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LMF... Bigger... Better... Coming Soon...
#1
M
Muhammad
M
Muhammad
Hi Everybody,
I started this forum back in 2010 and have really enjoyed watching it grow into a community of knowledgeable people. At first, we only had a couple of regulars and it took us the better part of two years to have a steady flow of discussions and members to keep discussions alive. I think that now, three years later and with more than 20,000 members, we have reached that critical mass of membership where I hope the forum will continue to grow and discussions will stay alive.
Over the past year I've noticed that we have some outstanding members who have really stepped up as community leaders with helpful discussions and making this forum feel like a real community... not just a cold and inanimate website. And soon, some of those members will be both recognized and trusted with some responsibility as moderators, to help keep spam out of the forums, and help with organization of topics, welcoming new members, and serving as forum ambassadors of sorts.
From my perspective, I've seen a lot of forums online... I've been an admin, moderator, and member of so many forums so you could call me a true believer in the medium. I've seen the good and the bad... forums that never got off the ground, some that became huge, and some that died for one reason or another. But one common thread is that a forum is nothing without members. So at the end of the day, the members come first. So long as we have the technological means to accomplish a request, I don't see why we shouldn't implement it when members request it. At the same time, I am also a person who loves to build (websites) and watch them grow. To see how new features are received, and what works for the site.
Although I wasn't thinking of anything more than a forum when I started this site, I now realize that there is a lot more we can do with this site than simply run a forum. So, last year I made the decision to start building out some functionality for an expansion of LawnMowerForum to make this site a website with more than just forums. And now, we're almost finished building out an initial set of features that will represent the start of a new chapter for LMF.
In order to accommodate the new features and future expansion, we purchased a new domain name... a name that will tell people that the site is about more than just forums. And at this point, our plan is as follows:
1. Change the design of LMF to match the new site. The domain name LawnMowerForum.com will stay the same (at least for now), but the site name, logo, and design will match the new site.
2. Any member who wants the forum to stay the same can continue to use the current LawnMowerForum template (though unregistered members would see the new theme).
3. Navigation will link to all new sections of the new site (unless you use the legacy LMF theme).
4. The new site will feature:
I wanted to solicit some feedback on this before making any big changes. We don't want you guys to come to the site one day and find that everything is different and have you not like the change. So I'd like to invite any members who are interested in previewing the new site and the way the forum would look after the proposed change to PM me for a link (I don't want to post the new site name until it's ready to launch).
In closing, I will relate a story from my personal experience. For those of you who came to LMF from TractorByNet, you may or may not know that TractorByNet was not always TractorByNet. In 1998, it was a Kubota-only discussion forum, and after about 18 months I changed the site name to TractorByNet and opened discussions up to all makes and models of tractors. We also added reviews, classifieds, news, etc. At the time of the change, the forum had about 20,000 visitors per month and 200 members. Last month, some 13 years later, we had more than 1 million visitors in one month, and 173,000 members. :confused2:
As always, your participation in the forums is greatly appreciated.
Muhammad Chishti
Administrator
I started this forum back in 2010 and have really enjoyed watching it grow into a community of knowledgeable people. At first, we only had a couple of regulars and it took us the better part of two years to have a steady flow of discussions and members to keep discussions alive. I think that now, three years later and with more than 20,000 members, we have reached that critical mass of membership where I hope the forum will continue to grow and discussions will stay alive.
Over the past year I've noticed that we have some outstanding members who have really stepped up as community leaders with helpful discussions and making this forum feel like a real community... not just a cold and inanimate website. And soon, some of those members will be both recognized and trusted with some responsibility as moderators, to help keep spam out of the forums, and help with organization of topics, welcoming new members, and serving as forum ambassadors of sorts.
From my perspective, I've seen a lot of forums online... I've been an admin, moderator, and member of so many forums so you could call me a true believer in the medium. I've seen the good and the bad... forums that never got off the ground, some that became huge, and some that died for one reason or another. But one common thread is that a forum is nothing without members. So at the end of the day, the members come first. So long as we have the technological means to accomplish a request, I don't see why we shouldn't implement it when members request it. At the same time, I am also a person who loves to build (websites) and watch them grow. To see how new features are received, and what works for the site.
Although I wasn't thinking of anything more than a forum when I started this site, I now realize that there is a lot more we can do with this site than simply run a forum. So, last year I made the decision to start building out some functionality for an expansion of LawnMowerForum to make this site a website with more than just forums. And now, we're almost finished building out an initial set of features that will represent the start of a new chapter for LMF.
In order to accommodate the new features and future expansion, we purchased a new domain name... a name that will tell people that the site is about more than just forums. And at this point, our plan is as follows:
1. Change the design of LMF to match the new site. The domain name LawnMowerForum.com will stay the same (at least for now), but the site name, logo, and design will match the new site.
2. Any member who wants the forum to stay the same can continue to use the current LawnMowerForum template (though unregistered members would see the new theme).
3. Navigation will link to all new sections of the new site (unless you use the legacy LMF theme).
4. The new site will feature:
- Expansion of the groups functionality with main navigation feature and new organization of groups
- Lawn care industry news
- Lawn care equipment news
- Learning center with articles about lawn care
- Editorial reviews of lawn care products and equipment
- User review section for product and equipment reviews (coming in 2-3 months)
- Classified ads section/marketplace for buying/selling (coming in 4-6 months)
I wanted to solicit some feedback on this before making any big changes. We don't want you guys to come to the site one day and find that everything is different and have you not like the change. So I'd like to invite any members who are interested in previewing the new site and the way the forum would look after the proposed change to PM me for a link (I don't want to post the new site name until it's ready to launch).
In closing, I will relate a story from my personal experience. For those of you who came to LMF from TractorByNet, you may or may not know that TractorByNet was not always TractorByNet. In 1998, it was a Kubota-only discussion forum, and after about 18 months I changed the site name to TractorByNet and opened discussions up to all makes and models of tractors. We also added reviews, classifieds, news, etc. At the time of the change, the forum had about 20,000 visitors per month and 200 members. Last month, some 13 years later, we had more than 1 million visitors in one month, and 173,000 members. :confused2:
As always, your participation in the forums is greatly appreciated.
Muhammad Chishti
Administrator
#2
lawn mower fanatic
lawn mower fanatic
I think that is a great idea...I can't wait for the changes to happen! :thumbsup:
#3
bakerg
bakerg
Sometimes change is good,:wink: hope all goes smooth and you don't have as many problems as you did with TBN.:smile:
#4
jmurray01
jmurray01
I can see LMF being as big as TBN in the near future Muhammad, and I'll be proud to say I was a member early enough to see the transition happen.
#5
Carscw
Oh your still a member? LOL
have not Sean you around in awhile.
How's things going with you?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Carscw
I can see LMF being as big as TBN in the near future Muhammad, and I'll be proud to say I was a member early enough to see the transition happen.
Oh your still a member? LOL
have not Sean you around in awhile.
How's things going with you?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#6
jmurray01
Things are OK - can't complain... Well, I could but I fear I wouldn't stop :laughing:
jmurray01
Indeed I am, just haven't posted in a while.Oh your still a member? LOL
have not Sean you around in awhile.
How's things going with you?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Things are OK - can't complain... Well, I could but I fear I wouldn't stop :laughing:
#7
bakerg
bakerg
Not to get off the subject but glad you are back, Jamie:thumbsup:
#8
jmurray01
I shall be sure to check out the "name that mower" thread again very soon... Murray! :laughing:
jmurray01
Why thank you.Not to get off the subject but glad you are backJamie:thumbsup:
I shall be sure to check out the "name that mower" thread again very soon... Murray! :laughing:
#9
okiepc
okiepc
Tomorrow will be my 1 year anniversary & I have seen a lot of growth in the forum in just one year, keep it going strong. The one thing that sets this site apart from others is there is some humor from time to time, I do my best to help in that regard. :thumbsup:
#10
lawn mower fanatic
Congrats....you are a big part of this forum! :thumbsup:
lawn mower fanatic
Tomorrow will be my 1 year anniversary......
Congrats....you are a big part of this forum! :thumbsup:
#11
okiepc
Well, Thank you, I am humbled.
okiepc
Congrats....you are a big part of this forum! :thumbsup:
Well, Thank you, I am humbled.
#12
jmurray01
jmurray01
Congratulations!Tomorrow will be my 1 year anniversary & I have seen a lot of growth in the forum in just one year, keep it going strong. The one thing that sets this site apart from others is there is some humor from time to time, I do my best to help in that regard. :thumbsup:
#13
R
Rivets
R
Rivets
Muhammad, As you are making changes to this forum, I have a couple of suggestions that may make it even better. I don't know if any of these are possible, but I thought I would put them out there. 1. Could you add member location category to your search engine. Many times I have tried to help posters local people (mechanics or dealers) in their area. If it can be done now, I might be to old to figure it out. We see many members with poor dealer customers service problems and it would bre nice to give them a contact that we can recommend. I have seen posts from members that I would recommend, but because of my old age and small mental capacity, I cannot remember where they are located. 2. Could you make a quick, easy link to report spammers. If I see them now I send a PM, but there might be an easier way. 3. Could a one time instant message be sent to all new members, when they join, explaining how things work here. Many times (especially in the repair areas) they don't include vital information we need to help them. This would speed up the time line in solving problems and make it easier for everyone. I know that you do something like this with Stickies, but most new members don't read them. Thank you for taking the time to review this and I understand that suggestions are nice, but no always feasible. Good luck in your reorganization of this site. Rivets
#14
lawn mower fanatic
I agree......I think the first suggestion will really help!
lawn mower fanatic
Muhammad, As you are making changes to this forum, I have a couple of suggestions that may make it even better. I don't know if any of these are possible, but I thought I would put them out there. 1. Could you add member location category to your search engine. Many times I have tried to help posters local people (mechanics or dealers) in their area. If it can be done now, I might be to old to figure it out. We see many members with poor dealer customers service problems and it would bre nice to give them a contact that we can recommend. I have seen posts from members that I would recommend, but because of my old age and small mental capacity, I cannot remember where they are located. 2. Could you make a quick, easy link to report spammers. If I see them now I send a PM, but there might be an easier way. 3. Could a one time instant message be sent to all new members, when they join, explaining how things work here. Many times (especially in the repair areas) they don't include vital information we need to help them. This would speed up the time line in solving problems and make it easier for everyone. I know that you do something like this with Stickies, but most new members don't read them. Thank you for taking the time to review this and I understand that suggestions are nice, but no always feasible. Good luck in your reorganization of this site. Rivets
I agree......I think the first suggestion will really help!
#15
M
Muhammad
1. We already have that! From the member's list, click on search, then advanced search. Or this link: Member List - Search - Lawn Mower Forum
2. We already have that! Click on the small triangle on the bottom left of each post to report it.
3. We could do this better, thanks for the suggestion. :thumbsup:
M
Muhammad
Muhammad, As you are making changes to this forum, I have a couple of suggestions that may make it even better. I don't know if any of these are possible, but I thought I would put them out there. 1. Could you add member location category to your search engine. Many times I have tried to help posters local people (mechanics or dealers) in their area. If it can be done now, I might be to old to figure it out. We see many members with poor dealer customers service problems and it would bre nice to give them a contact that we can recommend. I have seen posts from members that I would recommend, but because of my old age and small mental capacity, I cannot remember where they are located. 2. Could you make a quick, easy link to report spammers. If I see them now I send a PM, but there might be an easier way. 3. Could a one time instant message be sent to all new members, when they join, explaining how things work here. Many times (especially in the repair areas) they don't include vital information we need to help them. This would speed up the time line in solving problems and make it easier for everyone. I know that you do something like this with Stickies, but most new members don't read them. Thank you for taking the time to review this and I understand that suggestions are nice, but no always feasible. Good luck in your reorganization of this site. Rivets
1. We already have that! From the member's list, click on search, then advanced search. Or this link: Member List - Search - Lawn Mower Forum
2. We already have that! Click on the small triangle on the bottom left of each post to report it.
3. We could do this better, thanks for the suggestion. :thumbsup:
#16
jmurray01
jmurray01
The forum is much cleaner now with the brand specific forums all under one header - very good idea.
#17
lawn mower fanatic
Oh....I didn't realize you could do an advanced seach! And, I DID know about the small "Report" triangle, but I guess I thought Rivets was talking about something else. :ashamed:
lawn mower fanatic
1. We already have that! From the member's list, click on search, then advanced search. Or this link: Member List - Search - Lawn Mower Forum
2. We already have that! Click on the small triangle on the bottom left of each post to report it.
3. We could do this better, thanks for the suggestion. :thumbsup:
Oh....I didn't realize you could do an advanced seach! And, I DID know about the small "Report" triangle, but I guess I thought Rivets was talking about something else. :ashamed:
#18
R
Rivets
R
Rivets
Thank you Muhammad, even an old instructor can learn a few new tricks. One more question, because I am a retired instructor. Could you include a help page explaining all the different things that are on each page and the different tools for the members use. Remember many of us know engines, equipment and lawn care, but are not very computer savvy. Or maybe it's just old fart like me, I can rebuild a tranny in 4 hours, but it takes me days on trial and error to figure out computerize.
#19
jmurray01
jmurray01
There are some instructional videos on the LawnMowerForum YouTube channel but I believe Muhammad will be making some more when and if further updates occur.Thank you Muhammad, even an old instructor can learn a few new tricks. One more question, because I am a retired instructor. Could you include a help page explaining all the different things that are on each page and the different tools for the members use. Remember many of us know engines, equipment and lawn care, but are not very computer savvy. Or maybe it's just old fart like me, I can rebuild a tranny in 4 hours, but it takes me days on trial and error to figure out computerize.
#20
R
Rivets
R
Rivets
There are many things that would help people all over the Internet, but if people don't know about them, or how to get to them they do no good. That's why I ask questions and make suggests. How else do you learn.
#21
M
Muhammad
Please continue to ask questions and make suggestions. :thumbsup:
M
Muhammad
There are many things that would help people all over the Internet, but if people don't know about them, or how to get to them they do no good. That's why I ask questions and make suggests. How else do you learn.
Please continue to ask questions and make suggestions. :thumbsup:
#22
lawn mower fanatic
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/general-mower-discussion/13839-poulan-forum.html
lawn mower fanatic
Please continue to ask questions and make suggestions. :thumbsup:
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/general-mower-discussion/13839-poulan-forum.html