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RichWLIN Champion Author Indiana Posts:4,107 Points:640,815 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jun 14, 2012 9:26:20 PM Ignore RichWLIN Report Abuse I’ve been participating in Gas Buddy for nearly a year now, and I realize that this is a relatively short period in comparison to many long standing members; nevertheless, I find it somewhat disturbing that there hasn’t been much in the way of substantial web site development and evolution during my time here. There have been numerous well conceived suggestions for improvements, some of which seem essential and have received widespread support. Some of these concepts would enhance the experience here for all members. However, the “Talk back to us” and “Suggest a web site improvement” categories have been ignored and changes have not been forthcoming. So, my question to the moderators with all due respect is simply: Why haven’t many (if any) of the suggested changes been implemented?

RichWLIN

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Indiana

Posts:4,107
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Message Posted: Jun 14, 2012 9:26:20 PM

Ignore RichWLIN Report Abuse

I’ve been participating in Gas Buddy for nearly a year now, and I realize that this is a relatively short period in comparison to many long standing members; nevertheless, I find it somewhat disturbing that there hasn’t been much in the way of substantial web site development and evolution during my time here.

There have been numerous well conceived suggestions for improvements, some of which seem essential and have received widespread support. Some of these concepts would enhance the experience here for all members. However, the “Talk back to us” and “Suggest a web site improvement” categories have been ignored and changes have not been forthcoming.

So, my question to the moderators with all due respect is simply: Why haven’t many (if any) of the suggested changes been implemented?

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Scrapheap Champion Author Virginia Posts:14,556 Points:2,360,780 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Aug 7, 2012 9:30:22 AM Ignore Scrapheap Report Abuse anthroMO - Although it may not be clear from the title, this thread is not a catch all place to ask any question that comes to mind. Your question has nothing to do with this thread and is best asked in the General Gas Talk forum.
anthroMO Veteran Author St. Louis Posts:395 Points:116,540 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Aug 7, 2012 9:24:18 AM Ignore anthroMO Report Abuse Is there a difference in quality in fuel between companies? Is one better than another?
RichWLIN Champion Author Indiana Posts:4,107 Points:640,815 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jul 29, 2012 7:14:45 AM Ignore RichWLIN Report Abuse When we were talking about this last month, PD allowed as how they were working on changes, but that the mobile app help issues were consuming much of their time. I'm wondering where things are with the app now? I'm currently running version 2.14 on my Droid X and it has been out for a while. Knock on wood... I haven't been experiencing any of the intermittent difficulties lately that were prevalent in the earlier versions, but then I don't have the most current phone technology or Android OS. I suspect that the GB app development will be like all software that has to evolve to work with new phones and operating systems; this will probably be an ongoing issue. Hopefully, some time will be dedicated soon to issues that impact both the app and the web site. RG [Edited by: RichWLIN at 7/29/2012 9:19:03 AM EST]
lightbulbman2008 Champion Author Worcester Posts:415,177 Points:1,589,585 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jun 23, 2012 10:11:36 AM Ignore lightbulbman2008 Report Abuse problems on posting forums why?
RichWLIN Champion Author Indiana Posts:4,107 Points:640,815 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jun 19, 2012 6:21:22 AM Ignore RichWLIN Report Abuse Back from my trip down south with time now to respond to comments. Thanks again PD for taking the time to reply. It seems that most of you who have participated in this thread are not too concerned with the rate of change/development of the web site. I'm sure that most members don't care about cosmetic or navigation changes; many people get comfortable with a web site after a while and dislike modifications that do little more than make them rethink how to move through and or continue use the site. I probably fall in this group too. The OP wasn't really addressing this kind of evolution, but rather more significant changes that impact how accurate gas prices are entered and displayed. The majority of members apparently don't participate in the discussion forum and it seems that this is a minority group here now with more people using the GB app; however, I'm sure everyone who uses GasBuddy is aware of ongoing problems like fraudulent diesel price entries and the cash/credit issue just to name two that adversely effect accurate fuel prices for everyone. RG
RichWLIN Champion Author Indiana Posts:4,107 Points:640,815 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jun 16, 2012 10:40:23 AM Ignore RichWLIN Report Abuse PD, Thanks for taking time to respond. I'm on the road this weekend and responding from my phone so my reply is brief.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,863 Points:1,614,950 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Jun 15, 2012 9:40:48 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse Thanks PD. You prove the point that I made yesterday. Some of us regular members who hang out in these two forums where real issues are discussed greatly appreciate your comments and replies to questions. We express frustration at the slow pace of change but we know that you (and the others) are doing your best. Hang in there and get ‘er done.
Gas_Buddy Champion Author Maryland Posts:25,984 Points:3,036,015 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Jun 15, 2012 8:00:27 PM Ignore Gas_Buddy Report Abuse PD: While I may have change suggestions, think that some things can or should be improved, and think that some of the suggested changes in this and other categories are unnecessary, include me with those that appreciates this website, and appreciates what the operators of the website have done and are doing...at whatever pace change is coming.
PD Moderator	Message Posted: Jun 15, 2012 6:42:53 PM Ignore PD Report Abuse Rich, we're working on things. Quite frankly, the app is consuming time, it's not necessarily drawing us away from a redesign, but the volume of help and assistance is slowing us somewhat. We're working on things, but our attention is split now between sites and the app. We're trying!
plastic Champion Author Virginia Posts:46,842 Points:2,841,070 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jun 15, 2012 9:09:49 AM Ignore plastic Report Abuse I pretty much would just be saying what jrsva said in his second paragraph. I am under the impression that the app is their main focus of attention right now. There have been plenty of advances in the app during your tenure here, Rich. Before the app, the moderators were very responsive. They're really not doing all that bad of a job as compared to other message board type websites. As far as other gas price sites, they're pretty much on top. While that's good that they're on top, they can easily be knocked off while resting on their laurels, if someone else develops a better site that accounts for some of the shortcomings that we've identified.
RichWLIN Champion Author Indiana Posts:4,107 Points:640,815 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jun 15, 2012 4:26:18 AM Ignore RichWLIN Report Abuse I understand that the mobile app has been on the front burner for some time now, and that it has had pressing issues requiring the attention of its developers. On the other hand, some of the member suggestions that have been more or less ignored, do address critical issues with both the web site and the app. Most successful web sites initiate periodic improvements and upgrades that enhance the online experience for existing and new customers. This site has apparently gone stale in this regard, and the only visible changes seem to be in the advertisements served here. RG
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,863 Points:1,614,950 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Jun 14, 2012 10:08:19 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse Yes, yes, waiting with bated breath. I believe the main reason is that the management is far more interested in the mobile apps than the web site. I don’t have anything to quote but I believe one of the Mods said that the vast majority of price posts come via mobile devices, not the web site. It is indeed frustrating that there is virtually no two-way communication here. PD is the exception, as he does reply to various comments in these forums. He has seen to several modest upgrades to Newsville and he has said that “soon” a site upgrade will tie price posting for each station to the grades of fuel it actually sells as shown in the MSL. This will help reduce the rather high level of fraudulent prices currently being posted.
CampKohler Champion Author Sacramento Posts:9,469 Points:1,563,410 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 14, 2012 9:28:46 PM Ignore CampKohler Report Abuse Oh, we are all waiting for the answer to this one!