With the New Year just around the corner I was thinking about how much great information that I have gained over the last year and how much I appreciate the advice and guidance I have so freely been given. I am really grateful for this forum, the moderators, and the sponsors that keep this forum alive.

One thing that has bothered me lately is the seeming trend of sarcasm and "one upmanship" that is popular when a member asks a question that may not be technically correct, perhaps has been discussed many times in the past, or is not a topic appropriate to the particular section. It seems there are those who are quick to criticize and berate, make fun of or otherwise flame other members. Now, I am not talking about the good natured ribbing or funny come-backs that we all do and love. I am talking about the personal attacks on those who may have a differing opinion or view about something, the unnecessary bickering and arguing over pointless and insignificant trivia .

I would like to challenge us all in 2012 to use this rule of thumb when answering a post on this forum by asking ourselves these three things BEFORE we answer:

1. Is it kind?
2. Is it helpful?
3. Is it necessary?

I have met and talked with many highly intelligent people on this forum and have found that 99% of every contact I have made has been professional and pleasant. I enjoy my Corvette very much and I enjoy learning more about the C5. Our collective experience enhances the ownership and pride we have in our cars and we can help each other and learn more if we communicate effectively and with respect.

Thanks to all who have helped me this year and have made membership in this forum a pleasure!

 

That would be great, but I don't think it will happen. It has been mentioned in the past and although many agree, there are those that state that if you ask a question, state a position or what ever, you must expect to get replies that may upset you as it is a public forum and the members have the right to say what they wish.
But here is hoping it comes true.

 

and drink to that. The Forum has kept my Vettes running and with out going to dealerships. I owe plenty to the Forum and wish everyone a happy new year.

Thankyou all.

 

If the post had to be necessary, there wouldn't be any posts on here.

 

I agree with Paul and will add that I don't think the ones doing this would act this way at a Corvette club event. We all see things others have done with their cars and have to wonder why. We don't go charging up to them and tell them to their face their car sucks, that they are morons or crazy. It's not too much to ask members to conduct themselves here just as they would a club event.

 

I agree, and will be the first to admit that I could do better!

Jack.

 

Paul - you're right, sometimes there are answers posted here that go beyond good taste or just are not needed at all. Hard to control that. Sometimes you just have to have thick skin, but here's hoping that posters stop and think how their comments will be received.

 

I agree a 100%, and I might add I have been guilty of being less than sociable in some of my responses. People are much more Powerful, Intellectual and just plain unfriendly when we're sitting alone at a keyboard than if our friends and family we're sitting right next to us or across from us at a picnic table. And I pledge I will try to either be reserved or silent when another "What motor Oil is best Used" Or another "Battery used" thread.

 

It is just the typical internet mentality. People will say something on a forum or other places on the internet that they would never say to someone face to face. What drives me crazy is when someone post and asks a question about where they can find a product and you get all these that would look stupid, what are you trying to do to a great car, that is ricer and so on. Now if the OP ask what do you think of this or how would it look or would you do this to your car that is different. But as I mentioned earlier and this has been posted before and you will get this "is an open forum and we have the right to say what we want". I hope maybe some will take this to heart and think a little before they answer.

 

I think this thread and everyone who has posted on it sucks!



just kidding, Paul, I am with you!

 

The worlds a changing,, prob. For the worst, but ill try to be nice....

 

You got to admit some of the answers are pretty funny!

That is what makes the Forum so much fun!

Thanks,Matt

 

Funny is great.......I'm all for funny. But if it has to include belittling others, your funny skills are lacking.

 

 

Funny, because people act differently while driving than they do in other situations. I doubt that the guy who just cut in front of another car on the exit ramp would walk into a McDonalds and cut in front of 10 people already in line. The same thing happens on-line. People say things or post comments that they would never say in person.

Just like society, I think there are many more good members here on CF than bad members. It's just that the bad members get all the press and attention.

I laugh at most of the comments, however it gets old reading comments from those who think that they are the only ones who "get it" and that their personal taste or set of rules should be followed by everyone who has ever owned, or will ever own a Corvette.

 

I too must agree!!As our mothers taught us,,"if you can't say something nice,,say nothing at all"! Seems there is an increase of keyboard commando mentality going on here. Will admit that I have passed up posting for that reason,,but I am somewhat older than the average member here!! Happy New Year!!

 

I agree Paul...the info and help here is the best and I have learned so much and there is a fix for almost anything somewhere here...thanks to all that contribute and encourage...

I also don't mind friendly ribbing and it is fun at times but going beyond that is uncalled for and frankly rude. Perhaps the moderators could erase rudeness and if it happens again cut the culprit off for a period of time and eventually it will go away. They may come back under another alias but over time we will weed them out.

 

for sure, try the off topic for product and service reviews/advice. I don't think I have made a large purchase w/o the OT, even helped me raise a rescued 1 month old kitten, etc, etc. This forum brings new meaning to the expression the World at your fingertips. I'd stay away from the PR&C section unless you swing that way, then you'll just drown further

 

Great sentiment Paul and I agree completely.

What makes someone click on a thread that mentions batteries and then post a dead horse symbol? Why not ignore it and move on? What's the point of telling a new member to use the search function?

I have quite a few standard responses. If someone asks how to change a turn signal bulb it takes seconds to give them the information. I must have posted some replies hundreds of times but does it matter?

I learned just about everything I know about my C5 here. I've always found C5 General and Tech to be full of good guys and gals who go out of the way to help. I gave up on Off Topic a long time ago because rudeness seems to be confused with straight talking and xenophobia rules.

We all benefit from the Forum and it has to be one of the friendliest and best moderated on the internet. Lets hope it stays that way because if it's not fun people just move on

 

I"m for one glad to see a thread like this go up! "Thank You Paul!"
And the replies that are being posted,,,, I'm also delighted to see!