I've been to the NBHAA website, and read stories here about how the site is run. I've read the lenghy "rules" and have explored the site and think that even with the experiences some have had with the curator, this is an invaluable service. The amount of available data is an incredible repository for our group, it is our history.
All that being said, I was thinking about the value of having some sub forums specifically devoted to the various aspects, like the wonderful "How To" Forum already set up here.
I know that some people have a lot of information, mostly collectors who have made themselves "experts" over the years. I've really enjoyed using the collective information of our own "tribe". When I have a question, a do a search and am frequently surprised with the amount of information available on the site....but it is scattered here and there.
What I'm proposing is something like a sub forum on small specific things which would allow a person the opportunity to view information about...say...springer forks and their mounting brackets, methods of making your own, etc. so that every time a person wants to build their own springer, they wouldn't have to start from scratch. Not that there is anything wrong with that...lack of information typically leads to innovation and invention.
I've done this lots already with chain guard mounts, seat spring repair, etc (the seat re-build "how to" is awesome), but I'm thinking more detailed and complete.
An example. I asked for some information on color combinations for Monark Super Deluxe in the early 50s. Lots of pics out there...some historically correct, some not but still very cool, but as yet, no one has been able to post a list of the color combinations Monark used and by year. I know we have a huge user base of folks with Monark bikes, but just the act of uploading a pic to Photobucket, and then posting a link in an email seems a little too time consuming. No problem, I understand what gathering data is like...I'm a statistician/analyst by trade.
Please add your thoughts to this post. It may be beyond the scope of what anyone else would like, I understand, but you can't take back lost history....and everyday we lose a little bit more of ours.
All that being said, I was thinking about the value of having some sub forums specifically devoted to the various aspects, like the wonderful "How To" Forum already set up here.
I know that some people have a lot of information, mostly collectors who have made themselves "experts" over the years. I've really enjoyed using the collective information of our own "tribe". When I have a question, a do a search and am frequently surprised with the amount of information available on the site....but it is scattered here and there.
What I'm proposing is something like a sub forum on small specific things which would allow a person the opportunity to view information about...say...springer forks and their mounting brackets, methods of making your own, etc. so that every time a person wants to build their own springer, they wouldn't have to start from scratch. Not that there is anything wrong with that...lack of information typically leads to innovation and invention.
I've done this lots already with chain guard mounts, seat spring repair, etc (the seat re-build "how to" is awesome), but I'm thinking more detailed and complete.
An example. I asked for some information on color combinations for Monark Super Deluxe in the early 50s. Lots of pics out there...some historically correct, some not but still very cool, but as yet, no one has been able to post a list of the color combinations Monark used and by year. I know we have a huge user base of folks with Monark bikes, but just the act of uploading a pic to Photobucket, and then posting a link in an email seems a little too time consuming. No problem, I understand what gathering data is like...I'm a statistician/analyst by trade.
Please add your thoughts to this post. It may be beyond the scope of what anyone else would like, I understand, but you can't take back lost history....and everyday we lose a little bit more of ours.
