Pondering internet MPG forums and needed improvements

[rh77]

I stumbled upon this site a while back when I was trying to improve fuel economy, since I determined that it was needed in my life. What kept me around at first, was the ability to introduce oneself, and have people warmly welcome you -- especially the webmaster (thanks Matt). Then the support of regular members with questions and hypotheses allowed me to experiment on my car and report the results. That alone made it worthwhile because not only was my project assisted, but now others could learn from benefits and errors.

Ever since, it's become kind of an addiction, even a cause to believe in. The focus on scientifically evaluating products, techniques, and vehicles themselves is very meaningful. I joined a Yahoo MPG group and was bombarded by meaningless arguments, posts that never made it or was never responded-to, and the shear number of mass e-mails about the same topic. I recall a PIB/Torco/Etc thread that went on forever, and nothing was concluded. I left quickly.

I like the fact that this site is very visual, the Gaslog is a valuable tool, and salespeople tend to run off unless we can test the product ;-)

Nothing lasts forever, but this site can continue by keeping its anchor members, getting new members with fresh ideas, and by evolving to our needs. I'm satisfied for now, and won't let even a week go by without checking in.

Keep up the good work...

RH77

[Bunger]

I gotta say also that it's the people here that keep me coming back. I think I check this site as much as I check my email now! There are always interesting topics being discused and I have yet to see any harsh words nor anyone not being open minded about an idea. Keep up the great work everyone! And thanks again Matt for giving us a place to come together.

[philmcneal]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

another idea: would a chat feature be worthwhile?

IRC please, you guys are underestimating this powerful chat tool!

[SVOboy]

I've never had the patience to figure out IRC.

[kickflipjr]

I like the way this site/ forum is set up. I wish there was a bit more activity. The new garage setup was a big improvement.

I really don't like how yahoo groups are set up. It is so hard to navigate.

[kickflipjr]

-pressed it twice...

[SVOboy]

If you want activity check out my new thread for autos,

[krousdb]

Originally Posted by Matt Timion

So my question to you all is simple. What can I, we, etc. do to make this more of a primary location for people? How can it be more appealing? How can it be more user friendly? Should we seperate the forum into more specific areas? What additions would you like to see that would make this the first thing that pops in your mind when you think of fuel economy forums?

Just to calibrate you on the value that I place on this website, I present the following data:

My preferred site, before finding this one was GH. In my two years of membership, I posted 217 times. By contrast, in the one month I have been a member here, I have posted 257 times... Make that 258 time counting this post.

Need I say more?

[SVOboy]

Aww, that's like the sweetest thing. They should make a valentine's day card out of that.

[krousdb]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Aww, that's like the sweetest thing. They should make a valentine's day card out of that.

Blush.