Forum Feedback Forum Reorganization for a More Modern and Engaging Experience

[Renegade]

Some years back we had merged several forums together to better reflect the changing tech landscape. Now its time to expand to keep up with the fast-evolving world of tech. Looking at rolling out the following forum structure. This reorganization aims to make navigation easier, ensure relevant discussions are grouped together, and create a forward-looking space.

Check out the new categories and sub-categories below and let us know your thoughts!

Getting Started
- Introductions, Rules, and Regulations: A space for new users to introduce themselves, familiarize themselves with the site, and read through the community rules and guidelines.

Emerging Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Discussions on the latest developments in AI and machine learning algorithms, tools, and applications.
- Web3, Blockchain, and Crypto: Focus on decentralized technologies, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and the future of the blockchain ecosystem.
- Electric and Sustainable Tech: Explore innovations in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and sustainable technology solutions for a greener future.
- Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Metaverse: A hub for discussions on AR/VR technologies and the rapidly evolving Metaverse experience.
- Security and Privacy: Topics related to cybersecurity, personal privacy, data protection, and best practices for secure digital lives.

Career, Industry Insights, and Education
- Tech Education and Certification: Discussions on tech education, online courses, certifications, and professional growth in the tech field.
- Freelance and Services: A space for freelancers to offer their services or find tech-related work, as well as discussions about the freelance economy.
- Tech and Startup Industry News and Entrepreneurship: Keep up with the latest news, trends, and advice on startups, tech entrepreneurship, and innovation in the tech industry.

Gadgets and Devices
- Mobile Phones & Tablets: Everything about the latest smartphones, tablets, their features, apps, and accessories.
- Wearables and Smart Health Devices: A space to talk about smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health-related gadgets designed to improve daily living.
- Photography, Video, and Drones: For photography enthusiasts and videographers discussing cameras, drones, and content creation tools.
- Laptops & AIO Desktops: Conversations about laptops, all-in-one desktops, and other personal computing devices.
- Streaming, Podcasting, and Influencer Tech: Discussion about the tools, technologies, and strategies for streaming, podcasting, and influencer marketing.

PC Hardware & Gaming
- PC Building, Modding, and Overclocking: A forum for PC enthusiasts to talk about custom builds, hardware modifications, and performance tweaks.
- Gaming: A space for gamers to discuss their favorite games, gaming news, and experiences.
- Graphics Cards and GPUs: Focus on graphics cards, GPUs, and the technology that powers modern gaming and graphic-intensive tasks.
- Competitive Gaming and Gaming Gear: Discussions around esports, competitive gaming, and high-performance gaming peripherals.

Software, Cloud, and Development
- Software & Tools: A place to discuss useful software applications, productivity tools, and utilities across various platforms.
- Coding, Programming, and Development: A hub for developers to share resources, tutorials, and discuss the latest coding practices, languages, and frameworks.
- Cloud Computing & DevOps: Topics related to cloud services, cloud infrastructure, DevOps practices, and managing modern development workflows.

Home Automation and Networking
- Smart Home Automation and IoT: Explore the world of smart homes, IoT devices, and automation solutions for modern living.
- Networking & Internet: Discussions about internet protocols, networking equipment, home setups, and connectivity solutions.
- Home Entertainment Systems and Speakers: A space to talk about audio systems, home theater setups, smart speakers, and entertainment technology.

Electronics & DIY Projects
- Electronics Basics and General Discussion: A space for general electronics questions, component identification, troubleshooting help, and beginner microcontroller queries.
- Projects and Technical Builds: Showcase your DIY electronics projects, get feedback on designs, ask technical questions, and share resources for technical builds and prototypes.
- Embedded Systems and Advanced Electronics: Focused discussions on advanced microcontroller programming, embedded computing with SBCs, optimization, and specialized applications in electronics. Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Jetson

Consumer Electronics and Buying Advice
- Buying Guides and Product Recommendations: Expert reviews and recommendations to help users make informed decisions when purchasing tech products.
- Discounts and Deals: Share and find discounts, deals, and promotions on tech gadgets and consumer electronics.

Marketplace and Classifieds
- User-to-User Listings: A section for community members to buy, sell, or trade tech products directly with each other.
- Retailers & Direct Sales: A space for retailers to sell their products directly to users, offering special deals and exclusive offers.
- Looking to Buy: A place for users to post requests for specific tech products they are looking to purchase.

Off-topic and General Discussions
- Lifestyle & Hobbies: A place for users to talk about their personal interests, hobbies, and lifestyles beyond the world of tech.
- Mental Well-being & Motivation: Discussions around mental health, wellness, self-care, and motivation, especially in a fast-paced tech-driven world.
- Current Events & Debates: A forum for users to discuss current events, social issues, and have debates while keeping discussions respectful and non-political.
- Off-topic Lounge: A casual space for lighthearted, non-tech-related conversations, jokes, and off-topic discussions.
- Forum Feedback and Suggestions: A place for users to provide feedback or suggestions to improve the forum's features, structure, or community experience.

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PS: The reorg is planned on 30th November.[/B]

 

[buzz88]

Absolutely brilliant! You're on a roll, Renegade!
It looks a bit long but I can see it is well thought out and well organized.

Thanks for everything.

 

[Tobikage]

- Discounts and Deals: Share and find discounts, deals, and promotions on tech gadgets and consumer electronics.

Maybe consider having a "dumpster" thread for all the product discussion being done in the Deals threads where all those posts go into.

 

[6pack]

Reviews section is gone in new system? Or can people just put their user reviews in the respective electronics sections?
Will political discussions be allowed in GT?

 

[Renegade]

Reviews section is gone in new system? Or can people just put their user reviews in the respective electronics sections?

Respective sections

Maybe consider having a "dumpster" thread for all the product discussion being done in the Deals threads where all those posts go into.

Maybe have a separate deal thread for each product type. And as @6pack suggested, keep all posts out except actual deals. Anyone looking to discuss a specific deal can create a new thread with the respective deal info.

We dont have threaded conversation like Reddit, that would have helped in this situation.

 

[Futureized]

Some years back we had merged several forums together to better reflect the changing tech landscape. Now its time to expand to keep up with the fast-evolving world of tech. Looking at rolling out the following forum structure. This reorganization aims to make navigation easier, ensure relevant discussions are grouped together, and create a forward-looking space.

Check out the new categories and sub-categories below and let us know your thoughts!

Getting Started
- Introductions, Rules, and Regulations: A space for new users to introduce themselves, familiarize themselves with the site, and read through the community rules and guidelines.

Emerging Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Discussions on the latest developments in AI and machine learning algorithms, tools, and applications.
- Web3, Blockchain, and Crypto: Focus on decentralized technologies, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and the future of the blockchain ecosystem.
- Electric and Sustainable Tech: Explore innovations in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and sustainable technology solutions for a greener future.
- Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Metaverse: A hub for discussions on AR/VR technologies and the rapidly evolving Metaverse experience.
- Security and Privacy: Topics related to cybersecurity, personal privacy, data protection, and best practices for secure digital lives.

Career, Industry Insights, and Education
- Tech Education and Certification: Discussions on tech education, online courses, certifications, and professional growth in the tech field.
- Freelance and Services: A space for freelancers to offer their services or find tech-related work, as well as discussions about the freelance economy.
- Tech and Startup Industry News and Entrepreneurship: Keep up with the latest news, trends, and advice on startups, tech entrepreneurship, and innovation in the tech industry.

Gadgets and Devices
- Mobile Phones & Tablets: Everything about the latest smartphones, tablets, their features, apps, and accessories.
- Wearables and Smart Health Devices: A space to talk about smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health-related gadgets designed to improve daily living.
- Photography, Video, and Drones: For photography enthusiasts and videographers discussing cameras, drones, and content creation tools.
- Laptops & AIO Desktops: Conversations about laptops, all-in-one desktops, and other personal computing devices.
- Streaming, Podcasting, and Influencer Tech: Discussion about the tools, technologies, and strategies for streaming, podcasting, and influencer marketing.

PC Hardware & Gaming
- PC Building, Modding, and Overclocking: A forum for PC enthusiasts to talk about custom builds, hardware modifications, and performance tweaks.
- Gaming: A space for gamers to discuss their favorite games, gaming news, and experiences.
- Graphics Cards and GPUs: Focus on graphics cards, GPUs, and the technology that powers modern gaming and graphic-intensive tasks.
- Competitive Gaming and Gaming Gear: Discussions around esports, competitive gaming, and high-performance gaming peripherals.

Software, Cloud, and Development
- Software & Tools: A place to discuss useful software applications, productivity tools, and utilities across various platforms.
- Coding, Programming, and Development: A hub for developers to share resources, tutorials, and discuss the latest coding practices, languages, and frameworks.
- Cloud Computing & DevOps: Topics related to cloud services, cloud infrastructure, DevOps practices, and managing modern development workflows.

Home Automation and Networking
- Smart Home Automation and IoT: Explore the world of smart homes, IoT devices, and automation solutions for modern living.
- Networking & Internet: Discussions about internet protocols, networking equipment, home setups, and connectivity solutions.
- Home Entertainment Systems and Speakers: A space to talk about audio systems, home theater setups, smart speakers, and entertainment technology.

Consumer Electronics and Buying Advice
- Buying Guides and Product Recommendations: Expert reviews and recommendations to help users make informed decisions when purchasing tech products.
- Discounts and Deals: Share and find discounts, deals, and promotions on tech gadgets and consumer electronics.

Marketplace and Classifieds
- User-to-User Listings: A section for community members to buy, sell, or trade tech products directly with each other.
- Retailers & Direct Sales: A space for retailers to sell their products directly to users, offering special deals and exclusive offers.
- Looking to Buy: A place for users to post requests for specific tech products they are looking to purchase.

Off-topic and General Discussions
- Lifestyle & Hobbies: A place for users to talk about their personal interests, hobbies, and lifestyles beyond the world of tech.
- Mental Well-being & Motivation: Discussions around mental health, wellness, self-care, and motivation, especially in a fast-paced tech-driven world.
- Current Events & Debates: A forum for users to discuss current events, social issues, and have debates while keeping discussions respectful and non-political.
- Off-topic Lounge: A casual space for lighthearted, non-tech-related conversations, jokes, and off-topic discussions.
- Forum Feedback and Suggestions: A place for users to provide feedback or suggestions to improve the forum's features, structure, or community experience.

----

PS: The reorg is planned on 30th November.

I cannot locate any of these new forum categories ?

 

[sauravghosh]

So these levels assigned to users are solely on the basis of their joining date I assume? I mean older the member the higher the letter right?

 

[blr_p]

Will political discussions be allowed in GT?

Under current events.

 

[Heisen]

Another category idea for the electronics tinkerers. Maybe you can get it right, which big folks like robu.com can't get their electronics forums right in India.

Electronics
- General Electronics Chat - This area is for general chat about electronics, eg: Dont know what a part does? Dont know how to read a circuit? Want to get an opinion? Repair advice?
- Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff - Show off your projects you are working on. Talk about designs or ideas, ask technical questions, and share technical information.
- Microcontrollers - Discuss all aspects of micro controllers like arduino, RPi pico, ESP32 - building them, coding them, etc.
- Embedded Computing - Section for single board computers like RPi
- More if needed.

People like @rsaeon have to post there hardware electronics adventures in the Build Logs section which primarily is PC build logs focused.

 

[rsaeon]

I cannot locate any of these new forum categories ?

Looks like they'll be live after November 30th, excited!

 

[logistopath]

And as @6pack suggested, keep all posts out except actual deals.

I would prefer it this way. Each reply in the deal thread should contain a deal link. We can probably open a new deal thread each month to avoid a single thread that is insanely long.

 

[Renegade]

A deal thread for each type of product would make sense? Like "Graphic card deals thread", "Mobile phone deals thread" etc. Its good from content organization, user preference and also search traffic perspective.

----

Another category idea for the electronics tinkerers. Maybe you can get it right, which big folks like robu.com can't get their electronics forums right in India.

Electronics
- General Electronics Chat - This area is for general chat about electronics, eg: Dont know what a part does? Dont know how to read a circuit? Want to get an opinion? Repair advice?
- Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff - Show off your projects you are working on. Talk about designs or ideas, ask technical questions, and share technical information.
- Microcontrollers - Discuss all aspects of micro controllers like arduino, RPi pico, ESP32 - building them, coding them, etc.
- Embedded Computing - Section for single board computers like RPi
- More if needed.

People like @rsaeon have to post there hardware electronics adventures in the Build Logs section which primarily is PC build logs focused.

Agreed, DIY electronics should find place in a tech forum. I doubt we have many takers as of now but sure we can try to seed it and grow it.

So maybe something like this?

Electronics & DIY Projects

• Electronics Basics and General Discussion: A space for general electronics questions, component identification, troubleshooting help, and beginner microcontroller queries.
• Projects and Technical Builds: Showcase your DIY electronics projects, get feedback on designs, ask technical questions, and share resources for technical builds and prototypes.
• Embedded Systems and Advanced Electronics: Focused discussions on advanced microcontroller programming, embedded computing with SBCs, optimization, and specialized applications in electronics. Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Jetson

 

[Heisen]

So maybe something like this?

Electronics & DIY Projects

• Electronics Basics and General Discussion: A space for general electronics questions, component identification, troubleshooting help, and beginner microcontroller queries.
• Projects and Technical Builds: Showcase your DIY electronics projects, get feedback on designs, ask technical questions, and share resources for technical builds and prototypes.
• Embedded Systems and Advanced Electronics: Focused discussions on advanced microcontroller programming, embedded computing with SBCs, optimization, and specialized applications in electronics. Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Jetson

Yup, looks sorted to me.

I doubt we have many takers as of now but sure we can try to seed it and grow it.

Yes, most of the people who are already on the forum won't find it immediately interesting, the potential people will be new comers, chances of them contributing is much higher.

We can only seed, and create a space that feels inviting, whether it grows or not is beyond our control.

Being a embedded hobbyist, I couldn't find a good embedded forum in India, there are various discord communities, but discord is not a forum, you can't search/preserve valuable content.

 

[Renegade]

Being a embedded hobbyist, I couldn't find a good embedded forum in India, there are various discord communities, but discord is not a forum, you can't search/preserve valuable content.

Maybe you can bring in some similar minded members from those Discord communities if in touch with anyone.

 

[Heisen]

Maybe you can bring in some similar minded members from those Discord communities if in touch with anyone.

I joined but never contributed there, Embedded Systems, in Pyjama! the top one in India, they focus heavily on niche concepts and advanced learning, I doubt anybody would care if I asked.

What India really needs is a beginner-friendly, casual hangout for tinkerers and like-minded people.

I mostly post on international forums like AVRFreaks and EEVBlog.

Honestly, I can’t stand Discord, old-school forums are more my cup of tea.

@Renegade don't get too focused on this. This is just my vision, I’d love to start an electronics forum from scratch, but forums are expensive and take time, money, and expertise, things I don’t have enough of right now.

My suggestion is just a temporary idea, it might work, or it might not suit TE, don't get too attached to the concept.

TechEnclave has already stood the test of time, standing strong as a trusted hub for tech enthusiasts over the years.

 

[badwhitevision]

Can we also have a dedicated section for reviews/suggestions of online stores and in person stores. Often times, there are stores in my city where I find niche tech/tinkerer products that I am honestly surprised that such a place exists. I'd like to make it more popular amongst folks.

Similarly, there are a few online stores where I've burnt my fingers and would like to prevent people from burning theirs.

I believe it would be at home under the Buying Advice head.

 

[Renegade]

Can we also have a dedicated section for reviews/suggestions of online stores and in person stores. Often times, there are stores in my city where I find niche tech/tinkerer products that I am honestly surprised that such a place exists. I'd like to make it more popular amongst folks.

Similarly, there are a few online stores where I've burnt my fingers and would like to prevent people from burning theirs.

I believe it would be at home under the Buying Advice head.

Yes! I am surprised I missed this out in the forum list coz this has been on my list of things to achieve since a long long time.
Was hoping to introduce this by the first or second quarter of next year in a more useful form.

 

[Ramadhir Singh]

very good initiative. @Renegade ,
Although I strongly believe, we can do without these borderline scams.
"- Web3, Blockchain, and Crypto: Focus on decentralized technologies, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and the future of the blockchain ecosystem."

Also wheer we are planing to move our TV/Movie section ?

 

[anmolbhard004]

A deal thread for each type of product would make sense? Like "Graphic card deals thread", "Mobile phone deals thread" etc. Its good from content organization, user preference and also search traffic perspective.

----


Agreed, DIY electronics should find place in a tech forum. I doubt we have many takers as of now but sure we can try to seed it and grow it.

So maybe something like this?

Electronics & DIY Projects

• Electronics Basics and General Discussion: A space for general electronics questions, component identification, troubleshooting help, and beginner microcontroller queries.
• Projects and Technical Builds: Showcase your DIY electronics projects, get feedback on designs, ask technical questions, and share resources for technical builds and prototypes.
• Embedded Systems and Advanced Electronics: Focused discussions on advanced microcontroller programming, embedded computing with SBCs, optimization, and specialized applications in electronics. Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Jetson

Telecom and Broadband Internet​

It should be there atleast create a subtopic under Home Automation and Networking
just my 2 cents

 

[arup]

I don't know if I'm referring obsolete design, but I'd like to have a scrolling banner of latest posts at the top below the title and menu bar. Like news headlines...