have a separate section to discuss religion, guns, politics that’s up to you.

Those subjects will never be allowed here in any area.

[Moparnut72]

I say no. I come here for Guzzi content, not a bunch of other stuff. A separate section would alleviate that issue but the moderators have enough to do already. A separate section would spread their oversight ability thinner but I imagine the issues arising in an off topic area would increase their duties substantially. I already have to bite my tongue, elsewhere, when somebody makes a disparaging untrue comment about my beloved Mopars. 
kk

[twowheeladdict]

There already is the NGC which means "off-topic" is already allowed.

If the rules for the "off-topic" area are the same as the current rules then I don't see the point.







I guess it would eliminate the rule "keep the content motorcycle related". Which could get a lot of us banned for posting in this thread since it is "off topic" related.   

[twowheeladdict]

I remember when the "like" was turned on.  Didn't last long because of complaints.

It did make the flow of a thread better because you didn't get a quote with the only additional information a 

Speaking to quotes, on my computer they show up with a blue background, but you get the entire post.  On other forums I am on the quoted post gets shrunk with a link to expand it if you want to.  I also get alerts that someone quoted me so I know to check the post and answer them if needed.

[Shorty]

Here's an unduly complicated idea for WG fundraising: Set up an Ebay account, with or without the WG name. Have people donate bikes or bike parts to raffle. Proceeds after shipping and packaging costs go to fund WG. Keep the financial details available for members to see to silence those snivelers who are afraid you might actually make a dollar from your efforts. Have a process in place to put away money for a year or three in advance. One good bike, or a few junkers would keep it going. If it makes too much, you could buy the moderators a set of tires or something. 

[Tom H]

Let's say there is an off topic board. As Laup already mentioned, the usual topics like politics would not be allowed. That's fine with me.

As I have mentioned, I do like to be able to ask a OT question here. Yes, I could go to a message board that is about that topic. But then who's opinion would I know to trust? The one with a million posts or the one with a hundred. The million post could be all useless and incorrect posts, the one with a hundred could all be the correct answer.

If I have a specific question about a product, I would do a web search to get the answer. But if I'm just in the need of general experience with the product and there has to be an easier way than that I found searching, here would be a great place to ask.

JMHO,
Tom

[usedtobefast]

I was thinking ... you probably want to increase membership and/or keep current members. 

Without an official "Off Topic" section, people just put NGC in the subject and ask their question about a lawnmower or new car, etc.  Seems to work well. 

Is anyone not joining or not staying because there isn't an "Off Topic" section?  I would guess not.

And if you add an "Off Topic" section, is that going to increase membership?  Keep people from leaving?  Again, guessing not.

And if the ratio of "Off Topic" to on topic gets wacky, then you could lose current members.  Like say 60% of new post are off topic, or 80%, at some point people might just stop coming to the site.   

I think if there was an official "Off Topic" section I would post more.  There have been times I was working on some other motorcycle or car and thought "I bet the wildguzzi guys would have some tips/hints on sorting this issue out" ... but I did not post as guys come here for MG content/info (mostly) and might not be interested in how to seal a leak in a KTM plastic gas tank (for example).

So I don't know, I think the current approach with the NGC in the subject and don't do it a lot seems to be working.

[drdwb]

I was noncommittal choosing I can go either way. But When I get a chance to sit down with a coffee or beer,I can choose to look at NGC posts, and do, especially if it’s from a member I know or have met at a rally around the campfire.
 For example Fotoguzzis  post yesterday about his Cello Banjo, exemplified the breadth of interests of board members, several members chimed in with knowledge about an animal I didn’t know existed. I try to honor the NGC heading if I post something non guzzi and I think for the most part, most members do. I also appreciate the wealth of knowledge and expertise on this board especially when they take the time to share an experience or project, would trip reports be redefined as NGC?

 IMO, Another section would just increase the work load/ stress level of our highly paid group of moderators and IT specialists possibly increasing time, costs, and change the existing camp fire culture. Personally I enjoy reading the occasional posts about Boats, Airplanes,Whisky, Food, Guitars…etc and the comments/ conversations those posts
start.