MX-5 Miata subforum visibility

[N7turbo]

I think it would be a good idea to have the MX-5 Miata Forum be easier to access with a visible link at the top. Currently Mazdas247 does great with the CX-5, CX-30, CX-50, and CX-70/90 but one may think the site doesn't cater to the Miata at all and is just a forum for SUV's and CUV's. Same goes for the Mazda 3.

 

[sm1ke]

Moved to the Support subforum.

I like this idea! @Antoine, what do you think?

Maybe instead of having the CX-5, -30, -50, -70/90 in the top ribbon, we could organize groups of Mazdas into different "categories". I thought about having "Current Mazdas" and "Other Mazdas" that open drop-down menus listing the models that fit in each section, but it's tough to separate models that way because some models have been discontinued in one region but not in others. So maybe we could organize by putting all CX models in one category, all Mazda2, 3, 5, 6 in another, Proteges in another, and MX-5 and RX in another. If we needed more room, we could move the Buy/Sell into the Forums + drop down menu.

 

[N7turbo]

I like the idea of the categories. Let's see what that might look like.

Mazda has 6 lines of vehicle categories that I can think of:

CX

MX

RX (out of production but making a return, so will be needed soon enough)

2/3/5/6

Then there are past models that don't fit within that scheme, like your mention of the Protégé, 323, 626, Cosmo, and the BT-50 which is limited enough that it could go in the Other category.

I agree that Buy/Sell can move to Other.

That's 5 and 5 so no new real estate is needed.

 

[SparkYellow]

Just want to note that there is a lot more action in 2/3/5/6 than RX. I don't mind having to go all the way to the bottom.

 

[Antoine]

Great feedback and thanks for the move @sm1ke...I think about this all the time and have changed the layout more times than I can remember...The current layout is a result of much thought and analysis...The model specific nav links are actually linking to the corresponding latest updated thread sub-forums and not the main forums...This is so that people can access what's current and going on in the fewest number of steps which is critical in this age of instant access and social media.

Another factor that governs the nav layout is how it appears on mobile which the majority of traffic comes from...I had experimented with more links and multiple dropdowns but it just becomes a mess on mobile...Too many links, most of which the majority are not interested in (unfortunately)...For the people that want "the whole enchilada", there is the main page itself which lists everything (just requires a lot scrolling).

As for the Miata, I've tried in the past to boost activity there as I would love to see more Miata threads here but it's quite the challenge as that world is so entrenched...

All that said...You've guys have made great points...Initial impressions (of the nav in this case) are super important and having only the SUV/CUV lineup may unintentionally downplay other current models like the Miata and Mazda3...It's important that the nav is reserved for in-production as attention for out of production Mazdas fades (unfortunately).

This is great food for thought...High level categories like "CX" is interesting and would help bring more coverage but to the average first time visitor, they may look at that and not bother with the dropdown...I think most people are only really interested in their specific model and may be overwhelmed with/turned off by too many choices.

The feedback is making me revisit this though and I really appreciate it...I think the current layout is working for us but things can always be updated/improved/optimized etc...This may inspire the next iteration...

Hmmm...

 

[Antoine]

Just had a thought...Perhaps the MX-5 Miata Forum could be moved to the The Clubhouse to improve exposure although that would technically make it a Sub-Forum of the Clubhouse...That said, the Miata is a very "Club" style car and has the strongest enthusiast following of current Mazdas.

Also that may open up new possibilities for the nav links...I don't want to add or expand but some items (particularly the non model-specific related) could be moved around perhaps...