First thing I must say is that this is a fantastic resource and community as is.
I am grateful to Ed and others who who directly help behind the scenes as well as other contributors for what this has become.
So the most important thing, after I say Thanks, is to say please be careful not to damage what's good!
That's said, my 2 cents, on what I might do w/carte blanche
1) I would clusters the main forums differently. Something like...
Section 1: Projects, Architecture/Design etc, Infrastructure - Toronto
Section 2: Same as above - Suburbs (Peel/York/Durham)
Section 3: Everywhere else
Section 4: All things political (Toronto Issues/Provincial Issues/Federal Issues/World Issues)
Section 5: All things Other: (Retail/Events/Photos)
There's no magic to that; I quite like the existing set-up, the version I propose would just organize based on theme a bit more; and create a suburban section.
2) I would make it easier to u/l and post photos (I'm sure its not complicated, but somehow despite 400 posts and 2 years I can't get it right! LOL, so any change that makes me feel less dopey is good!
) I'm thinking of a 1 button process (U/L and Add photo to thread, push this).
3) I suggested the links section ages ago to Ed and he was kind enough to add it. But it sits there under used. And I got to thinking.
What about changing it into an urban resources section. (not a thread); instead additions could be made by email/suggestion box to Ed/The Mods.
The idea would be to post weblinks but also walk-in addresses of sources of urban info.
Example:
Current Planning:
City City Planning Application Status, this link
City of Toronto Agendas - Community Council - This link
City of Toronto - Committee of Adjustment - This link
Public Space Issues:
This Forum - Duh!
Spacing -
www.spacing.ca
Urban Environment:
Task Force to Bring Back the Don - Web address
Friends of the Don East - Web Address
Friends of the Rouge - Web Address
Greenbelt Alliance
Etc.
With various additional categories linking photo archives, current/old maps/cycling links/ etc.
I think it would be a great resource or people!