new ford barn

[modelaonly.com]

i like the new barn took a little time to get use to.what happened to the vendor list??

[Jim Parker Toronto]

I think it is history!

[peters180a/170b]

Vince , will you be there /// French Lick??? If so i'll bring the 1932 tool bag... peter

[Gary WA]

Try this: www.mafca.com/suppliers.html

[Thom IV]

I'm enjoying the New Ford barn. After getting used to it, i seem to navigate it a little better. I pick out the threads I'm interested in or that catch my eye. On the old Ford barn, I read most all of the threads. Just wish there was some way to identify the posts I've already read.

[JoeWay]

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Originally Posted by Thom IV

I'm enjoying the New Ford barn...Just wish there was some way to identify the posts I've already read.

Threads with new replies that you haven't read will be in bold type. Once you open a thread, look for "View First Unread" at the left side of the red bar. Clicking on the words will take you to the first post you haven't yet read.

Joe

[Steve in Sebastopol]

Down to about once a week, maybe. The obsession is over.

[Russ/40]

The part I don't like is you have to exit the site and return, before the bold feature works.

[HoarseWhisperer]

Why do you have to exit the site for the bold feature?
Just click your "refresh", or key F5.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

Still prefer the old Fordbarn. I'm not as regular any more.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Bruce,Upstate NY

Still prefer the old Fordbarn. I'm not as regular any more.

Try Exlax! LOL

Actually I also still liked Shelly's site the best. This site is much better than others I've gone to as far as finding my way around the site, but it still takes more time than I had to spend on Shelly's site to read all the posts.

[Mike V. Florida]

Agreed

[Mike V. Florida]

I have found the same thing. Items in bold are threads that have things I have not read BUT there are threads not in bold that have things I have not read. I find myself trying to remember the time I was last logged in to see if there is anything new but that only works if I have read all the threads the last time i was on line. The old way if the color was red I had read it, blue I need to read it.

(red, read, read pun not intended.)

[Tom Wesenberg]

What Vince said!
Yep, the same thing happens to me. I also waited to give this format a chance and am still learning a few things (like today I learned what the blue and green dots mean), but I'd trade for the old Fordbarn at the drop of a Chevy.

[T.W.Dustin]

Just remember that the old fordbarn was being shut down, and without someone stepping up to take over, it would be completely gone.

I understand that folks are dealing with change, but it's a heck of a lot better than just being gone forever, right?

[Strever]

this particular version of vBulletin (3.8.5) is having problems with threads read

[Rowdy]

I second that, I thought maybe I was missing something that seemed to make it easier for everyone else. Very irritating to say the least. Chances are I have missed some good info. Rod

[BillLee/Chandler, TX]

The blue arrow marker is an indication of threads with new content since the last time you entered the Barn and not an indication of threads that you have not read.

My big complaint is the fragmenting of the information. In this format, with the addition of the "Social Groups", information I am interested in (Model As) is scattered across 10 or 12 or more () different forums. In order to keep up with what folks are saying, I have that many places I have to go to instead of one as was in the old FB.

I have asked for a "virtual forum": I could specify the forums I wanted to group together into a "virtual forum" that when visited would put all of the forum contents together into a single presentation. I suspect chances of getting this is close to zero.

[Jerry Parr WI]

Agree. The format has some advantages but for my use they are overshadowed by the disadvantages. I find the most difficult issue is getting to the new posts on a thread you are following. This is even more frustrating if the replies are short and the Avatars which you have seen many times cause even more scrolling to get to those posts. I am learning to live with it and it is better than no Fordbarn.

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by forever4

As I predicted/feared, this new site has become exactly the format I don't favor, whereas the original fordbarn was a great visual format, and I would vote to trade back in an instant. I have tried it long enough to form my opinion, but this is the best available at this time.

I attempted to explain the pros and cons to others before the change. I imagine most of those that accused us of being "afraid of change" or "set in our ways" and likely computer illiterate, have never even heard of DOS or Unix.

I have the same problems as others. The bold headings (unread) all disappear when I reload the page if there are new or updated posts at the top. These will be in bold until I reload again regardless of whether I've viewed them.

As I stated before the change, this format requires too much time for me. I rarely if ever have the time or desire to look past the first page. That means if somebody has posted a question and hoped I would contribute, they will be SOL if their post has disappeared from the front page by the time I look in again. Similarly, if there are follow-ups that I would feel need addressing it's unlikely I'll ever know. You can't see that at a glance but instead have to take the time to revisit the entire thread just to know what IF ANYTHING worthwhile had been added. It takes too much time.

Oh well, it is what it is. In reality it's probably a good thing for me. Over time I'll likely be here less and less and spend that regained time on something that benefits me personally instead.

[Cape Codder]

I have/am trying to learn this NEW Ford Barn but with a lot of difficulty! I don't seem to be able to keep up or find posts that I am interested. I have been going to ahooga.com several times per week but find the postings seem to be limited. Is that just me or is it reality?
Joe Grobleski
Cape Cod

[HoarseWhisperer]

I’m reluctant to give an opinion on this rather “hot” subject, but here goes anyway. At first, the new format was foreign to me and seemed difficult to use compared to the old FB. But, with a bit of effort in reading the FAQ’s and mousing over some of the various buttons and icons to see what they are used for, I’ve found some pretty powerful tools. I can now quickly search, sort ascending/descending, find by topic, user, date, keyword, tag, etc., ect. And frankly, I’ve been spending less time at the “other” site, because I found more threads discussing the evils of the New Ford Barn, than learning more about Model A Fords. I’m certain that will pass in time. My only hope is that some of you experienced folk that have been around the hobby for so long and have so much to share with people that are recently getting into it, will not get too frustrated and leave. You have so much to offer. The hobby needs new people to keep it going. I believe that the work that went into creating this format will improve and be beneficial to most over time.

[Ross/Kzoo]

I agree with Marco's opinion about taking the EXTRA effort to see who has responded to the thread/post. There are about 2 dozen contributors that I put a high value in their posts and read most of them. If there was SOME way to see ALL the responders without opening up the message and also when you respond to a thread you may wish to say something to a previous responder it doesn't correlate to the correct response.

[raceron1120]

I'm relatively new to this FordBarn. I tried it several times over the years and to me it seemed quite cumbersome in its old format. But at my job I'm at a computer 80% of the time so am used to changes in the computer world. I like this site better now. HAMB is good for what it is, but I tire a bit of hearing about SBC this and SBC that. I grew up with Fords, sold Ford parts, and now have my Ford I had for over 40 years back on the road (see my avatar). Not pure stock but the only non-Ford parts in it are the bucket seats and that's only cuz they were in it when I bought it in '68.

NOTE- one way to keep track of items or threads is - up top at the red bar, see Thread Tools. Click on it, and then "Subscribe to this thread". That way if one wants to go back to it they can. In the black bar at top, click on "User CP" and it will open the window that shows your subscribed threads. that way you can track a certain story, whether or not you read it each time you log in. hope this helps.

Easy for me to say, I know.... But I could never ever adjust timing or a carb!

[Gary/IA]

Only problem for me is that I cannot upload any pictures from my computer. I go through the process but it always shows a failure to upload, guess my pictures are to big. Wish I knew how to get them to upload.

[raceron1120]

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Originally Posted by Gary/IA

Only problem for me is that I cannot upload any pictures from my computer. I go through the process but it always shows a failure to upload, guess my pictures are to big. Wish I knew how to get them to upload.

Yes, your pics are likely too big and need to be resized. Most digital cameras have a very high resolution (means they're good quality but are huge). If you're running Microsoft Office you can resize them with the MS Picture Manager. I resize most digital pics to 25% of their original size.

You can also try one of the online photo hosting sites like www.photobucket.com or http://picasa.google.com/ - if you don't have an account you can sign up for one (free). I use photobucket and you can resize once you've uploaded them. Hope this helps
Ron

[Jim Mason]

Originally Posted by Marco Tahtaras

Oh well, it is what it is. In reality it's probably a good thing for me. Over time I'll likely be here less and less and spend that regained time on something that benefits me personally instead.

It's pretty much what I thought it would be. I was told
"
Give it time... You will find that this format is MUCH less time consuming.
__________________
Ryan Cochran
- www.AtomicIndustry.com"

and he was right. I don't spend near as much time here, or get near as much value from the time. Oh, well....fwiw,jm "just play the gig, man" Floyd from Dr. Teeth's band

[Jerry Parr WI]

Still have my 286 DOS machine. Guess I just like to collect old things.

[X38]

You can subscribe to a thread under thread tools in the red bar if you really want to follow a subject. But sheesh, you all sound like an ungrateful bunch of whiners!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by X38

You can subscribe to a thread under thread tools in the red bar if you really want to follow a subject. But sheesh, you all sound like an ungrateful bunch of whiners!

I wouldn't say that. I think the guys are just expressing what they think and I also agree that this format takes much more time to read all the posts than the format Shelly used. So far I've tried to read all the posts and so far I have kept up, but I will have to give it up because I just can't spend that much time on the computor.

I also tried to use a Cub Cadet site and a stationary engine site, but they were just too much to figure out and follow. This site sure has those 2 beat, but I still say Shelly had the best format I ever used.

[Paul from Maine]

Originally Posted by Gary/IA

Only problem for me is that I cannot upload any pictures from my computer. I go through the process but it always shows a failure to upload, guess my pictures are to big. Wish I knew how to get them to upload.

I had the same problem. Too many pixels. You can crop them in a photo editor or reduce their resolution in a photo editor. Then they upload!

[Roadster62]

It all works fine for me, and I'm a computor idiot. The old Barn wasn't any fun at all IMO.

[Mitch//pa]

my take on this is that it seems the participation rate has "doubled" and yes there are alot more posts to go through and read. i dont see the format itself making that take longer when i reclick on a previous read thread i hit the "last read" icon on the top left and it takes me to any posts that are new in the thread that i have'nt read yet. i enjoy the new format the old was very boring for me. it's like going from the outhouse to the penthouse. i think they call it progress

[Rowdy]

I have a selector on my camers that I can take lower resolution pic's also. No need to resize later. I actually use the low resolution setting for most pic's. Camera is an older HP camera. The old one quit working, so i bought opne just like it on e-bay for $10 to replace it. The one I bought must not have been used much as it is just like new and I did not have to learn new software quirks to use it. Rod

[296 V8]

Threads go dim after you have been on the page of threads and left (whether you have opened them or not)
Threads go back to bold when there is a new post to it.


Photo resizing is super easy .
I went to the Microsoft website and downloaded a free program. Now all I do is right click any photo on my computer and the resize option is there (small - med - large) click the one you want and it makes a copy right next to the original.


This is going to sound arrogant as hell to you guys that don’t know me but it needs to be said.(sorry)
I only have IMO very rudimentary self taught computer skills. But I can see from the problems you guy are having they would all vanish if you just get a little better on your computers.
Once again just a simple 50 year old welder here.(no computer at work but my computer did get my job for me)

Hang in there it gets real easy

Greg

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by 296 V8

Threads go dim after you have been on the page of threads and left (whether you have opened them or not)
Threads go back to bold when there is a new post to it.

What you describe does not work correctly with all browsers. It may work ok with I.E. but I only use I.E. to test web pages I create for others to view.

This is going to sound arrogant as hell to you guys that don’t know me but it needs to be said.(sorry)
I only have IMO very rudimentary self taught computer skills. But I can see from the problems you guy are having they would all vanish if you just get a little better on your computers.

Some of the guys commenting are VERY experienced. It's generally the less experienced and those looking for help that don't mind jumping through hoops (have more patience).

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by Marco Tahtaras

What you describe does not work correctly with all browsers. It may work ok with I.E. but I only use I.E. to test web pages I create for others to view. . .

Interesting. Personally, I only use I.E. to test my patience. Sort of like a home stress test. So far I've flunked each test. I use the free google CHROME browser. Relieves digital stress.

[3blapcam]

Here goes my 2 cents:

296 V8... your avatar was driving me nuts! I almost smacked my screen 4 times to get that damn bug off it! ;o)

I carried over from the HAMB. I've only posted about 270 times in 6 years, so I am not a "forum guru"! Most of those were in the classifieds buying goodies!

That being said, I think you all are just resisting change. If a thread is good or interesting, it will pop back up on the main page. If someone needs answers to a question, they'll bring it back to the top (btt) until they get an answer. Open the thread and look at the date. You can skip old posts by looking at the date in the left corner of each comment. It'll tell you when it was posted...

I couldn't stand the old ford barn. After about 30mins my eyes went googly reading the classifieds.

At the top right, there is a "display mode" option that allows the forum to look more like the old barn... I don't use it personally, so I don't know if that helps you guys out or not.

Keep posting and keep clicking away... Forums change and this format seems to be the most popular format. What can you do?

[Jim Parker Toronto]

"(like today I learned what the blue and green dots mean)"

Wanna share that Tom, or are you going to make me find out the hard way? Jim

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Jim Parker Toronto

"(like today I learned what the blue and green dots mean)"

Wanna share that Tom, or are you going to make me find out the hard way? Jim

Green means I'm online and blue means I'm not online. If you read this in the next few minutes my dot should be green.

[Hitchhiker]

To all the guys giving the old timers a hard time. Give them a break! We need the info they know! While I don't agree with the complaints about the format. I can understand how others have problems with it. Some don't pick up as fast on how to use all the different tools, and it's all the different tools that make this format better. They are a bit overwelming. I'm 26, I've been using computers since dos. when I was about 6. It's second nature. I for one take that for granted.

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by forever4

I am 52 and have been working on Model A's since I was 10.
I have been working on computers since I was 18.

There is nothing 'overwhelming' about either topic.
They are both second nature to me as well, and I also take it for granted.

However it is your opinion that this format is 'better'.
Other people have differing opinions, equally valid.

It is not the case that others don't 'pick up on it' as fast as you.

Well Said! I've similarly attempted to to get the same points across.

I'm 53 and been working on Model A's for 40 years. I was late on the computers, only been at that for 25 years. I was in the computer business for awhile and trained most of my tech support people.

[Hitchhiker]

Originally Posted by forever4

I am 52 and have been working on Model A's since I was 10.
I have been working on computers since I was 18.

There is nothing 'overwhelming' about either topic.
They are both second nature to me as well, and I also take it for granted.

However it is your opinion that this format is 'better'.
Other people have differing opinions, equally valid.

It is not the case that others don't 'pick up on it' as fast as you.

You're speaking for YOURSELF. Not everyone.

AND I really don't think you are seeing what I am saying....

Notice I said SOME and not ALL..... Two very different meanings....

I can guarantee that my grandfather doesn't know how to use a computer as well as I do and doesn't pick up new "tricks" as fast...

All I am trying to say is That I respect that you and others like the old format. I know some of you used it frequently and it worked well for you. You find nothing wrong with it. It's the same way for me and others with the new format. I'm sure if I started with the old way I would like that way too.

[Craig Lewis]

I find this new format considerably more time consuming to get through. It's OK if I have hours to kill, but as I get older I value my time more & more...leaning more towards the simple & familiar.
Some of the new features were interesting, just like getting a new cell phone is interesting for a day till you realize you've just been saddled with yet another bunch of time eating features which you got through life without just fine up until now.

While I'm gratefull as h*ll to still have Fordbarn when I need it, I truly miss being able to open the site, scroll down 2 days in 2 seconds and see at a glance any new postings with the person's name clearly displayed. It was a system that worked well for me.
I shall continue to poke my way through this maze for awhile...but I'm certainly losing interest.
PS As you can see I DO like the smiley faces

[Ross/Kzoo]

Well said Marco and Craig. I don't think that people from the "other forums" completely understand what I/we are trying to relay.

[Chris in WNC]

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I like many of the new features, still continuing to learn as we go.

the down side is the inability to see all the posters in a thread without opening it.

there are several contributors here that I enjoyed enough to read EVERYTHING they posted. can't do that easily now.

net result seems to be that I get through the unread posts a lot quicker after an absence of a day or 2.

advantage: less time spent on the site.
disadvantage: probably missing things I want to see.

having Shelly's old site back is not an option, so having Ryan's version is way better than it all being over and gone.......

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Chris in Jax

I like many of the new features, still continuing to learn as we go.

the down side is the inability to see all the posters in a thread without opening it.

there are several contributors here that I enjoyed enough to read EVERYTHING they posted. can't do that easily now.

net result seems to be that I get through the unread posts a lot quicker after an absence of a day or 2.

advantage: less time spent on the site.
disadvantage: probably missing things I want to see.

having Shelly's old site back is not an option, so having Ryan's version is way better than it all being over and gone.......

I'm in agreement with you guys.

By the way my first PC had no hard drive just 2 floppies. My first hard drive was 10 megs. When Segate came out with the 1/2 height 20 meg HD I thought I was in heaven. 30 Megs!!! I would never fill 30 Megs up! And a color monitor OMG!!

[Brubaker]

Someone may have already mentioned this(it's a long thread), but if you enjoy reading the entries of specific 'Barners'(I do the same), scrolling down to Forum Jump(search forums--->search by user name) can be helpful.
Was certainly faster before, but the addition(option) of pictures for selling and buying parts is nice.

[zzlegend]

I was fairly new to the old ford barn and just started getting the hang of it when it ended. And i am turning 64 soon and by no means am i a computer guru. Quite the opposite. But i get by and no how to ebay. With that being said, i am getting use to the new ford barn and though it is not as easy as the old barn to navigate i am getting the hang of it. I dont let the little navigation problems get me down. But in stead i look forward to the post that sometimes relate to me and working on my "A".
Whether it be "problems installing a rope seal", or " coil polarity", or "proper color choice", or "proper way to adjust brakes", or etc. ,,,you get the picture. But i look forward to the post of more expierenced people that have good input. We need people like Tom, Marco, MIKEK, an all the others that help make this Ford Barn what it is. Regardless if it the "was" the old barn or the new one. Lets try and make the best of it and try and make it better. And who knows. Maybe Ryan might make some small changes down the road to help everyone. And on the bright side, it appears like everyone is getting along. Not like the old barn was toward the end. Just my two cents. Well maybe three cents. Everyone have a good day. Mark.