I have been toying for a long time about the idea of a Canadian AnalogHome forum.

Where folks could discuss buying appliances, HVAC issues, home repairs and services, homeowner help and hints with a Canadian twist!

Does this interest anyone? Do you have forums like this you currently visit? Would you be interested in moderating a forum or two?

Would anyone be interested in being a partner and administering the forums.

The forum would be separate from the Digital Forum but all existing members would be moved over and there would be direct links from here etc.

Thoughts ideas?

Cheers,
Hugh

p.s. If you're interested in being involved in such a venture please PM me with your thoughts, experience etc.

Hi hugh,

Maybe I'm just in a weird mood today, but I first parsed that line as "AngloHome" and got a good chuckle...AngloHome: "A forum dedicated to English-speaking Homeowners' issues"

In retrospect the two terms aren't that similar I suppose, but for some odd reason my brain reported that one back to me at first glance. ;)

I think it is a good idea. I am planning to by a new fridge and stove and have had a hard time finding good reviews for the GE Profile appliances I am leaning towards.

I agree that its a good idea, but I'm also playing the name game.

AnalogHome = some people have an acreage an' a log home :D

But seriously that name is a bit clumsy because few people would really think of the term analogue to define their consumer electronics surroundings. It was just not a common term in the way that digital has become.

What about something like "connectedhome.ca", which is unused at this time?

I like the idea. Appliances are just as difficult to buy as consumer electronics because of all the misinformation and lack of details. It would also be nice to have a section where you could enquire about simple household repairs and updates.

I agree with those who posted above me that the name could use some polishing. CompleteHome, TotalHome, are a couple of (likely bad) suggestions.

Actually, if it happened, I would have no intention of Analoghome. I was just trying to differentiate it from Digital.

This forum is all about consumer electronics for the home. The other forum would be about all the other stuff in the home.

Actually, if it happened, I would have no intention of Analoghome.Doh! Wasted my time grabbing it for a quick flip.

Just kidding. :p

Totally good idea!

I remember when shopping for my LG front loading washer/dryer - trying to find something like DHC, and just coming up with a big nothing.

Yes, a consumer oriented website - without all the crap that the well known publication contains.

I'd think it's a great idea.

As a recent home-buyer, I would say there is a vast audience for your proposal. Along with the research on everything for the house (furnace, AC, flooring, appliances, etc), just think how popular home renos are! One only needs to take a quick look at the listings for TLC, HGTV, Disc, among others to realize that we are crazy about improving where we live.

Excellent idea. While there are several U.S. sites that post consumer product reviews and home fix-it advice, they tend to miss the Canadian flavour. I think it will fill a gap and be well received and successful.

Excellent Idea for a new Forum!

I like the idea of it being seperate as well from DHC!

I know how hard it is to find information sometime... or even parts for some home appliances.

The reason I bought a JVC HDILA TV and a Harmony remote and where I bought them was because of DHC.

I cannot wait for the DEAL's section of the new proposed Forum!

Maybe have a contest for a name???

Hmmm here is my submission Whole Home Canada! WHC... I like it!

I wouldn't be too interested - in my experience the wife does the selection of the appliance and I have very little or minimal input into the process. And frankly the thought of refrigerators or washing machines just doesn't do the same thing to me as say speakers or the HD format war.

Thanks all for you input.

Here are some of the potential forums I'm thinking of:

Appliances
Buying and Selling a Home
Indoor Repairs and Improvement
Outdoor Repairs and Improvement
Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
Renovation Projects
Real Estate - Advice on Buying and Selling a home
Money Issues - Home Insurance and Finance

Any thoughts?

Excellent idea Hugh! As with some of our home theatre electronics, some appliances have Canadian-specific models, so a Canadian forum would be very helpful. I like all of your forum suggestions, and something on energy effiency might draw some interest as well.

I think this is an excellent idea. Has it been developed any further? I couldn't find anything searching the forum.

Great idea on the appliances. Someone in my family dropped a cup on the glass top of our slide-in stove and cracked it. Buying the replacement top in the US is 1/2 the price compared to Canada so thats what I'm doing on a trip to the US mid July. I'll then be looking for advice on how to replace it.

FYI, if I had the work done by a local contractor buying locally, it would cost about 1/2 the cost of the original purchase price of the stove.

Has it been developed any further?

No, at this point I didn't sense there was enough interest but I am thinking of something similar that could see the light of day!

I'm interested, I frequent a number of sites similar to what you propose. (First time I noticed this thread)

What's your similar idea, please share.

See
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=64845

for similar discussion that kind of discusses