Where have our members gone? (or, the self-absorption of Evan)

[Gatorac]

I've been around for a good while. I really haven't seen that much change.
A few tips to make your experience here better.

1. Add certain people to your "ignore" list. You know thier posts are useless and only take up band width. You know you get irratated every time you read one of them. I have a couple of people added to my list. It's like they don't even exist anymore.
2. Skip over the thread that you already know is going down hill. No need to get aggrevated over the new posts too.

[Curt C.]

Originally Posted by Gatorac

I've been around for a good while. I really haven't seen that much change.
A few tips to make your experience here better.

1. Add certain people to your "ignore" list. You know thier posts are useless and only take up band width. You know you get irratated every time you read one of them. I have a couple of people added to my list. It's like they don't even exist anymore.
2. Skip over the thread that you already know is going down hill. No need to get aggrevated over the new posts too.

The Ignore feature is cool. I just tried it and am very impressed. I did not know it was available. Thanks Gatorac

[patrickt]

The beauty of this particular forum is that the knowledge of the individual members is so diverse -- and I'm not talking about Cobra stuff. I've been doing this since the days when you had to dial in to BBS boards & BITNET, and on sites where the only common language was assembly language for reverse engineering. There is no shortage of brains on the different forums that are out there, but there is a shortage of forums where the members all bring to the table a tremendously varied skill set that is above and beyond the specifc topic area of the forum itself. Granted, this is a Cobra site, but if you should happen to post a question dealing with valence electrons, setting a breakpoint in SoftICE, a CryoMaze procedure, or a Motion to Crave Oyer, you're going to get an answer. Usually, the right one, too. I don't find that in any of my other forums, and I've been on a lot of them... a whole lot of them. That kind of knowledge just inherently ends up spilling over and "adding spice." It's great, too.

BTW, the moderators generally do a pretty good job letting the forum police itself. The only times I think they've been out of line is when they've ragged on my sorry a$$.

[*13*]

These places aren't for the thin skinned. I try to be respectful, as everyone should. I think the Lounge is for things like politics. If you don't like the topic no one is holding a gun to your head telling you to read it.
I have come & gone on this forum but I always like coming back. The new guys are always about the Same & the older members are predictably unpredictable. For the most part it's about a narrow group of cars & the site is info rich. I like that

[Excaliber]

The knowledge level around here is impressive, when I need an answer or suggestion, I come here. Might be a search, but the search function isn't all that great, or my questions have become more complex over the years, perhaps. Sometimes it's just easier to ask the question with a new thread, you might get an answer, you might get a link to a thread that covers the subject, either way, it works for me.

I've been around Cobras for a long while, I enjoy sharing what I can to help the Club. It's nice to get insight from others as well. CC, still working for me!

The "hard core" Cobra enthusiasts do seem to be shrinking in numbers. I've leaned to accept it, life goes on, people try new things. Maybe it works for them, maybe not. Myself, I've gained a new appreciation for why I own my car along the way. Not so much "hard core" as I was these days, just content with what I have. I might park it for weeks at a time and not even think about it. Then go for a drive and I'm like, "YEAH, thats what I'm talking about. I love this ride."


Rodknock says,

"Whilst" I still read and post on other forums, I like it here best.

I resemble that remark, on a couple of levels.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Rodknock says,

Quote:
"Whilst" I still read and post on other forums, I like it here best.

I resemble that remark, on a couple of levels.

Only a capon would use the word "whilst."

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Only a capon would use the word "whilst."

Huh. Here I thought a capon was something I eat with my tuna salad or smoked salmon and bagel. Well, I'll be a....capon.

[Excaliber]

Had to look that one up:

A capon is a castrated male chicken.

"Whilst" remains one of my favorite words, now forever linked to a nudered chicken, thanks a bunch!

[acindrich]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Had to look that one up:

A capon is a castrated male chicken.

"Whilst" remains one of my favorite words, now forever linked to a nudered chicken, thanks a bunch!

Did you say "nudered"?

Dang, I haven't laughed that hard in so long. Not only do I envision castrated male chickens but naked ones at that!

On the site, I'm relatively new to CC. I don't know what it was like in the good ole days. I must admit my disdain for so much negativism regarding politics or other social issues. Perhaps that comes with the territory. I'm just grateful that those who vent entitle their posts so I can simply skip them.

[Dangerous Doug]

I think enthusiasm for Cobras might be evaporating right along with the economy. Seen a lot of sad posts here about selling for economic reasons.

If I HAD to sell mine to make the house payment/feed the family, I certainly wouldn't want to come here and torture myself talking about the prize I had to sell...

I think some of the perceived falloff is guys that had to sell and have moved on.

DD

*13*: Good to see YOU back. Where've YOU been? BTW, sure nobody is holding a gun to your head to read the diatribe. If you're not posting conservative right, you get jumped on by jackals. What a turn-off. Can't people disagree politely? (Hhmmm, well, with recent events in Congress, I guess not...)

[lnfletcher]

I guess I haven't been around the forum as long as some, but I just look past the posts that get off target. I have always been helped with any question that I have posted and could not have built mine without the knowledge on this site.

I'm a car guy and love to be around others that are also, expecially cobra people. I have seen the "bad apples" in all types of car people along with other groups. I guess my greatest complaint is at certain car shows and events, when some make the statements such as "it's another kit car".

Let me tell you, when I drive it, I wouldn't care if it came in a cracker jack box, I love every minute of it. After a stressful day, I can come home and "do a cobra run" and come home grinning ear to ear! I built mine thinking I would drive it a while and then sell it, but I may not ever sell it (unless I build another and have it ready before the sale!)

I have had and restored a number of cars, but this one is different than all of the others and I believe that the people that drive them are different also. Just look at the important information that is available on this site, I would have never known what "capon" meant if not for this forum!

Thanks to everyone on this site for being Cobra people!

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by lnfletcher

...but I just look past the posts that get off target.

What Fletcher said.

[rustyBob]

I like it here , I think i'll stay for a while and if i read something here i dont like then i'll pass over it and enjoy the things i do like ............it's like T.V. if you don't like it change the channel...........

[snakebitekit]

Originally Posted by rustyBob

I like it here , I think i'll stay for a while and if i read something here i dont like then i'll pass over it and enjoy the things i do like ............it's like T.V. if you don't like it change the channel...........

This is the way it should be. I don't see something I like, I turn it off.
Just started and drove mine for the first time today. The ERA section should be required reading for anyone building their own ERA car.
This site is a wealth of information. What is needed is an education process to let the "newbees" search for the answers instead of creating a new and dare I say tired thread.
snbktkt

[tkb289]

Well ... I for one, am one of the newer members, asking those same questions ...

- Will I Fit ?
- What Color ?
- Which Wheels ?
- What Builder ?

... so forth and so on.

( ... and I have more questions yet to come )

I am a long time car guy, with experience on early Mustangs, Firebirds, Triumphs ... even a Rambler (yes ... a Rambler) and had some book knowledge of 'original' Cobras.

But about two years ago, when I finally decided that (40) years was long enough to dream about a Cobra, I finally started looking into a 'replica'. That lead me to Curt Scott's Cobra Buyer's Guide & Cobra Country and ultimately to Club Cobra!

Since then, I have met many members both on line and in person that have been extremely helpful. My 'vision' for my Cobra has not changed much, but the comments and suggestions of others has helped me refine what I want, and avoid the common pitfalls.

It's those early and long time members, with hundreds or even thousands of posts that help new guys like me figure this stuff out. And ... once my car is done and I get to drive it ... I'll have some great folks to go with.

Bottom line ... thanks guys for starting this and keeping it going ... the occasional rant and rave aside ... it's the people and cars that make this site and Club the great resource it is.

- Tim

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Bottom line ... thanks guys for starting this and keeping it going ... the occasional rant and rave aside ... it's the people and cars that make this site and Club the great resource it is.

- Tim

Tim,

I think out of all the posts so far on this thread, yours quoted above just about sums it all up in a nutshell.


Bill S.

[DougD]

I feel the turnover is somewhat due to the fact that most (or at least many) of the "old guys" have completed their builds and have moved on to driving them, have sold their Cobras, etc. Combine that demographic with the economically-induced drop off in new kit sales, which translates into less being built at any one time, and, presto, you have falling Club Cobra participation.

There are a few of us long timers who still rely on this site as the best resource for Cobra info, advice, and general entertainment. I haven't met many offline, but I don't think I could have solved some of the issues I came across so far during my build without you guys. I'm still building mine and you bast*%#$ are driving yours!

[Dangerous Doug]

Tim, your post made me go look at my post count.

990!

Holy cow! I really have had THAT much to say? Of course, I've been hanging out here for nine years (or so)...

DD

Uh, make that 991...

[Hotfingrs]

AAAAAAAAhhhh the good ol days, there certainly were some colorful members here. Like everything, for one reason or another, this forum has evolved into where it is now. I personally only read topics that interest me, and only offer advice when I know I have something to ad. So for the most part, I just lurk anymore, watch what goes on, and just enjoy the hell out of driving my car. BTW I've found the limit as to how much power an IRS will support, but that's a story for another thread if anyone is interested.

[Argess]

I'm a relatively new member here and see this forum more or less like others I belong to. Generally friendly, has its little clicks, has it's odd antagonist, just like all forums. Basically like a social event everybody can attend, so all personalities show up.

I do find a lot of the stories interesting, although my main interest are technical issues. So far, I like this forum. The diversity of the site makes for interesting reading, not to mention the help and knowledge available. And I try to help too, if I can.

As mentioned in other posts to this thread, it's all too easy to be snotty when behind a PC. All that's required is manners. In person, I would expect the bad manners to be absent. It's not unlike driving a car. Some of those rude drivers who cut you off, etc. can be the nicest people when met face to face. I start with giving everybody a decent amount of respect. They either earn more, or lose more from there. And when they lose my respect, I try to ignore them vs getting into a pi$$ing contest. It's not that difficult, although there are times.......

As far as losing members, I've seen this on other (non-related) forums. Usually happens for two reasons:

1/ People come for help and once they've achieved their goal, they dissappear, sometimes for good.

2/ Older members sometimes tire of simple questions and can be quite condescending to a "newbie" who is starting fresh.

I havn't seen #2 yet, but I havn't been a member that long. Hopefully I won't see it.