Educating Cobra Buyers?

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

So, you're asking if a Cobra seller has an ethical/moral responsibility to dissuade a potential buyer from purchasing a Cobra when the Cobra seller has determined that the potential buyer is unfit for ownership?

[For example, someone that knows nothing of maintaining cars and has neither the aptitude or willingness to learn, nor the resources to have it properly maintained once he's drained his bank account in making the purchase.]

Or, do you mean that the Cobra seller knows the Cobra is not up to Cobra standards and a potential buyer doesn't know enough to warn himself, should the Cobra seller dissuade the potential buyer?

[In this instance I mean a badly executed build on a disreputable Cobra vendor.]

Doug,

My original post was more to determine whether we as a group of now educated cobra buyers should educate someone just learning about them in regards to what to look for, or what to watch out for. On another forum I had an admin belittle me because I offered an opinion on a car I felt was overpriced for what it was. He pretty much told me that I am single handily bringing down the resale market with my comments/opinion.

As such, I started this thread on all three of the larger Cobra forums to get others opinions as to whether it is ethical for me/us to educate a potential buyer as to what is or what is not a good deal.

Bill S.

[Tim7139]

IMHO probably the best tool for the unexperienced is a forum such as this and the ability for someone to search and use tools found here to garner information.
That said, while answering questions is helpful, not sure most realize asking the right questions is more useful.
I see people continually underestimate the total impracticality of these cars and the benefit if not outright requirement to have at least a basic mechanical skillset.

In the end, information is good. What benefits the hobby and potential sales more, someone that comes in with a basic understanding or somebody that acted on impulse/emotion learns everything the hard way and then complains about everything he probably should have known to everybody that will listen?

[jhv48]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Doug,

My original post was more to determine whether we as a group of now educated cobra buyers should educate someone just learning about them in regards to what to look for, or what to watch out for. On another forum I had an admin belittle me because I offered an opinion on a car I felt was overpriced for what it was. He pretty much told me that I am single handily bringing down the resale market with my comments/opinion.

As such, I started this thread on all three of the larger Cobra forums to get others opinions as to whether it is ethical for me/us to educate a potential buyer as to what is or what is not a good deal.

Bill S.

I read your "other forum" post. Saw nothing offensive. That other forum is easily riled and fiercely protective of their marque. I've been chastised as well. I've owned one of their kits and the build quality goes from atrocious to perfection. Buyers definitely need to be educated about the various makes so that they can make wise purchases.
You've always expressed your thoughts in a non threatening manner and have helped numerous owners fix or diagnose problems as well as evaluate their purchases.
I know the moderator that chastised you and he's a good guy and a very loyal soldier.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

On another forum I had an admin belittle me because I offered an opinion on a car I felt was overpriced for what it was. He pretty much told me that I am single handily bringing down the resale market with my comments/opinion.

Bill S.

Speaking of ethics, as a moderator, is it ethical to comment on someone else's opinion of the market value of a car? Maybe your comment about market value was in thewrong forum? Maybe this moderator is wonderful person, but he or she is out of touch with being a moderater. Since when does any discussion of market value on any site go out of bounds?

I'd report that moderator to the site owner and tell the site owner, if your opinion is single-handily bringing down the market, then the moderator needs a time out. I have no idea what site you're referring to, but I'd be tempted to tell him or her to go to "you know where."

Did you see Jamo or Computerworks getting involved with moderating market discussions? I think the only time they get involved is when the real vs. replica argument gets out of hand and Evan refers to the SAAC Bible as his reference to legitimize his replica.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Speaking of ethics, as a moderator, is it ethical to comment on someone else's opinion of the market value of a car? Maybe your comment about market value was in thewrong forum? Maybe this moderator is wonderful person, but he or she is out of touch with being a moderater. Since when does any discussion of market value on any site go out of bounds?

I'd report that moderator to the site owner and tell the site owner, if your opinion is single-handily bringing down the market, then the moderator needs a time out. I have no idea what site you're referring to, but I'd be tempted to tell him or her to go to "you know where."

Did you see Jamo or Computerworks getting involved with moderating market discussions? I think the only time they get involved is when the real vs. replica argument gets out of hand and Evan refers to the SAAC Bible as his reference to legitimize his replica.

I know the Admin, he and I have never gotten into much of anything until his public comment on a thread aimed at me, and clearly against the rules as posted for that site. My PM's went unanswered, but I can assume that it took a few days (6 to be exact) for him to see the error in his judgement, as the offending post and all who quoted it have been removed. I hold no ill will towards him, or the other forum, don't want anyone else to either as that was not the point of starting this thread.

Bill S.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I know the Admin, he and I have never gotten into much of anything until his public comment on a thread aimed at me, and clearly against the rules as posted for that site. My PM's went unanswered, but I can assume that it took a few days (6 to be exact) for him to see the error in his judgement, as the offending post and all who quoted it have been removed. I hold no ill will towards him, or the other forum, don't want anyone else to either as that was not the point of starting this thread.

Bill S.

If you hold no "ill will," then you're a better person than me. The person had an error in judgement, aimed an offensive remark to you and didn't answer your PM's. Then removes the offending remarks and everything related to it, as if nothing ever happened, and never once responded to you with an apology.

I'd be at least a little miffed, though I'd quickly get over it.

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Speaking of ethics, as a moderator, is it ethical to comment on someone else's opinion of the market value of a car? Maybe your comment about market value was in thewrong forum? Maybe this moderator is wonderful person, but he or she is out of touch with being a moderater. Since when does any discussion of market value on any site go out of bounds?

I'd report that moderator to the site owner and tell the site owner, if your opinion is single-handily bringing down the market, then the moderator needs a time out. I have no idea what site you're referring to, but I'd be tempted to tell him or her to go to "you know where."

Did you see Jamo or Computerworks getting involved with moderating market discussions? I think the only time they get involved is when the real vs. replica argument gets out of hand and Evan refers to the SAAC Bible as his reference to legitimize his replica.

No...in fact hell no you won't see us interfering with the open market. I am a firm believer in evolution as god/allah/jehova and the jungle intended...survival of the fittest. If a lion's chasing us, I only need to run faster than you, or more likely, given my slow ass, trip you. I believe in the dynamics of a certain amount of morons to feed the kitty while the rest of us move on. I'm tired of slowing down the rotation of the earth to wait and help those who are too stupid to fend for themselves and ask questions first before they jump.

I have, and will continue to, answer questions from folks that have a true desire to learn. I teach college students as a hobby and for fun...I weed out the folks that will waste the time of the rest of the students before the deadline to drop classes.

So no...I don't think anyone here or this site owes a damn thing to those who won't fend for themselves and do the research. For those folks...let them use public transportation once they lose their ass on a bad purchase. Damn country is turning into an entitlement den.

That being said...I said it.

[750hp]

Originally Posted by Jamo

I am a firm believer in evolution as god/allah/jehova and the jungle intended...survival of the fittest. If a lion's chasing us, I only need to run faster than you, or more likely, given my slow ass, trip you. I believe in the dynamics of a certain amount of morons to feed the kitty while the rest of us move on. I'm tired of slowing down the rotation of the earth to wait and help those who are too stupid to fend for themselves and ask questions first before they jump.

Best response ever! Jamo, I need to memorise this and say it at the next departmental meeting at work. People will either want to shout me a beer or fire me...

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by 750hp

Best response ever! Jamo, I need to memorise this and say it at the next departmental meeting at work. People will either want to shout me a beer or fire me...

I agree

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Jamo

If a lion's chasing us, I only need to run faster than you, or more likely, given my slow ass, trip you.

If a lion is chasing us, then you better hope you have a running car to get into. Otherwise, you will be dinner.

Harrumph!