Writing a FAQ - Dan's thoughts (Dan Simoes)

[Phil Payne]

> First of all I think the subject heading is kinder now !

Bowdler was an American.

> I think we need to split up the cars into groups like 4000/coupe, 100/200,
> etc. Exactly how I have yet to figure out.

More than that.  Many people don't know what car they have - the front end
needs an entry point that decodes a VIN. Also some engines were used in
several different cars.

> Then I think we need a group of people to do the basic text document and
> submit it with pictures if needed, to a html group.

Submission doesn't work.  I suggest a bunch of people do their own thing and
all others review what they're doing as it goes along.  Majority voice
rules.

> They can put together a standard format to fit the text and image links
> into.

Already done, based on the 'wiring' site I've put up.  I'm currently working
on the skeleton of an ur-quattro - I'll need help with the WX and GV
engines.

> Where should it be hosted ? Should it be split up and if so, how ?

The great advantage of the web is that what looks like one site can be
hosted
on dozens.  I have to admit that (eventually) putting the whole thing on
Dan's site and making it a membership benefit for an international Audi Club
($25 to Dan each time) has some appeal.

> Dan, can I join the admin list to help put this together.

I wonder if Dan would consider setting up a separate list on a
non-subscription basis?  Those working on the project would be members -
anyone could post offering information, answers, suggestions, etc., and the
list could divide up inbound work amongst itself.

I've made a start on the kind of system I envisage - comments welcome.

I'm using Audi's index structure and numbering scheme - any photos that are
included will also carry the name of the Audi illustration.  The idea is to
allow those who have the Audi documentation to consult the site for anything
we've spotted that Audi hasn't.  Lots of ideas come to mind - Audi would
never dream of using second-hand parts, and we might include tips on
checking them.  Audi names many service tools - but there are many
equivalents and they don't give a number for the hawg ring pliers, as an
instance.

The idea of recharging bombs?

I think it's going to be up to everyone with experience to look at the site
and add their $0.02, just as I did the first time I saw Scott's site.

Perhaps it would also be a good idea to include Bentley page numbers on each
HTML page, and Haynes numbers where a manual exists for the car.  The whole
idea would be to complement the manual(s) available, not necessarily replace
them.  Books are frozen in time, but we're still learning about high-mileage
cars.

Standards:

a) All HTML addressing relative.

b) All page names lower case, ".html" suffix and punctuated with
underscores.  One line of sponsorship information only - I've made 'Kerbside
Motors' a simple title and I'll make it a clickable link, too, so as to
avoid a 'home' link to my site - 'home' will poi.

c) No more than 120KB of graphics per page.  Where larger and higher quality
pictures are available, a separate clickable link should carry a size
warning.

d) All contributors give up copyright and other rights.

One thought is that (supposing we make this into the world's most
indispensible tool) we could form a global Audi Club for a (say) $10 charge
and scoot the $$$ to Dan for hosting the site.  Important to steer clear of
copyright issues.