I was thinking of something similar - maybe not restrict access per-se, but maybe more "tiering" of content within the forum topic areas, basic vs. advanced type sub forums in most topic areas. Dunno, might just make things more confusing. The current volume of "basic" questions really doesn't bug me. And the segregation of generations helps us old farts focus on the stuff we care about and resist temptation to haze the F56'ers. :devil: Otherwise, I echo the other comments / suggestions. Especially about Dave being our hot sauce.
Pre-warning...this is someone who has never even driven a MINI. I bought a MINI in January and being the obsessive/compulsive type of person that I am, I joined every MINI site I could find. One thing I can say from 3 months of prowling/lurking is that whomever thought up the phrase..."the friendly MINI site" sure knew what they were talking about when they coined this phrase. NAN is too big and has no personality. Yes, it is a fine site with a whole lot of information, but for me it's not as easy to find as the same information is here. My hats are off to the admin's for running a VERY civil list. Posts generally stay on topic and bitching is held to a minimum. As far as any suggestions as to how to improve it---just keep going forward with this MO and everything will be great.
I'm usually here in M/A. I'm in NAM, too, but only as an infrequent visitor anymore. NAM is mostly Second and later Generation MINIs now, while, like it or not, M/A IS probably dedicated to First Generations and Classics. Lately, NAM has become the refuge for the Non-generation One owners who could not take the criticisms they received here in M/A [for whatever reasons]. Boo-freaking-hoo. I have absolutely NO interest in getting anything but another Generation 1 MINI. Besides that, our fearless leader drives a Generation 1 MCS. 'Nuff said.
We did that on a much bigger site I was involved in way back when; unfortunately it led to a bunch of begging and bickering among people who weren't in the "special" section, so eventually we had to open it up.
I just thought of something that I would like to see added (and I'm not sure of the problems involved) is a "chat" room. I think it would go over well here...
There is an "off Topic" area.. Can of course just PM someone if need be.. and there is FB with all it's different areas even MINI areas.. I say stay the course as is.. If you lock people out of certain areas you'll force them to go else where for the info they want and they may not come back.. which is not what your trying to do here. You/we want to encourage people to join and post to help keep the site alive..
^^ I agree that the fully open aspect of this format is just exactly that and should remain such. M/A is all about accepting everyone interested in the modern day and classic Mini Cooper (whose opinions may be right, wrong or indifferent) and providing a forum to discuss everything from the most technical to trivial. We see folks fall out when they've had enough of the banter, offered from time to time, when conflicting opinions clash. While we clearly can't all think alike or agree upon everything, it's a healthy environment when good discussion is able to be enjoyed by all. I for one have learned a tremendous amount from everyone here and am glad to be a proud supporter of the lot of us all. Party On... Motor On! Cheers. :beer
Only thing I'd like to see is that Dave.0 be put on a remediation course for his attitude towards newer MINI owners. :lol:
That would be like giving a master counterfeiter a job at the U.S. treasury for a couple of weeks. It would just allow him to further hone his craft. Just leave him alone.
Do you really want me "loving everything about the new F56" again? :devil: We have been down that road before.....it was not good. :frown2:
I left the other site because I got tired of being told to do a search every time I asked a question. I would rather have someone help and tell me what they think. Dave leaves no one second guessing how he feels and he always helps. I have never seen someone more in love with an F56
Watch out Dave. I hear there might be an F56 intervention coming your way at the dragon. Feel the love Dave.
Get him a little toasted, set him in the passenger's seat and let the neon interior lights do the rest.....
Bring me an F56 around 8-9 PM any day I have been drinking for a few hours and I will give you my "special" F56 review. ** It will not be safe for children or anyone that easily offended. :lol: