Multitool.org in 2012?

[Grant Lamontagne]

With another year upon us, and a number of my new projects scheduled to see the light of day in 2012 it occurs to me that this is, and always will be a site about the community and not just about me, my ideas and what I have the time or budget for.  So, what kinds of things would you like to see here?  You are all encouraged to pass on ideas and thoughts at any time, but I thought maybe I'd start a little brainstorm thread to encourage some discussion of them.  Of course you can PM me with ideas, get me on Facebook or Google +, email me, or get me on the various IM or VOIP services I subscribe to... oh yeah, and by phone too if you don't want to pitch your ideas openly.

For the rest though, let's get some ideas out there and see what happens.  We want to continue to make Multitool.org the best place to hang out for knife, gun and tool nuts and I can't be expected to think of everything!

So, what would you like to see here at Multitool.org?  I am talking about site features, promotions, products, content... whatever would interest you.  I can't say that we'll do all (or any) of the ideas proposed here, but I will promise that the Admins, Mods and I will give each and every idea all the consideration it deserves.

As I said, we have a number of projects in the works already, so some of them may already be on the way!

Def

[captain spaulding]

Just did a quick search to find a site explaining the iTrader system. I would love to see it on this forum as it is a easy and quick way to get a idea of someones track record in the trading/buying/selling aspect of the forum.

http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=201652

[Whoey]

I'm sure Grant has a bit to say about that, I think there was a system here before, and we had talked about possibly implementing a similar one. In any case, that itrader thing seems to be Vbulletin and we run SMF.

[badwolf]

Well, I really like this forum, by far the most helpful and friendly cyber family on the net
MTO certainly has variety, so a bit more guns would be cool and a section/thread would be interesting, as long as that's all it was, wouldn't want the MTO to loose its roots.
MTO has very little advertising, I like that, its not in your face but it wouldn't hurt to put a link to your hosting company, could help with running costs.
Better search feature, I often end up keyword searching google then look at images and most of the time it finds an MTO pic.
Bumper stickers, patches, caps, key rings, mugs etc all the usuall merchandise, I know some of these are already available, have been discussed before or are in discussion.
More Smileys/Emoticons.
An every 1000 post or so loyalty freebie.
Will add more as and when

[THE_LONGBOW]

I enjoy this forum more than any other I visit. There are a lot of GREAT people and information on this forum.
I am not sure if this can be done on here but one thing I would like to see is a "First Unread Link" that take the logged in viewer from the top of the page to the first unread post in a thread.
Other than that I enjoy all the time I spend here. MTO keep up the good work.   

[tattoosteve99]

I have asked before but I'll throw it out there again. I would like to see some new categories listed. Searching is fine but it would make it easier to find a thread if it had its own category. Ex: Go Green or Do it yourself. Just throwing some out there.

[Reinier]

That "first unread" feature is already there if you use the new replies links at the top of the page

[THE_LONGBOW]

That "first unread" feature is already there if you use the new replies links at the top of the page

Yes I see that, but some sites have a link on each "thread" for new posts. So you can go to a thread then it links to the first new posts in that thread that I have not read.

[enki_ck]

That "first unread" feature is already there if you use the new replies links at the top of the page

I use this link as my MT.O bookmark. It shows all the unread topics and replys. If you read everything you wanted, just click mark topics read and the next time you use the link there will be all new topics you haven't read yet.

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=unread;all;start=0

Oh, and +1 on the new smilies. We have a great selection but some new ones would be nice too, like , , , and And others too. I'm sure Mat would appreciate it.

[THE_LONGBOW]

That "first unread" feature is already there if you use the new replies links at the top of the page

I use this link as my MT.O bookmark. It shows all the unread topics and replys. If you read everything you wanted, just click mark topics read and the next time you use the link there will be all new topics you haven't read yet.

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=unread;all;start=0

Oh, and +1 on the new smilies. We have a great selection but some new ones would be nice too, like (Image removed from quote.), (Image removed from quote.) , (Image removed from quote.) , (Image removed from quote.) and (Image removed from quote.) And others too. I'm sure Mat would appreciate it.

I see now that works for me. Thanks

[Ashley]

Patches, keyrings, t shirts, all that stuff. A feedback system, better search, more smilies! 

More MTO multi tool offers. Like Leathermans, Victorinox ect ect

I'll add if I think of more. 

[Tofty]

i have sometimes felt that 'the mod squad' contains too broad a field and could be split into: SAk mods, leatherman or pliers based mods, and Other mods or custom work.

However this might cause greater segregation between SAKs and other tool fans. Perhaps a split of 'multitool mods' and 'non tool based mods'.

[5hif7y]

as far as forums go this is one of the best ones ive been apart of and because of that i don't intend on leaving. im also trying to do my best to give as much back as i get.

i did like the idea of a trade system but on the other hand if people arnt sticking to there word with a trade then im sure they will just end up getting kicked from the forum or there will be a post letting everyone know. so if someone is a bad trader im sure we would find out. but maybe a trade system would be a good idea. maybe a way for others to leave comments or marks against a persons account for others to read and see where they are like to trade and buy from.

i also like the idea of more threads/sections. a DIY one does sound cool, and what about a dedicated pass around section. i would like to see more pass arounds next year as it is a great way for people to try new tools without breaking the bank. i for one will try to start a few in the new year.

oh and the MTO mugs, stickers patches and etc sounds great. id buy some  . we could have a section for designs. or maybe a sticker design competitions.

thats all i got for now. thanks to the Mods and Admins for the forum as it is. its a great place. well done guys

[Grant Lamontagne]

Just did a quick search to find a site explaining the iTrader system. I would love to see it on this forum as it is a easy and quick way to get a idea of someones track record in the trading/buying/selling aspect of the forum.

http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=201652

I'm sure Grant has a bit to say about that, I think there was a system here before, and we had talked about possibly implementing a similar one. In any case, that itrader thing seems to be Vbulletin and we run SMF.

It's worth looking into to see if there's a similar system for SMF- but we had a similar system called Karma before, and it was a nightmare.n  It didn't pertain to just sales though, it was for everything.  The drawback was that guys would get hundreds of "Thumbs Up" but go ballistic when someone would give them a "Thumbs Down."  They also got very upset when certain prominent members got a thumbs down (or smite or whatever the heck it was called) and they used to go over posts and threads trying to determine who smited them... in all it was just another way to frustrate people and draw divides from one member to another.  I could see something like that implemented for sales... you know... if we didn't have that feature already on an existing sales portal... cough EDCSource couch cough...

I personally don't care for feedback services, but I'm open to giving it a shot.  We have the Feedback Forum and it seems to be working well enough, but folks don't seem inclined to say bad things about other members, so I'm not convinced another system would be much better.

Well, I really like this forum, by far the most helpful and friendly cyber family on the net
MTO certainly has variety, so a bit more guns would be cool and a section/thread would be interesting, as long as that's all it was, wouldn't want the MTO to loose its roots.
MTO has very little advertising, I like that, its not in your face but it wouldn't hurt to put a link to your hosting company, could help with running costs.
Better search feature, I often end up keyword searching google then look at images and most of the time it finds an MTO pic.
Bumper stickers, patches, caps, key rings, mugs etc all the usuall merchandise, I know some of these are already available, have been discussed before or are in discussion.
More Smileys/Emoticons.
An every 1000 post or so loyalty freebie.
Will add more as and when

I have nothing against discussing guns- I like guns myself and the only reason there aren't any gun related discussions is because no one is talking about them!

We will look into a new Search feature, but I haven't got many issues using it myself, so we'll need some user input on that one.

More merchandise is coming- Travis works hard to come up with good, interesting ideas, and as always, feel free to make suggestions.  It's how we know what you want!  Bear in mind he shoots down more of my ideas than anyone else's for a variety of good reasons, (such as the damage rate on the Multitool.org Shot Glasses) so don't get disillusioned.

Smileys are a fairly easy one- we should start an emoticon thread for folks to post emoticons they'd like to see added, as well as make requests for them.  We never gave them much thought as many guys are using Firefox addons or something similar with thousands of available smileys.

Loyalty Freebies huh?  Interesting concept, but at the moment, there's no budget for things we need, let alone me sending things out every time someone enters the No Life Club!

I enjoy this forum more than any other I visit. There are a lot of GREAT people and information on this forum.
I am not sure if this can be done on here but one thing I would like to see is a "First Unread Link" that take the logged in viewer from the top of the page to the first unread post in a thread.
Other than that I enjoy all the time I spend here. MTO keep up the good work.   

We have that- click on the "NEW" box in the thread list and it'll take you to the first unread post.



Sadly, someone had to point that one out to me some time ago too!   

Patches, keyrings, t shirts, all that stuff. A feedback system, better search, more smilies! 

More MTO multi tool offers. Like Leathermans, Victorinox ect ect

I'll add if I think of more. 

Charter Members have access to the Special Order Service (SOS) in the Multitool.org Store.  Contact Travis for details, or just send him a message with whatever you want.  As he builds the store he may not have a lot of variety, but he will always be happy to give a quote on whatever you like.

i have sometimes felt that 'the mod squad' contains too broad a field and could be split into: SAk mods, leatherman or pliers based mods, and Other mods or custom work.

However this might cause greater segregation between SAKs and other tool fans. Perhaps a split of 'multitool mods' and 'non tool based mods'.

Interesting idea- as the Mod Forum picks up I can certainly see sub forums developing along those lines, but it has really only starting to take off recently.

Keep the ideas coming!

Def

[tattoosteve99]

i have sometimes felt that 'the mod squad' contains too broad a field and could be split into: SAk mods, leatherman or pliers based mods, and Other mods or custom work.

However this might cause greater segregation between SAKs and other tool fans. Perhaps a split of 'multitool mods' and 'non tool based mods'.

I like that idea. I think that a SAK and multitool mod section is appropriate. +1 on the mug or maybe even a travel mug/edc cup. Stickers would be fantastic!

[Syph007]

Not a site feature, but more of a dream wish I guess.  I would love an MTO limited victorinox alox run.  I don't know how many you'd have to order to get vic to do something custom, but man Id love it! 

SO I guess Im saying as a way to support the site, special runs of things would be amazing.  I know its easiest to get standard items with the MTO logo on, but I mean special runs with diff implements would be amazing!  Maybe cost prohibitive, but I'd sure love it.  A man can dream!

[nuphoria]

There's some good ideas here already, so unless I have a brainwave, I'll just say carry on the great work guys

[Medic82]

I have nothing against discussing guns- I like guns myself and the only reason there aren't any gun related discussions is because no one is talking about them!

Def

Well I also like guns! But most of my gun talk is happening on facebook with John and my shooting buddy plus I get a dose on youtube. But I will gladly take my gun talk here if I can!

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have nothing against discussing guns- I like guns myself and the only reason there aren't any gun related discussions is because no one is talking about them!

Def

Well I also like guns! But most of my gun talk is happening on facebook with John and my shooting buddy plus I get a dose on youtube. But I will gladly take my gun talk here if I can!

When did we ever stop any of your previous gun threads?   

Def

[Medic82]

I have nothing against discussing guns- I like guns myself and the only reason there aren't any gun related discussions is because no one is talking about them!

Def

Well I also like guns! But most of my gun talk is happening on facebook with John and my shooting buddy plus I get a dose on youtube. But I will gladly take my gun talk here if I can!

When did we ever stop any of your previous gun threads?   

Def

When you stoped posting?


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[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I'd personally like to see a forum category for outdoors activities and the like.  Not sure if it should be just one category, or a whole subset of separate fora.  Like, one for cycling, backpacking, car camping, national parks, etc. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

What' wrong with our existing Outdoor Forum?

Def

[Ashley]

Maybe a vic huntsman with stay glow scales and MTO logo done the same as the swiss logo as to not wear off.

A colored alox farmer with added scissors and mto logo as with the swiss logo.

Hey a girl can dream right? )

[turnsouth]

Patches, keyrings, t shirts, all that stuff.

+1

Something I would like is a monthly automatic PayPal donation system. I forget to pay my Charter membership, but if there was an automatic $3.00 per month system, I'd sign up now.

You could also add incrementally higher levels for those so inclined, somethings like: Supporter, Friend of the Forum, Patron of the Tool, etc...

Plus, a smaller monthly payment might attract those who don't have the whole sum all at once.

Just a thought

[OddFuture]

I like the idea's around already, but maybe a place for different Hobbies that we all have.

I also would like some promotional items such as stickers, t-shirts, and maybe a SAK or MT with the logo on it.

Other than that, this is one of the more friendly forums i've been  apart of.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Patches, keyrings, t shirts, all that stuff.

+1

Something I would like is a monthly automatic PayPal donation system. I forget to pay my Charter membership, but if there was an automatic $3.00 per month system, I'd sign up now.

You could also add incrementally higher levels for those so inclined, somethings like: Supporter, Friend of the Forum, Patron of the Tool, etc...

Plus, a smaller monthly payment might attract those who don't have the whole sum all at once.

Just a thought

That's not too bad an idea, but I wonder how much work it would be to either set that up or do it manually?  If it was a manual thing it would be out of the question as Travis is pretty busy being the only one who apparently works at his university!  Plus the inconvenience of chasing folks every month might be a bit much, and the fees taken by PP each month would mean it would be a higher fee for membership but we can certainly look into it more and see if it's a viable way to do it.

@OddFuture- what kinds of hobbies did you have in mind?  I tend to post pics from my kayaking adventures here on the forum already.

Def

[tattoosteve99]

@Travis >>> all work and no play makes for....no time for tools

[tattoosteve99]

What' wrong with our existing Outdoor Forum?

Def

I think he's talking about a section all it's own.
Outdoor:
 Sub: cycling
 Sub: hiking
 Sub: camping
Etc. I think.
Oh and to answer the question. It's just one sub category

[Travis Autry]

With the new year coming on, it might be time to revisit the MTO Shot Glass idea.  Perhaps something in a more durable acrylic.

I have been noting the encouraging words for MTO promotional items.  Most, if not all, of them may be doable in time.  Keep tossing ideas and feel free to PM me with specific suggestions.  I am open to considering most things.

Anyone have an interest in MTO boxer shorts?  I think there may be a clearance sale at one of the apparel suppliers.

[Grant Lamontagne]

MTO boxers?  Heck yeah! 

Def