The HU 4wd Forum and what does it need to make better?

[Jervig]

PPFFFFFFFF.............

Just start the "makeover" of the 4 wheel part of this super forum and stop this discussion. This way it brings nothing!!

Keep it simpel, lean and clean for a start, more specific subforums can allways be created later.

GRTZ,

JP

[moggy 1968]

On the subject of intolerance, yes, it's regrettable the level of intolerance shown by some on here. I've had some comments from bikers on the forum about being a 'cage driver', just because on here, I'm a 4x4 user.

Recently I have had a series of abusive pms from a member which, although not related directly to me being a 4x4 driver did carry a comment 'perhaps you should leave our motorcyclists forum and piss off in your tin box into the sunset'

What they fail to realise in their ignorant self (righteous) obsession is that I did actually used to ride motorbikes, but that's unimportant to them. They can't see passed the end of their own biggoted noses. For some, any one who doesn't ride a bike is a lesser human being. Even within their own kind they slag each other off, BMW riders are posh Walter Mitty characters who never actually ride further than Costa. The level of judgmental bigotry and assumption about people they have never even met or had a discussion with (even online) astounds me. We get a bit of that in 4x4s, the dreaded landrover vs landcruiser debate for example which is unfortunate but, I suppose inevitable, but at least in the main that revolves around the vehicles, not the owners, wheras the BMW debate was very personalised, as are many of the others, such as bikers vs 'cage drivers'. Interestingly, I have never heard a 4x4 user slagging people off for travelling by motorbike!! Equally, drivers of shiny stuff can attract a lot of flak, while it rarely gets directed the other way.

It's strange, because it's an attitude that seems at odds with what you would expect of travelers, open minded, receptive etc.

[moggy 1968]

I definately think an equipment section is long overdue. Equipment is a very individual thing but peoples own experiences really help people make their own buying decisions. The requirements of 4x4 drivers are very different to those of bikers, even when it comes down to things like cookers, tents or sleeping bags.

[Gipper]

Originally Posted by John933

I've only end'ed up here because of a link. So don't flame me out. I've not got a 4x4, or ever owned one. My question is do you own a motor bike or every owned one? You should see the way I treat my car's. Buy something about a grand, then run it in to the deck over the next three four year's. Bin it then do it again. Four wheel transport is a tool that mean's nothing to me as long as it work's. But a bike, a world apart.


So where am I going? Do you have a bike. It's a hobby form of travel. When saying that, not one hat fit's all head's. So there are going to be some that fall out of that statement. With a bike you are looking to travel. Eith with-in the UK, or out side it. So this place is a God send for people like me who is looking for information. May be that's why there is more in the way of bike orientated question. I don't think there is a solution to your question. As it's to do with number's. The 4x4 section reflects the amount of people who use that mode of transport, over two wheel traveller's.
John933

VVV

Ive been overlanding on bikes for a long time, but then I grew old and have a family, pets and still wish to overland, using a 4x4 is the only option unless you get sidecar - they dont overly excite me personally. Some of the guys carry lots of gear for charity work - try doing that on a bike.....we are ALL overlanders, so be a bit more open minded and dont tell 4x4 drivers we dont have any "passion"- remember that the next time you need your luggage fuel and water carried across 800kms of sand beacause "my bikes too heavy" by one of the guys here in a 4x4 - many of us help motorbikers out when we can, thats the deal, the bikes scout the route, the 4x4 carries the gear, try it sometime - I might even give you a cold Beer in the middle of the Sahara.


Its time these changes were just implemented in the 4x4 forum - theres been more than enough discussion already, go with the majority and we can do some fine tuning afterwards.


Moggy I hope you have made Grant aware and action has been taken? if not please name and shame this muppet.

[Overland Tonka]

I rode bikes everyday no matter what the weather.. i still love bikes over cars, but now i have chosen to do my RTW trip in a 4x4.

This site is great and i have learnt so much from the information on here regarding paperwork, routes etc etc.

To me the 4x4 section appears at best to be an add on and at worse an embarrassment. I know of other 4x4 owners who do much as i do and glean what info they can, but almost ignore "The bit at the bottom" I.E the section dedicated to us.

I'm sure the Hubb is missing out on a fast growing sector and would benefit from a higher profile 4x4 section... Put it this way, i would even pay subs for it!!!

[Grant Johnson]

Originally Posted by Overland Tonka

I rode bikes everyday no matter what the weather.. i still love bikes over cars, but now i have chosen to do my RTW trip in a 4x4.

This site is great and i have learnt so much from the information on here regarding paperwork, routes etc etc.

To me the 4x4 section appears at best to be an add on and at worse an embarrassment. I know of other 4x4 owners who do much as i do and glean what info they can, but almost ignore "The bit at the bottom" I.E the section dedicated to us.

I'm sure the Hubb is missing out on a fast growing sector and would benefit from a higher profile 4x4 section... Put it this way, i would even pay subs for it!!!

I'd LOVE to hear what you think we should actually DO!

Remember, we cannot alienate the bike section as that is 90% of the site. BUT we fully agree that the 4x4 section needs work. Hopefully it's not an embarrassment! We will be looking at it by the end of the week for a makeover, should be done with any luck in the next couple of weeks, so get your thoughts and ideas in soon!

So, how DO we make it better, and "not an addon"?

[Grant Johnson]

Originally Posted by Overland Tonka

Put it this way, i would even pay subs for it!!!

Memberships are always VERY appreciated, and help us pay the bills, as well as improve the site, and you get more privileges and storage space too!

[anonymous1]

The HU 4wd Forum and what does it need to make better?

It's own website

[Grant Johnson]

Originally Posted by Drwnite

The HU 4wd Forum and what does it need to make better?

It's own website

Sorry but you asked for comment

so here goes - that makes absolutely no sense!

The loss of a huge store of content and info for that site that is here and shareable by any overland traveller (as noted above on routes, borders etc) would be just plain dumb.

The reason the 4 wheelers are here is because of the information that is here and almost nowhere else, and the ethos of overland travel as a way of connecting with other people in the world, and learning about other ways of life that is prevalent here helps too.

And I really don't need the extra work or expense of another site too!

So, I'm back to or maybe just

You did ask...

[Overland Tonka]

I will become a member as the information here is invaluable and appreciated.

Moving the section higher up the list would help... Maybe change titles to include 4x4's such as "Ride/Drive tales" i enjoy reading about both.

Put things like equipment reviews together/next to each other in the same section.
Equipment bikes
Equipment 4x4's

Tech bikes
Tech cars

A lot of the forum works well just as it is. I just think the mode of transport (bike, car) should be before the countries info. I must also admit that i was using the forum for some time before i realised there was a car section.

The above comments may or maybe not be helpful...just some random thoughts as i roll out of bed.

[Walkabout]

Originally Posted by Grant Johnson

I'd LOVE to hear what you think we should actually DO!

Remember, we cannot alienate the bike section as that is 90% of the site. BUT we fully agree that the 4x4 section needs work. Hopefully it's not an embarrassment! We will be looking at it by the end of the week for a makeover, should be done with any luck in the next couple of weeks, so get your thoughts and ideas in soon!

So, how DO we make it better, and "not an addon"?

This conversation has been going on for about 3 years, in round figures, so I guess that you have all the input that you are likely to get between the two threads on this subject - both of which are currently sticky discussions.
I mentioned somewhere in one of those threads that you have a difficult tightrope act in this regard and the decisions rest with you (a fact that you well know and understand).

I don't think that the changes that you make in the next two weeks or so should be the end of it - evolve or die is how business has to be in the 21st century and that mantra applies to websites also.
You might consider changing the 4 wheels section, as per the suggestions you have received to date, and reviewing the whole ethos of the site as it is portrayed to site visitors - I think you have already modified the banner headline slogan in the home page from an earlier wording about motorcycle travellers?????

Finally, In recent weeks you have received a level of interest from potential new followers who have an interest in a rather specialist form of travel; seize the day before someone elso does so.
No motorcyclist should be upset with that!!

[Grant Johnson]

Dave,

all appreciated, and yes, it's VERY high on the list - hopefully in the next week or so. We have a number of things on the cooker... especially opening up registration for events!

Yes the slogan has changed, some time ago - about two or three years...

Priorities all have to be juggled and we have so much to do that priorities are HARD and not always obvious!

Overland Tonka, some good thoughts there, thanks - now that you're rolled out of bed, anything more?

thanks everyone for all the support and ideas!

[diesel jim]

I've had bikes (unfortunately bikeless at the moment), both trail (KLR250) and road (CBR600), and have had 4x4's all my life (land rovers, and just bought a project MB G wagen)

We're all "overlanders", whether it be 4x4, 2x1 or 6x6 or whatever. I suspect it's only a small minded group of whichever section that, as said, can't see past the end of their noses.

Ignore them, stuff 'em, even laugh at them when they're overloaded and need a help from a horrible 4x4 if that suits you, but remember that the other 99.999% of the users on here would more than willingly share a over a camp fire.

I can't see that much else needs changing on this forum, as said it's 90% bike orientated anyway, and there's plenty of other 4x4 and bike overland forums if you want just "one" kind to read about.

[Overland Tonka]

Jim..I'm not sure that there is other 4x4 forums that come anywhere close to the information on Overlanding that you find on The Hubb..if there is I've not found it.

[TheWarden]

The only thing I've found is expeditionportal but they don't have the same level of country advice etc.

In a way its a bit opposite to here with mostly 4x4 and campers with a few bikes. A great resource for vehicle modifications and kit reviews etc though