New Guys Always Have The Same Qs... [Archive]

KillJoy

01-20-2006, 06:34 AM

SergntMac

01-20-2006, 07:06 AM

You mean like the FAQ in the toolbar about four inches above this sentence?

juno

01-20-2006, 07:07 AM

I like the idea and would be willing to volunteer some time to search a copy of the DB and put some specific threads or links into stickies. Is it possible to send some copies of the DB out to some volunteers or stick a copy out here some where so they can create stickies?
Some of the more technical folks can review for accuracy and then the mods do a final review for "decency".

EDIT : And can the search engine be adjusted to look for stuff in quotes, Like "gear oil" so you don't get every mention of gear and every mention of oil?

Rider90

01-20-2006, 07:09 AM

C'mon Killjoy, you got work to do :P

I'm sure someone would vouch for that, but it's very time consuming, I at one point was considering putting my links public along with my "Mod-List" of many popular mods you can do for under $200, $500, $1000, $2000, $6000, and $7000. But alas, I think I'll hold onto it.

jawz101

01-20-2006, 07:17 AM

Some of these things could be accounted for in the Reviews section. I had a thread at one time called 'swappable bolt-on performance parts' which kinda covered some of these questions.

I think it's a great idea too but I think people should just update the Reviews or FAQ section.

Who would we send our FAQs to for review?
I suppose they would need a few critiques and consensus on those before they make it there.

KillJoy

01-20-2006, 07:23 AM

You mean like the FAQ in the toolbar about four inches above this sentence?

Yes, like that, but containing more of what I suggested. It would be nice if the Pics for the Chip install were there. Or, which Mustang Headers will / will not work.

Also, the Search Feature does like said above. If you search for "which 4.10" you get 20 pages of any post that contain "which" and "4.10", not "which 4.10".

KillJoy

KillJoy

01-20-2006, 07:25 AM

jawz101

01-20-2006, 07:48 AM

I've rethought my response. There really aren't many threads out there once you get a sense of things to start with. A lot of stuff just gets reviewed by some of the main contributing members and vendors as they tinker w/ new parts to test.

The best way to get a sense of what MM owners or anyone are doing is to search the supporting vendor sites for Marauder parts. Then come back here and do searches on them and their counterparts.

As far as swapping w/ Mustang parts, I may want to mention that we share some of our back end w/ FLM beefy limos.

Ck out that swappable thread I had mentioned
swappable bolt-ons (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=21993&highlight=swappable)

Also, Reinhart did a number on Florida Highway Patrol's Marauders they got a while back. That's an easy Google search.

Don't forget to name your threads well so people can look @ the titles when searching and get a good idea what you are about to say.

My biggest annoyance when I stumble on a random thread and someone lays out perfect install notes buried that I could have potentially skipped over. I wish they were thrown in the Reviews section for that part instead. Those are the posts that give you a feel on how much you can do yourself and what to send to a shop.

I think the reviews section should include an expertise install rating and est. time of install.

MENINBLK

01-20-2006, 10:28 AM

If you want to make this simple and idiot proof, then just make the new members
limited to a "New Members" section until they join a local forum.
Then the'll have access to the board just like the rest of us do.

If you limit them to the info that everyone looks for or asks for when they first get here,
then it makes it easier for them to find it if that's all they can look at.

Then once they decide that this is a place for them to stay, they can join in their local forum,
announce they are here, and be greeted by other Marauder owners in their area.
This will give them access to local info and meets.

It is much easier to be directed in this way to be acclimated to our site,
then to just wander in and start asking questions.

magindat

01-20-2006, 10:30 AM

This sould make all the "old-timers" lives easier and less frustrating, because they will not have to take the time to answer w/ "Search".

KillJoy

Personally, I don't mind answering some of the same questions and providing links to threads I've searched/read. I am grateful for the info here. True, I have had to dig for some of it. But hey, the time spent searching (good/bad/indifferent) has saved me a *****load of 'trial and error' and money.

I don't mind giving back to the collective.

Howecer, you didn't hear me crying for a better search or a better FAQ. I am grateful for what's here.

Further, I have read members' profiles and sigs noting their mods and sent PM's with specific questions. I have ALWAYS been answered quickly, sincerely and respectfully.

The least I could do is post links to lessons I've learned. Who cares if it's redundant?! Of course I don't have patience for those who haven't at least tried searching first.

I have been assimilated. Resistance was indeed futile.

twolow

01-20-2006, 11:53 AM

Bluerauder

01-20-2006, 12:07 PM

Well, I am a new MM owner. I have noticed several other new owners since I have joined, and we have all seemed to have the same questions.
"Give a man a fish and he eats for a day ... teach a man to fish..." --- well, you get the idea. :rolleyes: :D

RF Overlord

01-20-2006, 12:16 PM

Who would we send our FAQs to for review?That would be me...

Always happy to add well-written "how-to" articles, part #s, etc...

gpfarrell

01-20-2006, 12:38 PM

"What's the difference between a 300A & 300B"

For that matter, why does the 300C have more horsepower?

I commend you for sticking your toe in the water and offering gentle & constructive criticism... I'd say the reason you're not finding a "Cliff's Notes" section is that we all enjoy wandering through random threads and learning as much as we can about the Marauders... Lord knows the dealers aren't much help so we have to fend for ourselves!

KillJoy

01-20-2006, 12:48 PM

What color besides black does the Marauder come in?

Oh, and why does my oil gauge always say the same thing?

BTW, I heard there was a manual transmission white Marauder out there. I think I want one of those too.

Thanks *waves*:cool:

Replies like this are exactly why I posted this thread.:mad:

If all information was more easily available, you wouldn't have to feel you have to pi$$ all over a redundant (to most) new-guy question.

Apparently most folks here feel if you want to know the answer to a question, you need to go searching through years of back posts to find your answer. The Search Feature apparently does not work as well for me, because I never seem to find what I am looking for.

I guess I am done w/ this thread. Apparently I am the only one who thinks things could be easier on all.

IN MY OPINION, there is no worse reply thatn "Search, this has been covered before!"

Thank you to all who have constructivly participated in my thought.:o

KillJoy

twolow

01-20-2006, 01:09 PM

I searched for newbie and found this thread..wow!

KillJoy

01-20-2006, 01:15 PM

I searched for newbie and found this thread..wow!

So...personal insults are tolerated here?

Killjoy

juno

01-20-2006, 01:16 PM

Hey,

I supported you. I hate asking repeat questions but I also hate the search engine.

KillJoy

01-20-2006, 01:20 PM

Hey,

I supported you. I hate asking repeat questions but I also hate the search engine.

Thanks!:2thumbs: I was not directing it towards everyone, even though rereading it....it does kind of sound that way.

KillJoy

BruteForce

01-20-2006, 02:20 PM

So...personal insults are tolerated here?

Killjoy

First, welcome to the site. Second, since you're new its possible you haven't been here long enough to gain some perspective on our group and how we do business. We are a loosely affiliated group of serious car lovers who in turn don't take ourselves too seriously. Good natured ribbing is the norm. My advise is to comb through the existing FAQs as well as doing single word searches on topics you might want more information on. While you're in learning mode, try not to bite any hands that you may need to be fed from sometime in the future.

Now get out there and mod that monster. :D

KillJoy

01-20-2006, 02:25 PM

I understand how things work. However, I read this as an insult, and took it as such. Not biting any hands. Just thought I would offer a suggestion, and it has come to personal insults.

KillJoy

BruteForce

01-20-2006, 02:32 PM

I understand how things work. However, I read this as an insult, and took it as such. Not biting any hands. Just thought I would offer a suggestion, and it has come to personal insults.

KillJoy

Hmmm... let's see... you're new. Widely used slang term for someone new is newbie. Its not an insult if its true. :D

Believe me if it had actually been an insult, you would have no doubt. Lets try not living up to your login name, mkay? ;)

You're taking yourself too seriously. Granted you may have a valid point about the lack of organization but remember that this is a hobbyist site, not the Library of Congress. Maybe you're the one who will volunteer to compile the volumes of data into a coherent form?

Smokie

01-20-2006, 02:36 PM

I understand how things work. However, I read this as an insult, and took it as such. Not biting any hands. Just thought I would offer a suggestion, and it has come to personal insults.

KillJoy

A lot could be better, but we have to work with what we have, I don't think anyone personally insulted you, but that is only my opinion.

Welcome to our forum, very glad to hear we have a new owner, how can I help you. What SPECIFIC information are you seeking?:)

twolow

01-20-2006, 02:45 PM

I wasn't insulting, just being me like everyone else :P

*gives Killjoy a wedgie*

KillJoy

01-20-2006, 02:50 PM

Thanks for your replies.

There is no specific items for myself. Through my searching, I found every time a new person has asked a question, they get the same replies. Always search. Occasionally a good reply. I was just making a suggestion, that I thought, would alleviate that from happening as often. Nothing more, nothing less.

Others seem to feel that searching for the common answers is a better way. I don't agree, at least not how the Search Feature is set up here.

I am in the process of deciding on gears. I wanted to know what the general consensus here was for different manufacturers' products. If you search for "which 4.10" or "which gears", 20 pages of results are returned. As long as "which" and "4.10" are included, the post appears in the results. This isn't easy for a new person to find out the answer quickly. So...what do they do...Post a new Topic! (yeah!) Then they get shot down w/ the search replies. Then some may leave thinking a rude forum.

My thought was to only get rid of some of these. Not to piss on everone's Cheerios like I apparently have:alone: That was not my intent, only a little suggestion.

KillJoy

Smokie

01-20-2006, 02:59 PM

I don't think anybody was mad at you, in regards to gears; your ultimate plans play a role in gear selection, for a N/A MM. a good custom tune and 4:10's are very effective and wake up the car at the low end.

The 4:10's ARE the overwhelming favorite here among those that changed gears. Best of both worlds low-end push and still cruises at high speeds without very high rpm's.

If you are considering a S/C then the type you choose would determine what gear ratio to use or even if you need them at all. As you narrow your focus and tell us the direction you want to take , you will get better answers.:)

KillJoy

01-20-2006, 03:39 PM

duhtroll

01-20-2006, 03:45 PM

I agree it'd be great, but my experience is that

1) Newbies don't search first
2) Newbies don't read FAQs

Generally. There are some that do, but not most.

Thanks for your replies.

There is no specific items for myself. Through my searching, I found every time a new person has asked a question, they get the same replies. Always search. Occasionally a good reply. I was just making a suggestion, that I thought, would alleviate that from happening as often. Nothing more, nothing less.

Others seem to feel that searching for the common answers is a better way. I don't agree, at least not how the Search Feature is set up here.

I am in the process of deciding on gears. I wanted to know what the general consensus here was for different manufacturers' products. If you search for "which 4.10" or "which gears", 20 pages of results are returned. As long as "which" and "4.10" are included, the post appears in the results. This isn't easy for a new person to find out the answer quickly. So...what do they do...Post a new Topic! (yeah!) Then they get shot down w/ the search replies. Then some may leave thinking a rude forum.

My thought was to only get rid of some of these. Not to piss on everone's Cheerios like I apparently have:alone: That was not my intent, only a little suggestion.

KillJoy

twolow

01-20-2006, 03:53 PM

If you have some huge (and it would have to be huge) database of FAQ it would be so huge it would not be used.

Its easier to just ask. All the time and effort would yield little result.

I see the question concerning 300a/300b every week and thats the easiest thing to search for.

I see the color question also, and that is easy to search for.

As far as brands recommended, for the site to officially recommend one item over another in a FAQ conflicts with what brand may desire to advertise on the site.

Your example of brand gears and which cause more noise than another I would personally guarantee would not result in "go search for the answer" responses as that is a subject of interest and of much debate and several would like to chime in.

...I will now return to wise cracking...

Smokie

01-20-2006, 04:07 PM

Gear-wise....that is pretty much what I figured out. Brand was my question. But, I just decided I will get FRPPs. I was trying to find out if one brand or another had issues in the MM. Say...excessive noise. I know Motives work nice in Mustangs, but are noisey about 30%+ of the time.

KillJoy

Read post #3 the response is from a FLM wrench and respected member...LINK (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=19906&highlight=gear+noise). As you narrow your focus and ask specific questions you will get references and info from people far wiser than myself.:)

jawz101

01-20-2006, 04:12 PM

Ditto what someone said about starting a newbie section.
It would also be nice to see maybe a research section where we can pool are ideas for FAQ's and reviews. They can be criticized and critiqued before we make them established.
I dunno. Maybe it's my obsession with research.

Mostly I like reading the 'my last post' threads:rolleyes:

CRUZTAKER

01-20-2006, 05:20 PM

I'm not saying this to piss anyone off, or saying I will not search. It just seems all new people to ANY forum have the same questions.

This sould make all the "old-timers" lives easier and less frustrating, because they will not have to take the time to answer w/ "Search".

KillJoy

I completely understand what you suggest.
I have found myself looking for something that I know exists, but cannot find it because the key words I use bring up 1100 hits across 200 threads.

The FAQ does indeed exist, but it isn't as helpfull as it could be.

I think that is the point KJ is trying to make.

CRUZTAKER

01-20-2006, 05:25 PM

I searched for newbie and found this thread..wow!

You were there once...I remember when you joined,
How many comments like this did you receive?

Petrograde

01-20-2006, 05:43 PM

I completely understand what you suggest.
I have found myself looking for something that I know exists, but cannot find it because the key words I use bring up 1100 hits across 200 threads.

The FAQ does indeed exist, but it isn't as helpfull as it could be.

I think that is the point KJ is trying to make.

Yup,.. this happens to me quite a bit. It's a valid request if ya ask me.

About a year ago I actually started a Newbie FAQ in a Word document, I intended to compile all the common Q's then cut & paste to a thread.

hmm,.. I wonder where that .doc is?

FordNut

01-20-2006, 07:39 PM

It's a good idea but it takes time and effort.

I see the same thing at many other forums, usually if I ask a question that has been asked before somebody posts a link to it. Just like commonly happens here.

AzMarauder

01-20-2006, 07:46 PM

Well, I am a new MM owner. I have noticed several other new owners since I have joined, and we have all seemed to have the same questions.

When we ask, we get the standard "SEARCH" answer. Here is my thought / suggestion:

Create a FAQ that answers a lot of the "standard" questions. Like what parts are availavle from who. What Mustang parts are usable on the MM, and their part numbers. Which Tuners / Chips work, and which don't. What is the best bang-for-the-buck mod. Links to threads that contain this specific information. You know....things likt that.

KillJoy

It always amazes me when people immediately jump on the search bandwagon...

Personally, if some one asks questions that have been answered before, I don't see where it is difficult to answer them again OR use the search engine (if one knows how) and provide the results as part of the answer. If one doesn't want to do that... then post nothing and move on.

I mean, this IS about the cars... and assuming that the car itself is finite I would suggest we can assume that there is a finite number of topics we can discuss related to the car. What happens when they've all been discussed? We yell "USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION" and sit around and stare at each other? :rolleyes:

AzMarauder

01-20-2006, 08:00 PM

Well... thinking a little further on this theme....

A newbie arrives to the site. There are two things he can talk about... the car... and umm... Yeah... conversations that only make sense if you KNOW the people in the conversations... like the thread that Haggis had up about hard starting in the morning...

Since the newbie doesn't KNOW anyone... how do they "fit in" unless they establish some rapport. The only thing they CAN talk about is the car... or would we rather see threads that go...

"Hey I'm a new MM owner.... wanted to say hi ! HOW 'BOUT THE INDY COLTS?

:down:

Rider90

01-20-2006, 08:48 PM

Ya'll forgot.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=17791

I made my effort.

juno

01-20-2006, 10:24 PM

It always amazes me when people immediately jump on the search bandwagon...

Personally, if some one asks questions that have been answered before, I don't see where it is difficult to answer them again OR use the search engine (if one knows how) and provide the results as part of the answer. other? :rolleyes:

OK, so explain how we can search for "gear oil" and not get everything that says gear and everything that says oil.

Please. :)

BruteForce

01-20-2006, 10:30 PM

OK, so explain how we can search for "gear oil" and not get everything that says gear and everything that says oil.

Please. :)

Because it is searching on the phrase "gear oil" and not the individual words "gear" and "oil". That is why I specifically mentioned "using single word searches" in one of my earlier answers.

I run into this all the time with ecommerce clients (I build web sites). Almost evenly divided between "show all possible matches no matter how extraneous" and "show only what they specifically search for". The first option assumes you know better than the customer what they want. The second assumes the customer may actually know what to look for. Depends on how you perceive your customer base. :rolleyes:

Marauder2005

01-20-2006, 10:53 PM

Further, I have read members' profiles and sigs noting their mods and sent PM's with specific questions. I have ALWAYS been answered quickly, sincerely and respectfully.

VERY good point to make, my thoughts exactly...

juno

01-21-2006, 09:01 AM

Because it is searching on the phrase "gear oil" and not the individual words "gear" and "oil". That is why I specifically mentioned "using single word searches" in one of my earlier answers.

I run into this all the time with ecommerce clients (I build web sites). Almost evenly divided between "show all possible matches no matter how extraneous" and "show only what they specifically search for". The first option assumes you know better than the customer what they want. The second assumes the customer may actually know what to look for. Depends on how you perceive your customer base. :rolleyes:
We don't have an option. Single word seraches turn up too much stuff.

BruteForce

01-21-2006, 09:07 AM

We don't have an option. Single word seraches turn up too much stuff.

If you returned both matches for the phrase as well as matches for each component word of that phrase you would get even MORE stuff .

I think you want it to only return what is relevent to what you had in mind. That is not yet possible with any search technology. Its best guess based on input.

MENINBLK

01-21-2006, 11:58 AM

OK, so explain how we can search for "gear oil" and not get everything that says gear and everything that says oil.

Please. :)

You search on gear +oil
This give you everything with Gear AND oil.

Or you can search on a phrase "Gear Oil" .

SergntMac

01-21-2006, 12:19 PM

OK, so explain how we can search for "gear oil" and not get everything that says gear and everything that says oil. Please. :) By calling it what it really is, gear lube, thank you...

juno

01-21-2006, 07:28 PM

Sorry, there is a legitimate gripe.

The search function SHOULD allow specific word combinations like any good search engine and yes it is a PITA to find any info on this site with the current search engine.

And I have already volunteered to help categorize items into sticky's or whatever. I don't ***** unless I am willing to spend the time to create a solution.

And gear oil is a more commonly used term. Lubricant is for the bedroom.

Bradley G

01-21-2006, 07:59 PM

I was so computer lost, when I got here.
Glad you folks were more tolerant, back then. :o
I struggle with the search function too!

juno

01-22-2006, 09:54 AM

Don't get me wrong, the people on this board are amazing and they usually go the extra mile if you have a question or you PM someone. Definitely the best auto forum I have been on.

SergntMac

01-22-2006, 10:04 AM

And gear oil is a more commonly used term. Lubricant is for the bedroom. Don't go switching rear ends to make your argument.

I just used gear lube in our base search engine and got 59 threads focused on the "third member" of the power train. If one of these threads do not answer your question, an improved FAQ, or, search engine won't help you either.

BruteForce

01-22-2006, 10:41 AM

Don't go switching rear ends to make your argument.

:lol: :lol:

You certainly have a way with words, my friend. :2thumbs:

red

01-22-2006, 10:53 AM

What about a Wiki? It's a collaborative software (i.e., Groupware) that allows users to work together to compose Web page content. A good example is Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/), an online encyclopedia that has been built by the Internet community. Many large corporations, government agencies, and universities are using Wiki's and similar collaborative sofware for documentation. For us, it would be perfect for creating and maintaining articles about upgrades, repairs, parts, etc., and would provide an efficient resource for both new and existing members. I've wanted to suggest this to our group, and this thread is the perfect opportunity to do so. Take a look at Wikipedia for an example, and let me know your thoughts and questions.