Browse Forums Ideas Box 1 Dec 10, 2010 9:36 pm Hi, When we started building 18 months ago this site was a great source of info, now moved in. Like all forum's there is a lot of good info and rubbish. In the end you do your research and make up your own mind. At the time there was the occassional blog type post with pictures of new homes. Now there is very little info and few questions are anwsered. It is nearly all posts full of new homes. Maybe these posts should all be put into a relevant area and leave this site for what it once was. Does anyone else agree. MR. X Re: What has happened to this site 3Dec 10, 2010 9:41 pm I have noticed that there are not many questions being asked in my area lately, windows. It makes them hard to answer . Why there are not many being asked? I don't know... maybe it's like the building industry itself, very seasonal. So you get what's left, the show & tell... Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 Re: What has happened to this site 4Dec 10, 2010 9:46 pm Ive been on this forum for 3 years: blog type threads have been in the "Building New Homes" section that entire time, doesnt seem any different now. Plenty of other threads as well, including those asking various house,garden,finance etc related questions - although, as Ed says, certain topics may fluctuate from time to time - Im sure if there was a question about windows, for example, it would recieve answers. Re: What has happened to this site 5Dec 10, 2010 9:48 pm There has always been a lot of new build threads. That's how I found the forum and that's what I was mainly interested in initially. There were heaps when I joined what seems like an eternity ago, so I'm not sure what makes you think that there never used to be many. As for a lack of questions, so many answers can be found by doing a search that many people may seeking their answers that way. I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick What has happened to this site 6Dec 10, 2010 9:53 pm Why is it an issue that the forum is full of "blog" posts? Surely if it bothers you thatuch then stop coming onto the forum. Some posts annoy me - so I either ignore them or refrain from commenting. Some things are worth waiting for. Re: What has happened to this site 7Dec 10, 2010 10:17 pm I also disagree - the discussions in people's build threads in this forum have been a fantastic source of information in their own right, coming from the point of view of someone starting the journey of building their first house. I certainly spam the search field whenever I'm looking for something so it works for me. Some people apparently have nothing better to do than comment on other people's sigs. Re: What has happened to this site 8Dec 10, 2010 10:52 pm I tend to agree that the build threads have taken over the build section and turned it into a bit of a show & tell area. When I first started here if you wanted to show a story of your build you created a blog and linked it to the blogs thread. Now instead people just use the forum. It could easily be solved by moving them all to a building/blog section away from the other building threads where people are asking questions. It certainly seems that almost all traffic on this site now centres around peoples build threads but there is still a tonne of information and questions do get answered. I'd personally like to see more of a focus on custom builds and the technical aspects of building as well as what products and non standard building techniques people are using rather than a continuous stream of 'this is my spec home and these are the colors I've chosen and this is my start date etc'. I'd also like to see the eradication of representatives from certain builders trying to protect their reputation and the over moderation that goes on in regards to builder issues. It's gotten to the point in some threads where every issue raised with a certain company in followed up by a commercial sales pitch telling them that it will all be resolved... One more thing I've noticed on this site which is typical with every forum - DIY information is provided by people in the trade which is great but it is provided in a format that is typically 'You should use 10 tonnes of concrete, a compactor, 200km of cable and 20 different additives to this and that and if you don't the whole thing will blow up in your face'. Not very usefull advice when the fact is a DIY approach is never going to be done the same way as a professional fully equiped approach. I've actually chosed to ignore alot of the trades advice on this forum because it just seems completely over the top. Some people may get my drift... Re: What has happened to this site 9Dec 11, 2010 8:42 am I love the build threads - they were the reason I joined the site. I like looking at other builds and getting ideas. I also use the search function when I have a question and find that my question has nearly always already been answered. So I think this forum is excellent... Re: What has happened to this site 10Dec 11, 2010 9:19 am The way I see it, it's catering to the needs of people. If someone wants to ask a question, advice etc then they post doing so. Perhaps builders are satisfying the needs of their customers better so they arent many questions? Member make the site what it is, no one else. The site is broken up in to section to make it easier for people to ask questions. "Building A New House" is just that - building a new house. Thats where building blogs belong. And speaking if sections, Ill do just that and move this to the right section As for "the over moderation that goes on in regards to builder issues" - this is to PROTECT YOU. Builders DO frequent the site and there have been legal implications for members about what has been posted. We dont alter your posts, we warn you about what may get you in trouble and YOU decide what to do. Frankly, whether you get sued or not doesnt implicate me however I would prefer that you arent put in that situation which is why us Support Members pick up on things. Custom European Cabinets - Melbourne Kitchen Specialist PM for business details as website currently being updated! Our Crazy Owner Builder Journey! Re: What has happened to this site 11Dec 11, 2010 10:04 am Fair enough - I can't disagree on that. I guess what I'm refering to is when someone has a bad experience with a builder but can't name them or feels they can't. In these cases people miss out on a warning but I guess if they really wanted to know they could allways PM the OP. Re: What has happened to this site 12Dec 11, 2010 10:53 am Mozzie I tend to agree that the build threads have taken over the build section and turned it into a bit of a show & tell area. When I first started here if you wanted to show a story of your build you created a blog and linked it to the blogs thread. Now instead people just use the forum. It could easily be solved by moving them all to a building/blog section away from the other building threads where people are asking questions. It certainly seems that almost all traffic on this site now centres around peoples build threads but there is still a tonne of information and questions do get answered. I'd personally like to see more of a focus on custom builds and the technical aspects of building as well as what products and non standard building techniques people are using rather than a continuous stream of 'this is my spec home and these are the colors I've chosen and this is my start date etc'. I'd also like to see the eradication of representatives from certain builders trying to protect their reputation and the over moderation that goes on in regards to builder issues. It's gotten to the point in some threads where every issue raised with a certain company in followed up by a commercial sales pitch telling them that it will all be resolved... One more thing I've noticed on this site which is typical with every forum - DIY information is provided by people in the trade which is great but it is provided in a format that is typically 'You should use 10 tonnes of concrete, a compactor, 200km of cable and 20 different additives to this and that and if you don't the whole thing will blow up in your face'. Not very usefull advice when the fact is a DIY approach is never going to be done the same way as a professional fully equiped approach. I've actually chosed to ignore alot of the trades advice on this forum because it just seems completely over the top. Some people may get my drift... IMO, the reason that there are so many of these threads (and mine is one of them ) is because the reality is that the vast majority of people are building with volume builders- and cannot afford the custom build path........ergo, statistics will reflect that percentage in the threads. I think that you make a couple of really valid points that I agree with-especially the almost "stalkerish" behaviour demonstrated by some of those "team players" from the build companies.... As for the question & answers that has been brought up, I find that most (if not all ) the build threads that I lurk on and look at ask questions and receive answers as required. The support throughout this forum is outstanding- the stress and strain of building can be overwhelming at times, especially if you have had no prior experience! To receive a post from someone who says "Oh yes, that happened to me/us and this was the outcome!" can be beneficial! Deemaree Kyndylan Capers: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=46852 My blog: http://www.sufficientlysufficient.blogspot.com/ What has happened to this site 13Dec 11, 2010 11:15 am BayBuild I love the build threads - they were the reason I joined the site. I like looking at other builds and getting ideas. I also use the search function when I have a question and find that my question has nearly always already been answered. So I think this forum is excellent... I agree & it is another reason why I joined the site and then created a 'blog' style thread of my own. I just thought it was the normal thing to do. I agree that perhaps there should be another section where these 'blog' style threads should be put instead of just in the build area.. Only so I can find them easier, lol Re: What has happened to this site 14Dec 11, 2010 11:58 am Mozzie I'd personally like to see more of a focus on custom builds and the technical aspects of building as well as what products and non standard building techniques people are using rather than a continuous stream of 'this is my spec home and these are the colors I've chosen and this is my start date etc'. I'd also like to see the eradication of representatives from certain builders trying to protect their reputation and the over moderation that goes on in regards to builder issues. It's gotten to the point in some threads where every issue raised with a certain company in followed up by a commercial sales pitch telling them that it will all be resolved... Firstly, when I was looking for my colours, I looked at other peoples "spec homes" and the colours they had chosen to help me get an idea of the look I was after. I, still get a lot of help by looking at what other people have done via their pictures. My house is a custom build but 'so what. What is the difference. This site has been awesome for me so far. I agree with Dee as far as the stresses that go with building. This site is a release to a lot of people. If you dont like peoples building threads, then maybe dont go there. As far as the reps from certain builders go, well my builder comes onto this site. Im not going to be able to stop him from doing so. IMHO, I think there are going to be more and more builders reps coming on here. I can either take it to my advantage or not. Re: What has happened to this site 15Dec 11, 2010 1:21 pm cmhamilton I also disagree - the discussions in people's build threads in this forum have been a fantastic source of information in their own right, coming from the point of view of someone starting the journey of building their first house. I certainly spam the search field whenever I'm looking for something so it works for me. I agree too. I don't like to ask a question if it has already been answered recently. The build threads are the reason I joined the site too. This site is a god sent for me. Not only because I can hear different peoples stories, but because you have someone to talk about your house too! I have 1 mate that is building, she gets excited about my tiles! Unfortunatly my friends and family don't seem as enthusiastic! Actually - this also applies to my DH. Either way - the other comments are right. If you arn't interested in other peoples threads then, don't open them. I love the build threads, can not get ENOUGH of the photos, and the advice has saved me time and $$$. I might just give homeone a Building with Life$tyle Homes in Perth SOR Key Dates on First Page of my Thread viewtopic.php?f=31&t=38761 Re: What has happened to this site 17Dec 27, 2010 11:00 pm I very much agree. The forum layout needs some tweeking which helps you and helps me The forum has grown so much that I feel it needs to be further evolved. Also people have got down right lazy and just post anything anywhere. Good question X Re: What has happened to this site 18Dec 27, 2010 11:05 pm There is also a growing trend for posters to use the building new home forum as a forum in its own right. Too many members are not going outside that forum to post the relative questions why they should be. That forum is getting landscaping, plumbing concreting, you name it posted in there. That is stuffing up the effectiveness of that particular forum. General discussion isn't some place to post anything because someone can't be bothered looking for the correct forum to post it in. That is also clogged. Nothing that can't be overcome with a few tweeks and better support from our members as well:) Re: What has happened to this site 19Dec 28, 2010 8:53 am Fu Manchu There is also a growing trend for posters to use the building new home forum as a forum in its own right. Too many members are not going outside that forum to post the relative questions why they should be. That forum is getting landscaping, plumbing concreting, you name it posted in there. That is stuffing up the effectiveness of that particular forum. General discussion isn't some place to post anything because someone can't be bothered looking for the correct forum to post it in. That is also clogged. Nothing that can't be overcome with a few tweeks and better support from our members as well:) Hmmm... you are right. When I drop by, I look in "View Your Posts" and see what's been added, then I visit "View New Posts" for new threads (less than 10 posts) for stuff I am interested in, or where I can help. But in the last few months there are fewer new threads IMO, with more diverse stuff being added to old (generic) threads. I really don't have the time to scan every thread, so I think I miss heaps of interesting stuff or stuff that I can add to. My guess is it's the community thing, with groups heading for the same threads. Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 What has happened to this site 20Jan 05, 2011 9:49 am There is currently a thread for example that is asking for carpet???? I have left it and the other one there to illustrate a point. I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15265 4 14292 Thank you so much. This has been very helpful. We definitely wish to settle and get these people out of our life. They are trying to charge us interest on late… 7 14262 |