Joined
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922 Posts
When I joined this board, I felt that I was treated pretty heavy handedly, which is ok. I don't own the board, I don't make the rules. Since then, I have tried to stay within those rules, but I feel like there is a double standard or maybe something a little less sinister going on.
I will be the first one to say I personally draw a certain amount of fire because I know what I'm talking about and I don't make any bones about it. I realize this. I haven't been posting because I want everyone to like me. I'm here because I cut my teeth working on cars that didn't have ANY aftermarket support in a small community that didn't have much of anything to offer, even the basics. Before there were forums, there were e-mail lists, a miserable way to exchange ideas. I want to help someone like me, who isn't afraid to innovate (or Dv8 for that matter) but might not know where to begin or who to believe in all cases.
So I find myself here...before I consider going somewhere else, to make an appeal. My first few posts were more pointed than they should have been, according to the rules. I understand that. I've modded on a number of boards and I understand that a consistently and fairly moderated board is more pleasant for everyone.
So here are my issues (and nobody go digging to find out who I'm talking about):
New members join up and ask a question and some member with 2000 posts tells him to get lost, go search, sell his car, BS, etc. Cui bono - Who Benefits? Most of us I imagine, came to this board looking for answers. Why are some of us now too good to be helpful and point the right way, especially on a board that hawks civility as one of its key rules (#3 for that matter).
Established members seem to get much more latitude than members who haven't spent much time here. I've just been absolutely blasted in a thread and personally attacked by a guy who really needed to chill out and back up his statement or bow out of the conversation. I took a similar path and was banned immediately within a few days of joining, yet I was still contributing solid information. I wasn't familiar with the rules...I was still wrong, but where is the justice for those that know better, by experience? As a side note, the established members calling BS should be ashamed of themselves. In my short time here I've seen some really funny contradictions about what people say they've got, but it doesn't really matter if the discussions lead to positive information exchange and somebody learns something.
I don't understand how some members can totally derail a thread without any merit whatsoever and the mods just lock it. Why is there such a toleration for those that don't contribute anything useful? Is the board so focused on how posts are worded and peoples feelings that the actual content takes a backseat? Don't lock the threads, delete the crap, slap the wrists, and move on guys.
Finally. The deep seated resentment. A couple of times now I've had a guy fight with me tooth and nail over something in a performance section to turn around and say, "I don't really know that much about cars." Is there an inertia in this place that causes people to stop learning and researching? I ask that question at the same time I wonder why these people are making suggestions to others about sophisticated modifications to their vehicles. I've seen the same links over and over...and they aren't to the rules or a FAQ. I would be much more offended if someone told me that my car was 'shit' than if they disagreed with me and provided a reason, even a bad one as to why they felt a certain way. Why is the mudslinging the norm around here? A little trash talk is normal...most of us are male, at least driving age, so the testosterone quotient is high...but why the instant anger? Is the pond really that small?
Maybe I'm missing the point, maybe I'm too old, or too young to 'get it.' I am not so much calling for change, just consideration.
No matter the result of this post, even if the mods move it to the mod section and nobody else ever reads it, I challenge you all to this:
Let the respected veterans start some FAQ building threads (like turbo threads for each generation, nitrous threads, suspension mods, wheel offset, tire size, and bolt pattern). It isn't hard to dump links and references into those threads. Let's gather the knowledge, make sure it's accurate, and put it together.
If we do this and create truly useful, detailed posts that we can link the new guys to when they have 'those' questions, we'll be a million miles ahead of the game. Aggressively moderate those threads and make sure someone keeps them updated regularly...and the winds will fill our sails, with calm seas for all.
GSM
I will be the first one to say I personally draw a certain amount of fire because I know what I'm talking about and I don't make any bones about it. I realize this. I haven't been posting because I want everyone to like me. I'm here because I cut my teeth working on cars that didn't have ANY aftermarket support in a small community that didn't have much of anything to offer, even the basics. Before there were forums, there were e-mail lists, a miserable way to exchange ideas. I want to help someone like me, who isn't afraid to innovate (or Dv8 for that matter) but might not know where to begin or who to believe in all cases.
So I find myself here...before I consider going somewhere else, to make an appeal. My first few posts were more pointed than they should have been, according to the rules. I understand that. I've modded on a number of boards and I understand that a consistently and fairly moderated board is more pleasant for everyone.
So here are my issues (and nobody go digging to find out who I'm talking about):
New members join up and ask a question and some member with 2000 posts tells him to get lost, go search, sell his car, BS, etc. Cui bono - Who Benefits? Most of us I imagine, came to this board looking for answers. Why are some of us now too good to be helpful and point the right way, especially on a board that hawks civility as one of its key rules (#3 for that matter).
Established members seem to get much more latitude than members who haven't spent much time here. I've just been absolutely blasted in a thread and personally attacked by a guy who really needed to chill out and back up his statement or bow out of the conversation. I took a similar path and was banned immediately within a few days of joining, yet I was still contributing solid information. I wasn't familiar with the rules...I was still wrong, but where is the justice for those that know better, by experience? As a side note, the established members calling BS should be ashamed of themselves. In my short time here I've seen some really funny contradictions about what people say they've got, but it doesn't really matter if the discussions lead to positive information exchange and somebody learns something.
I don't understand how some members can totally derail a thread without any merit whatsoever and the mods just lock it. Why is there such a toleration for those that don't contribute anything useful? Is the board so focused on how posts are worded and peoples feelings that the actual content takes a backseat? Don't lock the threads, delete the crap, slap the wrists, and move on guys.
Finally. The deep seated resentment. A couple of times now I've had a guy fight with me tooth and nail over something in a performance section to turn around and say, "I don't really know that much about cars." Is there an inertia in this place that causes people to stop learning and researching? I ask that question at the same time I wonder why these people are making suggestions to others about sophisticated modifications to their vehicles. I've seen the same links over and over...and they aren't to the rules or a FAQ. I would be much more offended if someone told me that my car was 'shit' than if they disagreed with me and provided a reason, even a bad one as to why they felt a certain way. Why is the mudslinging the norm around here? A little trash talk is normal...most of us are male, at least driving age, so the testosterone quotient is high...but why the instant anger? Is the pond really that small?
Maybe I'm missing the point, maybe I'm too old, or too young to 'get it.' I am not so much calling for change, just consideration.
No matter the result of this post, even if the mods move it to the mod section and nobody else ever reads it, I challenge you all to this:
Let the respected veterans start some FAQ building threads (like turbo threads for each generation, nitrous threads, suspension mods, wheel offset, tire size, and bolt pattern). It isn't hard to dump links and references into those threads. Let's gather the knowledge, make sure it's accurate, and put it together.
If we do this and create truly useful, detailed posts that we can link the new guys to when they have 'those' questions, we'll be a million miles ahead of the game. Aggressively moderate those threads and make sure someone keeps them updated regularly...and the winds will fill our sails, with calm seas for all.
GSM
