An Open Letter to NAM
North American Motoring :: Founder
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,070
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I think a big step in the right direction would be to improve the vendor review & rating system. I have written 2 reviews but when I click on reviews I only see one vendor I reviewed & it is very confusing as to if I am viewing actual "vendor" reviews or "product" reviews. I know there is some way to hunt around & find the other vendor I reviewed but it just shouldn't be that hard to find because that means someone researching a vendor will have a difficult time. It would also be nice if they had stars instead of just numerical rating values by their names. I know it's cheesy & a small thing but the stars stand out & are easier to spot than some number lost in a bunch of other words.
I think if the vendor review system stood out & was more prominent perhaps people would be more content with leaving one scathing review on a product or vendor than feeling the need to repeatedly dog them.
I think if the vendor review system stood out & was more prominent perhaps people would be more content with leaving one scathing review on a product or vendor than feeling the need to repeatedly dog them.
Given that it is now in two places on each page I'm not sure how to make it more obvious for members on the site that this function is available.
As for the functionality in the review system....it is a third party product (same people that produce our gallery software). Its not easily modified (I've tried) and I agree, it probably doesn't support everything we would really like.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,354
Likes: 0
From: Overthemountain, AL
Yeah I wasn't talking about the links being more obvious as they are very accessible. It's the arrangement of the info & the lack of vendors readily appearing when you click the link. The arrangement of things is what doesn't work so well to me 
North American Motoring :: Founder
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,070
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Mark
North American Motoring :: Founder
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,070
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
As for not all vendors being in there they can be resolved. My hope was that people would, over time, help to add all the vendors (both on the site and those that aren't...similar to the way you can contribute to wikipedia).
Mark
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,354
Likes: 0
From: Overthemountain, AL
OK this is just how I would like it 
I would like all the NAM vendors names to appear in the list when I click reviews then vendor. I think they should be in alphabetical order. Anything you can do to make their rating stand out a bit more would also be nice.
When I click the vendor link it says "products" at the top of the list instead of "vendors". That makes it kinda confusing & makes me think I am in the wrong place.
Since it sounds like the MOD you have can't be altered very much I think those few little thing would help a lot if they are possible
In my wildest dreams every vendor would have a number beside their NAM name (the number would be the number of reviews that have been written about them) that is a clickable link. That link would take you to that vendors page that had only their reviews & feedback in one neat tidy place. Kinda like ebay... but I know I am getting a bit carried away with that wish
I would like all the NAM vendors names to appear in the list when I click reviews then vendor. I think they should be in alphabetical order. Anything you can do to make their rating stand out a bit more would also be nice.
When I click the vendor link it says "products" at the top of the list instead of "vendors". That makes it kinda confusing & makes me think I am in the wrong place.
Since it sounds like the MOD you have can't be altered very much I think those few little thing would help a lot if they are possible
In my wildest dreams every vendor would have a number beside their NAM name (the number would be the number of reviews that have been written about them) that is a clickable link. That link would take you to that vendors page that had only their reviews & feedback in one neat tidy place. Kinda like ebay... but I know I am getting a bit carried away with that wish
I've been on this site for some time and I have NO IDEA who you are. How long have you been a moderator and what forums are you responsible for?
In this thread I've seen a lot of talk about what is wrong and not a lot about concrete steps on how to fix the issues. Is there a method that could be implemented to provide constructive negative feedback to vendors so that people could easily find it?
Is anyone really up to a challenge like this and do it without a personal agenda? If so, I'm all ears and will support it however I can.
Mark
iTrader would be a good start. this is the only forum using vBulletin that still doesn't have it turned on
As to the idea of "Let's kick out the vendors and everything will be fine":
I think that ignores the very topic that gave rise to the quoted text in the OP . . . you can kick out vendors and sponsorship support, add third party ads that don't benefit anyone, and . . . what do you have?
A site that only highlights the new products of vendors who by shilling or fanboys "advertise" on NAM, and a site that excludes vendors who would not stoop to that level to pander a product. I can only see this creating more problems, accusations, personal attacks, etc . . . my 2 cents.
I think that ignores the very topic that gave rise to the quoted text in the OP . . . you can kick out vendors and sponsorship support, add third party ads that don't benefit anyone, and . . . what do you have?
A site that only highlights the new products of vendors who by shilling or fanboys "advertise" on NAM, and a site that excludes vendors who would not stoop to that level to pander a product. I can only see this creating more problems, accusations, personal attacks, etc . . . my 2 cents.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 9
From: Houston
NAM policy.doc
As long as both are treated with equal measure then I do not have a problem with vendors or members. Questioning anyones credibility in a demeaning way is uncalled for.
Please read.
Attachment 33399
As long as both are treated with equal measure then I do not have a problem with vendors or members. Questioning anyones credibility in a demeaning way is uncalled for.
Attachment 33399
As long as both are treated with equal measure then I do not have a problem with vendors or members. Questioning anyones credibility in a demeaning way is uncalled for.
I've never seen this member on NAM and they've apparently been here awhile AND have moderator status. See my earlier post about moderators being involved. 
Banned
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 0
From: Car Nut Since 1987, Owner Since Fall 2005, Vendor Since Fall 2007
WOW you guys worked this issue hard last night.
I also think PGT has posted some of his best work here and I agree with him.
Adam's got good points too. Nate is right on too.
I think Mark's built something great and works great 99.9% of the time.
Mark, may be a god, but he is not God and NAM is not the holy word.
All of you keep up the good work of making NAM a better place each and every day with your involvement.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 9
From: Houston
PS I've read her comments on various threads and I've been in for less than a month.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 0
Thank you
Lois
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,354
Likes: 0
From: Overthemountain, AL
p.s... I have seen lois post a lot over the years
this post is by no means critical nor demeaning. HONEST FRIGGIN QUESTION PEOPLE!
Get over it.
Get over it.
nah...just a tendency of mods to come out of the woodwork in threads like this. it's always interesting to see who participates here vs. normal day to day operations of the site.
not a criticism...I don't post much anymore on the site I'm a supermod on....though I do read a ton and move stuff when needed, just behind the scenes now.
not a criticism...I don't post much anymore on the site I'm a supermod on....though I do read a ton and move stuff when needed, just behind the scenes now.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,382
Likes: 0
As to getting over it. Kind of hard to do when asked by someone who proudly calls themselves a known insulter.
Mark
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 665
Likes: 0
From: in a house
wow.
but i think the really important question that we're all dancing around here is (for Mark and anyone else this could apply to)
Just how many times a day do you tell yourself " I HAVEN'T SOLD OUT "
but i think the really important question that we're all dancing around here is (for Mark and anyone else this could apply to)
Just how many times a day do you tell yourself " I HAVEN'T SOLD OUT "
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,382
Likes: 0
But like my skin, sometimes my brain is thick too.
Mark
Banned
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 0
From: Car Nut Since 1987, Owner Since Fall 2005, Vendor Since Fall 2007
I for one do not think Mark, founder of NAM, as "sold out". One of the cool things about becoming a vendor is getting to know others better, Mark for one, and I'll stand up and say without a 2nd thought, Mark as not "sold out".
As to your question. Members join dates are in the upper right of every post they make. If you need to see their status, go to their profile. But being a supermod, I'm sure you are aware of this kind of thing.
As to getting over it. Kind of hard to do when asked by someone who proudly calls themselves a known insulter.
Mark
As to getting over it. Kind of hard to do when asked by someone who proudly calls themselves a known insulter.
Mark
Now go kiss the wifey
Even the Sex Pistols Sold out. http://www.theage.com.au/news/people...701665565.html