Hi All,
A quick note from Car Talk Plaza.
First, nice timing on the resurrection of this thread. As it turns out, we’re in the midst of a major overhaul to the Mechanics Files.
In the past month, in fact, with the help of some data experts at the University of Southern California, we’ve overhauled much of the address data in the Mechanics Files. That’s now vastly improved, with over 10,000 shops getting significantly improved address data, in preparation for allow for mapping of garages, as part of the application.
We have already started to implement some of the changes we will include in the new and improved version of MF. For instance, as of very recently we’re now allowing negative reviews of garages, so the MF will move towards being a fuller database of all reviews for shops. The text on a number of changes is being revised now, and will change slightly. That should be uploaded in
the next few days-- probably after the long weekend.
However, we still do not allow any review that is illegal, obscene, libelous, etc., or otherwise fails to meet standards appropriate for posting. Those standards may change from time to time and are, of course, applied in accordance with Car Talk’s interpretations of those standards, in our infinite wisdom. Revised statements of standards will also be posted as we fix on these details in the new version of MF.
We’ll have a revised Mechanics Files launching later this year. In fact, 10% of the visitors who come to the MF will get the lucky chance to complete a survey on their experience with MF. That survey is now online and will be active for the coming month or two. If you want to email us your thoughts directly, we’ll compile them and share with the group on our end that’s working on this project. Please email them to us via Box 3500 at
http://www.cartalk.com/ct/3500.jsp
All Best,
Doug Mayer
Senior Web Lackey
Car Talk