Time for Norlog to die?

[nelly111s]

Norlog, as in Norlog.net, this forum is getting quieter, with most of the traffic re meets etc. being posted on the Norlog Facebook site.
The Norlog.net site is not free in terms of time or resources, so what are people's views about scrapping Norlog.net and just continuing with the Facebook site?

Nelly

[whitergb]

I can't speak for everyone obviously but I sincerely hope not. Can the current forum not be updated and modernised?

[nelly111s]

Lee, it could be, but I'm not sure it would make much difference. It's the concept of two (different) forums, with some information on one and some on another - most of the traffic now seems to be on the FB group. We could become a subset of The Lotus Forums if we wished, that's another option.

I'm not actually saying we should shut it, just wanting to gauge opinion. The FB group takes no time to run for anyone, the forum does, so if nobody wants it, there's no point in it continuing when we have another outlet.

[Boothy]

I’ll cross post to here, I think we probably need to get a few of us together one night for a drink and see what we think is the best way forward.
Personally I think it would be a shame but also appreciate it takes time and effort to run.
I’m sure between a few of us we could come up with a plan

[mill]

Facebook certainly hasn’t helped things round here that’s for sure but people do tend to prefer it over there

I personally don’t use it anymore so always try to catch up on the old faithful, just a shame no one else does

I’d happily help pitch in where needed

[nelly111s]

Thanks Mill. I've not posted this because I don't want to do it anymore, I'm happy to continue (I've been doing it for over 10 years, why stop now!) but if nobody uses the forum, it's not worth anyone spending time maintaining it. It's also the case that meetings etc. need posting on both FB and the forum if both are going to be topical / relevant which is one of the reasons people come onto either platform.

[mill]

Yea fully understand mate, it’s a tough call as like you say as it’s been going for so long. Maybe combining it with The lotus forum isn’t the worst idea, would it be possible to type norlog.net into you browser and it take you straight to The lotus forum by any chance? Or would it mean signing up on TLF and going in from there?

[Dave C]

Of course not being a Lotus owner anymore i’m not sure I am allowed a comment but I still use this forum to send some messages and the odd post as I am not a regular user of faceache and don’t have the contact details of everyone. However it is quiet you cannot deny that but then again the FB page is not the busiest either - side groups using WhatsApp probably isn’t helping that either - so perhaps just focusing on one format and creating ‘traffic’ that ways is best? Events and drives out don’t seem to appear on either so often at the moment so I am sure many that would like to come along don’t even know things are happening. Just my thoughts.

BTW, hope everyone is safe and well

[Boothy]

Personally I don’t think adding it as a sub forum in TLF is the answer, I can’t see anyone using it.

With regards to side groups using what’s app I’m not aware of any other than Andy Smiths LDC one. Andy does organise some really good events and generally cross posts them to the Facebook group and I think he’s put them on here in the past so people should be aware of things going on. Andy generally organises things as his/LDC meets though rather than as norlog events but people can always tag on.

Are there other local groups Dave?

[Dave C]

Personally I don’t think adding it as a sub forum in TLF is the answer, I can’t see anyone using it.

With regards to side groups using what’s app I’m not aware of any other than Andy Smiths LDC one. Andy does organise some really good events and generally cross posts them to the Facebook group and I think he’s put them on here in the past so people should be aware of things going on. Andy generally organises things as his/LDC meets though rather than as norlog events but people can always tag on.

Are there other local groups Dave?

Hi Andy

I was just referring to this comment you made in one of the threads a few months back

'As Neil said, Facebook is pretty active but Norlog generally is pretty quiet. We do have a bit of a what’s app group where they allow Yorkshire folk. Pm me ya number and I’ll get you added, more meets tend to happen through there now.'

There hasn't been any run posted in Events this year - apart from the one from Janey300 that had to be cancelled - so perhaps they are just going on FB? That said, sometimes LDC post don't show up, I assume if you are not a member, as often i see 'content not available' on things Andy puts up.

i think there is a WhatsApp group around the Southern meet but not 100%

Cheers, DC

[Thommo]

As a long time Norlog forum absentee, I must apologise for my lack of attendance. As I explained in a FB comment earlier today, I much prefer the forum as a means of keeping in touch with matters Norlog and, for that matter, Nyloc. I pledged in my FB post to keep a closer eye on Norlog.net and to try to take a more active part.

[Martin 111S]

I still check Norlog forums regularly, I do prefer the forum, as not a fan of FB - an only joined to view groups tbh. However plenty of folks like, use and enjoy FB for a multitude of things so can understand them using it.

This is the place that brought most of us together, and it would be a shame if it disappeared through lack of use. But understand that if its not being used, what's the point of the upkeep.

Unfortunately, due to current situations there not much been going on this year anywhere, which hasn't helped the posts on the forum.

Over the years Neil has done a great job with the forum, and its much appreciated.

[Dave C]

As a long time Norlog forum absentee, I must apologise for my lack of attendance. As I explained in a FB comment earlier today, I much prefer the forum as a means of keeping in touch with matters Norlog and, for that matter, Nyloc. I pledged in my FB post to keep a closer eye on Norlog.net and to try to take a more active part.

A post on the NORLOG FB page? Can't see that??

[stratosboy]

hear hear, well said Martin.....great job and for so long Neil Well Done Hopefully it might continue, I visit often and will miss the forum if it goes. FB isn't the same.

[andyelise135]

Hi Everyone

I do not think the forum should be killed off although as Neil has said it takes a lot to maintain and is not free to do and takes up a lot of his time which is brilliant of him, Neil did messaged me to see what I thought about it? and I said no it would be a bad idea as a lot of people do not use facebook a few of my friends and owners do not like Facebook as they like their privacy so it has its up's and down's. Facebook is a great medium if you keep it as a closed group as its quick to post pictures up meeting's and events with a dedicated page, the downsides are the privacy and as said earlier Thommo you can not have sections like car maintenance, projects like you can on a forum.

At the LDC we have a very good website in which each area has its own forum like this one but a bit more modern and easy to post pictures up straight off your phone or Ipad but this is just for members who have to sign in like in this forum. It does cost a lot though for it and is one of the big expenses as well as the magazine Chicane which is the most expensive of our costs we also have liability insurance for official runs and meetings again another cost, even though everyone at the LDC works for free as a hobby you in-care costs and the membership fee is for that, same with Club Lotus and NYLOC and the TLF and the other clubs.

Anyway with regards to runs out and meetings I have had a few in these last couple of months "Thanks for the positive comments Boothy mate :-)" but had to keep the numbers limited to 3 groups of 6 at the max with seating outside so I had to arrange them at 2 days notice as venues are not accepting club meetings yet so it was all last minute with regular owners and mostly through my active WhatsApp group. Hence the reason I have not been putting them up on the Norlog forum as much as I would like to this will be next year now and again you are all welcome to my meetings and runs out in fact any owner is that enjoys the cars and loves these awesome cars.

As a few of you know I am planning next year to do a separate meeting for the LDC in the area through the summer months at a weekend so as not to clash with Norlog meets and again you will all be welcome its something I have been thinking about for a while as an addition for all local owners to enjoy and meet up and maybe have a run out as well

Hope to see you all soon

Kind Regards

Andy LDC

[oggy]

It would be shame to see norlog fade away, FB has taken its toll but even that is quite. I think personally, now due to the current climate is probably not a good time to be making these decisions. There's been hardly any meets no runs in fact it's been difficult even driving these past few months, winter will be upon us soon so that won't help. Can we not give it at least another summer to see if we can not resurrect the old girl from the ashes.

[Boothy]

Personally I don’t think adding it as a sub forum in TLF is the answer, I can’t see anyone using it.

With regards to side groups using what’s app I’m not aware of any other than Andy Smiths LDC one. Andy does organise some really good events and generally cross posts them to the Facebook group and I think he’s put them on here in the past so people should be aware of things going on. Andy generally organises things as his/LDC meets though rather than as norlog events but people can always tag on.

Are there other local groups Dave?

Hi Andy

I was just referring to this comment you made in one of the threads a few months back

'As Neil said, Facebook is pretty active but Norlog generally is pretty quiet. We do have a bit of a what’s app group where they allow Yorkshire folk. Pm me ya number and I’ll get you added, more meets tend to happen through there now.'

There hasn't been any run posted in Events this year - apart from the one from Janey300 that had to be cancelled - so perhaps they are just going on FB? That said, sometimes LDC post don't show up, I assume if you are not a member, as often i see 'content not available' on things Andy puts up.

i think there is a WhatsApp group around the Southern meet but not 100%

Cheers, DC

Ahh I just meant andys LDC one

Hope your well mate I have not seen you for ages.

[cdco2]

Nelly, Not a long one from me but it would be a shame to let the Forum die. Both media have their place and as some one who's only just dropped on to the Facebook page it's ok for event posts and the odd quick photo but it's not any use for a build thread or anything with a bit of life.

So I for one would if you can like to see the forum keep going and as Boothy has said elsewhere maybe there's a bit of a get together needed to see how we best divvy up the workload.

C

[Thommo]

As a long time Norlog forum absentee, I must apologise for my lack of attendance. As I explained in a FB comment earlier today, I much prefer the forum as a means of keeping in touch with matters Norlog and, for that matter, Nyloc. I pledged in my FB post to keep a closer eye on Norlog.net and to try to take a more active part.

A post on the NORLOG FB page? Can't see that??

Oh, thought I’d posted it. But FB is like a maze to me. I’m forever getting lost on there. That’s why I prefer the forum approach.

[Jono]

Hi Neil,

I feel it would be a shame to lose the Forum, we all appreciate the fantastic job you do with it.

Personally I prefer it as its more structured, and as Carl mentioned, with each topic having its own title, it works better for build threads, ongoing projects and for finding technical information and advice, etc.

Facebook sites are by nature more fragmented, but it is very easy to upload a quick photo, if out on an evening run for example, or to link to a topic of interest from another page.

SELOC, Lotus Drivers Club, NYLOC, Club Lotus, Midlands Lotus and The Lotus Forums, each have their own Forum sites and Facebook pages, and they appear to work well together.

When we first discussed introducing a Facebook presence, it was hoped that it would complement the Forum, and would help introduce some new members and encourage them to the meets. To date I believe there are 165 members registered on Facebook, but I don’t know how many of the new people have gone on to join the Forum. We have had some come to the meets though.

The description on the NORLOG Facebook page says:
Welcome to the North West Lotus Owners Group (NORLOG).
NORLOG is a Lotus owners and enthusiasts group based in north west England. There is an active forum with details of meets, events, technical advice, etc. Visit us at: www.norlog.net

Two meetings are held each month:
The South meet is held on the first Sunday each month, 12noon at:
The Shady Oak Country Inn,
Long Hill, Fernilee, Whaley Bridge, SK23 7HD

The North meet is held on the first Wednesday each month, 7.00pm at:
The Hoghton Arms, Withnell, Nr Blackburn, PR6 8BL

This description text however, is not apparent when viewed on a mobile device and you must click on the page title to reveal it.

As John says, due to the Covid restrictions we’ve had this year, this is probably not a good time to be making these decisions. There hasn’t been as much activity on any of the forums these past months and we’re not likely to be back to normal for a while yet.

In the meantime though, perhaps we might look at changing the design of the Facebook page to make the description more obvious and hopefully direct more activity towards the Forum.

[nelly111s]

Thanks Jono. Well balanced, as usual

Neil

[Boothy]

Thanks Jono. Well balanced, as usual

Neil

It’s a shame you can’t like posts as John’s post gets a like from me

[Martin 111S]

Nicely put Jono, and sensible ideas.

Thanks Jono. Well balanced, as usual

Neil

It’s a shame you can’t like posts as John’s post gets a like from me

and this sums up facebook - a quick like and on your way, no need to comment or say anything. It doesn't actually encourage communication, or discussion. Most people wont even bother to look at who has 'liked ' the post - its just a number.

I know of other forums though, that have incorporated a 'like' feature along with other emotions to quickly give comment on posts. It displays names of those that use it too. They usually then go on to post a reply too, and keep discussions going.

[Boothy]

Nicely put Jono, and sensible ideas.

Thanks Jono. Well balanced, as usual

Neil

It’s a shame you can’t like posts as John’s post gets a like from me

and this sums up facebook - a quick like and on your way, no need to comment or say anything. It doesn't actually encourage communication, or discussion. Most people wont even bother to look at who has 'liked ' the post - its just a number.

I know of other forums though, that have incorporated a 'like' feature along with other emotions to quickly give comment on posts. It displays names of those that use it too. They usually then go on to post a reply too, and keep discussions going.

I’m not sure I agree, I think a like button aids in a bit of interaction, personally I wouldn’t like something I didn’t agree with and would try to comment on something I did if I had something to add.
I’m not advocating having them on here though, it was more just to say I agree 100% with John

[mikeydude]

Hi people.....I think it would be a pity if the forum went...It would be very difficult to use facebook to organise proper events such as Tatton Park or a track day....Facebooks limitless storage space does mean videos and pics can be more easily posted..its a pity facebook has never had forum type features and a proper structure added...it really lags behind proper forums from that point of view...but I guess that how most users like it.