New Registry Tech Data Section: Members Only?

[A26B]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

Keep in mind the posts and support would still be here, just the in depth articles would be in the members section, just like HOTB is limited access. I do not see that as an issue, this is more "bonus" material

This is correct and what I had in mind. Professional concise, technical data articles, without names, comments, posts....... Just the beef. I envision that the trouble shooting would still be open access on the forums, and an integral part of solutions.

For quite some time now, we have been hearing from paying members, that there should be some perks for being a member, besides a tee shirt & sticker. We have also heard the same sort of commentary from non-members. If the concept of a modern, detailed service manual supplement, Tech Data Sheet/Articles in a Members only section, catches on, it is a step in that direction.

The Solutions section is a huge improvement over just the search feature and would remain so. Call it a first level of technical support if you will. That would get a prospective member in the door. Access to the Tech Data would be a Registry Member perk.

I have no pride of authorship here. This is an open discussion on the merits to see if there is a direction and where it should go, if at all. So, keep the input going it's all good.

[tomtom72]

I stand corrected Gentlemen.

If we would allow the net registry's Technical sections composed of all the common issues & how to's and maintenance issues to remain open to non-members as a taste of what you get when you join our Registry then I can get behind the idea wholeheartedly!


Tom

[GOLDCYLON]

Jerry. I like this idea and as a paying member have no problem with this concept. However I would like to acknowlege all the hard work Cliff has done in his Solutions sections on this forum to date. Thats a pile of unpaid "work" with the single goal of helping ALL forum members reguardless.

I understand that it can take some time to get to the actual solution sometimes as folks chime in and banter about whatnot. It appears you are looking for a "meat and potatoes" solution to the registry member only section.

Are you planning on bringing Cliff into this concept as he has already done most of the work already? A lot of other folks can colloborate as well? Pete etc.

Just some thoughts. D

[Paul Workman]

I'm NOT Jerry. But, if I understand his suggestion, I don't see a conflict, and certainly it was no affront to the massive amount of work you've done compiling what is essentially a "READER'S GUIDE" by way of the SOLUTIONS sticky. In short, it seems to me (by this post and your scathing PM to Jerry and me) there is at least a big misunderstanding in the intent J put forth, or at worst a needless pissin' match has ensued...over what? A suggestion that some topics be formally written to address a concise technical article that has been "washed" to assure accuracy and expediency???

If you don't want to be involved with writing formal tech articles - fine. But, why the animosity??? I don't get it. (Taking nothing away from the Solutions section, which represents a extraordinary achievement and a huge help to anyone doing research on a wide variety of topics, as far as it goes.)

But, as I said, Solutions also strikes me as akin to a "READERS GUIDE" (or bulletin board); a list of links to related topics written up by many individuals wishing to contribute information - or just discussion - on a variety of topics. That is NOT a bad thing! Anyone doing research on a topic from global warming to Greek sexuality (sorry Pete) benefits from just such a work as the Solutions section provides. Without it, finding help on specific topics would be an arduous task, or a pain in the arse at least. IMO, the first stop to find the latest ZR-1 data or maybe just discussion would be Solutions - a powerful resource, thanks to you, Cliff. But, a list of links and discussions on a topic from various individuals, replete with a mix of extraneous babble (and I'm the worst offender of babble, I admit) is not the same as a succinct, scrutinized technical article. Knowhaddimean???

Additional comments by me in blue...

Originally Posted by Dynomite

I respectfully decline participation in the Tech Data Section development as I have no clue what that is other than replacing/upgrading the ZR1netregistry.com Maintenance section. Jerry's requirements in regard to writing and technical skills far exceed my spare time capabilities OK

To me it appears Jerry has in mind a committee (Kind of like the Gov) to define the Tech Data Section development. It also appears to me it is political or about money which I have promised administrators I would not involve myself in as long as I am a member. I survive nicely using the ZR1netregistry.com Maintenance section and Solutions which Jerry apparently has issues with (see Red below for Jerry's issues with Solutions).

Bullsh*t That is the only way to respond to such a wild, unwarranted statement. Gawd I hope you were just kidding!?

Now if someone can explain to me what Jerry means when he says
The "Solutions" concept is often linked to an entire thread with corrections sometimes made, can make for difficult comprehension and long reading.

I think he's referring to posts from multiple contributors that may or seem to conflict, often because of the context in which they were written (not so much in error, per se')

Approximately 90% of Solutions references refer to individual posts and not to general threads except for restorations for example. Maybe Jerry is confusing the Solutions Index with the SEARCH which is not available to guests. The SEARCH only links to threads.

And........what does Jerry mean when he says
Solutions Section contains revisons on top of corrections and can be difficult to read and retain.

I am asking so I can improve my own Solutions Index I keep on this computer which improvement I will upload to the Forum Solutions Sticky if it is an improvement I can implement.

I, for one, have nothing to suggest for improving on what I feel is an excellent body of work; i.e.,Solutions. In no way do I think Jerry intended to come off as critical of your work, but rather trying to explain why select topics might be elevated to a formal treatment. Solutions, as it stands, is a very helpful tool for getting at information to support many a formal article.

Nobody is suggesting that you, Cliff, attempt to re-write Solutions or even change the format in any way. I think I speak for us all when I say how grateful we are to have the benefit of Solutions. However, if and when a particular topic of exceptional interest, e.g. this lifter fiasco comes up, I would hope that you would be willing to write it, or at least contribute to it.

I don't know if this helps in any way, but I hope so.

[daviddu79]

Good idea

[mike100]

Well, if the author of the tech content is in favor of making it 'pay to see', then fine, but I like the original idea that if it was just public tech info originally, then just leave it available. There is probably a 3:1 poster to lurker ratio, so who knows how many people this information benefits every week.

I'm not opposed to contributing to the site, but I don't like recurring bills and can't guarantee year after year contributions...but that's just me. I also tend to trade cars every couple of year as well.

[xlr8nflorida]

I think Dynomite has done an outstanding job in the solutions department.

I'd concentrate on a getting out a "regular newsletter" and updating the website on a regular basis before taking on another project that achieves mediocre results at best.

[A26B]

Originally Posted by mike100

Well, if the author of the tech content is in favor of making it 'pay to see', then fine, but I like the original idea that if it was just public tech info originally, then just leave it available. There is probably a 3:1 poster to lurker ratio, so who knows how many people this information benefits every week.

I'm not opposed to contributing to the site, but I don't like recurring bills and can't guarantee year after year contributions...but that's just me. I also tend to trade cars every couple of year as well.

Of course, the final concept is yet to be determined, but what i am proposing for consideration is to establish an outline of Tech Articles that can be based partly on some of the maintenance topics already on the Registry website and also on topics that are in the forum format and could be revised into a more formal presentation such as Paul suggested. Articles may have more than on person working on the content as a contribution to the project, so it's Members working together for the good of the Registry, not a pay-to-see decision.

The Registry requires a lot of work & personal expense by individuals willing to serve. It doesn't just happen. We need members to keep it alive & well. Paying members need to see some reward for their support of the Registry.

As far a recurring bills.... you only pay once a year, it doesn't automatically charge your account each year, so if you decide to opt out for whatever reason, just don't renew your membership. If you don't mind contributing to the site, then become a member. it costs less than half a tank of gas. If you own a ZR-1, then that's easily affordable.

[Gunny]

Originally Posted by A26B

The Registry requires a lot of work & personal expense by individuals willing to serve. It doesn't just happen. We need members to keep it alive & well. Paying members need to see some reward for their support of the Registry.

Well said, Jerry.


George

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Cliff,

I think there might be a misunderstanding of Jerry's intent. All he is saying to me is that we have some quality, well written, actual tech articles in a location for just the paying members as membership should have its privileges. Although there is "techincal" information on the forum in various pieces and posts with some being quite detail, they are not articles by any means and great for what it is. Personally, I use several forums to gather technical information or "how to" and try to piece the info together to do what I have to do or troubleshoot for a project or issue. I have a binder of technical articles from various sources and magazines that I save and have tabbed for future use, but can't really print some of the forum posts to do the same with all the input and comments thrown in there.

I am curious to know what the membership really is on the paying members versus just members that sign up for the forum? I know there are many lurkers out there too and I often see names even in Corvette magazines that I have never heard of that are ZR-1 owners too. I am sure they too frequent Registry site for information and help.

To tell you the truth, this is the only site where I consider the members "Friends" and have made some lasting friendships. If you go to one of the Gatherings you will see what I mean. There are folks like Jerry, Jim, Dennis, John, Keith, Pete, Tom, David, Paul, Rich, Marc, Yun, Ted, Robert, Carter, Lee, and the list could go on and on (not intending to mention all or forget anyone) that will let you call them at 2 AM in the morning if you are stranded or give you their spare tire to get you home or parts they brought on the road to get you running. Some of them may not be paying members, but I'm sure if it was important to them they would pay the annual fees for membership too, but these are the same folks that provide or share technical info as you do.

I don't see any relationship to the work you put into solutions and that is a nice tool and kudos for all the work you put into it.

All I'm saying is that membership should have its privileges.