How would you make FerrariChat.com better?

Is there a way I can email the messages in my PM box to myself? There are some conversations that I would like to keep for future reference, and my PM box would also have more space. I haven't seen any function for this task.

 

One improvement I can suggest is to the FerrariAds area. I have posted things before, exited, then tried to do a search to see how easily it was to find the item I posted...and could not locate it. Could be an error on my part, but I don't think it was. I guess my point is that if we can post items, they should be findable. More catagories would be helpful too.

 

Go to Private Messages

Pick a single PM, a few, a page or the whole she-bang...

Scroll to bottom of page - at bottom right of PMs is a pull-down menu - it allows you to download messages in a variety of formats. After doing so, feel free to delete same messages [which remain checked] from your Inbox or your Sent Items, thus freeing up more space. I've downloaded well over a thousand PMs as Text, myself, always by oldest page that has 25 messages.

 

Only problem I see here is liability. If someone posts directions, for instance, to do a timing belt change, another follows the steps (but makes some kind of blunder), the DIYer should not be able to get sue-haapy on another for bad or (more likely) mis-interpreted directions.

Great idea, just needs a "no liability" clause.

Ferrari List had a link to a site many years ago that included some things like this that were HEAVILY prefaced with warnings about

"Don't try this if you REALLY don't know what you are doing...and don't hold the author to blame if the job turns out with bad results."

Otherwise, I think this forum is awesome for getting helpful tech advice!

 

I opened the photo you indicated and saved at 300dpi and at 200dpi using gimp, and the net file size was the same. As stated by bert308 above, the DPI is just a numeric entry in a table contained in the file. The likely reason that the file shrunk for you is that the quality was reduced at your (perhaps unstated) request, by the software you used to manipulate the image parameters. The "quality" parameter (or compression parameter) is a selectable control for jpeg compression which allows one to trade off quality for reduced file size. Your software has a default that was used when the file was saved.

Saved at 77Kb (50% quality in gimp) the activity in the photo is still clear, but compression artifacts are clearly visible. If you want to talk about what was happening, it is good enough at that file size. If you want a pretty picture, it's not good enough. Unfortunately, making the effort to actively control a picture's file size depending on the context in which they are being posted may be beyond what can be expected of an internet user today (... he says grumpily.)

I've been documenting and posting on Ferrarichat the highlights of the exotic events I've been to at 400x600, and average about 220Kb/photo. The quality is good enough for "pretty" photos on screen.

What can you do with a measly 175Kb? Rather a lot, actually. From last weekend......
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I agree with this. If I come to the site, go into General Discussion and see several bolded threads (but don't click on any of them), they're all unbolded if I leave that section and then go back to it later.

I think moderators should focus on threads like this one (yes, it's Ferrari-related, but it's dumb), this one, this one and a host of others and put them elsewhere.

I recall hearing a statistic recently that approximately 50% of computer users have a 1,280 x 800 display or better. So upping the allowable image size would be nice; 800 x 800 looks so small and I have a 1,440 x 900 laptop (not that large by today's standards). Also, being able to upload more than four pictures at a time would be nice. Also, being able to select more than one picture to upload at a time would be nice.

How about opening up the code a little on the site...? Allowing embeddable images and videos would be fantastic...? I know some sites are blocked, but by opening the code, that pretty much keeps people here. Viewing the site is so much more enjoyable when images and videos are right there, instead of only viewable when a link is clicked.

How about some basic model details for the model-specific subforums...? When someone enters, for example, the 360 subforum, if there were basic 360 model information at the top of the page (total number produced, years of production, RHD, F1/manual, etc.), that might deter some newb questions as well empower users with knowledge. If you'd like basic model details for each model, just let me know, I'd be happy to help. If not, how about a whole page that lists all sorts of information about each model...? A universal page accessible by everyone, to which a link can be placed at the top of each forum. If anyone ever typed "500 Superfast" into the search feature, the 500 Superfast section of that universal page would be the first thing to come up, allowing searching/curious/new users to obtain some basic infrastructural information about their query before they ever post. In that 500 Superfast section of that page would also be a link to the 500 Superfast subforum (see Vintage suggestion below).

Please, please, please, please, please, please - PRETTY FRIGGIN' PLEASE - turn the incorrect spelling indicator feature back on. The spelling and grammar here continues to deteriorate and I think that feature would benefit all of us.

Someone else mentioned something about a tutorial for new users. I think that's brilliant. In one way, it'll severely decrease the amount of trolls who sign up. In another way, it'll help new users with questions that might have. Some people come here with the sole purpose of asking a question; if a tutorial can help them with that question, then they won't make a(nother) repost.

Allow images to be posted in PMs. Also, how about upping the PM box capacity for consultants...?

How about a rich text editor/formatter for post windows...? So instead of making brackets for bold and color and hyperlinks, people can just highlight and click.

How about requiring serial numbers for FerrariAds ))...?

How about breaking Vintage down into subforums...? Ferrari made more "vintage" cars than the Dinos and all subsequent models combined.
166 (Inter, Sport), 195/212 (Inter), 375 America, 250 Europa (and Europa GT), 400 Superamerica, 410 Superamerica (Series I, II and III), 250 GT (PF Coupe and Cab, Boano low roof and Ellena low and high roofs), 250 TdF, 250 SWB, 250 GTO, 250 LM, GTE 2+2, Spyder California (LWB, SWB), 250 Lusso, 330 America, 330 GT 2+2, 500 Superfast, 275 (GTS, GTB, GTB/4, short nose, long nose, steel, alloy, three-carb, six-carb, etc.), 365 California, 330 GTC (and GTS), 365 GT 2+2, 365 GTB/4 (GTB/4-A and Daytona Spyder), 365 GTC (and GTS), 365 GTC/4, Michelotti, Fantuzzi, Ghia, Pininfarina, Scaglietti, Spyders, Berlinettas, Touring, Ansaloni, Allemano, Stablimenti, Vignale, ASA, 815 AAC, Drogo - the richest part of Ferrari's history is in its past. Perhaps the same can be done for the racing section, too. Cramming all of this vintage stuff into one section can be a bit intimidating. But organizing it makes it easier for folks who are interested in one particular thing, and easier (and more attractive) to new users and to searching sections/threads in the future.

How about an entire section on Ferrari exterior paints...? Period information, colors, samples (thumbnails?), etc.

How about an entire section on Ferrari coachbuilders or people who have built more than one famous Ferrari...? Pininfarina, Scaglietti, Ghia, Drogo, Nembo, Bertone, Touring, Vignale, etc...?

How about a dropdown menu of all of the other forums within any subforum or, more importantly, on any page on FerrariChat...? So if I'm in Ferrari Ads, or I'm in a particular thread in the Super Car section, I can select, let's say, "Boxers/TR/M" from the dropdown menu and I'm immediately taken to that subsection. If EZBoard could do it almost a decade ago, surely vB has that capability now.

This is, by far, the most frequented Ferrari site on the Internet. So why not consummate that with information for which non-forum Web users would be interested in? That would just bring more and more people here. When I want to know whether a not a certain word is a preposition, I don't go to Dictionary.com, I go to Wikipedia's list of prepositions in the English language. Because all of the information I need on that subject is right there. If FerrariChat had every conceivable piece of information related to Ferraris, then even people who don't like forums would be compelled to come here because all of the information they want would be right here. And I don't even need to go into details on the benefits of the business end of these ideas.

I can't get myself to pull away from this forum; if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. But I hunger for information beyond the latest eBay listing of replicas. And I know I'm not the only one. If this place were a one-stop end all be all Ferrari terminal, it would be even more amazing than it already is.

 

Rob----just uploaded an ad within Ferrariads and got 25 emails exactly the same telling me I placed the ad...

 

+1001

 

LOL, point well taken. And I assumed Rob would say exactly what you've just said. But by making the space for these rarely talked-about topics, the existence of such a place might be encouragement enough to get people to talk more about these things. Perhaps enough people aren't aware of Ansaloni, Fantuzzi, Ghia, etc. And if those sections were collapsible, they wouldn't be an intrusion on those people who don't want to talk about those topics.

It's hard for people to want to learn about things if they don't even know they exist.

 

Carbon, don't take this the wrong way, even though I know you will, but the idea of you being a Ferrari snob is somewhat humorous. Maybe if you think about it, you might understand what I mean. You have come a long way.

Dale

 

It is not my intention to come across as a snob - and if that's how it is interpreted, I apologize. But FerrariChat used to be this little side street of car guys hanging out, complete with dirty rags hanging from their back pockets, and owners' manuals in their hands. Every post had useful information in it. Now it is a wide open, paved boulevard of Ferrari and automotive enthusiasts. But rather than be littered with blinking neon signs of eBay listings boasting replicas, I think a stronger focus should be placed on the free dissemination of information (and ease thereof), considering the power FerrariChat now has.

 

LOL, yes this place has changed. Not for the better, but what do I know?

However, I must remind you, as I do my graduate students on a daily basis, that this is the Internet. You know, that place where everybody knows everything, but most of these experts would have a difficult time finding their ass with both hands and dual mirrors. In other words, this is entertainment. The true quest for knowledge means that you have to look further than Google or Wiki, or alas F-Chat.

Dale

 

In some cases, you're right. But I think part of the change through which FerrariChat has gone is beneficial to all.

I agree; but the more people that are here discussing a certain topic, the more of a chance everyone has of seeing all of the opinions, supposed facts and, in some cases, evidence. Ferrari made 14 365 Californias; I don't think anyone would refute that. But there is much debate over the true total production number of, for example, the Challenge Stradale. The more people involved in the discussion can sometimes make it hectic. Then again, there are some benefits to high numbers. Someone, somewhere, is bound to learn of this debate and will be inclined to provide irrefutable proof of the exact and total production number. This has happened in the past. I'm confident that it will continue to happen as this community continues to expand.

 

This is where I part ways with the historians of the Ferrari world, with all due respect, such as Gerald. Frankly, having owned a Stradale, I count selling my car as one of my few regrets in life. Frankly, I don't care how many they made. It could be a million zillion. But this doesn't diminish the feeling you get when you get behind the wheel of one with a clear track in front of you.

Yeah, I know. I'm an aging boomer that Gen Xers like Rob will never understand. But, as a man once sang, "Are you experienced?"

Dale

 

More EMOTICONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and more Boobies

lets have a Miss FChat wet T shirt contest

 

More to the point, Rob. If you want this site to appeal to Boomers with excess dollars to spend (so that your customers will pay your outrageous fees, just kidding, but only slightly), it needs to be very easy to use for someone with a minimum of computer skills.

Just tonight, for example, I fired Hertz. I needed to add my daughter to my account so that she could rent a car tomorrow in order to visit Stanford. Long story short, I had to call customer service. Despite reaching someone who spoke English, things did not go well.

You see, she had to set up her own account. I couldn't add her to mine.

The problem is that my computer remembers my Hertz account and when I log in it goes directly to my account, which will not let me add her. Indeed, that was the problem that started all this.

When the Xer on the phone said that I needed to disconnect from my account so that I could create a new account for her...

Well, long story short, I said some bad things. The older I get. The cooler I realize Jack Nicholson is. Trust me on this. You do NOT want to see me with a golf club in my hand.

Dale

 

You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain
Too much loving drives a man insane
You broke my will, oh what a thrill
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire

 

Just a thought. But after reading post after post with basic spelling errors "Spell Check" may be a useful addition to this forum.

 

That one line says SO MUCH about society today!

Jedi

 

Hey Rob,

One thing that I'd recommend is a section right on the front page that lists all the DIY articles written by FChat users... I own an X5 and if you go to x5world.com, all the DIY articles are all there, neatly separated by sections. Easy for newbies to find and it reduces the number of threads from people asking the same questions over and over again.

my 0.02$

DF

 

"How would you make FerrariChat.com better?"

More cowbell.

 

I wish that I could have the 1st three topics be te ones tha are most important to me. In my case it would be 1. General Discussion 2. Showroom 3. My region 4. 360/430 5. 348/355 But it would be great if we could manage what order things are listed on the front page. Whenver I visit F Chat I always go to those five topics. It would be so nice if I didn't have to Sift pas everything else that doesn't interest me.


Its still a great site!

enzo

 

Subscribe to those topics (actually "forums") and use this as your bookmark:
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/usercp.php?
You will see al your subscribed forums and topics you replied to or subsribed to. (anyone just click the link to see what it does, it works best if you have cookies on and are pemanently logged in)