Does this forum needs a boost! - Page 3

Voyager · #1 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 10:24 AM

I’m one of the newbies here. I found this site instrumental during the cobra purchase process last summer. I especially relied on this site’s feedback regarding an engine/tranny package. The engine I initially thought I was going to buy is way different than the one I ended up buying. Thanks guys.

Couple more comments:

The search feature works well for initial info gathering, but having the follow-on discussions are critical.

The banter is great. All forms of humor belong. Being someone’s nanny does not.

“How to” discussions are critical. Pictures help.

Bob

ERA Chas · #2 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 11:30 AM

The forum has definitely changed, in content and demographics.

In the years before SPF's, KMP's and CSX (replicas), there was a much great exchange of technical info because the 'pioneer' cars required it. Arntz, CCX, ERA, Shell, Unique, Midstates and a few others required a more hands-on build experience and guys came here to ask questions (me) and share solutions (me). The cars were much more elemental then than factory assembled cars now.

You didn't see any 'Which kit should I buy?', 'What do I have here?', 'Corvette or Cobra?' threads then. Guys had a better technical understanding of the cars and educated themselves much more before jumping in. I retch when I see threads that start, 'I just bought this and tell me what it is and what's in it'...

Great builds and modifications came from guys like Decooney (Jag rear improvement) Chuck's Garage (ERA build and undercar exhaust), Buckley, Roscoe, Hal Copple, Turk and more I can't remember who are essentially gone now. Beautiful work from the K bros. is a treat but mostly not available because they're bought that way, not constructed by the owner. Morris' KMP 186 build was a tour-de-force but sadly few and far between.

Simply stated, there are many fewer hands-on guys now. I know, I know - every one that can afford one is free to enjoy it any way they please. You get plenty of 'which armrest' and 'floor mat' threads from them. Not many going to driving schools or have prior race experience though.

The 'buy-it now crowd' has no tech to add, only questions to ask. Which would be fine, except few have the depth of understanding and experience to comprehend the answers. Engine builders have to run businesses and their input is welcomed by tech-heads but understandably scarce. Builders like Clayton and the KMP bros again, have livings to make. We're lucky to have Putnam but he's much more burdened than ever before so we get less of him. Losing Richard Hudgins and less of JacMac was a sad loss for tech lovers. Kris Kincade has no stomach for what this has become on CC I guess-a loss far as I'm concerned.

An improvement in content (for me) has been the leap in FE development and Windsor tech. Clutches and trans' like the TKO 600 have been similar improvements.

A step backward (again for me) has been the CSX snobbery which has essentially crystallized the 'class-based' pecking order of manufacturers. CSX's are fine cars-er, HST CSX's-no wait African CSX's-or is it Vegas or Malta CSX's...one of 'em is! Endless speculation about their values, continuation, 'genuineness' and pedigree are not only lame but do nothing to advance the concept that all Cobras is what brings us here. We're a really small group in the automotive world and should all carry that pride around. We all have 'big d!cks' not some of us bigger than others in my view.

Advice and step-by-step can still be found here which is as it should be for noobs and experienced alike. But my biggest criteria for acceptance is relevance and credibility of the giver. I hate advice given by someone wanting to be an 'authority' on all matters-unless he's been a professional in this business. Sharing info is great but when I do, I do so with the caveat that someone else can always show me a better way. I'd really rather learn than preach. Everybody's got opinions but they should be based on user experience when given, not second-hand or web-based prattle. Countless dyno debates and knock-off threads are examples. Second-hand information when presented as such should direct the reader to form his own opinion as to it's value. But don't present it as fact because it doesn't help those that asked for it.

There are probably exceptions to every point I made but painting with this broad brush is a comprehensive view of my seven years here. Feel free to disagree or ignore.

patrickt · #3 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

But my biggest criteria for acceptance is relevance and credibility of the giver.

Soooo, how 'bout that car bag?

If you find one on your doorstep Christmas morning you'll know which merry little elf left it there.

Fullchat289 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 11:04 AM

I plan to revive my "LeMans Hardtop for an ERA" thread here in the next month or so as I get in to my trunk spliting surgury and make some changes for next year...I'll have lots of pics for you pic munchers..

- Allen.

Fullchat289 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 11:38 AM

Gotta meet you in person someday, Chas.. I like your perspective.

- Allen.

RodKnock · #6 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 01:54 PM

OK, you've won. That's about as funny a post as I can remember anyone posting. You have to win the "Funniest Post of the 2010" award for that one.

Zoom This · #7 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 03:49 PM

I gotta agree that in some cases the forum has been lost by some. Hell, even the Arizona club finds it more important to find out where the latest gun show is or where to find a 357 magnum or a handgun with a silencer! Lost in space.

TButtrick · #8 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 03:50 PM

ok... NOW this thread is getting really good.

lineslinger · #9 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 04:11 PM

Well, someone could fire up a couple of new threads, stoke a few fires and try to bait Evan out of his REAL chapel.

Those are usually good for a few yuks until the mods get tired of it.

TButtrick · #10 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 04:14 PM

Please define.. "fun"

patrickt · #11 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TButtrick

Please define.. "fun"

I would define "fun" as the attributes that distinguish my posts from those of ERAChas and that thereby afford a lighthearted, humorous atmosphere while still providing an acceptable level of Cobra related information.

RodKnock · #12 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

I would define "fun" as the attributes that distinguish my posts from those of ERAChas and that thereby afford a lighthearted, humorous atmosphere while still providing an acceptable level of Cobra related information.

You had to qualify or quantify it by saying "acceptable level of Cobra related information." I would have just left it at "level of Cobra related information."

RodKnock · #13 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 04:23 PM

I'm still trying to get my head around how many people in our world are fanatics about both Saabs and Cobras and/or Corvettes. That's got to be a relatively small group.

And if you can't laugh at that Kackel Dackel video, then I just don't know what to say.

TButtrick · #14 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I'm still trying to get my head around how many people in our world are fanatics about both Saabs and Cobras and/or Corvettes. That's got to be a relatively small group.

And if you can't laugh at that Kackel Dackel video, then I just don't know what to say.

I never made that connection. I did however, have a 96 900 and a 98 9000. Trivia question... Can anyone tell me what was special about the 98 9000?

ERA Chas · #15 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TButtrick

Can anyone tell me what was special about the 98 9000?

It was the one Kramer overheated on Seinfeld??

It was the last one ever before being swallowed and regurgitated by American car companies?? Hopefully??

Saabs have ceased to have automotive relevance since Erik Carlsson threw away his leather helmet. Hope Henrik and his buds are asleep over there by now...

ZOERA-SC7XX · #16 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 06:35 PM

Wanna know what's wrong with this forum lately? The rediculous banter between Patrick and Rodknock. On every thread. Just too much BS.

patrickt · #17 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

Wanna know what's wrong with this forum lately? The rediculous banter between Patrick and Rodknock. On every thread. Just too much BS.

Not on every thread; just stupid ones.

Zoom This · #18 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 06:48 PM

Get out the popcorn folks, it's gunna be a long night.

N2VENOM · #19 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 07:14 PM

It's true that most threads, even the good ones, get highjacked by a few high posters. You know who you are. Maybe more PMs to each other or starting another thread,"let's bash each other", would help. Either way, I have been spending more time on other forums that are less childish. In my opinion, this is why people are jumping ship. The numbers speak for themselves. I would like to hear Brent's opinion.

ERA Chas · #20 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2VENOM

The numbers speak for themselves. I would like to hear Brent's opinion.

I would too. What numbers are you referring to? This may be 'all-time' or 'since inception' but this is what it says at the bottom of the 'Forums' page: Members: 32,313