IMHO, I think that the primary benefit is in taking the good/usefull info
from the existing archives and compiling it into a categorized and moderated
(emphasis on moderated) reference tool.  Yes, the archives are there and are
searchable (via whatever tool you choose, be it the built-in search or
google), but that doesn't discount the merit of separating the wheat from
the chaff.

Is ODP a 'format'?  Just briefly looking at their site, it looked to be just
another web index.  Do they provide any catigorization tools for organizing
stuff other than web-links?

Cheers,
JD Foster
Sacramento, CA
'86 Westy (waiting for a name)
www.sirenandgeek.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Duane Fahey" <dfahey@VISUALAUTOMATION.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 1:07 PM
Subject: Re: Vanagon Library

> OK, maybe I'm not thinking about this right, but here goes:
>
> Does the archive exist as HTML/XML files?  If not, could it be converted?
>
> If the archive was already in this format, couldn't we all just use
> Google to search it?  Then, we wouldn't really have to categorize
> everything and so-on.
>
> Another approach would be to put the archives into an ODP format, like
> dmoz.org or something.  But I think it might be more work.
>
> Like I said, maybe I'm simplifying things too much... - Duane
>
> JD Foster wrote:
>
> >How about taking something like a discussion forum and adapting it for
this
> >use?  Forums could be established for each category, with a separate
> >'discussion thread' for each specific repair.  Information could be
> >collected from existing sources and added as a post.  Then either edited
or
> >added to with time.
> >
> >I run a small website that this could easily be added to and am willing
to
> >help, but ultimately I don't think that I have the bandwidth to support
it
> >(my server is running on my home DSL line).  Unless of course the
community
> >is willing to provide some financial support for this.  I can offer my
time
> >well enough, but can't afford to upgrade the DSL service w/o assistance.
> >
> >
> >JD Foster
> >Sacramento, CA
> >'86 Westy (waiting for a name)
> >www.sirenandgeek.com
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: "Shawn Luft" <Shawn.Luft@COMPLETIONS.BOMBARDIER.COM>
> >To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> >Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 11:41 AM
> >Subject: Re: Vanagon Library
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >>I suggest an easier way.  Start with categories (ie: Rust Prevention,
> >>Maintenance, Fuel, Suspension, Brakes) and then accept contributions for
> >>each area.  In many cases the type2.com articles could be used for
issues
> >>like Por-15 and whatever else applies.
> >>
> >>Start from scratch, put it into categories and no search tool will be
> >>required.  So if you need to know about brakes, well you look in the
brake
> >>index, etc....
> >>
> >>Just add a link to 'Library' under the vanagon.com mainpage and get is
> >>going from there.  :)
> >>
> >>- Shawn.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
>
> --
> Duane Fahey
> Visual Automation, Inc.
> http://www.VisualAutomation.com
> 517.622.1850  517.622.1761 fax
> --
> Secure Desktop | iLock | ColdKey | iLockNess | ePortal.com
>