Re-organizing the forums

[riptides]

Basically, we have the same types of topics getting posted everywhere.

What I think we need is a simplified structure that allows narrowing results based on limited sub-topics.

......

I guess the best way to explain is to mock up some visuals at some point...

We have met the enemy and it is PowerPoint, comes to mind.

 

[dieselscout80]

One thing I would like to see is older threads posted in newer threads and now the link(s) are dead.

Is there a way to search for them by post number (key field in DB) and find them and update the links?

 

[Phil Timmons]

Basically, we have the same types of topics getting posted everywhere.

What I think we need is a simplified structure that allows narrowing results based on limited sub-topics.

For example one main Kubota section, one main John Deere section, that pulls all threads for the brand and allows filtering.

There are Kubota topics dotted all over the forum but currently finding them involves clicking way too many times.

Same goes for lots of other main topics. There are troubleshooting/mechanical threads all over the place and we need to get them into more simplified areas so they are easier to find for both the members who want to answer, or find answers.

A Kubota feed should show everything related to Kubota and then allow filtering based on model series or a few main thread types.

I guess the best way to explain is to mock up some visuals at some point...

Need to tell "we the jerks" to stay on topic.

Good Luck on that, Sir.

btw, Thanks for all you do.

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

Young Muhammad: I want to go into IT to help people and share information.

Now 2026 Muhammad: I babysit a bunch of old grumpy wannabe play-farmers, and folks with a Tractor fetish.

 

[caver]

I see it like one of those old save this restaurant shows. The places that had these huge menus were told to scale it back. Successful places usually have a simple menu. Less items to deal with in the kitchen keeps the quality up. I've noticed this in real restaurants. Since I got back on the forum after a long break I click on New Posts which works for me.

 

[CH4Ohio]

Basically, we have the same types of topics getting posted everywhere.

What I think we need is a simplified structure that allows narrowing results based on limited sub-topics.

For example one main Kubota section, one main John Deere section, that pulls all threads for the brand and allows filtering.

There are Kubota topics dotted all over the forum but currently finding them involves clicking way too many times.

Same goes for lots of other main topics. There are troubleshooting/mechanical threads all over the place and we need to get them into more simplified areas so they are easier to find for both the members who want to answer, or find answers.

A Kubota feed should show everything related to Kubota and then allow filtering based on model series or a few main thread types.

I guess the best way to explain is to mock up some visuals at some point...

I don't fully appreciate your problems, I'm sure. But isn't some of it caused by the fact that someone will post a question (about a John Deere, for example) and the conversation will then go on for 50 pages with solutions and advice but also comments about every other tractor brand? Isn't the overlap and diverse content inevitable?

If it helps you guys to rearrange the existing topics using a different scheme, I don't think it will affect me at all. You could do it alphabetically, numerically, by manufacturer, or by the member's birthday -- as many others have mentioned, I'll still click on "Today's Posts" and scan down for the topics I'm interested in.

 

[CH4Ohio]

Just another question / comment -- Isn't the content fully indexed? If so, couldn't you add some FILTER or SORT widgets that would let anyone customize their view without actually changing any of the underlying content? Would that work for Admins or solve any issues?

You'll still be "ordering" things based on the "thread title", won't you? That won't account for the wide-ranging commentary within any given thread. (e.g. -- We're currently discussing our elementary education experiences in the EV Death Spiral thread . . . )

Again, I don't think I'll really care since I don't search or browse using the "Forums" as a key. Would be nice if you could roll it out with a toggle button option to view/use the "new" version and switch back-and-forth till it's fine-tuned.

 

[ArlyA]

Need to tell "we the jerks" to stay on topic.

Good Luck on that, Sir.

btw, Thanks for all you do.

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

Young Muhammad: I want to go into IT to help people and share information.

Now 2026 Muhammad: I babysit a bunch of old grumpy wannabe play-farmers, and folks with a Tractor fetish.

I'd love to delete posts that are just trolling and making inappropriate posts in threads I've started. Nothing kills a good thread faster.

 

[Muhammad]

Yes, tagging the content can be done on the back end and will be a large part of this.

Realistic rollout would be along the lines of combining brand specific forums and pulling those to the top of the list.

 

[Muhammad]

I'd love to delete posts that are just trolling and making inappropriate posts in threads I've started. Nothing kills a good thread faster.

Maybe it's time for thread starters to be the moderators of their own threads?

 

[thclimer]

Maybe it's time for thread starters to be the moderators of their own threads?

Now that could get intersting!

 

[ArlyA]

Maybe it's time for thread starters to be the moderators of their own threads?

Yes! Or something like that. I'm administrator on a few FB pages and there are people who love to post mean and off topic. Like the flat earth folks.

 

[Snobdds]

Maybe it's time for thread starters to be the moderators of their own threads?

A walking disaster. Especially with people like Arly that are so type A that any perceived side drift is met with...start your own thread.

You can't give type A people control because they will abuse it.

And it's ok, Arly has me on ignore so he won't see this.

 

[Snobdds]

I always just hit new posts.

Always gets the most up to date topics.

 

[CH4Ohio]

Maybe it's time for thread starters to be the moderators of their own threads?

Sounds like anarchy

 

[BleedingOrange]

I use New posts and My Home daily. It lists all the topics I have responded to.

 

[MossRoad]

I hit the 'New posts' button anytime I come on. Peruse the list. Read what I want. Hit the 'Mark forums read' button and leave.

Repeat the next time I visit. Works well for me.

 

[MossRoad]

Maybe it's time for thread starters to be the moderators of their own threads?

Yikes!

I'm a moderator and I don't even moderate my own threads.

 

[bigtiller]

I read by forum, and not all of them. A few of the general ones - projects, build it yourself are often great. Kubota tractors (one or more of those), the repair forums, hydraulics, and the fun ones like rural living and the front porch. Plus others, but you get the idea.

I read by forum also.
I just counted them up.
I read 14 of them everyday, morning and/or evening, and another 8 occasionally.

I have never clicked on the New Post tab.

 

[Torvy]

The tractor brand forums need to be consolidated and rethought.

People go directly to those to get help with existing equipment or as part of a shopping experience. Us regulars don't go there as much.

I'd make the bigger categories JD, Kubota, AGCO, CNH, Mahindra, LS, TYM and Kioti. Subsidiaries and wholly produced store brands would fall under those. For instance, all RK and Bad Boy tractors are made by TYM.

Under other brands, they either redirect to the parent forum as in the TYM example, or they have their own posts for smaller volume brands.

I think there are really 3 basic types of users here. 1) shoppers, including 1st time tractor buyers and just people looking for equipment on the marketplace 2) people experiencing a breakdown who need help. 3) those of us who came here and stayed for the social/info

I'd look to partner with the brands directly or a dealer to provide 'expert help' for each brand. I know, for example, Neil from Messicks is on here. Maybe he partners to provide Kubota specific info as an example.