Why I value PPOT

LWJ · 11-12-2026, 09:53 PM

My wife and I have randomly been selected for some surveys through the University of Southern California. We get paid a token amount and use this for our "mad money" and go out on dates with it. Which is fun.

But a recent survey asked me about friends that I can discuss things with. This was something I had not really contemplated as I am a turbo extrovert and have dozens of people in my life. But in the last 18 months, I have lost two of my three best friends. And it seems that the people I do know may not be best for the questions that I have.

Which is why I value PPOT.

I don't really care about hamburger vs steak. This is merely the topic that drives the conversation.

Thank you all. It is a gift to be part of this group.

(and a shout out to Bob Kontak who offeret to post pizza pictures for me!)

rfuerst911sc · 11-13-2026, 02:34 AM

There is no doubt topics on this forum cover a vast variety of life . But I find comfort in the fact that we can discuss almost anything . A very very knowledgeable group of good folks . I am proud to be a Pelican participant .

Jolly Amaranto · 11-13-2026, 03:14 AM

I came upon Pelican back when I was looking for parts for my old Volvo. I have been lurking around mostly on this Off Topic Forum ever since. It has been a place where I keep up with the zeitgeist of the times without having the typical media biases.

IROC · IROC's Garage

Left to my own devices, I am a huge introvert. I have a lot of colleagues at work that I interact with daily, but not many 'friends'. I am mostly OK with that, but even though I don't post much (relatively speaking), I read many of the threads here and really think this is great group of people with an amazing breadth of knowledge, humor, and compassion.

PPOT feels comfortable. Sort of like the old show "Cheers"...you can walk in and everyone knows your name.

oldE · 11-13-2026, 03:48 AM

Good group of folks with a great range of experiences, talent, location and outlook.
We do tend to the crusty old guy end of the spectrum, so you gotta adjust for that.

Randolph · 11-13-2026, 03:48 AM

I value all of the friendships I've made over the last 25 years.

KFC911 · 11-13-2026, 04:09 AM

Bots, Politicks, and Poopieheads ... and single wimmins....

I get my money's worth

onewhippedpuppy · 11-13-2026, 04:37 AM

On other social media, the dead internet theory is real. Bots posting for other bots to respond to. Stupid people posting stupid content to drive clicks and engagement. It’s generally garbage. I value PPOT because it’s real people with real opinions and experience. I’ve never posted here and stumped the peanut gallery, someone always has meaningful feedback. Along the way I’ve also learned a lot from the posts of others, and been highly entertained at times. This is the only social media I actually like!

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

It is great to have access to the hive mind of PPOT. The brain trust is real. And so many posts are interesting.

Crowbob · 11-13-2026, 06:07 AM

PPOT isn’t the only social media I Like. As far as I’m concerned, It’s the only social media. Almost everybody here is a total stranger to me in real life whom I’ve never met.

Is it weird to have friends whom you’ve never met? I don’t know if the levels of knowledge, intelligence, experience and humor here are unique but it seems like it.

911 Rod · 911 Rod's Garage

^^^ All of the above.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crowbob

PPOT isn’t the only social media I Like. As far as I’m concerned, It’s the only social media. Almost everybody here is a total stranger to me in real life whom I’ve never met.

Is it weird to have friends whom you’ve never met? I don’t know if the levels of knowledge, intelligence, experience and humor here are unique but it seems like it.

Hey, we met in real life and I have the pictures to prove it!

I have met quite a few Pelicans over the years. I met Afterburn in Lake Placid for lunch just this summer. I had the great honor of meeting Seahawk and his family and visited his farm, and his wife cooked dinner for us.

Rot 911 · 11-13-2026, 06:55 AM

I think the fact that most of us met on the tech side helped form the bond. We continue on the off-topic side. Back then the tech side was a lot more informal, although informative, and the help provided was invaluable.

fanaudical · fanaudical's Garage

Nice post, LWJ. I think many of us feel the same way. The knowledge and insight here is invaluable (both PPOT and the tech side) and one can always find help here. I wish I had opportunity to meet more of you in person. Lots of good people here.

Evans, Marv · 11-13-2026, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IROC

Left to my own devices, I am a huge introvert. I have a lot of colleagues at work that I interact with daily, but not many 'friends'. I am mostly OK with that, but even though I don't post much (relatively speaking), I read many of the threads here and really think this is great group of people with an amazing breadth of knowledge, humor, and compassion.

PPOT feels comfortable. Sort of like the old show "Cheers"...you can walk in and everyone knows your name.

This pretty much sums up my feerlings too although I've never been much of a poster, I very much appreciate everybody here.

onewhippedpuppy · 11-13-2026, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rot 911

I think the fact that most of us met on the tech side helped form the bond. We continue on the off-topic side. Back then the tech side was a lot more informal, although informative, and the help provided was invaluable.

Agreed, that’s where my journey started. Poor in my early 20s and bought a beater longhood as a daily driver. Help!

Zeke · 11-13-2026, 08:57 AM

There certainly is more meat on the bone here but if you ever get the idea that this place is that special go over to PARF for a bit. Then come back and thank the mods to the bottom of your heart.

rfuerst911sc · 11-13-2026, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeke

There certainly is more meat on the bone here but if you ever get the idea that this place is that special go over to PARF for a bit. Then come back and thank the mods to the bottom of your heart.

Haha very well put Milt !

pwd72s · 11-13-2026, 10:14 AM

[QUOTE=onewhippedpuppy;12725493]On other social media, the dead internet theory is real. Bots posting for other bots to respond to. Stupid people posting stupid content to drive clicks and engagement. It’s generally garbage. I value PPOT because it’s real people with real opinions and experience. I’ve never posted here and stumped the peanut gallery, someone always has meaningful feedback. Along the way I’ve also learned a lot from the posts of others, and been highly entertained at times. This is the only social media I actually like![/QUOTE

Pretty much 'splains it for me....except I do go to a Bullitt Mustang site and a pool site...
all 3 are good...with their versions of off topic.

PorscheGAL · PorscheGAL's Garage

I commonly tell people: I have this one friend online.... They look at me weird, but honestly, it's so true. It's hard as adults to make friends, and I talk about you guys like I've known you forever. To be honest: I started lurking on Pelican when I was 25, so I've known some of you through the site for half my life. I am thankful everyday for this group.