Suggestions to Get Celica-GTS.com more active...

[twotone_ra64]

Edit: Realized I should have put this message on this board instead, since more discussion would arise... ctsround4 brought this up on Facebook already, but I'm curious to hear what others have to say.

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It's been about 6 7 months since I became a moderator, and I've seen some pretty decent use of the forum. Nothing too crazy to report in terms of spam-like activity. But with the Facebook groups being so active recently, I'm seeing more people join there and post about their cars. 82-85 Celica, RA6x Celica 82-85, even my page, Bay Area Classic Celicas... But, often enough I see the same questions get asked over and over again, and some really great data gets lost in the whirlpool of comments and posts there. I think to myself, "well, if only there was a place where all that information could be posted in an organized fashion with a search function to peruse it all!"

I'm wondering how we can make this site more appealing to those folks and encourage them to use it. Some feedback I've received when telling people to make an account here ranges from "I don't know how to use forums" to "Yeah, I made an account, but haven't done much since".

One big idea I have is to create a mobile version of this forum, or at least transfer this to a platform where a mobile webapp or App Store/Google Play app client can host the forum or display a mobile version of it. People are on the web more often with their i-Devices rather than desktop or laptop computers, so that could be a big change for the better. And, within that change, make it easier for those folks to post images from their mobile devices. Whether that's somehow integrating Imgur or another photo hosting app, or something within the mobile app client. Reddit might even be a decent place, but there's already an r/Celica thread for all 1st-7th gens.

These are all just ideas off the top of my head. I really like this site and realize it used to be a bustling place about a decade ago. I want to see those times come back again, since the Celica is making a huge comeback in the eye and hands of the public! Long live the dragons! Let me know your thoughts, if this is even possible, or if it's just one big pipe dream...

[Steven Benner]

...the Facebook groups ... the same questions get asked over and over again, and some really great data gets lost in the whirlpool

 

create a mobile version of this forum

That is on the long-term to-do list. It's a really big project, and not worth doing right now because the forum software (SMF) will be getting a major update (version 2.1) sometime in the foreseeable future (though it could be a very long time indeed). That update will almost certainly not be compatible with themes built for version 2.0.

Some time after this site gets upgraded for SMF 2.1 I would like to build a custom theme, and one of the requirements for that theme will be decent mobile browser support.

I really like this site and realize it used to be a bustling place about a decade ago. I want to see those times come back again,

I'd like to see that as well. Though honestly, I don't see it happening. We're in the age of social media and, in general, people prefer to hang out on the big platforms instead of niche sites. Of course I believe that topic-dedicated sites like this still have an important role to play, but it feels more like a place for people who take the topic very seriously and are interested in more depth of knowledge than a simple user feed can provide.

Anything I can do to attract more people to the site would be great. But I think it's unrealistic to hope for a return to the glory days when this was a super active community with experts and amateurs all chatting about everything from throttle body shaping to what funny thing the news guy said last night.

[twotone_ra64]

That is on the long-term to-do list. It's a really big project, and not worth doing right now because the forum software (SMF) will be getting a major update (version 2.1) sometime in the foreseeable future (though it could be a very long time indeed). That update will almost certainly not be compatible with themes built for version 2.0.

Some time after this site gets upgraded for SMF 2.1 I would like to build a custom theme, and one of the requirements for that theme will be decent mobile browser support.

Makes sense, to play a bit of a waiting game on the SMF update. I don't mind sitting tight until that update comes out if that means a mobile version and perhaps some more BBCode functionality (GIFs and embedded videos).

I'd like to see that as well. Though honestly, I don't see it happening. We're in the age of social media and, in general, people prefer to hang out on the big platforms instead of niche sites.

Of course I believe that topic-dedicated sites like this still have an important role to play, but it feels more like a place for people who take the topic very seriously and are interested in more depth of knowledge than a simple user feed can provide.

Absolutely, it's just sad to see that transition. I suppose it just goes to show you the difference between car guys and car guys. Those who are really dedicated to getting to know the ins and outs of their car and continue learning; I feel as those folks would end up here. There's already a wealth of information here, and I know that some of the FB guys do try doing some reading here, but as parts change and technology improves, new questions will rise.

Anything I can do to attract more people to the site would be great. But I think it's unrealistic to hope for a return to the glory days when this was a super active community with experts and amateurs all chatting about everything from throttle body shaping to what funny thing the news guy said last night.

Yeah, those sorts of discussions now end up on other boards or social media, but I wouldn't be unhappy with just more activity here that was solely Celica related.

[sirdan]

A little late to the party here but, man I am amazed how many people are on the facebook celica page and nobody is here! Id love to see more of them here making build threads and stuff. I don't understand how facebook is so popular. Shit at least here in florida people use facebook marketplace instead of craigslist... So weird! I don't know how to get people here though unfortunately.

[twotone_ra64]

A little late to the party here but, man I am amazed how many people are on the facebook celica page and nobody is here! Id love to see more of them here making build threads and stuff. I don't understand how facebook is so popular. Shit at least here in florida people use facebook marketplace instead of craigslist... So weird!

Same here! I'd love to see more build threads going up on this platform instead.

My theory is that people like the Facebook page more because their questions are answered more quickly and it's easier to use an established mobile platform on your phone. Also, there are a very large handful of millenials/Gen-Z kids on there who probably only know social media, and never really took it upon themselves to check out forums or reference websites. I don't know though... personally I've never had an issue with response speed here though - as long as you're active with the community and make a good post with details/pics, we respond pretty quickly on here. And who knows if those guys have a desktop or laptop to browse this site with. I use my laptop more often than not, especially for my big write-ups, but it's not impossible to use your phone and post here. Image posting is something I'd like to see improved here though, as I mentioned in a previous post.

I don't understand the appeal of Facebook marketplace either... I dislike it a lot as a platform, especially when I try to use it on mobile. Craigslist is already so much better and has a native mobile version, plus tons of search apps for your phone to use.

I don't know how to get people here though unfortunately.

That's going to be the real challenge, and a responsibility that I hope all the active members here can take on and help out with. I'll always push for people to come here in the Facebook page, especially when someone completes a large mod, or tries something new, and make a writeup on how they did it. Same with the people I follow on Instagram, and also make sure my BACC group comes here too. I plan on starting a YouTube channel next year to document all my car work along with my build thread here, and encourage any Celica-owning viewers to come to the forum. I'll try using any vias where I have reach. Whether people end up coming here and being active is completely up to them...

[yella81celica]

Problem with facebook Is that people want answers faster. Ive recommended this forum a few times. So much info on here. If i was actually working/ driving my celica i may be more active here. I dont like a lot of mobile sites or downloading apps. For forums i prefer to use the website over mobile view. I think this has been brought up before but i wonder if a tagging function would help. Yes i know I receive emails but if i was notified that someone tagged me in a post i would want to read it more as someone has personally wanted my reply.

[Sigma Projects]

I think I'm a bit old school when it comes to this stuff because when I look at FB groups everything is lost, there's tons of distractions for other groups, people's posts get moved around, notifications that don't matter, etc. I mean being on this forum with it being white listed on my adblocker is less obnoxious than what is on FB. It's partially why I like instagram, gives me less of a headache.

Probably a mobile option for those who need it I guess is the main thing. Maybe there should be a Celica-GTS.com FB group for those who just want to shoot the shit. Kind of like the lounge.

[twotone_ra64]

For sure. I personally find the only useful aspect of FB is for selling/finding parts. Otherwise, exactly, good info gets lost so easily. I'm tempted to dig through it all and make how-to writeups here.

Mobile option for sure, and as Steven said, it's on the todo list. By golly, there IS a FB page for this forum~!

https://www.facebook.com/Celica-GTScom-Members-301356262663/

[Sigma Projects]

oh yea, why aren't people use that instead of creating their own FB groups?

Like this one is more active
https://www.facebook.com/groups/8285Celica/?multi_permalinks=2087160441377793&notif_id=1549313016201018&notif_t=group_highlights

[twotone_ra64]

It's a page, rather than a group. I think it's functionally different in FB compared to a group.

[Lone.mincer_]

Wow that celicagts page is long gone! It looks so innactive! Im just going to ditto everybody on saying that facebook has info but gets lost. Mainly its a bunch of people talking crap about each others builds or trying to prove a point instead of actually sharing information and trying to help eachothers builds. Im on celicagts more than FB because like steven mentioned...people on here are actually serious. Even tho the responses are slower they are 10x more knowledgeable and helpfull. The only thing i can add for more pull on people is to keep spamming the FB pages with "go to celicagts.com". Plus every other week theres new unnecessary paages being made because they didnt like the other page or want the attention. There should only be one big page with everybody as a community, not seperate pages where "i only go here and not there" because of what ever reason. Theres butt loads of info here it's just that people get lazy to search through years of pages and want immidiate answers. In my opinion if people arent willing to dig for the right info then they dont have patience to upkeep our celicas and shouldnt have one in the first place! Not everything is spoon fed to us in life. But yes as alex said one thing we can work on is how to sort the info on here so it accommodates the new generation of kids to where they find an answer quick. Maybe a faster or better way to post pics? Like i said people dont want to bother.... Like going to imgur posting the pic getting the link returning here and posting again. Its "too much work" for this generation. Kids dont even like reading long posts either. In a sense it keeps the unwanted users that only take and dont give. I dont know i got carried away but if i can help in any way i will! Ive sent my share of people here as well! You guys are awesome!

 

[Sigma Projects]

I think a FB group would help funnel serious members to the forums though.

[twotone_ra64]

Wow that celicagts page is long gone! It looks so innactive! Im just going to ditto everybody on saying that facebook has info but gets lost. Mainly its a bunch of people talking crap about each others builds or trying to prove a point instead of actually sharing information and trying to help eachothers builds. Im on celicagts more than FB because like steven mentioned...people on here are actually serious. Even tho the responses are slower they are 10x more knowledgeable and helpfull. The only thing i can add for more pull on people is to keep spamming the FB pages with "go to celicagts.com". Plus every other week theres new unnecessary paages being made because they didnt like the other page or want the attention. There should only be one big page with everybody as a community, not seperate pages where "i only go here and not there" because of what ever reason. Theres butt loads of info here it's just that people get lazy to search through years of pages and want immidiate answers. In my opinion if people arent willing to dig for the right info then they dont have patience to upkeep our celicas and shouldnt have one in the first place! Not everything is spoon fed to us in life. But yes as alex said one thing we can work on is how to sort the info on here so it accommodates the new generation of kids to where they find an answer quick. Maybe a faster or better way to post pics? Like i said people dont want to bother.... Like going to imgur posting the pic getting the link returning here and posting again. Its "too much work" for this generation. Kids dont even like reading long posts either. In a sense it keeps the unwanted users that only take and dont give. I dont know i got carried away but if i can help in any way i will! Ive sent my share of people here as well! You guys are awesome!

 

Well said, my dude! Exactly, wisdom is a circle; what you receive, you must give back. That's why making writeups and sharing info here is so important.

I think a FB group would help funnel serious members to the forums though.

For sure! And continuously promoting this site on those pages is a must.

EDIT: I think I missed a point that Steven made; one other big reason that this site was bustling 10-15 years ago is because this was social media before Facebook.

[yella81celica]

This is how I met the pnw group. I still have a few of their phone numbers. Bob built my motor and I met him the first time at midnight at my girlfriends (now wife) parents house. He delivered it in the backseat of a 3rd gen convertible.  About a 6 hour drive time, round trip, for him.

[Sigma Projects]

EDIT: I think I missed a point that Steven made; one other big reason that this site was bustling 10-15 years ago is because this was social media before Facebook.

Very true. I think also people don't know how to use google anymore