Remove the QuickSilver/Camplite split

[pinstriper]

[p]Seems that the structure isn't working so well, as many issues or questions posted aren't truly model-specific, and posters see things like "Ask the Factory" and miss that it's in a model-specific forum, and go on asking about another product line.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Not a big deal, as traffic is light at this point. But it means you can't really use the division to look only for things of interest, which is the point of having the split.[/p][p]
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[charliem]

[quote source="/post/405/thread" timestamp="1396623024" author="@pinstriper"][p]Seems that the structure isn't working so well, as many issues or questions posted aren't truly model-specific, and posters see things like "Ask the Factory" and miss that it's in a model-specific forum, and go on asking about another product line.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Not a big deal, as traffic is light at this point. But it means you can't really use the division to look only for things of interest, which is the point of having the split.[/p][p]
[/p][/quote][font size="3"]So you're suggesting combining the "Ask the Factory" categories or totally removing Camplite/QS split? I think I agree with the former and it would give the factory one place to look, but there are still many other areas in which there are lots of model specific issues. If some areas combine it only adds emphasis to my request for added rig info in signatures.[font face="arial"] Then I could easily identify what camp the poster is coming from.[/font][font face="arial"]
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[pinstriper]

I thought about the first, but quickly went to toss it completely. It may be taxonomically correct, but functionally cumbersome. People don't seem to be able to not ask Camplite questions in the Quicksilver area. And a discussion of things that are applicable beyond Quicksilver would be of interest to others. So I have to check both areas anyway.

As far as signatures, I like the practice, but it will not be helpful at all for screening topics, as you have to read the post before you see the signature.

[charliem]

[font size="3"][font face="arial"]I generally agree, but coming from the Yahoo email list, I sure would like to coral all the tent questions away from the Camplite threads. But I did look at the two Ask the Factory sections and there is confusion. Most of the posts under QS Ask the Factory are actually Camplite topics. Probably because it's the first category listed. And I agree the signature is not a screening tool, but it does provide some additional calibration after reading the post. IOW, there ain't no perfect solution. Camp on!
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[admin]

I think this is a "growing pain" mainly. If we are going to try and keep the areas divided (my personal preference) we need to keep things organized. I do think it could be a good idea to combine the "Ask the factory" section into its own topic/board. I'm going to take some time and do a run to try to move any misplaced topics. If things still seem to be difficult we can always re-evaluate.

-Sean

[charliem]

[font size="3"][font face="arial"]Give it a try, Sean. Let's see if it works.
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[pinstriper]

[quote source="/post/430/thread" timestamp="1396824177" author="@admin"]I think this is a "growing pain" mainly. If we are going to try and keep the areas divided (my personal preference) we need to keep things organized. I do think it could be a good idea to combine the "Ask the factory" section into its own topic/board. I'm going to take some time and do a run to try to move any misplaced topics. If things still seem to be difficult we can always re-evaluate.

-Sean[/quote][p]Take a gander at the Q&A and Mods, and you'll see a fair smattering of discussion that would be of real interest regardless the model. Even when they start from a model-centric position, much of the discussion is pretty generic and would be useful to everyone.[/p][p]
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[fasteddieb]

As an aside, my favorite way to view the site is clicking on "Recent Threads" at the bottom of the home page.

That way new posts pop up regardless of where they may have been posted.

Don't know if its easy to accomplish, but it would be nice to have a "Recent Threads" button at the top of every page. Even better is "Recent Unread Threads" which many sites seem to offer.

[admin]

I have prompted the "Ask the Factory" sections to their own category. However I've been thinking about the idea suggested to remove the camplite/quicksilver split. What are your thoughts on making the sections more generic such as "Trailer", "Truck", "5th Wheel", etc. The problem I see is there is still a good bit of care over from one section to the other, yet if we just merge it all into one there will be just as many issues with no organization.

I've gone ahead and altered the names a bit to try and remind people what section they are posting in.
I'd also like a push from anyone that is willing to help keep things organized, to help remind people to post to the correct boards. Mods can move topics as needed as well, and i'm happy to add people who want to help out.

Thoughts?

-Sean

[tinkeringtechie]

The combined ask the factory looks good. It will be easier for livin lite to monitor. I wouldn't combine any of the quicksilver/camplite sections quite yet. I think once we get a bit more membership we'll be thankful for the extra organization.

[charliem]

[font size="3"][font face="arial"]I'll second Tinkering..........'s thoughts. We do need to focus LL's attention to a limited area. I also think some further split/combination will be needed, but I don't yet know what that should be. So let's try it as is for a bit longer. I like the way you've changed the titles to emphasize the differences.
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[djsamuel]

I'd leave it how you have it for now.  I read all of the sections since you never know what useful info you may find, but pay more attention to the Camplite area since that is what I own.

[vmcmn]

[quote source="/post/583/thread" timestamp="1397791965" author="@djsamuel"]I'd leave it how you have it for now.  I read all of the sections since you never know what useful info you may find, but pay more attention to the Camplite area since that is what I own.[/quote]I do the same,reading all the sections because I can pick up ideas in the Camplite section that I can use with my QS.  I'd leave the split,but the idea of combining the "Ask the Factory" section is a good one.

[pinstriper]

I'm happy to see the change. I also think the new labels will help prevent folks from putting things in the wrong box. Maybe the occasional "thread moved" by a moderator would help folks' awareness of where they're posting.

It was never a big deal, just trying to help make the forum the best experience for everyone.