Why the lack of subforums?

[nts007]

A lot of us (3rd gen guys) migrated here from dodge talk for exactly the same reasons. It got really corporate and some mild feuds started. It made most sense for the powerwagon group to migrate here. And it's been great. If anything we only need to add a how to section that dan have sub sections for body drivetrain Ect ext. Would be easier that way too as no other changes would have to happen

[Low_Sky]

Pit Slave, I appreciate the work you put into this place. Thanks! Since you're listening, I'll share my thoughts on it. I agree with your stance on moderating, that it shouldn't be heavy handed. We are lucky to have a little community that doesn't need any babysitting or wrist slapping, but I think we could benefit from a little bit of daily upkeep. The two big mod needs I see right now are some reorganization (my ideas on the subject are below), and some archiving and old thread locking (especially in the locker bypass thread necromancing and new thread creation arena). The locker bypass threads could probably even stand to have a few years worth of "I want one" and "you can't have one" posts just deleted.

Regarding the forum index, my suggestion is for just a little re-grouping and re-branding of existing subs, and breaking out gen-specific tech talk and Gadgets/Gizmos.

Administrative

• Rules/privacy/copyright

PW Talk

• General PW talk (not gen-specific)
  Gen-specific tech talk - including suspension, bumpers and wheel/tire fit
  • Present-2014.5 (G4.5)
    2014.5-2009 (G4)
    2009-2001 (G3)
    Vintage PW

Social Corner

• Get Togethers and Trip Reports
  Member Builds
  Off-Topic

Gear and Accessories (tech talk and general discussion)

• Recovery gear and techniques
  Wired accessories - Aux lights/On board air/Dual batteries
  Electronics - Radio/GPS/SatCom
  Camping - RTTs, travel trailers, ground tents, crapper buckets, etc.
  Everything else - tools, fuel cans, significant others

Marketplace

• Classifieds (Buy/Sell/Trade)
  Vendors (require sponsorship to help with forum maintenance costs?)

And for what it's worth, I spend enough time on this forum that I would gladly chip in a little if you guys wanted to set up a donation or contributing member type thing to help with server costs.

[OffroadTreks]

ADMIN

• Rules & Announcements <-- rename this, post site wide announcements here, like details of site upgrade.
  
  Questions & Forum Problems (Maybe, do problems come up?)

PW TALK

• General PW talk (not gen-specific)
  Gen-specific tech talk - including suspension, bumpers and wheel/tire fit
  • Present-2014.5 (G4.5)
    2014.5-2009 (G4)
    2009-2001 (G3)
    Vintage PW
  Member Builds

MEETUPS & GATHERINGS
GEAR & ACCESSORIES <-- I don't feel like we have enough discussion to break this up.
Off-TOPIC DISCUSSION (anything goes)
MARKETPLACE

• Classifieds (Buy/Sell/Trade)
  Vendors (require sponsorship to help with forum maintenance costs?)

And for what it's worth, I spend enough time on this forum that I would gladly chip in a little if you guys wanted to set up a donation or contributing member type thing to help with server costs.

I like it. But with a few tweaks.

[fbenross]

I will agree that there are a lot of sticky threads and I want to try and organise that.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

agree on the amount of stickies......I know a lot of us have been together since the DodgeTalk days, and I like our simple/not too many rules forum.

[OffroadTreks]

Bump - reviving this discussion.

[AceMan]

Ok, the site now has been moved to an actual data center, with reliable connectivity, backup, and high-speed access, the first order of business is to definitely reorganize the forum categories.

So far, I like the suggestions by Rusty and Low_Sky. I will put something together combining these two suggestions. I'll post back later once I have a draft and get everybody's feedback.

I've been thinking on this a long time. This is the way I would break it down for most part. This still could be tweaked.

Sub-forums.
Welcome thread,
3G, 4G, 4.5G, 5G, Things that only go with each generation.
General, sub-forums PW pictures, and Videos, general talk.
Tires And Wheels,
Lighting,
Brakes,
Exhaust,
Intake,
Engine, and Drivetrain
Audio, Video,
Exterior & Interior,
Member Builds,
Get togethers,
The Lounge. Basic anything goes. Sub-forums to this would be Politics, Funny pictures, Jokes, Firearms, Other vehicles, Sports, Photography-pictures, videos, Pets.

Have it somewhere when someone posts a question. Need to know what year and generation of PW. I'm starting to get confused on when generations change and what changed. CRS!

And...

ADMIN

• Rules & Announcements <-- rename this, post site wide announcements here, like details of site upgrade.
  
  Questions & Forum Problems (Maybe, do problems come up?)

PW TALK

• General PW talk (not gen-specific)
  Gen-specific tech talk - including suspension, bumpers and wheel/tire fit
  • Present-2014.5 (G4.5)
    2014.5-2009 (G4)
    2009-2001 (G3)
    Vintage PW
  Member Builds

MEETUPS & GATHERINGS
GEAR & ACCESSORIES <-- I don't feel like we have enough discussion to break this up.
Off-TOPIC DISCUSSION (anything goes)
MARKETPLACE

• Classifieds (Buy/Sell/Trade)
  Vendors (require sponsorship to help with forum maintenance costs?)

And for what it's worth, I spend enough time on this forum that I would gladly chip in a little if you guys wanted to set up a donation or contributing member type thing to help with server costs.

I like it. But with a few tweaks.

[AceMan]

Ok, here's a draft that I combined from Russ, Low_Sky, and Mike's suggestions Thoughts and feedback are welcomed!!!



==============================================
The Lounge - Site Discussion
- [Reserved For Future Use]
- Rules, Privacy, GDPR, & Copyright Info
- Introductions (Newbie Corner) [New Members Must Post 1 post in this forum First before posting elsewhere]
- FAQ & Tech Write-Ups [Member How-To's]
- The Hobby Shop - (Offtopic Discussion) [Anything goes!!!]
- News / Rules / Questions / Suggestions

==============================================
General Discussion
- Truck Discussion (Power Wagon related, but not tech related...)
- 3G 2005 to 2009
- 4G 2010 to 2014.5
- 4.5G 2014.5 to 2019
- 5G 2019 and newer
- Power Wagon Events & Social Gatherings
- Recovery Gear, Tools, Accessories Etc.
- Communication and Navigation
- Camping - RTTs, travel trailers, tents, crapper buckets
- Member Builds

==============================================
Technical Discussion
- General Tech & Troubleshooting
- Engine & Drivetrain
- Suspension & Lifts
- Wheels & Tires
- Brakes
- Electronics - Radio/Audio/Video/GPS/SatCom/CB/Ham
- Electrical/WiredAcc/Aux Lighting/Onboard Air/Dual Batteries
- Towing & Hauling
- Everything else - tools, fuel cans, including *significant others*

==============================================
Marketplace
- Vendors
- Parts For Sale
- Trucks For Sale
- Classified (Buy/Sell/Trade)

==============================================

[OffroadTreks]

My initial hunch is it seems busy and really spread out given the fairly slow traffic that has been the norm as long as I've been around.

I do like splitting up the generations to some extent.

That's usually the pushback, and I get that. but there is currently ZERO organization to the current forum structure. Especially tech. And most of us know how to search a forum, but you have to think about total N00Bs looking for info. A starting place, with relevant info is a lot better.

I just want to put this out there for the old cats who have been around and think, nothing should change. There are 3276 threads under TRUCK DISCUSSION which most of all the relevant tech info is buried.

So, suggestions are helpful, we want to hear from you. But going forward, we gotta split things up to make the forum easier to use, especially to encourage new people and help them find stuff. Especially since we know, NO ONE KNOWS IF 35's FIT WITHOUT A LIFT

==============================================
The Lounge - Site Discussion
- Announcements / Rules / Privacy / Help
- Introductions (Newbie Corner) [New Members Must Post 1 post in this forum First before posting elsewhere]
- FAQ & Tech Write-Ups [Member How-To's]
- The Hobby Shop - (Offtopic Discussion) [Anything goes!!!]


==============================================
General Discussion
- Truck Discussion (Power Wagon related, but not tech related...)
- Power Wagon Events & Social Gatherings
- Recovery Gear, Tools, Accessories Etc.
- Communication and Navigation
- Camping - RTTs, travel trailers, tents, crapper buckets
- Member Builds

==============================================
Technical Discussion

• - General Tech & Troubleshooting
  • - 3G 2005 to 2009
    - 4G 2010 to 2013
    - 4.5G 2014 to 2019

- Engine & Drivetrain
- Suspension & Lifts
- Brakes, Tires & Wheels
- 12V Torubleshooting / Electrical / Lighting & Accessories
- Towing & Hauling


==============================================
Marketplace
- Vendors
- Parts For Sale
- Trucks For Sale
- Classified (Buy/Sell/Trade)

==============================================

I think you need to merge - [ News / Rules / Questions / Suggestions ] > - [ Rules, Privacy, GDPR, & Copyright Info ]

Announcements / Rules / Privacy / Help

For the gen sections, I will say that you should do 4th Gen 2010-2013 and then 2014+ because the 2014', eliminate the half year confusion.

Also, I moved the generation sub-sections, they should be under TECH, IMO.

I made this >>

- Electronics - Radio/Audio/Video/GPS/SatCom/CB/Ham
- Electrical/WiredAcc/Aux Lighting/Onboard Air/Dual Batteries

A single section, it's repetitive otherwise.

I nuked "- Everything else - tools, fuel cans, including *significant others*" - You technically already had that with Recovery Gear, Tools, Accessories Etc.

Also, the 5th gen will be 2020, not 2019. So, I'm thinking, we don't list that subforum, until they are announced. So for right now, leave it off the list. People can speculate about the 5th gen in Truck Discussion

I merged Brakes into Tires & Wheels.

[TankerZak]

Put brakes, airbags, and onboard air into towing and hauling

Add wheels and tires together with suspension and lifts.

Add exhaust into drivetrain and engine.

[nts007]

I’d keep air systems separate from towing but have a link in towing that redirects you to air systems

[AceMan]

Thanks, guys! Mike, I like the merges. Taking everything into consideration, and I agree that the truck gens should be under "Technical Discussions," since after all, it is "tech." That also leads me to believe that "Recovery Gear" and "Comms ..." should also be moved to Tech, since they are technically, "tech."

nts007 & TankerZak - I think "Air" should be combined with 12v & electrical. I realize that there is some overlap with towing and air bags, but there are many that have onboard air for a general air source for tires, tools, etc. As for a forum to forum cross link, that may be done on the fly when someone posts an air topic, to create a backlink, but that could also confuse some people.

Regarding combining suspensions & lifts with wheels & tires, I think they should be separate. Again, there is some overlap, but the suspension topic is so vast from what I've seen over the years, between Thuren, Carli, Kore, DT, DOR.. there are many. And then tires.... types, sizes, and as Mike, said, will a 35" fit ... ugh (Batman slaps Robin right about now ), I think to keep them separate!

We should make a "Money" category. Hmm, scratch that. Everything is a "Money" category.

And, correct me if I'm wrong, these categories can be set in Xenoforo at the top horizontally with drop down css style cascading menus, correct? So far, I have not seen that in any others, and Mike, you mentioned that xeno offers that? That would make it very easy for members to navigate directly to a spot.

Ok, so far, here's what we have ...tweak away....


=============================================
The Lounge - Site Discussion

- Announcements / Rules / Privacy / GDPR / Help
- Introductions (Newbie Corner) [New Members Must Post 1 post in this forum First before posting elsewhere]
- The Hobby Shop - (Offtopic Discussion) [Anything goes!!!]
- Donations (at least until we get the Donations extension working)

==============================================
General Discussion

- Truck Discussion (Power Wagon related, but not tech related...)
- Power Wagon Events & Social Gatherings
- Camping - RTTs, travel trailers, tents, crapper buckets
- Member Builds

==============================================
Technical Discussion

- General Tech & Troubleshooting

• - 3G 2005 to 2009
• - 4G 2010 to 2013
• - 4.5G 2014 to 2019

- FAQ & Tech Write-Ups [Member How-To's]
- Engine & Drivetrain
- Suspension & Lifts
- Brakes, Tires & Wheels
- 12V Troubleshooting / Electrical / Lighting & Accessories / Onboard Air
- Communications / Navigation / CB / FRS / Ham / MARS
- Recovery Gear, Tools, Accessories Etc.
- Towing & Hauling

==============================================
Marketplace

- Vendors
- Parts For Sale
- Trucks For Sale
- Classified (Buy / Sell / Trade)

==============================================

[Reloaderguy]

My initial hunch is it seems busy and really spread out given the fairly slow traffic that has been the norm as long as I've been around.

I do like splitting up the generations to some extent.

That's usually the pushback, and I get that. but there is currently ZERO organization to the current forum structure. Especially tech. And most of us know how to search a forum, but you have to think about total N00Bs looking for info. A starting place, with relevant info is a lot better.

I just want to put this out there for the old cats who have been around and think, nothing should change. There are 3276 threads under TRUCK DISCUSSION which most of all the relevant tech info is buried.

So, suggestions are helpful, we want to hear from you. But going forward, we gotta split things up to make the forum easier to use, especially to encourage new people and help them find stuff. Especially since we know, NO ONE KNOWS IF 35's FIT WITHOUT A LIFT

==============================================
The Lounge - Site Discussion
- Announcements / Rules / Privacy / Help
- Introductions (Newbie Corner) [New Members Must Post 1 post in this forum First before posting elsewhere]
- FAQ & Tech Write-Ups [Member How-To's]
- The Hobby Shop - (Offtopic Discussion) [Anything goes!!!]


==============================================
General Discussion
- Truck Discussion (Power Wagon related, but not tech related...)
- Power Wagon Events & Social Gatherings
- Recovery Gear, Tools, Accessories Etc.
- Communication and Navigation
- Camping - RTTs, travel trailers, tents, crapper buckets
- Member Builds

==============================================
Technical Discussion

• - General Tech & Troubleshooting
  • - 3G 2005 to 2009
    - 4G 2010 to 2013
    - 4.5G 2014 to 2019

- Engine & Drivetrain
- Suspension & Lifts
- Brakes, Tires & Wheels
- 12V Torubleshooting / Electrical / Lighting & Accessories
- Towing & Hauling


==============================================
Marketplace
- Vendors
- Parts For Sale
- Trucks For Sale
- Classified (Buy/Sell/Trade)

==============================================

I think you need to merge - [ News / Rules / Questions / Suggestions ] > - [ Rules, Privacy, GDPR, & Copyright Info ]

Announcements / Rules / Privacy / Help

For the gen sections, I will say that you should do 4th Gen 2010-2013 and then 2014+ because the 2014', eliminate the half year confusion.

Also, I moved the generation sub-sections, they should be under TECH, IMO.

I made this >>

- Electronics - Radio/Audio/Video/GPS/SatCom/CB/Ham
- Electrical/WiredAcc/Aux Lighting/Onboard Air/Dual Batteries

A single section, it's repetitive otherwise.

I nuked "- Everything else - tools, fuel cans, including *significant others*" - You technically already had that with Recovery Gear, Tools, Accessories Etc.

Also, the 5th gen will be 2020, not 2019. So, I'm thinking, we don't list that subforum, until they are announced. So for right now, leave it off the list. People can speculate about the 5th gen in Truck Discussion

I merged Brakes into Tires & Wheels.

This is probably the best subforum suggestion I've seen. Personally I think memberships hurts low member forums. If you're looking for revenue to offset cost maybe consider a donation drive.

[Low_Sky]

To me, if you have to give the model year of your truck with your question to get an answer that's worth anything, that subject needs to get rolled up into a generation-specific subforum. I would rather go to one subforum and see a variety of topics all specific to my generation Power Wagon than go to the "suspension" subforum and have to sort through 3G and 4G material to find what's relevant to my 4.5G truck. Same goes for engine/drivetrain issues, but I'm not sure if we have enough discussion on these topics to warrant subforums versus instructions to be specific in the subject line.

I know that not every question fits neatly into a "gen-specific" or "not" box, but I think something like this is a better fit for most topics:


Technical Discussion

Generation-specific:
- 3G 2005 to 2009: Suspension, Lift, Brakes, Wheel/Tire Fitment, gen-specific how-to's
- 4G 2010 to 2013: Suspension, Lift, Brakes, Wheel/Tire Fitment, gen-specific how-to's
- 4.5G 2014 to present (until 5G comes out): Suspension, Lift, Brakes, Wheel/Tire Fitment, gen-specific how-to's

Not generation-specific:
- Engine/Drivetrain
- 12V Troubleshooting / Electrical / Lighting & Accessories / Onboard Air
- Communications / Navigation / CB / FRS / Ham / MARS
- Recovery Gear, Tools, Accessories Etc.
- Towing & Hauling

[OffroadTreks]

To me, if you have to give the model year of your truck with your question to get an answer that's worth anything, that subject needs to get rolled up into a generation-specific subforum. I would rather go to one subforum and see a variety of topics all specific to my generation Power Wagon than go to the "suspension" subforum and have to sort through 3G and 4G material to find what's relevant to my 4.5G truck. Same goes for engine/drivetrain issues, but I'm not sure if we have enough discussion on these topics to warrant subforums versus instructions to be specific in the subject line.

I know that not every question fits neatly into a "gen-specific" or "not" box, but I think something like this is a better fit for most topics:

I get that, but there is also a lot of crossover between the gens. Some things are specific, like Radius arm vs Control Arms, but brands, methods, Thuren VS Carli, Wheels, Tires are things that really cross over all the generations in some regards.

I think we have a good consensus ACE with your last post.

[Retired BLM Rig]

Ok, so far, here's what we have ...tweak away....


General Discussion

- Truck Discussion (Power Wagon related, but not tech related...)
- Power Wagon Events & Social Gatherings
- Camping - RTTs, travel trailers, tents, crapper buckets
- Member Builds

Personally I vote for having the “crapper bucket “ thread kept out on the fringes of the forum, as far away from the other threads as possible. And I’m pretty sure that the new EU regulations require that a fart fan and hand wash station be installed.

[EasyDoesIt]

Great work guys, my only suggestion is to combine "Towing & Hauling" with "Camping - RTTs, travel trailers, tents, crapper buckets".

I don't see the need to list them separately when the topics will mostly be the same....Heres my setup for the weekend, What the max I can tow, Show us what you haul, who's running airbags, what drop hitch are you using, what size RTT are you running, etc etc.

Just my 2 cents.

[OffroadTreks]

I feel like towing & hauling is clearly different from discussions on camp setups and what not. Especially those of us with overland setups, and discussions on tents, vs discussions on payload.

[OffroadTreks]

I feel like towing & hauling is clearly different from discussions on camp setups and what not. Especially those of us with overland setups, and discussions on tents, vs discussions on payload.

[Low_Sky]

I feel like towing & hauling is clearly different from discussions on camp setups and what not. Especially those of us with overland setups, and discussions on tents, vs discussions on payload.

Agree. "Tongue weight and airbags?" vs. "What's the best TP for my camper commode?". Two different types of subject.

[EasyDoesIt]

I feel like towing & hauling is clearly different from discussions on camp setups and what not. Especially those of us with overland setups, and discussions on tents, vs discussions on payload.

Agree. "Tongue weight and airbags?" vs. "What's the best TP for my camper commode?". Two different types of subject.

Fair enough....just one mans opinion and we all know what they say about those.

Keep up the good works guys.

[Low_Sky]

I feel like towing & hauling is clearly different from discussions on camp setups and what not. Especially those of us with overland setups, and discussions on tents, vs discussions on payload.

Agree. "Tongue weight and airbags?" vs. "What's the best TP for my camper commode?". Two different types of subject.

Fair enough....just one mans opinion and we all know what they say about those.

Keep up the good works guys.

What's the best TP for my opinion? haha

[OffroadTreks]

Your sensitivity multiplied by the ply factor

[nts007]

Oh and the SEARCH button and bar should be HUGE!!! Like take up 1/3 of the main page. With some suggestive searches like "will 35's fit" or "does this Carli diff guard make me look fat"

[adeluca73]

I feel like towing & hauling is clearly different from discussions on camp setups and what not. Especially those of us with overland setups, and discussions on tents, vs discussions on payload.

Ageee. Towing and hauling ( techinical discussions) should be separate from the gear discussion of RTT’s and other overlanding gear and accessories.

[adeluca73]

To me, if you have to give the model year of your truck with your question to get an answer that's worth anything, that subject needs to get rolled up into a generation-specific subforum. I would rather go to one subforum and see a variety of topics all specific to my generation Power Wagon than go to the "suspension" subforum and have to sort through 3G and 4G material to find what's relevant to my 4.5G truck. Same goes for engine/drivetrain issues, but I'm not sure if we have enough discussion on these topics to warrant subforums versus instructions to be specific in the subject line.

I know that not every question fits neatly into a "gen-specific" or "not" box, but I think something like this is a better fit for most topics:

I get that, but there is also a lot of crossover between the gens. Some things are specific, like Radius arm vs Control Arms, but brands, methods, Thuren VS Carli, Wheels, Tires are things that really cross over all the generations in some regards.

I think we have a good consensus ACE with your last post.

Maybe remove the 3/ 4 / 4.5 gen, and just group by truck year- everyone knows what year their vehicle is-I hope. Not everyone knows what “gen” their truck is, right, especially for folks just getting iinto the dodge/ram brand. And where does ram publish the 14+ Is a 4.5 gen?