A recent response that I made to a post about not buying a Halltech because of two complaints that I saw in this forum, has attracted more than a couple of hostile, personal attacks. It made me realize that maybe this forum has its share of shills (minimal I'm sure). Do you think there are people who pose as customers, or legitimate forum members, but in reality are trying to manipulate people for a particular agenda? Has anyone else experienced this type of zealous, too good to be true defense or recommendation for products? What I am seeing goes way beyond owner loyalty. I guess the adage of "Buyer Beware" has it's place even on this forum which I love dearly.

 

Oh Brother

 

A lot of people here spend a lot of money on alleged "go-fast" products, and as a result spend a lot more time in denial when their "450 FWHP" bolt on C5 get's mauled by a stock 2001 Z06 with bald tires.

I have bought my fair share of products making extravagant claims-and while I knew some weren't true, I can see why people will fight vehemently lest others think they are fools for spending that money on junk...they might feel it reflects on them

C'mon-how much "real" RWHP is there in an airfilter...? They all work better than stock, and cold air boxes work even better-but they ain't giving you 30+hp on a stock car. Yes, it is buyer beware.

That being said, I believe in supporting the parts and tuners that work, but ultimately it is your choice-and research goes a long way around here

 

...btw Racer44: husky's are great dogs!
is that a malamute or siberian?

 

there may be some shred of truth to what you say... but the opinions that I trust are from the prominent members. I dont think a shill is going to come here and post 1000's of times to try to sway peoples opinions...
It isnt the end all thing to me, but I look at the number or stars or posts to see how much trust I am going to put in someones opinion. Granted there are a lot of people that dont post much... ( I only do 4 times a day according to the profile) but if there is someone that has 5000 posts I doubt that they have any kind of ulterior motive.

 

Well, as an admittedly unreliable member of the forum (3.08 posts per day? Are they kidding? I make that many before my first cup of coffee), I think it'd be extremely naive to think that manufacturers and dealers dont' read this board and try to influence people into buying their products.

But, in the end, we all have to make decisions based on the information we have and the opinions we trust. What you're saying is that you just need to get more than one opinion on something.

I recently asked about used parts from Gene's Karshop in Florida. Didn't know anything about them except he wanted a check for parts unseen. I got about 20 replies telling me that he was a good, reputable dealer. One or two replies might've been shills but it's tough to argue with 20.

 

I would agree that there are probably a limited number of people on this forum who aren't what they seem to be. For whatever reason, there are always a few individuals that project an image on the internet that is far, far different than their real-life personality. Are they trying to sway you towards one product or another? Who knows?

I, for one, enjoy the large amount of technical knowledge and experience this forum has brought into my world. If I hadn't found this forum, I would still be driving around ignorant of the column lock issue,
as one simple example.

However, when it comes to consumer product topics such as exhaust, air intakes, the kind of polish or wax to use...etc, I read what everyone else "thinks is best", then I simply make my own decision and do my own thing, regardless of what the masses say I should or shouldn't do.

 

 

She's a Malamute, and she is the best!!!

 

This is the internet folks, accessible to anyone who can type and has access to a computer.

Expect anything.

 

best advice yet !!!

 

I've only been around a month or so, but so far it seems everyone is pretty much on the up and up. Do I believe gains of 20-30rwhp as some guys post....not really. But that's human nature. I do like the ability to read opinions and make my own decisions on what would work for me. And it makes the day go by a lot faster!

 

I agree withe the above posts. Most here are on the up and up. There's always one in every crowd with an angle.

 

Over the years here, I've noticed a trend towards this.
In general, a great majority of customers are mostly satisfied with
their dealings with vendors.

Some folks too, have had experiences which they feel somewhat dissatified. Then there are those who do get the short end of the stick.
It's just the odds of it all.

Some forum members that have had a good result(s) may feel that
endorsing (defending) a certain vendor will "put them in good favor"
the next time a purchase or support is needed.

It's analogous to saddling up next to an influential person at a party
and hoping the person will remember you when needed.
That's human nature I guess.

Then there are those members who just like to stick their nose into
something for the sake of being opposed to the subject at hand.

These tend to be the members who constantly check out others'
post counts, age, occupation, etc. as though this is somehow pertinent
to the content of the message being discussed.

They are most likely to be the ones to utter "Buyer Beware" and "You
shoulda' done your homework" type of responses.

Then there are those who say that "This forum wouldn't exist without
the support of the vendors." I see that statement a few times a week.

I disagree...The vendors are here because the members are here and
spending their money.

The forum is a means to communicate. Good, bad and ugly.

As far as certain, well respected vendors go? I've had a mix of (mostly
satisfied) experiences. I've sent money, sight unseen, for a rather
pricey item which was supposed to be "perfect" but obviously was not.

I was offered a no cost resolution but evaluated the result and chose to
keep the item.
I would have prefered an honest, up front status of condition but was
influenced by forum members and their endorsements.
There was no need to bash the vendor or seek a posse of members
to be on my side. One email and it was settled.

But others are not so successful with their dealings and look for the
compassion of others with similar experience. That's why we
are here.

I've learned a lesson and unless an item is a new item from a known
dealer and is over $100, I want to see close up pics to determine
condition. Otherwise, I'll pass.

...George

 

I don't have very much technical experience & I really appreciate the views, opinions & reviews of products by more experienced members.
As far as vendors are concerned I read their posts but I am more interested to see how they respond to members inquiries about their products as well as their customer service. I have had good & bad experiences with vendors on here but the good far outweigh the bad.

 

Read their post history. Get to know them as a poster. Then you can decide.

 

So true!

 

[QUOTE]That being said, I believe in supporting the parts and tuners that work, but ultimately it is your choice-and research goes a long way around here [QUOTE]

I agree!

 

 

There are many inflated ego's here, people who inflate their mods, and performance.. there are even peopl here who brag and inflat their participation on this forum...

I make that many before my first cup of coffee),

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