Shelly Harris
09-25-2009, 08:25 AM
The forum really appreciates the contributions of members who take the time and effort to write informative posts. Here's a few suggestions which I think will make your posts a real value for all the forum members;
Include as many pictures as possible. Pictures ARE worth a thousand words. The forum allows unlimited uploading of pictures for this purpose.
Don't assume that the reader knows anything! Explain things as simply and throughly as possible. The majority of your readers are week-end mechanics who need things spelled out or "spoon fed" to them. Many of them might be challenged changing oil and the filter. Some may never attempt to do the work you describe, but they need to know all the details so that they can get the right job from someone else. For example, writing "remove the air cleaner" probably needs no further discussion, but to write "remove the distributor" without more detail is an invitation to a member's nightmare.... you've got to get into the detail of how to do it and keeping its position in the gearing, etc. If you use an abbreviation or technical term don't assume everyone knows what it is... spell it out fully in the beginning of your post. A handfull of our members are great mechanics who don't need all the details, but the majority of us have to be talked down to... so if there is any doubt, dumb it down.
When you're replacing parts try to give part numbers, brand names, etc., especially items you recommend. If a special tool is needed... make sure to mention it.
Give your opinion on degree of difficulty. If something was challenging or hard for you, then let the reader know. If it was hard for you, it might be impossible for some of us. Most of us don't have helpers... is this a job one can do alone? How long should it take? an afternoon or?
Please keep those DIY (do it yourself) articles coming in... they're terrific.
Include as many pictures as possible. Pictures ARE worth a thousand words. The forum allows unlimited uploading of pictures for this purpose.
Don't assume that the reader knows anything! Explain things as simply and throughly as possible. The majority of your readers are week-end mechanics who need things spelled out or "spoon fed" to them. Many of them might be challenged changing oil and the filter. Some may never attempt to do the work you describe, but they need to know all the details so that they can get the right job from someone else. For example, writing "remove the air cleaner" probably needs no further discussion, but to write "remove the distributor" without more detail is an invitation to a member's nightmare.... you've got to get into the detail of how to do it and keeping its position in the gearing, etc. If you use an abbreviation or technical term don't assume everyone knows what it is... spell it out fully in the beginning of your post. A handfull of our members are great mechanics who don't need all the details, but the majority of us have to be talked down to... so if there is any doubt, dumb it down.
When you're replacing parts try to give part numbers, brand names, etc., especially items you recommend. If a special tool is needed... make sure to mention it.
Give your opinion on degree of difficulty. If something was challenging or hard for you, then let the reader know. If it was hard for you, it might be impossible for some of us. Most of us don't have helpers... is this a job one can do alone? How long should it take? an afternoon or?
Please keep those DIY (do it yourself) articles coming in... they're terrific.