My suggestion is to create a wiki!

Used properly, this has the potential to be far more useful than threads...

 

This idea has potential, but would need a lot of work to get set up...is it really a better format than the Garage threads we have now?

 

A wiki page that can be edited by the community has advantages over threads, especially in terms of the ability to find information, organize/consolidate and keep it up to date.

For example, let's say we created a wiki page on brakes for the 1st Generation TSX.

This page could include:

Basic Overview of the System

Components and descriptions - what is a pad, caliper, rotor, etc. Service limits, the wear indicator, etc. Maybe part numbers for commonly replaced parts...

Common Issues

Structured, updateable table of issues (what problem occured), mileage, solutions and costs. Maybe some details about what people have/have not gotten covered under warranty. Recall info (if any) and TSB info could be included here.


Aftermarket Replacements

What aftermarket products are offered - pads, rotors, big brake kits. Approximate costs, advantages/disadvantages to non-OEM style parts (drilled/slotted rotors, aggressive pads), where to buy, etc.

Recommended Parts/Combos

Members can share parts they used in combination and * start a running total of the number of people that have installed those parts and were happy with the results.*

Problematic Parts/Combos

Same as above except the info is about how any new issues were resolved, if the parts were found defective, how they were warrantied, how the seller participated in resolving the issue, end result, etc.

Combined/Consolidated DIY Info

Bring together all the pictures, information about what tools you use, any tips for making the job go faster/easier/smoother, safely considerations, etc. The big advantage here is that members can keep adding info to one procedure to improve the quality and make it more complete, rather than starting their own threads, etc.

Info on Shops (in case DIY is not for you)

Organized table what service was performed, for how much, by location, and if you recommend them or not and why.

Additional Sub-Topics

Added by members when info does not fit categories above.

References

Links to manufacturer websites, performance stores, etc. This is important because it can be used to verify the information above.

Compare this to the search results from putting in "brakes" into the title only search, including child forums within 1st Gen TSX.

Other threads that would be usable are suspension, wheel/tire fitment, etc.

 

Hard to argue with that, I will look into the possibility of getting an AcuraZine Wiki.

 

There's already a noob guide in some sections ( CL for instance ), would this take over that function? Possibly a guide for all vehicles with a link to Acurazine Wiki in each forum, along with general posting guidelines. This could streamline the forums a little bit.

As far as editing, would this be left to the users?

 

Wow, I was just thinking about this yesterday! Good job!

We can take the information we already have in sticky threads in the model specific forums as the starting point. For example, the CL forum has sticky threads with model specific information as well as upgrade options for the CL.

 

There is one BIG problem I foresee with this. Search.

For years we train newbs and existing members to search for information, but now we'd have to send people to a separate wiki to search for information to come back?

if the search feature can integrate search for both threads and wiki, then I see this as a plus, otherwise, keep it as it currently is, but be more aggressive and organized with information for each model in their respective sub-forum.

 

I think a wiki doesn't belong after a lot of thought on the matter....