PH open automotive database project
Discussion
Could this be done?
Could we (as in PH as a whole) create a database that can be edited by all members, PH tech guys create the data fields and we go ahead at our leisure updating it. Would be a nice project to have a definative guide on every car in house, rather than scurrying off to Wiki on a regular basis to get ours facts.
(for those that don't know that is!)
For example
Drop down on Alfa Romeo
Gives a list of models
Select a model
Tells us statistics, production years, perhaps a history tab, some photos etc.
Just a muse. Would require a bit of forethought first of course.
Could we (as in PH as a whole) create a database that can be edited by all members, PH tech guys create the data fields and we go ahead at our leisure updating it. Would be a nice project to have a definative guide on every car in house, rather than scurrying off to Wiki on a regular basis to get ours facts.
(for those that don't know that is!)
For example
Drop down on Alfa Romeo
Gives a list of models
Select a model
Tells us statistics, production years, perhaps a history tab, some photos etc.
Just a muse. Would require a bit of forethought first of course.
I think so.
I bet you'd get some interesting insight into some cars too.
Might get PH some more traffic for those wanting facts without having to sign up to ask.
Of course the data should only be allowed to be created by members with say 3 months membership otherwise you could end up with it being abused.
I bet you'd get some interesting insight into some cars too.
Might get PH some more traffic for those wanting facts without having to sign up to ask.
Of course the data should only be allowed to be created by members with say 3 months membership otherwise you could end up with it being abused.
Does http://www.pistonheads.com/members/fleet.asp get close?
ThatPhilBrettGuy said:
Does http://www.pistonheads.com/members/fleet.asp get close?
The fleet is exactly what prompted my thoughts, but it's not particularly well thought out from user point of view.For instance, the first car on that list is a BMW with absolutely no data attached to it whatsoever.
Ideally, you drop down the marque, then the model, it brings up a great deal of facts and information on the car, then perhaps the link to members with that car (which sadly isn't that reliable due to people leaving PH not posting regularly, not updating their garage etc)
What a superb idea! It would be nice to see an honest list of known faults and things to look out for as well as models/versions to go for as well as avoid.
Also being edited by the PH population it could also be self regulating.
I could find a lot of information via the Internet for 'normal' cars like a Ford Focus but for lesser marques research became much harder.
Also being edited by the PH population it could also be self regulating.
I could find a lot of information via the Internet for 'normal' cars like a Ford Focus but for lesser marques research became much harder.
dirty boy said:
Mr Will said:
The fleet section is due a re-vamp, and if we tied it in with the PH wiki system at the same time then we'd be getting very close to your idea (which sounds like a great one to me!)
feel free to consult me 
jamieboy said:
Mr Will said:
If anyone has any suggestions or features that they want including then now is the time to suggest them!
What access does PH have to the Haymarket back catalogue? It'd be good to have links to PDFs of road-tests, etc.I think this may be better served for the time being in General Gassing though?
Why reinvent the wheel? www.carfolio.com (run by a PH'r) and www.motorbase.com do a reasonable job of this already.
Hunky Dory said:
jamieboy said:
Mr Will said:
If anyone has any suggestions or features that they want including then now is the time to suggest them!
What access does PH have to the Haymarket back catalogue? It'd be good to have links to PDFs of road-tests, etc.plasticpig said:
Why reinvent the wheel? www.carfolio.com (run by a PH'r) and www.motorbase.com do a reasonable job of this already.
It's not reinventing the wheel, and i'd hate to see a PHer lose out, but as with anything, there's always room for improvement, whether (in respect of carfolio) it's aesthetic or user friendliness.The point was however, that given the uniqueness of PH, and the sheer volume of contributors, there's the potential to unlock a massive amount of data.
I would not register and edit a geniune Wiki article, but would happily edit a PH database (assuming it's easy enough to do so) and gift some of the little knowledge I have on, let's say, the MGC Sebring Racers.
Stats would be nice, a nice standardised easy to read format, and an opitmised search engine.
engine capacity
length
width
0-60
etc etc
but with the added possibilty of inside knowledge, like someone like Nick who designed the Cerb interior making a contribution would make it unique (for instance).
It was just a thought.
Mr Will said:
dirty boy said:
Mr Will said:
The fleet section is due a re-vamp, and if we tied it in with the PH wiki system at the same time then we'd be getting very close to your idea (which sounds like a great one to me!)
feel free to consult me A little something like the old AT on the front page.
Select a car, get taken to that car's homepage.
Then summary, buyers guide, threads on PH, owners' experiences, specifications, maybe a link to the owners club, etc, etc.
crofty1984 said:
Mr Will said:
dirty boy said:
Mr Will said:
The fleet section is due a re-vamp, and if we tied it in with the PH wiki system at the same time then we'd be getting very close to your idea (which sounds like a great one to me!)
feel free to consult me A little something like the old AT on the front page.
Select a car, get taken to that car's homepage.
Then summary, buyers guide, threads on PH, owners' experiences, specifications, maybe a link to the owners club, etc, etc.
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