http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/12202.page Public Action http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122446 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122446 GMT
This thread is related to whether or not the forum should continue to address those questions directly, not the question itself.

]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121219 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121219 GMT
Car Talk forum lackeys: hath this forum any upgrades in its future?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1123617 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1123617 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1123453 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1123453 GMT
What about of just being able to post a question right off the bat why not make it mandatory to search, but revised, for an answer before being allowed to post a question. If an answer was not found one is asked to highlight ones car make, model, and year followed by categorizing the question and then type the question and submit. Categories predetermined and offered in a drop down menu. However, categories must be kept simple. Categories such as engine, noise & vibration, transmission, brakes, steering and handling, body and paint, heating and cooling, electrical, and other. With car make model and year along with categories a better search could also be had. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1123016 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1123016 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1183616 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1183616 GMT
unfortunately it is the "average joe" who is trying to get some glimpse of their autos problems who is suffering from this drivel from these useless and redundantly redundant posts. i hesitate to even call them questions, since they are just sales pitches disguised as an innocent question.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122627 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122627 GMT
My original suggestion was made to improve the quality and scalability of answers to enquirers. Personally I'm abivalent about an FAQ, I can just ignore the Hyrdogen, Vortex and Snake Oil posts. But then ultimately those posters won't receive an informative response since with the exception of yourself, I'd guess that the majority of responders will tire of answering these questions.



]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122820 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122820 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122814 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122814 GMT
Perhaps auto manufacturers should omit the publication of owners handbooks and workshop manuals and simply have a help desk to answer owners questions using your concept ?
]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122615 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122615 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121644 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121644 GMT
http://biz...amily-home]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121611 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121611 GMT Where are these accusations coming from? I don't know anything about these plugs and would suggest doing a lot or research before buying any product that promises increases in fuel economy. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1181813 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1181813 GMT
Your words ok4450 and probably the sentiment of thousands, make that millions, of other people. And yet one of the biggest scams being foisted on you, me and everyone else in this country is ignored either on purpose or through ignorance that it is even happening to them. I know that you want only discussions of "Anything related to the repair of an internal combustion engine or whatever is attached to it; be it 2 wheels, 4 wheels, or winged", but these internal combustion engines are useful only if we can afford the gas to put into them. Last time I looked it still took gas (or deisel, etc.) to run these machines, which to me, makes gas (and gas PRICES) relevent. Now some people, maybe you, maybe not, will have no problem affording gas at 5 or 6 dollars per gallon. I suspect most of us will be under a real hardship to do so. So if all Americans are being ripped off by unregulated energy speculators why aren't you and everyone else p****d off about that? What makes the ripping off of all of us at the gas pump any different than, as you put it "seeing anyone getting screwed out of their cash; no matter if it's a fraudulent auto repair or one of about 8000 bogus gas saving gimmicks?" Educate yourself to this rip off by doing your own "Search" on the Enron Loophole before you whip off a reply to me. Then we can talk. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1129613 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1129613 GMT
What threads have I enjoyed in the past? Just about every one of them I've read and that includes ones that I have not responded to. There are a large number of regular posters on this board and I fully enjoy reading their insight on automotive problems.

What is it that I want to discuss? Anything related to the repair of an internal combustion engine or whatever is attached to it; be it 2 wheels, 4 wheels, or winged.
What is it I do NOT want to see? Shills providing links to scam products which are designed solely to separate the naive and unsuspecting consumer from their dollars. At times posts appear where someone has very obviously been BSed or flat out robbed of their money on an auto repair and this honestly pxxxxx me off. (I'm a volatile guy).
I don't like seeing anyone getting screwed out of their cash; no matter if it's a fraudulent auto repair or one of about 8000 bogus gas saving gimmicks.

You've got a shill right now on another thread about yet another performance/gas saving scam; Pulstar spark plugs.

Are those answers clear enough?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121827 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121827 GMT ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121212 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121212 GMT
This site is supposed to be about helping someone with car problems, which are a pain in the neck even on a good day. It's not supposed to be about separating someone from their cash.
If someone chooses to go on any one of a thousand scam sites and get bilked then so be it but the ball should not start rolling here.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1120219 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1120219 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119812 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119812 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122457 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1122457 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121822 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121822 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1183227 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1183227 GMT ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1181811 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1181811 GMT
This is a pudding that doesn't need over egging, but as an example a page advising how to pose a question.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Always provide Year, Make, Model, Engine & transmission type (i.e. Auto / Manual) and estimated mileage.

- Don't use all capitals, it gives us a headache - known as shouting in forum speak.

- Provide as much information as possible, responders can only provide answers based on the information you give, the better the information - the better the answers you will get.

- Try to provide feedback of the fix for your problem, it may come in useful for future posters. Saying thanks is gravy.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other suggestions are listed above, an interference engine reference, Dino vs Synth oil discussion, maintenenace intervals among others. With an FAQ area the 'nuggets' from previous posts can be assembled into a single reference page, enquirers can then be referred to that page when they post - I'm not expecting posters to find the page themselves, though they should be able to. Those threads then become write once. read many times, the quality of that specific information can only improve since it is focal and objective.

Thereafter the question : "Should I be using synthetic oil in my 1998 Honda Accord V6 auto"

Can be answered : "This subject has already been covered in detail and can be references on "

Rational enough ?

]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121011 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121011 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119690 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119690 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1181618 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1181618 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1132019 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1132019 GMT
Seems like some of the posts on this thread were flagged by an overly sensitive individual, I can hazard a guess who..

I agree totally with your comments regarding 'lost' features on the forum and my view is if the web masters want to make a public action forum work, they need to listen to their contributors.

Web design by attrition
]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1129620 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1129620 GMT I was leaning toward sarcasm in that 'swamping' post.

However, you are making some good points and suggestions.

In your post below where you outline the need for questioning posters to provide sufficient info has been put forth to the powers that be on this site to no avail. (so far)

We've seen in the past that injecting info and common sense in a relative post goes practically unnoticed.

The subjects you covered concerning new questioning posters should (IMHO) be posted as a 'sticky'.

What I mean is that the required info that you posted here has to be inserted permanently at the start of original posting along with registering BEFORE any posts are made.

As we all know, there are quite few options that were left behind in the old forum we would like to see reinstated here, BUT after this length of time, I'm wondering if they will ever come to fruition.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1125629 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1125629 GMT
After all, the forum URI is 'Car Talk - Public Action'. If the regular responders didn't provide feedback, the forum wouldn't work. Therefore there is no reason why the people who provide that feedback shouldn't have some input as to how it works.

It can only improve the forum value.

]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1120814 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1120814 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119676 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119676 GMT
If you guys really want this, email the enquiries email under Help.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119656 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119656 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119643 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119643 GMT
The search link on this site doesn't work at all. Why?

I typed in 'tires', nothing. I typed in 'intake manifold gaskets', nothing. I typed in 'sway bars', nothing.

The typed word(s) just stare back at you. Anyone else get it to work and for how long?

It worked on the old forum reasonably well, although it wouldn't go back a full year and in some cases it would be nice.

One other thing I would like to see is a section relating to different vehicles by year/make and model and whether interference or noninterference engines.

One thing for sure is to have a troll wacker.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119639 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119639 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119242 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119242 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121416 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121416 GMT
I don't really mind answering that stuff but twice a week starts to get a little repetitious. Plus the posters seem to really want to hear that it works. No chance.


Other than that we could provide some advice "How to pose a question : Make, model, year, engine, transmission type" would be a good start.

..and finally, how to say "Thanks for your help that worked / didn't work (delete one)"
]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119256 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119256 GMT ok the last part could be left off.

Like this?

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS? YOU IDIOT!]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121814 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1121814 GMT
LOOKING FOR ANSWERS? YOU MIGHT GET THEM FASTER BY SEARCHING FOR EXISTING DISCUSSIONS - YOU IDIOT!

ok the last part could be left off.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119011 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1119011 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118829 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118829 GMT
If anyone is interested, the following site hosts free Wikis:

http://www.wikidot.com/

though there are others that host these for free.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118827 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118827 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118435 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118435 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118431 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118431 GMT ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118643 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118643 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118421 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118421 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118418 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118418 GMT
maybe since we are in a recession more people are looking for the magical wrench, and are getting angry not finding it for free in this website!

but then again, some of the 'help' from apparently the same person (masquerading under different screen names) is making it harder to get the OP to follow the posts with info and the ability to get help.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118415 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118415 GMT
]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118625 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118625 GMT Excellent idea, Scudder. And, your examples of frustratingly silly questions are also really good!

I would add to your list: "How do I repair the XXXXXX on my Citroen Saxo?"--a question that comes up every couple of months. Hell--nobody in Europe seems to know how to repair them, so how someone in the US could answer that question is beyond me.

It might actually be a good idea to mention on the home page that this is a US-based forum, and perhaps a list of the European makes that are not sold in the US could be posted, thus leading to less frustration for those in Europe who are asking for help with cars that nobody is familiar with.

]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118233 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118233 GMT
A few candidates I can think of…..

Can I run my car on water, composted grass cuttings or old unused acrylic paint ?

What about the price of gas (take it to the global commerce forum).

I know nothing about cars and don’t have a workshop manual for the Jaguar V12 I’ve just purchased, can anyone tell me how to completely rebuild my engine ?

I have a blue car with a strange knocking sound, can you tell me what the problem is ?

How do I phrase an intelligent sentence, use punctuation or use my caps lock key ?

And of course the classic : Why are my followers falling off my Mercury ?
]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118221 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1052610.page#1118221 GMT