I haven't seen this posted yet: https://digest.dapol.co.uk/
New to me. Just signed up.
Looks like it's running VB5
Not the best platform in the world got an error already
QuoteNotice: Error: Could not load template /var/www/vhosts/dapol.co.uk/httpdocs/catalog/view/theme/default/template/information/news.tpl! in /var/www/vhosts/dapol.co.uk/httpdocs/vqmod/vqcache/vq2-system_engine_controller.php on line 90
Just signed up :thumbsup:
It'll be interesting to see how this forum develops. I think it can go two ways:
- It becomes the best place for Dapol and the modelling community to discuss things. Dapol can listen to feedback, share updates on items in development, promote new items upon release, and get ideas for new products.
- Most of the contributions from modellers are complaints, and Dapol invest very little themselves beyond copying-and-pasting press releases, so the whole thing becomes a bit of a embarrassment.
Dapol do seem willing to try social media (something Bachmann seem more leery of) but their track record with things like Dapol TV and Ask Dapol Dave do suggest they sometimes run out of steam after a while...
Cheers, NeMo
Quote from: NeMo on June 15, 2016, 01:26:21 PM
It'll be interesting to see how this forum develops. I think it can go two ways:
- It becomes the best place for Dapol and the modelling community to discuss things. Dapol can listen to feedback, share updates on items in development, promote new items upon release, and get ideas for new products.
- Most of the contributions from modellers are complaints, and Dapol invest very little themselves beyond copying-and-pasting press releases, so the whole thing becomes a bit of a embarrassment.
Or:
3. the server's motherboard burns out and the lights on the front panel stop working and they have to send it off to DCC Supplies for warranty repairs.
But seriously, I hope it develops into a useful communication tool.
I think the posting by NeMo is about spot on.
There is undoubtedly a fair bit of concern with certain aspects of Dapol design and performance.
This Dapol digest could be just the thing to engage some of their customers, past, present and potential.
Let's hope it doesn't fall by the wayside, or that time shows it to be a purely cosmetic venture.
A good idea, but Dapol seem to have shot themselves in the foot already.
I looked at the Class 59 thread and whilst it was good to see progress and continued commitment to the project, the stage the loco has reached (still CAD, pre-tooling) is at direct odds with the "late 2016" estimate they recently gave.
Oh well, can't afford one anyway, so more saving time.
Skyline2uk
remember to be well 'oiled' before posting :laugh:
It'll be nice to complain direct !
Quote from: trkilliman on June 15, 2016, 02:25:08 PM
I think the posting by NeMo is about spot on.
There is undoubtedly a fair bit of concern with certain aspects of Dapol design and performance.
This Dapol digest could be just the thing to engage some of their customers, past, present and potential.
Let's hope it doesn't fall by the wayside, or that time shows it to be a purely cosmetic venture.
They have gone for an "off the shelf platform" which is fairly easy to maintain.
I think a lot will depend on whether or not it becomes a sounding board for ideas, or a pit for them to dump all the customers concerns in, instead of dealing with them over the telephone, which seems to be the way a lot of companies not just in the model rail world are going.
They may also be trying to attract more direct sales of their products, having a forum with a shop attached is good for getting noticed on the internet.
From past experience Dapol do not take criticism well. I just hope they are willing to put the effort into this venture so that we can obtain some technical advice without being fobbed off onto DCC Supplies, some more accurate information about release dates rather than the 'Jackanory' data given out at present and maybe some idea (or requests for) future releases.
Personally I think they're in for a bumpy ride initially. I wonder who the Mods are? :hmmm:
Quote from: NeMo on June 15, 2016, 01:26:21 PM
It'll be interesting to see how this forum develops. I think it can go two ways:
- It becomes the best place for Dapol and the modelling community to discuss things. Dapol can listen to feedback, share updates on items in development, promote new items upon release, and get ideas for new products.
- Most of the contributions from modellers are complaints, and Dapol invest very little themselves beyond copying-and-pasting press releases, so the whole thing becomes a bit of a embarrassment.
Dapol do seem willing to try social media (something Bachmann seem more leery of) but their track record with things like Dapol TV and Ask Dapol Dave do suggest they sometimes run out of steam after a while...
Cheers, NeMo
Maybe because I'd left? Lol
Quote from: DJM Dave on June 15, 2016, 06:32:32 PM
Quote from: NeMo on June 15, 2016, 01:26:21 PM
It'll be interesting to see how this forum develops. I think it can go two ways:
- It becomes the best place for Dapol and the modelling community to discuss things. Dapol can listen to feedback, share updates on items in development, promote new items upon release, and get ideas for new products.
- Most of the contributions from modellers are complaints, and Dapol invest very little themselves beyond copying-and-pasting press releases, so the whole thing becomes a bit of a embarrassment.
Dapol do seem willing to try social media (something Bachmann seem more leery of) but their track record with things like Dapol TV and Ask Dapol Dave do suggest they sometimes run out of steam after a while...
Cheers, NeMo
Maybe because I'd left? Lol
:laughabovepost:
Yeah - that cardboard cut out replacement wasn't very talkative ;D
Quote from: DJM Dave on June 15, 2016, 06:32:32 PM
Quote from: NeMo on June 15, 2016, 01:26:21 PM
Dapol do seem willing to try social media (something Bachmann seem more leery of) but their track record with things like Dapol TV and Ask Dapol Dave do suggest they sometimes run out of steam after a while...
Maybe because I'd left? Lol
Possibly! But I do think that way DJM and Revolution, to name but two, engage with the hobbyists is something new and potentially essential.
If the hobby is going to expand beyond "old men reminiscing about the steam era" and start embracing younger modellers, it needs to become more of a discussion. By that I mean that manufacturers can't just announce stuff and hope people will welcome what's delivered two years later. Just look at how much better the Dapol D6300s and 'Westerns' were thanks to the two-way discussion, and it certainly looks as if the Pendolino is going to profit from the same hobbyist (marketplace!) input.
I'm a big Dapol fan, and really hope that this forum develops into something positive for them, and in turn, for us as well.
Cheers, NeMo
I think Nemo has hit the nail on the head!
While it may be a pain for companies to change how they operate but I think its essential, for younger modellers (just to clear up what are we classing as young? :worried: ) I know the approach Revolution has taken has drawn me in more than say Farish just announcing stuff!
More and more people are interactive now so companies need to adapt to these new ideas, plus lets be honest there are lots of models we all want and not just kettles steam engines. :P
I know one of the topics is always price rises and while some are inevitable as always, but this may be reduced a little if the likes of Dapol can use forum and social media to ensure they produce models that will sell for certain instead of those that end up been duff and not getting the sales they hoped for!
Plus it may encourage some more modern stuff to appear, as we get younger modellers involved!
Well the good news is they've announced more mainsail coaches in crimso and cream Bad news that the break thirds have first class stickers again. Yep they are the approved production models :uneasy:
However I agree a idea if it's stuck to but the format is poor to navigate and the reskinned website gets worse, so will people commit to it as yet another forum. Graham
QuoteI know the approach Revolution has taken has drawn me in more than say Farish just announcing stuff!
I agree with this view, and I hope Bach-Farish continue doing what they did with (most) of the new NSE stuff; announce a new model with actual samples on hand.
Probably not practical to do this with every release, but a nice surprise on occasion?
Skyline2uk
The digest also includes a sub section for the j72, which I thought had been cancelled?
Positive dapol are responding to comments and there is mention of loco driven West Country.
Bad news the motor in loco driven West Country didn't work out so well. Next options being looked at.
ok, I need to be positive Mr Pinto is a credit with his crimson discussions.
Graham
Quote from: leachsprite4 on June 15, 2016, 08:55:55 PM
ok, I need to be positive Mr Pinto is a credit with his crimson discussions.
Thanks Graham :thumbsup:
I decided to ditch my usual pseudonym for once as I have spoken to the Dapol team numerous times and I thought it would be easier if they knew who I was.
Quote from: NeMo on June 15, 2016, 07:04:36 PM
Quote from: DJM Dave on June 15, 2016, 06:32:32 PM
Quote from: NeMo on June 15, 2016, 01:26:21 PM
Dapol do seem willing to try social media (something Bachmann seem more leery of) but their track record with things like Dapol TV and Ask Dapol Dave do suggest they sometimes run out of steam after a while...
Maybe because I'd left? Lol
Possibly! But I do think that way DJM and Revolution, to name but two, engage with the hobbyists is something new and potentially essential.
If the hobby is going to expand beyond "old men reminiscing about the steam era" and start embracing younger modellers, it needs to become more of a discussion. By that I mean that manufacturers can't just announce stuff and hope people will welcome what's delivered two years later. Just look at how much better the Dapol D6300s and 'Westerns' were thanks to the two-way discussion, and it certainly looks as if the Pendolino is going to profit from the same hobbyist (marketplace!) input.
I'm a big Dapol fan, and really hope that this forum develops into something positive for them, and in turn, for us as well.
Cheers, NeMo
So far it looks pretty good, They have posted the final CAD drawings for the Class 50 and asked for input before it goes for tooling.. And it looks like the 59 is open for comments too.. Feedback so far has been pretty good from Dapol staff..
Cheers
Mark
Just signed up will have a better look around it tomorrow
I have just signed up and will give it a fair period of development/customer interaction.
It is a fresh opportunity for Dapol to engage with customers, and only time will tell if this genuinely occurs. I do not expect them to respond to the wish lists of every man and his dog, although some good ideas will obviously surface. Considering constructive comments from customers that could help improve/tweak their products and user experiences would b good
Let's see if it does what it says on the tin...they'd be silly to blow this.
Not sure if Dapol have pushed their forum in any great shape or form yet but, from what I can see, if it weren't for several of us from the NGF on there things would be somewhat quiet.
Maybe a deadline was missed for the monthly mags so not many are aware of it :hmmm:
Quote from: newportnobby on June 27, 2016, 04:32:32 PM
Not sure if Dapol have pushed their forum in any great shape or form yet but, from what I can see, if it weren't for several of us from the NGF on there things would be somewhat quiet.
Maybe a deadline was missed for the monthly mags so not many are aware of it :hmmm:
According to a ( fairly ) reliable source this forum is one of the most popular on the web, and gives RM Web a close run.
I can vouch that the online shop gets more hits from here than anywhere else.
It might be they're doing a soft launch, so they're seeing how the forum copes with users that find it organically first before really pushing it.
Quote from: Graham Walters on June 27, 2016, 05:32:37 PM
According to a ( fairly ) reliable source this forum is one of the most popular on the web, and gives RM Web a close run.
I'm not sure where you got that from but it isn't even close (you can check various online tools for web rankings eg Alexa or Similarweb - they are estimates but give you a good idea). TBH, it is no reflection on the popularity of the NGF that it doesn't compare to RMweb - I wouldn't expect a single scale, independent forum to compare to a multi-scale, commercially backed site.
I'm making no judgement on the quality of each site, they are just different.
Cheers, Mike
Quote from: red_death on June 27, 2016, 06:20:38 PM
Quote from: Graham Walters on June 27, 2016, 05:32:37 PM
According to a ( fairly ) reliable source this forum is one of the most popular on the web, and gives RM Web a close run.
I'm not sure where you got that from but it isn't even close (you can check various online tools for web rankings eg Alexa or Similarweb - they are estimates but give you a good idea). TBH, it is no reflection on the popularity of the NGF that it doesn't compare to RMweb - I wouldn't expect a single scale, independent forum to compare to a multi-scale, commercially backed site.
I'm making no judgement on the quality of each site, they are just different.
Cheers, Mike
Figures from ABC media, based on hits, not on member count, and also based on time spent on forum, RM Web is not as busy as they try to make out, neither is the magazine, not me talking honest !
As I said easy to check and doesn't tally with the results from elsewhere (based on hits nothing to do with member count).
Or just look at the number of posts per day - far far more on Rmweb.
I agree with Mike - just looking at the free Alexa analytics the NGF is 709,018th in the world and 28,631st in the UK for visits. RMWeb is 111,831st and 3,373rd. My favoured cycling forum is 25,454th and 1,641st. Not an indictment on the NGF, it's just a lot smaller!
Re: Dapol, it's good they're reaching out to people, but IMO disappointing they're doing it 'in house', rather than visiting existing platforms. It's possibly unfair, but to me it suggests a degree of uncertainty that they want to 'own' the communication such that they can dictate the direction of conversation (or ignore it).
Still no 92 either ;)
I think I must be being thick. I can post replies in the dapol digest forum, but how do you start a new topic?
Id ask there in a new topic but... I cant.
Thanks
Kirky
I may now be being unfair, but if you can't it's a glorified comments section rather than a discussion forum!
Quote from: kirky on June 28, 2016, 06:28:07 PM
I think I must be being thick. I can post replies in the dapol digest forum, but how do you start a new topic?
Id ask there in a new topic but... I cant.
Thanks
Kirky
From another thicky.. I was just gonna post the same thing. Perhaps only Dapol people can make new posts?
I want to make some comments about the collectors club.
:beers:
Quote from: leachsprite4 on June 15, 2016, 08:55:55 PM
The digest also includes a sub section for the j72, which I thought had been cancelled?
Positive dapol are responding to comments and there is mention of loco driven West Country.
Bad news the motor in loco driven West Country didn't work out so well. Next options being looked at.
ok, I need to be positive Mr Pinto is a credit with his crimson discussions.
Graham
I asked about it on there and Joel replied saying that it isn't officially cancelled but is backburnered. If GF don't bring it to market in a timely manner and Dapol think they can and have a place for it in the manufacturing timeline, they'll bring it back into the mix, which I'm quite pleased about.
I have to say that they seem to be making a great deal of effort to interact win customers and to listen and answer questions. Joel in particular has been great about answering questions I've had and they seem open to suggestions and willing to discuss things (assuming you are civil too!).
Quote from: njee20 on June 28, 2016, 04:31:32 PM
I agree with Mike - just looking at the free Alexa analytics the NGF is 709,018th in the world and 28,631st in the UK for visits. RMWeb is 111,831st and 3,373rd. My favoured cycling forum is 25,454th and 1,641st. Not an indictment on the NGF, it's just a lot smaller!
Re: Dapol, it's good they're reaching out to people, but IMO disappointing they're doing it 'in house', rather than visiting existing platforms. It's possibly unfair, but to me it suggests a degree of uncertainty that they want to 'own' the communication such that they can dictate the direction of conversation (or ignore it).
Still no 92 either ;)
Alexa ranking is notorious for being way out, it bases it's figure on hits from only one browser, and not the most popular one at that, it also relies on subscribers for it's info
Quote from: kirky on June 28, 2016, 06:28:07 PM
I think I must be being thick. I can post replies in the dapol digest forum, but how do you start a new topic?
Id ask there in a new topic but... I cant.
Thanks
Kirky
Have you registered? I have a "New Post" button.
Surely comparing NGF and RMWEB is like comparing apples and pears??
SUrely The question is how many N Gauge accesses RMWEB gets compared to NGF?
It may simply be a matter of experience, but I find NGF easier to us damp more intuitive than its rival .
NIckR
Quote from: Steve Brassett on June 28, 2016, 08:16:28 PM
Quote from: kirky on June 28, 2016, 06:28:07 PM
I think I must be being thick. I can post replies in the dapol digest forum, but how do you start a new topic?
Id ask there in a new topic but... I cant.
Thanks
Kirky
Have you registered? I have a "New Post" button.
I'm logged in but can't find such a button, Steve :confused2:
(Then again I'm a computer numpty and probably can't see the wood for the trees ::))
Quote from: newportnobby on June 28, 2016, 09:11:49 PM
Quote from: Steve Brassett on June 28, 2016, 08:16:28 PM
Quote from: kirky on June 28, 2016, 06:28:07 PM
I think I must be being thick. I can post replies in the dapol digest forum, but how do you start a new topic?
Id ask there in a new topic but... I cant.
Thanks
Kirky
Have you registered? I have a "New Post" button.
I'm logged in but can't find such a button, Steve :confused2:
(Then again I'm a computer numpty and probably can't see the wood for the trees ::))
I have logged in, then gone to the N Gauge Class 22 page. The New Post button is on the grey bar under the word Topics.
Quote from: Steve Brassett on June 28, 2016, 09:42:04 PM
Quote from: newportnobby on June 28, 2016, 09:11:49 PM
Quote from: Steve Brassett on June 28, 2016, 08:16:28 PM
Quote from: kirky on June 28, 2016, 06:28:07 PM
I think I must be being thick. I can post replies in the dapol digest forum, but how do you start a new topic?
Id ask there in a new topic but... I cant.
Thanks
Kirky
Have you registered? I have a "New Post" button.
I'm logged in but can't find such a button, Steve :confused2:
(Then again I'm a computer numpty and probably can't see the wood for the trees ::))
I have logged in, then gone to the N Gauge Class 22 page. The New Post button is on the grey bar under the word Topics.
That works for me also.
But.. I want to add a new post about the collectors club. The only place that seems relevant is under 'Events and exhibitions' and there is no 'new post' button.
How do I put in a new post about the collectors club? I suspect I can't.
:beers:
Quote from: austinbob on June 28, 2016, 09:52:39 PM
Quote from: Steve Brassett on June 28, 2016, 09:42:04 PM
Quote from: newportnobby on June 28, 2016, 09:11:49 PM
Quote from: Steve Brassett on June 28, 2016, 08:16:28 PM
Quote from: kirky on June 28, 2016, 06:28:07 PM
I think I must be being thick. I can post replies in the dapol digest forum, but how do you start a new topic?
Id ask there in a new topic but... I cant.
Thanks
Kirky
Have you registered? I have a "New Post" button.
I'm logged in but can't find such a button, Steve :confused2:
(Then again I'm a computer numpty and probably can't see the wood for the trees ::))
I have logged in, then gone to the N Gauge Class 22 page. The New Post button is on the grey bar under the word Topics.
That works for me also.
But.. I want to add a new post about the collectors club. The only place that seems relevant is under 'Events and exhibitions' and there is no 'new post' button.
How do I put in a new post about the collectors club? I suspect I can't.
:beers:
Yep, thats what I was trying to do. I want to start a new topic but cant see how.
Chers
Kirky
I've found the "+New Topic" button as referred to by Steve but am assuming this only allows a new topic under the section allocated by Dapol i.e. you can't create a new topic within a new thread of your own.
I guess it's one method of control though not one I'm entirely happy with :hmmm:
Quote from: newportnobby on June 28, 2016, 10:02:21 PM
I've found the "+New Topic" button as referred to by Steve but am assuming this only allows a new topic under the section allocated by Dapol i.e. you can't create a new topic within a new thread of your own.
I guess it's one method of control though not one I'm entirely happy with :hmmm:
You can bet I'm not happy with it. Looks like Dapol are trying to prevent us from raising our own issues and concerns.
:beers:
It's most probably a function of the forum software. It would be like starting a new Category here.
Quote from: JayM481 on June 28, 2016, 10:38:31 PM
It's most probably a function of the forum software. It would be like starting a new Category here.
There is already a category for Events and exhibitions' this includes stuff about the collectors club but there is no new post/topic button.
:beers:
Seems we're getting confused here and using terms synonymously...
- Posts - what this is, you can make these on the Dapol website, that's how you interact
- Topic - what posts are contributing to and you don't appear to be able to start on the Dapol 'forum' - means you can only talk about what they want you to talk about!
- section - what this forum is desperate to categorise every single thread into!
It does appear you can't create new topics, which is clearly to control discussion, and appears to make it a glorified comments section. You want a thread about the cancelled Pendolino, the fact the mk3s aren't available or the weather? Tough!
Still, better then nothing, at least they're interacting with customers.
Looking at the way they've set things up, the "top menu" item is a forum, and there are subforums below. You can't start new subforums, which would be normal, but iIt appears you can't start newtopics at all. I can't say if this is a feature of the software or the way they chose to set it up.
Quote from: JayM481 on June 28, 2016, 11:03:32 PM
Looking at the way they've set things up, the "top menu" item is a forum, and there are subforums below. You can't start new subforums, which would be normal, but iIt appears you can't start newtopics at all. I can't say if this is a feature of the software or the way they chose to set it up.
I think this makes the Forum pretty much next to useless except for information about new Dapol products and Dapol general news information.
:beers:
I guess, at the end of the day, Dapol wish to get what they want out of it and not necessarily what we want. This diminishes its use as a forum as it minimises any two way communication but, heck, it allows me to get some information rather than sign up for :censored: Farcebook
To be fair, it is mostly smaller companies that actively participate on independent fora. Hornby and Bachmann do not as far as I am aware. Dapol were an exception while Dave Jones was there but I think this is more a personal approach as he has carried it with him to DJM.
I don't think you can really blame Dapol for wanting to control what people are talking about. It is their forum to discuss their projects and they have to monitor it (so lots of off message topics will be a distraction). It is no different to what Hornby do.
As a way of asking for feedback on models, designs and future intentions it is pretty smart to be able to control the messages.
Cheers, Mike
For once I agree with Mike.
Its a very useful forum for Dapol to help them get their new designs right, get new versions of existing designs right, get feedback on what has gone before, and solicit feedback on new models too.
What is missing that people want from the Dapol forum? There is nothing in the Dapol Digest forum structure that stops you asking a question about any planned or existing model. Surely you don't want to replicate this forum? I quite like the Dapol one. There is no whingeing for a start. :hmmm:
Bob
I would like to 'whinge' about not having the opportunity to discuss or make comments about the collectors club.
Whinge, whinge and treble whinge!!!
:beers:
Quote from: austinbob on June 29, 2016, 02:37:44 PM
I would like to 'whinge' about not having the opportunity to discuss or make comments about the collectors club.
Well drop Joel or Andy a PM through the new forum - they might be open to creating a new area or prefer to discuss things outside of the forum.
Cheers, Mike