User Support & Resources - Adding a How To section

Would it be possible to add a new section for all the how to's and DIY tutorials. Such as basic maintenance procedures, whisper headlights, AIR/EGR removal, etc.

I think adding a section like this would make the site more effective since it is called LS1tech.

Why not make it more user friendly and help avoid a user asking a question and getting a "do a search" response.

That's not a bad idea. Lots of great threads on here on how to do certain mods. Might be worth combining them all in one section

I agree on this one. Even though there a lot of how-to's in the stickies, its hard to find them sometimes. They have something like this over on JeepForum where it is locked and all the posts are put on there/edited through a moderator. This helps keep down a lot of the random stuff in the threads.

i agree too this is a real good idea

especialy with search acting all f-ed up latley

Hopefully this would happen. I am sure members here can help compile a list of links for all the how to/sticky threads on this site.

Ya I think this would save a lot of time and be helpful:D

that thought crossed my mind a few days ago.
I think it's an excellent idea.

definitely. i also really like parts review sections on sites.

Agreed. Good idea. Here's a few brief thoughts:

- The 'How To' section should consist of DIY write-ups from experienced 'Tech members who have proven themselved to be knowledgable. That or a knowledgable mod/sponsor/admin would have to review the write-up to validate it's accuracy.

- The section should be locked down or else 'How To' threads would turn into worthless drivvel.

- Who is responsible for determining whether a thread is deemed "worthy" of the 'How To' section. I guess a vote in the Admin Lounde or the Directors/Mod Lounge would suffice.

- Going forward is easy. How do you go back through a million threads and find all the tech gems to post in that forum?

- A thought against the 'How To' forum. Assuming the search is functioning properly, it's irrelevant what forum a thread is in really. That would negate the whole concept of a 'How To' forum.

It sounds like a good idea in theory. There might be too much content to make a section like that valuable...especially when you'd end up searching for something anyway.

Who knows...just posting up a few thoughts after a drink or two...or 9.:chug: :D

Agreed. Good idea. Here's a few brief thoughts:

- The 'How To' section should consist of DIY write-ups from experienced 'Tech members who have proven themselved to be knowledgable. That or a knowledgable mod/sponsor/admin would have to review the write-up to validate it's accuracy.

- The section should be locked down or else 'How To' threads would turn into worthless drivvel.

- Who is responsible for determining whether a thread is deemed "worthy" of the 'How To' section. I guess a vote in the Admin Lounde or the Directors/Mod Lounge would suffice.

- Going forward is easy. How do you go back through a million threads and find all the tech gems to post in that forum?

- A thought against the 'How To' forum. Assuming the search is functioning properly, it's irrelevant what forum a thread is in really. That would negate the whole concept of a 'How To' forum.

It sounds like a good idea in theory. There might be too much content to make a section like that valuable...especially when you'd end up searching for something anyway.

Who knows...just posting up a few thoughts after a drink or two...or 9.:chug: :D

I searched AIR removal and sure enough found a handful of threads. There is even a sticky on it.

Maybe people just need to learn how to search. :confused:

Maybe people just need to learn how to search. :confused:

There's no maybe about that! :lol:

People just want easy answers. The problem is that in 2 months time there will be thousands of thread in this new and easy 'How To' section and it'll be just as "difficult" for them to find information. Searching is and always has been the best possible solution.

there is definitely a lot of good writeups on here already, but it would be nice not to have to search all the time. if they were all compiled and organized nicely(intake, exhaust, suspension, brakes, etc) it would be a pretty nice resource.

orrr they could just take the easy way out and make the "HOW TO" section directions on "HOW TO SEARCH"

there is definitely a lot of good writeups on here already, but it would be nice not to have to search all the time. if they were all compiled and organized nicely(intake, exhaust, suspension, brakes, etc) it would be a pretty nice resource.

orrr they could just take the easy way out and make the "HOW TO" section directions on "HOW TO SEARCH"

What happens when there are 10,000 threads in the 'How To' section?
How do you review them or find the one(s) you're looking for?

Here is your DIY How to

http://www.alldatadiy.com/

How do you guys not know how to search on an internet forum? This is the computer era, seriously.

What happens when there are 10,000 threads in the 'How To' section?
How do you review them or find the one(s) you're looking for?

I understand your point about searching, and completely agree. what I was suggesting was more of just a compilation of common DIY's in a sticky. before it is posted, each DIY can be reviewed for clarity and accuracy and then placed into it's designated category.

I have absolutely no problem searching and finding the info I need to how it is, I'm just saying it may be easier for some of the less search-savvy members :nod:

Why not make it more user friendly and help avoid a user asking a question and getting a "do a search" response.

well maybe if people did a search in the first place instead of being lazy they wouldnt get thoes responses. but dont get me wrong, i do like this idea, its just complicated. i mean, there would be a huge amount of threads needing to be found and complied. if it does work out, then definitely keep it locked.

If the person is not able to find the info they need, they have no business working on their own car. Of course that goes for something easily found in the search.

I vote "yes," if Unit will come back as an admin again and run it.

I vote "yes," if Unit will come back as an admin again and run it.

No problem if IB cuts me a check monthly.

We have a Tutorial Database on LTXTech. Granted, we don't have the member volume that this place has, but everything is contained in that database. You can search only the database, so you don't get random threads that aren't really relevant. Everything goes through a moderation process and can be approved or denied. You can take a look to get an idea, it's definitely possible.

http://ltxtech.com/forums/dynamics/

There is some weird glitch with our quote boxes, it can be fixed I just haven't ever looked into it.

thats a good idea

I think it's a great idea. Common now, there really isn't THAT many how-to's on this site. There is some good ones and it would be best if there was a central place for them. I really like the A&D sticky that has a list of how-to's in it. I've been on the site for a couple of years and still think the search sucks. When it is working (like it has been for awhile now) it sometimes pulls useless crap and makes it even harder to find what your looking for. Sometimes it's faster to scroll through five pages then use the search. Hell for most of the how-to's people suggest going to LS1 How To or Install University.

I think the first place to start would be getting a list of what people would want in the how-to thread. Any suggestions?