• Welcome to Tacoma3G.com, a free resource for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma owners!

    This website is the passion-project of a USMC veteran/mechanic, @Tyler. I created Tacoma3G.com to share my knowledge of this subject with others and to provide like-minded folks with a comfortable space to ask questions and create 'build threads' within our Tacoma Forums. Now, if the format of this website is confusing to navigate for you, or if you're interested in my full mission and T3G's history, check out the Help and About pages.

T3G Feedback and questions about Tacoma3G.com - How can our community and website be better?

Here's another... add a straight-up donation option to the support page! I wanna send some money towards the forum but don't really have need for a patch or a sticker haha
 
Here's another... add a straight-up donation option to the support page! I wanna send some money towards the forum but don't really have need for a patch or a sticker haha
Wow, thank you.

I did recently add that, but I haven't added it to the stickers page yet. Right now, it is on the forum homepage in the sidebar location:
1595532686646.png


Let me see if I can get it to display on the page you're talking about as well.
 
1. What do you like about T3G? Why do you actively use this as your Tacoma forum of choice? I love that T3G is so community based. You seem to care more about all of us unlike the other big forums. The above is the reason is why I use this more.

2. What is something that could be changed or added? Or anything else you'd like to bring up.

Only thing I would change is make a dedicated section for off-topic stuff if there isn't one already. Hobbies, sports, etc.
 
1. What do you like about T3G? Why do you actively use this as your Tacoma forum of choice? I love that T3G is so community based. You seem to care more about all of us unlike the other big forums. The above is the reason is why I use this more.

2. What is something that could be changed or added? Or anything else you'd like to bring up.

Only thing I would change is make a dedicated section for off-topic stuff if there isn't one already. Hobbies, sports, etc.
Thank you.

The section for that stuff would be here: https://tacoma3g.com/forums/everything-else.13/
 
Wow, thank you.

I did recently add that, but I haven't added it to the stickers page yet. Right now, it is on the forum homepage in the sidebar location:
1595532686646.png


Let me see if I can get it to display on the page you're talking about as well.

Oops! Must have missed that. Say no more!
 
One other thing I might suggest, as it is you can only buy a single sticker + a $5.00 donation for $10 and you can only buy a single sticker w/o a donation once AFAICT. I'd like to give the stickers to people I meet with cool Tacomas but for $10 a pop that's not really doable (Although I did leave my extra ROTM sticker under someones wiper.) If there were a way to make a stand alone bulk sticker order that would be nice.

Also, I would totally buy a T3G T-shirt
 
One other thing I might suggest, as it is you can only buy a single sticker + a $5.00 donation for $10 and you can only buy a single sticker w/o a donation once AFAICT. I'd like to give the stickers to people I meet with cool Tacomas but for $10 a pop that's not really doable (Although I did leave my extra ROTM sticker under someones wiper.) If there were a way to make a stand alone bulk sticker order that would be nice.

Also, I would totally buy a T3G T-shirt
Oh boy. You guys have no idea how cool the revision to the "store" is going to be. I've been working on it non-stop and it is overwhelmingly feature rich.

Picture any online shopping interface but built directly into your forum account/the forum itself. So yes, those suggestions are coming very soon.
 
Love this forum because nobody is an asshole and if they are it's small enough for them to get the boot relatively quickly... lol
I recently deleted my TW account because of how toxic that forum is. Nearly every forum I click on is bloated with people in arguments

If possible, I'd love to see some more T3G merch. I have the current patch but a T3G logo patch would be sick too (maybe I've missed this in the past?)
and like a hat or t-shirt or something.
 
Love this forum because nobody is an asshole and if they are it's small enough for them to get the boot relatively quickly... lol
I recently deleted my TW account because of how toxic that forum is. Nearly every forum I click on is bloated with people in arguments

If possible, I'd love to see some more T3G merch. I have the current patch but a T3G logo patch would be sick too (maybe I've missed this in the past?)
and like a hat or t-shirt or something.
Been getting the mercy request for years. Unfortunately, I am a shit graphic designer despite ~15 years of messing with Photoshop types of programs. But like I mentioned above, the “store” is getting a huge overhaul and will have some new professionally designed goodies.
Tapatalk itself is a corrupt company and piece of crap app. But I’d love to have a native phone app. Overland Bound has a nice one that was custom developed but it costs SO much money.

I’ve been looking into a few other custom options, which are also expensive, but it would really take T3G to the next level. So yes, this is still pretty high on my priority list.
 
1. What do you like about T3G? Why do you actively use this as your Tacoma forum of choice?
I love the community and how specific the topics are. I don't like bloat so having a niche forum is awesome.

2. What is something that could be changed or added? Or anything else you'd like to bring up.
The only frustration I've had is with the search. I dislike that it will exclude short words or common words. For example... I want to find out what oil people are using so I search 'Engine oil' and am met only with results pertaining to 'engine' which I'm sure you can see wouldn't be very helpful. There may be a way around this, but I am not aware of such black magic and would love to see it work without hoping somebody called it engine lubricant instead. For reals my only beef though. Love everything else!

It's possible to change the database configuration to support 2 and 3 letter words for search since the forum just uses the database for it's search results. Most forums have this same search limitation as well as crappy search results because it just uses the database to search and not any smart algorithm or anything intelligent so results are usually like the ones you'd find on Altavista search engine in the 90's or something.

The workaround is if you really want to search the forum, use your favorite search engine search for "site:https://tacoma3g.com/ Engine Oil" and you'll get all the results you were hoping for and then some.

There may be a plugin or code modification to replace the forum search engine with an external call to google or duckduckgo or something. That way you can still use the forum search box to perform your search but get way better results and the ability to search 2 and 3 letter words and acronyms.

---------

as for answers to the questions
1- I love that this community seems to be one that values integrity and empathy as well as liking the outdoors, our trucks and off roading. This community actually feels welcoming which I suppose is rare these days. So thanks!
2- Keep up the excellent work. I'll try to find a search improvement that might work for you @Tyler but other than that, you're doing an awesome job and you've taken previous suggestions and implemented them so rock on :)
 
It's possible to change the database configuration to support 2 and 3 letter words for search since the forum just uses the database for it's search results. Most forums have this same search limitation as well as crappy search results because it just uses the database to search and not any smart algorithm or anything intelligent so results are usually like the ones you'd find on Altavista search engine in the 90's or something.

The workaround is if you really want to search the forum, use your favorite search engine search for "site:https://tacoma3g.com/ Engine Oil" and you'll get all the results you were hoping for and then some.

There may be a plugin or code modification to replace the forum search engine with an external call to google or duckduckgo or something. That way you can still use the forum search box to perform your search but get way better results and the ability to search 2 and 3 letter words and acronyms.

---------

as for answers to the questions
1- I love that this community seems to be one that values integrity and empathy as well as liking the outdoors, our trucks and off roading. This community actually feels welcoming which I suppose is rare these days. So thanks!
2- Keep up the excellent work. I'll try to find a search improvement that might work for you @Tyler but other than that, you're doing an awesome job and you've taken previous suggestions and implemented them so rock on :)
There are a few search improvements I can install, including a way to literally just use Google for the search system on the forum.

I didn’t realize people were having issues with our crappy search system, but now I do, so improving what we have is on the top of my list.

Thanks for your kind words. It is the members that make this forum the way it is.
 
I think forum software intentionally keeps search broken, here's why (warning: opinion):

If everyone just searched and found what they were looking for in a thread that's a couple years old then they do not create a new thread. Their question was answered and maybe they leave a "thanks!" in the thread, but maybe they don't. This is good for the user because they instantly found what they were looking for however the board misses out on a new forum post which means a missed engagement opportunity.

With search being not so great by default, it creates a culture where you just ask the question first. Post a new thread. Some people chime in with their opinions on the matter. Maybe some old guard forum member has all the bookmarks, all the perfect search terms, a master of the board so he chimes in with "Do you even search bro?!" and slams down 35 links to 35 different threads all asking the same question. The differences of opinion, the stickler for the search box and the micro conflict therein is all called "engagement." Additionally, more threads with more of the same keywords in them is great for Search Engine Optimization which means the more threads you have on the most subjects helps you climb the ranks on the search engines. /fin

@Tyler I saw some of those mods / plugins for xf to swap out the search engine. There's no way a simple database query is going to yield as good of results as a real search engine. Do as you see fit :)
 
I know this isn't exciting, but you may have noticed some fancy new icons around the forum. Just to give it some flavor.

1596038704332.png
 
diggin the rotm on the box on the right also, pretty sweet!
 
I enjoy the hospitality that most extend at T3G. Obviously the information, reviews and topics are the most important reasons.

I am on-board with the suggestions of being able to search short words or acronyms.

Thanks
 
It's possible to change the database configuration to support 2 and 3 letter words for search since the forum just uses the database for it's search results. Most forums have this same search limitation as well as crappy search results because it just uses the database to search and not any smart algorithm or anything intelligent so results are usually like the ones you'd find on Altavista search engine in the 90's or something.

This. 100%.
 
I also think it’s mind-numbingly annoying when people start a thread that literally only has a YouTube video in it. You know who I’m talking about. Fucking 1000 posts on T3G and 960 of them are threads type of bullshit.

It’s only design is to try and make you leave T3G and start a conversation in the videos comment section on their YouTube channel. So the op is using your server space and cluttering our feeds for more clout on another platform.

Fucking influencers.
 
I also think it’s mind-numbingly annoying when people start a thread that literally only has a YouTube video in it. You know who I’m talking about. Fucking 1000 posts on T3G and 960 of them are threads type of bullshit.

It’s only design is to try and make you leave T3G and start a conversation in the videos comment section on their YouTube channel. So the op is using your server space and cluttering our feeds for more clout on another platform.

Fucking influencers.
I agree and have always felt that way. I tried to redirect these threads to the photo / video section (which is where it would be fine to post them), but that didn't end up lasting and I haven't been able to keep up with moving those threads.

I'll try to add some type of notice that says "Are you about to post a link to your YouTube video? If yes, please move to the photo / video section."

Speaking of moving threads... there are so many threads that are in the wrong section and potentially use the wrong thread prefix. Moving them is a work in progress. I'm an organization nazi.
 
I also think it’s mind-numbingly annoying when people start a thread that literally only has a YouTube video in it. You know who I’m talking about. Fucking 1000 posts on T3G and 960 of them are threads type of bullshit.

It’s only design is to try and make you leave T3G and start a conversation in the videos comment section on their YouTube channel. So the op is using your server space and cluttering our feeds for more clout on another platform.

Fucking influencers.

I was sort of thinking about this recently too but not along these exact lines. I don't use social media so even though I can see the instagram pics on the top of the website when I browse the t3g homepage, I can't actually have a conversation about those those pictures and trucks. I was thinking it would be cool if instead of linking to the instagram image / link, it links to a new t3g thread with the full size image front and center. You could then put a link below it citing the source of the image, link to the instagram post yadda yadda.

Ditto youtube links. I don't want to have public conversations on youtube, I much prefer the smaller scope of the t3g forum and its members vs anonymous internet comment monsters :)
 
@Tyler I love the new glyphs / icons next to the forum titles. Just noticed it
 
I agree and have always felt that way. I tried to redirect these threads to the photo / video section (which is where it would be fine to post them), but that didn't end up lasting and I haven't been able to keep up with moving those threads.

I'll try to add some type of notice that says "Are you about to post a link to your YouTube video? If yes, please move to the photo / video section."

Speaking of moving threads... there are so many threads that are in the wrong section and potentially use the wrong thread prefix. Moving them is a work in progress. I'm an organization nazi.

All I’m saying is that shit wouldn’t fly if they were linking to TW. I don’t see a difference linking to YT.
 
I was sort of thinking about this recently too but not along these exact lines. I don't use social media so even though I can see the instagram pics on the top of the website when I browse the t3g homepage, I can't actually have a conversation about those those pictures and trucks. I was thinking it would be cool if instead of linking to the instagram image / link, it links to a new t3g thread with the full size image front and center. You could then put a link below it citing the source of the image, link to the instagram post yadda yadda.

Ditto youtube links. I don't want to have public conversations on youtube, I much prefer the smaller scope of the t3g forum and its members vs anonymous internet comment monsters :)
This is a cool idea but I'll need to take some time to figure out how to implement it. It would have to be a type of RSS feed or robot doing it.
@Tyler I love the new glyphs / icons next to the forum titles. Just noticed it
Thanks, I've been working on small styling changes all day. Lots of trial and error.

Talking about this:

Screenshot_2020-07-30 3rd Generation Toyota Tacoma Forum - Tacoma3G com.jpg
 
This is a cool idea but I'll need to take some time to figure out how to implement it. It would have to be a type of RSS feed or robot doing it.

Thanks, I've been working on small styling changes all day. Lots of trial and error.

If I break free from my own project later tonight or tomorrow I'll take a look at XF and see if I can figure out a way to do it. Feel free to pm me a link to the plugin you're using for the IG section and I'll see what the easiest way to do it would be. Maybe a TacoBOT is needed :)
 
Hey guys! Big news.

Tacoma3G.com is undergoing a massive overhaul. I'm taking our community to the next level by redesigning and simplifying the website, and also adding features to help us navigate to valuable information that might otherwise get lost within the regular threads.

I like to be transparent with how I manage T3G so I've created this thread to occasionally share small previews of what I'm working on behind the scenes. I love receiving feedback, so please do tell me what you hate or love in the separate feedback thread. I don't want to push anything out that you guys are not happy with.
 
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Just wanted to say I'm really digging the new theads/new posts being front and center.
 
Edit: This particular update has been scrapped entirely. I'm taking a different route, but if you want to see what this was about, click the button below.

As I said in the first post, I'll be sharing previews of some of the stuff being worked on behind the scenes for T3G 2.0, which I think we're dubbing T3G-2G for kicks. There won't be updates for everything and they won't be frequent. But if there's something worth teasing, I'll tease it. Plus, it gives everyone a chance to tell me why you hate it so I can fix it before it ever goes live. :cool:

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T3G-2G Preview: #1 {Alpha v1.0.0}

Styling

  • Header design
    • I have never liked the header of T3G. I'm not a fan of the logo, its size, the way the navigation tabs sit in it, the Tacoma images on the right side, etc. That said, T3G-2G will absolutely have a redesigned header. The mock-up below is a mix of a working website on my local development server with actual changes to code that I've made, combined with some of my very bad Photoshop skills to put the idea I have in my mind on paper. This is an extremely rough mock-up (hence alpha v1.0.0) and the logo and truck are placeholder images until I have better ones (looking to redesign the logo and add varying vectorized Tacoma images on the right). Most styling that makes certain elements pop and look flashy isn't there either yet. This is mostly to show the potential new shape for the header.
  • Color scheme(s)
    • I've always loved the color options we have for our styles, especially now that we have the dark versions. However, I also always wonder if the light versions are fitting for an outdoor / nature based community. They do look professional, but they don't make you feel like you're overlanding while you browse the forum, you know? So... I'm experimenting with some new colors and new background patterns. My intent is to dial in on the quicksand version (as always) and then branch it out to the other Tacoma colors and their dark versions.
  • Typography
    • This isn't shown in the mock-up but I'm experimenting with a slight change to the default font style used across the website to give it a little more of a modern feel.

(You can click the images below to enlarge.)

The mock-up in its baby stages:

t3g2g mock1.png



Compared to what we have now:

Screen Shot 2020-08-14 at 9.39.45 AM.png



And no, I didn't intentionally model this after those classic Toyota stripes, but I now realize it does resemble them:

classic toya stripes.jpg


-----

That's all for this update. Feel free drop suggestions. Or don't because this will probably change 100 times before it goes live anyway.

Please post your feedback on this preview in this thread: FEEDBACK - Tacoma3G 2.0 development previews
 
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