Refining the categories...

[Dirtdog]

This is just an observation, but one that has been noted by others... The site seems very busy, yet there is only a smattering or sprinkling of responses here and there. The sheer number of categories can be confusing. I think if you had one category that said bike frames, and another that said components, for instance, that might be all you need to tackle what each and every rider would chime in on, regarding a bike... to break the bike down to every component may be too much. There are only going to be so many posts about what chain you are using... but if those same posts were sprinkled in a general component category, you would get more responses. Does that make sense? It's kind of like KISS. Keep it simple stupid. Most people don't like to think. They react on what they see. Sometimes less is better. This is not a knock mind you, because I do think and break things down... sometimes... but I think you may get my drift. Let someone start their own thread about shifters if they like... just don't try to steer them to a specific spot...

What does everyone else think? This site is in it's infancy, so trial and error will abound. The more user friendly the site becomes, the more success it will generate, not only for those who read, but perhaps for the site itself. I do think this has the making of a premier venue for us East Coaster's and perhaps sponsors themselves who would like nothing better than to dial into our world...

I need everyone else to chime in here, since we are the ultimate judges. Who better than riders themselves to determine what they want or need. Don't be bashful... The MasterLlama has done an extraordinary job just getting this thing launched... Let's all do our part to make sure it keeps going... YA!

P.S. - I know we discussed this Thom, but I haven't been able to edit it yet. You will devise the final version, because I know you can...

[The Llama]

Well DD, you have a point... I can see where having it a little more condensed would make it easier to read. But also having it too compact will make things start disappearing into non existence.  If there is a LOT of posts/threads all in one area the forum starts to put older ones on second, third and forth pages, bla bla bla.....   though the "current" subject being discussed would be up top, a review for something someone is looking for gets buried where they may not find it.  make since?  think about posts on the Fat Tire Fest on CLIMB from this fall.  try and find info/posts about it.?  can be done, but kinda hard.    

The final goal I had in mind was to have a "web site" with a template and data base for the actual "reviews" with an reasonably easy search system. I was hoping I'd have a super geek who'd be able to help with getting that done... but hasn't happened so far.  though I haven't given up, just need to save up some $$$ to get the software and time for me to learn it if I'm going to be doing it alone.

Then we'd have a "forum" to just doing the yacking/blabbing in.

I didn't like the Loooonnnngggggg scroll so I started using the child board but they aren't set right for this kinda use. way to confusing. I have been in contact with the script'ers and software writers and hope they can make it more of a category list that the current child board settings. with the newer versions which are coming soon.

It is a good Idea though to compact things down for easier reading and posting, just not sure where...?

hey any input is most helpful guys/girls.... so let's hear your Ideas!!

[hooples3]

I did notice what dirtdog was saying. I feel there are so many categories that you need to go through each and everyone to see whats going on.. which brings me to my next point.
I realize that this is a review site but...

I feel people stick with what they know and like. I sometimes find it hard to post about a bike part.. how much can you really say about a stem? through my years there haven't been to many purchases that Ive regretted, but to write about them seems like a lost cause.

Take a seat for example...everyones ass is different to say i love a seat is great for me.. but the review will probably mean nothing to someone else. XT cassette.. everyone knows its a workhorse of a cassette I feel as if i post that up people may read it.. but you dont get a response to any topic because ppl agree. Thats why i tend to put up clothing.. I have bought or wondered about certain clothing and have been burned with poor purchases before. I feel with clothing some insight form others will be great.

a lot of the categories break down into such fine topics that they begin to look as if no body ever posts in them.. I understand eventually we hope to get as big as other review sites

[The Llama]

you guys sure have a point.  But I don't want to push EVERY thing together...

here's my thought's, what do you guys think..

Brakes, Wheels and Tires are all very "personal" choices I have found.... depending on terrain, type of riding style, and just personal choice... really want to keep them apart...?

Seats, Stems, handle bars, aren't a big deal as far as which one is better, just getting the one that fits you in length, and rise, comfort,..bla bla bla.. almost want to delete that section, but then there are a few odd or exceptional parts... so ?

Shocks and forks again are kinda personal and quality is something we ALL really want to write,read, talk about. This area of the bikes are probably the most talked about parts with LOTS of choices, other than the frames themselves.

obviously frame/ whole bikes are a big topic and kinda needs it's own area?

Drivetrain is sorta highly talked about, Cassettes and chains aren't that much, but derailleurs and cranks are.....

The Tech section I'll get rid of all the child boards and just group together... just takes time saving/moving posts around.

[The Llama]

OK, did a little house cleaning today.....

[hooples3]

looks pretty good.. i think its going to come down to making some changes and see how you/we like them or dislike them.. i dont think there is one answer. Unfortunately it is of course more work for you in the long run...

in the next few days.. probbaly starting tuesday since i'm away in PA for the long weekend i will make some mental notes and give you my 1/2 cent worth 

I think its better to start small and grow then to be huge and intimedating at first sight

[hooples3]

wheels and tires can be one??? no??

Who are you maybe a thread or a sticky in Blabbering?

[The Llama]

Who are you maybe a thread or a sticky in Blabbering?

Good idea... DONE!!! it's like magic!!   

wheels and tires can be one??? no??

ya, I thought about it, but it if you look, they are both very high in the "topic" (not just post, but actual new topics). start cramming it together and things get lost...?  Again, review are the main purpose of the site and I want people to be able to find those reviews with ease....  I haven't dealt it out yet... just seems counter productive?     but I could be wrong...