Hey Vette lovers!
I have found the Corvette Forum to be an incredible resource for learning about, fixing, restoring and upgrading my Corvette. Some people on here are very knowledgeable about stuff I know little about and it's a HUGE help.
I especially like when members do "How-to threads." It gives those of us who have not done whatever process to see how it goes step by step. Priceless!
However, it seems that when someone takes the time to do this service it is invariably derailed by other posters either trying to help, or justify their own opinion or even worse, just simple antagonism. So...

This may not be a new idea at all but here it is.
Can we somehow have threads that only the original poster may post?
If people have questions or want to show support or even argue about it they can pm the OP. If the OP thinks the question has merit or the advice will contribute to the thread they may post about it in their thread. If they are getting harassed they may block that person from further PM's. Obviously if a Mod thinks the thread is inappropriate they can delete it. Or maybe you would need to get permission from a Mod to begin one of these threads?
It seems we could have some very useful threads that are not 90% drama (bickering and flaming) and therefore easier to follow and more enjoyable to read.
No one is required to read these threads if they don't want to.
So how about a quick poll?

 

iv made 2 how-to's so far, and all i get back is good comments, or people suggesting easier or better ways to do something. i have no problem with that, then someone can read that also and maybe get better advice then i provided

 

We really shouldn't need "single-poster threads" (I don't even know if that is possible). I mean, this isn't high-school, everyone should have the maturity to not turn threads into a bickering, drama session.

The fact that we are even talking about needing such a thread shows that a lot of people here are immature and aren't able to control themselves (regardless of what they may claim). Which is pretty sad. We are supposed to be Corvette enthusiasts that help each other, not fight with each other.

A new person to the Corvette world that comes here and sees threads like that may be turned off and not want to join.

 

There is always more than one way to do something and some ways are easier than others. I would like to hear all the responses.

Besides, with all the years of the C4, an '84 is different than a '96, it is nice to know that the thread works on one and not the other, or works on both.

I realize that sometimes the threads go off topic. But, I find some of the exchanges add to the value and entertainment of the thread.

I think you might be barking up the wrong tree on this one

 

I agree with all of you on some points. Or you can always choose to just not participate which is what I have decided to do on one such thread of "controversy" the last couple of days. I do agree with the fact when posting we do need to keep it out of the kindergartin arena.

If it comes down to having a moderator approving a post there is always the chance that a really informative thread may not make it because the prospective poster just plain may not want to hassel with it.

Oh well, just my take, hope I didn't offend anyone.

 

I believe a closed to the public thread would have solved the thread of "controversy" completely. And It is also A good idea so You don't have to search though 10 pages of "Good Job!" comments to get to the next chapter of the How-to.

I don't believe it should be mandatory, But it should be an option for those who want no comments.

 

I think the problem is that many people don't want "no comments," they want "certain comments," which is impossible to predict in each case.

For example, in some cases posters (in every generation) might ask for input on whether a considered modification is a good idea. Some people absolutely, positively want honest opinion and discussion, while others only want "yes, great idea." This makes it very, very difficult to have a blanket format.

That said, a "closed to the public" option really would avoid a lot of the disputes that I have seen in many instances if the OP knows he doesn't want input or potential criticism. Not a bad option, really.

 

all great points, I'm certainly not suggesting this is the only way someone could post, simply that it COULD be one option for the original poster.
Otherwise maybe someone could have a "not published" thread in their profile that they could work on and then publish it when they are finished?
I'm just looking for some possibilities for good info without all the extras. Ya know?
Maybe none of these are possible anyway and it may be a moot point.

 

I thought thats what the tech tip section was for here's the

C4 Section


and here's Dave's thread with info on how to post a tech tip. IMO a thread without anyone else able to post is not a thread however, you could always post and ask a mod to lock your thread...however, if you allow a single poster control a thread what going to keep it from being a diatribe or misinformation (I read a lot of misinformation provided by self proclaimed expert's and allowing others to chime in cuts the BS level. JMO.

Mike

 

With the wealth of misinformation it would be a great disservice to the members to not allow members to do QC by group discussion.

It's natural to want to help out or provide some info the OP may be unaware of and it should add to the value of the thread.

So natural, that in "that" thread, there is now a post just a few after the mods post telling how and what to use to paint the belt line (unwanted advice about something the OP doesn't want to do) and his qualifications to make the statement. It's useful information and is a prime shining example of why maturity needs to prevail and people posting on a public forum need to understand the venue and audience. His post should have him banned for ignoring the mod...is that really a good thing???

You want to single post? Start here:

http://wordpress.org/

Make a blog in 10 minutes and have at it.

 

Very well put!

aboatguy: Has some very good points as well. It looks as if their is already a "Tech section" open to the public.
And ive seen threads (not talking about "the one") Where people will ask for advice and then is seems they get mad when the advice is not what they want. IE: Someone asks "How much is my 94 worth" then when they get an answer they don't like they flip out.

I don't believe their is a simple way to fix issues like this on forums. Unless you completely remove the public their will always someone, somewhere that just don't play well with others.