Forum Structure

[ja17]

Just something to think about.

Imagine every question becomes answered. The W113 manual becomes huge and comprehensive and answeres all the questions. Traffic on this site becomes very light and the search function takes the place of most interaction between the site users. This sounds like a recipe for extinction to me.

The written text cannot replace the personalities, and the personal attention by interaction between the members. Even redundant questions allow some newer members to use some of their recently gained knowledge to help other newer owners and bond into a group of enthusiasts.

A website can become very impersonal, sterile and stagnant if not structured wisely.



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Peter van Es]

I don't think that will happen.... the Technical Manual is still a long way from completion. And I don't think it ever will be fully complete... the interactions on this forum will give new insights, that then will need to be incorporated.

And people will keep asking questions here... but what better, than to be able to link them to a part of a Technical Manual, that answers it succinctly and unambiguously.

And, remember, the plan is to start printing the Technical Manual... so you can take it with you under the car...

The problems with our database filling up show me that we are still a long way from becoming extinct on the forum. In fact I think I'll probably run out of space here long before that happens.

As another bonus... click on my profile (my name on the left here) to go to my profile page. You can now host a picture of you and your car somewhere on a website and add it to your profile. That way we can see what you, or your car, looks like. Whilst you add your picture, could I ask you to complete your city, state and country fields also... that way people can find other members in their neighbourhood.

Peter

1970 280SL. Also known as 'admin@sl113.org' and organiser of the Technical Manual.

[J. Huber]

I hear what Joe is saying -- to me its more about interaction with other colorful owners here than it is about specific information to solve a problem. That is the bonus part. Yet I also understand Peter's point that we are a long way from having a definitive Technical Manual.. so this site should remain viable.

I can actually relate this to my profession. As the library dude I get paid to answer informational needs of the students. If I just pointed to the Internet or to the Encyclopedias everytime someone asked something, my job would be really boring and easy. Instead, I look at each student as a person who needs some help. So I find out more about his/her need -- ask a few questions, make sure of their ultimate goal, etc. At the end of the day, they might come away with a good answer but also understand that the Library is a friendly place. They come back. They also feel accepted as part of a group (the collegiate spirit?)... It's important.

Finally, half of you out there are rolling your eyes and saying that darn Huber is the guy who eats up all our space. Sorry. I can delete a few diatribes if necessary!

James
63 230SL

[JimVillers]

Joe ..... Your are corrrect, it is the people and the discussion as much as the "answer".  I get as much satisfaction from a member's success on his car as I get from working on my own car.

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, MGB 5-Speed

[hands_aus]

I agree with Joe about redundant questions and personalities.

Introducing some new member to the Search function is a good thing but a direct response to their particular problem is more personal.
This really helped me gain confidence to rebuild my electric fuel pump, tune my car and not be afraid to tackle other jobs.
I am almost a 'shade tree mechanic'

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[glennard]

Viva our PPP ---- Palatable Pagoda Persiflage.

[Cees Klumper]

Since recently buying my Husqvarna 'supermoto' motorcycle, I joined a Dutch discussion forum on the topic:

http://www.motor-forum.nl/

I was amazed to see that that site has 64 thousand members and about 9 million posts - all from one tiny little country the size of Maryland! And on motorcycles that are not older than a couple of years in most cases. Relatively little technical stuff is discussed, and people find a host of things to 'talk' about on a daily basis, creating the same sort of social atmostphere and interaction as we do. So I am hopeful that, even if we ever to get the tech manual in good shape, we'll find plenty of things to discuss forever.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Peter van Es]

In the mean time, use this forum to discuss the definitive content for the manual. I'm sure that will keep us going for a long time!

Peter

1970 280SL. Also known as 'admin@sl113.org' and organiser of the Technical Manual.