Community Forums

redcow · 03-23-2009, 04:00 PM

How many Excel owners think Peterson Industries should add an Excel Owners Forum to their website?

How about it Bryan??

red

camperguy · 03-23-2009, 05:25 PM

Redcow
What a great idea!
I have to admit that I've lost a lot of interest in this forum since they have gone to the new format. I think it would be a good idea to have an Excel owners forum right on the Excel site because it would benefit both the Excel owners and Petersen Ind.

**Andy R** · 03-23-2009, 05:45 PM

I founded AirstreamForums.com in 2002. Shortly after Airstream, Inc decided to open their own forum. If the management of Peterson Industries would like to talk to Airstream, Inc about running their own forum, please send me a PM and I will put you in touch with them.

What most people don't appreciate is how much work goes on behind the scenes. The Mod/Admin team works very hard to keep the peace between thousands of members who each have their own opinions. The other issue is how critical posts are handled on a company owned forum. What happens when negative posts are made and flame wars break out? Managing software updates, server administration, account management and new feature development is a lot of work. The last thing you want if you are in the 5th Wheel business is to also be in the forum management business, it takes a LOT more work then most people think.

Steve,N,Jan · 03-24-2009, 02:13 PM

I think it would be an excellent idea.

ChiefJohn · 03-25-2009, 04:29 AM

I agree with you guys in that it would be a great avenue for factory/customer relations and be mutually beneficial. The big "however" is what 'Andy R' was addressing -- a long-term commitment of PI resources and Excel owner volunteers. Something Bryan might wish to consider once he steers his ship through these rough seas and reaches calmer waters. He's definitely got his hands full for the foreseeable future.

Bruce and Jenna · 03-25-2009, 08:29 AM

I also agree with Andy. Too much work for PI. I'd rather see them continue to devote that time to customer support for their trailers, i.e. parts, advice on fixes, upgrades, etc. Sure, they could take suggestions on improvements, like our Product Suggestions thread on this forum. But keep it as submissions, rather than discussion, to keep down the chatter.

Really, this forum serves the need, if they can the functionality lost thru the upgrade.