Suggestion- maybe?

[DV52]

Not uncommon questions on this forum from new-bees often relate to basic "how-to" matters- like posting auto-scan, pictures etc. These are often asked within posts and the answers rely on a more experienced member in another post.

Would it be useful to add a "How-To" tab in the top-line of the screen (next to "Support Videos") that contained a list of basic forum instructions - maybe, perhaps?

Don

 

[Uwe]

Would it be useful to add a "How-To" tab in the top-line of the screen (next to "Support Videos") that contained a list of basic forum instructions

I like it. With links to the appropriate posts. The two that immediately come to mind are: "How to Post an Auto-Scan". "How to Post Pictures". Others?

However, I'm not sure what would be involved adding that. @Santos?

-Uwe-

 

[DV52]

@Uwe: thank you. The irony of your question "others?" is that it's probably best answered by new-bees themselves!

Other candidate suggestions might include -how to get verified and how to get registered? Yes, I'm aware that these instructions are in the New User sub-forum - but as you have already experienced, new users don't always enter the forum via that particular door!!

Also and it's not strictly a "how-to" in the real sense, but maybe an explanation of the forum lexicon my be helpful. I guess it's easy for experienced forum members to assume that users know about highlighted words- but it ain't always true.

Another pseudo "how-to" that might be considered is a statement about forum rules. It's a sad admission, but I'm not entirely sure that I've ever seen such a list. Maybe a list of forum rules with a header containing some words about the forum being solely for Ross-Tech products and then only for genuine VCDS. Yes, it's stating the bleeding obvious, but the forum is accessible by everyone - so it should be remembered that by definition, about 50% of new-bees (and existing members) likely will not have an IQ>100

I'm not sure - there must be a range of forum-rules - perhaps something like these (example only):

1. Please respect each other. Flaming/Spamming/Rudeness will not be tolerated.

2. Do not post Pornographic content (Image, Text, Video, Links, Username, etc...) and do not use the forum to advertise commercial products.

3. Do not hi-jack threads with unrelated topics! You can start your own thread if needed.

4. All posts must be in English and ALL auto-scans must be in English - preferably UNEDITED (except for VIN- if you want) and using the latest version VCDS software,

5. Create new threads only in the right sub-forums.

6. Do not create unnecessary threads - use exiting threads where possible if the topic is ostensibly the same.

7. Do not DOUBLE post - as a general rule, a particular matter should only appear in the one post

9. All thread titles must be relevant to the topic discussed in your post and and the thread title must be meaningful. "I need help" or "I can't get comms" etc, are not helpful - either to garner responses from other forum members, or when others search the forum

10. Always try to use the Search function before posting! You may just find the answer to what you're looking for.

11. Do not discuss, suggest, engage, or encourage any illegal activity on the forums.

12. Remember that this is a public forum, keep private information private

13. Check the rules from time to time as they can change.


Note: When asking a question provide car details: build year, model, make and Country of location. And if relevant, consider posting a recent auto-scan of the vehicle

 

[Zenerdiode]

Where to obtain Wiring Diagrams and vehicle data (erWin PartsLink etc).

What I do love about this forum is we do stray off-topic sometimes; or someone interjects with something funny. It doesn’t matter though, it keeps the flow and if someone does know the answer, it will be in there freely.

 

[JMR]

i do hijack posts sometimes and i apologize

 

[DV52]

i do hijack posts sometimes and i apologize

@JMR: haha....I most certainly wasn't thinking of you when I made my suggestion.

Fact is that none of us are without-sin (to borrow a term from my ex Catholic past) in this regard.

However, if I could make an observation in your case - seldom have I seen a forum member hi-jack a thread with your particular panache and aplomb.

In short, and I say this with all sincerity - you appear to have a flamboyant confidence of style that is unparalleled in this place !!

Keep up the good work - please

Dpn

 

[Uwe]

Maybe a list of forum rules

Since I am an enlightened despot with strong leanings toward philosphical anarchism, I see no need for a "list of rules".

-Uwe-

 

[Katie Ross]

Since I am an enlightened despot with strong leanings toward philosphical anarchism, I see no need for a "list of rules".

-Uwe-

"Rules" could be boiled down to "Be an adult and use your best judgement for what is appropriate in this space. We reserve the right to ban people as we see fit."

 

[Uwe]

We reserve the right to ban people as we see fit.

I'm not sure we've ever banned anyone except blatant spammers and unrepentant pirates.

-Uwe-

 

[Katie Ross]

I'm not sure we've ever banned anyone except blatant spammers and unrepentant pirates.

-Uwe-

Still best to reserve the right to do so

 

[Santos]

Would it be useful to add a "How-To" tab in the top-line of the screen (next to "Support Videos") that contained a list of basic forum instructions - maybe, perhaps?

Added. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[stefdds]

@Santos , how about a Partslink24 link for Genuine VW/Audi parts and PN's ?? The "how to" addition (Thanks Don) to the tool bar should be super helpful to all!

Edit: oops, just noticed the ,partslink24, paragraph in the "how to get repair info........" .

 

[DV52]

Since I am an enlightened despot with strong leanings toward philosphical anarchism, I see no need for a "list of rules".

-Uwe-

hahah..... not heard of the term "Philosophical anarchism" (I like it!!). And yes, there's an uncanny resemblance in the Wikipedia link - the only thing missing is the name, Uwe Ross!!

However, I tend to agree with Katie - even the most ardent anarchist believes in some rules. Anarchism is more of a political ideology; a movement that is skeptical of authority and coercive forms of hierarchy. The irony is that according to this definition, the "despot" is the authority.

And, despite your penchant for anarchism - in truth, you do impose rules like English language etc, And you also do ban folk from the forum - like those that post auto-scans from clone cables. All very reasonable rules - but rules nevertheless!!

Anyhow, thanks for considering the proposal - and thanks too to @Santos for implementation.

on

 

[Uwe]

And you also do ban folk from the forum - like those that post auto-scans from clone cables.

No, it's very rare that they actually get banned. They are placed in the usergroup "Pirate", which seriously restricts what they can do here. Think of it as a purgatory of sorts, rather than eternal damnation.

-Uwe-

 

[Zenerdiode]

Yes, there’s an Exit door available in Hall of Shame - should the Pirate choose to go through it.

 

[DV52]

AAArrrhh yes - Purgatory !! I'm familiar with that place from my ex-Catholic school days. .

Purgatory:a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven. What a gloriously human concept for an omnipotent deity to adopt (the "ledger-book" principle; sinners need to suffer before they become enlightened)?

I wonder how many sinners in the "Pirate" usergroup actually get into "Heaven", eventually and how many do indeed suffer eternal damnation? I suspect many more of the latter!!

Again, thanks (and particularly for reviving my memory of these woeful religious constructs)!!

Don