daveb12 just posted a message elsewhere on the site stating:

[QUOTE]...I've noticed that it's become more of a forum for jokes and political opinions than a place to help each other with our vettes.[/QUOTE]

He is not the first person to say that recently.  I have to agree (at least to a point).  Yesterday, out of the 40 some threads that were active only 15 of them were tech related. The rest were new member welcomes or off-topic.  I do notice that a lot of tech topics become off-topic or are filled with jokes and shots.  One thing you need to keep in mind, while many of us may know what "whack-a-joel" means, new members will not know and may be put off by numerous references like that.

Are other people noticing this trend away from tech posts too?

Does it bother anyone else?

Perhpas, are moderators not keeping things on-topic as well as they should?

I know there are a lot of posts about the Pigeon Forge gathering, which is fine and expected, and it will also stop in a couple of weeks after the event is over.

Your input is appreciated.

Thanks!

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-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry 
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry

My first Vette, now owned by JB79:

Adam,

     I believe that the memebers will freely float their questions and provide assistance and input,help as necessary, and in abundance. I have not noticed tech questions going unanswered and I don't think that there are any members that are shy about asking questions.

    I think what you are seeing is a lull in tech topics and you're active membership being just that. Active.

   My personal opinion. Reading to deeply into this - and I certainly don't mind the banter!

Paul

I have no complaints. I have never had a problem getting tech questions answered. I love the site.
Scott

I have no gripe about members having some fun.  Just a thought....would it be possible to start a "joke of the day" forum where members can post jokes for those that might want to read them, or not check it out if they don't?

It needs to stay a helpful site, but should have some fun thrown in also.  I love the way members tease each other.

Mickey 

Hearty disscusion on this very subject in the chat room, right now...

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I have no complaints either.  You can't please everyone.  Honestly, this is a good tech site with a little twist of fun.  Seems healthy with a lot of smart, helpful, and good people!

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�����
My Link


MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113

There are many forum "sections" here related to strictly tech areas. There are other forums for other subjects, such as gen. chit chat, non-vette discussions, etc. I have to agree that sometimes the other forums get more activity than the tech forums, but, as Paul and Scott mentioned, I've never seen a tech question go unanswered. We may not always have the answer, but I know I will do some research if I see something that seems to be a never ending tech problem, just to see if I can add any other options.
I've had all of my questions answered, whether for one of my 'Vettes, or even my 'puter.
If it seems that some people are put off by the "non-Vette" related stuff, then I wouldn't have a problem with scaling back on that. I enjoy the playful banter between the members. In fact, that's one of the main reasons I'm here every day. Whether or not that's a good thing, I couldn't say.
I am a member of another 'Vette forum, and the first tech post I made over there was responded to with a pretty nasty reply. Apparently I'm a bigger idiot than I thought. I don't go there anymore.
I am sympathetic with anyone who may have a "complaint" about this site, but...all of the forums are clearly marked as to the subject. If you don't wish to read the jokes, or talk about things other than 'Vette tech, it's just a mouse click...the tech forums are always active.
There...I've stated my opinion. Whatever direction Adam wishes to take this forum, I am a Lifetime member. I'll be here, unless I get a request to resign.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Your always going to have mixed emostions on this.   Yes we should have a joke thread.   Yes we sometimes need a joke in a thread to keep the spirits high.  Yes this website is awesome on tech question/s with the answers.   Yes we need to limit jokes on tech question/s thread/s.  

Whom knows how to make people satisfied is the person giving out there way of life.

I really have no problems with jokes thrown into the mix of tech posts.  Whenever I've asked a question it was always answered quickly.  I think as long as the jokes and political crap stays in the Off-Topic section thats fine, that what its there for.

I think the lull in Tech Threads maybe due to the start of spring and end of the winter repair season.  Maybe when the weather turns nasty again people will start working again instead of joking around.

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MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

When ever I needed a helping hand, tech or otherwise the answers have been forth coming, but more than that, when ever I need to get a lift anytime in the day, this site provides that too. I feel close with this group and I have never met anyone of you. That will soon change at the up coming meet. The interaction of all the people shows care, warmness, and I know that's what I will come away with after I meet everyone, no doubt..I 'am a member of this group because of this site and what I expect when I meet you all..Everybody has their own opinion about things and this is mine about this membership. You don't need to change a thing. Thank you Adam for planting the seed and may God bless this Membership..Terry

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   "I Love all Corvettes! LifeTime Member #60..Terry"

I think there is a trailing off of tech related stuff because more of us are enjoying the nice weather with the vettes. I don't mind the jokes or political stuff if it is in the off topic section. In the spring and summer I am generally busy with outdoor stuff so I skip the off topic section unless it really catches my attention. I like to spend more of my time greeting new members, helping when I can with tech stuff and support of members when in need. Winter time its to cold to go out so I spend a lot of time on the net.

This is still the best site I have come across by far.

3 new forums: Jokes, politics, and really don.t fit or belong anywhere, i don't have alot of tech knowledge so i come here for the family check in at least twice a day and this is my home page on all my puters, even the broke ones.

Larry

As a Lifer I must say, there is not another forum out on the Web I would belong to!  You know, when I take a vehicle in to my mechanic in person I always tried to make some kind of joke or humorous observation...it just makes life a little easier to deal with.  If the people who are joining strictly for "tech" aspects don't like the jokes, there are other sites for them, but I would hope that they would give this site the benefit of the doubt and stay a while and see that what the others are saying is true...tech questions get answered!!!!

I, personally, look forward to meeting each and every member of this forum that I can, and since I cannot make it to PF, it will be a while before I am able to do that, but life without humor is the closest to death that you can get (my opinion, not everyone's).

I agree with Joel in respect to nasty replys at other forums.  It is why I am not a member elsewhere.  I believe years ago we had a spat between members that was taking place on the forums and it was quickly squashed and there have been no problems since.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

This is the greatest site on the net for C3 Vettes.  For those of you just joining, you may come to realize that many, if not all, of the other sites will have C5er's on their member roles.  This is the only site catering strictly to C3 owners and their vehicles.  Every bit of advice you are going to get here has been learned through experience directly dealing with the best Shark on the road (C3's may not have had the benefits of the later ones and that's why they're a little more troublesome), and they will always be the best (with the exception of maybe my favorite the C2 '66 and '67!, but I digress)!  You will get a difference of opinion coming from a C4 or C5 owner, wherein in my experience, all of the nastiness comes from.

I was always taught that there is never a stupid question, and in my many years of monitoring this site (and sometimes offering what little tech knowledge I have) I have never seen a nasty response to what some might consider a "stupid" question.  Ignorance is not bliss, nor is it stupidity...it is strictly a lack of pertinent information and experience with a particular matter.

So, with that said, I encourage all new members to come be ignorant with me, and try...go ahead just try...to soak up the combined knowledge of Joel, Ken, Luke, Ben and Jerry, Moe, Larry and Curly and countless others who populate this forum with their wisdom (oops, sorry a little humor there, hope I didn't offend anyone!).

Sit back and enjoy the ride.  Yes, it gets off track every now and then, but it we didn't take side trips our Vettes would never get out of the garage!

My 2 cents, The social/political content is fine because its not stupid!  I like the social stuff here.  The tech help is unsurpassed.  Heres what is important...  One of the music forums I belong to got inendated with BS and attacks and a lot of folks left.  THAT does not happen here, I guess because you need some dough to own a Vette and kids dont have that type of capitol.  Nothing here is dumb or offensive.  I think we're fine!   

Boy - Mark said it all . Yes , we all need a little humor to get us through the days that are not so good. But where else can you find the combined knowledge, friendship and devotion to C3s. I too think that with spring, we are enjoying our rides, and have to get rid of the winter's cabin fever. Lets laugh a little, enjoy life and yes our Tech questions will get answered quickly and efficiently .There is NO PLACE BETTER

My 2 Cents  Big Al

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I'm a straight-forward kind of guy. There are forums for tech topics and forums for non-tech topics. If you don't want to read the non-tech topics, then don't. The great thing about the web is that YOU control where you go and what you see. I have no complaints, only kudos for the great help I've always received here. I have never had a question go without multiple replies. Those replies may not always pinpoint the probem, but they always save you more time than I care to imagine by saying "hey, look at this because there's a good chance this is what's causing your problem, If not that, look at this, etc".

I rambled a little bit, but here's the ultimate endorsement. I'm known to be a little tight with money. I didn't even blink when I decided to buy a lifetime membership.

I agree with the thoughts of several others.  I generally skip over the jokes and go to technical threads.  I also suspect that we're in that summer lull for technical posts where most everyone has finished the winter project and driving now, so less technical issues arise.  Of course, I'm in that minority that is still have a couple of significant technical issues from the winter project!

I personally don't mind the joking, or political stuff here. At least everyone here is still active. Take this away, and you'll really have a dead forum.

Like mentioned before. We've spent all winter doing the majority of work on our vettes, and that seems to be when the most tech problems are posted. Summers here and I spend more time driving than fixing.

Maybe this issue can be resolved by doing some restructuring of C3VR policies. Bring this issue up at the meeting in PF.

Sarge

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

[QUOTE=Adam]

Are other people noticing this trend away from tech posts too?

Does it bother anyone else?

Perhaps, are moderators not keeping things on-topic as well as they should?

I know there are a lot of posts about the Pigeon Forge gathering, which is fine and expected, and it will also stop in a couple of weeks after the event is over.

Your input is appreciated.

[/QUOTE]

Well I was gonna suggest a survey... but from the posts recd... seems survey say's most people think the Forum is OK as is , just making sure you post in the proper forum ..  I go on several forums and I must say in my opinion C3VR has the least amount of BS. I can say I'm happy and in 2 more payments (I think), I will have my "Lifetime Membership"... If people weren't happy I don't think you would have the turnout for PF that you do.. seems like everyone wants to get together here... Last but not least we have a member happy enough to donate a Lifetime Membership... now that say's a lot to me ... Some members might want to be strictly "Tech" . That's what I love about this site... if your concerned about it... let your feelings be known...  "we are family"

Now I gotta go to archives and find out about replacing lower ball joints before PF...

(fixed the QUOTE - Norsky)

Norsky38876.440162037

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Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II

Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



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i've come to expect to hear a little banter and joking when i post a topic or question, even though i don't know what they mean sometimes. but that's why i like this site.  everyone seems to feel comfortable with each other (even if they've never met them in person) enough to joke around.  i agree with sarge.  if that's taken out of the posts, the forum would seem a little "dry".

just my 2 cents

jeff



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I am pretty much in agreement with the other members that it would get quite stagnent without the humour and political banter. I being a newbie both to this site and to the C3 realm (less than 1 year)have used probably have my membership this year just reading and reseaching through the tech forums and posts. (a little bugged eyed) but without it I would have little or no clue to what I have and how to fix it. I am really greatful that we do still have people out in this world that are willing to help without raping your pocket book. Thanks to all, this has been and will always be THE BEST C3 SITE ON THE WEB. 80STROKER38876.4666203704

My straight up .02 is that I'm 40% tech 60% other. I post more humor than otherwise. If there is a movement to remove this then I will remain the silent person in the background waiting for my tech question of the month to arise (since that's my shark driving frequency). Or, would post for the item I have had prior tech involvement with as infrequent as that may appear.
I guess that outcome would bear on what level if any I would be a member. Although I enjoy many of your knowledge and present humor bottom line is :[if'n I ain't gonna get anythin out of hit then I reckon I ain't gonna pay fer it.] (SORRY JUST A LITTLE SARCASTIC HUMOR THERE. )


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Tuxblacray: She's Back In Black! Check out my pics @ My Link


(Click on image to see a bigger version)

Well, most of the jokes are in the nonvette  forum subject where they should be. all tech subjects i have asked is in the  right forums are answered by more than one person which i appreciate and love this site for.  m y last post maybe was in the wrong forum but i wanted more people to see it for quick answers because my wife is  so mad at me. but mods can move any post to right forum when they see it out of place. i have done that in my 2 forums.

I have to admit, if this site was only tech related, I wouldn't visit or post as often as I do. I enjoy the fellowship we share because of our common interest in the C3. But we are all individuals from all walks of life with different likes and dislikes. That's what makes this site so great. We are all willing to share the tech info and the personal info too.
If the humor and non-vette topics went away, I think a lot of members would loose interest.
And for the ones that only have time for tech info, they can go directly to those forums.
This is a great site.

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[QUOTE=dwright] I have to admit, if this site was only tech related, I wouldn't visit or post as often as I do. I enjoy the fellowship we share because of our common interest in the C3. But we are all individuals from all walks of life with different likes and dislikes. That's what makes this site so great. We are all willing to share the tech info and the personal info too.
If the humor and non-vette topics went away, I think a lot of members would loose interest.
And for the ones that only have time for tech info, they can go directly to those forums.
This is a great site. [/QUOTE]

I have to agree with Dave. Besides, "family" always teases family - and the social commentary is great. I've seen things here that I haven't seen elsewhere. Some are so good, that I paste them into an email and send on to otheres.

Okay. I have to jump in and make sure you all know that I hear what you're saying and that you don't have to worry about the jokes and light-hearted conversation going away. I agree. It is part of what makes this group so much fun!

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-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry 
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry

My first Vette, now owned by JB79:

Thank you for the clarification Adam. I wasn't sure how long I was gonna be able to keep quite... I thought for a while there I was gonna hafta go to the garage and pull off the car cover to make a future "topics list" (May still do that...)

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Tuxblacray: She's Back In Black! Check out my pics @ My Link


(Click on image to see a bigger version)

For what it's worth, I've been a moderator on a forum that self-imploded.
The reasons were twofold and classic: the politics got out of hand (and I
mean the term in both the 'liberals versus conservatives' and the 'internal
board politics' sense).

And the core group--the most active, committed members--ended up
being defensive, became even more of a self-defining 'clique', and
ultimately made others feel out of place and unwelcome.

Unfortunately, my wife just had an identical experience on another site.
Same wreckage, for the same reasons. (And these were both forums on
topics that the members were intensely, personally interested in/
committed to.)

So my best advice is: strive at all costs to keep the non-car elements of
the forum in some rough balance with the basic reason for the site's
existence--which is, to me at least, to share information and advice
about C3's.

I enjoy the atmosphere here--a great deal. It's to everyone's credit that
nothing gets too out of hand or extreme. Flaming doesn't occur (or if it
does, it's evidently caught before it can erupt in public.)

Most importantly to me, information is provided that's quick, useful, and
non-judgemental. I'm glad to get to know the other members--but I
honestly don't look to the site primarily for its friendly bantering. I enjoy
that, and may even share in it from time to time. But I came here--and I'll
stay here--fundamentally for the reservoir of knowledge that other C3
owners have, that hopefully I can benefit from. In turn, as I gain
knowledge about the car, I hope to be able to lend assistance to others.

Credit goes to Adam, and a host of others here as well, for establishing
and especially maintaining such a well-balanced site. It's no small
achievement, and makes this place my first stop on my daily internet
navigation.

I don't visit this site as often as I did in the past.  not because I don't like it but because of time constaints.  I think this is a great site with a healthy mix of Vette and non-Vette subjects.  the last time I saw things get out of hand was during the '04 Presidentiail election.  I learned from that to avoid political and religious discussions.  too emotional.  too personal.

Adam, is the membership increasing?  are there more active members?  if so, the site is healthy and the topics discussed are what the members enjoy and want to talk about. 

My thoughts.

When I first viewed this site I was immediately impresed with the complete package, whether it was a tech question or a joke. When I have a question I come to the site and look for the answers if I can't find what I'm looking for then, I will ask for help, and you don't have to wait to long for the replies to fly in.

 We have all kinds of sites in Canada I could have joined but I chose this site because of what I seen on my original vist. Believe me, if I wasn't happy I wouldn't be so excited about the trip to PF next week. Adam this is THE BEST SITE just the way it is. SEE YA ALL NEXT WEEK.

As a mod in 2 topics, ( engine and electrical) I try to check the site every day and some times twice a day. The weekends are different, if we go camping then we are gone from Friday till Monday nite, since the wife works a 4 day week. But both sites have an other active member as a mod also. I enjoy the site as is, and at times don't check all the topics due to other responsibilities, but alway manage time to "police" my topics and answer when I have the correct information. I don't think anything needs to change, and would be a life time member if not for being so old and having med problems. I even purchased trip cancellation insurance for our Alaska cruise in Sept. in case the worst happens!  which I hope not.

Dave

Well, I've been away a while, partly because of all the OT stuff. Although I still come here for the Corvette stuff I guess there's no stopping the other stuff so I may as well just accept it and join in!  Mike

[QUOTE=mkapp7879]Well, I've been away a while, partly because of all the OT stuff. Although I still come here for the Corvette stuff I guess there's no stopping the other stuff so I may as well just accept it and join in!  Mike[/QUOTE]

Yup...you're one of us now! 

There's no turning back!

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-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry 
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry

My first Vette, now owned by JB79:

I have yet to hear of anyone who needed help/advice not get it. We're mature fun loving adults, if we are going to become a bunch of stuffed shirts, politically correct old farts, and easily offended prima dona's, then we're no better than any other mediocre forum. I firmly believe that our openness with each other is what makes this club stand above the rest.

I don't see anything at all wrong with a few jokes, and a little political banter. When I stop liking it, I'll just not read any of it, or quit the club. But I won't try to stop any of you from expressing yourselves just because I might get offended.

This is the only site I have been on where members actively want to help each other.  I am not a tech person but want to try fixing some things myself and at least be knowledgable when taking the vette in for repairs.  You can ask any question here and get an answer.

I also like looking at the other rides and it keeps me dreaming about eventually owning three vettes,  my 77, a C5 for a daily driving and another C3 for a body off restoration.

The banter is fine.  There seems to be no malice intended just family ribbing.  Hoping to meet many people at PF to have more to talk about.

Adam and all admin group--Glad you are here.  Great forum

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A WORK IN PROGRESS

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Adam;

I am a relative newbie to this site and from the first few days as a member perusing the threads, I could tell by the banter that this was a place where the members had taken ownership and enjoyed both themselves and our hobby (read obsession).  I also saw that no matter how simple or complex the problem and no matter where you were from, the answer was either provided or researched until it was worked out, such as the long thread with BelgiumBarry.

I know that recently, when I had drivetrain issues with my black '80,
Joel, Ken, SunCountry and others jumped in and saved me over 2 g's  that will go to other stuff rather than a transmission.   When I asked about finding out what rear end  my '80 had, other sites would have  definitely made fun of me for asking.  Instead, Joel  simply told me that all 80's have 3.07's in them.

There was some bantering in the thread I mention and I personally enjoyed it.  It was like a conversation down at our local vette garage more than a stodgy old tech only forum.  And I enjoy the blonde jokes as well, especially since it cost me plenty to get rid of one HA/HA...

As a newbie, I ask you keep it light and let boys (and girls) be boys!  I agree with the others above, if they don't want to read it, don't click!

Dennis

 A couple days back a question as put out as to our thoughts on if we thought this was a club or just a web site. From the drift of most everyone the feeling was that this was a club. Having been in several I can tell you that this sort of banter went on all the time.

What does matter is than when some one needs help they get it. Even if its a project I'm not working on presently I save a lot of this stuff for the future. The most recent ball joint lesson is a fine example. If someone goofs It is pointed out in a non offensive manner. Most of the stuff is pretty funny and if I don't like it I can ignore it. My 2 cents

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Mike

OKOK, i promise NOT to joke in tech threads... that's where people are asking for help as me with my ignition ones BUT , guys, don't forget the joy in life and with our OLD-TIMERS there's ALWAYS some trouble , so we can't be all the time serious... mix the tech with humor please, because i think a vette owner with tech problems needs sometimes MORE spiritual help then mechanical. OK, the mechanical we need in the first place to concquer the problem but meanwhile we need humor to keep us motivated in that old iron....   no ? 

Hey!  I Completely love this site. Thats why I come here more and more often. Please don't eliminate the HUMAN element.Thats what I find so attractive.Most of the time I don't even post or need anything, I just truely enjoy the hell out of you people.I'm convinced we have all the bases covered, never mind the hecklers, lets play ball !

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Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
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