It saddens me to see what this forum has evolved to. When I first came here over 4 years ago it was refreshingly different than most online forums. Helpful comments that were technically correct and knowledgeable were being shared routinely. The helpful intent was obvious. Subjective topics were kept in proper perspective and differences of opinions were handled civilly and often ended in an agreement to disagree. There was a true spirit of comradery. This was a valued resource offering a lot of good information. After meeting a few members "live" at a few different events the group impressed me as being an intelligent, understanding, courteous and welcoming. I regret that personal reasons did not permit me to attend any of this years events and the likelihood of attending future ones is minimal.
Now this is just another "me to" forum with typical online behavior. People only half reading posts before responding. People repeatedly spewing falsehoods and inaccurate information, offering opinions as fact and then taking offense when corrected with the tried and true correct information. Personal attacks, closed mindedness and other "keyboard brave" comments abound. Simply put, too much drama exists. I don't mean to implicate everyone, but the offender percentages are intolerably high. Some online forums provide a way to completely block posters that you may personally find offensive. Unfortunately, that is not the case here.
The reason for the change is really not important other than to say I do not believe Rob the moderator is the reason and appreciate all his efforts. I suspect it is natural progression as the marketable value of the car decreases, owners become less and less professional and that carries over to the posting. After noticing that the activity level of other respected members has drastically reduced I wonder if I'm the only person with this opinion.
That all being said, I find it time for me to move on. I no longer even remotely fit in to the intent or spirit of the group and trying to fit a round peg into a square hole is futile. I normally do not post exit messages and question the reasoning and sincerity behind most, but I wanted to thank the senior members for all their sharing, help and entertaining memories both live and online. My car could not be what it is today nor my experiences as enjoyable without y'all. To you, I bid a fond adieu and wish you all well. I hope that somewhere along the line I too was able to offer helpful posts as well. I look forward to our paths crossing again someday. As I become a "Lone Wolf" I've purged all of my pictures and information except for one as a reminder. The Midwest Marauder label on my window will be my reminder.
Enjoy the good times of today because no one knows what tomorrow will bring.
Now this is just another "me to" forum with typical online behavior. People only half reading posts before responding. People repeatedly spewing falsehoods and inaccurate information, offering opinions as fact and then taking offense when corrected with the tried and true correct information. Personal attacks, closed mindedness and other "keyboard brave" comments abound. Simply put, too much drama exists. I don't mean to implicate everyone, but the offender percentages are intolerably high. Some online forums provide a way to completely block posters that you may personally find offensive. Unfortunately, that is not the case here.
The reason for the change is really not important other than to say I do not believe Rob the moderator is the reason and appreciate all his efforts. I suspect it is natural progression as the marketable value of the car decreases, owners become less and less professional and that carries over to the posting. After noticing that the activity level of other respected members has drastically reduced I wonder if I'm the only person with this opinion.
That all being said, I find it time for me to move on. I no longer even remotely fit in to the intent or spirit of the group and trying to fit a round peg into a square hole is futile. I normally do not post exit messages and question the reasoning and sincerity behind most, but I wanted to thank the senior members for all their sharing, help and entertaining memories both live and online. My car could not be what it is today nor my experiences as enjoyable without y'all. To you, I bid a fond adieu and wish you all well. I hope that somewhere along the line I too was able to offer helpful posts as well. I look forward to our paths crossing again someday. As I become a "Lone Wolf" I've purged all of my pictures and information except for one as a reminder. The Midwest Marauder label on my window will be my reminder.
Enjoy the good times of today because no one knows what tomorrow will bring.
