How things change
 

Pre-bubble I spent a lot of time on Classifieds here, having cut-up 13 cars, selling all kinds of parts and even surgically cut the rear seat pans and parcel shelf as one piece out of a 72 that Restoration Design used as their template.

Ton of people were always on Classifieds.

Double for Technical.

Just did my normal round of going to Classifieds, then Tech, then here.

There are more members here on OT than on the "real" forums.

That's a little sad.

I just went on to the tech forum (526 people) and the 911 parts for sale forum (100). I haven't been there for ages, probably like a lot of people. Could be the older cars aren't that numerous or those who have them don't work on them that much anymore. Yes everything changes.

When I first found PPOT, prolly 2005 or so, it was WAY WAY WAY busier than now. And more fun, frankly. Remember Leland Pate? Nostatic? BRAINIAC?

Marv, 90% of the 526 are web spiders or whatever they are called, not real people.

Here is Technical now at 7:45 am. There used to be more people on there at 3 am back in the day.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1726314370.jpg

Good times those were. I have to wonder how the bubble has effected forum participation.

That's interesting. Why do you think that is? Are owners aging out, old Porsches are too expensive, or younger buyers aren't enthusiasts?

Facebook is king for technical issues with niche cars now.

^^^This. FB groups are pretty amazing.

On a related note, I sold my 80 SC to a guy who I thought was sort of a dumbazz but was enthusiastic a few years back. Got a call recently from someone else asking me pointed maintenance questions. Car had been sold / flipped. The air cooled cars are very much out of the hands of enthusiasts and into the hands of collectors / speculators. This is sad.

I find most Facebook groups lacking when compared to a traditional forum like this one. Personally I don't get the appeal of Facebook groups versus a traditional forum. I'm not a Senior Citizen either.

Those were extraordinarily good times. When I first found PPOT it was a magical place. The Internet was maturing and taking shape with, it seemed to me, great promise to bring people together but that promised was not panning out. Except here. This was a delightful community. A sort of E-utopia. Great place for information but the real difference was the tone. The very collegial and delightful, fun atmosphere and sense of community.

I dunno but I think that is a very interesting question. I hope to see some analyses here, as I still regard the brain trust here to be quite valuable.

It is widely known that I believe PARF has hurt this community and continues to do so. It is an infection.

The in (younger?) crowd is on Facebook Groups.

Paying $20,000 for a clapped out roller and then throwing another $30,000 + at it to get a result worth $45,000 isn’t much fun.

I hate FB groups. People on them are either hawking products of dubious value, or presenting themselves as experts while knowing next to nothing.

I tried Reddit too. The average age there is 23, and anything the least bit unsupportive is frowned upon.
"My boyfriend (23m) calls me (20f) names and threatens me. What should I do?"
"Get a new boyfriend"

AI Moderator: Your comment has been removed for being unsympathetic

Bingo. Sad, but it is what it is.

Censorship… Crazy thing huh.

It's almost as bad as belittling people who don't agree with you.

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When I first got my car I was on the technical, engine rebuilding, and parts classified forums all the time. After two engine builds and sorting out all the other issues I hang out here. Last year I bought a Ferrari 308 project car. The participation rate on the Ferrari chat forums is even lower.

Why has particiaption dropped in the Tech forum?

When I joined Pelican in 2003, you could actually work on a 911. Basic tools, good manuals amd books (anyone remember "101 Projects For Your Porsche 911"? Modern cars are setup so that there isn't much you can do. Owners are "checkbook mechanics".

In the meantime, air cooled cars have soared in price and parts are all made of unobtanium (if you can still get them). I have learned most everything that I would be able to handle and there just aren't that many new air cooled owners that have the time or the money to DIY.

I appreciate your clear illustration of my point. PP knows I recommend eliminating PARF, and the nasty BS like this that would be swept out with it.