Welcome to Online Central

[robnye]

Welcome to Online Central, a new forum for discussion of the 'MOA web efforts.

As you may be aware we are in the process of updating and enhancing our website. From the introduction of the forum to the addition of security there is much going on behind the scenes. We have set up this new forum to solicit feedback as well as new ideas for site content from our users.

As always if you have any questions feel free to ask.


Best,

Rob Nye
Secretary BMW MOA

Greg Feeler
Director BMW MOA
Chairman, Communications and Marketing Committee

[GregFeeler]

For those of your who may not know, we are planning on splitting the current BMW MOA web site into "members" and "non-members" sections at some future point. There are many reasons for this move, but one of the primary is it helps provide the right environment for greatly enhanced content available to paid members - just like the Owners News.

Generating new content takes some time and effort to support and gather, so it follows we'd like to discuss this area in some detail well in advance. The "web team" has developed many good ideas which we'll soon share here for your feedback. However, general member input and suggestions is keenly desired! You never know where the next best idea will come from.

Just remember that as a volunteer organization, our "wish list" only comes true when someone takes on that task. So what we discuss here can not be considered a promise of anything more than a good effort to find some way or someone to make it happen. Natually, qualified volunteer offers are more than welcome!.

[basketcase]

A thought I keep having is that when the Forums are revamped, set up a general maintenance forum for non-model specific types of questions.

For example, I have a brake fluid question that could apply to all models. For now, it is going on the K forum. But I know that putting it on the K forum may mean it is overlooked by an R rider who has my answer.

Just a thought.

And thanks for all your work. It is appreciated.

[KBasa]

Thanks, Rick. Great idea!

[Rich]

Another thought on the forum..... Is there a way you can post a small personal photo of yourself in the profile? It would be kind of cool to see who you are conversing with, and by clicking on someone's profile you could also bring up their photo (assuming they want it there). Just a thought.

Kind of like this ugly guy....... :D

[eljeffe]

It would be nice if an archive of BMW ON articles could be available on the website. Since you have a plan to split off member and non-member areas of the site, you could put full archives of current and past BMW ON issues in the member area, and some select articles in the non-member area to convince non-members to join.

I love getting my BMW ON magazine every month, but would love the flexibility to read it online as well.

[KBasa]

Personally, I'd love to see that too, but I believe there are some issues with the ownership rights of the articles.

Hey pmdave! How 'bout it? You own a ton of content that would be awesome to have up there.

I'd like to see the repair articles with the step by step instructions up there too. Print them out, take them out to the garage, get them all icky and then toss them out.

[CustomSarge]

Just an infogram on logging in: if you request a function that requires login (and you do so), the root forum shows you as logged in but no option to logout. If you then login, it welcomes you in (as though fresh) & now has the logout option. This occurred on a direct email from me, now I'll see if "Post Reply" does it too. TNX <<<)))

[CustomSarge]

Nope, "Post Reply" is OK: has you Really logged in. <<<)))

[KBasa]

Wierd. What kind of browser are you using?

[BradfordBenn]

Do you have cookies disabled?

[roy]

A thought on splitting the forums from a new member.

I have found that the $32 per year is real cheap nation wide mechanic advice service. Problem I have is that I am computer illiterate or as the Local BMW shop has explained to me. PICNIC (Problem in chair, Not in the computer :) )

Enough about me.

One of the above e-mails was about generic questions. Will the search by screen look at all posts or just Air-heads, Oil-heads or K's?

2) How long are postings kept active? I currently purchased an 85 beamer my first and posted a question on forums about power loss. At first I was worried that the first response would be hey idiot look over here. Don't know if there is any way to indicate this to new members.

3) Keep up the great work!!! :thumb

Roy


P.S. Spell check would be a great addition for those of us typographical challenged.

[BradfordBenn]

A thought on splitting the forums from a new member.

I have found that the $32 per year is real cheap nation wide mechanic advice service. Problem I have is that I am computer illiterate or as the Local BMW shop has explained to me. PICNIC (Problem in chair, Not in the computer :) )



You may want to check out the How Do I section located at http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18

One of the above e-mails was about generic questions. Will the search by screen look at all posts or just Air-heads, Oil-heads or K's?

You can decide what forum you want it to search, by default it does the forum you are in at the moment.

2) How long are postings kept active? I currently purchased an 85 beamer my first and posted a question on forums about power loss. At first I was worried that the first response would be hey idiot look over here. Don't know if there is any way to indicate this to new members.

We haven't defined a pruning cycle, so at the moment you can search as far back as the forum goes.

Feel free to ask questions and have some fun here :thumb

[Kbrick]

I have a few suggestions.

1 The fine series of articles that is running in the ON about airheads would be nice in some form on the website

2 The same could be said about the Profecient Riding stories by David Hough

3 A photo section submitted by members similar to what many online digital photo sites has...check out www.photographyblog.com the gallery section for an example.

4 Do I get a coffee cup?

[BradfordBenn]

3 A photo section submitted by members similar to what many online digital photo sites has...check out www.photographyblog.com the gallery section for an example.


Have you checked out the affinity program with smugmug (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4417)

[lorazepam]

For those of your who may not know, we are planning on splitting the current BMW MOA web site into "members" and "non-members" sections at some future point. There are many reasons for this move, but one of the primary is it helps provide the right environment for greatly enhanced content available to paid members - just like the Owners News.

Generating new content takes some time and effort to support and gather, so it follows we'd like to discuss this area in some detail well in advance. The "web team" has developed many good ideas which we'll soon share here for your feedback. However, general member input and suggestions is keenly desired! You never know where the next best idea will come from.

Just remember that as a volunteer organization, our "wish list" only comes true when someone takes on that task. So what we discuss here can not be considered a promise of anything more than a good effort to find some way or someone to make it happen. Natually, qualified volunteer offers are more than welcome!.


Hey Greg, I found this post browsing this morning. It is almost 5 months since we were promised the split and new content. Please explain the holdup, and could you be specific as to why it hasn't happened yet? Is it software? or is it just politics?

[KBasa]

It's the log in scheme. We're looking at integrating the forum log in and the site log in into one and it's proving to be difficult.

After that it's easy. That's the hold up.

[GregFeeler]

It's the log in scheme. We're looking at integrating the forum log in and the site log in into one and it's proving to be difficult.

After that it's easy. That's the hold up.

What Dave said. To get the forum & members-only site sections to validate off the in-house member database is proving to be a nasty trick. But, it's being worked on.

[lorazepam]

What Dave said. To get the forum & members-only site sections to validate off the in-house member database is proving to be a nasty trick. But, it's being worked on.

I find that sometimes shaking it and slapping it around works pretty good, if conventional means are ineffective. Is it posible to have two tiers of sign in? regular non member and then a secondary sign in? I wouldnt mind that, and if it made things easier I am all for that route.

[Visian]

What Dave said. To get the forum & members-only site sections to validate off the in-house member database is proving to be a nasty trick. But, it's being worked on.

I held a meeting with the code vendor that you all selected... back in June of 2003. I showed him the forum, told him about the unified log-in/authentication requirement, and showed him, Ray and Sandee the use-case flowchart (http://www.visian.nu/eMOA/usecases.jpg) that I whipped up to at least illustrate the requirment.

Also had a good friend explore several different methods of having an electronic membership card. Getting that crap to work cross platform is a huge pita.

The code vendor seemed to think that a cold fusion process would do the trick. That was two years ago... whatever happened?

Ian

[GregFeeler]

I held a meeting with the code vendor that you all selected... back in June of 2003. I showed him the forum, told him about the unified log-in/authentication requirement, and showed him, Ray and Sandee the use-case flowchart (http://www.visian.nu/eMOA/usecases.jpg) that I whipped up to at least illustrate the requirment.

Also had a good friend explore several different methods of having an electronic membership card. Getting that crap to work cross platform is a huge pita.

The code vendor seemed to think that a cold fusion process would do the trick. That was two years ago... whatever happened?

Ian

Guys, beyond this I'm going to defer to the Tech Team Manager.

[lorazepam]

I held a meeting with the code vendor that you all selected... back in June of 2003. I showed him the forum, told him about the unified log-in/authentication requirement, and showed him, Ray and Sandee the use-case flowchart (http://www.visian.nu/eMOA/usecases.jpg) that I whipped up to at least illustrate the requirment.

Also had a good friend explore several different methods of having an electronic membership card. Getting that crap to work cross platform is a huge pita.

The code vendor seemed to think that a cold fusion process would do the trick. That was two years ago... whatever happened?

Ian


So correct me if I am wrong, the ability to do this has been here for two years already. Would I be wrong in thinking something else might be holding things up?

[Visian]

So correct me if I am wrong, the ability to do this has been here for two years already. Would I be wrong in thinking something else might be holding things up?

Hahaha... no. There was a *meeting* held that far back. Whether the programmer ever pursued that or not is another matter entirely.

Then, even if they did... and if you're not in software development, you learn fast --- there's a big difference between the programmer saying "oh, yeah, I can do that easy" in a client meeting, and when s/he is actually doing the programming.

IIRC, the rule of thumb is to take the programmer's estimate and double the time and triple the cost. ;)

Ian

[lorazepam]

Ok, just wondered. There have been promises made since I have been on here to expand the website and just wondered if someone was dragging their feet, or if it really was a programming and implementation problem.

I respect the volunteers who put in all the time and effort to make this such a great place to visit and gain knowledge and make new friends.

If we have a million plus in the bank as a club, heck lets pay someone to speed up the process and get it done.

[BradfordBenn]

IIRC, the rule of thumb is to take the programmer's estimate and double the time and triple the cost. ;)

Hmmm. My programmer's at the office haven't done that to me yet. It is always a week late though.

[87797]

The web site is really nice and hugely informative! You guys have done a great job!

My question... is there anyway to include an MOA member listing on the web site? It would be nice to be able to get in touch with new and old friends.

What do you all think?

[GregFeeler]

The web site is really nice and hugely informative! You guys have done a great job!

My question... is there anyway to include an MOA member listing on the web site? It would be nice to be able to get in touch with new and old friends.

What do you all think?

Interesting suggestion, but the 'MOA membership list has always been very confidential. We don't let it out to anyone to protect our members from a lot of "exploits" which in the case of a web-based list could include spammers and such.

If you use your actual name somewhere in your sig line here, a lot of old friends may be able to find you, and the new ones will know you from the get go. :dance

[BradfordBenn]

The web site is really nice and hugely informative! You guys have done a great job!

My question... is there anyway to include an MOA member listing on the web site? It would be nice to be able to get in touch with new and old friends.

What do you all think?

You can also always try a "Has anyone seen or know how to get in touch with ..."

[knary]

You can also always try a "Has anyone seen or know how to get in touch with ..."

What he said. While who is and isn't a member is only as private as who does or doesn't post or has or hasn't written an article, etc. We wouldn't want to make completely public the complete list of members - approaching 40k. Can you imagine the giddy glee of the spammer that got hold of that database - a list of names of people how, generally speaking, have the discretionary income to own motorcycles?

Hang out in the forum and if you're looking for a particular person, post a thread. This is the perfect place to track down another member.

[94980]

Is the MOA seriously considering dumping the magazine? I REALLY enjoy reading it every month. While I do use the website occasionally I would be very disapointed if the mag was shut down.

Gary

[KBasa]

Is the MOA seriously considering dumping the magazine? I REALLY enjoy reading it every month. While I do use the website occasionally I would be very disapointed if the mag was shut down.

Gary

Absolutely not. I enjoy it quite a bit.

Read this. (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/050525mediaproject.htm)

And this. (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/mediafaq.htm)

We're going to strengthen both by making them work together.

[GregFeeler]

Is the MOA seriously considering dumping the magazine? I REALLY enjoy reading it every month. While I do use the website occasionally I would be very disapointed if the mag was shut down.

Gary


Gary,
Tell me you're just trolling... Where did you get such an idea?

[94980]

I am not Trolling. Just what do you mean by trolling? I have some concerns based on what I have read in the magazine and on the web that there was a posibility that the magazine would be closed. It's just a question and a legitimate one. Yes or no would suffice.

[KBasa]

I am not Trolling. Just what do you mean by trolling? I have some concerns based on what I have read in the magazine and on the web that there was a posibility that the magazine would be closed. It's just a question and a legitimate one. Yes or no would suffice.

ON is not going away or getting weakened or turned into an ad for a website or any of the other theories we've seen propagated here.

Dave Swider
BMW MOA President

[94980]

Cool, I am glad to hear that. I read the mag several times through every month and look forward to receiving it with great anticipation. :heart

[GregFeeler]

I am not Trolling. Just what do you mean by trolling? I have some concerns based on what I have read in the magazine and on the web that there was a posibility that the magazine would be closed. It's just a question and a legitimate one. Yes or no would suffice.

I asked about trolling because that seemed like such an absurd question. Honestly, I've not been following any of the threads on this forum about the Media Editor position for a couple of months because so many people were saying totally unreasonable and untrue things, and in some cases making very serious accusations - all without basis or proof. Don't need it.

Apparently the sillyness has gotten to the point where some people have twisted the Media Cordination Plan into a plot to shutdown the magazine. Freakin' amazing! :banghead

For the record, the ON will only get better, as will the web site. Go read the links Kbasa posted about the Media Plan. It's all there in summary: a very simple idea to make both media serve the members better. :D

[94980]

Greg-
Thanks. I have been to the links posted sounds great. I was not trying to be a wise@ss or anything I just wanted to know what was really going on.
Gary

[GregFeeler]

Greg-
Thanks. I have been to the links posted sounds great. I was not trying to be a wise@ss or anything I just wanted to know what was really going on.
Gary

Gives you some idea of just how rare is the true seeker of knowledge. At least on Internet lists and forums. :laugh

[jerryb]

For those of your who may not know, we are planning on splitting the current BMW MOA web site into "members" and "non-members" sections at some future point. There are many reasons for this move, but one of the primary is it helps provide the right environment for greatly enhanced content available to paid members - just like the Owners News.

Generating new content takes some time and effort to support and gather, so it follows we'd like to discuss this area in some detail well in advance. The "web team" has developed many good ideas which we'll soon share here for your feedback. However, general member input and suggestions is keenly desired! You never know where the next best idea will come from.

Just remember that as a volunteer organization, our "wish list" only comes true when someone takes on that task. So what we discuss here can not be considered a promise of anything more than a good effort to find some way or someone to make it happen. Natually, qualified volunteer offers are more than welcome!.
As a jaded senior dropping out of long held mc memberships, burnt out on mc mags, etc., I'm experiencing a revival of enthusiasm thanks to this neat Web site. The contributions are great but certainly it's the volunteer commitment and talent that make it so outstanding.

jerryb

[GregFeeler]

As a jaded senior dropping out of long held mc memberships, burnt out on mc mags, etc., I'm experiencing a revival of enthusiasm thanks to this neat Web site. The contributions are great but certainly it's the volunteer commitment and talent that make it so outstanding.

jerryb


Not to mention that all the web/forum volunteers (and paid staff) are all handsome, beautiful, intelligent, and generally well above average. :D

Thanks for your support - but the best part to me of your post was: "...I'm experiencing a revival of enthusiasm thanks to this neat Web site." THAT's what this is all about! :thumb

[RandallIsland]

What's with the ghetto design of the homepage? :scratch

[knary]

fixed

some idiot -ahem- buggered an htaccess file blocking access to the site css file

:hide

[RandallIsland]

We're all glad you are there to stay on top of things.
Thanks Scott! :thumb

[BradfordBenn]

fixed

some idiot -ahem- buggered an htaccess file blocking access to the site css file

:hide

I have an alibi!!!

[oldtom]

Welcome to Online Central, a new forum for discussion of the 'MOA web efforts.

As you may be aware we are in the process of updating and enhancing our website. From the introduction of the forum to the addition of security there is much going on behind the scenes. We have set up this new forum to solicit feedback as well as new ideas for site content from our users.

As always if you have any questions feel free to ask.


Best,

Rob Nye
Secretary BMW MOA

Greg Feeler
Director BMW MOA
Chairman, Communications and Marketing Committee

Dear Sirs,
I am a new member now for 5 weeks and I have not received any communication from BMW MOA. No welcome e-mail,No patch, No magazine. But my membership fee was promptly deducted. What's up with that?

[GregFeeler]

Receipt of your first Owners New can take four to six weeks depending on the timing of when you join. However, it would seem you should have received your membership packet by now.

The best approach is to contact the membership staff at our headquarters: membership@bmwmoa.org. Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

[brewmeister]

Please tell me how I can change 21440 to Brewmeister ?.Thanks

[KBasa]

Please tell me how I can change 21440 to Brewmeister ?.Thanks

Send a PM to one of the mods.

[DarrylRi]

Actually, send a request to Knary. He's the one with the magic fingers.