[snakeeyes]

I was a frequent poster on this site, almost from its inception until ten years ago. I've been on dozens and dozens of other forums in that timeframe. I have to remind myself that those folks that Ed calls "keyboard commandos" have been around since the first internet discussion group formed. Some are outright trolls, some seem to enjoy inciting a little conflict, and some I think just don't stop to look objectively at what they're about to post to consider how it will sound to others.

Like you, 427SSSS, I fondly remember the days when posts by Big Bob Evans, Cal Metal, Terry Krystofiak, and some of the other early members were frequent. Through this site I befriended all of those folks, and ended up spending time with them at their homes and at racetracks around the country. Through those three guys I not only found myself in the almost-unbelievable position of being on Phil Remington's Christmas card list (I treasure every one of those cards--what an amazing, amazing guy) but also driving around the paddock of the Monterey Historics in CSX2196, the Ken Miles "Flip Top" Cobra. For somebody who grew up reading and re-reading every Cobra book and article he could find, those were pinch-me moments that I owe to this forum and great people like them.

I recently returned here after that 10-year hiatus and find that many things have changed. Not everything--Mr. Bruce is still kicking ass with his fiberglass wizardry, and there is still a core group of helpful and knowledgeable members along with a lot of folks who are maybe less-informed about Cobras but no less enthusiastic--but there does seem to be more vitriol and sarcasm in many posts. It's ironic that one of the stickies on the All Cobra Talk main page, just above the most recent topics, is the one titled "Respect, respect, respect!" I've looked at that more than once after reading a really disrespectful post someone has just put up and thought about that dichotomy.

When I got back on this forum it initially saddened me a little that as time moves on the interest in these cars is slowly dying, or changing at least. Whereas 15 years ago I think it's safe to say that most replica builders were striving to duplicate original cars as best as their particular kit allowed, now there's a huge contingent of manufacturers and owners who primarily like the basic Cobra shape but aren't concerned much about authenticity. As I said that initially bothered me, but I realize that I should just be happy that people continue to be drawn to the cars and that it's natural that folks are going to want to incorporate new technologies and a more modern look. There will still be a contingent of us who are interested in things like CSX numbers, Beclawat badges, and Leveroll medallions, but probably as many or more who want metallic orange cars and 19" wheels. I'm good with that.

But I digress. A lot, LOL. I do hope we can keep the level of civility high on this site. There are too many things that divide us these days, and cars shouldn't be among them. They should be a retreat from real life. Hopefully Club Cobra continues to exist and the respect continues as well--this site has been too valuable to too many for far too long to just fade away or devolve into some lesser form.

Soapbox Mode <<off>>

Bob