An Ugly Topic: Is anyone bored with Pelican?

[Tim Hancock]

In Off Topic:

I have bought a car, picked up an odd job, vented my political frustrations (in a way that I would not do in person), learned about the best ways to handle various household repairs/problems, discussed many interesting hobbies I enjoy with like minded others, conversed with many who live different lifestyles (who I would probably never meet in "real" life) and last but not least, I feel like I have gotten to know and sort of become friends with a bunch of you wierdos

In the tech forum, as a 911 newbie, I learned a bunch about how to do various tasks that are not fully documented in manuals/books. Now, having BTDT, I naturally don't use the tech board in the same way but it is still comforting to know that if I have an odd problem in the future, I can probably get the answers I need from the forum. I still enjoy on occasion reading threads where guys are doing top notch major restorations/conversions as I may someday get the urge to turn my '79 SC into an IROC type look. I am pretty hard core on the DIY scale, so on occasion, I enjoy attempting to help convince other "not so mechanical" types that they too can tackle various problems.

I agree that it goes in cycles for me, but rarely does a day go by that I do not check out OT or the tech forum.

[Gene Wilkes]

I was referred to this board by a friend who knew I was looking for a 911. Couple of years later, I almost feel like I'm addicted to this forum. I get busy in my personal life and sometimes don't log on for days! Always look forward to catching up when time allows! Lots of information on all levels being shared! Lots of positive energy here!

[ljowdy]

As you can see by my relatively low number of posts, I've not been active on this board anywhere near as long as many of the participants of this thread.

I'm not new to P cars as I used to fly to Detroit and drive Porsche EPA test cars back to California, keeping the cars until my next trip and over a 15 year period had at least 100 EPA test factory cars along with owing 5 Porsche's of my own.

Anyway, here are my observations about becoming tired of the "same old stuff".

I am the Administrator on another car related board that deals exclusively with replica 550 Spyders ( www.spyderclub.com ) and over the years I have discovered that many "regulars" become overbearing and at times "just plain rude" when they answer a post that has been answered last week, last month, last year etc.
Many old timers become set in their ways and develop certain quirks such as "originality of the vehicle" (this even happens with replica's) other are performance oriented and, most members are there to learn and pass on information to others. And the final group are those that are "old timers", set in their ways and have to be correct all the time, even when someone shows them they are wrong or a better way to do it!.

Usually when a new member get the nerve to ask a question, some of the first responses are "do a search and you'll be able to get the answers you need" or, "this has been answered many times, do a search and if you need clarification then come back" or something equally demeaning.


These "old timers" rapidly forget that new members are seeking answers just as they did when they joined, or that the new member may not be familiar with "keywords" or they are having trouble with the 3 letter rule on this search engine, or, they didn't realize that there was a search feature.

Usually, I answer with a link to the topic via the search engine, then point out how to use the search features on the board. After that, the new person realizes that they have been helped with their immediate problem and learn how to do their own search in the future.

My advice is this, if you don't have anything constructive to say then don't say anything. If the inherent repetitiveness of this and any other automotive bulleting board has got you down then either leave or don't reply. Someone will usually answer the post and provide the necessary information in a constructive way thus keeping you from having to deal with it.

By doing this, you relieve yourself of the "anguish" of having to deal with the same topic over and over.

The other issue with boards like this is the "good old boy syndrome" In other words, as a new member reads threads, he/she immediately realizes that a core group of "old timers" sets the tone and pace of the board. The new members also feel that getting into the "click" will be virtually impossible unless they endear themselves to the "old timers" I've seen new members with great idea's or thoughts totally ignored by the old timers and in the big picture, that's not right.

All of this add's up to the dissatisfaction, both by the new member, and the old timer because, the new member feels ignored and is at times afraid to ask questions, and the disgruntled old timers, are only interested in posting "do a search"

My remarks above, now paraphrased, still stands, If you have nothing nice to say then say nothing. If you truly want to help, then do so in a constructive manner and if you accomplish this, you'll notice a change in the board and, you'll get the satisfaction of having helped another member.

In closing, political conversation on ANY board only leads to disaster. As mentioed above, minds are already made up and for the most part, no matter how much fact or fiction is posted, the end reader either becomes enflamed or agree's but rarely if ever changes his/her mind. This leads to one overwhelming fact, Political discussion is a waste of time and effort.

(Ok, go ahead and beat this to death but I'm speaking (writing) from proven experience)

[on-ramp]

it's a great community of people. sure, it's easier to type things you may not have the guts to say in person, but that's all part of the fun

[pwd72s]

Boring & repetitive...but I still check in, even though I have no interest in owning another P-car...I should have stated this in my first post. Why?
I like you guys...well, most of you anyway. I feel a need to see how everybody is doing as we all go through the ups and downs of life...

[ljowdy]

I agree that it's a great community of people but just as in everyday life, a few bad apples can make it a very bitter experience.

It was mentioned above that the fun comes from writing something you probably wouldn't say in person.

I guess insulting someone, belittling them or attacking their intelligence with the intent of bolstering ones ego just isn't fun to me. Besides, I serously doubt the target of the insults get a kick out of it. Unless they're into S & M ???

[Porsche_monkey]

Originally Posted by ljowdy

Usually when a new member get the nerve to ask a question, some of the first responses are "do a search and you'll be able to get the answers you need" or, "this has been answered many times, do a search and if you need clarification then come back" or something equally demeaning.

I have to disagree with that portion of your submission. I frequently know the answer to someones question, but I'm too busy at work, or too busy at home to do a search, or to type out a long complicated answer.

As someone who sometimes posts without searching (see busy above) I am perfectly satisfied if someone tells me to search and I'll find the answer. I prefer that to no answer at all. Ideally someone will say click here (and provide the link) or 'search for my name' etc, but even being told that the answer is in the archives is useful.

I don't find it rude or demeaning. But if I did it would be Hilary Clinton's fault.

[Rikao4]

This is an interesting place.
If I want to know where to go in Timbuktu..one of you has been there,how to fix's a snowblower..same. Dan & Mule are most likely polar opps. on the political spectrum..don't hurt a dog around them , Isabo wrote a very funny story about her 911 purchase, Lubie has a thing for hairbrushes,you Milt are a fine Carpenter (seen your work) .Complete strangers have opened their homes and helped a fellow P. owner get home.Board members rebuilt and restored a 911 that belonged to a fallen 9/11 firefighter. Saved my P. from fire after reading a 'fuel smell thread'. And today after reading O'phile's insurance dance thread, I know what to check with my Ins. Co.
I have Master-card..but some of you folks are priceless.
So from oil..to consumer advice...great place.
Rika

[lyon]

I like the old site better, when it was updated, it took on a new feeling, that was not like the old.

[cashflyer]

I've been on Pelican for a couple of years. Still, each day I start out by reading over the Tech forum to see if there is anywhere that I can contribute helpful info. Then I move to OT to see what the latest chatter is about.

But in the 2 years, I have seen countless threads about tires, oil, spoons, bush, and God. Maybe there could be a few sticky links on the Tech forum for the routine questions.

And a few sticky links on OT to let us know who the poopy heads are.

Boring? Yes, sometimes. But I'm still addicted.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by on-ramp

it's a great community of people. sure, it's easier to type things you may not have the guts to say in person, but that's all part of the fun

While it might be the case for a few, I doubt guts has anything to do with most people who choose to post here on political/religious threads. Most people I am around on a day to day basis are of the same political ilk. As for the few who are not.....well it just does not seem right to argue at every family reunion to the extent that one can here when a political topic comes up that one has strong feelings about. I myself do not participate as often in ALL of the political posts, but sometimes I can't help myself. It is kind of interesting to see how some folks who in my opinion are similar to me in so many ways, can have such different views on politics/social issues.

Even though so many bicker strongly about some issues, most here put it all aside to help another pelican in need who happens to be on the other side of the political fence. IOW, the majority of the bickering means nothing and just serves as a way for people to vent their frustration concerning various political issues.

I have argued with many here over the past few years, but I can truly only think of a couple of people who I genuinely do not think I would want to drink a beer with in person (they do not post here anymore....and one of those might have been an alien ).

[tabs]

I'm here because Mother said I need to make friends.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by cashflyer

And a few sticky links on OT to let us know who the poopy heads are.

Boring? Yes, sometimes. But I'm still addicted.

I am you and you are me and we are all poopy heads.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by PBH

I have to disagree with that portion of your submission. I frequently know the answer to someones question, but I'm too busy at work, or too busy at home to do a search, or to type out a long complicated answer.

As someone who sometimes posts without searching (see busy above) I am perfectly satisfied if someone tells me to search and I'll find the answer. I prefer that to no answer at all. Ideally someone will say click here (and provide the link) or 'search for my name' etc, but even being told that the answer is in the archives is useful.

I don't find it rude or demeaning. But if I did it would be Hilary Clinton's fault.

Probably the answer tho that one is to post just one link to a known thread and then suggest a search for others. I have to agree as well, telling someone there are archives in not necessarily demeaning. It can be if rudely stated.

I'm going to also agree that it's probably summer, the moon and stars and something else that brings this "bored" cycle around. I guess I'll go for a ride. AFA that goes, Dan's right. It's been pretty darn hot lately and an aircooled 911 is not that much fun w/o AC. Then, there's the traffic in SoCal.

But, that's another thread. Do a search.

[89911]

I agree with most everyone. I look at it more as a congregation of relatively like minded, intelligent individuals who just happen to share Porsche's as a common interest. And yes, I have found the "off topic" board to be the attention of my focus. You can only answer so many fuch polishing questions over you lifetime. This very well could be a wood crafting or boating BBS board once you get into the off topic area. What I do know is that I value mosts opinion and generally it is the first place I will throw up a question where I think I'll get an educated answer. I just stay out of the politics and religion. So yes maybe my interests for Porsche's has waned, but plenty of other things out there for debate.

[Wickd89]

I do get bored a little because I do not see any new topics in the tech forum, but the OT is fun. I enjoy when others share... Remember sharing is caring..... ;-)

[scottmandue]

You 911 guys think you got it bad try hanging at the 944 board, most of the knowledgeable guys have left the board (Socal - RIP, AJuvy -sp?, now even Jeff) there are still some good young wrench heads over there but it is a much younger crowd so a lot of wacky threads about supercharging, NOS, drifting... which years ago would get a recommendation that a twenty year old Porsche probably not the most suitable car for such activities. Although I guess that brings up the old chestnut "it's their money and their car" to which I would have to agree.

I usually go straight to OT and enjoy the humor and vast knowledge base... where else can you access the opinions of Dr.s, Lawyers, engineers, college students, drunks and perverts all in one place.

The political and religious threads are tiresome... I don't think in the history of the Internet anyone has every changed their position due to an argument on the net. So it is all just a bunch of childish why can't you think, act, be, like me mentality. Ultimately if we just ignore them I suppose they will eventually go away... but then there are those will try to twist any thread into a political/religious rant and that is somewhat annoying, but rarely boring.

[DanielDudley]

Time for a boxter, Eh ?

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

Time for a boxter, Eh ?

Funny that I have been looking at Boxsters... I sat in one at THE VENTURA GERMAN AUTOFEST (shameless plug) and really, really liked the ergonomics.
And high mile early one are coming WAY down in price.
Truth is I also really, really like the muscle car looks of the 944 (more so than the look of the Boxster I, I like the look of the Boxster but not as much as the 944).

I haven't driven a Boxster but as I understand it if you loose grip they tend to spin as opposed to a 944 that will slide sideways (ask me how I know) so I think (not know) because I sometimes like to drive a little on the edge it is possible handling characteristic of the 944 suit me better.

[TerryH]

Originally Posted by tabs

I'm here because Mother said I need to make friends.

So how has she dealt with your failure?