I also think we should bring back the rides catagory and continue the ride of the month. It would be nice to restrict non-dsm owners from posting in the tech forums but how would this be accomplished? how would we prove if someone had a dsm? Would I just need to find a pic of one off the internet (say it is mine) or would I need to meet someone in person on here and show them it? I think that is too much work. Maybe we can have a newbie tech with a 100 post limit. We could stickie some of the most asked questions and leave them up as our own faqs. We could also include a non-dsm tech if we want to cater to some other groups (3s, 0g, 3g).

I agree with moderating a little closer. If you all think that help is needed I would volunteer.

I dont think that throwing an 18+ on the site will do much of anything, as you ocant really regulate that very well.

I also agree with the member activities need to get moving. Ride of the month etc. Here is a new one Picture/video of your ride of the month (action shots or whatever) this could be interesting with all of the picture editors we have in here.

Club vs. Site I think everyone already acts as if it were a club (everyone that is frequently involved on site or otherwise) I dont think that the title would do anything. But DSMStyle Wear would be cool.

I also believe in throwing down the hammer when someone gets out of control on site. I dont think it means you have to nit pick at every little thing but a closer watch into the "history" of an individuals posts and set up the ground rules where everyone knows what they are. Biggest thing here is for people who might be uncomfortalbe or think they are being harrassed.

I would also support some type of restriction for the tech sections. Although this may throw me into a "non-expert" catagory I feel it would keep posts on topic.

Sorry Allan for being one of the "I dont give a Fuck, Fucks" who didnt post the first time I went through all of this.

Later all,

Dan Moore

i vote we lock everything down, so that we can't even get in...
then it will be clean and no stupid threads... or any at all...

Its interweb, about the only thing you could do is moderate it more....
I moderated 2 bigger boards for almost 2 years.. 1500+members very very active.... we had about 20 good mods... thats all it took.. choose mods on frequency they visit the site and their IQ level. do not give mod level to "he's my friend so he has to"

1. how often visiting site
2. how smart they are
3. won't choose sides stay impartial
4. have cool head no power trips
5. have at least IQ of 50 (rules me out)
6. i forgot, i'm too stupid..


-E

ok, i just owned myself with #2 and #5 and #6 just proves it..

-E

I agree on the moderation part. If we just buckle down a little more we can take care of alot of the garbage. And on that note, I'm not sure if I'm the best candidate for a mod. Sure it's cool being able to crack the whip when it's needed, but quite frankly, I think there are other people on this site that would be better suited for the job than me. I haven't really worked on a DSM in while, and there are people on here who are much more knowledgable than I, that could help out with more of the DSM related issues.

As far as this being a DSM/3S/3G only club. I will leave that up to someone else. For the record, I wouldn't be upset if I was only limited to a newbie/off topic part of the site. Honestly, the off topic and general events areas are about the only places I visit and participate in anyway. If you decide to do something like this, then it wouldn't be fair for me to be the only non dsm owner allowed on the private side, and I would be ok with that. Unless I bought an EVO. http://www.driftunderground.com/phpB...on_twisted.gif

I guess the only thing beyond that, that really bugs me, is when threads get hijacked. It's just really annoying.

I guess at the end of the day, its just a car, and this is just a car forum. Some people take a lot of stock in what goes on here, but for me, there is a life outside of cars.

I agree with Mark, what it all comes down to is that this is a site for cars. We're all here because we love cars, mainly DSMs. I think that if we kick out people who don't own a dsm, then why bother having this site. We'd just turn people away cause we're telling them, that we think we're better because we have a dsm and your car isn't a dsm. Isn't the point of life to meet different people and broaden our horizons?

I'm also going to retract my agreement with the 18+ for the same reason, why not let them share their points of view as well?
The newbie tech forum is a great idea, as well as the idea to have FAQ's.

I still like the idea of more club atmosphere. Anything that would bring more pride into the members of this site, anything that would make them more aware that this is their site and they need to take care of it and respect it.

~Kat

I think some people mis-understood what I said. I think the in-depth forums should be restricted to DSM owners, all other forums would be open to anybody. Would you want technical advise from someone who never owned or worked on a DSM or has no technical experience?

Some people say they would like more of a "club" atmosphere. But to be a club you have to set standards for who gets in and who doesn't. I would think owning a DSM or working in the field on them (not an oil change shop, but more along the lines of QPR, Elite, etc.) would need to be a requirement. To allow everybody and their brother/sister in takes away from it being more of a club and turns it into a webpage/forum, which it is now

I'm fine with it either way, just trying to make my comments clearer.

1ViciousGSX

i think it should be open to people who don't drive dsm's. hey, i haven't talked trash to anyone since i got banned, so why block me now?

this is a good place to get info on local shops and many of the members are very nice and let you borrow stuff (matt D, 520Talon), i don't see why you would block anyone for being under 18.. what is this a titty bar?

I do not understand the point of locking the tech forums. How are people that are new to DSM's supposed to learn things about them. Granted they cannot add any tips or advice, but they learn from reading other peoples questions and answers posted or at least i have. I believe a long time ago Allan even stated that this is a good place to learn about our cars for new owners. I agree with the newbie tech forum so they do not fill the more advanced areas, but locking out the less experienced would suck if you were one of them who seriously wants to learn.
I can also semi-understand keeping it to the DSM and type car owners. Yes it does suck for some, but at the same time as much as i'd love to be a girl scout...i dont see that happening either. Typically the people that have dsm's or seriously want to own one will be more of a positive aspect to the site because they do hold serious interest in the major topic at hand...DSM's.
I see the age piece as an added pain in the ass for the mods here to try and enforce that.
I would also love to see the car of the month etc area's back from the old site. That was a great way to learn about the type of car community that was here.
Style.com gear would be way cool...I'd like to see that also.

Ok, I'm done
Dave

I love the idea of making the pre 18 year olds a invite only type thing. I would hate not being able to be on the site because I'm 17 years old.

Also I dont like the DSM only thing either as I don't own a DSM and quite frankly I do not plan on it, but I think non-DSM'ers should be able to visit here too. I seem to know quite a bit about DSM's for not owning one, Ive just heard all the problems and how to fix them.


I say make the banning more too, like a 2 strikes your out for a month type deal, it would keep the bullshit down a lot.

Everybody forgets that restricting a forum doesn't mean it can't be read, just that you can not post to it. If somebody comes up with an answer they feel is going to help the thread, it can be PM'ed to a moderator/lead who can throw it in and give the sender full credit for it if they are correct.

Ahhh i see said the dumb kid :bowdown:

I just scanned through the first couple pages and I didn't want to be one of those people who just read and not posted that AJ doesn't like ;) . I kind of like the way this site is. I am also on the MNAudi page. You have to go through this lame kind of application thing. It actually took me a couple of months between signing up and actually getting my sign in. I can assure you that kind of locking doesn't improve the amount of tech, it only keeps people away who could otherwise help. I understand the flipside is having smart asses, but this site isn't the worst for that either.

Stupid people on forums are like nudity on TV. Just don't look at it or skip by if you don't like it. It ends up being the one ruins it for all situation when you try to make stereo type rules (like no one under 18 or no boobies).

That being said, I truely enjoy this site and all of the members I have met from it. Also vote for boobies on TV in 2004 :cheers: .

IMHO.....

Guess I don't see why all the problems, maybe just some folks with thier elitest ego's getting bent out of shape?

And still others seem way over sensitive, and like all stuck up?

This is all just suppose to be FUN above all else right, or is it a science class at the U?

Hell ya all just need to get naked, get drunk, get laid, relax, CHILL OUT on each other a bit now, and at least try to get along !!!

Lifes just too Short for all that baby game bullshit friends, at least mine is, as I am OLD!

Damm it's spring, Get out and <boost your brains out> ENJOY IT, I'm gonna!

:rant

I like the site just the way it is now, OPEN to all to read and write.

Just my 2 cents.......


Howie:

I want to thank everyone for their replies. It will help alot when Jana and I really get a chance to sit down and re vamp the site a bit. In addition to skins and other fun tricks we are adding here, everything else will be looked at as well.

But please if there is anymore ideas, please keep them comming.

*** also as a quick plug please remember the Fargo event at the end of the month. See the general events sections. Do not reply here! ***

I agree with what Jana had said. The board seems pretty fine to me. Sometimes people do their stupid 1 line joke replies with their friends that aren't needed, maybe we just need to deleted more of the BS replies in unappropriate forums like tech and the for sale area. However, any CVD comment is usually gold and shouldn't be messed with. :)

I dont think the DSM only idea is very good, if you want me to leave i will :)

Maybe approval on registration, like a quick explanation of why you want to register..
-How did you find us?
-Who do you know on this site?
-What is the reason you want to register?

its more like.. ahh i see says the blind kid!

- Make the site 18+
-Might suck for some of the younger folks who are mature enough to be civil.

- Make all Tech part of restircted access
-Adv. Tech could possibly be locked, but basic tech should be open

- Make advanced tech part of restircted access
-Look above

- Make everything but the parking lot Restricted access
-I dont like this idea

- Make the site more of a club, t-shirts and items
-Sounds good to me, make sure you get hoodies, I love hoodies

- Add some more moderators
-As long as the current mods become a little strickter and are activly veiwing the site I see no need for new ones, but to each their own

- Don't be afraid to ban/suspend members more often
-I think more suspension is a very good idea

- Add some more fun activites to the site
-Not sure what kind of "activites" but I'm game

- Possible changes or additions to rules
-Sure

I think making the site more like a club is a dominant idea... Basically because i have wanted to be part of a car club for quite some time and... nobody wants me and my laser... :headache:
As for making it 18 plus that may be a plus but here's the thing, i am 18 but i still really don't know jack about the cars... thats why i joined to get help and pass on the very little knowledge i do have. So overall i think we should make it 18 plus unless the person does have a DSM or they do have an abundace of info to share.
Lastly as for making different parts restricted i am not too large of a fan of that, i assume by restricted you mean only people that know what they are talking about and that just aint me and i still want to be involved and this is the best way i have found soo far except taking my car apart and not knowing how to put it back together.
Take it for what you will, it's just my two pennies!
Andy

Some tech articles would be cool. If people want to write them up and such. Other sites have them, but the goal is not for people to go to other sites, but to stay here and become part of the community.

18+ is a horrible idea. Maturity and age are not always related in any way.

We had them at one time, some really good ones. But they got lost during the site change overs. They never got written again. I haven't had time to re-write the ones I contributed.

There are a lot of good ideas on here, and I apologize here if I have repeated them. I tried to read most of the three pages that have appeared


1) I can appreciate making it more of a club. If you do such, some people may work toward, or strive to be in DSMStyle, making it a closer, more elite group of people.

2) I can also appreciate making it DSM exclusive, being it DSMStyle and all, but there are a lot of great and wonderful people I would not have met, had it not been for this site. I don't even have a DSM, but my love for the car will never die. This site is alread a club in itself, and I feel greatful for meeting those I have, and for the support those have given me.

3) 18+, Tech, and Classifieds make restricted sounds like a good idea. Require restricted access areas users to be 18. Once againl, something left to be desired, instead of giving it all at once.

4) Let me into "On the Street" again. I race more than any of you anyway.

-Kiel

i really dont understand the whole 18+ thing if we're not allowed to post porn. LOL there is nothing wrong with kids wanting knowledge about cars especially dsms that are underage. if they learn something just think of it as when they finally get a dsm they will make it faster and faster and improve our name and stop the domestics in their tracks when they blow by them from the knowledge.

as far as the club thing goes, i have been saying this for the past year, i even started a dsmstyle club rules and bylaws for if/when we started to make it a club. I have always considered dsmstyle a club. but i do feel if we made it a inclusive club there would have to be a yearly/monthley fee involved so aj and jana are not fitting the bill for the site and hosting of events, prizes etc... the whole idea of being a club means that you belong and share a simelar interest (such as dsms) and do your best to keep the clubs name with the utmost respect. I have supported dsmstyle since i first started and till it ends and have great pride in what it has become. Aj and Jana have done a beautiful job in picking moderators and the moderators have done a great job in controllign the forums.

so basically the items i agree with are make the site more of a club, but still have a public forum. the site will always be evolving and changing and hopefully it will always be for the better, if it is for the worse it will be changed.

**just thought of something**
I remember when we had the contest for the number of referalls, and look at how the site has grown over the past year. and now its funny how we are almost trying to get rid of people, for this year lets have a ban-all-you-can contest... the person that bans the most people gets a prize, LOL.

this may sound ricey or whatever, but i'd be interested if you designed some nice windshield stickers. I want one for the talon and I can't seem to figure out a good design. But a nice DSMSTYLE once might look cool.

-DSM only- except girls
-- 25+ -- except girls
:toast: :3gears: :banana:

I would like to see the site become more of a club, and I like the 18+ idea, but agree with those who think younger individuals should be considered through a public application as well. I think people already have the right idea with the moderating issue; Either hire more mods or have current mods buckle down and enforce rules more strictly. My last comment is on the restriction of all forums accept the parking lot, because I feel that such action would cause the site to become more of a club and ease the prevention of drama and postwhoring.

dsmstyle on my windshield isn't something i'd like...

anywho, I don't see what the big deal is... I frequent other boards a lot more than here and to me you are a group of people who live pretty close to each other. Know each other, and as far as I am concerned this site is to "inner friend-ish".
No where near as bad as what it could be. You don't have enough people to be to bad.

18+ is just... stupid (no offense)

More mods isn't bad, but don't pick a powertrippin duche. I left preludepower.com because they let hitler become a mod.

Plus when everyone says, "we're meetin at *name* at 9.." like anyone that isn't in that circle knows what/where you are talking about.

Just my .02, I am on here a lot lately, but I don't post much, cuz most questions are answered and most other posts are for the inner circle.

id say going with 16+ because some states go from 16 to get your drivers license. plus another thing is i agree that more moderators are needed and the forums need to be watched a little more for the crap that people say to eachother. respect is needed on this website for people nomatter what. if your mad at someone, go kick their ass or something. maturity has to be watched for. the off topic thing has been a problem and i know ive probably been a culprit of it also.
also yes, the site should become more of a club instead of a coffee house, we should accually have some people write up tech articles and have them checked off with mods and/or people who know their stuff so that we can have how-tos and other little dandy things like that so then we wont be having the same posts all the time about the same thing.
last thing i must add to this is if you plan on changing the forum to people to own a dsm which i am for, at least keep the srt-4s or any other at least turbocharged cars that belong to crystler just like the dsm. if you dont own one of those then thats what being a guest is all about..

we tried the window banner thing if i remember correctly and they were never made, thats why i made my own. i personally think it should be more of a club environment but i also dont think it should be completely restricted to how much you know or what you drive, but rather if everyone else thinks you should be in... If someone is being a total dick, then kick em to the curb, but i know alot of people here jsut like hanging out with people who have the same passion and intrest as them.

I have had some time to think about alot of this, and the first part of May you will start to see things change abit.

After watching this thread over the past few days, I've decided to toss in my $0.02 on the issue at hand.

Now those of you who have been around here for a while may or may not have noticed it has been a fair amount of time since my activity around here took a huge step back. This is in result to a direct conflict of interest between myself and an adminstrator in regards to the policy of the 'private message' feature ceasing to maintain the 'private' feature for those members of the adminstrator team who choose to read PMs.

Now back to the proposals that Allan posted.

-- Make the site 18+ --
There are too many members around here who are under 18 to enforce a policy like this, plain and simple. I can think of one quickly off hand which has been here longer than the vast majority of the other members: Stuart (Buildadsm).

-- Make all Tech part of restricted access --
I feel that the Basic Tech area should not be restricted because reading through tech threads is to the benefit of everyone. I do feel that the rules regarding the tech threads need to be enforced much harder: listing car details, keeping tech threads clean of BS, using a level of grammar higher than that of your hamster, etc.

-- Make advanced tech part of restricted access --
I believe that in order for a new topic to be started within the advanced tech forum you must PM your topic proposal to an administrator or moderator and receive prior approval. If your topic is not approved, time to back down to basic tech or even The Hangout. Posting replies to threads in advanced tech would still be open to anyone but I believe having prior topic approval would keep the quality of topics at a high level. My suggestions for Basic Tech also apply to Advanced Tech.

-- Make everything but the parking lot Restricted access --
One word: No

--Make the site more of a club, t-shirts and items--
Hell yes, on one condition, members come through with their commitments to participate in a club related event. I can distinctly remember Jana commenting a few months back about DSM'ers notoriously not coming through with their commitment to participate in something. This not only places a low priority on planning future events, but is flat out rude to those who took the time to plan the event. Re-opening and expanding the CafePress store would be fabulous. We have some great artists around here, DSMGirl, XRated, etcc, who I'm sure could come up with some amazing clothing designs. What about bring back the window banner idea? I know that Jacek has one of the original DSMStyle.com window banners in case anyone is interested in seeing what they looked like way back in the day.

-- Add some more moderators --
I do not believe this to be necessary if the current moderators step-up their enforcement of the rules. I believe that the rules around here should be enforced like they are on NABR. Am I saying that there should be a set of rules established as strict as those on NABR, absolutely not. All I am saying is that the rules which are clearly posted around DSMStyle.com need to be fully enforced.

-- Don't be afraid to ban/suspend members more often --
Definitely, the whole HORT vs. TCStangs "who's car is faster" shit is completely ludacris and should be kept out of the forums IMHO. There were times during all that prior and continuing discussion that I feel a suspension would have cooled things off a lot. The strong majority of the members who were involved with that are great members of DSMStyle.com and in no way do I feel should leave the site, just take some time off to rethink their attitude in relation to certain issues, ie- HORT vs. TCStangs.

-- Add some more fun activites to the site--
Absolutely, maybe a few more contests with varying levels of awards. I believe that everyone would be open to practically anything, all that needs to be done is propose ideas to the members to find out their reactions.

-- Possible changes or additions to rules --
I see no need to change or add to any section of the rules except the policy of private messanging not being private. I am firmly against the policy of administrators granting themselves the ability to read private messages between fellow members.

A few other things I would like to toss in....

If you do not know what you are talking about when you post a response to a tech thread, keep your mouth shut and just read or ask questions. I have seen some replies to tech questions over the past few months that were incredibly off base and should have never been posted. This has gotten better since it was explicitly requested by an adminstrator in the rules for the tech threads to remain accurate but still could use some improvement.

Before you are granted the privilege of posting anywhere on the site, I believe you must introduce yourself in the new members forum, no questions asked.

I would also like to see an option somewhere to "report this thread to a moderator" like that available on Tuners. This would reduce the workload of the moderators by directing them straight to trouble spots within a thread.

I realize many things I have suggested will require extra work by the adminstrators and moderators but do not be afraid to ask for help. I know how busy everyone is and everyone is here together for the benefit for everyone. So, if you believe you can help out with something, go for it.

I would also like to apologize to anyone who felt offended by anything that I have said as that was in no way the intentions of my post.


Thanks,
Jake

what he said! :cheers:

someone being a bad moderator? i'll have to remember that.

Wow, that is pretty interesting!!! :fworld:

Wow, that is pretty interesting!!! :fworld: [/b][/quote]
No, not really. It's in the rules, loud and clear. And it helps us keep those people who care to contribute nothing, but waste bandwith chatting with their buds via PMs, off the site. There are several cases in which we reserve the right to read PMs. And again it's publicly posted and if it's all that private pick up the phone.

Anything else on this that is lead to be a debate will be deleted.

For the most part I think this place is ran just dandy. But honestly, one thing has kinda stuck out to me. It kinda seems to me that lately it's starting to be where if there is anything posted that a moderator thinks will harm his/her personal image or hurt their feelings, then posts are threatened to be deleted, or are deleted, or topics are closed. I guess Allan's comment there kinda triggered my memory. Not meant to be a direct bash or anything like that to anyone. So hopefully no ones feelings get hurt by that cuz you did ask. But I have kinda noticed that. Other than that, its all gravy baby. Peace out side!

also ya i'd like to see what those windshield banners looked like, or if u plan on making anymore of them.

I agree with Jakey about the private messages not being private. I too have had my PM's read (on several occasions) by moderators and they even attepted to use them against me...not cool in my book. Either make them completely 100% private or do-away with them all together. Allan has said there are several circumstances that warrant a PM to be read by moderators, I would like to know exactly what those cirumstances are. You say that PM's are publically posted; if that is so then they should be renamed to something more appropriate. Obviously Allan knows that the actions taken by moderators is wrong as he has already threatened to deleted any more posts regarding this controversy. I know that moderators always want to exert as much of their power as possible, me included; this is just human nature. I can think of an instance where I have was in a similar situation on a different DSM board; I realized my wrong and have since corrected the problem.