Lost Forums

[Ray Ackerman]

Greg, looks like we lost some Forums.

[Greg@SVTOA]

Ray, I was "directed" to remove several forums by the persons who sign my paycheck. I can't do what I want to do, I have to do what I am told to do, as this is not my website, I am just the webmaster.

I have no explaination as to why those forums had to be removed other then to say that someone higher up the ladder then me wanted them removed. As I said, I have to follow directions or they will get someone else who will.

You can respond here with your comments and I'm sure someone will read them...

:huh:

[Ray Ackerman]

Originally posted by Greg@SVTOA
Ray, I was "directed" to remove several forums by the persons who sign my paycheck. I can't do what I want to do, I have to do what I am told to do, as this is not my website, I am just the webmaster.

I have no explaination as to why those forums had to be removed other then to say that someone higher up the ladder then me wanted them removed. As I said, I have to follow directions or they will get someone else who will.

You can respond here with your comments and I'm sure someone will read them...

:huh:

I understand,but to many changes scare people off. I was disappointed to see "Ask SVTOA" and especially the "Dyno Room" removed.
I hope this site works out for SVTOA,it's starting to look "Plan Jane". I would love to see alot more traffic on this board then any other SVT site,after all this is owned by "SVTOA".
The top "Brass" needs to give it time.I think the Forums that were here yesterday was fine. SVTOA is trying to crack a BIG nut with this board it's not going to happen overnight.
I know times are not good at Ford right now.Ford is doing a great job!! It shows in the 03 Cobra.I bought a 03 Crown Victoria LX with the high performance package yesterday(Company Car) I was REALLY impressed with the handling!!My point is Ford is really working hard to satisfy the customer.It scars me to see small things being cut like Forums.I just hope Ford does not get "Penny Smart and Dollar Stupid". Sometimes it's hard for big companys to operate small "Like this site".
I think if this site stays a no nonsense site,with some "Bells And Whishles" i.e. fun forums.... It will do great.
I wish SVT the best!!! I'm looking forward to driving fast factory cars in the future.

[Ken 01-Cobra]

Ok, as one who has tried to help in the past, and who has tried to show there IS a way for the SVTOA to be both what they wish to be AND a place where the members can enjoy hanging out and talking with one another, I'm going to chime in here.

When I saw what this board was becoming, I was pretty excited that there was hope that it would finally be done right. I've visited here fairly often trying to build traffic and help get things started. Then tonight, forums are removed, and there is no information or explanation as to why. Perhaps "Ask SVT" was premature, but it is something I've been saying is needed for a year! Why the Dyno Room is dangerous or seditious, I can only guess, and I would probably be wrong.

I see this as yet another example of SVTOA taking one step forward and two steps backwards, and have to wonder why. A board that is active, has many areas of interest, and is driven BY THE MEMBERS makes a lot more sense than one that is stagnant, boring, and doesn't work half the time. (can we say ASPBoard?)

If anyone (Terri? Joanne? Reno?) wishes to discuss this, you have my phone number. I would be more than happy to talk with you about why making the board a mirror of the one that has existed is NOT a good idea!

OH, and this board has had over 500 posts in what? A week? How many posts have been left on the old board? (that have shown up? I've left at least two that haven't!)

I think Greg has done an EXCELLENT job in taking the board where it really needs to go! It is fresh, it is active, and it has many areas of interest for the members. I feel it is a STEP in the right direction, and backing up should not be an option!

[MadRabbit]

I hafta agree with Ken and Ray, I think SVT just took a step in the wrong direction.

It's not too late to step back in the right direction, guys.

I was really looking forward to AskSVT too

:wtf:

[Elapidae]

Looks like the dyno room is back. :D

Thanks "higher-ups" :tmb:

Greg, I hope you're given lots of leeway on this board to shape it per member requests (as you've tried to do thus far). I think that's what will make it stand above the others and really provide the experience and environment we (the enthusiasts) hope for. If there is some liability concern inherent in having a forum title or concept then that should be shared with us and, whether we like it or not, at least we'd understand. If you have to put up a banner with a disclaimer, so be it. It's common sense that if this board can't offer the free exchange of information and experiences, people will go elsewhere. I do have some expectation that this board will be mature, professional and moderated to keep it "clean". My expectations are realistic in that I know it can't be designed to please all of the people all of the time but I think my expectations as outlined above are in line with the majority. If we, the enthusiasts that have a genuine investement in the "SVT Experience" can't influence this site than it doesn't have a bright future. I hope to see this site really take off and I'm currently happy to be a member. Greg, you've done a fantastic job and I think you represent the culture and experience we're looking for here. Sorry about the rant.

[Greg@SVTOA]

You guys are very very kind to say the things you have said and I appreciate it very much.
However...
I have been "educated" this morning as to the ladder of command, and it is a fact that while SVTOA is a car club, it is also a fact that we are indeed funded by Ford Motor Company, whicn makes me a "employee" of Ford in a manner of speaking, and as such, I have done things here without prior and proper authorization, and that's the bottom line.

I regret to inform you guys that there will be a major change here, perhaps as soon as later today. I will be getting a directive from the bosses that will instruct me to shut down several of the forums here. It is not my decision, it is not something I have control over.
I have been informed that at some point in time, this board may totally replace the other one that is not getting a whole lot of use, but for the time being, is our "members only" board.


I made a mistake by not indicating that this was supposed to be a "test" board. Ok, it's a test board.

The test was successful- you guys have responded and taken part here, so the brass that make the decisions around here will take this into consideration and seek approval from the folks who pay our bills and salaries and then we will proceed from there.

Thanks for your participation...

[OleGrayCar]

It would only be due to an absolute lack of options that I could forsee a return to the old format. The user freedoms, flexibility of expression and overall composition of THIS board lend themselves to a much more user-friendly environment. To allow superiors the leeway to dictate content smacks of the types of censorship one might expect to encounter in third world regimes.
Greg, what you've started here with the vBoard is perhaps the most positive response I've seen from SVT to the input of us, your subscribers. I would urge both you as well as those "higher up the ladder" to continue in your pursuit of this effort. All too often, those in authority fail to grasp what it is that we, the customer, view as meaningful and beneficial, choosing instead to decide for us.... I, for one, am NOT a lemming.
Just look in your console at the "excuse" for cupholders we have and judge for yourself what happens when management doesn't listen.
:bash:
It angers me to see the "tail wagging the dog". As such, and speaking as one lone voice, I feel certain that we can provide a nationwide chorus if so required.


"LEAVE GREG ALONE......... WE LIKE WHAT HE'S DONE".

:tmb:

[Elapidae]

Originally posted by Greg@SVTOA
<snipped>I have been "educated" this morning as to the ladder of command, and it is a fact that while SVTOA is a car club, it is also a fact that we are indeed funded by Ford Motor Company, whicn makes me a "employee" of Ford in a manner of speaking, and as such, I have done things here without prior and proper authorization, and that's the bottom line.

I regret to inform you guys that there will be a major change here, perhaps as soon as later today. I will be getting a directive from the bosses that will instruct me to shut down several of the forums here. It is not my decision, it is not something I have control over.
<snipped>the brass that make the decisions around here will take this into consideration and seek approval from the folks who pay our bills and salaries and then we will proceed from there.

Thanks for your participation...

Who pays their salaries? (oh... that would be US wouldn't it?)

What happened to "The customer is always right".

:wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf:

Greg, it sounds like you're trapped in a corporate philosophy that does not a successful company make.

If you have a company philosophy such as "Do the right thing", you will occasionally have employees that make mistakes in the name of "Doing the right thing" but you will have employees that are assertive and making an effort. They will be empowered to make the customer happy. You will have a productive and happy work force.

If, on the other hand, you have a company philosophy such as "Never do the wrong thing", you will have employees that don't do anything at all (because that is within the guidlines of the philosophy) and you will have an unproductive work force with unhappy customers.

Ranting again... Sorry...

I'll stay as long as it's fun. If the "fun" is removed I'll see you all elsewhere.

[Jstas]

Now waitaminute everyone.

Number one, I agree, to an extent, about the missing forums. It removes valuable content from the site and closes a window to SVT management concerning customer satisfaction and customer reality. I agree that without us, the customers, there would be no SVT at all.

However, I have to give Greg credit. While what he has done has seemed to please everyone, he admitted that he did not go through proper channels. Obviously, we do not own the domain name, web space or the server that this forum is run on. Therefore, we have no say, only influential opinion. Bashing SVT and its management over a decision that they make concerning thier resources is not our charge. While we all feel disheartened, taking pot shots at "the brass" as everyone calls them, is not the way we go about getting what we want.

I believe that Greg has a heavy duty task of him and given the size of this site and its potential, it is not going to get easier. Instead of acting quite unprofessional, why not offer help to maintain the site and even offer a panel of members that would help guide the decisions of the "the brass" concerning this site? Since this site is for us, stomping off to the corner and pouting is not how we should handle this. The only way we are going to be autonomous and gain the respect of the brass and possibly creative control of the site is by showing them that we mean business and are willing to work with them in thier future endevors concering the club and even future SVT products.

Any way you slice it, we all have a tremendous resource here. We have a place to take about SVT vehicles, get help with SVT and non-SVT auomotive related topics and most likely, talk about non-car related items. In exchange, SVT gets one hell of a sweet deal. They get free market research. They get educated customer opinions and a forum available to them 24/7 with access to knowledgable customers who have a passion for thier vehicles and a strong desire to see thier car club, and the company that it is based around, flourish and grow. It provides not only a bit of fun on both sides but it offers a unique opportunity to get SVT a chance to get to know who is buying thier cars and maybe even make a few friends.

I have known a couple salesmen at my local dealers who I have been friends with for years. I have always been extremely satisfied with thier help whenever I called on them. I have no problems recommending them to others. SVT as a company can benefit in the same way. I have been extremely satisfied with my experience so far and if SVT fosters that kind of manufacturer/customer relationship that I have gained with my local dealers then they stand to benefit greatly. Because even if there are problems like we saw in 2000-2001, customers want to know that they have a friend that they can turn to to make things right. Bad press is bad press, no matter how you cut it. But a legion of SVT owners banded together under the common umbrella called SVTOA will do more postive work than some 2-bit hack in magazine could do damage with one article.

I hope that everyone can see my point and that we do not continue to damage what seems to be an already rocky relationship. I say lets show the brass that we, as a community, are capable of taking the reigns of this beast here and stearing it towards success!

[MadRabbit]

I hope that everyone can see my point and that we do not continue to damage what seems to be an already rocky relationship. I say lets show the brass that we, as a community, are capable of taking the reigns of this beast here and stearing it towards success!


Hear hear. If that's how we can show our support let's do it.

BTW Greg rocks as webmaster :allhail:

[Elapidae]

Originally posted by Jstas
<snipped>
However, I have to give Greg credit. While what he has done has seemed to please everyone, he admitted that he did not go through proper channels.

Agreed. Seems unfortunate that doing what the customer wants requires so much red tape but I agree.

Originally posted by Jstas

Obviously, we do not own the domain name, web space or the server that this forum is run on. Therefore, we have no say, only influential opinion.

Agreed. Not sure our opinion counts for much.

Originally posted by Jstas

Bashing SVT and its management over a decision that they make concerning thier resources is not our charge. While we all feel disheartened, taking pot shots at "the brass" as everyone calls them, is not the way we go about getting what we want.

First, I didn't mean to "bash" anyone and I'm sorry if I came across as being that hostile. I agree with the above statement if they indeed consider this "their resource" only and not ours. If they want it to be for all of us, I think they should take the input in this thread as constructive criticism.

Originally posted by Jstas

I believe that Greg has a heavy duty task of him and given the size of this site and its potential, it is not going to get easier.


Agreed. I have to think that Greg felt he had a right, perhaps even a duty to mold this site into what the customers wanted. At least he was doing a fantastic job of that IMO.

Originally posted by Jstas

Instead of acting quite unprofessional, why not offer help to maintain the site and even offer a panel of members that would help guide the decisions of the "the brass" concerning this site? Since this site is for us, stomping off to the corner and pouting is not how we should handle this. The only way we are going to be autonomous and gain the respect of the brass and possibly creative control of the site is by showing them that we mean business and are willing to work with them in thier future endevors concering the club and even future SVT products.

:rolleyes: <---------Me, pouting in the corner. ;)
I agree with this as well. I, though I appear to have endless time to post here, actually only poke around on the forums during slow periods at my job and I don't currently have internet access at home so I couldn't moderate or assist much. But I'm willing to try if there's something I can do. I signed up here because my SVTOA membership came with my 03 Cobra and I was excited about this club and interacting with it's members. I figured this board would be a good indicator of things to come. I'm now a little concerned that it may be a good indicator of things to come.

Originally posted by Jstas

Any way you slice it, we all have a tremendous resource here. We have a place to take about SVT vehicles, get help with SVT and non-SVT auomotive related topics and most likely, talk about non-car related items. In exchange, SVT gets one hell of a sweet deal. They get free market research. They get educated customer opinions and a forum available to them 24/7 with access to knowledgable customers who have a passion for thier vehicles and a strong desire to see thier car club, and the company that it is based around, flourish and grow. It provides not only a bit of fun on both sides but it offers a unique opportunity to get SVT a chance to get to know who is buying thier cars and maybe even make a few friends.

That is exactly what I want. :tmb:

Originally posted by Jstas

I have known a couple salesmen at my local dealers who I have been friends with for years. I have always been extremely satisfied with thier help whenever I called on them. I have no problems recommending them to others. SVT as a company can benefit in the same way. I have been extremely satisfied with my experience so far and if SVT fosters that kind of manufacturer/customer relationship that I have gained with my local dealers then they stand to benefit greatly. Because even if there are problems like we saw in 2000-2001, customers want to know that they have a friend that they can turn to to make things right. Bad press is bad press, no matter how you cut it. But a legion of SVT owners banded together under the common umbrella called SVTOA will do more postive work than some 2-bit hack in magazine could do damage with one article.

This forum is really the only tangible benefit to being an SVTOA member that I've seen other than the packet in the mail. I am pleased with the existing format.


Originally posted by Jstas

I hope that everyone can see my point and that we do not continue to damage what seems to be an already rocky relationship. I say lets show the brass that we, as a community, are capable of taking the reigns of this beast here and stearing it towards success!

I think letting Greg continue his good work would do just that.

[WHTLTG]

DITTO!!! DITTO!!! DITTO!!! Many cudos to Greg and the fine job he has done on this website! Hang in there Greg,we all in Atlanta understand the powers of "The Powers That Be". But,we all may just have to go with the flow for a short period of time. Afterall Ford is projecting an image of listening to the speed hungry public by giving us the 2003 Supercharged Cobra/2004 500HP Double Overhead Cam Lightning/2004 500HP GT-40 and last, but by no means, not least the 2003 Mercury Maurader! Keep the factory powered HP coming!!!!

[Jstas]

I apologize Elapidae, I was not necessarily directing anything I wrote at you in particular. I just did not want to see this thread turn into something ugly or see alot of people having thier experience soured because they weren't seeing the big picture here. I didn't mean to upset you and I never intended to single you or anyone else out. Hope you're not angry! :bna

[Greg@SVTOA]

It's all good guys. Things have taken a MAJOR turn for the better after today. Been involved in meetings and conferences and discussions and all other manner of corporate recreation.

Been given a whole new assignment. You guys are directly responsible, especially Ken and the Atlanta crew.

You'll see what transpires very soon, and it's not going to be the dismantling of what we have going here.


I will be working into the wee hours this evening, if the board is closed for a bit, it's not for the reasons you may think. For a major hint, see the new board title.

:D :D :D

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!

Greg

[blucobra03]

Greg, we appreciate all your efforts and if there is anything we can do to assist you in your endeavour please let us know. I say we, because I feel fairly certain after reading the various posts in here that there are a lot of folks that want to see you and this board succeed. So don't hesitate to ask.....OK? :tmb:

[TBSVTOA]

Greg,


Glad to see you went with VB. As you saw that what is use for the tampa bay svtoa site. www.tampbaysvtoa.com



It think this will work well for SVTOA. Once it come along and the coding is worked out it will be great.

Emal me sometime. I would like to talk to you about the footer .

[Ray Ackerman]

Originally posted by Greg@SVTOA
It's all good guys. Things have taken a MAJOR turn for the better after today. Been involved in meetings and conferences and discussions and all other manner of corporate recreation.

Been given a whole new assignment. You guys are directly responsible, especially Ken and the Atlanta crew.

You'll see what transpires very soon, and it's not going to be the dismantling of what we have going here.


I will be working into the wee hours this evening, if the board is closed for a bit, it's not for the reasons you may think. For a major hint, see the new board title.

:D :D :D

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!

Greg

I have a good feeling about the board!!!! I know were this board is going by your hint.....

FYI Ford....... I bought some of your stock today......

[Greg@SVTOA]

Once again, you guys are too kind. :D

TBSVTOA: you have your e-mail blocked, but I could go in and find what it is. DId you have a critique about the footer? I have somewhat thick skin after what has transpired, if you have a critique, go ahead and say what's on your mind.

As far as vB, Ken also heavily suggested this format. I am quite familiar with it, given that I am a Corral.net staff member and was at one time, one of the original moderators for STANGNET, but it was not part of the budget here. So I paid for the vB license out of my own pocket, thinking that once my superiors saw how functional this system is to use, I'd get my "investment" back. That has turned out as planned...

Gotta get back to work!!! :D

[Jstas]

Glad to see things are working out! You are obviously in much better spirits now! :bna

If you need any help of any kind, just ask, I'm willing to do whatever I can to help out! :tmb:

[Elapidae]

Originally posted by Jstas
I apologize Elapidae, I was not necessarily directing anything I wrote at you in particular. I just did not want to see this thread turn into something ugly or see alot of people having thier experience soured because they weren't seeing the big picture here. I didn't mean to upset you and I never intended to single you or anyone else out. Hope you're not angry! :bna

I was on a rant. No apology necessary. Looks like things are working out well after all. Maybe we did have some input. "SVTOA Official Forums" <---- Looks good :D

Keep up the good work Greg. Sorry if I offended anyone. It's still nice to be here :tmb:

[Ken 01-Cobra]

I just wanted to say "Thank You" to the powers that be!

It is seldom that the voice of the people is heeded so quickly! I DO hope that this Bulletin Board will afford SVTOA a place to gather and share information and ideas and develop a sense of community in an exciting and interesting environment.

Again, thanks to the management of SVTOA for "seeing the light"!

[TBSVTOA]

Originally posted by Greg@SVTOA
Once again, you guys are too kind. :D

TBSVTOA: you have your e-mail blocked, but I could go in and find what it is. DId you have a critique about the footer? I have somewhat thick skin after what has transpired, if you have a critique, go ahead and say what's on your mind.

As far as vB, Ken also heavily suggested this format. I am quite familiar with it, given that I am a Corral.net staff member and was at one time, one of the original moderators for STANGNET, but it was not part of the budget here. So I paid for the vB license out of my own pocket, thinking that once my superiors saw how functional this system is to use, I'd get my "investment" back. That has turned out as planned...

Gotta get back to work!!! :D

No critique about the footer. I fact I like it. wanted see if you could share code.

[Greg@SVTOA]

Originally posted by TBSVTOA
No critique about the footer. I fact I like it. wanted see if you could share code.


Oh, sure, no problem! I've had some other folks ask me how I did that. Are you familiar with the IMAGE MAP process? What I did there was simply create one image out of all those logos, then processed it down to a reasonable file size. Then I mapped the pixel grid, and specified the desired action for each mapped area.
What this means is, depending on where the mouse is located on the grid, a different action will take place relative to mouse movement. In other words, when you mouse over a particular area of the grid structure, text will popup and display, and then when or if that segment of the grid is clicked, the desired action which is programmed into that section of the grid will execute.
The code appears below. Mapping an image is not that difficult, and you can specify the various shapes of your mapped area. For a linear image like that one, it's easy to use the RECT attribute...



<!-- Beginning of CSIM -->
<IMG SRC="http://www.svtownersassociation.com/images/sponsorbanner.gif" USEMAP="#sponsorbanner" BORDER=0>
<MAP NAME="sponsorbanner">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="5,82,97,107" HREF="http://www.hertz.com/" ALT="Want to get 20% off of the Hertz Daily Member Benefit Rates?" OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='Want to get 20% off of the Hertz Daily Member Benefit Rates?'; return true">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="125,78,208,107" HREF="http://www.borla.com/" ALT="What is sweeter than a Borla exhaust?" OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='What is sweeter than a Borla exhaust?'; return true">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="238,93,335,107" HREF="http://www.discounttiredirect.com/" ALT="SVTOA members only pricing on tires and wheels from Discount Tire Direct! " OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='SVTOA members only pricing on tires and wheels from Discount Tire Direct! '; return true">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="2,3,107,42" HREF="http://www.fordracing.com/" ALT="SVTOA Members benefit from a discount on a Team Ford Racing Membership. " OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='SVTOA Members benefit from a discount on a Team Ford Racing Membership. '; return true">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="128,3,225,34" HREF="http://www.dallasmustang.com/" ALT="Get 5% off most everything we sell!" OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='Get 5% off most everything we sell!'; return true">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="6,52,114,76" HREF="http://www.recaro-seats.com/" ALT="Recaro seats are the best aftermarket seats that money can buy! On-Track Performance Solutions currently offers a $50 discount per seat to SVTOA members! " OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='Recaro seats are the best aftermarket seats that money can buy! On-Track Performance Solutions currently offers a $50 discount per seat to SVTOA members! '; return true">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="120,43,212,65" HREF="http://www.gaylordslids.com/" ALT="Get a 10% discount from Gaylords on their fiberglass truck lids and other accessories " OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='Get a 10% discount from Gaylords on their fiberglass truck lids and other accessories '; return true">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="237,4,328,44" HREF="http://www.steeda.com/" ALT="See STEEDA for 10% off genuine Steeda parts! " OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='See STEEDA for 10% off genuine Steeda parts! '; return true">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="348,3,458,37" HREF="http://www.eibach.com/" ALT="Eibach.... the Suspension Company " OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='Eibach.... the Suspension Company '; return true">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="253,50,318,86" HREF="http://www.holcombmotorsports.com/" ALT="As an SVTOA member, you will get 5% off of everything except engines and transmissions! " OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='As an SVTOA member, you will get 5% off of everything except engines and transmissions! '; return true">
<AREA SHAPE=RECT COORDS="359,54,457,106" HREF="http://www.haneymotorsport.com/" ALT="Receive a wholesale discount on everything we carry. " OnMouseOut="window.status=''; return true" OnMouseOver="window.status='Receive a wholesale discount on everything we carry. '; return true">
</MAP>
</center>


If this is so much greek to you, I can map an image for you and provide code that you can cut and paste. Simply attach the image to this thread (or a new one) and then tell me what URLs you want the mapped areas to point to.


:geek:

[Ken 01-Cobra]

Ok, now he is just showin off! ;) :D

(Hey Greg...I can POST again! Thanks for fixing my permissions dad! :haha: )