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    #31
    I never said the 3 wasn't an enthusiast car, I meant Mazdas24/7 isn't an enthusiast forum. Not in the same sense ClubProtege is, at least. I have nothing against the new compacts and I'm not saying to ignore them. Mazdas24/7 throws the first and second gen Proteges in the same subforum, and I'm suggesting we do something similar with the new chassis cars.

    Of course, with your knowledge goldstar, our Mazda3 section could be the most well informed section of any other forum

    Sent from my HTC Incredible using Tapatalk.

    Comment


      #32
      Originally posted by irishkev90 View Post
      I never said the 3 wasn't an enthusiast car, I meant Mazdas24/7 isn't an enthusiast forum. Not in the same sense ClubProtege is, at least. I have nothing against the new compacts and I'm not saying to ignore them. Mazdas24/7 throws the first and second gen Proteges in the same subforum, and I'm suggesting we do something similar with the new chassis cars.

      Of course, with your knowledge goldstar, our Mazda3 section could be the most well informed section of any other forum

      Sent from my HTC Incredible using Tapatalk.
      Thank you kindly but I'm afraid I really don't know that much about the 3 from a practical, as opposed to a theoretical, standpoint - certainly not as much as I'd like. I'm okay on basic maintenance proceedures but since my wife won't let me mod her car in any meaningful way, when it comes to specialized work I'm a relative novice with a lot to learn. Of course, if I ever get my own 3 ...

      From your interest in SkyActiv technology I assumed you consider the 3 an enthusiast's car and I share your opinion of Mazda24/7 - I never really felt welcome there myself. Thank God for CP.
      02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
      MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
      MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
      Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
      MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
      Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
      Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
      Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
      Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
      Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
      Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
      Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
      Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

      Comment


        #33
        There are 260,000 posts in the 323/Protege child forums here. There are less than 1,200 posts in the Mazda 3 section. Being that the 3 has been out for almost 8 years I'd say chances of a flood of people joining "ClubProtege" for 3 information would be extremely small.

        There's nothing wrong with maintaining a specific focus and doing that well.

        Take fast food chains for example....if they all stuck with what they originally did and kept doing it well I think things would be better overall. But if one comes out with X they all have to copy that item, quality declines, and the focus of the original company becomes lowering standards to meet lower prices. Overall everyone loses.

        I went out today and got me a Protege5. Now I have another reason to be here.

        I dunno....not to beat a dead horse but I think that speaks loudly about where the future direction should be. There is inherent value in keeping older information around. I certainly can't find it anywhere else.
        Last edited by smokstac; 09-12-2011, 08:53 PM.

        Comment


          #34
          the forum isnt fixed yet (which is hilarious considering we are a community of people who maintain/improve things as a hobby) and you already wanna change the format?



          do you drive a car with the dash and suspension 1/2 assembled?
          "Discontent is the first necessity of progress."
          -Thomas A. Edison

          "There is a fine line between ballin' on a budget, and dreamin' on an empty wallet."


          *Junked* 92 mx3, BP swap- milage whore, beaten up and down the east coast
          *Junked* KLZE powered 323 on Megasquirt 1
          172.60HP & 156.93 TQ with only headers and short ram intake. back under the knife for a BPT swap.
          New Daily stock 1.6L 1999 Mazda Protege LX

          Comment


            #35
            Originally posted by smokstac View Post
            There are 260,000 posts in the 323/Protege child forums here. There are less than 1,200 posts in the Mazda 3 section. Being that the 3 has been out for almost 8 years I'd say chances of a flood of people joining "ClubProtege" for 3 information would be extremely small.
            That's hardly the point. I never envisioned CP as necessarily attracting 3 owners from outside the Forum. I see our 3 section as a home for our former Protege owners who have decided to remain with Mazda by updating to a 3. Having done so, do we want to lose them by not providing the information they need to learn about, maintain, and mod their cars? Or don't you care?

            Originally posted by smokstac View Post
            There's nothing wrong with maintaining a specific focus and doing that well.

            Take fast food chains for example....if they all stuck with what they originally did and kept doing it well I think things would be better overall. But if one comes out with X they all have to copy that item, quality declines, and the focus of the original company becomes lowering standards to meet lower prices. Overall everyone loses.
            Just how specific is our focus right now considering we deal with three generations of Proteges, 323s, and a smattering of Fords, Kias and 626s. Somehow we seem to be doing alright despite the variety. Are you implying the 3 would be the straw that broke the camel's back? Bring in the 3 and everything suddenly would fall apart? I don't seem to have any trouble focusing on 3rd Gen Proteges despite all the "other stuff" floating around in the background. Also, I think your fast food chain analogy is a poor one. I don't see how posting information about the 3 takes away from, causes a decline in the quality of, or lowers the standards of any information pertaining to other chassis and models. Does material I post in reference to 3rd Gens have a negative impact on other models? I don't think so, and I don't see how anyone loses.

            Originally posted by smokstac View Post
            I went out today and got me a Protege5. Now I have another reason to be here.
            Exactly. Just as I would like a Protege 5 owner to be able to say, "I went out and bought a 3 today and I'm glad I can still remain here."

            Originally posted by smokstac View Post
            I dunno....not to beat a dead horse but I think that speaks loudly about where the future direction should be. There is inherent value in keeping older information around. I certainly can't find it anywhere else.
            There certainly is inherent value in keeping older information around. As someone interested in technological history and industrial archaeology, I'm keenly aware of the value of preserving the old. But adding new information to our Forum will not take away from what's already here as long as there are people who are committed to preserving its existence. Given that our Proteges get older everyday and taking into account normal attrition and the fact that some current owners will move on for whatever reason, I'm afraid the future direction towards which you'd like CP to proceed will ultimately lead to our forum's decline and even to its eventual demise.
            02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
            MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
            MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
            Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
            MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
            Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
            Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
            Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
            Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
            Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
            Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
            Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
            Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

            Comment


              #36
              I suppose to clarify my position I see the Mazda 3 as a successor to the 323 platform and not an extension of it (as the Escort, Sephia, Protege were). Not implying anything wrong with having a 3 forum, but, one could make the same slippery slope argument for other vehicles as well. The Protege was the final refined version of a long line of cars and that is what makes it special to me. One could make the argument that we should have child forums about the similar Ford and Volvo products based on the BK platform as well. But the BK is inherently different from the prior platform which was the basis of the 323/Protege family.

              I think as other forums squeeze out older platforms and models this one would stand the chance to gain member who dislike the other places. I joined a few other forums to learn about the Protege when I got my first one and it seems like when you own a Protege there it's akin to shouting in a rock concert....no matter how much noise you make nobody is listening...that's the danger of losing your core focus.

              I see nothing wrong with child forums discussing other vehicles (whether Mazda, Ford, etc. since they share similar platforms now). I just think the 323/Protege platform should be the main topic of discussion so long as it's called "Club Protege."

              No offense

              Comment


                #37
                Originally posted by smokstac View Post
                No offense
                None taken.
                02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
                MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
                MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
                Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
                MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
                Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
                Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
                Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
                Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
                Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
                Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
                Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
                Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

                Comment


                  #38
                  As I write this, CP has 639 active members. Since the poll was started on 8/30 we have had 16 responses. That means only 2.5% of our active membership has responded at ~ the halfway point. I find this lack of response both disturbing and puzzling given that we're asking our members to help determine the future course of our Forum.

                  Of the 16 who have responded to the poll, 14 (87.5%) who have opted to continue as is, with no evolution, represent 2.2% of the total active membership, while the 2 (12.5%) who express a desire to see new models incorporated represent .3% (3/10 of 1%) of the total active participants.

                  Disturbing and puzzling? Hell, I find this pathetic. All you guys and gals who claim CP is so important in your lives, show us how much you really care by voting your preference.

                  Whatever the outcome of the poll is fine with me but at least it ought to be based on the opinions of a substantial number of our members if it's to have any real meaning for our future course of action.

                  Let's roll folks!
                  02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
                  MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
                  MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
                  Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
                  MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
                  Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
                  Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
                  Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
                  Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
                  Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
                  Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
                  Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
                  Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

                  Comment


                    #39
                    i think it should stay how it is right now

                    Comment


                      #40
                      ^^^
                      Of course you do.
                      02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
                      MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
                      MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
                      Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
                      MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
                      Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
                      Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
                      Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
                      Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
                      Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
                      Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
                      Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
                      Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

                      Comment


                        #41
                        Darn math anyway.

                        Voted
                        fwiw
                        1991 Protege LX with GTX swap, DD
                        1990 4WD Protege with GTX swap, Project/garage decoration
                        2006 Mazda 3 with 2.3, Her car
                        1980 Ford F100 Short bed with 300ci 6 cylinder, work truck/home for moss

                        Comment


                          #42
                          To be honest I never really paid attention to this part of the site until just recently. Perhaps it needs to be near the top of the main forum page to get more attention?

                          Comment


                            #43
                            Originally posted by goldstar View Post
                            As I write this, CP has 639 active members. Since the poll was started on 8/30 we have had 16 responses. That means only 2.5% of our active membership has responded at ~ the halfway point. I find this lack of response both disturbing and puzzling given that we're asking our members to help determine the future course of our Forum.

                            Of the 16 who have responded to the poll, 14 (87.5%) who have opted to continue as is, with no evolution, represent 2.2% of the total active membership, while the 2 (12.5%) who express a desire to see new models incorporated represent .3% (3/10 of 1%) of the total active participants.

                            Disturbing and puzzling? Hell, I find this pathetic. All you guys and gals who claim CP is so important in your lives, show us how much you really care by voting your preference.

                            Whatever the outcome of the poll is fine with me but at least it ought to be based on the opinions of a substantial number of our members if it's to have any real meaning for our future course of action.

                            Let's roll folks!
                            The reason I haven't voted is because I don't completely agree with either option. I believe a hybrid of the two would be ideal. So I voiced my opinion in the thread. I thought that would hold more weight than just clicking a vote. Especially a vote that doesn't quite say what I want.
                            Before you criticize someone, first try walking a mile in their shoes. Because then you'll be a mile away, and you'll have their shoes...

                            Comment


                              #44
                              i think a lot of people havent voted, because this thread is buried in the boredom corner, if the poll were on the front page, it would get a lot more votes imo


                              NW MAZDAS

                              Comment


                                #45
                                good point goldstar... and I've listened to everything we've all said here.. and i agree on a lot of points, but i think i should make mine clearer. but I'd like to point out that the community atmosphere we have is exactly *why* we need to grow. we need to keep that air of community, size of membership or platform of car shouldn't be any factor in that. it'd be the business of clubprotege to KEEP the community atmosphere while adding new models. don't get me wrong, I'm not saying i disagree with you guys. there's room for explosive growth just from the BJ chassis. but the time for growing the user base has come, and it's going to happen either way, just from forum changes we're making. the only reason i wanted to know if we should add the 3's and such NOW is for branding purposes, if we need more URLs, etc to direct growth to the forum. nobody's talking about changing anything. just adding to it. every member that's here is the meat and bones of the club, and it should stay exactly the way it is in that fashion.
                                Guess who's back, back again. cable's back.. tell a friend.

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