NAM has been around quite awhile and we know the knowledge base is there and that the search engine isn't the greatest which means tons of new threads while the answers lay buried in old ones. Other forums have 'threads of note' or stickies that organize useful threads linked in a single reference post - this makes finding things quick and easy especially for new members.

Examples: here and here

Nobody has the time to do all this alone of course. If a few people will volunteer to take a topic and do some reading and searching, we can organize things and start building on it. For example - a DIY sticky - one that has links to the best walkthroughs for mods. A wheel/tire sticky showing comprehensive info about wheel and tire sizing. Pretty much anything people are asking about on a regular basis should have a data point.

Anybody interested in helping? A few moderators are on board for helping structure the threads/stickies. If you've ever wanted to give back to the NAM community, here's a great way to help out.

 

Search Monkey at your service.

Part of my job is analyzing data, so it's something I actually, in a weird way, enjoy.

Let me know how I can help

 

well, the first order of business is coming up with a hit list, such as:

wheel fitment - R50/52/53 and R56
tire fitment - R50/52/53 and R56
TPMS FAQ
R52/53 Basic Bolt-ons
R56 Basic Bolt-ons
etc

Some of this might take new threads entirely, some, linking to others is sufficient.

 

I'd like to see a DIY section with completely separate threads for DIY/fitments. One for R50/52/53, one for the R56/Clubman.

Performance Non-S
Performance S
Suspension
Brakes
Wheels/Tires
Interior
Exterior

 

This is a great idea, I've posted a note in the moderators forum for them to all come and take a look.

Be great if we had a few folks pitch in.

 

This would be pretty sweet! But it will definitely take some time and work. My thread on coilovers has taken a good chunk of time and is a lot to look over. I think that we should put together a team to write all of this up...Assign parts/categories to individuals.

 

This would be a BIG help and would cut down on a lot of new threads.

One suggestion: once a list of topics has been made, perhaps have a "coordinator" for that topic. Then, anyone can send a link to the coordinator if they come across a thread that they think might be appropriate for that topic.

If someone has some real time, I had always thought it would be great to have a NAM garage manual.

 

Im willing to help out.

I could help out with some of the R50 stuff as thats where I spend a majority of my browsing.

 

I'm willing to help with Detailing issues.

Mark

 

I have limited space remaining in my gallery, I would prefer to host photos on NAM for use in NAM designated DIY threads, but must go elsewhere. I and others over the years have made requests for special purpose gallery space accommodations that would benefit all users here, but the only option offered to date is to pay for extra space. This is counterproductive if indeed the goal is to encourage information sharing among general readership. There is much yet to be shared, not all DIYs have been covered or available in existing threads, and many legacy DIYs need updating.

 

h-huevo you have a point, I've asked the other moderators if they also think we should create a common gallery area for this project. Assuming they agreee and I can't see any reason they don't. We'll ask to have one setup.

 

In regards to the DIYs I agree. Im amazed there is no "How to install a cam" (to my knowledge)

I have started going through the 30 pages of topics for the R50. Do you want us to sum up all the info on for example, the different CAIs for the R50 into one? Such as:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=477393

Or do you want us to just collect the information onto one page and just have links, such as this:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ead.php?t=5338

 

I was thinking about creating a concise FAQ about R56 audio as it's really hard to find anything though there is a decent amount of info here. We'll see if I get time. I wonder if it would be possible to set up something like a Wiki for things like this.

 

Another NAMer had a similar idea here for a wiki. Not much contribution yet though.

I have started to collect threads on stock problems and maintenance, so if/when PGT or someone else decides on the format of this effort I will be able to throw them in.

 

sorry guys...I had a whole plan laid out....went to hit submit for my post about it and 'poof', off into the ether. that was Tues and I left Tues night to return to the US from South America.


I'll put something together this week

 

I'm onboard to help here. Mostly R50 stuff, but willing to search and consolidate other things.

 

This is an excellent idea. I've been thinking about this very thing for many years. I think one way of helping sift through topics is by using the "Search Existing threads" function when you create a new thread.

That is, think of the topic you want to consolidate/link to--Go create a thread (don't actually create it..just go through the steps)--and see all the related links--and start researching from there.

My biggest problem to date has been how to make this "mined" information easily accessible without creating more headaches. Personally I'd like a thread rating system, one where I could mark all the threads I like, and have searches find similar threads to them.

Richard

 

Since PGT has his MINI for sale I don't think he's going to take the lead on this any longer. Is there anyone else that wants to step up?

 

Getting a new one, or moving away from MINIs?

Mark

 

Is there any interest in still doing this?

Need someone to take the lead please but I'll be happy to help with any admin tasks that are needed including creation of a common gallery that will not take up any of your gallery space and creating a new DIY type forum.

 

Yeah, I wouldn't have a problem helping out with this in my free time.